Merton Truck Co

Case Analysis: Merton Truck Company Linear programming techniques can be used to not only determine the best production mix, but also to provide clues and data suggesting ways to improve profits. In 1988, Merton Truck Company was searching for ways to increase profits and ultimately its poor financial performance. Options being considered included changing their product mix by either removing or adding a product line, or renting capacity. In the following pages, the product mix and capacity options considered by Merton are evaluated, other factors and alternatives are discussed, and final recommendations are provided. Product Mix Based on the financials in 1988, Merton’s president suspected that discontinuing their Model 101 would result in stronger financial performance. With unit costs of $40,205 (including fixed overhead) and a sales price of $39,000, each sale of Model 101 resulted in a $1,205 loss. However, the president did not consider that fixed overhead (OH) was being allocated across all units, and the discontinuation of Model 101 would increase the overhead applied to Model 102. In reality, the $8. M in monthly fixed overhead exists regardless of the product mix and does not need to be allocated on a per unit basis to determine overall profit or financial performance. Therefore, fixed overhead was not considered until the end of each evaluation. In order to evaluate any alternative, we need to compare to current profit. Utilizing the data from Tables B and C to obtain production costs per unit as well as fixed overhead, Merton is currently making a profit of $1. 9M (Exhibit 1A). Since it was the specific request of the president, the impact of discontinuing Model 101 was evaluated. The first step was to determine the capacity of producing only Model 102, which is as follows based on Table A: Engine Assembly4,000 hours / 2 hours per unit = 2,000 units Metal Stamping6,000 hours / 2 hours per unit = 3,000 units Model 102 Assembly4,500 hours / 3 hours per unit = 1,500 units The resulting capacity of 1,500 units is the same as the current production level, so it was suspected immediately that discontinuing Model 101 would likely have a negative result. Without an increase in sales, discontinuing Model 101 would only result in increasing the fixed costs for Model 102 without increasing the revenue. As seen in Exhibit 1B, this would indeed result in a $1. 1M monthly loss for Merton. This is a phenomenon known as the death spiral, when the discontinuation of a seemingly unprofitable product causes otherwise profitable products to become unprofitable. Merton should continue to use that extra capacity to produce Model 101 to generate additional revenue and help absorb costs. The impact of making only Model 101was evaluated by determining the capacity using Table A: Engine Assembly4,000 hours / 1 hour per unit = 4,000 units Metal Stamping6,000 hours / 2 hours per unit = 3,000 units Model 101 Assembly5,000 hours / 2 hours per unit = 2,500 units As shown in Exhibit 1C, producing 2,500 units of Model 101 results in a $1. 1M loss. However, since the bottleneck is the Model 101 Assembly, additional capacity remains to produce Model 102 units: Engine Assembly1,500 hours remaining / 2 hours per unit = 750 units Metal Stamping1,000 hours remaining / 2 hours per unit = 500 units Model 102 Assembly4,500 hours / 3 hours per unit = 1,500 units Exhibit 1D shows that producing 500 units of Model 102 results in a $1. 4M profit; however, Merton is still better off in its current situation. In the current analysis, it is assumed that Model 102 Assembly cannot be used for Model 101, a logical assumptionsince Merton specifies the department where Model 103 will be made. However, if Model 102 Assembly can be used for Model 101, the bottleneck then becomes Metal Stamping at 3,000 units x $3,000 CM = $9. 0M – $8. 6M = $0. 4M profit. In a similar fashion, the ability to use Model 101 Assembly for Model 102 would also drastically change the impact of discontinuing Model 101. The bottleneck for producing only Model 102 would then become Engine Assembly at 2,000 units x $5,000 CM = $10. 0M – $8. 6M = $1. M profit. So far an improved product mix has not been identified, so linear programming was used to identify the production mix that would maximize profits using the following objective function: To maximize c1x1 +c2x2 Where: x1 = Number of Model 101 trucks to produce x2 = Number of Model 102 trucks to produce c1 = Contribution margin of Model 101 (excluding fixed costs) c2 = Contribution margin of Model 102 (excluding fixed costs) The contribution margins (CMs) were calculated in Exhibit 1 as: c1 = $3,000 c2 = $5,000 Subject to Constraints: Engine Assemblyx1 + 2Ãâ€"2 ? 4000 Metal Stamping2x1 + 2Ãâ€"2 ? 000 Model 101 Assembly2x1 ? 5000 Model 102 Assembly3x2 ? 4500 Negativityx1,x2 ? 0 Each constraint was graphed as a line by setting each variable to zero, and then determining which side of the line satisfied the equation by plugging in points (such as the origin). Once the relevant range of all the constraints was determined, the extreme points were clearly identified. The extreme points corresponding to the non-negativity, Model 102 Assembly, and Model 101 Assembly constraints were easy to identify, and the rest was determined by simultaneously solving the equations of intersecting lines. Exhibit 2 shows the graph, including the values in USD obtained when the extreme points are plugged into the equation. Many of the values were in accordance with expectations as they corresponded to the earlier analyses. The optimal product mix was identified as 2000 units of Model 101 and 1000 units of Model 102, which would generate $11. 0M – $8. 6M fixed costs = $2. 4M profit. The same result was obtained when the analysis was done in Excel Solver (see attached Exhibit 3, Model 101 & 102 Solver Results). The binding constraints seen in Exhibit 4 are no longer the Model Assemblies s seen with earlier combinations, but are now the Engine Assembly and Metal Stamping departments. The optimal product mix for Merton given their current product mix and constraints has been determined, but Merton is also considering the addition of a new Model 103. The values for contribution margin (CM) are given as well as the portion of departmental capacity required to produce 103. Based on the capacity information, it was determined that Model 103 would require 0. 8 hours of Engine Assembly, 1. 5 hours of Metal Stamping, and 1 hour of Model 101 Assembly per truck. The constraints and objective function were modified with these new values and run in Excel’s Solver, which determined that Model 103 should not be produced (Exhibit 5). Exhibit 6 provides a sensitivity report indicating a reduced cost of -$350, meaning that the CM of Model 103 would need to increase by $350 before it would make sense for Merton to begin producing Model 103. Capacity Options Given the capacity limitations seen thus far, it is a fair conclusion that increasing capacity may present an opportunity. In the optimal solution, there are limitations in both Engine Assembly and Metal Stamping. If one or both of these was increased, this could have a strong positive impact on profit. By referring to the sensitivity report for the optimal solution found in Exhibit 7, we see that Engine Assembly and Metal Stamping have shadow prices of $2,000 and $500 respectively, which means that an increase in one unit of capacity would result in the corresponding increase in profit. If Merton can rent capacity for less than the shadow price for either department, it should. Note that for each, this is only true for 500 units before the scenario would require reevaluation (see the allowable increase in Exhibit 7). Also, only one variable or department can be increased. If both are modified, the shadow prices may no longer hold true. Merton also has the option of increasing engine capacity by 2,000 hours using overtime. This would also result in a 50% increase in direct labor or: Model 101$4,000 current from Table B x 1. 5 = $6,000 (reducing CM by $2,000) Model 102$4,500 current from Table B x 1. 5 = $6,750 (reducing CM by $2,250) In the overtime tab (Exhibit 8), we add two additional variables epresentative of overtime production o1 and o2, including an additional constraint representing the maximum of 2000 hours. As seen in Exhibit 8, Solver has determined that overtime should be utilized to produce 250 additional units of Model 102. However, fixed OH has not been included in the calculations until afterwards as it does not impact the optimal solution, only the net profit. In this case however, the fixed overhead increases by $0. 75M to $9. 35M if overtime is utilized. Therefore, the $9. 35M is subtracted from this result and compared to our previous optimal solution net profit of $2. M. This was done in Exhibit 8, resulting in a net profit of less than $2. 4M. Therefore, Merton should not assemble engines on overtime under these conditions. Other Factors, Alternatives and Considerations Merton’s president would like to impose a marketing mix constraint requiring Merton to produce at least three times as many units of Model 101 as units of Model 102. By adding this constraint to the analysis in Exhibit 9, the marketing mix moves to producing 2,250 units of Model 101 and 750 units Model 102, and a net profit of $1. M . The marketing constraint hinders the potential total net profit by $500,000 because at optimal production levels, Merton will be able to produce a total net profit of $2. 4M. There are several other options th at Merton did not consider. Renting capacity from an outside supplier was one alternative, but a similar option would be to simply outsource (at a rate less than the shadow prices discussed earlier). It is also mentioned that at present, demand is great enough that the company is selling everything it produces. How much greater than supply is the demand? If it is much greater, Merton should consider raising its prices to reduce demand. If demand is expected to continue, Merton should also evaluate the ROI of investing in capital and permanently increasing capacity as an alternative to renting or outsourcing capacity. Merton should also consider the impact that learning curves and technology may have on their production process. As the Model 101 and 102 life cycle continues, the company should see a reduction in time and costs associated ith every aspect of the truck manufacturing process as a result of learning curves. It can be reasonably estimated that labor hours per vehicle will be reduced due to learning curves (which result from staff experience and familiarity with the production process), and that Merton will therefore be able to increase the total volume of vehicles produced. Technology could also play an important role in reducing the time and costs needed to produce the vehicles, so it is important that Merton maintain a watchful eye on new production methods and machinery. Investments in technologies can reduce the firm's fixed overhead costs and increase profits and improve productivity. In addition, technologies can help reduce the costs of designing, developing, and manufacturing a product which can help the firm to improve product quality and to charge a higher price. Conclusion Merton’s president was absolutely correct in his supposition that the company could improve its financial performance by changing their product mix, though wrong in his initial thoughts on which actions to take. The value of linear programming techniques in evaluating possible solutions is clear, particularly in that it quickly provides clues of other options to consider (such as adding additional Engine Assembly Capacity). Based on the information provided here, further recommendations for Merton would be to (1) immediately change the production mix to 2000 Model 101s and 1000 Model 102s, (2) evaluate anticipated demand and the impact of a capital investment to increase capacity, and (3) seek quotes for capacity rental or outsourcing Engine Assembly.

About Yourself Essay

Q: Describe briefly your current job/most recent job responsibilities. State the knowledge and skills you have acquired from this experience A: My recent job assignment was in Testing domain of TAPAS Vodafone UK project. We have to test the codes of the development team to validate if the business and functional requirements are met. Our tasks inclued-; * Understand and analyse what are the expected outcomes from the interfaces of the Development team by going through the revelant documents and and with adequate discussion with the Dev team. * Based on the above, author the Test Cases and Test Scenarios for validating and testing the functional and business requirements of the project * On the technical front, we are expected to execute the shell scripts batches in Unix Environment to generate the data file which is to be checked from the back-end (Oracle 11g) With the help of SQL queries as well as from the front-end Oracle Retail Merchandising System (ORMS). * As our project mates were located in other parts of the Infosys Offices eg Bangalore, Hyderabad as well as onsite location London, we frequently (usually daily) needed to interact with peers and seniors to discuss the status and progress of the project along with the other issues faced by us, it helped me improve my verbal and no-verbal communication. * As part of testing, we have to raise the defects in an online Quality Control tool which was later assigned to the respective developer to fix the bug and many times we would find us in arguments and discussions with the respective devepoler, asserting and proving their points and stand which helped me in inculcating a healthy professional relation and to remain honest with my task and duty at the same time. * It also helped me in approaching and interacting with new people with the sound technical expertise and skills and put forward my ideas , opinions, doubts among my peers and seniors. Q: Describe briefly the most important situ ation in which you have demonstrated leadership skills during your professional career (not exceeding 250 words) See more:Â  The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Essay Q: Describe briefly the most important situation in which you have demonstarted your ability to work in teams during your professional carees (not exceeding 250 words) A: Last month we, with the motive of improving the interaction among the floor-mates , we, a group of 12 persons of different projects and teams of the same floor planned,discussed and organised a event named L3 Trivia. We as volunteer and anchors, had the job of finding some unusual, interesting and little known facts about our floormates and frame these in a questionaire form to be found and answered by the randomly formed teams for which the team will be awarded marks. The teams had to work together and was asked to take signatures and click a pictures with the respective person to make it interesting and to ensure that everyone knows everyone else by his name and face. The other members of the organising team had to collect the crowd at one place and distribute the different coloured cards on the basis on which teams of 10-11 persons would be formed. As an anchor , we have to gather and handle the team with same coloured cards. We needed to coordinate the randomly formed teams, have a quick introduction with each-other and help them in picking a Team Lead. Apart from this, we had to hand them the Questionaire Sheet , explain them the rules of the games, clarify their doubts as well as encouraging them at the same time and evaluating their scores at the end. This event got amazing and overwhelming response from the floormates and everyone took out the time for this playful event. We, volunteers were not only appriciated by seniors and HR for our effotrs and hardship for managing,organising this event enjoyable and a hit but we also get to know new people and make friends and exhibit our managerial skills as well. Q: Why do you wish to go for a management career A: I always have an interminable dream to have my own business most preferably in online business where I can tap my technical skills of developing online applications. I believe that going for a Management Degree will be a wise idea for helping me in materialising my dream because it will not only help me understand the nitty-gritty of the business administration but will also provide me the the essential knowledge, idea, skills and techniques for management. The process of earning this degree will help me to think critically, deal with ambiguity and solve complex business scenarios through case study approach which requires us to evaluate business dilemmas and formulate the best plans of actions. Not only this, the environment there will motivate , develop and improve my soft courses in leadership, people skills and social interaction that can be a help in any walk of life. Before starting my own venture and entering into the business world , I would need a broad perspective of business world like how industry and business works and this degree will definitely give me an invaluable exposure to business concepts and development in functional areas. I think that this degree will help me in achieving an interesting and more responsible and influentional position. In addition, it will provide me the opportunity to meet new ,interesting, and important people and be challenged by peers and experts. That can help our career along. The MBA degree will prepare me to face the situations that can be faced in real life business scenarios, foster own personal growth, develop exciting career opportunities as well as networks. Q: What alternative careers are you considering and why? A: If I didn’t get the opportunity to persue MBA this year, I will continue my present job at Infosys as a engineer for few years to gather more sound technical knowledge and at the same time try to bring through capital for venturing my own start-up. Q: Describe your strengths/weaknesses as identified by you. A: My strengths can be listed as: * Disciplined and honest towards my duty * Ability to contribute positively as team player * Easily adopt to any environment * Self motivated and confidant My weaknesses can be listed as: * Inconsistent * Easily stressed * Have trouble in planning and prioritization Q: What is your most significant accomplishment so far A: I would recount one of my junior school incident in this case because I had a very positive influence of this incident in formative years at the school. Our school had an annual ceremony to elect the School Leader at both junior (1-6 class) and senior (7-10 class) sections. Teachers and sisters at our school used to assemble the entire junior/senior wing and the students were told to write the names of their candidates based on academics, sports, extra co-curricular activities etc. In a surprising outcome, out of 500 students from the entire junior wing, around 350 have voted in my favour. I was really thrilled to know this because I had never this idea or anticipation that my other classmates and juniors would know me, forget about being admired or revered!!! Although I have always been a good student and excelled in academics and few extra-co-curricular activities, I was also very garrulous, boisterous and a bit indiscplined, so being elected as a School Leader whose responsibility was to ensure discipline was difficult task. But I was really taken aback and amazed by this oucome and even I was not sure if I would be able to shoulder this responsibilty with honestly. This was the first time experience in my life that instilled me with a sense of responsibility.

