Pfizer-Pharmacia Merger

Problem statement: Pfizer, Inc. announced the acquisition of the company Pharmacia, Corp. In the months leading up to the merging of the two companies, there were issues with the employees of Pharmacia. The announcement of 2. 5 billion in cost savings as a result of the merging of the two companies, had staff worried because it would be in form of labor costs, which would potentially cause disclosure of local operations. Staff was concerned about their financial futures, loosing their income would not just affect their personal lives, and families but the community in general.A â€Å"trickle down effect†, would effect businesses that provide products, and services to the consumers, as well as the tax bases of local communities (Stamper, 2). The issue of having to potentially seek a financial bailout, and also possible bankruptcy of the city if Pfizer were to close down the operations of Pharmacia was a larger issue as well. The core mission of typical pharmaceutical company is drug discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. Before the merging of the company, the core mission of the company was met.Now the issue is, due to the merging of the companies, there was a loss of discovery, clinical development, and sales marketing. Why did the problems occur? The problem of staff being worried about their financial future, and the future of the company mainly aroused because of the 2. 5 billion dollar in total cost savings that would be implemented as a result of merging the two companies. Emotions were a major concept that was overtaking the staff at Pharmacia, everyone was in a certain state of readiness at times, due to the uncertainty of jobs, and the uneasiness with staff members caused mainly from the distributed memo.Misunderstanding of the memo, giving the impression that Pfizier was going to pull out of downtown Kalamazoo, was a â€Å"misunderstanding†. This caused uncertainty avoidance within the company, people fel t threatened by ambiguity and uncertainty. It also caused stress; the well being of staff members was at stake. The problem of staff being overwhelmed by the memo was due to the fact that Pfizer did not take the time to properly explain the meaning of the cost savings, from the very beginning.Loosing core essential missions for the company due to the merger occurred because the team at Kalamazoo was extremely effective; the decline of efficiency within the newly merged company could have been caused by the new collectivism of the company. With the merging, people got swapped around the concept of â€Å"job rotation†, and moving employees could be seen as a bad thing in this situation, because the Pharmacia had a very successful company to begin with, now with the merging it caused the company to have to work with less resources than prior to the merge. Alternatives:In assessing the case, the main problems with the merging of the company were communication. The lack of communi cation with the two companies, and the staff created a lot of problems, not only with staff but with government. If there was more communication within the companies from the beginning, it would have saved a lot of emotion, and stress due to the potential job loss and financial problems trickling to the whole community. To fix this initial problem, CEO of Pfizer Hank Mckinnell could have re-assessed the memo going out, and maybe spent more time thinking about the staff of the company, and how it would affect them when writing it.Within the newly devolved company, they could adapt high-performance-work-practices that could help the company get to where it was before the merge. Gathering the knowledge and skills and abilities that all the employees have, and trying to built them so the company can be successful. Conclusion: The Internal Subsystems could have been looked at more in depth, looking at how the company worked as a whole, instead of automatically making changes to the syste m. In order to have a successful company, you need to be able to have not only efficient, but adaptive and innovative.There could have been organizational efficiency, so when merging the two companies, it was helping the company grow and develop instead of putting it behind on its mission statements. Before the merging of the company, they should have taken a better look at the Internal Systems, and how well the company was operating internally. If this was done, they could have maybe found alternative ways for savings, and realized that the organizational efficiency of the company to begin with, was extremely strong.

Advertising, Social and Economic Costs and Benefits

UNIT 1 P1 â€Å"describe the type of business, purpose and ownership of two contrasting organisations† Tesco Tesco is in private sector, but it is a PLC, a public limited company, this is an international business, also it is in primary. Tesco is doing service by providing food to its customers. Tesco exist, so people can buy food, they do their own products also, this company exists for making profit. Tesco makes profit by selling its products or making deliveries to customers.Tesco is trying to achieve , to be the best company Our vision is for Tesco to be most highly valued by the customers we serve, the communities in which we operate, our loyal and committed staff and our shareholders; to be a growth company; a modern and innovative company and winning locally, applying our skills globally. Tesco is a global business. Tesco is a public limited company (PLC) this means that the owners of Tesco are the shareholder. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service- This is a public s ector organization, it doesn’t make profit, because it’s service costs more than the amount of money people pay them for fire.This organization exist so when the people have fire or extreme situations they call fire and rescue service and they help them. In 2004 North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority developed a new focused Vision to reflect their broader function within the modernisation agenda. â€Å"Over the 10 years to 2014, in North Yorkshire and the City of York, 125 more people will still be alive through the work of the new Fire and Rescue Service. This will be due to the Service having significantly reduced the likelihood and severity of fire and other emergencies.We will achieve this through the dedication of our staff working in partnership with other agencies in the community†. This is a local company because it is North Yorkshire. Simply summarised as – The term â€Å"125 Alive† captures the Authority's Vision in one simple phrase. It means that 125 people who might otherwise have died in an accident will be alive because of preventative action taken by the Fire and Rescue Service working in partnership with other agencies. The target will be achieved by a steady reduction year on year in fatalities in road traffic collisions and fires.The aims and objectives of this organization are to help people to rescue them away from dangerous things, and also to remove the fire away, so the people will be in safe. They are trying their best , so they will be the best from their competitors. P2 â€Å"describe the different stakeholders who influence the purpose of two contrasting organisations† M1 â€Å"explain the points of view from different stakeholders seeking to influence the strategic aims and objectives of two contrasting organisations† Stakeholders:A person, group, or organization that has direct or indirect stake in an organization because it can affect or be affected by the organization's actions , objectives, and policies. Key stakeholders in a business organization include creditors, customers, directors, employees, government (and its agencies), owners (shareholders), suppliers, unions, and the community from which the business draws its resources. Stakeholder Grouping| Interest| Tesco PLC| NY Fire & Rescue Service| Consumers/customers| They want high quality, value for money products. Customers often identify with the brands they buy.They like to see improvements that give them better value for money. | People who want to buy high quality food or other staff| This are the local people in the local area who wants to take the fire out| Employees/workers| The company provides them with a salary/money to live (a livelihood). They seek security, promotion opportunities, job satisfaction and rewards. | This are the workers in the stores, they are interested in security| This are the firemen, their job is to rescue people and to remove the fire for safety. | Suppliers| They wan t steady orders and payment for supplying stock. They also want to feel valued. People which supply different staff like water, food, drinks etc. They do it because they are sure that Tesco Is a successful business and if they are successful so they have a lot of profit , and suppliers are sure in Tesco and they have more orders cause Tesco has more customers| People, who supply the equipment, like the extinguishers. | Owners| They may be a sole trader or in a partnership. In a company it would be the shareholders. Often thought to be the most important stakeholder. They see themselves as the principal risk taker. They want to see share of profit increasing and the value of the business rising. So the owner of Tesco is the shareholders, they are interested in success of their business, they want Tesco to be the best, as every shareholder does. | The government is the owner of the NYFRS. The government wants to succeed this organization in their job, so people will be in safe. | Trad e Unions| They represent the views of the employees of the business. They want higher wages and better conditions. | They want Tesco to be successful, because if Tesco is successful, so workers conditions will be better, because this stakeholder is interested in employees comfort and life. They are interested in firemen success and conditions, wages etc. So if firemen start to rescue people or removing fire more and more, so they could get salary and this is good for Trade Union, this is what they want. | Employer Associations| They are the employer’s equivalent of the TU. They represent the employer’s interests in specific associations. | Basically this stakeholder is equivalent Trade Union, they have quite the same interests, they also take care about the workers, but in specific way. | They are looking for the comfort of the firemen, in specific associations. Local communities| The actions of businesses can have a big effect on communities around them. They want imp roved facilities and provision of jobs. | Local communities wants Tesco to be considerate about the people who live nearby, considerate about the emotions and feelings. | This are the people who live near by the fire rescue service base, so when they have an emergency call they start to drive fast and a lot of noise etc. People want them to be considerate about them and to think about them, that people could be sleeping now, or doing something different when they can’t be disturbed. Governments| They want successful organisations which contribute to economic growth and provide jobs and tax revenue. They also like businesses that contribute towards the welfare of the country’s society. | Government wants Tesco to succeed, so the economy of the country would improve more and more, and more employees would be needed as the company will grow, so less unemployed people would be. | The government wants to succeed this organization in their job, so people will be in safe, and the country’s level of popularity would increase. Tesco: 1) Owners 2) Workers 3) Supplies 4) Customers 5) Government NYFRS: 1) Government 2) Workers 3) Suppliers 4) Customers 5) Local communities D1 â€Å"Evaluate the influence different stakeholders exert in ONE organization Tesco: 1) Directors – To be as strong in everything we sell as we are in food Directors are the stakeholders which have the most influence of the Tesco, because they can do everything what they want with the business, because it is theirs. They have ultimate control and power.If they want for example they can change the name from â€Å"Tesco† to something else etc. 2) Workers- To build our team so that we create more value Workers are the second most influence stakeholders in Tesco. This is because if there is no workers so the business can’t grow at all and it will fail, no workers, means no job done. But also if the workers would leave the Tesco, it is not such a big problem, bec ause â€Å"Tesco† is well known successful business, and a lot of employees want to work for them. 3) Customers- To grow the UK coreCustomers are 3rd important stakeholders which have influence on Tesco. So if there would not be customers the business would not be able to make profit at all, so customers are also really important part of each business. If the Tesco loses the customers , so they will go to theirs opponent businesses, such as â€Å"Asda† and â€Å"Sainsbury’s†, and this could be because their would be not enough workers, or the customer service would be at low level. 4) Suppliers- To put our responsibilities to the communities we serve at the heart of what we do.Suppliers are last important stakeholders with influence on Tesco, because if the suppliers wont supply any products so Tesco would have to use its own products, but that wouldn’t make a lot of profit, and won’t be sustainable. If â€Å"Tesco† loses the supplier s, it is not a problem, because there are a lot of suppliers which are free and waiting for their chance, but if the suppliers were too good, this would be sad. P3 â€Å"Describe how two businesses are organised† TESCO: Span of control: The number of subordinates that a manager or supervisorcan directly control.This number varies with the type ofwork: complex, variable work reduces it to six, whereasroutine, fixed work increases it to twenty or more. Chain of Command: The  order  in which  authority  and  power  in an  organization  is wielded and delegated from  top management  to every employee  at every  level  of the organization. Instructions flow downward along the chain of command and accountability  flows  upward. The chart shows that Tesco has a different level of workers in its organization. These shows the mangers and members, whom they control. The managers take responsibility of what their assistants do.Manager of one job can’ t control the assistants of other job manager, so everything is equal. The boss of everyone is the store director, after him is regional manager as you can see, and later is the store manager, and only than other managers of different jobs, and on the bottom of the chart are all of the assistants of all of the mangers. So in Tesco and in all other businesses the member of the working team can’t control anyone above him, or anyone or the same line, he can control only the people who are under him. It is very hard to control big organization. So, it will be better to break the organization into smaller parts.There are 4 main ways of breaking a business down into smaller sections: 1) By Function- What is the sense of each section? 2) By Location- Where is the section situated on the map? 3) By Product- Which service does the section belong to? 4) By Process- A customer staying approached on the other customers who are interested in Tesco. There are 2 main types of organizational structure: 1) Tall 2) Flat The difference between this two is that tall has more levels than flat , however in Flat Mangers there are wider span of control. . So, we can say that Tesco has Tall structure, because in Tesco’s Organizational Chart has a lot of levels.North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service: It is really hard to understand who is who, who is controlling whom, the table is a bit messy, and so I created a better one for you: But on Structure of Commission we can see that Director General has two lines. First, is that he should control 3 Directors, Corporate and Forestry, Central Services (HR, IT, Finance), Business Units, Forest Research. The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking so different comparing to Tesco’s. . In Forestry Commission General Director works with more employees, however in Tesco Director works just with managers.But The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s type of organizational structure is Tall, because it has many lines. And Forestry Commission is organization by Location, because they are separated on different locations, they have 3 directs in same country. Task 2 1) Finance addresses the ways in which individuals, business entities and other organizations allocate and use monetary resources over time. It helps Tesco with finance. 2) Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. ) The act or process or producing, bringing forth, or exhibiting to view; as, the production of commodities, of a witness. That which is produced, yielded, or made, whether naturally, or by the application of intelligence and labor; as, the productions of the earth; the productions of handicraft; the productions of intellect or genius. 4) Customer Service is the commitment to providing value added services to external and internal customers, including attitude knowledge, technical support and quality of service in a timely manner 5) Sales- Total dollar amount collected for goods and services provided.While payment is not necessary for recognition of sales on company financial statements, there are strict accounting guidelines stating when sales can be recognized. The basic principle is that a sale can only be recognized when the transaction is already realized, or can be quite easily realized. This means that the company should have already received a payment, or the chances of receiving a payment are high. In addition, delivery of the good or service should have taken place for the sale to be recognized. ) Human resources- is a term used to describe the individuals who make up the workforce of an organization, although it is also applied in labor economics to, for example, business sectors or even whole nations. Human resources is also the name of the function within an organization charged with the overall responsibility for implementi ng strategies and policies relating to the management of individuals. Task 3 I will tell now, what makes Tesco and Forestry Commission similar and what makes them different. Firstly, they both have General Director, and he has helpers.But in Forestry Commission General Director has more employees (they are: 3 directors and other staff members), however in Tesco, Director has just one helper. Secondly, this two organizations have two different, smaller parts. Tesco has broken down on process and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service by Location. Last thing which I want to say is that, they have the same type of organization – it’s â€Å"Tall†. They have many levels and lines, which helps them to control their business. P4 â€Å"explain how their style and organization helps them to fulfill their purpose†

