Discussion Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 28

Discussion Questions - Essay Example A longer productive business life means a steady profitability for longer and for all these to be achieved, effective marketing of the company’s products and services must be carried out. Marketing is done mostly through advertisements and promotions. These two services are important to any established business venture. For these two to succeed, they have to be supported by a brand position statement that embodies a factor of production that the firm takes pride in. For instance, these may include high quality products, low prices, convenience among other attributes. When choosing a brand positioning tool, care must be taken so that it gets straight into the minds of the target audience. Taking pride in quality means that prices should not matter to the customers; no matter how high the goods and services are priced, they will still access the market. Trying to convince a customer that a product is of a high quality and low price is never achievable. A marketer must thus stay open minded and be keen enough to grab an opportunity where others opt not to see any. The essence of setting up any business is to benefit from accrued profits. The strategy for attaining success differs from one business to another. Some concentrate on quality while others concentrate on sales brought in from the products offered. When expanding one’s customer base, it is very likely for the business to engage in activities that will lower earnings but in the long run, the business stays viable for longer and promises and steady flow of income from the increased customer size (Kotler 78). While the manager who is interested in profits will be exploiting a limited customer base, the other who believes in expansion will seek to get more. Some of the methods of doing this include price reductions and the provisions of other incentives. Chances are high that these incentives will attract customers from the other business. After a short period of time, as the

State and Society in 20th Century China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

State and Society in 20th Century China - Essay Example s made it possible â€Å"to fight corruption, remove superfluous political intrusion in the economy and launch the rule of law, democratic culture and democratic institutions† (Li, 2003). Deng’s policy made a great emphasis on correct organizational line. His ideas made policy of China well-structured and coherent. He took into account experiences of previous years under guidance of Mao. Deng insisted that this politician had a lot of achievements and though he had mistakes in his policy, the first and foremost were his advances. Thus Deng was guided by concept of socialism: â€Å"The ends justify the means.† Further on Deng made out a perfect unification of Communist Party strategies and Chinese cultural issues. â€Å"Socialism with Chinese characteristics† was of his primary concern (Gittings, 2005). An open policy, integration of Four Cardinal principles (following path of socialism, support of the dictatorship of the proletariat, guidance by the Communist Party and Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought) political and economic reforms signified Deng’s policy (Gittings, 2005). His policy had two basic poles: socialist democracy development and intensification of socialist legal system (Gittings, 2005). A holistic approach to changes made Deng-era a landmark in Chinese history. On the basis of crucial role of leadership and through strategic directions of economic reforms led to totalitarian regime of the country. If to sum up his political reforms, they were as follows: innovations of state apparatus, development of incentives among working class people. He claimed on delegation of power from governmental level to lower levels and further cooperation on all power levels. Deng’s policy made a great emphasis on correct organizational line. His ideas made policy of China well-structured and coherent. Of course, his political incentives were hard to be embodied to the fullest extent, thus it required a complex political approach. Economic system has also