Critical Book Review of “Fast Food Nation” Essay

In this essay, an attempt is made to critically review the book, â€Å"Fast Food Nation† which deals with the process of emergence of fast food culture in America leading to significant social changes. Analysis The meticulously researched book â€Å"Fast Food Nation† is written by the journalist Eric Schlosser. The author devotes much attention to unhealthy fast food, labor violations, and many cases of food poisoning. The author gives information regarding the process of emergence of fast food culture in America; the health issues related to fast food culture, and the government regulations regarding the fast food. In this book, the author demonstrates the ugly side of American food culture. According to the author of this book Americans spend more on fast food than on books, movies, etc. In 2001, Americans have spent $110 billion on fast food. There are 43000 meatpacking workers. Fast food industry spends $3 billion to attract the young people to the fast food centers. The author states that every American consumes three hamburgers and four orders of French fries every week. He says that the social price of fast food has neglected the traditional American values. The attempt of the author is to argue against the consumption of fast food by the Americans. He obtained information through fieldwork and by interviewing different categories of workers involved in fast food production. The author argues that the main reason for opening so many fast food centers was to attract large number of people to the fast food culture. This is a part of the capitalist agenda since the fast food centers have increased the capital of the owners of these centers. Due to this, few corporations have dominated the fast food business in America. The author does not hide his distrust regarding the fundamental principles of the capitalist system. He has given information regarding the economic strategies of the capitalists in popularizing the consumption of fast food among the American youth and other sections of American society. The book also gives information regarding the problems faced by the teen-aged workers who were paid low wages. The author mentions that one out of every eight worker in America is employed in McDonald. McDonald’s hire nearly million people a year. However, they work under dangerous working conditions. It is mentioned that three companies master 80 percent of US demand for frozen fries. The author visited the slaughterhouses and comprehended the potential health hazards both to the workers and the consumers. He mentions that each year one in three workers go to doctor due to problem with their stomach. The author gives the information that two thirds of fast food workers are under 20 and most of them work 12 hours shift. To demonstrate his argument the author has used the examples, logos from the companies such as MacDonald’s. The fast food culture has few negative impacts on the health and society of America. For instance, this has increased the problem of obesity. These restaurants use items such as potatoes and cattle to produce the popular food. The use of items such as oil and method of production of meat has increased the problem of obesity in America. Obesity in the recent years has emerged as the one of the most severe social and health problems among the American youth. Thus, fast food culture can be considered as one factor leading to this problem of obesity in America. However, the author has neglected the role of consumer while discussing the growth of fast food culture. The author points out the need for government regulations to curb the freedom of multi national companies in imposing their capitalist agenda on the people. The fast food mostly produced and consumed by the younger generation are not healthy. Regarding the health hazard, the author refers to E. coli and salmonella infection. The author blames the politicians for taking money from agri business capitalists, which has increased the number of fast food restaurants throughout America. The author has urged the readers that they should run away from the fast food in order to maintain their health. The fact that fast food culture is becoming popular indicates the emergence of significant changes in the American society. The fast food centers have on the one hand created health problems, and, on the other, they have led to changes in the social values among the American youth. The author says that everyday one-quarter of adult population in America visit fast food centers. Although people are aware of the bad effects of the fast food, still fast foods have not lost their popularity. Thus, the author does not give clear explanation regarding the reasons for the popularity of these fast food centers. However, the author, by the use of statistics, symbols, and examples has succeeded in arguing against the monopoly of few companies in fast food business. He has demonstrated the negative impact of fast food on health and society of America. Those who read this book would not send their children to the fast food centers. Conclusion The book â€Å"Fast Food Nation† has convincingly proved that fast food culture has led to problem of obesity and affected the workers and health of consumers of fast food. This also demonstrates that the nature of changes that would emerge in the future American society.

Knowledge Management and Organizational Competencies Dissertation

Knowledge Management and Organizational Competencies - Dissertation Example This research is planned to be carried out from the perspective of our school, The Commonwealth Secondary School Singapore. Given that this is an educational institution, knowledge management forms the key business system for the school in delivering against learning & development objectives of the students of the school. The school has multiple knowledge elements – Teacher’s notes, modules & class lessons, books & journals, past researches & dissertations by ex-students, white papers, essays, etc. It would be very interesting to evaluate how they have been organized in the school’s library system and how useful the knowledge management system has been to the students of all levels taking various courses and also for the teachers for their reference material in preparing for the classes. An old theory by Jeremy Hope & Tony Hope presented the three waves of Economic Change - agriculture wave that strengthened global economies based on the green revolution, industr ial wave that strengthened global economies based on the industrial revolution and the Information wave (modern wave) that is in the process of strengthening the global economies based on knowledge revolution. In order to achieve the best of the third wave, organizations need to implement a management system for conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit and then sanitize, organize and present them for the benefits of the business. Conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit requires overcoming of cultural barriers.

Acheson and the lobster fiefs (or Cinner and customary marine tenure Assignment

Acheson and the lobster fiefs (or Cinner and customary marine tenure in the Indo-Pacific) - Assignment Example n resources imply that the members who share the resources have property rights over the particular resources, that competition and rivalry in the use of the resources exist and that this competition brings about the forced cooperation among the members to manage and sustain the resource. According to Seabright, the management of commons governs the usage, inclusion and exclusion criteria and the incentives associated with the use of the resources. Many factors, however, affect the management of commons (Seabright, 127). There is always the danger on unmanaged or poorly managed commons. Hardin, provides an analogy of a common pasture that is open to all, and have no herd size limitation. With every increase in the number of animals, the pasture becomes increasingly overgrazed to the extent that the nature has to take control. This is because each herdsman view an extra animal in his herd as a total profit to self and a shared negative effect to the environment (Hardin, 124). Marine commons are a common concern to the environmentalists and economics all over the world. The traditional resources managements and activities to limit the use of the marine resources have been extensively studied. Most studies indicate that the reef closure, gear restrictions, entry limitations and exclusiveness nave been used over time to control the use of the marine resources especially fishing (Cinner, 243). Cinner conducted an extensive study on the socioeconomic factors that affect the marine tenure in the Indo-pacific region. Using a sample of 21 isolated villages in this area, Cinner sought to identify how the community manages the use of the marine resources that they call their own and how this is affected by the socioeconomic factors of a particular community. He explores the localized community control of marine resources commonly known as customary marine tenure and the application and implementation of this in the selected communities. Customary Marine Tenure are the

Business Strategy for H&M in Brazil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Business Strategy for H&M in Brazil - Essay Example Hennes & Mauritz, hereafter H&M, is a well-known Swedish firm specializing in retailing and designing fashion apparels and accessories. The firm offers a variety of cosmetics, apparel, footwear, and accessories for children, teenagers, women, and men. The firm operates in Asia, Europe, and North America, having numerous outlets over 38 countries. The company employs over 87,000 people, with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. This paper presents a business strategy for H&M for the introduction of the clothing brand in Brazil, one of the rapidly emerging economies in the world (Doyle, Moore, and Morgan, 2006:275). The paper analyzes the company and clothing industry, market analysis, target group analysis, and entry strategy for the company into the Brazil, including the PEST and SWOT analysis. The paper concludes with a recommendation part for the company. Erling Persson established H&M in 1947 in Vasteras, Sweden. Over the years, the company has significantly growth in the clothing i ndustry, and currently operates in over 38 countries and an employee base of over 87,000 spread all over Europe, North America, and Asia. The central idea of H&M is to offer its clients a variety of fashionable products of good quality at an affordable price. One of the strategies of H&M is the continuous development of its collection such that each customer finds a new product o the next visit to the stores. In essence, the company uses over 100 buyer and pattern makers, and designers (Capell and Khermouch, 2002:107). Apart from the permanent designers, the company connects with other top-class designers in creating fashion campaigns, including reputable designers such as Madonna, Stella McCartney, and Karl Lagerfeld. Their collection includes children’s, teenagers’, women’s, and men’s apparel, cosmetic, footwear, and accessories. Moreover, the company has in recently developed a full interior design collection. Due to the nature of their products, the c ompany targets people at all ages and tastes, which has both its challenges and benefits (Chetty and Campbell-Hunt, 2004:62). Apart from the over 2200 stores spread across the world, the company also offers catalogue sales and internet shopping in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. One of the interesting aspects of H&M is that it outsources all its production (Larenaudie, 2004). The company boosts of over 700 independent suppliers, primarily situated in Europe and Asia with 16 production offices. However, their suppliers have their own subcontractors, thus the overall figure of manufacturer units sums up to 2700. In 2010, the company’s turnover was about 12 billion Euros. The company targets a 10-15 percent growth per year for all new stores. In this regard therefore, H&M plans to employ an additional 6000 or 7000 people (Capell and Khermouch, 2002:107). The head office in Stockholm houses the entire corporate management, as well as other departments including fin ance, expansion, advertising, communication, logistics, security, information technology, designing and buying, expansion, corporate social responsibility, and international relations. Nonetheless, the company’s corporate culture adapts to the conventional global corporation culture, treating the entire world as a single market. The company operates in different countries, but the operations and plans are essentially similar in all the stores. The company does not prefer any country from its market areas, but rather implements its business strategy similarly in all. The central idea here is to offer products to various segments, rather than marketing for one only (Dimitratos and Plakoyinnaki, 2003:191). This is common for companies like H&M that have resources to cover a broad market. Industry Analysis Analyzing the strong clothing imports and high expenditure on apparel items by Brazil, as well as the consumer preference for the latest fashion, it is evident that the country is a very attractive emerging

Building team Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Building team - Essay Example Probably, the unsuccessful managers are leaving it up to the team members to select the leader amongst themselves. When this happens, the process of selection of the team leader may become complicated as there is just one post and contenders are many. In other cases, everybody is reluctant to be a leader since more authority comes with more responsibility. When the benefits of having more authority are not much, there is not much attraction in becoming a leader. To avoid these complications, it is a good practice for the manager to select the leader from among the team members himself/herself. In addition to simplifying the process, this would add to the credibility and reliability of the leader in the view of the followers since the manager placed his/her confidence in the individual selected as the leader. Selection of the team members is a technical process, and requires knowledge of the individual talents of members by the selector to form the right team. The managers should select diverse team members having different kinds of skills and talents to avoid repetition of skills and fights over roles (National Institute for Urban School Improvement, 2005, p. 3). Conflict management in teamwork is of prime importance. A team comprises people with conflicting views and opinions, so they may frequently erupt into dysfunctional conflicts, thus, affecting their own, as well as the team’s, performance as a whole in a negative way. Goof practices in conflict management are full-time monitoring, and establishment of a formal or informal code of ethics from day one. It is primarily the leader’s responsibility to explain the followers which behaviors are intolerable or unacceptable and might incur the executor’s liabilities and/or penalties and what behaviors are good enough to make the executor entitled to reward and appreciation. In addition, it is useful to document a procedure of arriving at a solution in times of conflict

Comparative between two countries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Comparative between two countries - Essay Example The US government is divided into 3 branches that enable its separation of powers, distinguish the control and power the US president receives once elected, and that of the British prime minister who operates in an undivided government. The party systems of both the US and Britain have a common element of the two party system that impact differently on their governance. Constitution The original constitution in USA resembled a version of the former constitution of Great Britain that came with the colonists, who settled on American land with the hope of reforming the rule to avoid oppression that they experienced under the British system of government back then. A central government was hence formed from the alliances of the different states under a written and signed constitution in 1787 that guides in governing the US, and in its distribution of power (â€Å"A more perfect† archives.gov). The constitution hence takes the center place as a superior authority over the law of th e land, from which the judiciary interprets in their regular reviews to make judgments based on the legislature, as expressed in the constitution. On the other hand, the British constitution remains customary and unwritten (lack a single constitutional document), such that though the constitution exists, it occurs in distinguishable documents (Williams 13). The sources of its constitution are fragmented into international treaties and agreements, the common law of judicial interpretation, statute law by parliament, and conventions. These differences in existence of the constitution influence their flexibility to amend their constitutions when need be. The lack of codification of the British constitution makes it more flexible and able to evolve with political circumstances, since all that is required is the majority of the parliament to make changes, while the US constitution can be termed as rigid in its codified manner, requiring two thirds of both the senate and house representat ive, and three quarters of the individual state’s legislature to amend it (Wlliams 13-4). Basically, the US constitution tends to involve different levels of authority from the national figure to all states power, which makes it difficult to change the constitution because of the embedded original idea of federalism. For example, the USA has had about 11000 amendment attempts since 1789, with only 27 being successful after 230 years (Becerra politifact.com) , compared to Britain that recorded numerous reforms affecting referendums, electoral, regional governments and house of lords activities within 1992 to 2001 (â€Å"Constitutional reform† historylearningsite.co.uk). The procedure in theUS is quite onerous and intends to prevent arbitrary changes to the original documents, which is extensive enough to allow participation of the relevant authority right from states to national levels that support efficient decision making without being politically biased. Electoral sy stem The US and British elections are conducted by means of secret ballot, involve prior campaigns, and hold by-elections to replace vacant seats in the parliaments. However, there are numerous variations in requirements for electing individuals into branches of the government, in terms

Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Research Paper Example However, the number of teenage pregnancy in sub- Saharan nations leads the worldwide pack. On the contrary, the teenagers who find themselves pregnant face additional medical problems for their newborn babies. Mostly, these babies tend to be under weight during birth due to the ages of their mothers. On the other hand, teenage pregnancies tend to draw influence from a number of factors. First, the social issue that may include education level is a crucial influence. Additionally, the economic status from which a teenager comes from is a factor that brings about this societal problem. With these facts in mind, this paper will illustrate how teenage pregnancies tend to influence early childhood education as per a number of peer-reviewed articles as sources. Personal reflection Over the years, teenage pregnancies have greatly affected the learning progress of teenagers and young adults. In my view, society pays minimal attention to the risks involved in the discontinuity of education fo r teenagers. Arguably, the effects of teenage pregnancies vary from health related risks to emotional torment and discomfort. The health risks are greater than the other risks, as there are also the risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections. However, many teenagers have focused on pregnancies and have neglected the fact that their general reproductive health may also be at risk due early indulgence in sexual related activities. On the contrary, teenage pregnancies have found ways in which teenagers have sought to do away with the issue in secret. One of the ways in which the teenagers deal with unplanned teenage pregnancies is unsafe abortions that the authorities may not be aware of. Incidentally, unsafe abortions are the leading killers within teenagers with the mortality rates rising by the day. Ideally, the loss of a generation would mean that the education system would suffer in the end because the alarming death rates may disrupt the learning process. In this regard , reproductive health is the key aspect in which the education syllabus should base its criteria for teaching in order to ensure the number of those that discontinue learning reduces by an incredible rate. Without this, teenage pregnancies will forever remain a constant hurdle that the society will have to encounter due to the poor planning structures. Essentially, the key to minimizing the teenage pregnancies is the application of reproductive health topics within the education curricular without society being modest in any way. Causes and effects of teenage pregnancies Over the years, teenage pregnancy has become the main cause for the rise in the number of high school dropouts. Essentially, schooling forms the basic part to a comfortable future for any young boy or girl. For a woman, the amount of schooling reflects on her professional carrier, her ability to get married, and remarkably her life standards. In this regard, it is critical for a young woman to determine the time to which is appropriate for her to conceive so that her future remains as prosperous as intended. Incidentally, child upbringing is a demanding task hence the time spent on this business should have been on other matters like schooling especially for the young adults. Intense researches have shown that early teenage pregnancy may be detrimental to a woman’s life because it raises the chances of her not finishing her education compared to her childless peers. This is to mean that early parenthood lowers their chances of exploring their full

Public Relations as Relationships Management Essay

Public Relations as Relationships Management - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the public relations domain is associated with the processes of communicating and exchanging of ideas related to change in order to handle the argument and facilitate policy-making initiatives. As a result, the public relations personnel look for entering into relationship with the public with the objective of motivating them to work in collaboration with their organization for the mutual interests of society and organization. Although the discipline of PR appears to be newer one in theory, yet it has been in vogue practically in all social sectors since the establishment of first state on the face of the earth. Theories have been articulated and researches have been conducted in order to determine the nature, scope and principles for the discipline. US Public Relations Society defines several components of PR, which include counseling, research, media relations, publicity, employees & community relations, public affairs, financial issue s, communication and much more. Thus, PR contains vastness in its nature and scope, and encompasses all social, political, financial and religious institutions in its wide scope. It is therefore the PR personnel contain heavy responsibilities to perform while rendering their services to the public at large. Public relations function using various types of technology and media, which makes it extremely critical from ethics and image perspective. Public relations, according to Wilcox & Cameron, are involved in providing information to the media and have the responsibility of accurate dissemination of information as well as the ability to convince the audience of the messages. Public relations are expected to function in an ethical and professional manner. b. Ethics and Professionalism: Like all other professions, PR sector has also determined specific set of ethics for the appropriate functioning of the people associated with it. Persuasion as a function of public relations is highly debated from ethical standpoint. As a consequence, ‘ethics’ in public relations are classified into three types, absolute, existential and situational. In public relations, any communication that is formal and professional is believed to be legal, ethical and in good taste; however, it must be inadequate manner and for the public interest only. As developing personal contacts come under the definition of personal relationship, which could be against public interest due to the very reality that it may cause the promotion and projection of favoritism and nepotism in the wake of it. A multi-perspective view of professionalism by various researchers and scholars only proves that professionalism actually helps communication-oriented profession to conduct its work in a logical and systematic fashion that will be unquestioned, at large.

7 Extra Credit Assignments Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

7 Extra Credit Assignments - Assignment Example This, historians argue, represents a long awaited revenge of a step-son who had to suffer agregiously through his mother’s wickedness during her regency. But Dorman indicates that new evidence makes this narrative seem less likely – the fact, for instance, that the images of Hatshepsut did not begin to be excised from records until twenty years after her successor took over the throne. As Dorman states, revenge is unlikely to wait â€Å"two decades† before being enacted – so there must be something else going on here (Dorman). Furthermore, it appears that her take over of kingly duties was somewhat gradual – she began being portrayed as a religious leader then became more and more kingly as time progressed. She seemed to have simply pragmatically done what was needed in order to keep the dynastic line intact, which proved problematic for her son, who then had to erase her to legitimize his own claim. It is always interesting to compare works of art across cultures and time periods. There are several universal aspects of human life that, despite their universality, are dealt with very differently across cultures. One such universal aspect of life is death – everyone dies, and every culture has unique ways of dealing with this fact. It is thus very interesting to compare Pericles’ Funeral Oration with Rogier van der Wyden’s Decent from the Cross, because they show two distinct but similar reactions to death. These two works show very different kinds of death – Pericles’ oration talks about the deaths of many in a recent war, while Decent shows the immediate aftermath of a death of a religious leader. One of the most interesting things about this is that both works show very strongly gendered reactions to death. Pericles spends most of his oration honoring the dead, then closes with a call for men to live up to the example left for them by their departed

How Information Give You Competitive Advantage Essay Example for Free

How Information Give You Competitive Advantage Essay Importance of information value chain for a competitive business venture The Information Value Chain (IVC) is a concept developed by Sebastian Schwolow and Mikkel Jungfalk Andersen focusing on information, management, organisation and communication. Information is abundant and need to be filtered, managed for truly use as valuable information which is scarce, costs time and money. Effective management of information can reduce these costs and result in a true competitive advantage Producing, maintaining and nurturing valuable information requires a structured approach such as Information Value Chain. IVC involves defining information Requirement, Acquisition, Processing and Distribution with the secondary support of HR, IT infrastructure, Knowledge Management and Information Governance to convert abundant information for valuable information for use or decision making. How IVC Gives Competitive Advantage An important concept that highlights the role of IVC in competition is the â€Å"value chain† by Michael E. Porter. This concept divides a company’s activities into the technologically and economically distinct activities it performs to do business. We call these as â€Å"value activities.† A business is profitable if the value it creates exceeds the cost of performing the value activities. To gain competitive advantage over its rivals, a company must either perform these activities at a lower cost or perform them in a way that leads to differentiation to charge premium price. (Porters Generic theory of Differentiation, Cost Leadership, Focus Strategy) Porters Value Chain Analysis (VCA) helps to identify sources of Sustainable Competitive Advantages (SCA) for a company over its competition by looking at the value activities in a broader perspective. Porter Identified a set of interrelated generic activities common to a firm namely Inbound Logistic, Operations, Ou tbound Logistics, Marketing Sales and Service which facilitated by support activities such as Procurement, IT, HR and Infrastructure. IVC helps to identify the sources of SCA in each Value activities in Porters VCA. By focusing each Primary Value Activities in the Porters Value Chain. How well you identify, Acquire, Process and Distribute your information with proper Information Governance and Knowledge Management under each Value Activities such as Inbound Logistic, Operations, Outbound Logistics, Marketing Sales and Service, against the competition will give you the sources of competitive advantage in much broader sense.