Elaboration Theory in Learning Psychology Essay

The concept of elaboration theory centers greatly on progressive learning. That is, the steps in learning are built upon each other in a series of increasingly complex steps. In other words, rather than plateau the learning progress, it increases in complexity as time goes on. However, what was learned in the earlier portion of the progression is not discarded. So, the concept of elaboration can be visualized as an upside down pyramid. It starts at a small point and expands. However, the progression is always connected to its origination point. An example of this is as follows: a student is taught basic sentence structure. Then, the basics of sentence structure are expanded into the proper way to devise a paragraph. This later extends further as the students is taught to the create a series of paragraphs that form a coherent essay. An essay can later be expanded into a lengthy research paper. Really, there is no limit to the progression as long as it never deviates from the origination point of proper grammar and structure. Why theorists recommend that learners elaborate as much as possible. Many theorists believe that the elaboration theory provide a cohesive approach to learning. This provides for an increase in retention and overall improvements in learning. How schemas and scripts are often involved in elaboration. The way schemas and scripts work in the realm of elaboration is that they involve the individual’s prior accumulation of knowledge. This can be a help or a hindrance depending upon whether the prior knowledge improves or impedes the facilitation of new knowledge. Why different people may elaborate differently on the same information. Different people may have different strengths and weaknesses. They also may have different goals for learning the material. Since elaboration is a process and not a product, it is understandable that different approaches to present the same material are needed. Why elaboration sometimes leads to the storage of inaccurate information. No system of learning is perfect and elaboration theory is not free of such problems. One possible reason that elaboration theory can lead to inaccurate information is because the progression of learning goes off on tangents. If this occurs, then it may prove difficult to develop a coherent learning paradigm.

College Degree Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

College Degree - Essay Example We all know that a college degree has multiple usages. For example; KNOWLEDGE The major benefit of being a graduate is the intellectual knowledge one achieves which all in all gives us a better understanding of the world. It helps us understand ourselves and our purpose in this world and gives us a better sense of conciseness, helps us explain and defend our beliefs and ideas. When we are educated we understand each other better and make rational decisions based on informed and clear ideas. SELF-CONFIDENCE There is more than achieving knowledge and wisdom to being a college graduate. We gain self-confidence, while attending college and opting for different courses, we not only develop a good understanding in those courses but we also gain confidence. Some colleges insert more pressure on building up confidence in their students because it is a way towards teaching them how to deal in their professional lives. You are not only becoming a better educated person rather you are learning how to progress in your life because now you know that you possess the knowledge and skill that are very important for success. PROFESSIONALISM In college we learn valuable skills that we apply in our professional lives. We also learn how to utilize our skills and information how to identify and rectify issues and problems. It also helps us learn how to work in a group of people and with their diversities and how to critically think and find solutions to the problems. These abilities are one of the highly-v alued skills in today’s labor market. BETTER HEALTH A survey shows that people who are well-educated and graduates are normally healthier than people who earn only high school diplomas. The reason is that when you are employed you can afford a better health care and also because you are also more knowledgeable and informed about healthy diets and exercise. Studies show that people who actively use their minds live longer lives and are less prone to developing diseases like Alzheimer and dementia because they use their minds in their professional and personal lives. POWER TO EARN According to a survey, people with college degrees earn more than the people with only high school diplomas, though there are a few exceptions in that case. According to the U.S Census Bureau, an individual with a college degree earns about $2.1 million over his/her life time. One only with an average High school diploma will earn about $1.2 million. If someone has an advanced degree then he/she will have an even higher income over their lifetime. If a person has a master’s degree then he/ she will earn about $2.5 million, one with a doctoral degree will earn about $3.4 million however, one with a professional degree will earn $4.4 million. These are the few out of many advantages