Assignment On British Petroleum

Assignment On British Petroleum This Paper will concentrate on the organisation known as British oil typically referred to as British petroleum. This reason for this paper would be to examine and evaluate and analyse the present proper position of British petroleum inside the industry also once we proceed further we shall also consider the environment analysis, structural determinants from the concentration of your competition, structural analysis and competitive means of British petroleum, The entire paper continues to be split into three parts, simply one we consider the general analytical techniques like SWOT, PESTEL, suggested by M.E porter , latter simply two British petroleum is going to be analysed within the light of ansoff matrix and BCG matrix, and also the porters five forces, the ultimate part includes suggestions regarding the above mentioned analysis Introduction :- BP is among the worlds leading worldwide gas and oil companies, supplying its clients with fuel for transportation, energy for warmth and lightweight, retail services and petrochemicals items for everyday items http://world wide web.british petroleum.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=3contentId=2006926 British oil well referred to as British petroleum is worlds major gas and oil company, it is among the the world third biggest company (source Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British petroleum) its well know brand worldwide, as well as in business realm its much referred to as a corporation that has been positively taking part in vertical integration approach in each and every section of fuel industry, which includes excavation of oil and extraction and production refining distribution energy generation and buying and selling, lately British petroleum continues to be positively including in the introduction of alternative energy assets because it is thought through the finish of the century all of the mobile phone industrys reserves of conservative fuel deposits will vanish, however British petroleum has its own operation going through in 80 different nations and created roughly 4 million barrels of oil, Bps biggest maket share is within u . s . states mind quarted in Houston , the organization continues to be alleged for that threat of environment and safety concern following a recent spill in gulf, British petroleum may be the first company to understand the the long run interest in energy is anticipated to improve by 50% with within the next 2 decades as well as on the British petroleum website its mentioned the 85% from the energy demands is going to be met through the non-renewable fuels Medicare Part A:- British petroleum SWOT ANALYSIS: Talents: BPs History/brand:- British petroleum Among the mobile phone industrys well know brand that has been operating in the industry forever from the 1800s but formally referred to as Anglo- Iranian oil company , its history itself dictates its stability with in the industry, it includes a strong holds within the u . s . states market among the biggest consumer of gas and oil on the planet also Bigger producer within the Gulf:- As British petroleum is has its own strong root hold within the American market the organization features its own refining market and distribution channels thus it features a unique and formidable infrastructure, with the network of their subsidiaries making rivals daunting Geographically diverse organisation:- British petroleum continues to be operating in 80 different nations worldwide under different names like Amco, Burmah Castrol, British petroleum express, Arco, British petroleum connectAnd so on. British petroleum also indexed by NSE and FTSE and LSE. however British petroleum amco is among the most powerful brand among the rest of the brand that British petroleum works Leadership in oil related technology:- The oil related technology is understood to be Oil production related technology might help maintain revenue and profits by providing the controlling firm the opportunity to increase production on new oil fields. Superior technology also enables better usage of existing oil reserves from the production and refining capacity Source: (http://world wide web.wikiwealth.com/swot-strength:superior-oil-related-technology) using the definition above that British petroleum has acquired an aggressive edge among its other rivalries in growing producing new oil fields Concentrate on Conventional oil :- On february 2007 the organization has introduced it might be investing 8 billion dollars within the next 10 years within the research of numerous alternative techniques to search the conventional energy resources source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British petroleum#History) British petroleum has over checked out the fuel crisis thats likely to arise in in the future therefore it has transformed its logo design to Helios as one example of it corporate social responsibility thus by attaining the client confidence around the brand, this campaign had been based on slogan known as BP beyond petroleum Michael. E. Porter emerging industries are recently created or cool industries which have been produced by technological improvements, that elevate something new or service to the stage of potential viable of innovations pg 215 . Thus based on M. E porter using unconventional energy is definitely an emerging market where British petroleum makes extensive efforts to achieve the edge against your competitors. Also we will be talking about the likely methods that British petroleum can consider , once we proceed in to the next parts of this paper Weakness:- Negative consumer perception:- Though British petroleum continues to be striving difficult to position British petroleum like a environmentally friendly brand, the current occurrences has put British petroleum customers on dilemma concerning the brand positioning, because of recent spills in Alaska and gulf, also British petroleum has elevated it gas prices in in comparison to the rivals Unstable Oil industry:- Industries for example oil are in the stake because of their availability later on , however oil market is higly lucrative , additionally, it suffers unpredictability which decreases ale opportunities in the traders Possibilities:- Energy independence: since 8 billion dollars continues to be invested into research of conventional powers and alternative fuel techniques, you will see more possibilities developing within the fields of photo voltaic wind and gas energy Growth of areas:- British petroleum can consider growth of its edges to appropriate oil reserves and through purchase of gas and oil industries within the north ocean along with other areas globally Prices and quality:- British petroleum may also reconsider by flexing its prices policy to be able to answer the challenging competition, supported by very same top quality of fuel Risks:- Instability:- Many BPs oils creating regions are facing with unstable government making business much more volatile Oil Spill:- British petroleum continues to be alleged to be undertaking environment hazard activities in oil excavation following a spills in Alaska and Mexico, too a some periodic fire accidents within the British petroleum oil rigs, corrosion within the oil pipe lines can also be appearing a significant threat to the organization Saturation of assets:- Natural saturation of assets within the oil wells could be another major threat towards the companys existence PESTEL Analysis :- M. E Porter has recommended a frame work known as pestel analysis in understainding the forces within the macro atmosphere G. Schools and Remedy states that understanding how PESTEL factors might effect on and drive alternation in general is a great beginning point pg 66 The word PESTEL means political , economical social technological environmental and legal these forces have affect on the organisational exterior atmosphere POLITICAL à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ As talked about above because of unstable government authorities within the BPs production nations the mobile phone industrys energy marketplaces are becoming more volatile à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Due to climatic change issues and weather disturbances government authorities are coming up with a powerful obstacles on oil excavations, besides encouraging such industries into discover more sustainable types of energy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ On whole the worldwide energy marketplace is increasingly volatile because of ongoing oil demands in the under developed nations ECONOMIC à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The economy is based on the power reserves for the reason that country à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The interest rate of worldwide economic recovery supports the answer to energy prospect to next several years (IEA. 2010 details sheet ) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Energy marketplaces can envisage demand increase by nearly 60 % based on IEA à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Due substantial increace within the alternative powers supply are required to develop within the next couple of decades quickly SOCIAL à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Based on the Kyoto protocol, charge of the CF(swimming pool water fluorine) carbon pollutants has turned into a legal requirement à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ More attention continues to be attracted for the concerns on sustainability for the future though this might appear just a little impact right now because of unavailability of manufacture of cheaper types of renewable power for example photo voltaic and wind energy TECHNOLOGY à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ This pressure is probably appears to become a significant driver of alternation in the worldwide energy market because it is being underpinned with a technological developments of manufacture of economical methods for renewable power Part 2:- The Ansoff Matrix :- the ansoff matrix is really a 22 matrix with items market mix for existing and new marketplaces , it was initially suggested by H. Igor Ansoff, its a growth marketplaces matrix helps the organisation to consider its proper decision it may also help us to analyse how British petroleum has varied itself from British oil to beyond oil http://tutor2u.internet/business/strategy/ansoff_matrix.htm Existing product Cool product Existing market Market transmission This requires British petroleum stretching its physical frontiers, more retail shops, direct distribution etc Product Bio-fuels which are created inside a sustainable way, and solar power wind energy etc New market Market development Marketing and advertising flexing the prices policy in United kingdom and obtaining person possessed retail shops in prime locations Diversification Neat and renewable solar power for houses, streets and companies Use of ansoff matrix to the current organization:- Market transmission:- British petroleum includes a obvious and focused strategy in market penentration using its varied items for every single market segment like houses business as well as varied items like lubrication motor oils etc can also be found to aid its deliberate strategy into market transmission Product:- this tactic is better applied whenever a particular service or product is within maturity or perhaps a decline stage however because of global environment fuel crisis it is essential to search for any new energy assets, however this proper approach give an edge against your competitors towards the organisation like bio fuel through sustainable sources, thus British petroleum has switched its marketing tag from British oil to beyond oil IEA 2004, also predicted the future energy supply is going to be from renewable assets Market development:- British petroleum continues to be strongly and readily using the forex market strategy, because it is presently operating in 80 different nations, also as part of further market development, British petroleum hold its very own distribution channels besides getting dealer distribution channels, lately in India, British petroleum has specific a brand new demographic group ie., CNG( compressed gas) for domestic reasons, By which British petroleum has acquired a substantial share of the market. However, still theres a lots of space to develop in this region by growing more into Africa and Russia and Europe Diversification: Although diversification is definitely an very dangerous strategy, to secure BPs future British petroleum has invested 8 billion dollars in the introduction of economical methods to produce renewable and alternative powers, as you will find some speculations that solar power is going to be utilized more by 50% than its present usage (data monitor 2004). To be able to gain knowledge of this sector of ones production british petroleum has invested this type of great deal, to restore its deficits because of recent oil spills. British petroleum has acknowledged the significance of diversification strategy, when the expertise is acquired then its really a market leader by selecting emerging industry marketplaces entry methods BCG Matrix : Cash Cows British oil includes a large share of the market in gas and oil industry using its wings extended in 80 different nations, however, these SBU are rich in share of the market with less room for that growth because it is an adult market, these SBU have to be handled well with right technique to keep up with the profits STARS: British petroleum is presently well-established in many of their operating nations however, theres still room to develop to stars because it the 4th biggest when it comes to revenue making then royal Nederlander and Exxon Mobil (cnn, 2010) (http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2010/full_list/) QUESTIONMARKS: British petroleum is attempting to head to new marketplaces by trading into sustainable and alternative energy assets, because it has small be part of high growth market because it is predicted that marketplace for these renewable powers were prone to rise quickly Also BPs CNG items could be another question mark because it has high growth which may be changed by gas within the developed nations DOGS: British petroleum business could be effected by electrification of rail transport within the under developed nations, Wherever British petroleum is working in. Because of the marketplace for delivering diesel to locomotives are in the dogs condition, since it has relatively low growth and small share, which market might sooner vanish. However British petroleum can continue this present SBU, because it cannot modify the other SBUs British petroleum includes a stable share of the market inside a unstable market, regardless of the facing accusations from recent gulf disaster Part 3:- Recommendations for British petroleum because of its entry into emerging energy industry:- Michael. E. porter (1980) recommended a few of the common early obstacles like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Proprietary technology à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Access to recycleables along with other inputs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Risk, which boosts the effective chance price of capital there by effective capital obstacles Proprietary technology:- British petroleum may be the first company to recognize the necessity to invest into growth and development of new methods to produce energy its invested 8 billion dollars to build up and posses the brand new technologies being produced of wind and solar power Use of recycleables along with other inputs:- Although the inclination of the