Laser Shot Technology Essays

Laser Shot Technology Essays Laser Shot Technology Essay Laser Shot Technology Essay Laser Shot technology is the global leader in firearm and force option training solutions. Innovative products incorporate the latest technologies in developing accurate, dependable, and effective use of firearms by military, law enforcement, and other public safety professionals by using simulated programs (Laser Shot technology Firearms Training Solutions, 2011:i 1). Sustainability is achieving economic, environmental and social goals without compromising the same opportunity for future generations (Timmons Spinelli, 2009: 113). Viability can be defined as testing to see if the business idea can generate enough money to pay all of the expenses of the business, to cause growth or maintain stability, and to increase wealth (MacLeod Terblanche, 2004: 27) and that has satisfactory performance and opportunity for improvement (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, Boshoff Terblanche, 2006: 121). Market can be defined as those customers who are willing and able to buy products to satisfy particular needs or wants (Stokes Wilson, 2006:120) Marketing mix refers to a unique blend of product, place (distribution), promotion and pricing strategies designed to produce mutually satisfying exchanges with a target market (McDaniel, Lamb Hair, 2008: 48)These questions address the viability and sustainability of the business idea. Before starting a business, the idea needs to be tested for viability. If the idea is viable, sustainability must be tested for the business to be a success. Even if an idea is viable, it does not mean that it is sustainable in the long-term. The aim of a business is to grow, and it can only grow if the sustainability factors economic, environmental and social can be positively achieved (MacLeod, et al. , 2004: 20 27). Laser Shot technology is an innovative, computer simulated product that assists in training various government and non-government agencies in firearm handling as well as combat training (Laser Shot technology Firearms Training Solutions, 2011:i 1). The product uses a unique approach simulating real-life situations applicable to police, military, hunting and sporting activities or situations (Laser Shot technology Firearms Training Solutions, 2011:i 1). The company provides different products for the various disciplines. Laser Shot technology was first used in 1999 at the Simulated Action Firearm Education Training for Youth or S. A. F. E. T. Y event in Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America for simulated hunting activities (Grand Forks Herald, 2011:i 1). Since then it has grown in popularity and is currently being used extensively internationally for training police force and military personnel (Laser Shot technology Firearms Training Solutions, 2011:i 2). Laser Shot technology is a relatively new technology to South Africa and was first introduced in the Gauteng region in 2003 by Mike Mansell and Pierre van der Walt. In 2004, they started trading as Laser Shot technology SA cc (Laser Shot technology SA cc, 2011:i 1, 2). A product is not only a physical unit, but also includes other facets such as packaging, after-sale service, value, brand name, company image and warranty. Products are bought because they fulfill a need, have certain benefits or enhance the consumers image (McDaniel et al, 2008: 48). Laser Shot technology is an innovative product that simulates real-life situations to train various organisations in firearm handling and firing. Research has proven that virtual simulations are unbeaten in cost-effectiveness as well as proven that virtual training betters overall gun-handling (Leer reg en raak skiet in jou voorkamer, June 2011: 23). There are two types of training systems, iMarksman and Laser Shot technology. iMarksman is a beginners training system for people not yet accustomed to handling firearms, while Laser Shot technology is a more advanced system. The system allows for a marksman to shoot at a moving or stationary target using a laser-weapon. The hit point is then displayed on the screen and the effectiveness of the shot calculated (Laser Shot technology SA, 2011). Different courses are available for each of the systems. Real-life hunting and danger situations can be simulated either by pre-ordered videos or by a compilation of the users own videos. This training system can be complemented by live-fire training. Hardware needed for this program include a projector, laptop or desktop computer and a screen or light-painted wall.