Monday, September 30, 2019

Hip Hop’s Betrayal on Black Women Essay

In â€Å"Hip Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women†, McLune addresses the influence of hip hop’s choice of words towards African American women and females. McLune’s article is written in response to Powell’s opinions in â€Å"Notes of a Hip Hop Head†, along with various other hip hop artists, that black females are the leading cause of poverty and racism why black men undertake racism and poverty, as if women do not face these struggles from day to day. McLune disagrees with this remark and states that this is just one of many excuses that men use. McLune addresses an audience that is well educated along with informed with the different sexism opinions towards women in our society, though many men feel that some of their statements or opinions are not affecting women. Therefore, McLune’s article deserves to be recognized in PopMatters. With all the arguments and comebacks she had, â€Å"Hip Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women† should be considered for the top prizes for persuasive essays due to the problems that our African American society faces on a daily basis. The energy of McLune’s argument is its energetic appeal to African American women along with different races. Her argument implied that men want women to give in to them and accept the fact that they are being degraded, simply so that men can boost their confidence and masculinity: â€Å"It’s obvious that if these are the winning terms for our creativity, black women are ultimately the losers. And that’s exactly how these self-proclaimed players, thugs, and hip-hop intellectuals want us—on our backs and pledging allegiance to the hip hop nation. (Analytical Writing: A Guide to College Composition 300) McLune also covers the fact that even the hip hop artist â€Å"who have an underground and conscious force in hip hop— like Common, The Roots, Talib Kweli and others— remain inconsistent, apologetic, and even eager to join the mainstream player’s club† (297) She is bothered that they have yet to come forward and defend the women who are being belittled by the misogynistic hip-hop artist. By expressing this with the African American society of women who are ontinuously torched by the demanding words of men, McLune appeals strongly to all American women’s intellect of equality and respect. Women should not have to be judged by men and expect to be treated as if they owe anyone something, let alone have to be mistreated and belittled, if that were to be the case then men should be treated the same, therefore McLune’s audience, should understand that that is not how you define a black woman in any terms. This denotation to the silent cries supports for an emotional appeal to an example of the silent cries in African American women. As stated in the title, Powell is aware that black women are merely being betrayed in the hip-hop industry and simply states that the choice of words that hip-hop artist chose to rap about is simply â€Å"the ghetto blues, urban folk art, a cry out for help. † (298) and it is rubbing off on almost every man in our American society and giving them a different perspective of women all because women refuse to speak out and speak up. As a result, female rappers are often just as male-identified, violent, materialistic, and ignorant as their male peers. † (298). Over 100 years ago, women were not even allowed to vote, the closest they got to voting was sitting there and watching. They were not allowed to work, they were forced to be stay at home wives while their husbands went out and worked hard to provide for the family. They also didn’t h ave the opportunity to speak up for themselves, it was known as a man’s duty. As you see in â€Å"Hip Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women† McLune states that women still sit back in silence in accept the belittling words that men throw at them through their lyrics. Hip hop did not evolve from speaking down on females, it started out as a way suppress differences between two rivalries or to speak on behalf of shortcomings and mishaps in the past. This comes to question our audience why it is that hip hop has transformed into a way of lashing out a man’s anger towards a woman and how their imaginative character dreams to look at women. We can look at the past years when women were not given the opportunity to make their own decisions and to speak on behalf of themselves, also how and why did hip hop change its meaning behind music. McLune provides a great example to the female hip hop artist as to why they would chose to be viewed in the same eyes that the misogynistic hip hop male artist are viewed. Also as to why after so many years why is that men still have the upper hand. She does this by bringing up the point from Powell’s socioeconomic explanation for the sexism in hip-hop is a way to silence feminist critiques of the culture. It is to make an understanding of the misogynistic objectification of black women in hip-hop so elusive that we can’t grasp it long enough to wring the neck of its power over us (297). From this information, we can conclude that is very much true, because most females will accept the belittling comments rather than words of wisdom and motivation. Because McLune gives great appeals to the not only the African American society, but the various races, her article deserves to be one of the top prized persuasive essays in PopMatters. It can be used as an example to our upcoming generation of young men to not treat or speak down on a young lady as something they hear in a rap song. McLune’s article demonstrates why women, especially African American women should speak up and out regardless of what the outcome will be. Her argument would have been more effective have she spoke about all the other races seen in videos because it’s not just black females now.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Culinarian Cookware Case Analysis Essay

Culinarian Cookware has a prestigious band image, is a leader in premium cookware market, and delivers an outstanding product. With this said, there are still areas in which the brand could improve, as it still has a much lower brand awareness and market share than industry leaders Star Chef and Kitchen Select. We believe that one way in which Culinarian could combat these issues and push towards completing its strategic objectives is to run a price promotion in 2007. Though there was dispute as to whether the promotion of 2004 was profitable, due to our analysis of the 2004 promotion and the current state of the cookware market we believe that there is room for a price promotion within Culinarian’s strategic objectives. First and foremost, we believe that Ms. Brown is correct in her calculations of the profitable nature of the 2004 sale. Ms. Brown’s calculations differ from those of the consultants on two basic points: the way in which they projected the sales for the CX1 model during the sales promotion and the contribution margin which they attributed to each unit. The consultants argue that, according to the sales numbers of the previous year, the projected sales of the CX1 model should have been 119504. Ms. Brown disagrees, saying that due to the fact that sales were down 24% during the first few months of 2004, the projected sales for the period should be much lower than what the consultants calculated. She says that the projected sales calculations should be 59871. According to Exhibit 1, which outlines the retail sales of cookware across the US, sales for cookware were down 2% during 2004. This information is in line with what Ms. Brown used in her calculations, as she argued that the projected sales for March through May of 2004 should be significantly lower than usual due to a major decrease in sales during the first few months of 2004. Not only were sales for the year down, but according to Exhibit 2, March, April and May are not higher than average months for sales in 2005. According Exhibit 2, during 2005 6. 9% of sales were in March, 7% of sales were in April and 9. 4% of sales were in May. This information is telling in that it shows that the months that the ales promotion ran in there is no reason to expect higher than average sales. This is important because, if Ms. Brown is correct in that sales were down 24% during the first few months of 2004, then there is no reason to expect that sales would rise significantly from March to May. The second point in which Ms. Brown’s number’s differed from that of the consultants was the way in which they calculated the contribution margin for each unit of CX1. We found that there was little evidence to support either Ms. Brown’s costing method or the consultants. However, as long as Ms. Brown was correct in her sales projections, the price promotion would have been profitable even if the consultants were more accurate in their costing method. By multiplying the actual sales numbers (184987) by the actual contribution margin that the consultants calculated (10. 35), then subtracting the normal sales that Ms. Brown calculated (59871) multiplied by the normal contribution margin according to the consultants (19. 95) we found that there would still be a profit of 720189 dollars. This means that even if the consultants were correct in the cannibalization impact costs and the contribution margin calculations, as long as Ms. Brown was more correct in her sales projections then there would still have been a significant net profit. Therefore due to the fact that we find Ms. Brown’s projections of the sales for the period to be more consistent with the information provided for us in Exhibits 1 and 2, we also find that she is likely more correct in saying that the price promotion was profitable for the company. Not only would the price promotion be profitable regardless of costing method, but the consultant’s cannibalization impact estimation seems unfounded as there was still a 21% increase in growth of the DX1 product sales from Spring 2003 to Spring 2004. This is only about 3% down from the growth rate from 2002 to 2003, which lead us to believe that a major cannibalization impact from the sales promotion was improbable. This evaluation of Ms. Brown’s profitable calculations, the strategic objectives the Ms. Roux outlines for Culinarian and our analysis of the cookware market lead us to believe that a price promotion in 2007 would be a good move for Culinarian. As we will discuss below, Ms. Roux’s strategic priorities for the company included not only growing revenue but also aintaining the prestigious brand image and increasing its share of the premium cookware market segment. We would argue that running another price promotion during 2007 would be the first step in achieving all of these strategic objectives. The price promotion run during 2004 was, according to our calculations, profitable and was able to drastically increase sales for that period in the CX1 model. According to Exhibit 4, sales of the CX1 model rose 57% from the spring of 2003 to the spring of 2004. This is a huge increase, especially when compared to a 30% increase from spring of 2002 to spring of 2003. According to surveys done after the price promotion, 70% of customers who bought the CX1 said that the promotion was important in their buying decision. This information, coupled with the Orion study which concluded that 30% of cookware buyers would be motivated by a price discount to buy cookware, tells us that many cookware consumers are highly interested in price promotions. Though customers are highly interested in the price promotion, to better understand how the promotion would fit into Culinarian’s overall strategic objectives we must look at how the cookware market functions as a whole. The U. S. cookware industry is divided into categories of low-end, mid-level, and premium products based on price, quality, and material. The market is thus segmented based on several demographic, socioeconomic, and psychographic variables. But primarily the market is segmented based on age, occupation, gender, and most importantly income. Market research conducted by Culinarian found that of its own customers 75% were between the ages of 30 and 55, 82% were women, 70% had household incomes over $75,000 annually, and 60% of previous customers considered cooking to be their favorite hobby. Cookware is purchased either in sets of between 5 to 14 pieces or open stock by piece. Consumers in the cookware category almost always make planned purchases according to responses from the Orion Market Research Study. If there were to be an unplanned purchase it would generally be a single piece, opposed to a boxed set, and motivated because of a discount or promotion. According to the survey, in households with income over $75,000 only 30% of respondents were swayed by price discount and a promotional incentive, such as free gift with purchase, only affected the purchasing decisions of 20%. In addition to being planned, sales of cookware are often seasonal because it is frequently purchased as gifts for weddings and holidays. The implications for a push versus pull strategy in the cookware industry depend on the category of product (low-end, mid-level, or premium) and the brand’s history and image (how long have they been in the cookware industry and its’ positioning). The pull strategy should be used when trying to recruit new consumers, expand market share, or publicize a promotion. Premium brands often experience more success with the pull strategy than low-end and mid-level brands do, which often requires that they use a combination of the pull and push strategy with consumers and distributors and their approach will change with the growth of the brand. The push strategy is essential in getting new channels to stock a company’s products, so if the company’s goal to enter a new distribution channel or to widen its’ distribution network the push strategy should be implemented. But Culinarian Cookware and other high-end brands that are very selective in their distribution can use the pull strategy with both consumers and their distribution base. Consumers of the Culinarian brand regarded product performance and durability as the most important features in selecting cookware. By creating demand and loyalty amongst consumers, retailers will continue to request to sell the product. The corporate objectives suggest that the company has a strong business that tailors itself to the segments that we found above. The first objective is to widen its distribution network, which is always a great way to create new distribution channels and to grow for the company. The push strategy would be used to gain more distribution channels. Right now, Culinarian only has three specialty stores by widening its distribution they would branch out and increase their customer base. By increasing their customer base, Culinarian could segment their customers more efficiently and also increase their segment base. The pull strategy would be used for new products and for gaining a larger customer base. The second objective is to increase the market share of the premium cookware segment. Le Gourmand their main competitors possesses 4% while Robusto has only 3%. Even though, Culinarian already has a 6. 5% of the market, they are behind the mid to low level manufacturers as Star Chef has 18% and Kitchen Select obtains 14%. By increasing the market share Culinarian would increase their revenue and also acquire a stronger brand name in the market. This leads to the next objective, every strong business posses a prominent image. As a leader in the premium cookware market Culinarian wants to preserve its prestigious image. Its customers are high income and 50% of them favor a brand that they recognize, which means in order for Culinarian to attract the high-income customers the company must maintain the strong brand and the prestigious image it possesses. Lastly, in order for Culinarian to thrive and be a successful business it must cover cost and capture a revenue growth of 15% while maintaining the pre-tax earnings of 12%. According to this information about the cookware market, we believe that if Culinarian ran a similar price promotion to the one it ran in 2004 on the CX1, while changing the timing and distribution method, then it would help Culinarian gain greater revenue and market share while not damaging their brand image. The CX1 model seems like the best model to run a promotion on because by running a promotion on the cheapest and lowest quality line of products, Culinarian would be more likely to gain new consumers while still maintaining its brand image. The CX1 model has a normal retail price of 150 dollars, making it significantly cheaper than any other product line that Culinarian offers. By reducing this price by the same 20% that was offered in 2004, the price drops to 120, which would make it 40% cheaper than the next cheapest model, SX1. We feel that this drop in price is ideal as it was obviously enough to lead to a huge increase in sales in 2004 while still making the product line profitable. Though we would run the promotion on the same product line with the same price reduction, we would change the timing and distribution method of the price promotion. We believe that running the promotion in the fall, from August to October, would be more beneficial to the company as it represents a time when normal sales are down after the summer months and before those of the holidays. If Culinarian ran promotions during this period, it might be able to buoy sales and allow them to gain a stronger hold on the market just before the holiday season. During the 2004 promotion 20% of customers who bought the CX1 model were new to the Culinarian brand. An increase in new customers might be most beneficial before the Holiday season, as according to exhibit 3, 55% of people surveyed in the Orion Market Research study said that they either bought cookware as a gift or received it as a gift. Exhibit 3 also mentions that 50% of consumers are more likely to buy a brand that they recognize, which shows that increasing brand awareness during the time before the biggest cookware buying season could be incredibly beneficial to boost sales. Another change that we would make to the price promotion is the way in which the promotion was distributed. According to the case, only about half of the retailers passed the full sale on to the customers. This represents a major problem for Culinarian, as they want customers to receive the full sale to entice more current customers to buy and more new customers to switch brands. Our recommendation would be to advertise coupons available online by putting coupon codes in their advertisements in magazines and newspapers. In those advertisements they could publicize the price promotion and urge consumers to get coupons online to buy in stores. This would make the retailers pass the full sales discount onto consumers. Not only would this method of delivery allow customers to get the full discount, but it would also increase traffic to the Culinarian’s site. As of now, only about 5% of sales come from the company’s website, which shows a major lack of traffic. By putting the price promotion coupon online, the company could get more web traffic and increase the sales through their site. Thus a well done price promotion could help Culinarian move towards meeting many of its major strategic objectives. Not only would it increase revenue by buoying sales and increasing brand awareness before the Holidays, but, through increased sales, it could also help them capture more of the premium cookware market. By running the price promotion infrequently and only on the lowest quality product line, there would be no damage to the brand’s prestigious image. This price promotion would vault the brand into more consumers’ consideration set and allow them to expand their brand toward the future.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Coase Theorem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Coase Theorem - Essay Example Ronald Coase stipulated that transaction costs that are found in the real world are not sufficiently low to create room for efficient bargaining, and thus an indication that the theory cannot be applied to reveal economic reality. Nevertheless, Coase theorem is regarded as the basis for economic analysis, especially in the event of government regulation when externalities are present (Walter, 2001). Based on the essay The Nature of the Firm, Coase offered an explanation as to why an economy comprises of various firms as opposed to a large number of independent and self-employed individuals who undertake contracts with each other. Since it is possible to undertake a transaction without the presence of any organization, Coase was puzzled on the appropriate conditions that should be imposed to facilitate for the emergence of firms (Walter, 2001). Today, most firms emerge when an entrepreneur begins to employ people. In this perspective, Coase considers the appropriate conditions under which it would be sensible for an entrepreneur to pursue for the help of employees instead of contracting out to facilitate for the completion of a certain task. While using the market, there are various transaction costs involved because the cost of acquiring a good or service through the market is above the usual price. Other additional costs comprise of those involved while searching for information, bargaining, policing, enforcement, and in keeping secrets of trade (Coase, 1988). All these costs significantly raise the cost of acquiring something from a different party. This reveals that firms emerge in order to internalize the production process to facilitate for the delivery of a product, and hence avoid these costs. Coase notes that a natural limit prevails that provides a limit as to the extent to which a firm should produce internally (Buchanan, 2005). Also there are times when a manager to an organization may make