particular barrier may not appear appropriate to BPs manufacture of wind and solar power because they are freely and abundantly obtainable in character however British petroleum still can gain competitive advantage by arranging the copy privileges from the technology thats being/is going to be accustomed to convert the choice assets into energy. Thus producing revenue Risk:- Typically established information mill frequently not the first one to maintain the brand new emerging industry due ot technological advancement even getting the abilty and apparent talents , but climb this guitar rock band wagon latter, and attempts to establish by placing high greater chance cost, within this situation British petroleum has some relatively apparent talents like understanding from the clients and brand strength, so its advisable that British petroleum still press by trading into research of other fuels PORTER FIVE FORCES Brendan Examining the competitive atmosphere 5 Forces Framework of Industry Analysis British petroleum: An analysis while using Five Forces Framework Industry Competition British Oil (British petroleum) works within the energy industry. You will find only a small amount of firms inside the energy industry. It is really an oligopoly market you will find a small amount of producers taking pleasure in a sizable share of the market. The oligopoly market structure is really a fundamental driver of BPs profit increasing operation. British petroleum and it is rivals can make abnormal profits because of the marketplace structure that they compete. Theres mutual interdependence between companies within an oligopolistic market structure. BPs primary rivals are Exxon Mobile, Total SA, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Royal Nederlander Spend. British petroleum can make abnormal profits like the method in which monopolist operate. A strong like British petroleum might not be fully efficient nonetheless they remain in a position to survive because of high obstacles to entry within an oligopoly market. Bain (1956) referred to obstacles to entry as factors which permit established firms within an industry to earn supernormal profits without bringing in entry. An oligopoly structure is characterised by high interdependence between rivals. The choices of British petroleum are heavily based on the choices of the rivals. Just how does British petroleum remain competitive on the market when they cannot take market leadership? Area of the answer lies using the dependency of competitor choices as well as an lack of ability to consider an expense leadership strategy. The possibility of taking this kind of strategy could induce a cost war and lower profits. If BPs rivals decrease fuel prices then British petroleum will most likely lower their cost to prevent losing clients. If however a strong decides to boost prices then its rivals is going to be unwilling to follow. For this reason costs are regarded as sticky as prices are usually resistant against change. Sticky cost levels could be described with a kinked demand curve produced by Hall and Hitch and Sweezy (1939), proven in figure 1.1. The kink reaches cost P. Any rise in cost above P can lead to a far more than proportionate fall in quantity required as customers tends to buy using their company firms who havent elevated their cost. Over the cost P the cost elasticity demand is greater and much more elastic. Home loan business cost below P demand becomes inelastic and fewer prone to a big change sought after. Because of the tight oligopoly market British petroleum compete inside it seems that British petroleum they may be colluding using their rivals on prices. The items they offer are extremely homogenous, the cost elasticity of demand is low and you will find high obstacles to entry, creating ideal conditions for collusion. Oligopolists are circular dependent (Lipczynski and Wilson 2001). How much transparency regarding cost is high, which allows British petroleum and it is rivals to consistently match the cost of the leading member. Scherer 1996 describes this as collusive cost leadership. By colluding on prices youll be able to earn abnormal profits. The best choice functions like a barometer, whose cost bulletins reflect market demand and supply conditions (Scherer 1996). I (an oligopolist) cannot define my favorite guidelines unless of course I understand You (my rival) are performing at the same time, however, you cant define your very best move unless of course guess what happens Ill do (Asch 1964, p.54). Threat of recent newcomers The mining, gas and oil industry is among the most lucrative. The Worldwide 500 ranks British petroleum the fourth most lucrative. Why exist only numerous firms within the energy industry taking pleasure in abnormal profits and total share of the market? Generating high profits generally draws in new newcomers, however new newcomers can experience obstacles to entry preventing them from entering the marketplace. You will find no obstacles to entry in perfect competition marketplaces, new firms can set-up and then leave with relative ease. Its not as basic for brand new firms to create-in an oligopolistic market. You will find several obstacles to entry stopping firms from doing this. Bain describes obstacles to entry as factors which permit established firms within an industry to earn supernormal profits without bringing in entry. Among the biggest obstacles to entry for brand new firms may be the great deal of capital needed to create-up in the market highlighted by figure 1.2. The price to a different firm could be much greater compared to average costs of existing firms. Another barrier to entry is BPs up and down integrated structure. Theyre involved completely across the logistics, from finding oil deposits, drilling and removing crude, refining into oil items, disbursing and selling at British petroleum possessed retail store franchisees, further denying use of new newcomers. They could make profits across the logistics, known as upstream and downstream profits. Vertical integration exclusions could be categorised as limited practice, for example limit prices cost methods (Lipczynski and Wilson 2001). Financial systems of scale prevent new newcomers attaining access in to the market. British petroleum is definitely an established, global organisation in the market which in a position to source, extract, refine and distribute oil in a reduced cost in comparison having a small start-up firm establishing on your own. At greater amounts of output a vertical integrated firm for example British petroleum can specialize in factors of production within the entire product existence cycle, in the exploration and extraction of oil (upstream) to distribution refining and selling gas (downstream) to customers through many that belongs to them retail shops. Trade obstacles are reduced the fuel retail market. In the beginning approximation fuel merchants seem to fall under the monopolistic competition category Scherer (1996). However, its important for merchants to know those things of the rivals. Machlup describes fuel merchants inside a neighborhood as chain oligopolists. Gas is definitely an inelastic good, a sizable alternation in cost wont change quantity required. To be able to lessen the uncertainty with prices, fuel merchants collude on prices. This can help these to gain the very best profit and might help to avoid one merchants missing out. For instance, imagine you will find two merchants A and B on opposite side from the road. If Your drops its fuel cost, B will loose out if he doesnt mirror the cost of the. Selling fuel in the lower cost can lead to both A and B making less profit. By colluding on the set cost, its possible for A and B not to loose out. This really is known as duopoly tacit collusion and is comparable to Cournots type of oligopoly. Theres however, the temptation for just one firm to interrupt the guidelines, or cheat by lowering cost underneath the agreed level to be able to gain competitive edge on rivals, which can lead to a cost war. The threat of recent entry appears within the oil market appears unlikely for the short term. You will find a number of very large oil and companies who dominate the which take advantage of financial systems of scale, vertical integration and incredibly high obstacles to entry. The resembles a monopoly as rivals co-operate to savor monopoly style profits, further restricting new newcomers. Possibly the threat of recent newcomers may promote themselves with the introduction of new fuel technologies as gradual fossil fuel demand declines. With ever growing pressure from government and pressure groups, combined using the depletion of world oil reserves, eventually you will see a change from oil consumption as supplies go out and new fuel options be a more appealing. Figure 1.4 shows the extraction of oil once we transfer to the long term. The cost will rise progressively with time as supply dries up. Conscious of this issue, British petroleum in 2007 selected the College of California, Berkley to guide a $500 million energy research programme. The programme will build up new sustainable technologies for British petroleum. By diversifying British petroleum continues to some primary player in the market getting into the long term. British petroleum has additionally pledged to take a position another 500 million over ten years to finance bioscience research programmes for br and new and cleaner energy development. Threat of substitute items Oil is really a scarce commodity thats greatly sought after. The planet is dependent on oil and presently you will find very few viable substitutes for oil presently available. With large nations for example India and china quickly growing the issue will simply worsen. The present options for fuels include coal, LPG (Liquid Oil Gas) both non-renewable fuels and hydrogen (which requires using fuel to create). Beyond these options theres wind energy, photo voltaic energy, geothermal power energy and nuclear energy. British petroleum Most of the substitutes for oil for example LPG already are written by British petroleum. British petroleum appear ready for just about any potential risks from potential innovative firms entering the marketplace, partially because British petroleum have considerable amounts of investment already in research and development. Negotiating energy of purchasers and providers Customers buy oil items from British petroleum possessed fuel merchants. The merchants purchase their fuel from British petroleum, who extract and refine crude from the 3 that belongs to them locations around the world. Effectively British petroleum doesnt have providers, because they supply themselves, even though they are subject to the marketplace cost of oil. The cost oil is dependent upon the availability of oil, mainly in the cartel of OPEC the worlds 13 biggest oil creating groups. By being employed as a cartel the oil creating nations (who depend heavily on oil revenues), can manipulate the cost of oil by growing or lowering the availability of oil. British petroleum needs to market oil to the merchants in the market cost which is passed onto customers. The cost of oil affects the entire logistics. British petroleum along with other rivals make bigger profits once the cost oil is high, once the cost of oil falls, generally customers take advantage of affordable prices in the pump and oil producers make more compact profits or even manages to lose. Figure 1.5 demonstrates an increase in prices when supply is fixed by oil providers. The negotiating energy of customers as purchasers is extremely limited. Theyre subject to the chain oligopolist merchants who collude on prices, following barometric cost level based on the marketplace cost leader. Although British petroleum is really a large firm theyre small in comparison to large oil creating nations for example Saudi Arabia. Principle nations for example Saudi Arabia are capable of take dominant firm cost leadership. They could do that by working together using the OPEC cartel modifying output levels to help keep prices high. This really is known as joint profit maximisation, although there might be a inclination for nations inside the cartel to cheat or increase output to be able to earn more money. The cartel prices strategy is effective if all gamers stay with the guidelines and offer the correct amount agreed through the cartel. This really is highlighted by figure 1.6. The cartel enjoy cost PCartel in the quantity QCartel. If your player decides to cheat and convey more oil he is able to privately sell more oil at quantity QCheat and also at a lower cost PCheat. Nations smashing the rules may pull it off for some time, however eventually the marketplace will react to the additional output and a decrease in the cost of oil will result. Government The function of presidency plays a huge role to managing the quantity of profits caused by sales of oil. Windfall taxes were created by the work government in 1997 on utility and companies for example British petroleum so that they can lessen the development of the lately privatised industry (BBC News [online] 31 The month of january 2008). Throughout 2007 the cost of the barrel of oil arrived at $147. Companies for example British petroleum recorded a 6% increase in profits. Unions known as for any windfall tax on British petroleum along with other producers. British petroleum contended they are already one from the biggest taxpayers (BBC News [online] 29 This summer 2008). British petroleum also contended the cost of oil is occur the relatively free market. Others state that even OPEC can perform little concerning the control on oil prices any longer. Restrictions while using Porters Five Framework You will find many exterior forces affecting the competition inside a market. Competition varies in various marketplaces. Porters Five Forces model helps organisations understand industry structure and shapes the competition that is a result of competing in various structures. Its important for firms to fully understand market structure that they operate (Worthington et al 2001). An analysis of British petroleum while using five forces framework presents numerous problems. The model doesnt think about the macroeconomic atmosphere, especially as British petroleum is really a global player. Political and legalities have to be considered. Whats the current legislation concerning cartels, monopolies and move rules? Similarly economic and technological changes are important for an organization for example British petroleum, always searching toward the long-term. An excellent illustration of financial aspects factors affecting British petroleum may be the current economic recession that ha s drastically reduced the interest in oil and company profits. Even though the oil industry presently seems to become a relatively stable for profitability, theres without doubt that eventually you will see a change from oil. Jergin identifies a big change will come by means of a significant technological breakthrough in alternate wind turbine or possibly from an environment crisis, diminishing oils importance. In either case Porters framework does not identify a few of these key issues. If used properly the model may be used perfectly, although if use wrongly, without thinking about underlying forces, then it may be meaningless. British petroleum, a hundred years-old global gas and oil company has experienced numerous major problems recently. Evaluation from the business structure and company culture at British petroleum clearly determines its significant responsibility like a cause of these problems. Presently British petroleum reaches the purpose of no return. Aggressive action through the board of British petroleum in structure