Romalpa and Subsequent Cases by a Great Deal of Confusion Essay

Romalpa and Subsequent Cases by a Great Deal of Confusion - Essay Example For this reason, the UK Parliament decided to pass the new Sale of Goods Act in 1979 after the process of undergoing a series of amendments2. The past and current cases related to the sale of goods are most decided based on the specific rules and guidelines that are stipulated under the general contract law. Under s 16 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979, it was clearly stated that â€Å"where there is a contract for the sale of unascertained goods, no property in the goods is transferred to the buyer unless and until the goods are ascertained†3, 4. Even though the Sale of Goods Act has been widely used in the development of modern commercial contracts, some sections of the said Act does not contain adequate information when it comes to dealing with cases related to the contracts of sale of goods. For example, each time a seller sells goods or raw materials to a manufacturer (buyer), the seller has the right to request for a protection over the risks wherein the buyer would be facin g the risks of insolvency. Often times, this can be done when the seller reserves the right for the title of goods until such time that the ordered goods have been fully paid by the buyer. Even though s 24 of the Sale of Goods Act clearly stated that the seller can reserve their rights for the title of goods until such time that they receive the right payment (based on their agreed price and quantity), this section does not clearly explain the full purpose of the seller. With regards to the issue on termination and rejection rights of the sellers, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 presented only one (1) section with regards to the specific terms applicable when terminating the agreement5, 6. It is obvious that one (1) section under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 is not enough to present a detailed information with regards to the procedural requirements behind the termination rights of the seller. Lastly, even though the Sale of Goods Act 1979 clearly acknowledges the rights of unpaid seller ov er the traded goods7, 8, several studies explained that the use of the said Act alone is not sufficient in terms of deciding for all commercial cases9, 10. To address the gap with regards to the obligations of both the buyers and the sellers, the Romalpa clause a.k.a. â€Å"title retention clause† was purposely created11. The Romalpa clause is unique in the sense that the said clause contains a long list of elements that the Sale of Goods Act failed to consider. Derived from the case of Aluminium Industrie Vaassen BV v Romalpa Aluminium Ltd12, 13, 14, the main purpose of the Romalpa clause is to protect the sellers from cases wherein the buyers would file a bankruptcy15, 16. As a common knowledge, the act of selling goods on credit entails the risks of being unpaid at the time when the buyer would end-up filing bankruptcy17. Due to the limitations of the Sale of Goods Act in 1979.

Gandhi (1982) Movie analysis not review attempt to dissect the films Essay

Gandhi (1982) Movie analysis not review attempt to dissect the films approach to its historical matter - Essay Example The opening statement of the film, – "No mans life can be encompassed in one telling. There is no way to give each year its allotted weight, to include each event, each person who helped to shape a lifetime. What can be done is to be faithful in spirit to the record and try to find ones way to the heart of the man" – shows the respect of Attenborough to Gandhi and a glimpse to the way he is going to present Gandhi’s legendary freedom movement. The director resorts to a flash back mode in this film. After portraying the last episodes in Gandhi’s life, he then moves on to sketch the life of Gandhi as a young barrister in Africa. Gandhi faces the first bitter experience here in Africa while travelling in the first class train compartment. Though he possessed the reservation ticket, he was thrown out of the train due to the fact that the first class is reserved for the Europeans. He had to spend the whole night on the cold railway station platform and realized that such humiliations and discriminations are quite common in Africa and therefore he decides to retaliate against it. He says, â€Å"We are children of God and members of the Empire.† This incident acts as a stimulus for Gandhi to conduct various protests against social injustices. The film then shows Gandhi’s return to India after having some success in his endeavors. The Indian National Congress party welcomed Gandhi to India and insisted him to travel through the country and identify the real suffering of the ordinary people. After witnessing them, he continues his protestations against injustices in India where is treated as a national hero. But things were not easy for Gandhi as he had to confront with many problems from the British Empire. The film links the important incidents in Gandhi’s life. Gandhi is often jailed as a result of his disagreement with the British authority on several matters. He goes on a hunger strike in order to react against the

Historical place (Pyramids) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Historical place (Pyramids) - Research Paper Example One of those theories argues that they were build with terrestrial impetus power. However, it is important to say that the work of building the pyramids followed a period of research and experiments which resulted to the successful construction of the royal mortuary, the pyramids (Calvert). Egypt has three major pyramids, the Pyramid of Khafre, the pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure was representing three different generations (Calvert). The pyramids were a resting consign of the pharaoh and comprised of a temple and other important artifacts of the Pharaoh. Moreover, on the periphery of the pyramids were other small rectangular which belonged to the queens. The information the author is explaining aim to educate his audience about the Great Pyramids of Gaza (Calvert). The author focuses on an undisclosed audience in need of information regarding one of the Wonders of the world. The pyramids have an important history in the journey of Israelite from Egypt to their present land in the Middle East. The Israelite has been in slavery in Egypt for many years, and Christian has attachment to the history of ancient Egypt. In writing the article, the author wants his audience to know the reason behind the construction of the pyramids. He says that the pyramids were constructed as a mortuary complex of the rulers of Egypt in a thousand years, in ancient Egypt. Furthermore, Calvert intends to expound on the science behind the pyramids constructions. He says that they were constructed by an army of craftsmen’s and supplemented by 2000 seasonal peasant’s workmen. The craftsmen were grouped into 200 men and further separated into a cluster of 20 men (Calvert). Calvert says that evidence of towns near the pyramid confirms that a lot of people were used to move stone block from the quarry to the construction site. The article by Calvert Amy comprises an academic writing. It is written

Exploitation of Oversees Labor by Multinational Companies Research Paper

Exploitation of Oversees Labor by Multinational Companies - Research Paper Example It is therefore not appropriate to say that the companies move to undeveloped countries to exploit their cheap labor as the country also benefit largely from new employment opportunities created and revenues that help the countries to develop (Drusilla K. Brown, Alan V. Deardorff, &Robert M. Stern, 2002) Nevertheless, businesses are bided by a code of ethics which are moral values that determine how individual, group organization and business transact their businesses. These can be applied to all form of businesses as they are universal and business must follow them in order to respect human dignity during transaction. Business being unethical means that it operates against the universal code of ethics which prevent it from immoral ways of gaining profits through exploiting human recourses. With the main objective of the business being making profits, it must ensure that it contributes and respect human dignity despite their states of need (Flanagan & Robert 2006, p.118). Labor in US has become so expensive for many companies to operate at a profit. As a result, many companies have moved its operations to other countries to countries where there are high levels of unemployment. Their move can be looked in two dimensions. One is that the companies are doing favor to the local society through providing them with labor. But, on the other hand it can be perceived as exploiting cheap labor. Cheap labor can be perceived to be labor which can be obtained at a low cost and is worth of no respect (Drusilla K. Brown, Alan V. Deardorff, &Robert M. Stern, 2002) One of such companies that exploit cheap labor overseas through opening up of production branches in developing countries is IBM. This is a company that mainly deals with software development which is an expensive sector when it is operated in United States. This has forced the company to open its branches in India as the level of running such a business is low. Due to high population the government has found it har d to be able to support the high population making majority of them to live below the poverty level. Some of the skilled personnel who have the same qualifications as those in United States are unemployed therefore; when such an opportunity arises they are ready to offer their labor despite being paid lowly. Despite the undeveloped countries having many employment challenges that hinder them from putting up laws and regulations that would prevent United States companies from exploiting overseas labor, the companies should not use this as an opportunity to make enormous profits on behalf of the poor citizens. This is because the company will be increasing the poverty levels in the country as after exploiting the resources, the money obtained is then transferred back to United States. Instead the company should participate in corporate social responsibility through involving itself with maters that would improve the welfare of that country or the society. Mainly, the companies that ar e involved in using overseas labor are those whose operations cannot be easily mechanized therefore; need a lot of labor to run its processes. Clothing industry is one of those sectors that have established their companies overseas. This has enabled the company to be able to utilize both the available cheap labor and raw materials. With the advanced technology due to globalization, management of these branches have been

NETFLIX CASE STUDY- FINANCE AND COMPANY ANALYSIS Essay

NETFLIX CASE STUDY- FINANCE AND COMPANY ANALYSIS - Essay Example Netflix was actually formed with the idea to provide Rental DVDs to customers without taking any charges from the customer for returning the DVDs late. Initially the company was taking late charges from their customers but after two years, Netflix changed their strategy and no late payment was charged for returning the DVDs late. The company also introduced the subscription services in which customers could select 4 movies rentals per month for a fee i.e. $15.95 per month. After few months, company offered unlimited plan for rental DVDs in which subscriber can have as many DVDs as they like for only a flat fee $19.95 per month. This scheme led to the success of company and its website volume grew by more than 300 percent. Company also made IPO of 5.5 million shares to raise capital of $82.5 in 2002 in order to expand its business. In the mid of 2011, Netflix changed its pricing and service structure. The company separated the two businesses i.e. DVD rental business and online video streaming with new enhanced price. Formally, company used to charge flat rate $10 per month for both the services. However the new pricing structure brought $8 for each service which collectively costs $16 for subscribers who were using both services. The situation had become worse when almost 1 million subscribers left Netflix’s services and its stock price fell down from $298 to $63 within few months (Netflix b). The CEO of the company, Reed Hastings, found that the root cause of the problem was ineffective communication with customers. He admitted that the company did not clearly mention the reasons of new policy to its subscribers (Netflix c). However, the increasing competition has been a real concern for the company and with the growing market and increasing marketing budgets and campaigns of competing firms, Netflix h as been facing threats from the competitors. In addition to this, competitors have been able to attract customers of Netflix by offering