Friday, September 27, 2019

Business Question3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Question3 - Essay Example Such managers are successful as long as everybody agrees with them. Perseverance and care a necessary ingredient in successful management because not everybody gets along well with others some people are controversial and are still part of the team. Terminal convictions about long-term goals and achievement make managers successful too, (Johnes and George 2002). Managers do get much satisfaction from their jobs and they get too committed to their organizations. Salary, wages and conditions of service foster enthusiasm in managers. Monetary rewards also foster enthusiasm to the job, Fredrick Taylor proved it in his experiments in 1911. (Jones and George 2002) Information and communication is another contributor to job satisfaction. Managers get too committed to their organizations to keep membership of such organizations need for association with successful companies, the willingness to exert high levels of efforts for better results such as Frazier’s Merck CEO, and the belief and acceptability of goals of an organization. Need for power makes managers work hard and get too committed to organizations they want to have control and influence. Frazier is open to experience, he is daring and takes risks, he handled litigation cases when Mark pulled the drug vioxx from the market and thousands of plaintiffs filed suits against Mark. Frazier chose to fight each case to the verdict and saved the company billions of dollars winning 11 out of 16 lawsuits. Frazier is a performer he believes in immediate results he has won tough litigation cases such as the famous murder case for the Alabama man who spent two decades on death row .He is visionary he wanted to become a lawyer and his friend Cobb recalls Frazier telling him he was not happy until Harvard’s admission letter arrives even though he had received letters from other prestigious universities. Frazier is Conscientious, careful and

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Strategic Leadership Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Strategic Leadership - Assignment Example The tactical implementation plan is as important as the strategic plan because it takes the vision and strategy to the point of contact.† The author likens Sun Tzu’s leadership with the European strategist, Captain Johnstone, wrote mention in his 1916 research that one must fight the enemy to uncover the enemy’s weaknesses. With the initial proving attacks, the army can engineer the main decisive attack based on the outcome of the initial attack advances. The tentative attack should not be classified as a separate attack but s part and parcel of the main attack. The initial attack is classified as the beginning of the war. Sun Tzu’s attack formation can include a surprise attack on the enemy’s seemingly formidable front to learn the true shape, and strength of the enemy’s forces. With the most suitable war strategy, the battle is 50 percent won; the strategy succeeds only with professional execution of tactics Machiavelli. In terms of Machiave lli, Maurizio Viroli2 emphasized Machiavelli focused on national interest and military objects in the war implementing several war principles. ... military resistance against absolutism.† The formidable army of Machiavelli showed strong dominance of the political as well as European military environment The strong message of the Machiavelli’s Republican patriotism is a very clear sign to re-emphasize, against the politics of the moderns, in relation to the political efforts of its leaders, also known as the politics of the ancients. Machiavellian politics shows that the word Patria is another word to mean Machiavelli republic. Machiavelli’s government is grounded on a self-governing community of individuals snugly staying together within the justice terms of the law. The Machiavelli government implements rule law, which incorporates patriotism. Clauseritz. In terms of Clauseritz, Tiha Ghyczy3 insists the conduct of war includes the important planning stage. The author states that â€Å"were this combat a single act, there would be no need for further subdivision. But combat consists of a greater or lesser n umber of individual acts, each complete in itself, which we call engagements, which constitute new things. This gives rise to an entirely different activity, namely, individually planning and conducting these engagements and joining them together to achieve the objective of the war.† The quote clearly shows that that it includes the important tactics in the governance of the constituents. Likewise, the tactics includes the many advantages of implementing a well engineered war and government strategy. The segregation of the government’s act to divide the planning stage into both the tactics and strategy is now quite a common- lace in occurrence. All individuals are reasonably sure where to classify a specific factor without necessarily taking considerable notice of the reasons underlying such

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

No Child Left Behind standardized testing Research Paper

No Child Left Behind standardized testing - Research Paper Example Every school-child has to undergo high-test standardized testing so as to move from different levels of education and to be compared to others from different regions. In this chapter, we are going to look at differences between high standard test and regular tests and the effects they impose on both the teachers and the students. The author, Smith M.L, of the book ‘The Effects of External Testing on Teachers’, conducted an educational research, on the implications of conducting standardized tests in the school, for teachers. The main aim of the study was to find out if there exists some difference in the teacher’s psychological and emotional response when the regular classroom exams are conducted and the standardized tests (Smith, 1991). After the research, he found that there were some significant changes in both the teachers’ anxiety and psychological states, due to some effects impacted on them by these tests. In the journal, ‘Psychology in the Schools’, the author talks of the anxious responses that students undergo due to high-stakes testing (Natasha, 2013). The authors’ talk of the anxious responses that students undergo during the time they face the standardized tests and the number of preparations they undergo so as to face these tests. In this journal, the authors say that students are more used to the normal tests than the standardized ones, hence the change in the responses towards these different tests. In the book ‘Academy of Management Learning & Education’, the authors talk of the different preparation students can be given when facing the standardized tests (Dean & Joly, 2012). In the book, the author says that at times students become disengaged, lose their identity and have lowered morale towards learning. They address they way of handling the different situations created by standardized tests and different methods in managing learning and education. The informal measures of text anxiety