SAINT JOHN BOSCO Essay -- essays research papers

John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815, to a poor farming family in Becchi, a small suburb of Turin, Italy. The child grew to be the â€Å"Beloved Apostle of Youth†. One of John Bosco’s earliest recollections occurred at age two. He remembers his mother telling him upon his father’s death , â€Å"You have no father now†. Although he stated that he could not remember what his father was like , his death must have had a profound effect on him and perhaps sparked his desire to help troubled boys, many of whom were fatherless. I cannot say that I have suffered the loss of a close family member and can only imagine the effect it could have on my life. From the time he was a young child, John Bosco seemed to have a clear understanding of God’s ways; and what he didn’t understand was often made clear to him by his mother â€Å"Mama Margaret†. She seemed to know, even at an early age, that her son was destined to do good in the name of God. She taught him by example from an early age and continued to support him and all his good works throughout his life. She eventually joined him at he Oratory and became â€Å"Mother† to hundreds of boys. Her positive influence was felt by all of those boys. It was almost as if the Blessed Mother worked through her good example and words of wisdom. Mama Margaret warned her son to â€Å"beware of bad boys you may meet on your journey through life†. and asked him one day, â€Å"Why do you go with such bad boys?† How many mothers have echoed similar words? How confident John Bosco was in the power of his good example when he replied, â€Å"If I am with them they are better and do not say bad words†. Wouldn’t this world be a better place if we all had such confidence and faith in the power our own good example. As a young child, John Bosco had the ability to attract young boys. He went out of his way to study â€Å"traveling show† folk to learn acrobatic and sleight of hand tricks to entertain the boys who would gather around him. After a performance he would discuss a sermon from a recent Mass or lead the group in a hymn. If people started to leave he would tell them that they couldn’t come back and see more tricks unless they stayed for the sermon. Of course they remained. At age nine John had a dream that clearly indicated his intentions of becoming a priest. Mama Margaret understood this dream and set out to educate her son and prepare him for First Holy Communio... ...ready does exist, but we haven’t taken notice yet. I have to admit that mothers seem to have this ability to sense when we are about to get into trouble whether we know it or not. Needless to say, John Bosco worked tirelessly for his boys. A doctor had commented that his body seemed like that of a much older man. Perhaps that was because John Bosco never refused a request from anyone in need. He gave generously of his time, his energy, and his wisdom. He died on January 31, 1888 and was canonized in 1934. While reading this book I could not help but recognize the similarities between John Bosco’s Oratories and our school. There is clearly a feeling of brotherhood among the students at Don Bosco Prep. I remember how we all laughed during orientation when we were told about this feeling of brotherhood, but all of us now agree that it exists. We are led by the good example of our teachers and priests, are made to follow a code of discipline, and are provided academic and religious instruction. It is an atmosphere that guides us in choosing between right and wrong and hopefully gives us confidence and faith in the power of our own good example. The work of Saint John Bosco continues!

How effective is the first chapter of Lord Of The Flies? Essay

The first chapter of the L.O.T.F was very effective. It’s written after the Second World War but it talks about the first world, when the children from the city are flown to a hiding place, so they don’t get killed in the war. But the plane crashes in an island and the adults are all dead. This part makes the story effective because there’s suspense in it and excitement. There are no adults and no one knows where they are. They are stranded in an unknown island which makes this part of the story effective. The story starts with the â€Å"fair boy† getting out the crashed plane and stepping into the â€Å"scar†. The scar is made when the plane crashed into the island. This attracts attention to reader so this makes the story effective. Then as we go into the story we get introduced to â€Å"piggy† and we find out that the â€Å"fair boys† name is â€Å"Ralph†. They find something called a conch and â€Å"piggy† explains to â€Å"Ralph† what it does and this, what’s used to call the other children who were in the aeroplane. As we get introduced to each character the story starts to unfold and becomes more effective. The story is very effective when â€Å"Ralph† betrays piggy’s trust. Ralph – Ralph is a dependable and reliable person. He’s basically kind and he is sensitive. He demonstrates physical courage. He believes the good within people and represents the value of civilisations as well as democracy. He’s a posh person. â€Å"Piggy† is the intelligent person out of the group. â€Å"Jack† is a stubborn character and wants to be a leader because he wants to hunt and kill pigs. He says the best way to kill a pig is â€Å"you cut a pigs throat to let the blood out† so this shows his dark side. Ten there’s the twins â€Å"Sam† and â€Å"Eric†, they act the same, do the same and you can’t tell them apart. Then there’s â€Å"Maurice† who’s always smiling and is always a happy character. Then threes other boys where we don’t know much about except their names â€Å"Roger†, â€Å"Bill†, â€Å"Robert†, â€Å"Harold† and â€Å"Simon†, â€Å"Henry† and a boy with the birthmark. The symbolisms that are used in this novel are â€Å"piggy† he’s using this word to get the meaning across of the fact that he’s fat and ugly, which interests readers and makes the chapter effective. Then there’s piggy wearing glasses which shows symbol of intelligence. The conch with Ralph shows the symbolism of the world of democracy and how they are using the conch to show symbolism of democracy. There’s the beast which is the evil inside everyone. Jacks actions are symbolism of savagery. So all the symbolism attracts the readers attention and makes the chapter one effective. There are lots of themes in the novel betrayal, evil, order savagery power and leadership. In the novel there is a descent into savagery and is seen in the choir who became the hunters which makes the story effective because they change dramatically from little weak choir boys into hunters which makes the chapter effective. Jack releases his savage instincts by creating his mask. Then they become savages following his lead which makes the story effective. The conch becomes the symbol for the world of order and civilization. Where the boys come from they live in a democracy which is one of the themes here and they try to establish this on the island, however a democracy won’t work with few people trying. The uses of language in lord of the flies have a meaning behind each sentence. It’s structured well and you have to analyse each words to find out what the significance is behind the sentences. â€Å"them fruit† showing the bad english of piggy. â€Å"We can use this to call the others† and this is saying this is the first attempt at order. There is lots of imagery in the novel. It describes the person’s character and looks. Jack is an obstinate character and we can imagine him being blood lust as he wants to kill a pig. Then there’s piggy who we can imagine being intelligent fat and detested person. To my judgment chapter one is very effective because as a reade4r I loved how the sentence started and how it gradually built up interestingly and it was so effective it made you want to read more and more. As the chapters go I am sure the novel will be interesting.

Be the Change You Wish to See in the World Essay

Gandhi said, â€Å"Be the change you wish to see in the world.† You have the power within you to create the life you want to live. You have the power to shape the world around you just by who you are being, and how you are communicating. The law of attraction, one of the fundamental aspects to living a life by design, explains that everything that is created in the outside world is the result of what takes place internally. Being the change you wish to see in the world starts with taking full responsibility for everything that is happening in your life. The first Law of Supreme Influence states, â€Å"I create my reality.† Creating your life by design means taking full ownership and total personal accountability for where you are right now. By accepting that you are fully â€Å"at cause† for your life, you access the wisdom to recognize how your moment-to-moment thoughts, words, and actions create the results you experience. Each of us is the author and architect of the results we experience. Every thought we have, word we speak (whether to ourselves or out loud), and action we take is like planting a seed; a seed that will germinate and grow when the appropriate conditions are present. Like farmers carefully planting the next harvest, we reap the effects of having sown the seeds of past thoughts and behaviors. There are no idle thoughts! Everything we see, and everything we experience has its origin and cause in the realm of thought. Understanding this phenomenon is the beginning of true wisdom. In life, you either get results or you give reasons, there is no in between. When you get a result and own it, whether you perceive it to be desirable or not, you become empowered through the wisdom that is found in recognizing how your thoughts, words, and actions create the results you receive. Owning your results is living â€Å"at cause†, giving reasons only initiates the opportunity to create similar results in the future. Any time someone gives a reason, even when it seems to be real and true, it leads to a loss of personal power. Giving reasons assumes what is happening outside of you is more powerful than your ability to transform it. And that is not true! You have the power to shift your world. It begins with you! Here are a few red flags that will illuminate anytime you’ve momentarily forgotten your creative power. Anytime you catch yourself blaming, minimizing, denying, or justifying – let it serve as a signal to bring your awareness to the present moment and come back to â€Å"cause.† As soon as you catch yourself, you can make a new choice. This gives you freedom! Being at cause for what occurs in your life gives you power, supporting you on your journey to be the change you wish to see in the world

British family structures - changes since WW2 essays

British family structures - changes since WW2 essays Discuss the ways in which British family structures may have changed since the Second World War. In order to discuss and evaluate any changes which may have taken place within the structure of the British family after the Second World War, it is first necessary to examine the structures of the family unit prior to the Second World War. Only then will it be possible to make comparisons between the two. In this essay I shall look at overall family structures, more specifically the gender roles played out by men and women within the family. Before considering these, I shall begin by exploring what is meant and understood by family and whether the definition of family can include households composed of single parents and their children, childless and cohabiting couples and same-sex relationships. Definitions are always crucial in discussing social issues, because a word such as family is almost inevitably laden with value-based meanings. As society has changed and attitudes and values have influenced sociological thinking, some theorists have redefined the terms in which family is studied and discussed. The Oxford Dictionary definition of family is: members of a household, parents, children, servants etc...sets of parents and children, living together or not. This definition reaches to the heart of the difficulties in defining family, as it identifies two of the main ways people have tried to describe it. Elliot comments that the definition of family as a unit consisting of a husband and wife, and their children is very much a concept belonging to modern Western society. She emphasises the fact that society often defines family by a set of value-based assumptions rather than a careful and precise analysis, pointing out: This unit is widely thought of as a group based on marriage and biological parenthood, as sharing a common residence and as united by ties of affection,...