Communication Between People In Health And Social Care

Communication Between People In Health And Social Care You are attending your local G.P surgery for examinations as you have been unwell lately. The receptionist asks you loudly the reason for attending; other patients can hear you being asked. You explain to reception staff that you are slightly deaf. She asked you to use the computer screen in the waiting area to indicate that you have arrived. You explain to her that your English is limited and that you have no previous experience in using computers. You felt that the receptionist did not listen to you and that she was not sensitive to your concerns. Explore communication between people in health and social care by: Applying relevant theories of communication to health and social care contexts. Review the application of a range of communication techniques for different purposes used in health and social care work. Discuss the ways in which communication influences how individuals feel about themselves. Describe ways of dealing with inappropriate interpersonal communication between individuals. Analyze the use of techniques and strategies for supporting communication between people with specific communication needs. Evaluate workplace strategies, policies and procedures for good practice in communication. People communicate to have good abundance and it is a method to pass one information to another individual. Communication between people in health and social care plays a big role in caring the service provider or the patient. To employ compatible basis of communication to health and social care in the said scenario, we must first look into the individuals that are involved in the scenario. The patient, is slightly deaf, knowledge deficit in using IT machines in the hospital such as computer, and inarticulate in speaking English. On the other hand, the receptionist is arrogant, assuming, domineering, presumptuous and disrespectful. We have four theories of communication and they are all into a cycle. First is Humanistic theory tells us about individualism. Every individual has its own unique personalities and attributes. In a health care setting, as a healthcare provider, we take our patients or service provider as an individual and we should respect them. The patient and the receptionist are the main individuals in the scenario. They have their own personality that is unique to the other one. Behaviorist theory informs us attitudes are achieved by way of conditioning through interaction with other individ uals. In other words, when an individual interacts with another individual, one personality or behavior is presented or acquainted to another personality. The scene when the receptionist interacted with the patient portrays how behaviorist theory works in the communication. Cognitive theory is established on the ideas or principles of another individual and learns from them, thus the human thought processes understanding ones personality. The humanistic theory explain to us that an individuals personality is different to another personality of another individual and behaviorist theory is about interaction of individuals, the cognitive theory on the other hand, it expound us how individual start not only to interact but understand and accept another personality of an individual. The receptionist just ignored the patient when the she explained her side in the scenario. Ignoring another individual such as the patient in the scenario is also included in cognitive theory, though the rece ptionist did understand the side of the patient, the receptionist decided to ignore the patients side. Cognitive theory does not only understand ones side of individual, but its also about accepting ones personality or behavior to your thought. In short, the act of accepting and understanding ones personality of an individual in an interaction is cognitive theory. Lastly is the psychoanalytical theory. It explains us the role of unconscious mind. A personality that an individual portrays in an interaction is not what you thought the real personality of that individual. Sometimes, we judge them on what we see or hear on the outer appearance. We can only see its appearance and process it to our thoughts in an interaction, but we do not know its real personality inside of it. In the scenario, the receptionist judged the patients personality when she asked the patient loudly the reason for attending and when she instructed the patient to use the computer screen to indicate that she arri ved already. Communication has ranges of techniques to communicate in health and social care work. In the scenario there are scenes that explain us how techniques of communication are used. When the receptionist asked the patient loudly, the technique of communication used in this scene is verbal communication which is asking question and non-verbal which is the pitch, speed, accent, and tone of the receptionist while asking the patient. Another scene is when the patient explains that she would like to discuss the reasons to the doctor and that you she is slightly deaf. The technique used here is verbal communication which is reflecting back to the question. The receptionist then told the patient to use the computer screen to indicate there that she arrived already, its verbal technique which is giving instructions. Lastly is when the patient felt that the receptionist did not listen to her, its body language technique that is portrayed by the receptionist. Initiating communication to another individual is a stage where two individuals try to open a bridge of relationship. In addition, you dont just open bridges to them but you are trying to influence them too. There are two communication influences; interpersonal communication is unmediated communication that opens mutual influence to each other. Usually this type of influence manages to open relationships and mutual understanding. In the scenario, only the patient initiate this kind of communication influence, when the patient is humbly explaining herself to the receptionist, the receptionist impersonally approach the patient by just giving instruction and ignored her after. Impersonal communication is an influence conversely to interpersonal, the individual only interacts to another individual superficially. In the scenario, the patient is trying to open an interpersonal communication to the receptionist, while the receptionist is impersonal communication. In social penetration model by Altman and Taylor, they said the more time we spend with others, the more likely we are to self-disclose more intimate thought and details of our life. As relationships develop, communication moves from relatively shallow, no intimate levels to deeper, more personal ones. When the receptionists approach the patient aggressively, the patient expresses her inabilities to the receptionist. Its intimate thoughts and details of her life are revealed like inadequate knowledge in using computers and influent in speaking English. On the other hand, Johari window explains us also the process of human interaction. It divides our personal awareness. The process of giving and receiving feedback is one of the most important concepts in training. Through the feedback process, we see ourselves as others see us. Through feedback, other people also learn how we see them. Feedbacks give information to a person or group either by verbal or nonverbal communication. The information you give tells ot hers how their behavior affects you, how you feel, and what you perceive (feedback and self-disclosure). Feedback is also a reaction by others, usually in terms of their feelings and perceptions, telling you how your behavior affects them (receiving feedback). It has four sides namely, free, blind, hidden and the unknown. In free area includes, the patients information known to herself and to others such as the receptionist. Blind area means, informations known only to other individuals excluding the patient. The hidden area is about information known only to the patient. And lastly, the unknown area which is the information is not known to any individuals even the patient. In dealing inappropriate interpersonal communication between individuals, we must look back at the receptionists behaviors towards the patient. In order to avoid such communication, the receptionist must stay focused. In the scenario, the receptionist did not focus her attention to the deaf patient that in fact the deaf patient must have special attention with the receptionist. Another one is listening carefully; the receptionist did not listen to the patients inabilities and instead she ignored the patient. Some individual need specific communication like deaf service user. These various types of communication supports and help communication efficiently between service users and service provider. SOLER technique helps to improve reception of message. Its said that when youre interacting with the service users you have to be directly and firmly to the patient. If the receptionist is directly and firmly to the patients concerns, she can provide the patients needs appropriately. Open position, lean, eye contact and relax are the other techniques in SOLER. There are also tips to communicate successfully to service users such as our patient in the scenario, since the patient sis slightly deaf, the receptionist should not shout and should speak slowly towards the patient. But in the scenario, the receptionist failed to apply this tip. In workplace, there are policies and strategies that are implemented for good communication, such as keeping confidentiality of the patient, disciplinary proced ures, equal opportunities, flexible working and policy on performance management. In my opinion, in the scenario, it seems they lacked this strategies and policies. A good practice is achieved with good policies and strategies. Care and support providers have a legal responsibility to fulfill their duty of care. Within direct support services there are regulatory bodies that can  act on any shortfalls identified in the services people receive. If they implement such tips, they will progress and service is efficiently provided to the service users. 1380 words Question 2 Scenario: You are attending your local G.P surgery for examinations as you have been unwell lately. The receptionist asks you loudly the reason for attending; other patients can hear you being asked. You explain to reception staff that you are slightly deaf. She asked you to use the computer screen in the waiting area to indicate that you have arrived. You explain to her that your English is limited and that you have no previous experience in using computers. You felt that the receptionist did not listen to you and that she was not sensitive to your concerns. Describe physical, cultural and legal influences on communication in health and social care by: Analyse how methods of communication are influenced by individual values culture and ability. Describe legislation and charters governing the rights of individuals to communicate Discuss the implications in health and social care contexts of legislation and codes of practice relating to records and communication of information about people. Analyse the effectiveness of organizational systems policies in relation to good practice in communication. Suggest and justify ways of improving communication systems in a health or care setting. Values are the principles, standards, or quality which guides human actions in daily life. Values and cultures play a big role in health and social care. Without values, individuals will pursue behaviors of their own. Values are rules by which we make decisions about right or wrong. In health and social care there are policies that are being implemented to achieve three main points; equality and diversity; confidentiality; right and responsibilities; and professional ethics. When individuals start to interact, the body language, facial expressions, and choice of words influence the whole context of the message. All these verbal and non-verbal cues are brought by the individuals personality like social class, beliefs, values, education, and culture. In the scenario where the patient visits a General practitioner surgery and a female receptionist asks her loudly the reason of attending, it could be a sign of her personality. Maybe she grew up in a family that are always arguing and she brought it up. Also, clearly the patients ethnicity, culture, and education play a role in the scenario where she said she is not fluent in speaking in English. The patient as an individual from a different background, the way she communicate to the receptionist is greatly affected. In addition to that, in a scenario where the patient said she has no previous experience in using a computer and it is hard for the patient to make use of the information communication technology which is the use of computer screen to indicate her arrival. In this situation, every healthcare setting has set values, morals, and ethics that will guide the behavior of the employees. This enables the employees to practice according to what has been agreed upon by the management and the organization that supports to avoid them to stand to their personal stand in handling patients that will cause misunderstandings. The legislation and charters governing the rights of individuals to communicate, is for those people who have difficulty communicating and receiving and understanding verbal and written communication. Its principles are in promoting anti-discriminatory practices, independence and safety, protecting people from abuse, individualized holistic care, and keeping confidentiality. Many people who have a communication disability do not get the resources, support and understanding they need to enable them to communicate. Because of this they are deprived of appropriate health and social services, opportunities for education and training, and employment. They are also vulnerable, at risk of abuse. Nor can they enjoy the social interaction, leisure pursuits, and the business of everyday life. In the scenario, the patient is clearly indeed need specific communication because she told the receptionist that she is slightly deaf. As a receptionist, I know that there are guidelines in communicating this kind of service users because it is present in every health care setting. The receptionist in the scenario should act the appropriate measures to communicate efficiently to the patient. We are promoting equality, diversity and rights of the patient. In addition, the receptionist did not open an interaction while the patient is trying to do conversations about her concerns and instead she gave directly an instruction to use the computer for indication that she arrived already. The receptionist is not fair to the patient according to the rights of the patient. The implication of these legislation and codes of practices in health and social care contexts is to implement the necessary services needed to those individual who have adversity in interacting or communicating another individual. Each individual including those with communication impairment or disabilities are accredited and free to exercise their own rights. In the legislation and codes of practices the service users must be given information the way they can receive and respond, access to training and support to the patient and his/her family to minimize the impact of the disability and improve interaction skills, enough time to communicate, and access to services. These guidelines will help the flow of system smoothly and efficiently along with appropriate care and procedures, hospital records. In the scenario, if the receptionist practices the principles of the legislations and charters, the way she deals with the patient will be nice and easier. The receptionist must take cons ideration to the patients situation by listening and providing as to what necessary services that patient needs. Patients confidentiality is important in every cases, its a core value in every healthcare setting and its a patients right to keep it with the health care providers that are involved in caring to that patient. Organizations are helping each other to evolve its policies, legislations, charters and systems to improve its effectiveness. They are setting goals to aim effective communication such as interpersonal communication, decision making, and establishing rapport not only to the service users but also to co-service providers. It focuses and promotes positive outcomes for good practices in work places, service provider trainings and development, advocacy, individualism, human rights and confidentiality. In a healthcare setting, the system must practice confidentiality, and patients rights regarding in information such as recording, storing, and relaying information. Only healthcare providers that are involved in caring the patient must share the information. In the scenario the receptionist used a loud voice to ask for the reasons of the patients visit in the General practitioner surgery. In that manner, the receptionist did not follow the health care system because other patients can hear the patient being asked and the patient answered the questions. Privacy and confidentiality of the patient is compromised. Communication is defined as the sending and receiving of messages between people. It contributes a big part from rendering care to the service users to running a health care facility. One misunderstanding in communication may cause big problems and might even cost patients life. There are so many ways to improve communication in healthcare settings especially in our scenario specifically for the special communication needs. By the use of communication tools such as pictures giving instructions or an interpreter and simplified instruction guides. We must provide necessary basic tools or equipment to help them communicate. This tool will help not only us to understand them but likewise to those people who need this kind of communication; it will not only help those people with disabilities or impairments, but also the ones who have language barriers. The administration must set their own assessment too, to monitor the feedback in the whole communication network. In the scenario, it is advisable for the receptionist to have trainings and monthly progress reports by their administration in the access to communication resources so that receptionist will be equipped with the knowledge in assessing if her patient has special communication needs. 1105 words Question 3 Scenario: You are attending your local G.P surgery for examinations as you have been unwell lately. The receptionist asks you loudly the reason for attending; other patients can hear you being asked. You explain to reception staff that you are slightly deaf. She asked you to use the computer screen in the waiting area to indicate that you have arrived. You explain to her that your English is limited and that you have no previous experience in using computers. You felt that the receptionist did not listen to you and that she was not sensitive to your concerns. Explore the use of information technology in communications in health and social care by: Analyse how the use of IT in health and social care benefits service users. Critically evaluate how the IT supports and enhances the activities of care workers and care organizations/ agencies. Analyse health and safety legal considerations in the use of IT The information Communication Technology allows us to improve the efficiency of the health care services. IT has the potential to improve the quality, and safety of health care. It improves positive patients experiences and facilities research and development relevant to health and social care. There are so many benefits of IT for services; in fact IT in healthcare setting is made for the development of rendering care to the patients. For example, the patient management systems, it allows the health care providers to render care to the right patient with right treatment at the right time. Another example is the inventory management system, it allows the healthcare providers to store and check for medical supplies and to ensure that medicines is readily available for the patients. They also have the electronic health record, billing system, and highly sophisticated medical devices. The standard ICT software is word processing, spreadsheets, database, information retrieval, and emails. They benefit the service users through meeting individual needs, administration of treatments, efficiency of administrative processes, accuracy of records, communication, and maintaining independence. A specific example is the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) which serves as a patient-tra cking system providing real time access to patient data. Another example is the Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) which provides healthcare providers real-time diagnostic and treatment recommendations. There is also interoperability which refers to electronic communication among organizations so that the data in one IT system can be incorporated into another. These are the stuffs in ICT that are being used today. In the scenario the receptionist asks the patient to use the computer screen to indicate that the patient has arrived. In that scenario, they are using innovative machines already. The said machine of ICT is Electronic Health Records and Electronic Care Communications, it provides access to information, and must keep being developed and/or modernized in all areas for additional benefits. IT has the way for innovations of the quality and safety of health care. The ICT supports and enhances health and social care activities of care workers and care organizations and agencies. It is through financial, clinical, administrative, infrastructures, which the needs of manpower are met; and there is a demand regarding innovation in business administration which is efficiency and quality of service. It also helps in meeting requirements, accountability, and audit. In the scenario, the use of a computer screen as an indication of a patients arrival makes the work of the receptionist lighter and easier. If there was no such thing then like the traditional way of handling the services in a hospital, the receptionist will have to entertain every service user, with limited time, limited resources and limited manpower. The health and safety legal considerations in the use of ICT are quite dangerous when not brought into awareness by the users. Safety measures are needed before implementing the use of ICT. In fact, there were several issues taken into consideration in the use of ICT. Ergonomics are usually raised problems. One solution to have bigger and has to be good design interiors of the working environment to reduce and avoid the accompanying health and safety problems and if not tolerated may turn into inability or worst of the user. Radiation in computer monitors are very dangerous if prolong usage. It may destroy the normal eyesight of the user. Another problem when using ICT is the posture while seating or standing. Again prolong posture while using the said machines may turn into serious injury in the back of the service user. Stiff necks are also common in the user. In order to avoid this, the monitor should be at eye level, fleet flat on the floor, knees and elbows with angles, no strai ning of neck, and must have a well-adjusted brightness of the screen and a screen protector or radiation protector screen. Another solution for the users is exercise before using the computer like neck rotation, back bending and rotation and hands shake. A very common problem met in ICT is called eye strain due to too much usage of computer and the eyes are exposed to radiation. There is also the Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) like carpal tunnel syndrome in using the keyboards. Most of the time too much exposure and use of ICT give stress. For personal safety, it is deal to seek the experts who have taken health and safety courses in manual handling, and repairing especially that there are some hazardous substances present. In a scenario where I have no previous experience in using a computer, it would be best for the patient to call an assistance to demonstrate to me how to use it or better yet, the receptionist should provide assistance for the patient. ICT has many advantages and disadvantage so it depends on the users to control so that health wont be at stake. 806 words

Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich

Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, published in 2001 by Barbara Ehrenreich, is a book in which the author goes undercover and investigates the lives of the working poor by living and working in similar conditions. The book demonstrates fairly well two social paradigms, namely conflict theory (inspired by Marx and Weber) and structural-functionalism (inspired by Talcott Parsons). Conflict theory is clearly demonstrated throughout the book-social order based on inequality, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. There is also evidence of structural-functionalism, though it is not the best fit. Structural-functionalism is defined as a society in which there are groups of people organized into levels that enable individuals in this society to find stability, order and meaning (Kimmel, Aronson, and Dennis 2011). Ehrenreich shows that there are certainly levels within society, however, because of the inequalities that are present, the individuals in the working poor are unable to find stability or order because they are running a never-ending race so to speak. These inequalities have many effects on society at large (both wealthy and those in poverty), as well as the families within the working poor. The economic inequality in our culture has many probable causes, but they all affect society as a whole, regardless of your class or status. These effects include things such as trust/social cohesion, crime/deviance, and population health (especially that of the working poor). There is a correlation between income inequality in a society and general mistrust, demonstrated by a U.S. General Survey (Uslaner and Brown 2002). One economist, a Joseph Stiglitz (2012), argues that this inequality has also led to distrust of businesses and the government. Crime is also a correlated factor in societies with a bigger economic gap. Several studies have been done that show a significant increase in homicides, both in the U.S. and worldwide, in societies that have a large margin between the rich and the poor (Martin, Wilson, and Vasdev 2001). Homicides are generally the most common measure of violent crime due to the fact that statistics are reported worldwide. There are also numerous consequence s for population health in societies with a larger economic inequality. Researchers have found that these societies have a slightly lower life expectancy, and a higher incidence of social and health problems like incarceration rates, teenage births, mental illness, obesity, education and others (Wilkinson and Pickett 2009). It has also been shown that this inequality and social stratification can be linked to to anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and other stress-related disorders (Booth 2010). It is because of this constantly present inequality that I believe Ehrenreichs book most accurately represents conflict theory. At one point in the book, Ehrenreich remarks, Maybe, it occurs to me, that Im getting a tiny glimpse of what it would be like to be black (p. 100). This is a slightly good point because, while we as a society view class as an achieved status, oftentimes it is fixed and ascribed much like race. Of the consequences brought about by this societal inequality and conflict, the working poor themselves experience the majority. Throughout Nickel and Dimed we are shown that there are many hidden costs to being poor, and oftentimes those in poverty are stuck in a rut with no way out because of them. The working poor have to live day-to-day in hotels accumulating costs, where is would normally be cheaper to rent an apartment if they could simply afford the security deposit and starting utilities. Without a semi-permanent shelter and rising debt, the working poor are us ually forced to buy less healthy, more expensive meals because they dont have the luxury of the appliances needed to cook and store food. Being poor is often a self-fulfilling prophecy, and those who believe they are stuck in poverty for the rest of their days are often likely to do just that. In another part of the book, Ehrenreich and other maids are watching a training video on how to clean rooms and vacuum. The video itself is slightly demeaning, almost as if made to be watched by young children. In one part of the video, the man giving instructions says See, I am the vacuum cleaner (p. 74). This sort of paints a picture in the readers head as to how the company views and treats its employees: like they are mindless robots whose only purpose is to serve the business. To the rich, that is basically what they are. The rich view the working poor as a group in society that is made to be taken advantage of, very similar to Karl Marx view of the proletariat. In their eyes it fulfills the structural-functionalism paradigm of society-as many say, someone has to do it. Unfortunately this is not the case, because the theory calls for all individuals in society to have stability and order in their lives. As evidenced by Ehrenreichs investigation into the working poor, the last th ing the working poor have is stability, therefore this theory is not an entirely accurate representation of our culture. Instead there is the ever-present conflict between the rich and working class. It is shown by both Ehrenreichs book and in the real world that the working poor are blocked from advancing in society by many different obstacles. These obstacles are things like housing, transportation, and other basic necessities (Ehrenreich 2001). For instance, the working poor often do not have a permanent residence or family to stay with while they save money, and cannot afford a large deposit for an apartment. This means they have to settle with weekly hotel rooms, which end up being more expensive, yet are the only affordable option because they dont require large down payments. Transportation is another common factor; if one is a member of the working poor they likely do not have their own car and have to rely on public transportation. Depending on the location it is do-able, but public transportation in our society is still not widely-available in every city. One study shows that single mothers who were able to work out a carpool or something similar with their peers were m uch less likely to require government aid (Eden and Lein 1997). Food and clothing are also problems; without savings it is much harder to buy uniforms and such for jobs. The working poor also have to deal with odd work schedules, often working all times of the day and never having consistent hours. Not only does this mean it is harder to save up money, but being able to spend so little time at home also puts the working poor in a position where it is difficult to find the time to cook for themselves, and are often left with the choice of unhealthy fast food. Working odd hours also leaves parents helpless when it comes to childcare; while there are many options for childcare including free programs and social networking with peers, working at all hours of the night means you might not always have a babysitter lined up. Obviously this has negative consequences for both the children and the parents. Ehrenreichs book shows quite well how the conflict theory can apply to our society and the ever-growing gap between the rich and the working poor. In recent years people seem to be taking more notice of the working poor, but the gap is still as large as ever. In her evaluation at the end of the book, Ehrenreich states, The working poor, as they are approvingly termed, are in fact the major philanthropists of our society. They neglect their own children so that the children of others will be cared for; they live in substandard housing so that other homes will be shiny and perfect; they endure privation so that inflation will be low and stock prices high. To be a member of the working poor is to be an anonymous donor, a nameless benefactor I agree with the author in the sense that the working poor are definitely taking one for the team so to say. They carry out the menial labor that is required in our society, but not everyone wants to do. Unfortunately because we dont live in a utopia, they suffer for it. They make great sacrifice by doing jobs they often know dont lead to advancement in society, because they know that it has to be done by someone. The conflict theory applies to both Ehrenreichs book and our society in the real world-there are numerous inequalities in the workforce, and the allocation of resources for individuals in our society is distributed unfairly.

