Difference between ‘Describe’ and ‘Explain’

 
Describe:

When you "describe" something, you're asked to give a detailed account of what it is. This involves telling the characteristics or features without going into reasons or causes.

Key features are:

·       Focuses on characteristics, features, attributes or properties. Provides sensory details so the listener or reader can visualize or understand the subject.

·       Typically answers questions like "What?", "How?" or "What does it look like?"

·       Emphasizes the physical or superficial aspects.

 Explain:

When you "explain" something, you're required to not only describe it but also go deeper into the reasons or causes behind it. This involves providing an understanding of why or how something happens.

 Key features

·       Focuses on meaning, interpretation, reasoning or underlying mechanisms.

·       Provides clarity, interpretation or justification for why or how something works or occurs.

·       Typically answers questions like "Why?", "How does it work?" or "What's the reason behind it?"

·       Emphasizes understanding, interpretation or underlying principles.

So, “describe" focuses on what it is, while "explain" focuses on why or how it happens.

A few examples:

Describe the organizational structure of Bright Wave Technologies

At Bright Wave Technologies, a mid-sized software development firm, the organizational structure follows a functional hierarchy. At the top, the CEO oversees the overall direction of the company and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Below the CEO are four main departments, each led by a Department Head; Operations Department, Human Resources (HR) Department, Finance Department, Research and Development (R&D) Department

Each department has its own team of managers and staff, who report to their respective department heads. Department heads meet regularly with the CEO to ensure alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

 Explain organizational structure of Bright Wave Technologies

At Bright Wave Technologies, the company follows a functional organizational structure, which divides the company into specialized departments based on key functions, such as Operations, Human Resources, Finance, and Research & Development. Each department is led by a manager or department head who is responsible for overseeing their team’s specific tasks and reporting to the CEO.

This structure helps improve efficiency and expertise because each department focuses on a particular area, ensuring that employees with specialized skills are grouped together. For instance, all the accountants and financial analysts are in the Finance Department, allowing them to work closely on budgeting and financial matters. Similarly, software engineers and developers are placed in the R&D Department to focus on innovation and product development.

However, this structure can also present some challenges. For example, the Finance Department may not always align with R&D’s resource needs if there isn't enough communication between them. This can sometimes slow down decision-making, as approvals and information have to move through each department.

 Describe  Nike’s marketing strategy:

Nike's marketing strategy includes social media campaigns, sponsorships of top athletes, and targeted advertising. The company also invests in experiential marketing and event marketing.

Explain  Nike’s marketing strategy:

Nike's marketing strategy focuses on building an emotional connection with customers through storytelling and empowering messages. By leveraging social media, sponsorships, and experiential marketing, Nike creates brand awareness, drives engagement, and maintains a strong brand image, ultimately driving sales and customer loyalty.

While Nike leverages social media effectively, rapid changes in digital marketing trends (e.g., the rise of new platforms, changing algorithms) can make it challenging to stay ahead in the digital space and maintain customer engagement.

 Describe one benefit to David of franchising Hot Pizza

Established Brand Recognition:

By franchising Hot Pizza, David benefits from an already well-known and trusted brand. This reduces the effort and costs required to build customer trust and awareness, as the brand has an established reputation and customer base, making it easier to attract customers from the start.

 Explain one benefit to David of franchising Hot Pizza

Established Brand Recognition:

By franchising Hot Pizza, David immediately gains the benefit of brand recognition and an existing customer base. Customers are already familiar with the Hot Pizza brand, its menu, and its reputation. This means David can attract customers right from the beginning, rather than spending time and resources building brand awareness from scratch. As the fast food market is highly competitive, franchising established brand assures, David consistent sales and profitability.

However, as a franchisee, David must adhere to the franchisor's established rules and guidelines, which can limit his flexibility in making local adjustments to suit his market.