Art Expression Essays - Visual Arts, Painting, Art History

Art Expression Essays - Visual Arts, Painting, Art History Art Expression Before the portrayal of the human body can be critiqued, you must understand the artist's culture. As man evolved over centuries, his views of the body also transformed. Our tour definitely showed the drastic changes in different cultures' art. Each culture and era presents very distinct characteristics. Through time and experimentation, we have expressed our views of the human body clearly with our art. Egyptians were the first people to make a large impact on the world of art. Egyptians needed art for their religious beliefs more than decoration or self-gratification. The most important aspect of Egyptian life is the ka, the part of the human spirit that lives on after death. The ka needed a physical place to occupy or it would disappear. Most of the important men of Egypt paid to have their body carved out of stone. That was were the spirit would live after the man dies. They used stone because it was the strongest material they could find. Longevity was very important. The bodies are always idealized and clothed. Figures are very rigid, close-fisted, and are built on a vertical axis to show that the person is grand or intimidating. Most of the figures were seen in the same: profile of the legs, frontal view of the torso, and profile of the head. Like most civilizations, Egyptians put a lot of faith in gods. The sky god Horus, a bird, is found in a great amount of Egyptian art. Little recognition was ever given to the artists. The emphasis was on the patron. Early Greek art was greatly influenced by the Egyptians. Geography permitted both cultures to exchange their talents. The beginning of Greek art is marked by the Geometric phase. The most common art during the Geometric phase was vase painting. After the vase was formed but before it was painted, the artist applied a slip (dark pigment) to outside. Then the vase was fired and the artist would incise his decorations into the hard shell. It was important to incise humans into the fired slip and not paint with slip. The people in the pictures needed light colored skin, which was the color beneath the slip, because Greeks wanted to make their art as realistic as possible. Much like Egyptian art, the Greeks idealized the bodies of the people in their works. As the Archaic Period evolved, Greek sculptures were almost identical to the Egyptians'. Unlike Egyptians, the Greeks refined their techniques. Greeks used marble to construct their sculptures. It was considered more valuable and beautiful than any material available. They softened the lines of the body. Greek sculptors slowly perfected every contour in the human figure. Greek people viewed the human body as something beautiful and so they depicted nude men. Women were eventually nude but only when there was a reason, they needed to be bathing or something where they would be naked. They people that are sculpted are always young and their bodies are still idealized. The Greeks invented contrapposto, the relaxed natural stance of a sculpture. A figure that is standing in contrapposto becomes a sculpture in the round, meaning that the emphasis is not only on a frontal view but also from all angles. The Hellenistic Period emerged as the Romans began to produce some of the finest art in history. This new revolutionary style was incredible. Figures weren't confined to the unnatural or boring positions they had for centuries. All body parts were in perfect proportion. These statues came alive as their limbs reached out into space. Vacant stares evolved into human emotions, which were easily recognized on their faces. I think this renaissance portrayed the way people were thinking. They were exploring philosophy, religion, and politics. This was a time for rebirth. Christian art was introduced during the middle of the second century. In many cases the only difference between Christian art and Hellenistic art is the religious subject matter. After a slow start the Christians introduced something new, the mosaic. Mosaics became a favorite medium for decorating churches. Man was viewed in religious scenes due to the spread of Christianity. Byzantine and medieval art was very representative. The artists' ability to produce lifelike figures had regressed. The emphasis was not on man anymore. Their art was made to glorify God. The fifteenth century marked the arrival of the Renaissance. Artists have finally recaptured the amazing detail and realism that the Greeks and Romans perfected. Artists pushed the

Theory of Ritualism by Robert Merton

Theory of Ritualism by Robert Merton Ritualism is a concept developed by American sociologist Robert K. Merton as a part of his structural strain theory. It refers to the common practice of going through the motions of daily life even though one does not accept the goals or values that align with those practices. Ritualism as a Response to Structural Strain Merton, an important figure in early American sociology, created what is considered to be one of the most important theories of deviance within the discipline. Mertons structural strain theory states that people experience tension when a society does not provide adequate and approved means for achieving culturally valued goals. In Mertons view, people either accept these conditions and go along with them, or they challenge them in some way, which means they think or act in ways that appear deviant from cultural norms. Structural strain theory accounts for five responses to such strain, of which ritualism is one. Other responses include conformity, which involves continual acceptance of the goals of the society and continued participation in the approved means through which one is supposed to achieve them. Innovation involves accepting the goals but rejecting the means and creating new means. Retreatism refers to rejection of both the goals and the means, and rebellion occurs when individuals reject both and then create new goals and means to pursue. According to Mertons theory, ritualism occurs when a person rejects the normative goals of their society but nonetheless continues to participate in the means of attaining them. This response involves deviance in the form of rejecting the normative goals of society but is not deviant in practice because the person continues to act in a way that is in line with pursuing those goals. One common example of ritualism is when people do not embrace the goal of getting ahead in society by doing well in ones career and earning as much money as possible. Many have often thought of this as the American Dream, as did Merton when he created his theory of structural strain. In contemporary American society, many have become aware that stark economic inequality is the norm, that most people do not actually experience social mobility in their lives, and that most money is made and controlled by a very tiny minority of wealthy individuals. Those who see and understand this economic aspect of reality, and those who simply do not value economic success but frame success in other ways, will reject the goal of climbing the economic ladder. Yet, most will still engage in the behaviors that are meant to achieve this goal. Most will spend most of their time at work, away from their families and friends, and may even still attempt to gain status and increased salary within their professions, despite the fact that they reject the end goal. They go through the motions of what is expected perhaps because they know that it is normal and expected, because they do not know what else to do with themselves, or because they have no hope or expectation of change within society. Ultimately, though ritualism stems from discontent with the values and goals of society, it works to maintain the status quo by keeping normal, everyday practices and behaviors in place. If you think about it for a moment, there are probably at least a few ways in which you engage in ritualism in your life. Other Forms of Ritualism The form of ritualism that Merton described in his structural strain theory describes behavior among individuals, but sociologists have identified other forms of ritualism too. For example, sociologists also recognize political ritualism, which occurs when people participate in a political system by voting despite the fact that they believe that the system is broken and cannot actually achieve its goals. Ritualism is common within bureaucracies, wherein rigid rules and practices are observed by members of the organization, even though doing so is often counter to their goals. Sociologists call this bureaucratic ritualism.

Marketing Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Marketing Plan - Essay Example This type of marketing propaganda attracts old and new customers alike and sales of the products usually shoot up. In essence, creative and innovative marketing strategy is always preferred to promote sale of new and product of services. A good database of customers always helps in introducing new products and to increase the sales. It is always good to give something extra along with the product with the basic principle of giving less and getting more out of the customers and this strategy is always behind all the schemes that the company may come up with. Strategic marketing plans are crucial part of promoting products and services of an organization. The market plans are focused around 4Ps (product, prices, place and promotion) and a good market strategy always takes these points on a priority basis. It is equally important that while planning appropriate market strategy, proper use of SWOT (strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis is taken up. Awareness of strengths and weaknesses in the company’s resources facilitate and match the opportunities and threats so as to provide a competitive edge to their rivals. SWOT analysis is an important tool to up grade internal strengths of the company to meet the external opportunities and exploit them in a manner that would provide the companies with cutting edge advantage over their rivals. In the present case if the concept of coupon key ring is patented, nobody else would be able to copy this technique and it will present P&G with great opportunity to exploit this unique discount concept where customers need not bother with the regular discount coupons whenever new discount scheme or product is launched. Product is of vital importance and its pricing makes it salable item. Maintaining a good database of customers is important part of market strategy which

Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Government - Essay Example This would politicize the entire education system since the appointed education leaders have to act in favor of the governor’s preference, but not in accordance with the people’s desire. An independent state elected board such as Texas Board of Education should play the role of overseeing and managing the education in states. This will help in bringing positive tension in the education system since the board will carry out its functions with independence from the political leaders such as the governors (Robelen, par. 4). I agree that governors are probably correct when they say that individuals look at them as the leaders of a state’s education system. Governors are usually involved in the leadership of the entire state, which implies that the governor acts as the head of education leaders of a state. Hence, he has to take part indirectly in the leadership of a state’s education. I have an opinion that decision making in education must be depoliticized. De-politicization of decision making in the education helps in the implementation of education policies through considering nonpolitical influence, which develops the education

Discuss Whether Justified True Belief Can Be Considered Knowledge Essay

Discuss Whether Justified True Belief Can Be Considered Knowledge - Essay Example Nonetheless, such engagement can also bring one to learn more about knowledge – a term ordinarily thought synonymous with the word ‘know’, when not everything we know constitutes knowledge, not even a JTB? JTB is composed of three concepts – belief, truth and justifiedness. Most basic of which is the understanding of belief, as the question of knowledge here is actually related with belief. To rephrase the main question, if JTB can be considered knowledge, would be: Can belief be qualified as knowledge if it is proven justifiably true? From this question, it can be inferred that not all beliefs can be considered knowledge and that even JTB can be doubted as knowledge. Essentially so, the main question centres on understanding what knowledge is. But since the question of knowledge here is limited only in qualifying JTB as knowledge or not, the discussion would only be limited in understanding philosophical views that either affirm or negate JTB as knowledge. So the discussion shall focus only on understanding when a belief is justifiably true; when JTB cannot be considered knowledge; and when JTB can be considered knowledge. Justified True Belief Belief is something we accept to be real or true. ... Of these, perceptual belief is most common, because we easily believe on the existence of things that are perceivable – these are called sense data. These sense data make us believe on the existence of things. For example, we believe in flowers because we see, smell and touch them. In fact, the first and immediate way for us in knowing about the things around us is making use of our five senses (Huemer 2002, p. 27). We come to know first about flowers not through books but through seeing one; we come to differentiate between sweet and bitter not through others testimony but through our sense of taste; we come to know pain and relief because we felt it; we come to know about odours because we smell them; and we come to know about sounds because we hear them – these perceptual experiences we have everyday made us believe on their existence. But not everything we perceive necessarily constitutes what we believe. There are some things we perceive that we may not believe nor care to believe. For example, we see a horse in a painting. Although we know what a horse look like, we do not believe that the horse in the painting is a real horse knowing that works of art, like painting, are basically imitations of the real world or representations of the painter’s perception, feelings or thought (Sheppard 1987, p. 4). On the other hand, not everything we believe may be true, because we are imperfect not only in our perceptions but also in what we remember, on how we reason out, and in other things that we do; so, it is most probable that we can be deceived by our own senses (Audi 2003, p. 8), which under various circumstances can perform differently. For example, if you are colour-blind, you are