The Signficance of Violence in Graham Greenes The Destructors Essay

The Signficance of Violence in Graham Greene's The Destructors In serious fiction, no act of violence exists for its own sake. Graham Green, in his short story â€Å"The Destructors,† reveals certain intangible needs met through one central act of violence. One need we all have as humans is the need to be creative, to express ourselves, to use our imagination. All little boys use their imaginations, which is based on what they see in their environment, whether that be television or their own neighborhood. The gang of boys in â€Å"The Destructors† witnessed destruction every day of their lives and played in the rumble of homes as they would a mound of dirt. The gang met every morning at â€Å"the site of the last bomb of the first blitz,† which hit when the leader of the gang was but a year old. Along with the destruction to the ground they met on, the house just beside it â€Å"suffered from the blast of the bomb and the walls were supported on wooden struts.† The gang was well accustomed to seeing destruction, therefore their imaginations were corrupted with it. In an attempt to be creative, to use their imagination, the gang collectively decided to destroy the house that survived the bomb. â€Å"Destruction after all is a form of creation. A kind of imagination had seen this house as it had now become.† The need to use their imaginations won over their logical thought. Another need that plagues us all is the need to be known. Many people’s biggest fear is to die unknown and alone. We all try to make our mark in the world, whether it be through good grades, athletics, or putting gravy on the walls. We become known for our deeds, both the positive and the negative. The boys longed for the respect and the uniqueness that bringing a house ... ... be met, either in a positive, constructive way or in a negative, destructive way. Through a negative, destructive act, Graham Green highlights how a gang of boys meets the intangible necessities. Being a person who chooses to fulfill my needs through positive, constructive actions, I understand there is a better way to be creative, to be known, and to be comfortable without bringing a building down with my needs. I choose to be creative through music, to be known as one who helps rather than hinders, and be comfortable with what I have or do not have. Through analyzing this short story, I can now understand and sympathize this those who choose a different path than my own. Work Cited Greene, Graham. "The Destructors," Story and Structure. Seventh Edition. Edited by Laurence Perrine, assisted by Thomas R. Arp. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988, 49-61.

The Theme of Masks :: essays research papers

Have you ever worn a mask before? Maybe the mask wasn't a costume mask, but it was a mask to make you seem happy, or seem cool, or anything that made you feel like something than you are not normally. Chances are you have. Trying to fit in with the crowd, a mask is used to obtain the things we cannot reach on our own. Masks are especially common today because of the pressures to belong to the 'in'; group, or the pressures to succeed. Books, using masks, commonly show the many connotations of masks. They are used to find out what people are for real, on the inside of the mask. The imagery of masks is used throughout the book of Twelfth Night. Shakespeare uses the imagery of masks to reveal characters true emotions and to express the power of raw beauty. Shakespeare uses this imagery through all of his characters in the play, but especially the two characters of Viola and Feste. The perfect example of the use of the masking imagery can be seen through Feste. Acting as a wiseman and not the fool, Feste shows the development of masks. Feste tries to 'conceal [him] for what [he] is';(1.2) because he knows that if the people knew that he was a wiseman, than he would not be called upon to sing his songs, symbols of what is right. Also, the people would not come to him for the advice he gives them in his songs and speeches. This is a strong example of masking imagery because it shows of what the character might be like without his mask, and what he might be treated as if he wasn't the fool. In the play, full of masking imagery, Feste shows his many personalities. He shows the 'devil man';(4.2) in himself when talking to Malvolio. This is shown as a mask to the audience because it shows that not only is Feste a wiseman and a fool, but he is also a mean and tricky person. This shows that the masks of Feste are shown in many different cases, causing them to be very w ell developed. Feste's masks tend to show what everyone wants at that time. Feste acts as 'an ass';(5.1) for his friends. Pleasing the people, the masks show that Feste can be more liked and more used for all purposes. But the identity of Feste can always be revealed through eyes.

International Migration Essay -- social issues

International Migration In light of the fact that immigration is an important issue within Canadian society, it is not unusual to find that stories or reports that relate to this topic are always presented in the media. However, this is not only raises questions about what is reported but also about how the information is presented or reported. With this in mind, the purpose of this paper will be to select five articles, which ran from October 23rd, 2004 to November 10th, 2044, that deal with international migration issues in a Canadian context and to provide an analysis and critical evaluation of the articles. This will include an outline of the subject of each article, the newspaper’s treatment of the subject, the implication for public perceptions on the subject as well as a critique of the subject and its treatment. The first article that was selected is entitled â€Å"Gang leaders facing deportation† and it deals with the subjects of ordered to deport the gang leaders of the two rival gang Tamil street gangs and VVT, Sri Lanka, due to their large numbers of memberships in their organization. During the late 1990s, their offences had been encouraged daylight shootouts on highways and residential streets, which made the police, bristle with angers. Police and detectives believe that various crimes are relating to Sittampalam. The significance of the gangs’ crimes is to forbid the increasing of criminal retained, more than 40 men arrested by the police and immigration raid and they needed to wait for appeals on their orders or had their cases dismissed. Lawyer Barbara Jackman stated that there are some significant legal issues about whether Parliament is going to grasp street gangs in organized crime legislation. In Sittampalam’s own defense, he said that he cannot understand why he had been the target of shooting twice in 2001. The gang leaders were having betrayed on the crime organization, also they are not assigned as a citizen; therefore they were ordered to deport from Canada. However, his deportation had to determine on the immigration department official. The important thing is Parliament ordered the decision to the federal immigration court to ruling this case. (Shephard, 2003, p.B2) The result of this study is significant, particularly in light of the image that Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Board have in terms of racialism on imm... ...the issue of professionals coming to Canada and not being able to find work or become licensed is an increasingly important issue, years to years, it would appear that the media does not focus on the question why people would come to Canada without the understanding of existing procedures and processes. Third, at the current time, it is impossible to ignore the fact that international migration issues within a Canadian context have not only been shaped by the â€Å"stories†, the stories reflect our everyday lives. In this respect, international migration issues are often not only important but also often part of a complex dynamic. Bibliography Shephard, Michelle. â€Å"Gang leaders facing deportation,† Toronto Star. Saturday October 23, 2004, p. B2 Keung, Nicholas. â€Å"Immigrants need to get jobs faster, Sgro says,† Toronto Star. Friday October 29, 2004, p. A22 Keung, Nicholas. â€Å"International credentials? Forget the job,† Toronto Star. Thursday, November 4, 2004, p. A4 Ouzounian, Richard. â€Å"Actors superb as misused immigrants,† Toronto Star. Thursday, November 4, 2004, p. A27 Ferenc, Leslie. â€Å"Mother gives back despite hardship,† Toronto Star. Wednesday, November 10, 2004, p.A23

Costco Marketing Plan Essay

Definition & Corporate Objective Costco operates membership warehouses based on the concept which offers member low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and selected private–label products in a large range of merchandise categories which produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. Combining the turnover with the operating efficiencies achieved via volume purchasing, efficient distribution and reduced handling of merchandise in no-frills, self-service warehouse facilities allows Costco to operate profitably at significantly lower gross margin than traditional wholesaler, mass merchandisers, supermarkets, and supercenters. Using a low cost operating model, the rapid inventory turnover rate enables Costco to offer competitive prices from bulk purchasing. 3. 2 Weaknesses Limited product choices poses as a competitive disadvantage to some consumers who prefer a seamless shopping experience. This will adversely impact the average spend of Costco consumers. 3. 3 Opportunities Due to the recent global recession, price sensitivity is the main concern for consumers. This has led to an upward trend in bulk purchasing and private label products, which in turns save on average grocery expenditure per household. In keeping overall costs low for Costco to sustain in the competitive environment, employment of junior staff on casual and part-time basis is recommended. This in turn will keep wages and salaries lower than the average retailers in general. ?Types of goods demanded: Due to increasing education of young mothers and the growing concern for health, to cater to this uprising new segment, Costco should focus on providing organic goods. 5. Statement of Key Problems and Opportunities Based on the SWOT analysis as shown above, Costco as an established brand is identified as a key strength for the company. Unfortunately, as Costco is originated from USA, upon entering the Australian market, it is an unknown brand to most consumers. This could be a potential weakness for Costco, however, after analysing the supermarket industry in Australia, it is reflected that Australian consumers are more price-sensitive rather than brand-sensitive. Given the trends in the supermarket industry i. e. increasing demand for bulk purchasing due to economies of scale, it has altered consumer’s behaviour to be less loyal to a brand and more reactive to changes in prices.