The impact of the current economy on educational funding Research Paper

The impact of the current economy on educational funding - Research Paper Example , if such problems are not addressed as soon as possible, the labor force of the country would be affected as well, which simply contributes towards poor economic growth for the country once more (Hanushek & Kimko, 2000). According to Murnane et al. (2000), what is also disturbing is that there is a trend of poor performance levels churned out by students who are African-American or of Latino descent- both of whom make up a relatively large portion of the population in the United States. Smollin (2010) reveals that across the United States, several school districts are already preparing themselves for the drastic budget cuts implemented by the government. Recent periods have shown that the budget cuts have increased drastically, mimicking the case 50 years ago. The recession has indeed had direct effects on the local property taxes, as well as the levels of state funds. This has lead several school districts to resort to desperate means to save money. Examples include reducing programs that are garnered towards enriching the students’ extracurricular affairs as well as any other programs that cultivate their skills and knowledge outside the realm of the academy. Other measures include reducing class hours and also reducing the academic year. There are also some schools that have decided to close down. For several faculty members, eliminating certain school programs and even closing down schools have proved to be a difficult decision, but the most difficult de cision being brought about by insufficient funding would be the option of schools to lay off teachers. In an article released by the New York Times, Lewin & Dillon (2010) have written that school districts that resort to such a measure are those that have no choice. Most schools receive their source of income via local property taxes and the money from the state, both of which have been severely affected by the global recession. In California alone, school districts have actually issued pink slips to at

The Tempest Essay Example for Free

The Tempest Essay Write about what Shakespeares theatre was like and how this links to The Tempest. Next talk about the characters Ariel and Caliban and say how Prospero treats them. Which character do you prefer and why? William Shakespeare wrote The Tempest at the earlier stage of his career. The Shakespeares theatre was for all classes of people, from the poorest to the richest. There were three different places for people to either sit or stand and watch the play. The Groundlings had to stand in the yard, because they only had to pay one penny. The place of Gentlefolks was in galleries for the price of two pennies and the lords would get to sit next to the stage and watch the play, because they paid twelve pennies. The theatre had no scenery. It only had a few props in the upper room where the machinery was located. Bu the language that the players used was very detailed and strong, which would have created a picture of the scene in audiences mind. As when Ariel describes that how the created storm was, she describes the scene of the play as well by the language that she talks. To every article. I boarded the kings ship. Now on the bear, Now in the waist, the deck, in every cabin, I flamed amazement. Something Id divide, And burn in many places; on the topmast, The yards and bowsprit would I flame distinctly, Then meet and join, Joves lightnings, the precursors O the dreadful thunder-claps, more momentary And sight-outrunning were not. The fire and cracks Of sulphurous roaring the most mighty Neptune seemed to besiege, and make his hold waves tremble, Yea his dread trident shake. There were many poor people stood around the stage. Usually there were rowdy crowds. The play had to have dramatic opening in order to attract the audiences attention. The Shakespeares theatre was a open air theatre which would have helped to add on to the drama of the play by the atmosphere that it creates. For example The Tempest begins with a storm to grab attention of an audience and if there was a storm at the time, the play would be more realistic. In Elizabethans time women were not allowed to play on stage, because of this young boys whose voices were similar to women were used in theatre. Shakespeare has always used magical plays to interest his readers. He has always used fairy tale characters like prince, princess, witch and strange creatures to make his plays more interesting and more attractive. As in The Tempest which is a magical play he used two creatures, Ariel and Caliban and a witch Prospero.

Restaurant Business Plan Essay Example for Free

Restaurant Business Plan Essay Chapter 1 Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will enter into a market with perfect competition. With perfect competition Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will have an infinite number of consumers with the willingness and ability to buy our products at a certain price. It would also have an infinite amount of producers with the willingness and ability to supply the products at a certain price. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge is a new fine dining restaurant and lounge located on LaGrange Road in Orland Park. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will target both fun-seeking as well as sophisticated diners looking for great food in a fascinating atmosphere. Our Rooftop will offer 360 degree views with a unique outdoor terrace. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will seek to earn 85% gross margins through an innovative and creative setting, a great menu, and the best service. Five Factors of Production: Start up costs and all financing of Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will be funded by the owner Kevin Lentz. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge would be situated on a busy intersection in Orland Park. This would be new construction: building Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge from the ground up. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge would first have to hire a construction company to build the establishment. Once the building was complete and up to code, Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge would hire its staff and purchase inventory. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge focuses on local and tourist active restaurant seekers, with special focus on young adults with a $20-30,000 a year income and a desire for good food with a fascinating atmosphere. According to Orland Park’s demographics from the United States Census Bureau we generally know the characteristics of our target market. Our personal crowd would consist of young adults (ages 20-29) and adults (ages 30-50), both male and female, usually at least one year of college if not already fully graduated. Our geographics include people from the local Orland Park area, people from neighboring cities, and tourists from other states and countries. Chapter 2 Restaurants rack up one of the most costly environmental bills in the retail world. Fortunately, there are ways restaurants can go green on more than just their menus. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will be a Certified Green Restaurant. Some Certified Green Restaurants save thousands of dollars by cutting energy, water, and waste. They appeal to environmentally concerned Americans and those who are health conscious. How will Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge be environmentally friendly and socially responsible? Walking into Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge youll find recycled wood panels, eco-friendly flooring, and zero use of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints. We will fill our facility with Energy Star qualified equipment and compact fluorescent lighting that produces 75 percent less energy and heat. Clients can also enjoy unique creations like crispy Thai trout tacos, original vegan Championburgers, or mango-guava fruit shakes. Rooftop restaurant and Lounge takes flavor seriously, backing up its meals and drinks with a 100% Taste Guarantee. If you dont like your meal or drink they will happily whip you up something else or give you your money back. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge serves Certified Humane, hormone-free meat and prepares their meals with only 100 percent organic ingredients. A 100 percent organic menu also offers tempting sandwiches, desserts, beer, and wine. Rather than using cheaper ingredients, the company splurges a little to buy quality foods that are tastier and more n utritious. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge also offsets 100 percent of their energy use by purchasing certificates for renewable wind power. Besides constructing their building out of recycled materials, Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge still bases its business on integrity. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge pays their employees fair wages and benefits. By going green, restaurants can often earn more green. Chapter 3 What is the intended form of ownership? Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge is a sole-proprietorship business owned in majority by its founder and president Kevin Lentz. The owner is also personally responsible for all debts and liabilities incurred by the business. A sole proprietor can own the business for any duration of time and sell it when he or she sees fit. As owner, a sole proprietor can even pass a business down to his or her heirs. A sole proprietor has complete control and decision-making power over the business. A sole proprietor has minimal start up legal fees and NO corporate tax payments. Sole proprietors receive all income generated by the business to keep or reinvest. The owner pays taxes on income from the business as part of his or her personal income tax payments. All responsibilities and business decisions fall on the shoulders of the sole proprietor. The sole proprietor of the business can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. Additionally, this risk extends to any liabilities incurred as a result of acts committed by employees of the company. Most sole proprietors rely on loans and personal assets to initially finance their business. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will choose to incorporate once the business has started to grow. Chapter 4 Assuming Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will have international operations: Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will have a second location in Cancun, Mexico located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. At this location Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge will have exquisite Mexican decor and outstanding Mexican cuisine. There are multitude of different kinds of organizational structures in international business for instance, one particular structure may require a substantially different plan of coordinating the activities of any given individual or organization. Independent Agent: An independent agent can be defined as an international individual or company who works with an exporter to represent the organization in question best interests in an international destination. Often these agents will take on the roles of being a sales representative. They offer the exporters goods, obtain payments by the purchaser, and as well work to ensure that the exporter’s clients are absolutely satisfied with the goods received. These agents will often have a wide variety of clients or firms who often do not specialize in any specified product or market. For example, Levi Strauss employs agents all across the world specifically in small countries found within these continents, South America, Africa, and Asia. Licensing arrangement: A licensing arrangement can be defined as an agreement in which an owner of a particular good will allow another company to manufacture sell and or market this good or service for a fee and or royalty. These companies will often grant interested parties or businesses in foreign destination exclusive rights to produce and or supply their goods in that particular market. The exporter will receive royalties as well any associated fees. These royalties will usually be determined as a percentage of the licensees total revenues. Branch offices: A branch office can be defined as a place in which an exporting company will establish themselves within a foreign nation in order to offer their products more effectively to that foreign market. In most cases exporting firms will just employ current top managers within their organization and will send these managers over to this foreign destination to establish a new branch office. This branch office will act to provide this organization with a greater public image. It is believed that consumers will feel more confident about any particular companys product or service. Strategic alliance: A strategic alliance is where a company in which two or more individuals or businesses will merge their resources together in order to tackle a specified, mutually beneficial project. Both parties will agree to participate equally in investing resources into this new venture thus forming the alliance. Out of all the International organizational structures to choose from, Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge in Cancun, Mexico will be a branch office. This business model is treated as an extension of its parent company which means that it should only conduct the activities performed by the main office in Orland Park, Illinois. Having a branch office provides several advantages to any foreign company including the ability to conduct business in Mexico, explore more business opportunities and directly interact with its local distributors and agents. While this business model has several advantages, foreign companies should realize that there are some arrangements and requirements that may not be beneficial on their part. For example, foreign companies do not enjoy limited liability which means that they are responsible for all the losses and debts of their branch office which is considered as their legal extension. Another disadvantage is that a branch office, being a non-resident business entity, is not eligible for local tax benefits and exemptions. Lastly, this business model is prohibited to engage in business activities that are not performed by its parent company. Chapter 5 Mission Statement: Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge is a business that envelopes fine dining of unique healthy taste and an excellent rooftop atmosphere. The mission is not only to have great tasting food, but have efficient and friendly service. Our dining environment is not only welcoming and sophisticated, it is unique in design, with glass ceilings and windows on almost all sides of the rooftop. After dining in, customers can enjoy the outdoor terrace and garden views. We concentrate on customer satisfaction and quality food that is always fresh and 100 percent organic. We want the Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge to be the place people can enjoy a tasty, healthy meal and meet new friends. It is our goal to provide a great work environment and treat employees with dignity and respect. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge wants to build lasting relationships with the guests, contribute positively to communities and our environment. Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge recognizes that profitability is key to our future success .