Gay Relationship in the Wedding Banquet Movie Review

Gay Relationship in the Wedding Banquet - Movie Review Example The movie is an intense comedy in the first half, and then it reveals the complexities of the relationship burdened on each other. The character Winston Chao, and Simon his lover were living a convenient lifestyle until his parents demand a marriage in an expectation of an offspring. This movie displays very intense emotional sequences as well as riotously funny movements every audience will expect in a movie.   The movie being the debut of actor Winston Chao, does not depict any flaws or chinks in his acting skill. â€Å"The Wedding Banquet never becomes bogged down by its own seriousness. Lee manages to keep the production buoyant by including scenes that are often riotously funny† (Berardinelli.1993). Interestingly, in this movie all the characters possess their own unique worthiness, which gives the audience a splendid visual treat. The plot of the movie The plot of the movie is the life of a Taiwanese immigrant Winston Chao who is a gay. He is in a stable relationship w ith an American man Simon, and defers his parents about his sexuality and agrees to marry Wei – Wei a Chinese woman. ... e in the initial stage looks like a full-blown comedy but later comes out different when the perception of the sexual and cultural choices of the young generation is portrayed dominantly. This movie seems like a romantic comedy in the beginning, but there is a strong dramatic undertone surrounding this movie which the audience finds out towards the other half unravels. The main highlight of the deceptive marriage is the sumptuous banquet after which the Wei - Wei seduces the intoxicated Winston and get herself pregnant. On a finding of pregnancy, Simon gets upset and fights with Winston, and eventually, their relationship starts to deteriorate. In the moment of tension and rage, Winston let his mother know about his sexual identity and his mother knowing this request her son to hide this from his father. Later in the movie, Winston’s father finds out about his son’s relationship with Simon and with half mind go forward to have an amicable relationship with Simon. In the end the father and mother of Winston leave for their homeland leaving Winston, Wei – Wei and Simon to sort out things by themselves. Background and theme of the story The movie â€Å"The Wedding Banquet† is written by three writers namely; Ang Lee, Neil Peng and James Schamus. Ang Lee is the writer and director of the movie and is a Taiwanese American movie director with versatility and dynamic talent. He has directed this movie with a varied nature for which has won Academy Award and lot of acclamation worldwide. Neil Peng is another writer who contributed efficiently to the movie as a screenplay writer. James Schamus is also a screenwriter with numerous acclamations and awards and is also a producer and CEO of Motion Picture Company called Focus Features.  

Stragetic Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Stragetic Management - Case Study Example In the long run, they have to convert the brand switchers into their own brand loyal. To meet this objective and to retain the loyal customers, relationship marketing is believed to be of immense help to firms. The effective use of CRM will ensure customer loyalty and convert them into lifelong consumers of the product. CRM is one among the many steps of customerization. The focus of CRM is to establish relationship with customers on an individual and personalized basis and then to treat different customers differently based on their expectations. CRM is the key to success in the present era and it has become the order of the day that customers are given personalized attention and only those organizations can succeed who have been able to build a base of their loyal customers. As per estimate, the cost of affecting a new customer is five times more in comparison to making an existing customer happy. In the present report, an attempt is made to prepare a CRM plan and discuss how effec tively it can be used to attain more customer base and support. Parcel Force Industry, a U K based parcel company is the firm discussed in the report. Parcelforce Worldwide is a leading provider of guaranteed express deliveries. The company has been serving it loyal customers for over 14 years, which provides a vital link for British businesses needing to send express shipments internationally and in the UK. Parcelforce Worldwide is the trade name of the Royal Mail Group. The company is being driven by its commitment and dedication to serve the customers by delivering the high quality services for over 30,000 customers across the country. Over the years there have been many changes in the company's environment- internally, externally and internationally. Many competitors have come up by posing threats and thereby prompting the company to deliver high quality services to the customers. Over the last few years parcel industry in the U K has been transformed into a stage where the customers have many choices to get their goods/ materials reached the desired points. This competitive situation made the company to rethink about its appr oach of marketing and attitude towards consumers. Now the company is striving to attain more loyal customers by delivering high quality services at fair and reasonable price.Executive Summary Because of the development in the parcel industry in the UK and mushrooming of many new players, the business of existing players including Parcelforce worldwide has been affected drastically. Moreover, the switch over of firms from conventional product oriented approach of marketing to customer oriented approach has compounded the situation worse than ever before. Companies have realized that those with less attention to customers are likely to lose customers and eventually lose business. This tendency among the major players tempted them to adopt a new approach of marketing. They have been, rightly mentioned, forced to change over to more customer-centric marketing strategies. In this context, the present report examines how Parcelforce Worldwide can introduce Customer Relationship Management as its new marketing strategy. The report further addresses various key issues that the firm should take care of in the implementation of CRM as a

Trace the historical deveopment of payment systems from cash to Research Paper

Trace the historical deveopment of payment systems from cash to negotiable instruments to electonic funds transfer and debit cards - Research Paper Example s related to payment systems for the business transactions (Economy Watch, â€Å"Global Economy†) In this regard, organizations and inhabitants are able to undertake the operations nationally as well as in a global context with better efficiency and effectiveness. The transactions include transfer of goods and/or services, investment and fund among others. Thus, in the modern day context numerous transactions take place on a daily basis. These transactions deal with acquisition of financial assets, goods and other services. In this regards, a well defined payment system significantly aids to recognize as an important function in order to eliminate the fictions in the trading environment (BSP, â€Å"What is a payment system?†). Payment system comprises of various instruments, banking procedures along with the interbank transfer of funds to regulate the transfer of funds both nationally and internationally environment. Banking transaction between the parties is an important medium in the developed economy for making payments. Besides, the payment system is an important part of the economic and financial infrastructure. The effective functioning of the payment system enables the transaction to be completed safely and within the time. Moreover, the payment system is highly affected due to the high exposure of risk to the parties to the contract. Thus, the consideration of the proper security measure in order to control the feature of payment system is also very important to mitigate the risk related to it (CPSS 431-449) Correspondingly, the payment system allows the buyers and sellers to complete the transaction in very safe and timely manner in electronic forms. In this regard, it can also be affirmed that t he payment system is the key determinant of financial markets to settle the trading agreements that include government securities, stocks, foreign exchange, commercial paper and bonds among others. Likewise, there are various risks attached to the payment system

Stragetic Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Stragetic Management - Case Study Example In the long run, they have to convert the brand switchers into their own brand loyal. To meet this objective and to retain the loyal customers, relationship marketing is believed to be of immense help to firms. The effective use of CRM will ensure customer loyalty and convert them into lifelong consumers of the product. CRM is one among the many steps of customerization. The focus of CRM is to establish relationship with customers on an individual and personalized basis and then to treat different customers differently based on their expectations. CRM is the key to success in the present era and it has become the order of the day that customers are given personalized attention and only those organizations can succeed who have been able to build a base of their loyal customers. As per estimate, the cost of affecting a new customer is five times more in comparison to making an existing customer happy. In the present report, an attempt is made to prepare a CRM plan and discuss how effec tively it can be used to attain more customer base and support. Parcel Force Industry, a U K based parcel company is the firm discussed in the report. Parcelforce Worldwide is a leading provider of guaranteed express deliveries. The company has been serving it loyal customers for over 14 years, which provides a vital link for British businesses needing to send express shipments internationally and in the UK. Parcelforce Worldwide is the trade name of the Royal Mail Group. The company is being driven by its commitment and dedication to serve the customers by delivering the high quality services for over 30,000 customers across the country. Over the years there have been many changes in the company's environment- internally, externally and internationally. Many competitors have come up by posing threats and thereby prompting the company to deliver high quality services to the customers. Over the last few years parcel industry in the U K has been transformed into a stage where the customers have many choices to get their goods/ materials reached the desired points. This competitive situation made the company to rethink about its appr oach of marketing and attitude towards consumers. Now the company is striving to attain more loyal customers by delivering high quality services at fair and reasonable price.Executive Summary Because of the development in the parcel industry in the UK and mushrooming of many new players, the business of existing players including Parcelforce worldwide has been affected drastically. Moreover, the switch over of firms from conventional product oriented approach of marketing to customer oriented approach has compounded the situation worse than ever before. Companies have realized that those with less attention to customers are likely to lose customers and eventually lose business. This tendency among the major players tempted them to adopt a new approach of marketing. They have been, rightly mentioned, forced to change over to more customer-centric marketing strategies. In this context, the present report examines how Parcelforce Worldwide can introduce Customer Relationship Management as its new marketing strategy. The report further addresses various key issues that the firm should take care of in the implementation of CRM as a