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

MANAGING INTERNATIONAL TRADE Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MANAGING INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Coursework Example History has shown that developing nations have substantially progressed with the essence of open market operations in international trade. It is not possible for a firm to gain competitive advantage and lead the market competition without the help of internationalization of business. However, it should be analyzed that without the help of strategic planning in business, it is not possible for firms to expand in the competitive international markets. Effective strategies, framed through strategic management principles, help a firm to progress in the long run. This project would consider ways in which the Indian (developing country) consumer goods firm of Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) would export or initiate its trade in the competitive market of Paris in France (European country) (Godrej, 2013). Research on the Assignment Topic The economy of France, unlike India, is highly developed. Almost all the business segments of the country have progressed (David, 1986). The majorit y of the business segments of the country are privatized, which reasons out the strong competition in the market of France between the companies. The per capita income level of the country has increased from $35900 to $36100 from 2010 to 2012 (CIA, 2013). The high and increasing level of per person income is responsible for the high standard of living in the country. The aggregate demand created by the domestic individuals in the nation, regarding consumer goods services, is high in France. This is because consumer care products are sort of comfort or luxury goods that have a positive income effect. With the rising income of the consumers, the demand for such goods would also increase. High demand in the market has increased the degree of competition of FMCG companies in France. The consumer goods firms already exhibit monopolistic competition with each other in the country. Thus, when the Indian company would formulate its export strategies, it has to clearly understand the busines s market of France. The Indian company should realize that the population of France is 61 million as recorded in 2012 (CIA, 2013). Thus, if it becomes successful in exporting its products in the affluent market of France, then it would enjoy a wide base of customers. Rather, the trade barriers in France are also few as the company’s public authorities impose less restrictions on trade. The government of the country always encourages higher degree of privatization and international trade to augment its level of social welfare. Approximately $577.7 billion worth of goods and services are imported in France (CIA, 2013). This proves that the government of the country is very lenient towards foreign investments. The country has a high international reputation. However, Godrej must realize that the first language of the country is French, so it must have trading employees who are well-versed in French. The rate of taxation imposed by the French government is approximately close to 20% (CIA, 2013). Thus, on the whole, it can be concluded that the French market is a highly competitive, rich and liberal market. The strategic decision adopted by the company, for exports in France, must consider the market conditions of the same explained above. Background Among all the sectors in an economy, the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sector is one

Monday, September 23, 2019

Final report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Final report - Essay Example One of the environmental trends that affect the product’s demand is the legal environment. As an innovative product, we expect to reserve rights over the product through patent rights. This prevents other people or entities from producing and trading in a similar product. Patent right however run for a specified period then protection of rights over innovation becomes void. During the protection period, the venture anticipates an increasing demand as the product gains popularity into the market because of limited level of competition. The legal environment will ensure minimal competition but tight competition is expected after expiry of patent rights as other parties are likely to develop and sell similar products and demand will be expected to reduce. Trend in the legal environment that changes by legislations may also have adverse impacts on the venture should legislation be enforced to term illegalize the product on safety and health grounds. This is because of its scope th at allows electric charges into people’s bodies, a factor that may become controversial a legislation that bans the product will terminate its demand (Lamb, Hair and McDaniel 128, 155). Economic trend also affect the product because of the trend’s impact on people’s ability to purchase. ... Demographic factors such as level of education social class and age are other trends that affect the product’s demand. Level of education plays an important role in informing people of the safety in using the devise and together with social class empowers people towards demand. The wider scope of the product’s market that targets the global market extends these trends from local to national and global levels (Luck 56). Consumers’ taste and preference against the product may influence the market and limit our potential to sell the product. Customer research: To analyze demographics, psychographics, and purchasing behavior of the target market A primary research was necessary to understand the target market. The research implemented a qualitative research design through phenomenology. Qualitative research was selected because of its scope and type of data that corresponded to the type of research that aimed at understanding psychological and behavioral aspects of t he target market. Phenomenology, a research design that relies on participants’ experience to develop an understanding of their perspective was used because of its suitability for the scope of research and its ability to capture reality. Survey questionnaire was applied on a randomly selected sample of 12 participants (McNabb 147, 148, 301, 302, 308, ). The following is the applied survey questionnaire. The participants were offered the product to use for a week and the questionnaire administered to each of them. Survey Questionnaire How effective are the normal alarms in waking you up? Have you tried our product before? How effective is our product in waking people up compared to traditional alarms?

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Successful lawlessness Essay Example for Free

Successful lawlessness Essay The League was virtually dead and, during the Japanese invasion of China in 1931, the League in reply to Chinese appeal performed its duty of saving the peace by merely passing resolution sympathizing in the Chinese cause. The League now became a passive onlooker of the aggression of Japan. The Aeschylus, the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia, and the outbreak of World War II following Hitler’s attack on Poland were events in the face of which the League acted as a helpless spectator. But when in 1939, Russia attacked Finland; the League of Nations suddenly became conscious about its duty as a champion of peace and expelled Russia from its membership with unusual and unnatural haste. The League maintained its existence till April 1946 when it voted its abolition in a meeting called at Geneva. Thus, there was an unbroken crescendo of successful lawlessness and the League had to remain as a helpless spectator.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Communication Skills for Health Professionals Essay Example for Free

Communication Skills for Health Professionals Essay Introduction Communication skills are important for health professionals because they deal with different situations and people every day. Furthermore, an example to use the appropriate communication is when the professional has to give bad news of an unfavourable diagnostics. For instance, the dentist to give the diagnostics of oral cancer for their patient, this situation is necessary to have correct communication to do the treatment and to give the correct support for their patient such as empathy and touch. Body Firstly, most of people who seek a professional health is because they are in unfarovable health condition and need special care. Also, it is very common in dental treatment because many people feel afraid when to go the dentist. It is proved that many of them feeling very anxious when they go to a dental treatment (Cockburn and Walters).Principally, in unfavourable diagnostics, for example oral cancer. In this context, the health professional have ability to provide the appropriate communication such empathy. For professional to be empathy is very important for all principally in bad news that involves patient and sometimes to their family fully to give information and to help continuing the treatment.(Mundada, 2012). A patient with an unfavourable diagnostics need of feel comfortable on various parameters and the empathy as communications is very helpful like dealing with your anxiety, expectations for your family can follow the treatment. The empathy interferes On impacts of the treatment procedure and the expectations of what will be the treatment. This type of communications is extremely important in case the conversation, clarify doubts and speak as will be the treatment for the patient to be aware of what can happen and not have unexpected reactions. Secondly, it is very important factor and has a good ability of communication such as touch because it helps to support psychological care during treatment. Sometimes many doctors have difficult to deal with kind of situations such as painful, physical suffering impending death and bereavement (Cockburn and Walters, 1999). Also, it is known that many undergrade students are not trained in communications skills and many medical schools do not insist in this subject. Its represents the lack of  touch in a long time (Cockburn and Walters, 1999). The communication such as touch in the treatment sometimes is difficult to many doctors because they attend many people in the same day and they will have this situation for a long time.(Cockburn and Wlaters,1999) that occurs common factor and many times it is interfere in the patient treatment because they do not have the adequate type of this. Principally, with bad diagnostics that usually is not expected for anyone. One of the most difficult tasks for some doctors is to break bad news to a patient, such as a diagnosis of cancer. (Cockburn and Waterls, 1999) That may causes stress, familiars problems, emotional factors. The most appropriate commination skills is helpul to create a field to the patient feel comfortable and freely to do the procedure and touch in extremely important in this situation. The most important factor for the communicate is with professionalism and use the communication that can better confidence and quality of care in the patient.(Mundada,1992).Its helps the patient expects dentists to listen and understand their needs.(Mudunda,1992). Conclusion Take everything into account communications skills are essential for all health professionals. Sometimes, in medical schools this subject in not trained to undergrade (Cockburn and Walters). Also, lack of communication can interfere the patient treatment principally when is necessary give bad news that involves many emotional problems such as psychological and anxiety. Obviously, the professional cannot support all problems to their patient but give the appropriate support with professionalism and empathy and touch good cues of communication and it help the professionals to have a great impressive and attend the necessity of their patients.(Mundada and Walters). Reference: Annette Hannah, Ph.D.; C. Jane Milliamp, Ph.D.; Kathryn M.S. Ayers, M.D.S. A Communication Skills Course for Undergraduate Dental Students. Journal of Dental Education. Volume 68, Number 9 J. Cockburn and W. A.W. Walters. Communication between doctors and patients. Current Obstetrics Gymecology (1999) 9, 34400 1999 Hat-court Brace Co. Ltda. Mundada,Vikek. Effective communication skills and professionalism for better dentistepatient relationship. Indian Journal of Dentistry 2012.July e September Volume 3, Number 3; pp. 182 e 183.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Merits and Demerits of Devaluation

