Play is a key dimension of early childhood education. How play is conceptualised and how a teacher uses play to support curriculum activities have a bearing on what a child experiences. We know from research that play is discussed in different ways in different countries, and also that play is presented in different ways in education curricula around the world.

The main differences are emphasized between direct, indirect, and hybrid channels, including how channel length applies to firm decision-making and planning. Importantly, why multiple channels of distribution are usually relied upon by companies today is thoroughly explained. Why some firms implement franchising systems and others align with independent distributors and retailers is focused upon. A key emphasis of the chapter is on channel functions and how they contribute to purchases of products and services from targeted end-customers. The importance of distribution intensity and channel contracts is also emphasized. Finally, what omni-channels involve and why they are rapidly gaining in stature currently, especially among retail firms, is underlined.

What channel partnerships represent is initially focused upon. To reinforce the meaning even more, three different types of indirect channel relationships are identified, including arm’s-length relationships, strong inter-firm relationships, and partnerships. Emphasis is given to key features of strong channel relationships, which can evolve into partnerships. Then, the major determinants of channel partnerships are covered. Why building and maintaining trust is so important to effective channel partnerships concludes the chapter.

In this chapter, we provide a brief history of attachment research, probably one of the more fascinating stories in modern developmental psychology. We then summarize the main concepts, ideas, and research on attachment through the progressive answering of a set of eight basic questions. We then turn our attention to parenting, and how parents’ interaction with their offspring influences children’s development. Before we do, however, we examine more closely the logic of parenting from an evolutionary perspective.

First of all, the three FTC guidelines for distinguishing franchising from other forms of business are given. This is followed by a discussion of the major differences between the two forms of franchising: business format franchising and product trade name franchising. Key characteristics of successful business format franchising systems are presented, followed by an outline of the major determinants of business format franchising. Finally, an evaluation is made of the main goal behind the establishment of product trade name franchising by companies.

The bulk of this chapter is devoted to the family as part of a dynamic system that includes the child, but also the community and the larger society. In the latter part of the chapter we examine the role of formal schooling, neighborhoods, and media, especially online media, as socializing agents for children and adolescents.