Pediatric Healthcare Disparities Essay Example for Free

Pediatric Healthcare Disparities Essay Disparities in healthcare of children are complex problem that is associated with the disparities that exist in healthcare systems. These inequalities in the access to health care include the following factors: race and ethnicity, insurance status, education, English language proficiency, and poverty(Sobo, 2006). The aforementioned factors affect access to healthcare and the quality of service received. The racial disparities in pediatric healthcare are a tremendously pervasive depressing problem. Instead of those who most need the healthcare receiving it, they are given less priority hence these services did not reach them(Lieu, 2003). Among the most important gauges of soundness of health in children is being able to acquire healthcare services that are of high quality. Children’s health needs appropriate and apt use of medical services like physical examinations, laboratory test for diseases, and immunizations. These services are deprived to the children of the socioeconomic minority. Healthcare disparities observed pertains to less access to healthcare services and acquisition of low quality health care services by people whom are poor, of racial and ethnic minority, limited English proficiency, and low educational attainment. Children that belong to the racial and ethnic minorities receive an inferior quality of healthcare. Not only are there a small number of children in the minority class suffering from this type of problem but millions of them(Beal, 2004). Mortality in infants in Black communities is doubled when compared to the mortalities of infants of the White communities. Even this maternal and societal health’s most significant gauge confirms that the existence of racial and ethnic disparities is true. In United States, the people of color at present have a bleak healthcare condition. Approximately 20 percent Black and 30 percent Hispanic Americans do not have consistent source of medical care compared to less than 16 percent of the White Americans. There is a three-fold increase to the numbers of Hispanic children that do not have access to healthcare when compared to children that are not Hispanic Americans(AHRQ 2000). These alarming data poses a threat to the state of health especially of children that belongs to this people that belongs to the racial and ethnic minorities. Studies which were done for the determination of the factors involved in the disparities of pediatric healthcare are of significance in identification of populations involved in these dilemma. In a study done by Hambinge et al, it was found that in well-child visits (WCVs) the black and Latino children were given less counseling(Hambidge, 2007). Racial minorities in United States such as the Latino and Black children are the main population that suffers from these inconsistencies in the provision of healthcare. Scott (2004) indicated in the conclusion of their study that Hispanic or Latino children has increased risk of having no access to healthcare services in the last 15 years. Hispanic or Latino is defined in the study as individuals that came from countries in Central America, North America, Caribbean, and Europe. The absence of access to healthcare services was found to be greater in Hispanic/ Latino children with low economic status, whose parents have no college degree, and born in other countries or not born in United States. The race which is most predispose to lack of access healthcare are children of Mexicans due to their poverty status or low educational achievements(Scott 2004). The study of Flores (2005) found an association in children’s health and healthcare to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) of their parents. This factor has a significant impact as a barrier for the acquisition of healthcare in children. The research also indicated that parental LEP has a direct association to the possibility that children in need of medical care can not be brought to healthcare providers. Racial and ethnic healthcare disparity is proven through this study because the bulk of the children that participated in the study were of racial and ethnic minority groups, 82 percent Latino, 2 percent Caribbean black, 10 percent African American, 2 percent non-Latino white, 1 percent African, 0. 3 percent Asian, and 1 percent combination of other races. Large portion of this participating population can not speak English very well. Thus, the ability to speak English fluently of children and their parents will determine their chance of receiving appropriate healthcare services(Flores, 2005). The continuing presence of racism in the healthcare sector of the society is found to be related to the underrepresentation of minority racial and ethnic groups in professions of the medical industry. Generally speaking people that are poor are predominantly people of color such as the Blacks and Hispanics. Poverty does not allow them to be with the education needed to work in healthcare industry so they are underrepresented in this profession. Study results prove that people of color in the medical profession tend to provide more healthcare services to those people which are also of color. The possibility of providing healthcare services to the poor portion of the population is also proven to be attributed to those medical professionals that are people of color. This underrepresentation explains why the racial and ethnic minority receive less healthcare services(ERASE ). Even though it is said that in professional fields the race of an individual hardly matters it is rarely true. The complexity of the factors that are involve in the disparities of healthcare in general should not hinder in the search and implementation of solutions that will alleviate the disparities suffered by the people of racial and ethnic minority, low educational attainment, limited English proficiency, and economically challenged. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to serve the public with equality to promote the health status of the whole population instead of only those that belong to the elite portion of the population. The present ways of addressing the disparities in healthcare is focused not only on the professionals that will provide the services but also to the public consumers of these services. The goal is centered towards providing equal chance of receiving quality healthcare services. One of these strategies is the establishment of guidelines that will help medical practitioners handle, diagnose, and treat with professional competence the health cases of the people that belong to socioeconomic minority. Another strategy is helping the patients and their families pursue healthcare of high quality thru assessment of healthcare services provided by the healthcare recipient or client. Publications are written in various languages to facilitate understanding of the contents by those people that are with Limited English Proficiency. Booklets or pamphlets are also produces to help parents assess if their children were provided with health services of high quality. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is also finding ways to develop enhanced strategies for quality improvement of healthcare services. Their initiative is focused on eliminating healthcare racial and ethnic disparities, supporting of the healthcare providers that supply services to communities of the minority people, and conducting seminars or trainings on how to address healthcare disparities(AHRQ 2000). The existence of racism can not be denied even though the society has already learned to accept that people are of diverse cultures and beliefs. Various organizations have been established to stop the disparities in healthcare of children and promote equality in the acquisition of these services. Despite the research and strategies that are implemented to counteract the increasing numbers of children having no access to good quality healthcare especially those of the minority racial and ethnic origin, the problem is still present along its complexities. Though it’s a cliche â€Å"children are the future of every nation† thus it is only prompt that actions should be undertaken to promote holistic growth of their well being. Eradication of these disparities in pediatric healthcare will ensure that tomorrow’s generation will have a better health.