Brand Improvement Recommendations for Toyota

Brand Improvement Recommendations for Toyota Introduction The modern age of business can be defined as age of competition. The competition within an industry is gradually increasing with the expansion of business as many new players are entering into the market. There are several reasons behind this intensifying competition. Firstly, globalisation is one of the primary reasons for expansion of trade and business that lead to increase competition. Many business organisations have found greater opportunities in overseas market, and free trade policies and agreements between multiple countries facilitated their market expansion programs. The domestic markets have turned into global markets that heightened competition rivalry among existing domestic and new multinational enterprises. Since last two decades, the society has been experiencing a rapid technological improvement. The technological advancements have led to change the structure entire trade and business. The management tasks and operational process are now backed with technology like e-commerce and e-business. A better grip of technological advancement helps a business organisation to gain an upper hand position. Finally, enhancing economic condition of consumers and increasing their disposable income have strengthened their purchasing power. This has also changed their consumer buying behaviours and they have developed their specific brand preferences (Vashisht, 2005, p.68). In the modern and competitive business world, business organisations always try to position itself in market for avoiding unnecessary competitions. In this process they aim to achieve strong competitive advantages and core competencies that enable them to gain upper hand position in the market. There are multiple ways to achieve competitive advantages; however, brand development is the most preferred way for creating high business value. The increasing demands of brand development is due to two primary factors i.e. urge for acquiring higher market share and increasing concern towards consumer value. The modern management style and thought process of decision makers have transformed. The modern management concept more focuses on long term benefits by creative a sustainable businesses environment where stakeholders wealth and value creation is the first priority. When a company is able to meet these responsibilities towards stakeholders, society, community and environment, it is able t o create a high brand image in the market. Managements in modern organisation culture follow management theories and models which are very effective in achieving common organisational goal. In this respect, they concentrate on two-way communicational system within cross-functional teams and with its consumers. For example, the existing management system deliberately tries to implement integrated marketing communication that focuses on better marketing strategy for enhancing consumer values. These efforts made by the modern managements are very helpful in brand development and hence, they try to draft specific plans for branding strategies. This paper will attempt to deal with brand improvement strategies for Toyota Motor Corporation and primary aim of this paper is to offer a plausible set of recommendations based on findings of primary research and secondary research data analysis. At first, a brief description of Toyota Corporation will be offered to understand fundamentals of it. The second section will explain the research question and objective based on which the entire research methodology will be constructed to obtain viable and valid results. The third section will present theoretical background and models relating to marketing and branding. Marketing and branding are interrelated with each other and the later is an integral part of marketing. Multiple marketing theories and models are very helpful for brand development. Moreover, many scholars have developed brand specific theories and models which facilitate brand management tasks. The fourth section will include the research methodology, and research framewo rk will be framed as per the requirements of this research paper. Finally, based on data analyses and its findings, the entire project will be summarized and a set of credible recommendation will be developed. Chapter 1 A Company Overview: Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation is a multinational automobile company and it is famous as Toyota in global market. The company is a Japan-based company and it is present in the most of the international markets. Sakichi Toyoda laid the foundations of automobile company and latter, in 1933, his son Kiichiro Toyoda opened an automobile department after conducting an extensive research on engines powered by gasoline. Automobile department was known as Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. One of the sister company of Toyota, called Hinode Motors (now known as Aichi Toyota) introduced its first A1 prototype cars and G1 truck during 1935. In 1937, Kiichiro Toyoda established Toyota Motor Company Ltd. and in 1938 he started producing SB trucks in its Honsha plant in 1938 (Toyota-a, 2011). Toyota brought a revolution in automobile industry of Japan during 1930s to 1950s by incorporating innovation and growth oriented business model. At present, Toyota is one of the leading and the largest automobile manufacturing in the world. It is also one of the pioneers in automobile innovation which is the companys core value. The technological expertise is prime competitive advantage that has helped the company to cater the global automobile market. Since the inception of Toyota, the company is committed to produce reliable and value added vehicles, Innovation is the major tool for the company and it also uses its technological expertise in meeting social and environmental responsibilities. In order to operate in the global market, the company has formed its seven specific guidelines and principles. These principles mainly include with business ethics, respects and honour for every country and its culture, and develop a growth oriented organisation with the business partners etc (Toyota-b, 2011). Presently, Toyotas global headquarter is at Toyota City, Aichi of Japan and its president and representative director is Akio Toyoda. As of March 31, 2010, the company owned nearly 397.05 billion yen of capital. It has a number of subsidiaries and affiliated companies over the world and currently, it has nearly 320,590 employees in its international business (Toyota-f, 2011). Currently, Toyota is trying to use its innovation for bringing development in the society and environment. The company has realized increasing negative impacts of industrialization and carbon emission from increasing number of vehicle. Therefore, the company is now focusing on eco-friendly cars like hybrid and electronic cars. Toyota has identified three major environmental issues relating to its vehicle manufacturing and hence, it has developed and incorporated necessary steps for making the things better for environment. Firstly, it attempts to enhance its transmission and engine efficiency by downsizing measures. Secondly, energy management is another major task for Toyota in this respect. Finally, for reducing overall vehicle load, it tries to lessen rolling resistance, air drag and vehicle mass (Toyota-c, 2011). Quality and safety are two major parameters for Toyota and hence, the company strive to bring constant development in its operational and management process. Toyotas production system â€Å"is steeped in the philosophy of the complete elimination of all waste imbuing all aspects of production in pursuit of the most efficient methods† (Toyota-d, 2011). The global operation of Toyota is primarily based on two concepts of modern management. â€Å"The first is called jidoka (which can be loosely translated as automation with a human touch) which means that when a problem occurs; the equipment stops immediately, preventing defective products from being produced† (Toyota-d, 2011). The second concept is the just-in-time process that helps it to maintain a smooth process of operation without maintaining high inventory. Table 1: Consolidated Vehicle production As Toyota has been able to capture significant share of market in these regions, its financial position has been quite strong. The following table and graph present key financial performance indicator and sales revenue by region. Table 2: Consolidated Performance As per the above figure and table, during 2009, Toyota faced loss due to the effect of global economic crisis. However, with the recovering economy, the company has been able to regain high profitability. From Japan and North American market, Toyota earns the highest revenue. Besides, from other markets like Europe and Asia, the company generates high revenue. Toyota was in the face of a grim crisis when one of its leading models of the Lexus and Prius brand was badly hit by a series of manufacturing defects in the US which led to loss of innocent lives. The company had to pay a major price for this defect as its public relations strategy was widely criticised. In addition to this the company had to face major lawsuits which led to payment of hefty fines by the company and large scale product recall that had a wide impact on the brand image of the organization. The discussions have pointed out the fundamental features and condition of Toyota that make it a successful company in the global automobile market. The efficient operations with technological expertise are the primary base of the company. In each market, it has developed trust and confidence among the target consumer group and hence, it has been able to capture higher market share. Research Question The research paper will be looking at the branding strategies which Toyota may adopt to augment its tarnished brand image. The discussion will be carried out with an analysis of earlier branding strategies of Toyota. Adding to it, some relevant branding strategies of other leading organisations will also be taken into account; so that, an appropriate branding framework can be developed for the company taking references from the company as well as its competitors. Chapter 2 Literature Review Branding â€Å"[Branding is] a 15-second elevator pitch that every employee in the organization can not only get and articulate, but can talk about their role in bringing that to life† -Davis, M. S. (Wiley, 2003, p.1). In todays competitive world of business, marketing and advertising have significant contribution to create ‘branding of any product or service or may be of a whole organisation. The significant portion of branding has experienced a dramatic shift in the last few decades. Both the traditional branding and the role of brands were subject to continual review and redefinition. According to Kotler, a brand can be defined as â€Å"the name associated with one or more items in the product line that is used to identify the source of character of the item† (Guzman, n.d., p.1). The American Marketing Association (AMA) has defined a brand as a name, sign, term, design symbol, design or a combination of them which are intended to categorize the products and services offered by one seller or group of sellers. The brands are also used to differentiate them from those of their competitors. Keller has expressed a different view. According to him, whenever an organisation introduces a new name, symbol or logo for a new product, he or she has created a brand. However, today those brands mean much more than that. According to these definitions, in simple term it would not be wrong to say that the brands act as identifiers. Earlier, brands and brand building processes would be thought as just another step towards the marketing or selling off products. Since a long time, brands were treated as a secondary step of the marketing process. According to Kotler, branding has become a significant issue in the product strategy. The brand communication strategy has its focus towards representation of the brand and the creation of the brand image. In the year 2000, Aaker and Joachimsthaler mentioned that as per the traditional branding model, the objective is to develop the brand image (Ali, 2007). The brand image is a strategy element driving the short term results of the product as well as the organisation. In the year 1997, Kapferer mentioned that the brand is an external sign whose responsibility is to disclose the hidden qualities of the product or service (Nijte, 2005, p.20). In todays competitive business environment, the challenge is to develop a string and distinctive image. The brand is expected to serve as the identifier of a product by displaying the distinguishing elements from the competition. Powerful brands develop meaningful metaphors in the consumers minds. The meaningful images are created through development of brand image and enhancement of reputation by differentiating and potentially having an affirmative influence on the consumers buying behaviour. The Keller Model has a considerable contribution in the branding theory. The model has identified the concept of customer based brand equity and the brand hierarchy. According to Keller, brand equity is the effect that the brand knowledge would have on the consumer response to the brand marketing, which would have the effect happening when the brand is known and the customers would possess favourable, strong and unique brand associations. This customer-based Brand Equity (CBBE) model has identified about four steps, representing the questions asked by the customers and displaying a branding ladder. In this model, each of the steps is dependent on the achievement of the earlier one. All these steps consist of six brand building blocks which would have a number of sub-dimensions. While building a strong brand, the objective is to reach at the apex of the pyramid where there would exist a harmonious relationship with the customers. At the very first stage, this model should represent a correct brand identity by answering the customers question ‘Who are you?. The aim is to develop an identification of the respective brand and display an association with the respective product class or the specific requirements. The initial stage involves of the brand building block ‘salience. The next step considers the question ‘What are you?. The question is answered through the establishment of brand meaning in their minds and associating the brand with certain properties. In this step, there are two brand building blocks: performance and imagery. The following step is ‘brand response, whereas the appropriate customer responses to the brand identification and meaning are brought out. This step is also achieved with two building blocks judgement and feelings and answers the question- What about you? The final step in the model is ‘brand relationships where the brand response is transformed to a passionate, active loyalty relationship between the customers and the brand. This stage addresses the customer question -What about you and me? The final brand building block is ‘resonance which is at the apex of the pyramid. â€Å"Kellers conceptual framework provides guidance in building, measuring and managing brand equity. While Keller claims that the model can be applied in a B2B context and a consumer environment, it does not appear to have been tested for industrial brands. The similarities and differences between business and consumer markets have long been debated with organisational buyers found to differ in many ways, suggesting that the application of such a model in a B2B setting will pose challenges† (Kuhn Alpert, n.d., p.3). Today, there has been a considerable shift in the brand management processes. Concerning with the brand management process, Aaker and Joachmisthaler have discussed the traditional branding model where the brand management team would be responsible for creating and coordinating with the brands