Merits and Demerits of Devaluation Background and History Pakistan has unusual history of successive devaluation. The rupee was first devalued in 1950 in response to a similar move by India. Later in 1972, Z.A. Bhuttos government massively devalued the rupee by 133%. The rupee was further devalued in early 1980s during General Zia regime. Moeen Qureshis caretaker government in 1993 also devalued the rupee by 7%. After that it was Benazir Bhuttos government that further devalued the rupee and finally same measure are being taken by the present government of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan has been on a system of managed float since January 8, 1982. For most of the past decade the rupee had been fixed in relation to the US dollar at the rate of Rs 9.9= US$1. The new exchange regime commenced with an official nominal depreciation of 5 percent in the month of January, and a cumulative 30 % for the year 1982. This was accompanied by the abandonment of the fixed peg to the US dollar and its replacement by a flexible basket peg whereby the authorities manage the nominal exchange rate actively. The exchange rate system has remained unlettered up to the present and the Government has periodically re-affirmed its commitment to this flexible management in stabilization and adjustment programs negotiated with the IMF. Since the introduction of the new system there has been a continuous downward slide in our exchange rate. At present the rate of Pak RS in 2010. This represents a depreciation of 260 percent since Devaluation and its function Depreciation or devaluation refers to the downward movement of the rate at which the home currency exchanges against the foreign currency or an increase in the domestic price of one unit of the foreign currency. Depreciation is the name given to this drop when it occurs in a free market; devaluation is the same thing resulting from government actions in a market that is not free. Since 1973 most of the currencies are on the floating currency system, through the system of dirty floating still allows government/ central banks to interfere to some extent. The question of devaluing the external value of the currency is one of the hotly debated issues in public policy discussions. On the one hand, the IMF and the World Bank supports devaluation as an important component of their recommended policy package for less developed countries (LDCs). On the other hand many economist and economic policy makers are strongly opposed to devaluing currencies has become a dirty word in many countries. Technically, devaluation of a currency is the last resort when other fiscal and monetary measures like demand management , financial incentive, trade restrictions have proved to be less effective in solving problem of balance of payment, by boosting the countrys exports and decreasing imports. In countries like Pakistan where major economic problem is lack of growth, exports are low because of poor quality of goods rather than the value of the currency. The mechanism of the open market keeps on adjusting exchange rate automatically and has made devaluation obsolete. Balancing Mechanism Basically devaluation is a measure to correct a fundamental disequilibrium in countrys balance of payments. Equilibrium in a countrys balance is a result of restraint on imports and foreign payments of all sorts and an expansion of exports and foreign exchange earning of all sorts. The restraint on import cannot be achieved through appeals. It has to be done through direct restriction and/or through operation of the price mechanism, that is to say through making imports costlier by operating on import duties, and this in fact has been extensively done in many developing countries, including Pakistan. However, this is open to some objections and limitations so a simple way of making imports costlier is not adjustment of the exchange rate. The entire burden of making imports costlier is not generally placed on the exchange rate mechanism. It is shared by the device of import duties and also quantitative regulations. The import duty mechanism can also be used to make transition to the n ew exchange rate and to give a certain amount of discretionary treatment to individual items of import. The Price Factor The other major objective of devaluation is to promote export. It should be noted that what is contemplated is an increase in exports in foreign exchange; in term of domestic currency. Exports on the whole will have to increase by more than the percentage of devaluation. Expansion of exports depends upon a number of factors, the elasticity of supply in devaluing country and of demand for the products of that country abroad. Much depends on the prices at which the devaluing country is able to offer its goods. Contractionary Impact Reluctance to adjust the exchange rate in downward direction is due to its possible contractionary impact on output and employment, re-distribution of income from wages earner to property owners, cost-push inflationary pressure and the initial favourable effect on the balance of payment. All of the above will eventually reserved through a process of domestic inflation and larger imports. When quantitative controls on imports duties are reduced along with the devaluation, imports and exports are not particularly sensitive to price changes especially in the short run. This is particularly applicable in the case of UDCs whose imports are often consist of essential capital goods, intermediate inputs including fuel and fertilizer and sometimes basic consumer goods like food grains, edible oils etc. There is little scope for cutting down these imports. The exports of UDCs on the other hand mainly consist of primary commodities and processed materials whose supply elasticity are rather low in short run. If devaluation has to improve the balance of trade in short run, it should come through a reduction in the level of output and changes in the distribution of income towards high saver which would reduce the demand for imports and generate a bigger exportable surplus. Recession, unemployment and unequal distribution of income are the costs of a successful devaluation. Inflationary Pressure The ineffective of exchange rate adjustment in securing improvement in the external balance primarily comes from the fact that changes in costs arising from exchange rate movements feed through quickly and extensively into the economy and contribution to the accerlation of prevailing inflationary pressure associated with an improvement of the monetary conditions. The rigid climb in price over a long period has stimulated defensive inflationary responses amoung industrialists, agriculturalist, business mens, and wage earner and has nullified the impact of exchange rate adjustments on the international competitiveness of our exports. It should be taken into account that devaluation corrects the past inflationary and other economic development that led to adverse movement in the balance of payment. This does not protect the balance of payments against further inflationary and other adverse developments. Frequent devaluation of a currency is undesirable. It stimulates speculation and res ults in distortion in income, consumption, industrial growth and public finance. This also erodes the confidence in the currency. DEMAND Management Unfortunately, for keeping our external accounts disequilibrium within sustainable limits, we have relied rather heavily on exchange rate adjustment and not paid attention to the efficiency dimension of our economic system. Economic efficiency at the macro and micro levels requires high productivity, technological efficiency, high rates of saving and investment, and incomes policy that does not lead to cost-push inflation and fiscal-monetary policy that provides a stable environment for careful demand management. These are the simple and inflexible economic laws that were recognized and grasped. Neither negative controls nor artificial stimuli like frequent depreciation of external value of the currency with help except a little and temporarily. International trade and Devaluation Globalization is the strategy of todays world. The concept of information sharing has reinforced the process of globalization throughout the world. The consultant and analysts are, therefore, working on the integration of the entire system to run smoothly without any hindrances. Looking at the economic activity in this scenario, there is two major classifications, good and services. The globalization of goods can be seen in the prospective of international trade. By international trade we mean exchange of goods between the nations. Looking at the economies of the world we find that the states are broadening their activities by offering investors to share their share of excellence and encouraging their local manufacture to explore the possibilities of selling their goods in the foreign markets. International trade is very important in terms of increasing the foreign exchange of the country which ultimately prospers the people. The Government of Pakistan has liberalized its trade policy with devaluation of Pak rupee and encouraged the manufacturers to export their goods and invited foreign companies to compete in the local market. The key reason for international trade is provided by the theory of Comparative costs importance of relative cost saving in the production of one item over the other. Obviously it would be better to buy a product from china at the price of Rs 1/= instead of producing it at the cost of Rs. 2/- that can be ultimately be sold for Rs 2.50 in the market. There are various other reasons which strongly support the trading among the countries, few of which are: Decreasing cost Consumption of excess production Difference in taste Foreign Exchange rate From international trade, we mean buying and selling the goods among nations. The deal cannot, of-course, be taken place without availability of currency to be accepted by the seller, on the other hand an exporter/importer would definitely like to know how the exchange rate of Pakistan rupee into dollar is being fixed, and how can her benefit from it?. At present in Pakistan we have managed float of currency to determine exchange rate as an independent policy instrument. We need some criteria to fix the exchange of currency amoung the countries. It is important to note that only a favourable exchange can really benefits the nation and by favourable exchange, we mean, getting more foreign currency by paying less local currency. Theoretically there are two type of exchange rates: Stable Exchange rate Altough stable exchange rate has no pratical value now a days, yet it helps in understanding the determination of exchange theory. A stable exchange rate was set by the value of gold. However, with passage of time, the limitation and deficiencies of gold standard started emerging. Few of these were carrying inconvencies, remelting of gold, shipment of gold, different valuation of gold by different countries, and unavailability of sufficient gold to meet with the heavy demand. That is why the gold system was found inadequate ans was replaced with the flexible exchange rate. Flexible or floating exchange rate Flexible exchange rate is set by the interaction of demand and supply schedule for foreign exchange indepently. The optimum level in demand and supply teory is set at the point where supply equal to the demand. So if a person want to buy electric equipment from America worth $ 100000/- and an American in contrast wants to buy cotton and the parity between US$ and Pak rupee is 1:1, the equation will be somehow similar to as follows: Demand for US$ by Pakistan 100,000 Demand for Rs. By America 50,000 Pakistan is demanding more dollars than America wants to supply. The demand and supply are not in balance, consequently Pakistan shall have to refix the parity between $ and rupee at a level where our demand for $ will become equal to the supply of $. Now if we reduce the price of our goods by half of the existing price: Demand for US$ by Pakistan 100,000 Demand of Rs by America 25,000 This reduction price will have dual effects: Dollas will become more expensive, the American goods will become more costly. Pakistani Rupee will become more cheaper, our goods will become cheaper and as a result the demand for our goods will increase. From the above it can be included that demans for imports should be in line with supply of exports. Total value of imports and exports of a country can also help manufacturers to design their plans for future expansion. With an expensive foreign currency, export may be increased with relatively low price supply of goods and quality production within the country. At the same time with a cheap currency investment can be made in foreign countries to utilize the cheap resources and ultimately increases the value of the firm. DEVALUATION its effects on Exports As the reason for the devaluation has been to strengthen the countrys balance of payment by stimulating exports, curtailing imports and by encouraging overseas Pakistanis to remit their earning through banks by narrowing the wedge between the official exchange rate and the kerb rate in the open market. It is universally accepted concept that the exchange rate mechanism is used to create a balance between the imports and exports but what is lesser known fact is that this mechanism need to be implemented at the right time and for the right economic reasons to be fully effective in achieving the desired purpose. Advantages and Disadvantages of Devaluation Advantages of Devaluation Devaluation helps in obtaining international market demand perfection in quality and reduction in price up to a competitive level. As both developed and underdeveloped countries function in one international market therefore, it is not easy for Pakistan to sell a product which is also produced by France, Germany or Holland if the prices are high. However, we are competing with the underdeveloped countries, it is, therefore, very necessary for us to adjust our prices with the prices of our competitors to serve in the market. Every new product has four stages, out of which the first stage is introduction stage. An introduction stage demands lot of efforts to promote the product and create awareness among the buyers. At this stage it is vital to sell it at even below the cost. That is why the government provides certain duty drawbacks for a specified period, until that time when the product is self-sufficient. Each country maintains an account for its total imports exports schedule along with balance of payment chart. At times when its imports increase from its exports and the balance of payment deteriorates it becomes vital to increase its exports immediately. The reduction in prices is one of the quickest ways of increasing the exports. At times when people tend to buy imported goods and local industry start suffering, it is necessary to discourage the people so that they cut down their expenditure towards foreign buying and direct towards local goods. Devaluation is one of the techniques to decrease imports and encourage the local industry. Reduction in price through devaluation has long term effects, which can be seen over a period of time. All the above conditions are currently prevailing in Pakistan. However the question arises as to why all these conditions have comparatively more drastic affects on our economy. The answer to this question relates to our policy of income projection and receipt from foreign donors and countries. In the past, we were used to manage our budgetary gaps with the help of aids and debts. But this time the situation is different we could not did any foreign source of income. The IMF was used to extend loans for our development programs in the past. However, during the current year the IMF had stopped its $300 million trench of its ESAF credit. The result is quite obvious: devaluation and imposition of new duties/taxes Disadvantages of Devaluation Devaluation with all its disadvantages has become an irregular policy. It is rater an ad-hoc arrangement for less demand. Instead imperfect planning is essential to forecast the future when the original price level will be maintained again. Devaluation involves high risk of inflation with the country for e.g if the exports do not increase as the result of decrease of price the country will suffer losses due to increase cost of all imports as well as local imports. Loss resulted due to decrease in prices in international market. Devaluation automatically increases the value of external debts and correspondingly the amount required for debt servicing Devaluation of a currency is considered as a last step to be taken after failure of all other fiscal and monetary measures. Before devaluing currency to boost economy through increasing exports, other factors need to be evaluated, for example, lower exports may be because of poor quality of goods, trade barrier, lower value added goods, unavailability of export items e.t.c Continued depreciation of currency may result in unlawful import of goods within the country. Such unlawful import and export may creat unlawful parallel economy within the country, which will be completely out of the control of the government. Devaluation is always supported by special incentive package to reduce the internally produced items for export. By critically analyzing all the above referred factors, it is proposed that the following necessary action should be taken to improve the situation: Tax Network should be enhanced by a) levying tax on agriculture, b) improving collection procedure, c) bringing small businessmen under tax nutshell etc. Imports should be discouraged by encouraging locally produced quality goods. Export of value added items should be increased instead of increase of low value exports to compete with the other developing countries. Needless to say that government should reduce drastically its own expenditure. It is vital for government to build up its creditability through investing money in public projects very honestly. The proceed from privatization of public sectors should be utilized to pay off our external as well as internal debts. Rescheduling of the debt should also be requested from the lenders. In case of our low priced items in the international market, we should prove that the reason of our low price quality items is not government support but cost efficiency. This can be done only with the help of very competent professional people i.e management accounts, engineers and managers. With the current devaluation, it is vital that necessary incentives must be given to industry and fixed income group for their survival and to reap the benefit of devaluation. The government should build capacity to deal with economics problems on both macro and micro level. It is generally believed that the government does not possess necessary capabilities, out of elected representative and bureaucrats to deal with it. That is why most of our key position holder is either current of Ex World Bank/IMF officials. It is also suggested that major businessmen and industrialist should be taken into confidence before any major decision. Effectiveness of price control committees very necessary. In countries like Pakistan where every individual has the power to determine the price of his own product, inflation is automatically multiplied Conclusions Clearly, devaluation has not been the answer. It has rather contributed to a further increase in the trade gap. The important consequences of devaluation are the burden it is putting on the repayment of the foreign debts. The ensuing depletion of reserves has such a negative effect that the positive impact, if any, is more than wiped out by the increased foreign exchange burden. Reviewing the policy of devaluation by successive governments in the last 50 years, one finds that devaluation has miserably failed to resolve any problems or improve the macro or micro economic conditions in the country. Rather, devaluation has been counterproductive. In the existing scenario of the forces of demand and supply, the rupee is expected to continue with its downward trend. If the counter measures through cost cutting and efficiency management are not taken to check the inflation, which is already running in double digit, the advantages of devaluation will be offset as in the past, leaving adverse impacts as our economy which mainly depends on imported raw-materials, fuels and capital goods. That will certainly bring more hardships for common Pakistani people because our industry has substantial imported inputs in a wide range of locally produced goods and will also retard the process of industrialization in the country. Similarly defense budget and debt servicing will c ost more due to costlier dollar. Our main problem is still uncontrolled i.e. the rise in non-development expenditures, which has given rise to the culture of living beyond means. This can be countered by adoption of practical harsh measures by the government especially at the top level to set the example for the whole nation.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Pearl Harbor Essay -- World War II WWII