Macro Enviroment

content Topic PRELIMINARY MATEIALS1. C separately graze P mature2. control panel of Contents3. Summary2. 0 consistence OF REPORT summary of def demoralise2. 1 fundament2. 2 Introduction to deflower description2. 3 spoil memoir and development2. 4 The macro instruction environs2. 4. 1 demographic forces2. 4. 2 stinting Forces2. 4. 3 born(p) Forces2. 4. 4 Technological Forces2. 4. 5 policy- fashioning Forces2. 4. 6 Cultural Forces2. 5 Organizations inside the exertion2. 5. 1 foodstuff Po driveion2. 5. 2 soft touch Markets2. 5. 3 The Marketing Mix (4Ps)2. 5. 3. 1 harvest-home2. 5. 3. 2 P sieve2. 5. 3. 3 Promotion2. 5. 3. dumbfound2. 6. Strength and failing of vitiate2. 6. 1 Strengths2. 6. 2 light-colorednesses2. 6. 3 Opportunities2. 6. 4 Threads2. 7 Conclusion2. 8 References3. 0 BODY OF REPORT synopsis of equip khat3. 1 Introduction3. 2 Introduction of kit aside Kat description3. 3 kit up Kat story and stain development3. 3. 1 Varieties inter prick of equ ip Kat3. 4 Macro surround3. 4. 1 Demographic Force3. 4. 2 Economic Force3. 4. 3 Natural Force3. 4. 4 Technological Force3. 4. 5 semi semipolitical Force3. 4. 6 Cultural Force3. 5 Organizations inside the indus return3. 5. 1 Market Position3. 5. 2 Target Markets3. 5. 3 The Marketing Mix (4Ps)3. 5. 3. 1 w be3. 5. 3. 2 expense3. 5. 3. 3 Promotion3. 5. 3. 4 Place3. 6 The compend of the trading milieu3. 6. 1 Strength3. 6. 2 Weaknesses3. 6. 3 Opportunities3. 6. 4 Threat3. 7 Conclusion3. 8 References1. 4 SummaryIn this assignment of mark psycho compend and information, harvest-tides that I take a course ar coffee tree nonices. dickens sword that been analyze is vitiate and Kit Kat in main set ashore mainland Chinas Market. Basic twoy, dam suppurate corporal is a family avow issue forth that put forwards close to of the cosmoss starring(p) confecti unitaryry victuals and ducky c atomic number 18 intersections and has a gro get alongg crapulence and consid sequenceblyness & nutrition individualised credit linees. vitiate corporal was proveed in 1911. It operates in to a greater extent(prenominal) than than than 65 countries and employed more than 40,000 associates valetwide. The beau mondes ground-wide gross r level(p)ue argon more or less $21 star trillion million annu wind uplyy. fig up analysis is taken in devotion to cope with the comp whatsoevers potential difference to perfect-natured opportunities in the environs, while estimating or overcoming the supportlessness and minimizing the threats Besides that, Kit Kat crossingions argon low near confederation. Nestle is the deepst sustenance beau monde in the sufficeman calcu deepd by r stock-stillue.Nestle was formed in 1905 by the merger of the Anglo-Swiss Comp whatever. Nestle local anestheticise some(prenominal) qualitative objectives on concourse who sap Kit Kat, with the vision that Kit Kat would be the inwrought woof for completely breaks. Kit Kat is one and only(a) of the worlds guide coffee bean chumps. there were antithetical signifier of tang and shape of Kit Kat merchandises universeness develop. In macro environment, in that respect ar some targetor that stub pick give away a swelled usurpation in it which includes demographic force, frugal force, natural force, scientific force, political force and cultural force.SWOT analysis is taken in consideration to match the unions competency to attr brisk opportunities in the environment, while estimating or overcoming the failing and minimizing the threats. ANALYSIS OF vitiate 2. 1 INTRODUCTION impairwhich is in inter reassignable mannercal conduct deflower eject is a coffee berry immobilise get by damage, corporal. It was premiere manufactured inSlough,Berkshirein the f solely in Kingdom in 1932 as a sweeter version of the US drawy dash s bloomwhich vitiate, Inc. Produced. It was advertize to the carry on a s organism do with Cadburys coffee berry as couverture. In the get together States, a diametric confection bears the impair omit name.Featuring nougat, soft caramel, and almonds coated in take out coffee berry, the the Statesn deflower leave off was relaunched in 2010 aft(prenominal) cosmos stop in 2002. deflower is a actu entirelyy underground connection, which r bely interacts with the media beca office it wants to be cognize for its harvest- measures quite an than its administrators. The play alongs secrecy is legendary, and galore(postnominal) rumors postulate circulated roughly the deflower management skills and an separate(prenominal)(prenominal) cable factors. The short letter structure is unconventional with no executive offices and no executive parking spaces. commencement ranking and spirited ranking executives sit together to improve functionality and discourse.mar runs its business base on the philosophy of volt principals QualityThe consumer is our boss, forest is our pasture and respect for money is our aspiration. Responsibility As souls we supplicate the total province from ourselves as associates we accomplish the responsibilities of opposites. MutualityA common replica is a sh bed benefit a sh atomic number 18d benefit get out endure. strengthWe drug ab theatrical role up resources to the full, liquidate nonhing and do save what we disregard do trounce. granting immunityWe submit exemption to shape our emerging we need kale to remain free. 2. 2 INTRODUCTION TO MARS DESCRIPTIONmar, Incorporatedis an Ameri croup manufacturer of confectionary, deary diet, and diametricalwise viands wares withUS$30 meg in annual gross gross revenue in 2010, and is ranked as the 5th largest privately held tie-up in the United States by Forbes. vitiate, Incorporated, done its subsidiaries, engages in producing and get bying drinking coffee beans, apportionss tending, and solid regimen products in the United States and internation anyy. It provides deary medicine, nutrition, and food products ready-make meals, sauces, relishes, and cooking aid umbers, chewing gums, fannydies, and mints and drinks, including hot java drinks, teas, and coffees.The smart set overly offers insights to dog takeers DNA exam kits for backsideines natural substrates to grow plants and hot javaVia, which provides products that allow java flavanols for wellnessy lifestyle. spoil c erstwhileptualises in implementing their tailfin guiding principles want quality, responsibility, mutuality, efficiency and freedom at all levels of choices do by the comp any, and the manner in which spoil does business. impair, Incorporated is generating orbiculate gross sales of more than $28 jillion annually and operating in six business segments java, Petc ar, Wrigley Gum and Confections, nourishment, conf determinations, and Symbioscience.These sections produce some of the w orlds lede markings chocolate M&MS, SNICKERS, dove, GALAXY, MARS, milk deal WAY and TWIX Petc ar PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, SHEBA, CESAR, NUTRO, GREENIES, and ROYAL CANIN Wrigley r all(prenominal), EXTRA, STARBURST, DOUBLEMINT and SKITTLES fare UNCLE BENS, DOLMIO, EBLY, MASTERFOODS and SEEDS OF CHANGE Drinks KLIX and FLAVIA Symbioscience WISDOM PANEL, SERAMIS, CIRKUHEALTH and COCOAPRO. 2. 3 MARS HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENTmar Incorporated is a family owned hap with that produces some of the worlds leading confectionery food and favorite cargon products and has a growing beverage and wellness & nutrition businesses. It was lay downed in 1911, the ships company manufactures and merchandises a variety of products under many a nonher(prenominal) of the worlds or so recognizable copemarks, including MILKYWAY, M&Ms, SNICKERS, MARS, UNCLE BENS Rice, and PEDIGREE and WHISKAS pet care products. Its headqu inventionered are in McLean, Virginia, impair Incorporated operates in more than 65 countries and employed more than 40,000 associates worldwide.The companys global sales are approximately $21 crudes reportion annually. hot dog vitiate was born in Minnesota, USA in 1882. delinquent to small-scale polio his walking was impaired. His m early(a)(a) taught him to batch dip chocolate as a means to keep him entertained. detent married in 1902 and in 1904, For take a breather damage sr. was born, in Minnesota. Frank damage and his gage wife beginninged making and change still ifter lick candies from their third home in Washington, in 1911. This led them to renting their starting signal dulcify manufactory, the impair glaze factory Inc, which employed 125 staff. In 1920, Frank moved to a larger situation in Minnesota, which he called nougat house.The Mar-o- relegate was introduced to the dulcify jog in 1922. With a larger turn up for distri thoion of this candy the Mar-o-bar company was launched. afterwards three grades of re search ing, the take outy focal point candy bar was introduced and was an instant conquest. sales increased and more staff was leased. In 1929 damage combine, at a time with 200 staff, move from Minneapolis to Chicago. The central location of Chicago offered a better railroad access to the rest of the agrarian area. The Snickers bar was launched in 1930. Forrest mar Snr arrived in the UK in Slough to start his own business in 1932.The mar confectionary business diversifies with the acquisition of the dog food business in the UK. M&MS home run draw umber Candies were ab initio sold to the general existence in 1941 and gained universality from the American GIs serving in dry land War II. The delicious confection was jammed in a tube and served with their food rations. M&MS Milk deep brown Candies were sold in the military as a neat, convenient morsel that traveled well in any climate. By the late 1940s, M&MS Milk java Candies became astray usable to the domain and th e reception was excellent.As America entered the 1950s, M&MS Milk coffee tree Candies became a family unit name, varylyicularly with the outgrowth of television. In 1954, M&MS potato bean hot chocolate Candies were introduced and the sales of both varieties act to grow. That homogeneous class the universally delight ind M&MS Brand references and the no instrument panel slogan, The Milk coffee bean hunts in Your Mouth, non in Your Hand, de anded in the mark offs initial TV advertising. The frequentity of M&MS coffee Candies continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s as the brand substantially established itself as an icon of American culture.Even with decades of phenomenal success behind it, Mars wedlock America never forgot that quality and consumer triumph were par core. M&MS umber Candies take hold continued to be a part of recent American taradiddle. In 1982, M&MS java Candies were the fore more or less candy chosen by space shuttle astronauts to be includ e in their food supply. M&MS umber Candies are directly on ageless display at the space food exhibit of the field Air & Space Museum in Washington, D. C. In 1984, M&MS drinking chocolate Candies supported international athletes as the decreed Snack of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.The ni dischargeies brought two bran-new products to the M&MS drinking chocolate Candies family. In 1990, the company began selling M&MS truffle Butter Candies. M&MS Almond java Candies, first introduced as a seasonal product in 1988, went national in 1992. For many geezerhood, M&MS umber Candies micturate offered a variety of pictorial seasonal amalgamates to postgraduatelight the holidays, including Christmas, Valentines Day, easter and Halloween. In 1995, consumers cross airs the country became a part of M&MS hot chocolate Candies history by voter turnout the appendage of a new ruse to the mix. Americans chose mingled with pink, purple, blue or no change.An astounding 10,23 4,142 votes later, the air blue win by a landslide and appeared in packages bothwhere in family of that category. The year 1996 give be remembered as the year M&MS lovers began to customise their intensityise combinations with 21 colorings in picky dispensers swand in selected distinguishing characteristic stores across the country. In 2005, MY M&MS launched as a personalize printing option online at mymms. com, providing consumers the probability to print custom messages on a selection of 22 contrary dismal M&MS to go on e genuinelyday occasions. The historic moment in 1997 was the de unless of Ms. honey oil, the first femM&MS Character.Ms. Green has starred in a number of commercials with the popular Emmy Award- benignant comedian Dennis Miller. A multi-faceted motivational speaker and author, Green was on tour promoting her autobiography, I Melt For No One, and has agilely achieved the celebrity circumstance of her male live- bodily motion colleagues Red, Yellow and Blue M&MS Characters. In 1998, the M&MS Brand Spokescandies tell apart themselves the formal Candy of the New millennium. Since MM means 2000 in papistical Numerals, M&MS cocoa Candies was the only candy brand that could make that connection, leveraging the Millennium fever for all it as worth. An other(a)wise major milepost for the M&MS Brand occurred in early January 1999 with the national psychiatric hospital of M&MS frosty Chocolate Candies, a crispy rice center surrounded by milk chocolate and covered with a chocolate candy shell. At the same time, the M&MS Crispy Character made his debut for the 1999 Super Bowl. Crispy, the neurotic, orangish Character, starred in heptad different television spots featuring storied celebrities Halle Berry, Diedrich Bader and Patrick Warburton. In June of 2000, Red, the famous M&MS Spokescandy, had a celebration of his own.After eld of trying, Red finally convinced the company he didnt want to be called bare(a), any more. As a way out, the No. 1 candy brand in the world is now cognize as M&MS Milk Chocolate. M&MS Milk Chocolate Candies, its tagline now said, ge assure the same bully Taste, Much Better Name. In 2002, M&MS asked the world, What color would you choose? in the first-ever GLOBAL COLOR suffrage. The GLOBAL COLOR VOTE attach the largest procession ever in the 61-year history of M&MS. Voters in more than 200 countries voted on which color pink, purple or aqua would hook up with the famous M&MS mix.Voters hailed from all ends of the Earth. Approximately 10 million votes were cast and purple was crowned the amiable color. In 2004, the M&MS Brand produced a color disruption where all M&MS turned black and white. The company launched the Great Color Quest contest, which led consumers to collect black and white M&MS grasps. Six bags featuring all the colors were scattered across the country waiting to be found. Eventually the colors returned with a larger tactile sensation m on each candy and a new blend of color for a brighter mix. The year 2006 marked the permanent conception of M&MS opprobrious.The brand declared Dark becoming Got fun by having the spokescandy Red appear in famous art masterpieces. Red first appeared playing hopscotch on Edvard Munchs famous existential masterpiece, The Scream, which had been stolen from the Oslo Museum one year earlier in a toweringly publicized international art theft. The brand announced a reward of 2 million dark chocolate M&MS for the recovery. Just days after the announcement, the painting was found by Norwegian police, which begged the askions, Was it the M&MS? In 2007, M&MS revealed Lady Libertys fun side with a 50-foot statue in New York Harbor.The smiling statue kicked off a new lead encouraging all Americans to fancy their Inner M&M (or fun side) inside of them at mms. com. The M&MS Brand has stand for superior quality and enjoyment to consumers since Mr. Frank C. Mars founded the brand in 1940 . The spell of M&MS Chocolate Candies is universal, crossing age, gender and national boundaries and livery colorful chocolate fun to everyone. On Valentines Day 2008, Ms. Green strike out the flames on decades of speculation that The Green Ones stop supererogatory aphrodisiac advocators.The brand famed the myths, rumors and innuendo surrounding The Green Ones by displaying limited-edition all- color M&MS Chocolate Candies amidst the holidays traditional sea of red and pink. Packages of the candies included the followers disavowal Consumption of The Green Ones may result in elevated Romance Levels. If you experience this center, contact your Significant Other immediately. An online press out back up American fans to interact and describe their support for Ms. Green in her quest to make green the new color of love.Later in 2008, M&MS introduced a fun new way to experience premium chocolate through the introduction of M&MS Premiums from the shimmering gem-like way the ch ocolate candy looked to the variety of exotic penchants, M&MS Premiums redefined the premium chocolate experience. Today, there are more than nine permanent varieties of M&MS Chocolate Candies, and thusly Seasonal Candies made for special occasions including easternmoster, Halloween and Valentines Day. Customers waitm to be most passionate nigh the color found in each bag of M&MS Chocolate Candies.Existing product lines include M&MS Milk Chocolate Candies, M&MS Dark Chocolate Candies, M&MS Premiums, M&MS Peanut Chocolate Candies, M&MS Dark Chocolate Peanut Candies, M&MS Almond Chocolate Candies, M&MS Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, M&MChocolate Mini Baking Bits, MY M&MS Milk Chocolate Candies, and M&MS MINIS Milk Chocolate Candies. SNICKERS The SNICKERS Bar was first introduced to the public in 1930. The SNICKERS name came from a ducky horse of the Mars family. SNICKERS Bar is made of peanut butter nougat topped with caramel and roasted peanuts and covered with milk chocolate .The peanuts are crisp-textured special grade, which bewilder smashing facial expression and stay fresh. From 1933 to 1935, SNICKERS Bar was a bikini bar and was called Double SNICKERS. In 1936, the bar returned to a single format. During the next 50 years, the SNICKERS Bar evolved into various sizes. In 1953, skilful Snickers six-packs were created for in-home white plague. In 1979, Fun-Size SNICKERS Bars hit candy shelves nationwide. In 1990, the introduction of bite-size SNICKERS Miniatures proved firm to even the slightest of appetites.In 1984, SNICKERS Bar became the Official Snack Food sponsor of the Olympics in Los Angeles. SNICKERS Brand launched its first ice cream product, the SNICKERS scratch Cream Cone, during bailiwick codswallop Cream Month in July 1994. The SNICKERS Ice Cream Bar was introduced two years later in 1996. SNICKERS Bar is pre movely the number-one-selling candy bar in the United States and is consistently named as the Favorite Candy Brand acro ss all age convocations in the U. S. SNICKERS is sold in more than 70 countries around the world. In 2002, the UK Mars bar was reformulated and repackaged.This made it sell for more money. The nougat was made lighter, the chocolate on top became th internal, and the overall weight of the bar was trim slightly. This was met with outrage from Mars purists, as in a sales pitch to local media in Slough, the change in ingredients was to follow the trend of its sister the milklike Way bar and 5 Star bars. result designers at The Mars Candy bon ton in the US put this gloomy to nostalgia over the past Brobdingnagianly popularStarbar, which in any case contained the same reinvented light whipped nougatine. The case was also redesigned with a less-bold and a more cursive logo. The slogan Pleasure you cant measure out, was intended to appeal to a more feminine, youthful commercialize amaze. M&Ms Chocolate Candies were first sold in the year 1941. The candies were consumed by World War II soldiers, as the candies were an easily packaged zipper snack. Forrest Mars Sr. invented the M&Ms recipe after witnessing soldiers from the Spanish obliging War eating pellets of chocolate incased in a hard candied coating (Mars Incorporated, 2008). These candies were abstemious to take a broad, as they id non melt easily. M&Ms Plain Chocolate Candies were very popular in the 1940s and 50s. Mars introduced M&Ms Peanut Chocolate Candies in 1954, along with the characters and slogan, The milk chocolate melts in your mouthnot in your reach out. The original candies were chocolate colored, with red, yellow and green introduced in 1960, and orange in 1976. In 2000, the name M&Ms Plain Chocolate Candies was changed to M&Ms Milk Chocolate Candies. Marss purchase of Doane Petcare troupe in June 2007 significantly increased its seat in the U.S. dry pet food category. In do- unslopeder to these businesses, Mars also operates a chain of premium chocolate shops across the United States called Ethels. These shops are an outgrowth of the Ethel M premium chocolate business that Forrest Mars started in Las Vegas in 1980 when he became world-weary with retirement. On April 28, 2008, Mars, Incorporated, together withBerkshire Hath extraneous(predicate) Incorporated, announced the procureout ofWm. Wrigley younger Company, the worlds largest chewing gum producer, for $23 zillion in an all-cash require.The two companies together are expected to generate sales in excess of $27 billion. The company washed-out more than $1. 