management programs (Guzman, n.d.). In such a case, the brand manager was not at the top of the management hierarchy and his focus used to be the short term financial results of both the brands and products in the respective markets. The basic objective has been the coordination with the manufacturing and sales departments. The coordination is necessary in order to solve any problem associated with sales and market share. According to this strategy, the responsibility of the brand has solely been the concern of the marketing department. In general, majority of the companies thought that focusing on the latest advertising campaign would mean concentrating on the brand itself. The model is strateg ically significant and reactive rather than being creative and visionary. The brand has always been referred to as more like a series of tactics and never like any strategy. In 1997, Kapferer has mentioned that before the 1980s, a different approach was there towards the brands (Kapferer, 1997, p.23). Earlier, the organizations wished to purchase a producer of pasta and chocolate. After 1980, the consumers are looking for Buitoni and KitKat. Such an instance displays the fact that earlier, the consumers were not bothered about the brands; rather they were more focused on the required product. However, after 1980, the consumers are aware of the product names. Buitoni has established the brand name in pasta and KitKat has marked its position in the world of chocolate. This distinction is quite significant. In the first case, the organizations wish to purchase the production capacity and in the later years, they want to create a place in the consumers minds. In other words, the shift in the focus towards the brand would start as it was understood that the brands are more than plain identifiers. According to Kapferer, a brand serves eight functions: Identifi cation, Practicality, Guarantee, Optimization, Characterization, Continuity, Hedonistic and Ethical. Identification of the brand would enable the consumer to clearly see, make sense of the offer and to quickly identify the required after products (Kapferer, 1997, p.29). Practicality would enable the consumers to save on time and energy through identical purchasing and loyalty. Among the other function, optimization is significant one to make the customers sure of finding the same quality indifferent to the time and place of the product or service. The characterization in brand management reflects the confirmation of the product or service image, presented to others. There must be continuity in the brand which is supposed to bring in satisfaction through familiarity and intimacy with the brands, which were used or consumed by the customers since a long period. The brand is supposed to bring in satisfaction linked to the brand attractiveness; the brand is required to be hedonistic. Th e brand is also required to be ethical as satisfaction of the consumers must come through reasonable behavior of the products and those must be reflected in its relationship towards the society. Among these eight functions, the first two are quite mechanical and are concerned with the essence of the respective brands. The brands are expected â€Å"to function as recognized symbol to facilitate choice and to gain time† (Guzman, n.d., p.2). The next steps are meant for reducing the apparent risk and the final three steps are related with the pleasure side of any brand. The brand value emerges from its ability to attain an exclusive, positive and significant mark in the minds of a large customer base. As a consequence, the organizations must carry out branding and brand building to develop the brand value. He has perceived the brand value to be in monetary terms and accounted the same in the intangible assets. However, according to Doyle, brands fail to explore the value creatin g opportunities if the managers pursue strategies, not oriented to maximize the shareholders value (Guzman, n.d.). There are four factors which could be there in the consumers minds and which could be combined to establish the perceived value of any product or service brand. This would also determine the â€Å"brand awareness; the level of perceived quality compared to competitors; the level of confidence, of significance, of empathy, of liking; and the richness and attractiveness of the images conjured up by the brand† (Guzman, n.d.). According to the theory by Kapferer, adding brand image, perceived quality, evocations, familiarity to the brand awareness would create the brand assets which can also be thought as the brand added value perceived by the customers (Kapferer, 1997, p.123). Deducting both cost of branding and cost of invested capital from the same would be equal to the finance value of the brand or brand equity value. Brand Identity ‘Identity is very significant for any individual or for any entity to make others feel its presence. In case of marketing, it is very necessary to remain in the mind of target consumers and in the market. It is very important for any business organisation to create a unique identity in market and this identity is very crucial for generating sales revenue. The business organisations or companies can develop identity as per its corporate name, product or services. There are some examples of such identity. Xerox Corporation is a world renowned company that offers printers, copiers, scanners, projectors etc. The company was very successful for its photocopier machines. It used it corporate brand name for marketing the photocopier machines and now, the photocopier machines are now famous as ‘Xerox Machines. Another famous example of developing identity using product name is ‘Marlboro Cigarette. It is the worlds largest selling cigarette brand manufactured by Altria Group Philip Morris International. The companys corporate identity is not so popular but it is popular for its product identity i.e. Marlboro. However, the above examples have been explained to make understand the importance of identity for being successful in market and for being famous among the target consumers groups. Therefore, every company must try to build its unique identity though its corporate name, product or services. Each product or services and each company have its own unique identity and consumers perceptions for each identity are different from other competing product. For example, consumers perceive Mercedes as premium brand as it offers its premium cars to very niche market. On the other hand, Wal-Mart is perceived as low-cost brand as it offers ‘every day low price to its consumers (Talley, 2011). Both the companies (Mercedes and Wal-Mart) have developed their own typical identity as per their core marketing approaches. The above discussion has focused on importance and some example of identity. In marketing this identity is known as ‘brand identity. Different scholars and critics have presented their views regarding brand identity and how it is important for companies for their sustainability in a market. In this respect, Jean-Noà «l Kapferer has related the brand identity with globalisation. He has offered the definition of brand identity from the globalization perspectives. He believes that brand identity must help a company in globalising of its brand image. He has explained that â€Å"the brand must have as identity that will serve as medium for its globalisation, in both tangible and intangible terms† (Kapferer, 2008, p.488). Sometimes, brand identity and brand image is considered to be similar or identical but these two terms are very different from others. The brand image of company or of a product can be defined through the others perception i.e. consumers view; whereas, brand identity is a companys attempt to project itself before its target consumers (Wilson and Blumenthal, 2008, p.58). Therefore, it can be defined that brand image is an outcome of an attempt to develop brand identity among the consumers groups. Hence, building brand identity is very crucial step for buildings brand image. In the process of framing brand strategy, establishment of brand identity is the foremost task for a company as it offers a company purpose, aim, direction and proper significance to a brand. In order to explain a brand identity, Aaker has identified three prime components in a brand identity. The following diagram shows these three components. As per the above figure, three essentials of brand identity are core identity, brand essence and extended identity. The core identity refers to the â€Å"timeless center of the brand† that must consist of basic features of a company like its values, ethics, belief etc (Salver, 2009, p.41). Brand essence can be defined as soul of a companys brand that makes the core brand more comprehensible, accessible and valuable. The extended brand helps to add more value to the core brands identity. These three components are not basic integral part of a brand strategy but understanding of brand identity helps brand managers in recognising the prevailing brand position (Salver, 2009, p.41). Toyota has attempted to develop its brand identity for each of its brand product like Lexus, Prius, Innova, Corolla etc. The brand identity is basically determined by specific features of the product. For example, Toyota Prius has been able to develop its brand identity among the tech-savvy and environmentally conscious people and Lexus had gained its specific brand identity among the luxury car market. Lexus has been a premium brand for its target consumers as they perceive Lexus as high quality and value added vehicle. Toyota has successfully understood the core brand identifies and brand essence, and it has promoted its distinct brand products in accordance to target market (Toyota-h, 2011). Brand Building To establish the strong brands in a cheaper, better and faster way, the organisations require pursuing a different, effective and efficient approach altogether to the brand building. The cornerstone of the brand building is the fusion of future economics, organisational capabilities and customer insights. Brand building demands the organisations to focus more on the segments which would drive the organisation develop organisation propositions and deliver products according to the customers preferences (McKinsey Company, n.d., p.12). Brand Awareness In the above sections of literature review, the importance and explanation of brand image have been discussed. However, without proper understandings of brand identity and brand awareness, the brand image cannot be formed for target market. A company can build a higher brand image in the mind of consumers when it is able to successfully create its pre-determined brand identity through brand awareness programs. Therefore, the importance and understanding of brand awareness is significant in brand image building process. For building a strong brand, it is necessary to incorporate brand identity and brand awareness. The following model shows the importance and correlation between brand identity, brand awareness and brand image. The above model shows that in the process of brand building, brand identity and brand awareness are the two primary areas followed by brand image association, brand quality, brand loyalty and brand broadening. As per the above figure, brand loyalty is an outcome of brand image that is an effect of successful creation of brand identity and brand awareness. Brand loyalty provides a company a competitive advantage over its key competitors that helps it to counter and avoid unnecessary competition. Brand loyalty can be defined from the availability of brand loyal consumers. However, Knox and Walker has identified that there is significant difference between brand loyalty and repetitive purchasing (Ranchhod and Marandi, 2007, p.80). They explained that â€Å"this lack of clarity has led to a great deal of difficulty in interpreting many of the brand loyalty studies† (Ranchhod and Marandi, 2007, p.80). However, they also admitted that brand loyalty also includes the repetitive purchasing and word-of-mouth marketing from consumers end. Therefore in order to develop significant amount consumers, plausible brand awareness programs are inevitable for a company. Brand awareness defines the strength of a brand in a consumers mind, and a strong effect of brand awareness determines the longevity of brands image in target consumers mind. According to Keller, brand awareness includes performance of brand recall and brand recognition. Bran recall refers to consumers ability to regain a brand from their past experiences while making any buying decision. Brand recognition is consumers knowledge regarding a specific brand. The consumer should be able to recognise their brand when they are given wide ranges of choices. McLoughlin and Aaker have been able to understand major draw backs in implementing brand awareness programs for a company. They believe that, most of the companies consider brand awareness as a promotional mix and hence, they more focuses on promoting a product rather than brand development or brand awareness. Brand awareness is also very necessary for creating brand equity. McLoughlin and Aaker have designed a model showing brand aware ness and its important outcomes. As per the above figure, brand awareness is directly related to brand equity which includes brand related assets and liabilities. Successful implementation of brand awareness and better brand equity lead to develop higher brand loyalty and brand association of consumers. While discussing about the brand awareness, it is necessary to deal with the consumers buying behaviours. Brand awareness deals with consumers perception for an offered brand that helps them in recalling the past experiences while buying. The influences of brand awareness are very substantial in the process of making a buying decision. Gustafson and Chabot have provided five major steps for planning and implementing brand awareness. These five major steps are given below. Cleary identify and understand potential target consumers and market Develop a unique name, slogan, and logo for a company or for offer product brand Offer value added features and services along with offered branded product or services Effective promotional mix and advertising focusing on brand creation Develop proper public relation with consumers by following-up the post-sales period (Gustafson and Chabot, 2007) The above steps are very helpful in establishing a strong brand awareness programs to build brand image in the mind of target consumers. Recently, Toyota has faced a drastic brand crisis in its Swedish market due to quality issues. It caused to develop a negative brand image in the mind of target consumers. Moreover, in American market, the company faced a crisis, and mass media played very active role in spreading the ‘Toyota crisis news. However, due to previous effective brand awareness programs, certain group of loyal consumers were not influenced by that crisis news. This case provides an evidence for the importance of brand awareness creation in the mind of the target consumers. On the other hand, the prevailing management of Toyota was not able to cope up with that crisis situation. In such situation, management could have restructured its entire brand awareness program to maintain its corporate image (Feng, 2010). Brand Positioning Brand Positioning can best be described as the process of identifying the niche of the market for a certain brand. This can be assumed as one of the oldest marketing tricks as it was found as early as in 1969. During the start of marketing policies the organizations focused only on the benefits which took them away from competition in the market which may also form differentiation. When we talk about the term ‘positioning we need to realize what it actually means. It can be defined as making a place in the customers memory, providing them with reasons or characteristics of brands that would make them choose their brands instead of same brands in the industry from different