Bombing of Pearl Harbor World War II was a war that everyone will remember and will be remembered for many years to come. It could even be said that it killed more people, destroyed more property, and had far more reaching effects than any other war in history. New technologies were used in the war, such as the Atomic bomb, which opened up the nuclear age. Pearl Harbor was one of those events that will never be forgotten by Americans. Pearl Harbor was especially memorable to America because that caused us to get involved in the war and it outraged everyone in the country. The United States played a key role in the war. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a major turning point in World War II. The United States planned not to get involved in the war. The majority of the population in the country thought we should stay out of the war and remain neutral, although most American hoped that the Allies would be victorious. The Allies consisted of 50 different countries by the end of the war. The United States, Soviet Union, China, and Great Britain were among the Allies. Germany, Italy, and Japan made up the alliance known as the Axis. Six other nations joined the Axis later in the war. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the neutrality of the United States after the war had started. Roosevelt and other interventionists wanted to aid other Allie nations in fighting the Axis. Isolationists opposed the UNITED STATES aid to warring nations. Roosevelt was then accused of steering the UNITED STATES into a war they were not prepared to fight. Roosevelt’s strategy to defeat the Axis was to equip the nation, fight the Axis with ships, tanks, aircrafts and other war technologies. The whole situation of Pearl Harbor started in 1940; the Japanese forces were in China. The Chinese government leader, Chiang Kai-Shek and his government fled to central China. To force China to surrender, Japan cut off Chinas supplies reaching Southeast Asia to China. Japan also wanted the resources of Southeast Asia to themselves. Japan began building an empire called the Great Asia Co.- Prosperity Sphere. The United States opposed Japans expansion. Then in 1941 the Japanese began moving into Northern Indochina. The United States responded by cutting exports to Japan. This was very bad for Japan because the Japanese industries heavily relied on scrap metal, petroleum, and ot... ...rican people. It was desirable to make sure that the Japanese would be the ones to do this so that there should remain no doubt in any ones mind as to who were the aggressors†Ã¢â‚¬ . (Cavendish, 643). By Roosevelt saying this it makes him seem like he has control over human life. I think that Roosevelt did have a role to play in causing the bombing of Pearl Harbor but IM not for sure. In conclusion, the bombing of Pearl Harbor was a memorable event for Americans. The Allied forces benefited greatly from the United States involvement in The Allied forces later went on to win the war. The United States World War II involvement insured the Allied victory concluding that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was a major turning point in the war. Work Cited Cavendish Publishing Limited, America and Pearl Harbor, New York: Cavendish Press, 1986 Internet. 2001. Http//: www.letsfindout.com/Pearl Harbor May 19, 2001 Internet 2001. Http//: www.USWars.com/roadtopearlharbor. May 19,2001 Pearl Harbor’s History, Filmstrip Rice, Robert. The Pearl Harbor Story. Los Angeles: Van Rees Press, 1990 Wisniewski, Paul. Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. New York: Citadel Press, 1999 Pearl Harbor Essay -- World War II WWII Bombing of Pearl Harbor World War II was a war that everyone will remember and will be remembered for many years to come. It could even be said that it killed more people, destroyed more property, and had far more reaching effects than any other war in history. New technologies were used in the war, such as the Atomic bomb, which opened up the nuclear age. Pearl Harbor was one of those events that will never be forgotten by Americans. Pearl Harbor was especially memorable to America because that caused us to get involved in the war and it outraged everyone in the country. The United States played a key role in the war. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a major turning point in World War II. The United States planned not to get involved in the war. The majority of the population in the country thought we should stay out of the war and remain neutral, although most American hoped that the Allies would be victorious. The Allies consisted of 50 different countries by the end of the war. The United States, Soviet Union, China, and Great Britain were among the Allies. Germany, Italy, and Japan made up the alliance known as the Axis. Six other nations joined the Axis later in the war. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the neutrality of the United States after the war had started. Roosevelt and other interventionists wanted to aid other Allie nations in fighting the Axis. Isolationists opposed the UNITED STATES aid to warring nations. Roosevelt was then accused of steering the UNITED STATES into a war they were not prepared to fight. Roosevelt’s strategy to defeat the Axis was to equip the nation, fight the Axis with ships, tanks, aircrafts and other war technologies. The whole situation of Pearl Harbor started in 1940; the Japanese forces were in China. The Chinese government leader, Chiang Kai-Shek and his government fled to central China. To force China to surrender, Japan cut off Chinas supplies reaching Southeast Asia to China. Japan also wanted the resources of Southeast Asia to themselves. Japan began building an empire called the Great Asia Co.- Prosperity Sphere. The United States opposed Japans expansion. Then in 1941 the Japanese began moving into Northern Indochina. The United States responded by cutting exports to Japan. This was very bad for Japan because the Japanese industries heavily relied on scrap metal, petroleum, and ot... ...rican people. It was desirable to make sure that the Japanese would be the ones to do this so that there should remain no doubt in any ones mind as to who were the aggressors†Ã¢â‚¬ . (Cavendish, 643). By Roosevelt saying this it makes him seem like he has control over human life. I think that Roosevelt did have a role to play in causing the bombing of Pearl Harbor but IM not for sure. In conclusion, the bombing of Pearl Harbor was a memorable event for Americans. The Allied forces benefited greatly from the United States involvement in The Allied forces later went on to win the war. The United States World War II involvement insured the Allied victory concluding that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was a major turning point in the war. Work Cited Cavendish Publishing Limited, America and Pearl Harbor, New York: Cavendish Press, 1986 Internet. 2001. Http//: www.letsfindout.com/Pearl Harbor May 19, 2001 Internet 2001. Http//: www.USWars.com/roadtopearlharbor. May 19,2001 Pearl Harbor’s History, Filmstrip Rice, Robert. The Pearl Harbor Story. Los Angeles: Van Rees Press, 1990 Wisniewski, Paul. Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. New York: Citadel Press, 1999

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Lord of the Flies :: Free Essay Writer

The Lord of the Flies William Golding uses much symbolism in his novel, The Lord of the Flies, to help readers gain a greater understanding of his message. He uses symbolism in three important areas: objects that have symbolic value as references to ideas, characters that symbolize important historical and religious people, and the setting which frames the conflicts on the island in comparison to the whole world. Objects are the first part of the story that are symbolic. Many objects in The Lord of the Flies have important symbolic value. The conch shell represents power and authority, and Ralph uses it to call for the boys to come to meetings. Whoever has the shell has the power to talk. The conch shows how people use objects to give power, like a crown, sceptre, or other thins that show who has power. We also learn that objects don’t really give power when people choose not to obey it, like Ralph’s conch. The pig’s head, or Lord of the Flies, is an important object. To Jack it is a sacrifice for the beast. This object shows that people will make religions and rituals to control their world, even when what they think is not true. The Lord of the Flies is also a symbol of Satan, or the Devil. When Simon talked with the Lord of the Flies, he learned what the real evil was, which is the evil in people’s hearts. The Lord of the Flies is a symbol of the things we make up to be the cause for evil, when those things aren’t the real reason. The fire is a symbol of hope and rescue. When the fire was burning bright, it was because the boys were working hard to get rescued. When the fire burnt out, it was because many boys, like Jack, didn’t care anymore about being rescued. In the end, the fire that got them rescued was not meant for rescue. It was there because Jack was burning down the island to kill Ralph. This shows us that we get things from luck instead of hard work. The objects in the story are used by characters that also have symbolism. The many different characters on the island are symbols of important people. They show how the real world is made up of people. Ralph is a good leader who cannot control bad people like Jack. Ralph is like Franklin Roosevelt before World War II who could not stop the war from breaking out.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Bba International Hospitality Management