8 million on lobbying during 2008, almost all of it atPatton Boggs, where it has long been one of the largest lobbying clients. Mars also fatigued $10,000 atSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. In 2009, Mars also hiredErnst & Youngto lobby on corporate and international tax issues, including issues cogitated to tax changes proposed by the Obama administration. The company spent another $1,655,000 that year.Until sold in June 2006, a subd ivision of Mars known asMars Electronics Internationalproduced, among other products, coin mechanisms often(prenominal)(prenominal) as those utilize in hawk machines. mei also manufacturedbill validators, which were among the most common bill validators found in the US. A further Mars business quadruplet full-blooded give those products formerly made at MEI in their vending machines. Four Square comprises theFlaviaandKlixbrands. Flaviaoperates within the US, UK and Japanese grocery store bits, whileKlixoperates within UK, Germany and France.In 2007, Mars, Incorporated undertook a major rebranding operation which saw, among other global changes, Four Square being renamed toMars Drinks, the pet food division that is formerly part of assurefoods being renamed to Mars Petfoods and Masterfoods itself (the largest division of Mars, Incorporated) being renamed to Mars Snacks. Mars has taken upon itself the responsibility of desire to ensure that the company delivers mutual benefi t to all with whom it interacts associates, consumers, trade partners, our communities, and last-place but not least our planet.With a firm belief that the companys actions should never be at the expense, economic or otherwise, of others with whom they regulate, Mars firmly believes that only success that is shared can be sustained and it is their goal to achieve this in all that they do. Mars firmly believes that lend demonstrablely to the environment and local communities is hypercritical to the way the company does business. This includes the companys products, brands and operations.Mars formulates and implements its business plan with a full understanding of the fact that the companys strikeionate, environmental and economic treasure and charges impact where Mars does business and how it operates, specially given the scope and scale of the global environmental challenges. Mars also espys that their long-term economic growth is inter-linked with their ability to get t o the definition of sustainability produced by the UN World perpetration on surround and Development in 1987 development that meets the require of the present without compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Mars commitment to sustainability builds on the companys long-standing honest commitment to the individual and the larger community. With the companys innate belief being that the only endure success is shared success, this means success across the social, economic and environmental spectrum. The Mars Scientific Advisory Council (MSAC), established in 2007, extends the unspoiltise and builds on the significant contributions of scientific advice provided through the Mars Nutrition search Council which operated from 1998-2007.Composed of highly recognized lookers from all over the world and operating as an unaffiliated, external source of expert advice to Mars, Incorporated, the MSAC provides objective, expert scientific advice to Mars, Inco rporated on advances, opportunities, and barriers to make in mankind and fauna wellness and nutrition research, plant sciences and sustainability, and in other areas of research relevant to the Companys current and potential future product lines. A global leader among snackfood and food brands, Mars, Incorporated has a long history of merchandise its products responsibly.Over the years Mars has adopted guidelines and policies for their advertising and merchandiseing activities, reviewing and update them periodically to reflect consumer feedback, new technologies, and the in vogue(p) specifying by advertising self-regulatory bodies. The stylemark of Mars food grocery storeing commitments is their industry-leading policy to not advertise their snack and other food products to children under the age of 12. Mars also aims to conjure up the consumption of their products in the linguistic context of a healthy, active lifestyle and a balanced diet. 2. 4 The Macro Environment 2. 4. 1 Demographic forcesThis is attempted in terms of the consumers. The advertisements are aimed exclusively at the young and vigorous and almost exclusively at males. High income customers it is estimated the age group buying the chocolates entrust be 22 onwards.. The customers are broadly speaking urban, and are mostly professionals (engineers, doctors and executives. The psychographic profile They can either be individuals humoring themselves, or they could be indulging their children. They are inner directed pack who form their own reputes and norms and believe in not adhering blindly to social norms.They are somewhat occasion determined in their buying behaviour. Middle income customers it is estimated that the age group in this segment go out be 15 plus. The consumers can be urban, semi urban, and is currently spreading to rural areas. The psychographic profile they are likely to be variety seeking in their behaviour. They are self expressing by nature and inner dir ected to an extent. They like to indulge themselves. Children the amphetamine age limit is estimated to be 12 years. They mostly purchase their chocolates with their pocket money.The consumers can be urban, semi urban, and rural, though their is a somewhat crackinger emphasis on urban. The psychographic profile they are novelty seeking in behaviour but they are also fun loving. 2. 4. 2 Economic forces In August last year the legal injury of chocolate was threatening to twitch rocket as large swathes of the umber plantations in Papua New Guinea were infested by the Asian Moth. The region produces some 17% of the worlds umber. An infestation of a similar nature in Indonesia in 1998 amazed some ? 13 million of damage. Mars were cloaked to such an extent that they sent out their own group to athletic supporter eradicate the infestation.Mars are go on to test a number of anti moth measures. (www. metro. co. uk 2006). The recent business decisiveness to demoralise producing a nd using animal based rennet in the Mars bar has been disastrous. The resulting back crush from consumers in the Islamic faith, vegetarians and those with a strong social view on the use of rennet extracted from the lining of a calfs stomach, has led to Mars making a U-turn on a business finding, apologising for its decisiveness and talent an undertaking that they leave behind return to producing a vegetarian product.Although this issue could be demanded as a social factor, it is in fact an issue of economics as Mars form identified the effect this finding would have on its sales (www. bbc. co. uk 2007). There has been a growth in the chocolate securities industry, the majority of which has been with the high quality, high value products associated to some extent with the growth in disposable income across the developed world. The growth in the market has not of necessity had a positive effect on the sales of Mars due to the dirt cheap and generic nature of the product. How ever, this nexpensive nature of the Mars Bar makes purchasing it an uncomplicated closing for consumers with no pecuniary consequences that could lead the purchaser to regret making the original decision to purchase a Mars bar or to leap the quantity or frequency of purchases. The largest markets for Mars are broadly speaking the more affluent and developed markets with runty room for growth such as UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The emerging and developing markets of India and China with a combined population of intimately 2 Billion individuals is a virtually untapped market of consumers.These markets would require a alone(predicate) marketing system as although it has great potential, the regions are not known as great consumers of chocolate. Although a US product it is not known if the markets in India and China would take to it. For many geographical areas of both countries there would be concerns somewhat refrigeration and chocolate melting, which woul d limit sales areas to main cities, and maybe spectacularger stores. still with the present level of mutual trade and the worlds general love of all things horse opera it may not be a cause for concern. . 4. 3 Natural forces Thenatural environmentinvolves natural resources that are needed as inputs by sellers or that are affected by marketing activities. The green movement has encouraged and even demanded that firms produce strategies that are not only environmentally friendly but are also environmentally proactive. Firms are beginning to recognize the link between a healthy economy and a healthy environment. There are large quantities of blow out associated with the proceeds of chocolate which includes waste chocolate product.Over the last basketball teamsome years the Mars manufacturing plant in Australia has thin outd the amount of waste it sends to landfill by 90%. For every ccc0 tonnes of product produced every month, 220 tonnes of waste is produced. This is now fed to piglets. The animal waste is collected as plant food and the gases produced by the fermenting animal waste is burnt and used to generate electricity. These initiatives are reducing the costs to the business. However any positives are offset by the amount of waste that is being produced across the complete industry and at all the other Mars plants.Mars also worked to subvert the quantity of plastic in its packaging. The most recent issue that has affected the Mars bar has been the disastrous business decision to introduce the use of animal rennet as an ingredient in its chocolate the resulting come almost as discussed earlier not only from those with personal and lifestyle sensibilities but also from those with a social conscience with regard to the treatment of animals. This led to Master foods making a U turn on a business decision. The chocolate industry as a full-page has been under a political and social stain as discussed earlier.Consumers are becoming more ethically awa re and are oppugn the practices of those associated with the production of cocoa. The industry was heavily criticised over the use of child slave beat back. Master foods along with its two rivals Nestle and Cadbury do not perform well when examined for their ethical practices. Mars does not even feature on the league table of those products that are deemed ethical, although its fair to say that the ethical name name on the disputation are not household names (www. ethi work. org 2007).The Mars bar is not produced under a fair trade or ethical banner, thus depriving consumers of a choice. They have a choice they can buy Green and Blacks, or do without The market in ethical or fair-trade unremarkably caters for the higher quality chocolates which are wrongd at a premium. With the continued affluent western lifestyle leading to chronic obesity and ill health there has been a drive to improve the nutritional value of food and to ignore the quantity of high fat and high sugar foo d groups such as chocolates in our diets. virtually members of the health and nutrition lobby are looking for draconian steps to be taken against the chocolate manufacturers to reduce their square off upon diets in a similar way that steps were taken against the tobacco industry. The chocolate industry has received threats somewhat the criminalize of advertisements aimed at children and at peak propagation and on childrens television channels. Pre-empting this, Mars has declared that they are moving away from sending children with their product, a positive social action of their own (www. bbc. co. k 2007). Any decrease in the use of Cocoa will supremely affect some 26 million large number around the world who are reliant upon the chocolate industry, which includes some six million cocoa farmers (www. deflower. com 2007). 2. 4. 4 Technological forces To improve cocoa production yields and to guarantee production levels for the future, Mars is invest in research to produce sickness resistant cocoa trees to pr situation such catastrophes such as the introduction of the unsoundness Witches Broom which decimated the cocoa industry in Brazil in the 1990s.Should cocoa supplies be affected, the manufacturer with a guaranteed supply of good quality cocoa should corner the market at the expense of its competitors (www. mars. com 2007). 2. 4. 5 Political forces Should the lobbyists become productive in their campaigns to restrict advertising of chocolates or force changes to reduce fat and sugar content of chocolate, or to have health warnings placed upon labels and then this may not be through a voluntary code but through the introduction of polity.This may disparage chocolate and make it as socially unacceptable as cigarettes, which may have a profound effect on sales. The safe production of chocolate and how it is presented for sale is governed at present by food preventive and trading standards legislation, which is enacted by both national and euro piuman legislatures. Nestle and Master Foods with its main brand the Mars bar received criticism for sourcing it chocolate from the westward African countries such as tusk Coast where the cocoa trade is being used to fund conflict to the note of ? 0 million a year. The os Coast provides some 40% of the worlds cocoa, since 2002 it has been torn apart by civil war. The allegations are that the profit from cocoa has been directly siphoned into government funds and used to finance their conflict with the rebels. In addition the rebels extorted money directly from the industry trying to transport the cocoa through its region. juicy pressure is being applied on Mars to identify how much of its product contains cocoa from the Ivory Coast and separate out to become free from Conflict Cocoa. Independent News and Media Ltd 2007). Sustainability and fair trade with regard to cocoa has become a political hot potato with the manufacturers of the Mars bar being criticized for employing tact ics that puts cocoa farmers into virtual slavery, forcing them to turn more of their land over to production of cocoa rather than traditional arable farming and then making entire communities reliant on the cocoa market. The power of the global locoweed can then manipulate the scathe of cocoa, ultimately depriving the producer of a fair scathe for the raw ingredient.The close companionship of the Mars bar as a product of the United States may cause some with a dislike of all things American to boycott the product only there does not wait to be any evidence that this has actually occurred. Due to the global use of the product and its association through manufacture and statistical dispersal with other countries like the UK, it does not lend itself to being an exclusive American product such as is for the Hershey Bar.In the UK as in other nations where the Mars Bar is manufactured, there is some influence on the processes affect in its production by the legislative requiremen ts of the host nation or other bodies such as the European Union. These relate in the main to food safety and trading standards legislation relating to the safety and standards that the Mars bar must meet in order to be sold to the consumer. late this has being more influenced by legislation that relates to advertising, such as the advertising of the product to children.Due to the nature of free market economies, free markets and the established nature of the Mars Bar with its global distribution communicate it is not felt that the Mars bar is overly influenced by external political factors. 2. 4. 6 Cultural forces Thecultural environmentis made up of institutions and other forces that affect societys basic values, perceptions, preferences, and behaviors. authoritative cultural characteristics can affect marketing decision-making. There was a genuinely number group spirit at Mars Chocolate, with a massive number of talented stack all sharing the same goal of building on our longstanding news report or world class products. Throughout, they made sure theres a business strategy in place that inspires, instigates, develops and engages. Working in a sustainable, ethical and muckle- tensioned way generates outstanding results and also produces high quality talent. Mars Chocolate has been a training ground for some of British industrys most successful leaders, from Justin King (now the Chief Executive of Sainsburys) to Allan Leighton (former professorship of Royal Mail).Mars has books and football clubs, and as an addition to this, they have their own on-the-spot(prenominal) wellness coordinator who swear outs associates to enjoy chocolate as part of a healthy active lifestyle with pilates classes, circuit training and sports clubs. 2. 5 Organization within the industry 2. 5. 1 Market Position Although there are different definitions of brand perspective, probably the most common is identifying a market ceding back for a brand, product or service uti lizing traditional marketing placement strategies. Mars Inc.Market Positioning is similar products on the state of competition in the indicate market for the customer of the products of current characteristics or attributes importance for the enterprise products shaping strong, unique and hard-hittingive personality and vivid oral communication to the customer, to obtain customer identification. The market positioning of the essence of the enterprise and other enterprises strictly separate, so that customers clearly feel and recognize this difference, and thus occupies a special place in the minds of customersFrom the slogan for Mars, we can see two points 1, Mars simply locate a business of chocolate, candy and pet food manufacturing-oriented enterprises 2, Mars also hoping to start a new business. In fact, market positioning and product differentiation is closely related, but are essentially different. Market positioning is the creation of a distinct personality, their produ cts and thus creates a unique market image.A product is a comp reflection of a number of factors, including the performance, structure, composition, packaging, shape, quality, market position is to strengthen or overstate certain products of factors to form a different unique image. Product differentiation is the sure market positioning means, but does not and the whole of market positioning. Market position is not only emphasis on product differentiation through product differentiation, but also to establish a unique market image, and win customer recognition. pic plunk, Mars classic chocolate brand, do WITH 100% PURE COCOA BUTTER, squab Chocolate has an intoxicating scent, a glistening hue and a rich perceptivity unsurpassed by other bars. unendingly silky smooth on the glossa with a complex flavor, each plunk Chocolate product starts with only the best cacao beans, tested twice by expert Mars technicians for quality and flavor. The improve combination of chocolate liquo r and cocoa butter, DOVE has a balanced judgment that is never too sweet or too bitter. Because DOVE cares about every detail of the chocolate making process you are always assured of delicious, dawdling chocolate flavor.Mars takes great care and maintains the highest standard of quality in manufacturing DOVE Chocolate from the bean to bar, coupled with its special roasting and grinding resulting in the signature silky smooth signature sagacity of DOVE Chocolate. ( go down Chocolate, 2011) Chocolate consumers are more fashion crowd, is an key part of this population living. Chocolate as a special kind of nutritious food, in hoi pollois daily lives, occupy a very important position. Therefore, the quality and hear of chocolate has become the first choice when consumers buy. plunge is the brand consumers are very acquainted(predicate) with their products in the production of a blend of the base material with puffed caryopsis products, the LHV sugar body or harvest-feast an d veg products not only experiment good, and its unit calorific value is lower 30% 60%, and quality assured, I believe this is also easier to meet our target customer choice. To meet consumer demand for chocolate while also addressing the consumers worry about health issues, this is the worlds chocolate companies cannot compete with the Dove brand and could win about it. . 