Senior Capstone :: Free Essay Writer

Senior Capstone Observations I visited the Ronald McDonald House on September 15, to meet a family that was staying there because they had a very ill child. I was there to interview Mr. and Mrs. Davis who’s had their five-year-old son, John was at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The Davis family was there because John has leukemia and needed chemotherapy. When I first met John, I was at a loss for words. I saw a five-year-old boy that didn’t have any hair (like me) and was thin like a cable wire. I thought it was great that John got to say with his family on good days. What amazed me so much was his spirit and thrust for life. Because they had faith in their little boy getting better, his parents were very much the same. I asked them what made them so upbeat and positive. They told me that they were getting the best treatment around and being close to him everyday really helped. I didn’t quite understand what they meant and asked them to explain. They told me that staying at th e RMH with their son meant everything to the whole family. Instead of being in a hospital bed, or hotel room, the Davis’s kept close and were able to do everything that a family would do. Such things included playing with toys, having meals together, taking walks, enjoying closeness with one’s family, and all in the comfort of a home. The Davis family had been there for almost a week and was very happy to find a place that allowed them to stay without having to pay. They were also elated to know that they could watch after their child and not worry about how he was doing alone in some hospital bed. While I was interviewing the Davis family, I saw so much activity going on around me that it was difficult to concentrate. It was awesome to see, because everyone was interacting with everyone. Parents were relaxing and enjoying themselves, while children were playing together and loving every bit of it. Basically, what I learned from the Davis family is that they were very grateful to the Ronald McDonald House for allowing them to stay close to their child, affording them all the comforts of home while so far away from family and friends.

Imitation and Literature :: Literature Essays Literary Criticism

Imitation and Literature    Imitation is a foundational concept in the creation and study of literature. The fundamental assumptions embedded in imitation create a distinct and divisive method of perception. Imitation requires a basic belief in separation: appearance apart from reality, form apart from content. Literary works possess a dual existence, where the surface becomes most useful   in its ability to reveal the substance contained within. Because the truth remains concealed, it can only be discerned or discovered through imitation. Thus imitation exists as an intermediary in a variety of artistic representations, each aspiring for an accurate depiction of   meaning, perhaps even the basic truths of human existence. For Plato, however, art imitates a world that is already far removed from authentic reality, Truth, an inherently flawed copy of an already imperfect world. Art as an imitation is irrelevant to what is real. Many critics since Plato have attempted to reestablish the essential value of art by redefining or renegotiating the boundaries between imitation and authentic reality, between the text itself and meaning.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From ancient to more modern critics, art is defined, vilified, or redeemed by its ability to imitate. Aristotle values imitation as a natural process of humanity. Tragedy is simply a manifestation of the human desire to imitate. He asserts that every person "learns his lesson through imitation and we observe that all men find pleasure in imitations" (44). Unlike Plato's world of Forms, knowledge of truth and goodness are rooted in the observable universe to Aristotle. Because imitation strives to create accurate particularized images of the real world, it is a source for potential discovery and delight. Neoclassical criticism accepts as givens Aristotle's statements about the nature of art and reality. Art is valuable precisely because it is imitative. As Sir Philip Sydney states, "Poesy is an art of imitation...with this end, to teach and delight" (137). Imitation not only entertains, but gains a moral/ethical purpose: to teach virtue. Ar tists must, in addition to possessing great creative skills, also bear moral responsibility for shaping their imitations. Samuel Johnson seems to revisit Plato's attack upon art with his admission that an accurate imitation of morally questionable subject matter is not only unacceptable, but potentially harmful to those who encounter it. In order to accommodate a strong moral sense, Johnson describes imitation as a process of interpretation.   "The business of a poet... is to examine, not the individual, but the species.