Marketing Export Plan International Business Orientation Exporting FEBO to ChinaPart 1 Table of content Introduction4 1. Strategic Profile5 1. 1 History5 1. 2 Strategies5 1. 3 What to do in China6 1. 4 Suppliers6 2. FEBO internal analysis7 2. 1 Product position7 2. 2 Marketing capability8 2. 3 Research and development capabilities8 2. 4 Organisational structure8 2. 5 Human resources9 2. 6 Facilities and equipment9 2. 7 Past strategies9 3. Target market (external research)10 3. 1 Selection10 3. 2 Operating risks10 3. 3 Market potential11 3. 4 Costs11 3. 5 Potential local and foreign competition11 . 6 In-depth analysis12 3. 7 Population characteristics and purchasing power12 3. 8 Basic infrastructure including transportation and communication facilities13 3. 9 Cultural factors13 3. 10 Resource13 3. 11 Government restrictions and regulations on trade14 4. Target group15 4. 1 Market Access Requirements (MAR)15 5. SWOT analysis19 6. Critical success factors21 6. 1 The industry21 6. 2 Comp etitive strategy and industry position21 6. 3 Environmental factors22 6. 4 Temporal factors22 6. 5 Managerial position22 Conclusion25 List of reference:26 IntroductionThis report is an export marketing plan, about exporting FEBO to China. The report is divided into two parts. This is the first part which is more about the company at the moment the internal and external analysis. It concludes a strategic profile about the history, the strategies, and what to expect in China. Than as all ready mentioned the internal analysis, what are their capabilities, product position, organizational structure, human resource and their facilities and equipment at the moment. The target market is the external analysis which concludes their market position, risks, cost, purchase power and PESTEL analysis.Then there will be explained about about the target market, what is it now and which segment do they want to reach in China. The report consist about a SWOT analysis from FEBO now and the possible op portunities and threats for the China market. In the critical success factors the industry will be discussed and the competitive strategy and industry position. The second part is more about the implementation about exporting FEBO to china. The different market entries, sales and marketing plan and the technical aspect. But there over later more. 1. Strategic Profile 1. 1 History FEBO was found in 1941 by J.J de Borst, he started with â€Å"Maison Febo† as a bakery in Amsterdam. The founder learned that quality is the key factor of success. So he was always busy with improving the quality of his products. After a while Mr. de Borst decided to expand his assortment with homemade salads and kroketten which were sold as a take away or to eat them straight away. Since, there was a high demand, he decided to close the bakery and continue with a kitchen. FEBO made all the products in its fabric. In addition, shops opened where the products could be sold, through the famous â€Å"w all†. Mr. J. J. e Borst did not want to outsource the production because then he did not have control over the quality anymore. Because of this successful concept in 1978 the first franchise settlement was opened in Amsterdam. A few years later other FEBO’s opened their doors in; Purmerend, Hoorn and Hoofddorp. Those neighbor cities of Amsterdam were chosen, to keep the existing target group also called an overflow area. In 1990 the son of the founder took over the company and built a big kitchen in Amsterdam were they produced all the products, they own this kitchen as well to keep their production in their own hands.Later, other franchised FEBO’s opened their doors in the rest of Holland. Now a day there are 61 branches and 55 of them are franchised. All of those shops need to be modern and to have the same charisma. Hygiene is very important and the counter is the hearth of the shop. Everything is about the product, high quality and quick stock turnover. All t he FEBO’s need to be located on A1 locations, and what is more, they need to have a certain surface, minimum of 80m2. (Febo) 1. 2 Strategies Strategy formulation can be analysed through the model of the Strategic lenses.This model suggests that there are 4 ways of formulating and implementing a strategy. Namely those are strategy as design, as experience, as ideas and as discourse. Companies that formulate strategy as discourse are using models and analytical tools to carefully analyze the situation. FEBO is not implementing this way of strategy formulation. It is more using the strategy as experience way, as the strategies and way of doing business are based on past experience. This can be seen yet from the begging, when FEBO expanded from bakery to franchise fast food because of the experience that this is what the customers want.Moreover, strategy as ideas is to be innovative and use the full potential of employees’ ideas. This is also what FEBO implemented, when th ey found the food walls. The last lens is strategy as discourse and this is to use language to formulate a strategy. This angle of looking at a strategy can be also found in FEBO and more particularly in its logo- The most delicious. This logo passes the strategy of good taste to both its employees and customers. (Johnson et. all, 2008). At the moment FEBO is number one mark leader of the fast food sector in the Netherlands.This also has to do with their strategy; â€Å"Quality stays†. FEBO is continuously busy with improving their receipts and products. Also freshness is one of the strategies, all the products are made the same day as they are sold. The products are made of the best quality of meat, herbs, butter and flower. After they are made they are transport by FEBO`s own trucks to keep the quality high. What FEBO is also very famous for is the concept of getting food out of the â€Å"wall†. This is a typical Dutch, and only at FEBO’s.People have to put so me coins in the machines and they can choose their snack without ordering it. This is considered as Smart strategy, because it created a better brand awareness and now everybody recognizes the food out of the wall as part of FEBO. 1. 3 What to do in China This report is analyzing and considering the possibility of export of FEBO to China. FEBO is a typical Dutch fast food chain, where people can 24/7 get food out of the wall. When exporting this to China it is important that the Dutch style identity and the same products, quality and the â€Å"food wall† are preserved. 1. Suppliers It is important that the products are kept as much as possible the same as they are in Holland. One of the basic strategies of FEBO’s is freshness, which means that is it not possible to export the products from Holland all the way to China. They need to be made in China, some essential ingredients as herbs can be exported, but products as meat and potatoes have to come from China. Those ing redients have to be prepared according to the typical Dutch receipts. This method also saves money, because the company does not have to fly over all the raw ingredients to make the snacks. . FEBO internal analysis An internal analysis of an organisation is performed to evaluate its current position and recourses and determine the strengths and the weaknesses. In this part of the report internal analysis of FEBO will be done on the basis on evaluating its product position, marketing capability, research and development, organisational structure, human resources, facilities and equipment, past strategies. 2. 1 Product position The current products of FEBO are all fast food, which can be taken from a wall.However, what distinguishes FEBO is that its products are fresh and never a compromise on quality is made. The company is choosing carefully the best suppliers and producing its products every day in a fabric in Amsterdam, in that way there is a direct control on the quality. After b eing produced in Amsterdam, the food is distributed through the companies own logistic channels to the 61 shops in the Netherlands. In order to make the product positioning of FEBO clearer, the company will be placed on the strategic clock which can be seen in the graph below. Evaluation will be made on the basis of quality and price.The product of FEBO is differentiated from the other fast food, but differentiation is not their strategy as they are also keeping the prices low. What the organisation is doing can be named as hybrid as they are offering more quality and low price. The combination of the two is normally difficult to manage and most companies provide either quality or cheap product, but FEBO achieves both by selling big quantities and distributing the costs over a big production. 2. 2 Marketing capability The marketing concept and at the same time advertising promise that FEBO is using is the most delicious.The accent of the company is definitely on the quality of the i ngredients and the freshness of the food offered to the customers. FEBO is also having a cheap price, but this is not directly communicated to the customers as sometimes people consider low priced products as low quality products. That is why the marketing capability is all about the high quality and appeal to the customers. This is also the reason why, no matter that it is a franchise company, FEBO apart from know-how and brand is also providing the franchisee with the in-house produced and distributed food on daily basis. 2. Research and development capabilities FEBO extended its range of products throughout the years of its foundation. However, the concept of high quality is something that stays in the company. It is making research and developing only the new products that fit in the major concept. In addition the company is performing a research for every new franchisee and has certain requirements as opening shops only in A1 locations. What is more, FEBO has done a research an d provided a map with possible locations for new shops. If a franchisee suggests another location, FEBO will conduct research and evaluate if it is suitable. . 4 Organisational structure FEBO was opened as a family business and still the director today is a family member. He is already a third generation running the company. His name is  Mr. JR Breast and he is on the top of the organisation. The structure of the company is kept simple with direct relations, so that it can work effectively and quickly. There are several management departments, performing the basic tasks. Namely those are- Quality manager, Franchise manager, Marketing manager, financial manager and Manager company stores.They are all directed and controlled by the director of FEBO. The Franchise manager is working together with a consultant for franchising and the financial manager has financial administration. Moreover, there are two secretaries working in FEBO as well. With this structure every employee has tasks and responsibilities and there is no confusion about who is doing what. The organisational structure of FEBO helps in achieving quick and fruitful relationships with franchisee. 2. 5 Human resources The employees working in the management of FEBO are professionals and are carefully selected.They all contribute to the process of adding value and producing and delivering high quality products to the customers. The human resources that FEBO employs also include their franchisee and the full and part time employees working in the shops, so that is why the management of FEBO is considering each case separately. An approval to be a franchisee of FEBO is only given to the ones that cover the requirements. Human resource force is important for FEBO because quality products cannot be produced by unqualified personnel. 2. 6 Facilities and equipmentThe facilities and equipment of FEBO are very important part of the competitive advantage. The walls or vendor machines placed at the shops of FEB O are something unique. They help in delivering fast service to the customers and are even considered as an attraction by the tourists. Furthermore, the shops which are also part of the facilities of FEBO are only in A1 location, which means that a lot of people pass by them and this is an advantage compared to competitors who do not have such good locations or at least not for all of their shops.Very important facilities for FEBO are its fabric and trucks without which the company will not be able to control the quality throughout its whole chain and will be highly dependent on outside organisations. 2. 7 Past strategies FEBO started as a family owned bakery and because of the success and interest it started growing. It can be said that the strategies were not carefully planned, but they emerged from the everyday doing business and from the customer needs. Moreover, as FEBO`s strategy is to produce in-house to keep the quality, this was a strategy that was formulated from the gaine d experience.The family saw that the customers value the personal touch. That is why no matter that the range of the products is growing and there are more and more FEBO restaurants, the quality is kept high by still holding the production and distribution in house, because the past experience shows that this is the formula for success for FEBO. 3. Target market (external research) 3. 1 Selection The choice of market selection is a key strategic option in export marketing which provide the basic information for export marketing mix decisions.In general, the selection is through identifying and analyzing different possible markets for export market expansion from aspects such as market size, market growth, competitive conditions and government regulations, etc to determine the most suitable target market for the company to export at the current situation. Therefore, the selection for target market can be seen as a really essential process for the exporting and international marketing . FEBO is a traditional Dutch company. In addition, it is liked by most of people in the Netherlands no matter from which nationality they are.Therefore there are a lot of choices of feasible countries for export marketing. According to Douglas and Craig (1983), by examining the operating risks, market potential, costs and potential local and foreign competition, the list of feasible countries could be evaluated and ranked. As the result, the most suitable market would be selected out. However, it still needs to be further in-depth analyzed later. (Albaum, 1998, P132-133) For the reasons above, the following part would be the assessment of different choice markets for FEBO’s export marketing later in order to select the most suitable target market for FEBO.The assessment had been divided into three possible options: a Central or Eastern-European country, a North-American country and an emerging Asian country and would be test as the above four aspects according to Douglas and Craig. 