Benefits of Cross Border Mergers and Acquisitions

Benefits of Cross Border Mergers and Acquisitions In the process of businesses creating or building shareholder value, they the management are motivated to undertake cross border mergers and acquisitions in other to expand their operations which will then generate greater profits or potential for owners (shareholder) value creation than that of internal growth. Cross-border mergers and acquisitions (MA) internationally have played a key part in this issue of globalisation or global activity of growth and expansion. When firms and companies otherwise known as enterprises continually increase in size, they tend to look for more funding or capital from outside their territory (locality) or country of operation which may not be readily available in their home country of operation to further advance their growth and expansion drive. And this particularly involves transnational firms such as HSBC, British Petroleum (BP), Vodafone and Shell for example taking over companies or businesses in other countries by parting away with huge sums of money. According to Krekel et al.(1969) mergers usually involve businesses or corporations of same or equal size, whilst the acquiring firm in the case of acquisitions tends to be bigger or larger. According to recent trends in cross border mergers and acquisitions (MA), most of these Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) move to emerging markets in order to take charge or buy controlling interest in those markets. The creation of the European Union (EU) internal market on 31 December 1992 (which seeks to remove trade barriers among member nations) brought about influx of US, Japanese and EU companies holding market positions in EU. And thus the late nineties witnessed more MA involving both local and International partners, with mega mergers between multinationals like DaimlerChrysler and Exxon-Mobil, which transformed global market competition. During this period many businesses in emerging markets were privatised thus creating growth opportunities for MNEs to gain access to previously closed markets of enormous potential. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, 1998) unfold the driving forces behind cross border MA as per current globalisation. Practitioners of cross border MA deals encourage deregulation or diversification and liberation of the local and state owned businesses or enterprises, thus affording foreign enterprises or businesses in advanced economies to invest directly, joint venture ship or partnership or even outright take over (UNCTAD, 1999) This paper will try to address the significant benefits and also some pitfalls of cross border, mergers and acquisitions as pertaining to global market growth and expansion of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) or businesses. UNCTAD, 1999 reports that the transition host nation in a greenfield investment or mergers and acquisition stands to benefit in resources or technology. For instance the flow of foreign direct investment to a transition host nation will boost its foreign reserves (Gross domestic product). A clear example is the take over of Cadbury UK plc by Kraft Company which undervalued these shares (Cadbury) but yet invested in excess of Nineteen billion pounds (Â £19) into the UK economy in the midst of the global economic crunch. According to Razin et al (1998), low level of taxes or incentives in some European Union (EU) countries, prompted Investors within UK, to move their production wing of their firms from the UK to E U countries in order for these firms to enjoy stron ger market positions. Investors usually consider tax issues before deciding on where to invest or move their investments to. Many a times, investors favour or decide on nations where the tax laws and policies are relaxed thus favouring their cause in terms of releasing their investment back with maximum gain. Hitt et al (2001 a,b) described acquisition as the process by which controlling stake in a business enterprise or venture is purchased by another larger firm via an open market or on an exchange. Acquisition which is otherwise known as Takeover occurs when majority shares or stake in an organisation is purchased by another bigger firm. By this, the bigger firm take control or charge of the assets as well as the liabilities of this target business which now becomes its subsidiary. Hitt et al (2000) further saw merger as the situation where two or more smaller corporations decide to pull their resources together in order to become a giant leader in their industry or market. When this happens, a new corporate identity will adopted thus both companies will drop their old or individual identities and put on the new one after an agreement has been reached amongst the parties involved. A clear example will be the ongoing merger agreement being entered into by British Airways and Iberial Air lines which aftermath will birth a new corporate identity and image as agreed upon by the parties involved. Another example is that of GlaxoSmithKline which involved synergy between two pharmaceutical firms namely Glaxowellcome and Smithkline Becham that merged to form the second largest pharmaceutical company in Europe. It is worthy to note that synergy will provide more gain since the two companies stands to produce more when they are together through sharing of ideas and technical know how than being on their own as individual. Thus the equation of one plus one equalling three came to being (synergy theory) through merger and acquisition as beneficial to the two firms that came together as one entity or under one umbrella. Again these large companies or businesses with global repute or stature enjoy tremendous benefits in the area reduction in prices, increasing control of market and economies of scale. According to Fatemi et al (1988), even though introducing cross border MA in a near perfect market situation, the owners of the business may not enjoy dividends as per from local operation and this varied valuations for local and international mergers will seek to uncover the imperfect capital market dealings. Pringle (1991) stressed that market accessibility is the main rationale for foreign direct investment. To add to this Harris et al (1991) further elude to the fact that giant or larger companies or firms join with other firms in other nations simply to access their foreign market share. In other words it aids in its saturation into new areas or segments of other markets with no restrictions whatsoever and in addition access credit facilities whilst enjoying tax rebates reserved for local businesses. HOW CROSS BORDER MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS ARE DETERMINED Investors are always drawn to or interested in investing in high flying corporations who are consistent and increasingly growing and engaging in expansion drive of their various businesses or business units. Growth and expansion performance of businesses may be as a result of good corporate governance practices and policies adopted by or from the side of Management of that firm in line with that of the growing target market. In the words of Cheng et al (1989) and that of Moore (1996), overseas business owners or investors enjoyed high returns on their investments after being encouraged to put or invest their wealth in financial institutions (bank), outside the United States for the simple reason of their good financial health thus, favourable growth rates and high turnover in assets and expansion drive. Among other factors that positively influence cross border dealings in emerging economies like that of Africa, Eastern Europe and South America is profitability and efficiency that st ands out as the number one reason. Financiers and investors from both the United States of America and United Kingdom channel their wealth to some financial institutions (banks) and other businesses in these regions via direct investments or mergers. Hannan et al (2007), Vander (2007) and Pasiouras et al (2007) all consented that investors from the United States will shy away from investing their wealth in those financial institutions that constantly make a deficit after they (investors) have critically scrutinised and reviewed the said financial data, profitability and investor ratios before choosing the right venture to invest in, in order to maximise their wealth. In the words of Hannan et al (2007) a lot of mergers and cross border acquisition happen due to the challenges businesses go through in sourcing for more funds or capital to expand their businesses. Hannan et al (2007) again said many of the larger financial institution (banks) and companies exploit the option of target ing emerging markets in terms of investing their resources when considering expanding their corporations. The results from this movement by the larger companies will better advance the economies of these target countries where the small firms are located for which takeover occurred since the cost involved in business transaction will be drastically reduced due to the size and capital base of these larger firms. Among other things, cross border mergers and acquisition can occur where there is concentration of similar businesses such as banks in a catchment area or region. Businesses like banks and stores according to Hannan et al (2007) would always want to take their services and operations to the door steps of the clients, thus concentrating on high streets and other prime locations to better meet their clients need as can be attested in the United Kingdom (UK). Another point worth considering in this determinant of cross border acquisition and merger is Taxation. As with most countries, local companies enjoy tax reliefs or exemptions for awhile whilst foreign companies are made to pay income tax on their local business enterprise as well as foreign income tax. In the words of Scholes et al. (1990), Servaes et al. (1994) and Desai et al. (2002), investors within advanced economies or markets who pay higher taxes tend to invest overseas where they avoid tax and enjoy exemption from foreign or overseas income. For this reason several indices were created by La porta et al. (1998), useful for eper this larger created affiliation. In these indices there is also rule of law and efficient judiciary process thus ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected by all and sundry. In the same vein, Johnson et al. (2000) agreed with the above statement with emphasis on minority shareholders whilst the rights of creditors should be enforced when f irms default in their payments after notices are served. And last but not the least, there must be fair treatment within the confines of the laws or regulations with respect to company directors (Executive and non executive directors). LIMITATIONS It is important to note that cross-border acquisitions and mergers are not, however, without pitfalls. Irrespective of acquisition being domestic or cross-border, investors experience problem of over paying thus suffering excessive financing costs (Eiteman et al., 2004 pg. 590). Merging corporate cultures between a local firm and an overseas one becomes a problem since regulations for example like governance practices might differ from country to country. Managing the aftermath of cross-border merger and acquisition process is normally characterised by retrenchment to achieve economies of scale and scope in overhead duties or functions. The outcome of this is unproductiveness among employees of the target company who fear of losing their jobs or been laid off. For example the take over of Ghana Telecom by Vodafone in January 2009 saw more than thousand workers being laid off. And their new Chief Executive Kyle Whitehill indicates that further restructuring is necessary to ensure that the company is able to deliver prudent returns Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana (July 29, 2010). Even for some top executives, for fear losing their jobs become uncooperative when it comes to merger and takeover talks. United Kingdoms example is the aftermath of takeover of Cadbury UK by Kraft plc from United States which saw the downsizing of over four hundred of its employees after the production plant or unit in UK was relocated in Poland to reduce labour and operative costs. In the words of Hadlock et al (1999), company bosses or executives, for fear of losing their jobs after the takeover will conceal some vital information or be reluctant to provide important data that will aid the investors to properly come to a decision as to whether to invest or not in a target business. Globally, additional problems occur from the part of host countries where their government intervene in price discrimination, financing, employment guarantees, segmentation and general nationalism and favouritism which includes capital flight and corrupt practises by foreign investors with the help of personnel in state departments from target nation (see Eiteman et al., 2004 pg. 590). An example is the Quality Grain Scandal in Ghana where some ministers connived with foreign investors to cause financial loss to the state is seen as the most corrupt deal in the country (Source: newsinghana.com). Also the preparation of final accounts might differ from country to country thus it is advised that there must be consistency in its preparation among subsidiaries of that holding company for easy comprehension. For some countries among emerging economies, the host government creates its own standards which differs from that of developed economies for example United States where private sectors and the Government set up GAAP with other principals and standards. Radebaugh et al (1997), Choi et al (1991) and Land et al (2000) all confirmed the differences in the way financial statements are prepared in US, UK and other European countries with makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to understand and compare with similar statements (profit and loss) within sector. According to Ali et al (2000) and Ball et al (2000), Germany lacks in the preparation of returns such that investors or entrepreneurs request for more insight to facts from host nations outside that of the financial report. Anoth er area worth considering is disclosure policy pertaining to corporate governance. Unlike the US and UK where disclosure in corporate governance is held in high esteem, that of emerging countries is very low. For instance some public companies and their private counterparts in these emerging refuse to practise international accounting standards been accepted globally and for that reason are reluctant to fully disclose information freely to prospective investors or other third parties (see UNCTAD 2000). In fact, the ability to successfully complete cross-border acquisition may itself be a test of competency of the MNE in the twenty first century (see Eiteman et al. (2004) pg. 590). SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES OF CROSS-BORDER MERGER AND ACQUISITION CONCLUSION Finally, managers tend to take uneconomical plans of takeovers. Sometimes, the motives for takeover decisions by managers may be attributed to availability of free cash flow or for no just cause. The number and dollar value of cross border mergers and acquisitions has grown rapidly in recent years but the growth and magnitude of activity is taking place in the developed countries, not the developing countries. As opposed to the fighting and scraping for market share and profits in traditional domestic markets, a MNE can expect greater growth potential in the global marketplace. There are a variety of paths by which the MNE can enter foreign markets, including Greenfield investment and acquisition. The drivers of MA activity are both macro (the global competitive environment) and micro in scope (the variety of industry and firm-level forces and actions driving individual firm value). The primary forces of change in the global competitive environment technological change, regulatory change, and capital market change create new business opportunities for MNEs, which they pursue aggressively.