Marijuana Legalized: How It Can Positively Effect Our Society Essay

The dispute over the legalization of cannabis sativa, more commonly known as marijuana, is one of the most controversial issues ever to take place in the United States. Its use as a medicine has existed for thousands of years in many countries across the globe. Legalization should be considered despite efforts made by groups who say marijuana is a harmful drug that will increase crime rates and lead users to other more dangerous substances. The legalization of marijuana can improve our society by helping with our economy, freeing legal resources, and benefiting the overall health of the nation though medical uses. Helping the Economy Our economy in America is hurting right now. We need something to help boost it and bring our country out of debt. Taxation on legalized marijuana could help aid in this goal. Assuming the taxes are comparable to tobacco, a $40 billion marijuana market would yield about $16-20 billion in taxes (Nelson, 2010, para. 24). There are worries that the black market will undercut the legitimate sales of marijuana, which might be very true, the same thing has happened with tobacco. Having the security of knowing where the marijuana is coming from and that it was grown without harmful chemicals, altered by a third party, and knowing it is a quality product is a deterrent to black market purchases. Marijuana would also still be illegal to purchase from the black market. If marijuana were legalized it would open up a whole new commerce in industrial hemp farming and the products that are made from it. The products that can be made from hemp number over 25,000 (Hemp Facts, 1997). A few of those products include paper, clothing, rope, fuel, and building materials. Hemp can be cultivated once or in som... ...chool to buy marijuana that it is alcohol because alcohol is controlled and age restricted. Since 2001 marijuana use in high school students has gone down (Marijuana - InfoFacts – NIDA, 2010). If marijuana is controlled the same way I believe that its use will only reduce further. People should make their own decision if they want to smoke marijuana. They deserve the right to exercise their own freedom of choice when considering using marijuana. It should be taxed and regulated to help our country’s economy and it will open up a whole new industry for hemp products. Legalization will help free up money and resources to focus on more serious crimes. Its medicinal properties help people with various types of illnesses and pain from injuries. Further research and studies will only open up more uses for cannabis. Its benefits far outweigh its negative effects.

Benefits of Returning to School

The many benefits to returning to school and some of the obstacles I had and have to overcome to see my dream come alive. What I want to see happen and by faith it’s going to happen. | I have many reasons for returning to school. I had the chance to get a job in television station, and have never done television before and wanted to at least have a general idea of what would be expected to do this job. First thing that came to my mind about going back to school I didn’t know if I would be able to do the work. I had been out of school so long would I remember the simple things, was scared and didn’t know if or how I would be able to maintain, but with the grace of God I’m doing it. The first couple classes to me was like a refresher, because I had been out of school for so long once I saw the work it all came flooding back. Plus, I wanted to start my own business and what better way to have a successful business than to know everything there is to know before you jump in to deep. I would have to say the benefits of my degree would be seeing single parents like me with goals and dreams and no one to help them fulfill them. With no one to even watch their children, while they try to attempt to start the process. Seeing single parents smile when they have the help that is needed to gain a better life is enough for me. If I just gave up and let the Devil win I wouldn’t be able to help those in need. Everything from computer problem to no lights, and I still made a way. I live by faith and there is nothing better that knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ got my back through it all, and willing to make a way for me to see my dream come alive. Helping other people is what I want to do in life. Single parents will be my main focus, helping them find the benefits they will need to assure their families are stable. I have always been kindhearted, and wanted to help people. What other way than to keep someone from going through what I had to alone. My life style has changed so much I’m more spiritual, open minded, and more aware of the many road blocks along the way. If I can help at least one family it would warm my heart and that would be enough for me. I have been where a lot of people are and at the same time not knowing that the next person may be going through something more serious than I. So what’s more fulfilling than to help ones that feels like me, over come some of the obstacles I had to, to make a better life for their children. The many obstacles I had to overcome just to start my degree were very overwhelming early in the process. First day class started my computer crashed, had to get another one since it was early on in the process I was able to start over. Next, my internet service stops working. Then in to the program once everything was back on track second class my new computer wants to stop working, couldn’t access the portable document formats. If it wasn’t one thing it was something else. I was determined to get my degree, by any means necessary, neighbors house, friends houses, libraries, anywhere where there was an internet connection I was trying to get there. My number one strategy for overcoming the many obstacles is prayer and that’s how I plan to get through the rest of my degree. A wise man once said, â€Å"No weapons formed against me shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from me, Says the Lord† (Isaiah 54:17 KJB). Plus I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13 KJB). I also know that whatever God does it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it (Ecclesiastes 3:14 KJB). Everything I do in life these days I pray and ask the Lord to show me his way. Like with this paper, I really don’t know how to write a good paper. When I sat down after I wrote the first draft and started typing it parts of it changed. I worked hard and hope it shows and pray it’s the way it was suppose to be done. I don’t see any more obstacles that are too much for me not to get my degree. I feel that if it took this much hard work to get something I really want then it will be will worth the fight. I fight everyday, willing and ready for what else the devil has to put in my way. I can honestly say that the hard work that comes alone with my degree will be well worth it once I have that piece of paper with my name on it.

Role of Medieval History in Modern Day

A common story plot in modern day films portraying Middle Age themes is a damsel in distress being saved by a knight in shining armor. For instance, the popular animated children’s movie, Shrek, follows the story line of Shrek and his partner, Donkey, going off on a journey in order to save a princess imprisoned in a tall castle tower and guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. The entire plot setting is based roughly around the same time frame as the actual middle ages, so the elements of medieval culture in this movie are clear.The guarded castles, mythical creatures, and feudal system enforced between the peasants and royalty are all elements of medieval culture. One major scene that depicts the essence of the Middle Ages best is when Shrek leads Lord Farquaad to Fiona as an exchange for guaranteed privacy of Shrek’s swamp. Two main aspects of this scene to focus on is the interaction between Lord Farquaad and Shrek and also the use of Princess Fiona as an object of trad e for Shrek’s reward.Traditional ranking of nobles and commoners are rooted within the Middle Ages, and although Shrek acts rather brutish and unpolished in Lord Farquaad’s presence, there is still an act of submission as depicted by Shrek’s delivery of Fiona. It was typical of knights in the middle ages to battle against one another or perform favors and acts of bravery in order to gain favor in the eyes of a King. Lord Farquaad’s use of Shrek as a way of obtaining Princess Fiona would then give Shrek an opportunity to gain favor in Lord Farquaad’s eyes so that his request of gaining back full ownership of his swamp would be granted.Due to the treacherous nature of retrieving Fiona, this would constitute as one of many acts of valor that many knights would partake in at the time. Princess Fiona’s part in this scene is as an object of bargaining, as shown when Shrek brings Lord Farquaad to her in order to fulfill his side of the arrangement. It should be noted that Princess Fiona’s hand in marriage was necessary for Lord Farquaad to gain full control cover a larger jurisdiction and for him to have the title as King bestowed upon him.The use of marriage as a way of combining kingdoms and making negotiations derive from medieval culture and also emphasize the importance that the feudal system played during this time. Although Lord Farquaad had enough power to grant or take away land from landowners, such as the fairy tale creatures, the only way for him to become a real king was to marry a princess, which in this case would have been Princess Fiona.Similar situations like this regularly occur in modern popular culture, such as the film The Princess Diaries 2, where Princess Amelia is being urged by the Genovian government to marry someone who holds an official title as a prince in order for her to become a true queen. It has become common knowledge in today’s society that a Princess or Prince cannot hold th e title as a Queen or King until they are married—this particular idea originating from the Middle Ages.By looking at these examples, one can see how ideals from the Middle Ages carried over into modern day popular culture. In fact, modern day knighting still takes place in the British government and is still based off of recognition of service and contributions to the British nation. The Order of the British Empire is perhaps the most common knighthood given today and is frequently awarded to British scientists, educators, doctors, and even Paul McCartney. This tradition is significant evidence of the carry over of Middle Ages in contemporary culture.However, one of the many misconceptions of the medieval times is the mistreatment and the demeaning of woman as being a prominent thing in society. This is portrayed in the treatment of Princess Fiona as a means for bargaining, and one should note that her objections to being married to Lord Farquaad held little to no weight whe n it came down to her fate. Aside from Princess Fiona, the amount of parts where women held significant character roles were almost nonexistent and further pushed the stereotype of how medieval women were disregarded in medieval times.On the contrary, women, such as St. Joan of the Arc, held positions of high authority in the time of the Middle Ages and were not treated with as little esteem as modern society thinks today. This kind of thinking encourages the damsel-in-distress scenario where the woman is rendered helpless and waiting for a strong and able man to come and save her. Such depictions associated with medieval society are emphasized over and over until the image of an incompetent woman is incorporated into the general consensus of what medieval times were like.The use the medieval times as the setting for Shrek also played along with stereotypical Middle Ages as being a time of ignorant common people that blindly followed the rule of the king without any question. The ov erall appearance that the environment in Shrek gives off is a place that is unorganized and unhygienic, much like what modern society thinks of the middle ages today. Setting Shrek in the Middle Ages effectively played out the stereotypes and general idea of what medieval society means to popular culture.The exaggerated difference of living conditions between peasants and royalty, the disregard of women, the bartering by marriage, and even the uneducated and dirty lifestyles of many commoners exemplify common misconceptions of the Middle Ages that many people in society take as fact. Popular culture, in turn, starts to immediately associate a time of ignorance and uncleanliness as being characteristic of the Middle Ages—whether they are true or not.