3. 2 Operating risks Operating risks, which is also called business risks, mean the risk arising from a computer’s business. To be more specific, it includes risks from the change of people, system and process during the business. What is more, some factors like fraud risks, legal risks, and physical or environment risks also could be involved in operation risks. Operating risk definition. (n. d)) At this aspect, the three options have almost the same risks if choose to expand because for FEBO the three options are all new markets. If FEBO wants to open new stores no matter in the centre or eastern-European or north-American country or an emerging Asian country, a lots of risks at aspects like manufacturing, transportation or even customers and suppliers would exist undoubtedly. However, among this situation, the emerging Asian country such as China has low labor costs which could also mean low labor risk and can be considered as an opportunity. . 3 Market potential M arket potential means the potential of the new market for the future development. For instance it could include the potential amount of customers, the potential products demands, and the potential profits. From this point of view, the Central or Eastern-European market and North-American market are not suitable because the lifestyle of people there is almost the same as in the Netherlands, although the majority of people like fast food so that there are a lot of customers and high products demands, the alternative fast food, competition of FEBO is very high.Therefore it can be predicted that the potential profits can suffer. However, in an emerging Asian country, like China traditional food still stands in a leading position. Although many fast food companies such as KFC and McDonalds’ become increasingly popular by people there, FEBO still seems a new kind of fast food for the â€Å"get food out of wall†. Time saving could attract more potential customers which would lead great potential profits as the result. 3. 4 Costs Simply the costs contain material, time, resource, manufacture and delivery of the products or services of the company. Cost definition. (n. d. )) Among the three options, only the emerging Asian country like China has low labor costs and low tax, therefore at this point, China accounted for the most of advantages and could be seem as a good choice for FEBO’s export. 3. 5 Potential local and foreign competition The same as what had already been mentioned in the point of market potential, there are too much competition in the Central or Eastern-European market and the North-American market as there are too many similar industries, so FEBO has lower opportunities and higher threats if choose these two options.On the contrary, China, as a developing Asian country, has scant fast food industries which mean less local competition. Moreover, at the beginning of international business, FEBO could seize the first opportunities an d then could be easier foothold in the China market than the other similarly industries or companies which entered later. To sum up, according to those reasons above which got from careful analysis, the best choice of FEBO’s export marketing could be clearly seen as China. 3. 6 In-depth analysis After market selection, the most suitable option for FEBO’s export marketing is China.For further analysis, a number of variables which could also be called indicators are useful for assessing the export potential of the international market—the China market. In order, to have a more complete and detailed overview of the China market, the potential impact of those variables needs to be examined. In accordance with Albaum, G. , generally speaking, the physical characteristics, political tendencies, socio-culture characteristics and economic factors are the four main elements which would influence the results of in-depth analysis.More specifically, indicators would include a list of for instance the physical geography of the country, the local industries. Since it would be much more difficult and complex to examine every indicator, several relatively important variables are chosen to analysis. Those are the following: population characteristics and purchasing power, basic infrastructure including transportation and communication facilities, cultural factors, resource and government restrictions and regulations on trade. (Albaum, 1998, P136) 3. Population characteristics and purchasing power As all known, China has a large population which can be seen as benefit for export because more people means more demands. Therefore, it will be clear that the first choice for FEBO to export is the bigger cities in China such as Beijing or Shanghai. In those bigger cities, there are more people and especially more rich people who have larger purchasing power in comparison to people in other small cities. In addition, Big cities have more competition and the major ity of people there have a fast pace of life.There is a very high possibility that they would like FEBO’s â€Å"get food out of wall† model. As a famous typical Dutch fast food, FEBO could help people save a lot of time from cooking and there is no doubt that it would be accepted and further loved by most people living in the bigger cities of China. 3. 8 Basic infrastructure including transportation and communication facilities Take Shanghai as an example, there are lists of transportation methods that could be choose for transportation such as bus, truck, subway, train and even plane if necessary.For one of FEBO’s strategies of freshness, the bigger cities in China like Shanghai could be ensure the transport the raw materials or final products in time and always keep fresh as their original quality. Second, the same as Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the bigger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai in China also have complete and sound communication f acilities. The internet system is the bridge between the headquarters and branches both in the Netherlands and China as well as that between stores and distributions or manufactories.In a word, no matter which link has problems, the communication facilities could assume the responsibility for exchange information. 3. 9 Cultural factors For the cultural aspect, people living in bigger cities in China are more likely to want to try international food than those living in small cities. The reason is that there are a lot of foreigners living in the bigger cities in China especially Shanghai and Beijing and the local population there is more opened to European cultures.Since different nationalities are living together, they are influenced by each other and it is obviously that more and more Chinese accept and even love the foreign food. Usually people that live in bigger cities in China often have less prejudice or fear, furthermore, they have a more modern lifestyles, and they treat for eigners more friendly. Most of them can speak English or other languages so that they would probably prefer to talk with traditional Dutch employees in FEBO’s stores in China about the lifestyle or environment if the Netherland.They will be able to communicate in English. 3. 10 Resource As mentioned above, one of the strategies of FEBO is freshness which means it is not possible to transport the products from the Netherlands to China every day. To address this problem, the products sold in China’s stores need to be made also in China. Therefore only some essential ingredients as herbs still can be exported to keep products of FEBO in China also have traditional Dutch taste and at the same time could save costs.As China is large and owns many resources, it is believed that most of resources that FEBO needs to make products could be found in China such as meat and potatoes and so on. In addition, human resource is another significant element. The larger population especi ally in bigger cities of China means that FEBO does not need to worry about labor problems. Moreover, the lower labor costs in China could also help FEBO save money and can be a better option than exporting Dutch employees from the Netherlands. 3. 11 Government restrictions and regulations on tradeWith China’s accession of WTO, the government pays more attention on international trade than in the past. In addition, Chinese are encouraged to develop international business abroad and the government also welcomes foreign investments in China. Lowering the amount of restrictions on trade and formulating stimulating regulations on trade are what the government already did and would further developed in the future. Therefore this is a good opportunities for FEBO’s export marketing plan to China. Many encouraging regulations such as lower taxes could also lower the risks of FEBO’s export. . Target group Since the first target market for FEBO’s export plan had be en determined as bigger cities in China such as Beijing and Shanghai, the next step is to search for the most suitable location for FEBO’s first store. After a list of researches, the first destination for FEBO’s export would be Shanghai, therefore the following part would be about the situation in Shanghai. FEBO is a fast food company; so that the target group of it would of course young people as for example students and office people.The young usually like fashion and could easily accept new products. They like foreign foods better than the older people. Therefore the problem is how to attract them come to FEBO. To address this problem, some research had been done. Through the results, there are a lot of European companies established in every district of Shanghai, so that it can be hardly to circle for a specific district for Europeans. For this reason, the final location of FEBO would be the city centre of Shanghai which also could be seen as the a1 location. Gene rally peaking, people come from other places, especially from other countries always choose the most famous food to eat; however, there is another choice, that is to follow with the local people. That is because the natives would choose the best food among the whole city so that there is no doubt that the tourists could find delicious food with the local people. Therefore, to attract more customers, the target group for FEBO at the beginning should be those European people in Shanghai. When people see a lot of European people come to FEBO, then they would come as well.Furthermore, with a lot of European people, FEBO could have a more European environment as it is expected. 4. 1 Market Access Requirements (MAR) Standardized products and services are considered to be a confidence builder, and that can be perceived as safety, healthy, secure, high quality and flexible. So the standardized products or services are widely accepted, commonly trusted and highly valued. There are several st andards for FEBO to export to China. This part will be discussed by different aspects. In this part, PESTEL will be used to analysis these factors. Political:It is an important economic development strategy for China to bring more foreign investment, so Chinese government offers more preferential policies to foreign companies. The most relative policy for FEBO is tax; it is lower than in Netherlands. Chinese government announced that foreign companies have to pay 25% of income, which is lower than 25. 5% in Netherlands. FEBO will earn more money because of this low tax. And for the new foreign companies, if they want to operate more than ten years, and then in the first two years, they can exempt from corporate income tax. It is a good open policy for FEBO to enter to Chinese market.Economic: Source from official says that the economic in China is optimistic. Generally, Chinese economic is increasing rapidly. Ranked seventh in the world GDP, GDP growth rate is the first in the world . It is suitable for FEBO to develop to China. Social: Although China has a long history, Chinese people are becoming more open to different cultures than other countries with deeply embedded local customs. Nowadays, the educational level is high, and Chinese people can adopt more foreign customs and values. In some big cities, the pace of life is fast, so people prefer fast-food than traditional one.As it can be seen that McDonald, KFC and many more foreign fast-food stores opened in China, FEBO can be next good choice for them. Technological: FEBO has more or less the same technologic as other fast-food stores. But for some sauces and some special traditional Dutch food, FEBO has its own technologic. What is more, FEBO will use this Dutch fast-food technologic also in China. Environment: As food industry is famous and quickly developing in China, FEBO can catch up with the situation, and develop to Chinese market. After FEBO set foot in China, there will be more jobs for local peo ple.It will also bring competitive crisis to relative stores, and this will promote the virtuous circle of competition in the market. FEBO can be an environmental company, and will do more changes on environmental item, so it could be more adopted than other non environmental friendly business. Legal: FEBO has to obey the laws and relative constraints, some important legal issues are described detailed as below: * FEBO first has to obtain the certification of International standard organization (ISO), which is the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standard.FEBO is a Dutch brand, and if it wants to develop to Chinese market, then it becomes an international business. If FEBO gets the ISO application, it will bring a lot of advantages to the business: * Strengthen quality management and improve enterprise efficiency. If FEBO implement at ISO, it can be scrutinized in according to international standard quality system for quality management. It will greatl y improve work efficiency and product qualification rate, and rapidly increase their economic and social benefits. * Access to international trade pass, it is conducive to across international technical barriers.Especially in the â€Å"World Trade Organization†, member countries exclude the tariff barriers each other, so certified is the main way to eliminate trade barriers. * To be an invincible position in the competition of product quality. Quality competition has become the primary means of competition in international trade. ISO