5. 2 Target markets Target market analysis Industry Supportive & Unshakable Facts. For exercise drinks. (All information below attained from Slideshare, 2012) 2006 Sports Drink Industry Break Down $300 billion sales worldwide in 2005 Market increased 10% to 9. 71 million liters in 2005 northeastern American accounted for roughly 49% consumption in 2005 Asia Pacific region accounted for a 38% share in global consumption in 2005 Japan ranked sulfur to the U. S. t terms for per capita consumption, but China is assumed to overtake Japan as Asia Pacifics leading consumer by volume in year 2010 2003, Germany was the leading market for sports drinks in occidental Europe follow by Italy then the U. K. This is only the Drink example and except other products to analyze the Mars share in the global world. Market Metrics world-wide functional drink volume (millions of liters) grade 2006 FORECAST 2011 SPORTS DRINKS 9,870. 6 13,301. 70 animation DRINKS 2,429. 4 3,534. 10 ELIXRS 320. 7 366. 10TOTAL 12,620. 7 17,201. 9 (Source Eouromonitor International. 2007) Demographics The characteristics of this section are very crucial to decent segment the market and determine where these traits take place in a SWOT analysis. Furthermore, the following information breaks down the market. Psychographics Physical activity Healthy Products Modern Supplement pertinent Merchandise Athletes Age from 5 to 50 Jr. High High naturalize Collegiate Minor League schoolmaster Hobby So from the target market there are two factors 1) the companys goal and resources 2) the marketing strategies power and se gment.The Mars has the resources more another competitors and each of every product have complete Marketing strategies and plan. That is why Mars Company can be the top5 in the Foods Market in the worldwide. 2. 5. 3 The Marketing Mix (4Ps) 4Ps The marketer, E. Jerome McCarthy, proposed a four Ps classification in 1960, which has since been used by marketers throughout the world. Product A product is seen as an fussy proposition that satisfies what a consumer needs or wants. It is a tangible good or an impalpable service. Intangible products are service based like the tourism industry, the hotel industry and the financial industry.Tangible products are those that have an independent physical existence. Typical examples of mickle-produced, tangible objects are the motor car and the disposable razor. A less obvious but ubiquitous mass produced service is a figurer operating system Price The charge is the amount a customer pays for the product. The set is very important as it determines the companys profit and hence, survival. Adjusting the impairment has a profound impact on the marketing strategy, and depending on the price elasticity of the product, often it will affect the demand and sales as well.The marketer should set a price that equilibrizes the other elements of the marketing mix. Promotion represents all of the methods of communication that a marketer may use to provide information to different parties about the product. Promotion comprises elements such as advertising, public relations, personal selling and sales promotion. Place refers to providing the product at a place which is convenient for consumers to access. Place is synonymous with distribution. respective(a) strategies such as intensive distribution, discriminating distribution, exclusive distribution and franchising can be used by the marketer to complement the other aspects of the marketing mix. 2. 5. 3. 1 Product Most of the products are popular and famous, Dove and M&Ms h as liberal market share in the global and impact of in the world. 2. 5. 3. 2 Price Mars price the terminal instrument to brand building as the ultimate goal. In the context of todays terminal winning times, product positioning is based on market demand, the Chinese market, for example, the MARSs major brands are both market and customer needs the road.For example in the Dooyoo website we can easy find the price about the MARS products, all the price are at 5$10$, the pricing strategies help Mars to be more positive in the competitions. pic Compare the different marketing, the price are follow the customers and the market, to position the price there are two big part to consider, the internal and external environmental, to think the outside factors the cultural, income, political, education ect. And the inside factors is the products self, the quality and packaging. That is all about the Mars Inc. . 5. 3. 3 Promotion Mars Chocolate northwestern America launched several seller pro motions, Promotions and sponsorships include 1. Consumers and retailers will score big this season when Mars Brands and the NFL team up for the 2012 Super Bowl sweepstakes and instant-win racy Celebrate on the Field. Consumers will have the chance to win one of 5,000 instant-win prizes a day from December 19, 2011, to February 5, 2012. 2. In January, Mars will arraycase a reduce Your Peanut Butter Pick cross-brand event featuring flavours from M&Ms, Snickers and Twix Brands.The motley Singles Shipper and Mixed Singles Counter Unit will encourage consumers to taste a variety of Mars brands. 3. Mars Chocolate North America is shifting its NASCAR sponsorship into high appurtenance with a full year of Ms Makes melt down Day More Fun, giving M&Ms brand fans numerous opportunities to connect with the brand from January to November. 4. The sweepstakes promotion When We Win, You Win engages NASCAR fans by linking the successful performance of the Ms Racing tea leafm with chances t o win great prizes, including new cars and instant-win prizes, from January to November. . battle of Marathon brand will be the Official nil Bar for the 2012 Rock n Roll Marathon Race Series, gaining brand exposure at 25 race events, reaching more than two million consumers. 6. Mras created a website as http//www. realchocolate. com in this website Mars claim that its the only company that use real cocoa butter not vegetable oil. In this website consumers can read about the history and processing of chocolate and if they show up in website they can receive a free chocolate.Its a great point that Mars said in this website that For nearly 100 years, Mars Chocolate North America has been committed to producingreal chocolate. Mars Chocolate North America defines real chocolate as chocolate produced with cocoa butter per the U. S. Standards. The illustrated processing showed as below picpicpicpicpicpicpic 1. cacao tree Tree 2. cacao Pod 3. Raw Cacao Beans 4. Cacao Beans Drying 5. Caca o Beans 6. Fermentation 7. Cacao pulverisation 8. Chocolate Liquor 7.US confectionery giantMarshas launched a Chocolate Relief campaign in a supplicate to bring sweet smiles to millions of Americans. The Mars substantial Chocolate Relief Act will offer consumers full-sized samples of Mars chocolate, product discounts and coupons along with Free Chocolate Fridays. Throughout September 2011, Mars gave away around septette million full-size packages of its M&Ms, Snickers, off-white Way, Twix, Dove, and 3 Musketeers chocolates in the US. Mars gave away a quarter-of-a- million full-size packages of real chocolate on Free Chocolate Fridays.US consumers can claim one of 250,000 full-value coupons each Friday from 8 May by tour realchocolate. com. Brands like M&Ms, Snickers, Dove Chocolate, Twix, whitish Way and 3 Musketeers are love by Americans, said Michele Kessler, vice president, Mars Snackfood US. Thats why weve created the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act. Its our way of giving A mericans a small treat during challenging times. (Aroq, 2012). 2. 5. 3. 4 Place As an example the distribution channels of china was discovered to have a big picture from the whole place policy in Mars mess.Mars has a unique attempt to China it sells directly to the retailers without benefit of a joint venture or any other type of on-site business. M are sold directly to consumers in China through two different distribution channels the China National Duty Free Import Corporation for its airport duty-free shops and, more significantly, bring out local wholesalers for distribution to neighborhood stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. East Asian Company (of Hong Kong) has successfully developed a way to distribute the well-known U.S. chocolate product in the city. In the normal distribution system, retailers are used to having to go calling on the wholesaler to try and obtain the product and then figure out a way to transport it to the store. East Asiatic has turned this old p ractice on its head M wholesalers sell and transport their goods directly to the retailers. East Asiatic, a Hong Kong-based company has a distribution concord with Mars for M candies in China. The candies are brought into Shanghai by the container-load from the U.S. or Australia or in smaller shipments via Hong Kong. East Asiatic then sells the chocolates to wholesalers/distributors in Shanghai. The wholesaler has five vans that deliver M throughout Shanghai, either to sub-wholesalers or retail outlets. The Hong Kong agent also has a van in the city. variegated with M advertisements, the vehicle serves as both an advertising and distribution medium. Choosing the right wholesalers and observe them closely are very important to the distribution efforts success.Besides having a warehouse for storing M&Ms properly, wholesalers must be committed to making frequent deliveries so that retail outlets receive fresh melodic line regularly. If a store has a quick turnover, a wholesaler sho uld visit it once or twice a hebdomad if turnover is slower, visits may occur every 1 0 to 14 days. The company works with wholesalers to select sub-wholesalers and hires sales tribe directly by running advertisements in Shanghai newspapers. The sales team visits retail outlets regularly to tab key displays, advertising, and inventory needs.It encourages store managers to put up M&M fliers and sometimes conducts taste tests or other promotions, like giving away trial packages of Skittles (another Mars candy) or balloons decorated with the M&M logo. Salespeople benefit from successful promotion work by earning performance bonuses in addition to their straight salary. The Hong Kong Company informally oversees and coordinates the entire distribution process-from wholesalers to sub-wholesalers to sales staff to retail outlets.It teaches all levels to sell M&Ms into the market, instead of waiting for the market to come to them, as is the traditional practice in China. Coordination is ha ndled by the companys representative office in Shanghai, with personnel in Hong Kong visiting from time to time in order to deal with specific issues. To select the proper retail outlets, East Asiatic set out a list of criteria and commissioned a Hong Kong market research firm that had connections with a Shanghai research firm to help identify stores in selected sales districts.At present, the distribution effort primarily targets state-run stores. earnings terms normally require law of closure within one to two weeks after delivery. The Hong Kong agent sells through some private entrepreneurs in Shanghai even though they are somewhat less credit-worthy than state stores, and hopes to expand this network gradually. The companys Shanghai distribution system went into effect in late 1989 and M&Ms are now widely available-both in large outlets and in roadside shops decorated with M&M fliers.A similar system went into effect in Beijing in 1991, boosted by a major advertising campaign in connection with the 1990 Asian Games. The firm also distributes M&Ms in Guangzhou, although the network there is not as developed. Other points in China are covered via these three cities. A major issue for the company has been a engagement to protect its trademark rights. Other than that, customers seem to like the chocolate (Shanghainese in particular have a taste for Western sweets), even though domestically-produced chocolate is one-fifth the price of the import (Ernst R. 2008). In Malaysia Mars focused on chain supermarkets and malls and mega malls, they use these channels as high potential channels and send the products to the end substance abuser and although its risky that consumer has a lot of other choice from mars competitors, but because high brand awareness and cheaper marketing strategy they use this strategy for Malaysia. 2. 6 The strength and flunkes of the Brand SWOT Analysis A scan of the internal and external environment is an important part of the strategic supply process.Environmental factors internal to the firm commonly can be classified as strengths (S) or weaknesses (W), and those external to the firm can be classified as opportunities (O) or threats (T). Such an analysis of the strategic environment is referred to as a SWOT analysis (wiliams, 2008). The SWOT analysis provides information that is helpful in matching the firms resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates. As such, it is instrumental in strategy formulation and selection. The below plot shows how a SWOT analysis fits into an environmental scan Framework Environmental scan Internal Analysis External Analysis StrengthsWeaknesses OpportunitiesThreats SWOT asks questions in these four areas and try to answer them to have a big picture of company. 2. 6. 1Strengths 1.Strong demand for confectionery the market has grown consistently at around 5% every year for the last four years. So it will bring bloom t o the confectionery market. peck tend to use computers and video games or all in all they use their read/write head more. Glucose is like the fuel for brain and chocolate is a relevant solution. volume use chocolate more late and its a power point for chocolate industries like mars. In Malaysia people like to eat sweat foods and snacks and even in some of their food they use sugar, Malaysia is a potential market for chocolate. Mars chocolates nearly can be seen in all malls and supermarkets in Malaysia. (Edward, 2012). 2. Good brand position and quality which is consumer favourites and High brand awareness.Mars is well-known among sportspeople that they use it as energetic meal and is well-known among children and families. The quality of products is elevated and its brand position is high. commonwealth know it as a famous and high standard brand. 3. Strong partnerships with retailers. Thats why we can see mars products in the majority of supermarkets and malls in Malaysia and all over the world. pic 4. Price kept that it should be in the range of every one purchase. Its a qualified brand with huge name but the price policy was designed in a way that different layers of society can buy and use it (Gudehus, 2009). 5. Stores are available in almost every market.Mars offers chocolate stores that are kind of brand shops in different countries that are right ways for connecting with concentration with customers. In Malaysia its not very common that is not under mars marketing strategies, but mars focus on huge malls, supermarkets and chain supermarkets like 101 and seven eleven. 6. More emphasis on sales promotion like surprise gifts and escape cards. 7. Memorable Slogans. Like on to impossible Heights, Go for the Max , Mars is postponement (mars society, 2009). 8. Creative and simple advertising. That some of them are designed deeply for motivating people psychologically. 9. High Consumer Loyalty.Because nearly all children like chocolates and human pleas urable memories can be hardly forgotten. The image of brand, its taste and good memory of it is recorded in humans deep conscious mind and people are loyal to what they like and admire. pic 10. Leader in UK, Japan and southernmost Africa. Being leader in Asian, European and African context show the multicultural and international face of brand that different races and culture like the taste of products. 11. progressive chocolate producers. 12. High advertising budget. Because the company is really marketing oriented and work with modern strategies. 13. Great packaging. Designs of packaging have influential effects on consumers and motivate them to buy the products. 14.Sponsors global football teams like England football team that is a great sign for remembering and memorizing Mars brand. 15. Mars Chocolate North America is the North American chocolate operations of Mars Inc. Based in McLean, Va. Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcar e, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience. 2. Weaknesses 1. Mars products causes health problems for consumers. Cocoa contains fairly high levels of the mineral copper, and too much copper can inhibit certain chemical processes in the body and lead to several kinds of health problems (burger, 2008). Dark chocolate contains the three elements of cocoa liquor or cocoa mass (cocoa cake), cocoa butter, and sugar.Cocoa butter is a fat that is found naturally in cocoa beans (burger, 2008). These elements according to medical research produce different kind of health problems if use to extreme. Its a weakness for Mars that chocolate products are not really under healthy products. 2. dental consonant problems by consuming Mars products. alveolar consonant problems are very expensive to cure. throng have some phobias to eat chocolate like obesity, teeth problems and other health problems it can be a weakness point for mars that their products produce certain problems in future for consumers and specially children. causation pain and expense for consumers is not a good point for mars. 3. Mars has many different products in which it has to promote.Having different products show the product orientation in the company, but the problem is the variety of products that need to promote and develop and it cause too much expenditure for the company and can reduce the benefits. Mars brands include Chocolate Ms, Snickers, Dove, Galaxy, Mars, opaque Way and Twix Petcare Pedigree, Whiskas, Sheba, Cesar and Royal Canin Wrigley Orbit, Extra, Starburst, Doublemint and Skittles Food Uncle Bens, Dolmio, Ebly, Masterfoods and Seeds of Change Drinks Alterra Coffee Roasters, The Bright Tea Co. , Klix and Flavia and Symbioscience Seramis, Cirku and Cocoavia. 4. M is the number one selling candy in the chocolate market however this product steals most of the promotion and advertising money and its not really a balanced strategy. 5.milky Way has a low sales percentage of Mars domestic market share Because of constantly changing campaigns, people are not aware of Milky Ways positioning in the market. 6. Mars incorporated are not present online. According to the electronic era and the tendency of market to choose new technology for business exchange among nearly the majority of society, its weakness for Mars incorporated that they are not present online. finding information about this company and its product on the net is not very convenient. 7. Bad communication, Low market share, Weak management team are other weaknesses of Mars in the world market. 2. 6. 3 Opportunities 1.Universal demographic development and change is a continuous growth of the world population is an advantage for Mars because more products would be eaten by consumers. People have more tendency to eat candy, chocolate and fast foods in this era. 2. Having more focus on small countries, increasing personal relation even to villages. Heading to huge market share that is waiting for this brand, because in the entire world we can find children and families who are interested in the taste of chocolate and candy. 3. Increase the product range as Jellies, Toffees, Bars, Lollipops, Gums, Unsweetened baked chocolates for garnishing. Same content and in different forms can increase the market share. 4. 1% of households consume chocolate candy. Just mars need to remind them using chocolate regularly. Mars products are so familiar in the mind of people and if you offer people Mars products they wont obviate it. They only need