certification can help FEBO improve the product quality stably. * What is more, to enter Chinese market, it is essential for FEBO to have Market access barriers for other relative stores. So FEBO has to get certificate from Chinese food industry. FEBO has to meet China`s health, safety, quality and environmental objectives.As it has been mentioned in the previous part, some essential ingredients as herbs can be exported. So the technical trade ba rriers of China can help FEBO realize these policy objectives by restricting entry of unsatisfactory products at the border. The barriers can be divided into mandatory approval and voluntary approval. * Mandatory approval CCC (China Compulsory Certification) is the fastest way to enter Chinese market. It is a system to replace the Compulsory Supervision System for Product Safety Certification and the Safety License System for Import Commodities.Besides, for the food products, FEBO has to comply with the Chinese GB standard. * Voluntary approval FEBO can apply for the CQC(China Quality Certification) Mark certification. This safety products certification system involves hundreds of products divided into over 50 categories, which include protecting consumers’ personal and property safety and safeguard their rights and interests, improving the product quality of domestic enterprises and increasing the product competitiveness in the international market; and also facilitating for eign products accessing into the domestic market.The products categories that not covered under CCC certification can be subject to the CQC Mark certification. So CQC Mark certification can be regarded as the replenishment of CCC certification. There are several items in CQC Mark certification, and what FEBO needs to get are: CQC Safe&Performance Product certification, and CQC Environmental Product Certification. If FEBO can have two powerful certifications to ensure its quality and safety, it will be treated as a European fast-food brand that with very high quality.Strengths * Number one fast food chain in the Netherlands * 61 shops in all big cities in the Netherlands * A1 locations only * Big target segment * longer opening hours) * Unique â€Å"food out of the wall† concept * Large assortment * FEBO mobile * Daily fresh produced products * High owners equality * Own their production (logistics and production)| Weakness * Lot of waste because of large assortment * Lack of control because of all the different franchises * Cost a lot of money / time to manage the hole distribution channel * Only in the Netherlands| Opportunities * Easy expansion though franchising * The pace of life is fast, and people do not have much time to cook and eat. | Threats * Cheap image * People get more aware of healthy food * Not much option for expansion in Holland (, most big towns and cities of Holland already have a FEBO) * Lots of competition fast food restaurants| 5. SWOT analysis In this chapter the swot analysis of Febo in Holland, will be presented in a table. After having the current SWOT analysis of FEBO, further opportunities and threats for FEBO in China are formulated. Opportunities| Threats| * China has joined WTO, it is being economic globalization, and there is a large space market in China. * China is a new market for FEBO development. As the results show – other fast-food brand has created a score higher than the local business in China * Accordin g to the analysis, it will be the golden age in the next 20 years for China’s economic growth; China will continue to grow as one of the most active region of economic growth. So the financial situation is satisfied. * Chinese consumption level and hierarchy of consumption are increasing. * The tax burdens are less than European countries because of China’s open policy. * No special European food in China, especially traditional Dutch food. | * Other fast-food brand has opened chain stores in China and occupied a vast market, like McDonald and KFC. The gap of brand image in the fast-food industry in getting smaller and smaller. * After China joined WTO, more and more fast-food brands keep their focus on the huge Chinese market. They bring advanced production technology, marketing ideas and service modes. So the relative position of FEBO has a lot of competitors. * New technologies and more modern fast food threaten to displace FEBO and its products. | 6. Critical succe ss factors In general, Critical Success Factors (CSF’s) are the critical factors or activities required for ensuring the success the business. The term was initially used in the world of data analysis, and business analysis.Critical Success Factors have been used significantly to present or identify a few key factors that organizations should focus on so that they are successful. As a definition, critical success factors refer to â€Å"the limited number of areas in which satisfactory results will ensure successful competitive performance for the individual, department, or organization†(Critical Success Factors – CSF analysis, (n. d. ). According to Rockart and Bullen, there are five key sources involved in critical success factors. To better understand FEBO, it will be analyzed on the five parts. 6. 1 The industry In addition to several common CSF within the same industry, there are also many different and unique CSF for different companies.FEBO is a leader in the fast food chain within the Netherlands, so that it has some common CSF like other fast food companies, for instance low price, flexibility and convenient, customer orientation and high quality. Apart from these, FEBO has the unique CSF to be the most famous one among others with its â€Å"get food from the wall†. Because of the revolutionary way of getting the food quickly and easily, FEBO is so successful in the Netherlands. 6. 2 Competitive strategy and industry position Different strategies are used to deal with different situation, and different value/ price position could lead to different markets. Therefore, different strategy and position would gain different market shares and risks at the same time for the company.For example, the values of the company, or the target market and target group the company choose will all impact the CSF’s of that company at a given point in time. FEBO position itself as fast food so that it needs to deliver tasty food to the cu stomers while the service should be quick at a reasonable price and available at any time. Only achieved these can FEBO stand out among the fast food industry. FEBO achieves this with the CSF of holding production and distribution channel in house. 6. 3 Environmental factors The environmental factors mean that any changes in economic, regulatory, political or demographic would affect the CSF of the company. (Critical Success Factors, Guide on How to Write University Essays and Dissertations(n. d. ) This aspect of factors could not be controlled by FEBO, but since FEBO wants to export to China market, so that it already gained a lot of advantages at this point. For instance, China has many regulations to encourage the foreign investments. In addition to that, China is a developing country so that the political development and economic performance of China is very promising. Therefore these all could be seen as the CSF’s for FEBO in the future. 6. 4 Temporal factors These usual ly relate to short-term situation and are influenced by some specific events. These kinds of factors often result in internal organizational needs and changes. A temporary CSF for FEBO can be finding a suitable A1 location and reliable franchisee at a certain destination.This is a CSF which has to be given great attention when expanding to China, because without a good franchisee and good location, there is no way that the shop is successful. 6. 5 Managerial position It is an additional aspect and is important when considered from an individual’s point of view. It highlights individual contribution for the CSF’s of the company. It is normal that the company would be wholly successful if it has many successful managers in different specific area and take good control of each department. At this point of view, FEBO’s CSF are manufacturing managers took the responsibility of provide good quality of products, and the store managers did well in building good relation ship with customers with offering kinds of services. Strategic capability applied to FEBOThe capabilities of a company can be broadly grouped into four categories- Threshold recourses, threshold capabilities, unique resources and core competences. Each of them will be explained and applied to FEBO (Johnson et. all, 2008). * Threshold recourses Threshold recourses are tangible or intangible assets that the company needs to have in order to fulfil the minimum customer requirements. If a company does not have those resources, the customers will not buy from that brand. However, as this is the minimum and every company in the same business needs to have the same to survive, these recourses do not create competitive or superior advantage (Johnson et. ll, 2008). FEBO has the threshold physical resources of having a fabric, machines and shops for selling. Without this the company will not be able to deliver its offering to the customer. Moreover it has the financial resources of its franch isee and company equity. The human threshold recourses of FEBO comprise of the managers who direct the franchisee and the franchisees and their employees at the shops. These all are the minimum resources and without having them, FEBO cannot exist. However, just the presence of these resources is not important. The customer expects that they are deployed in the right way to deliver value. * Threshold competenceThreshold competences are the abilities that are necessarily to satisfy the basic needs of a customer in this case, the minimum expectations from a fast food restaurant (Johnson et. all, 2008). As FEBO is in the business of fast food shops, the threshold competence that it needs to posses in order to have customers is to deliver tasty food to the customers. Moreover, the service should be quick at a reasonable price and available at any time, because that is what all the fast food restaurants are doing. * Unique resources Unique resources are those tangible and intangible asset s that the company posses and are better or different from the competitors.Those resources give competitive advantage (Johnson et. all, 2008). In the case of FEBO the most obvious unique resource it has are its vending machines in the shops. Those are easily recognisable by customers as being part of FEBO and deliver superior- quicker service. In addition, a unique intellectual resource is the brand of FEBO. It is already for a long time in the market and customers know it and value it. The business system of FEBO can also be regarded as a unique resource as the company is keeping production and distribution in house by having its own fabric and trucks. Those are things that are usually outsourced in the fast food industry. Core competence Core competences are the abilities of the personnel to deploy the resources in a way that delivers more value than competitors. The core competences are the key to achieving competitive advantage as they are more difficult to imitate (Johnson et. all, 2008). The core competence of FEBO is to in-house produce and distribute its high quality food quickly to all its A1 shops in Holland. The achievement of quality and at the same time speed makes it possible to sell fresh products in the shops. What is more, the high quality is achieved by using only the best suppliers and carefully choosing the franchisee that represent the brand.So, the core competence of FEBO is embedded in its supply chain. The whole functioning of the operations of FEBO, synchronizing the work of quality suppliers, employees and machines in the fabric, quick logistics, A1 shops and skilled franchisee add to the process of delivering the best quality to the customer. Through the big volumes, FEBO is also keeping the prices of its products down. Conclusion The idea behind the report is to analyze the possibility to expand FEBO to China. To sum up, FEBO opened as a bakery and the experience showed the successful strategy of producing in house and franchising s hops for fast food. The main strategy of the company is resolved around quality and freshness.FEBO is implementing the hybrid quality/price strategy and it is marketing proposition is the â€Å"most delicious†. The structure of the organisation is flat, which makes it effective. FEBO possesses the key facilities- vendor machines and own production. The reasons why to chosen target market is China is because, the labour cost are low, fast food popularity is increasing, Government is stimulating international investments through low taxes, the competition in the fast food is not that fierce yet, the country has the basic recourses to produce FEBO`s products and because of the large population, the target market is also expected to be bigger.More specifically Shanghai is chosen for the first shops as it has good transportation and communication connections and the people in the city are more open to different cultures, which also have a fast pace of life and tend to eat fast foo d, moreover, a bigger proportion of the population is speaking English. In addition, the early adopters of FEBO in Shanghai will be targeted to be the European people. When there are enough European customers this will built trust in the local Chinese population and they will perceive it as exotic and quality food. In order to enter the Chinese market, FEBO has to obtain ISO, China Compulsory Certification and China Quality certification. Having these will make it easier and cheaper for the company to begin business in China and the local population will see it as a quality chain.The critical success factors for FEBO were found to be the get food out of the wall, tasty food with high quality and good choice of franchisees who keep the traditional way of business and the image of FEBO. And last but not least, the unique resources and core competences of FEBO are the walls, the brand name, the business system, quality and speed at the same time and the coordination of the whole supply chain. List of reference: 1) Albaum, G. , Standskow, J. Duerr, E. Dowd, L. , International marketing and export management, Prentice Hall, 3rd edition, 1998 2) CCC US OFFICE – China AQSIQ, CCC Mark, CCC Certificate, 3C Certificate – Your fastest way to enter China Market. (n. d. ). 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