Chanel Marketing Plan

Marketing Interim Report By Bilal Rasheed & Hisham Ahmed Executive Summary Chanel’s objective is to provide a sense of luxurious, elegant and fashionable bringing up for women introducing timeless style. If Chanel wants to retain the same kind of brand image then it needs to continue with the same strategies which are currently being applied. However, in order to increase market share, emphasis on mass media and e-commerce would be effective which the competitors are already practicing. Chanel’s vision is’ o be the ultimate house of luxury’.Chanel is an established brand and specializes in haute couture, luxury goods, accessories and ready to wear cloths. With the vast positive change in the global economy, the trends are changing with time like demand for luxury products is on its boom. Company Summary Chanel started back in 1909 and it is operating mainly in europe,asia and most parts of united states. The house of chanel is known for its fashion stores all over the globe. In this new milinoum Chanel stepped up its purchsess in luxury sectors.Chanel offers and is known for fashion apparel ,watches ,eye products and various other fasion able accessories for women. Products and services Product description: Chanel specializes in wide range of products. Famous Perfumes by Chanel include Allure, Chance Eau Tendre and N5, which used to be global perfume leader and is still one the best perfumes in the world. The company offers trendy handbags as well. These emply different leather and locks in order to be adjustable to individuals One of the famous unisex wristwatches line by Chanel is J12.Chanel also has a clothing line for women. Competitive Comparison: Brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci are strong competitors for Chanel as they have a very strong image amongst the people. Technological needs: Chanel, a luxury goods brand with a long tradition, has evolved into what it is now by constantly adding new innovations to its tradition. Instea d of resting on the business fields where it has proven successful, the company has brought forth new ideas. Technology management refers to business management conducted around sophisticated technological proficiency.Although Chanel was a latecomer to the watch business, Chanel’s commitment to technology is noticeable in the establishment of its own workshop. Chanel’s commitment to technology will be considered through the example of the â€Å"J12,†, Chanel’s first mechanical watch. Market Analysis Target market Target Market Segment Strategy: Chanel customers are women who wants to identify what Chanel represents which is elegance, simplicity, modern and class. Chanel’s cosmetics are targeted to younger consumers but they still retain the classic market which is their strong suit.With the launch of chance perfume, Chanel is targeting women between the age group 18-39. Market Trends: Trends change every now and then and it is important for a busin ess to keep a track of changing trends especially in the target audience. In Chanel’s case changing trends could be more like e. g. ; in accessories, size of pendants or shapes of earrings keep changing with time however, style remains the same and Chanel’s market image is such that what they bring into the market is labeled as fashion. Market Growth:Chanel’s success started from the sale of their famous, world leading perfumes, N5. Later on in 1920’s and 1930’s they decided to launch new perfumes amongst the public to gain more market. Soir De Paris was another fragrance launched after N5. To keep flourishing in the market and to make the business grow, cloths were also being sold under Chanel’s name. In late 1980’s more than 40 boutiques were opened worldwide. This was later followed by other product chains like Shoes, Chanel watches and various other highly priced accessories Industry AnalysisIndustry Participants/Key Players: The key players in the industry same as Chanel would be; * Louise Vuitton * L’Oreal’s Lancome * Calvin Klein * Gucci * Burberry * Alberta Ferretti * Bulgari * Canali Main Competitors/Competitive Analysis: Chanel’s biggest competitors in the market would be L’Oreal’s Lancome who are also focusing mainly on luxury cosmetics along with Chanel creating a very tough competition. Not just this but other renowned brands like Gucci and LV are also equally strong competitors specifically for Handbags and other accessories.Perhaps it’s really hard to dominate in such a market where brand image for competitors is also very strong. Strategy and Implementation Summary Marketing Strategy: Chanel is focusing a lot on developing plans to take an impressive lineage into today’s market. During 1999, Chanel took an initiative to target the age group of people under twenty five which was earlier ignored by the company. It was really important to take some ne w initiatives like this in order to compete with competitive fashion stores like C Pricing Strategy: Chanel is known for its luxurious products around the globe.To Maintain this top quality image products, high prices are being charged for its products. For similar reasons, their products are usually not discounted as it won’t be really consistent for their image at all. Prices for their product are decided and selected entirely by Chanel, France. Promotion Strategy: To grow their market, Chanel focuses more on promoting their new products instead of older ones. For this, their website is updated frequently providing information for all the up to date promotions and also about their new upcoming products, if any.Not just this but to keep up with customers, very clear and easy information is provided for the customers to reach the company and contact them. This would help the company get their feedback and work on it in order to main the relations with customers and satisfy th em. Distribution Patterns: Products by Chanel such as their perfumes are not only sold in their own boutiques but also by other distributers. E. g in Canada, Distributors such as The bay, Luwinna etc are selling their perfumes aswell. Basically chanel uses a comparatively short channel for distribution.Chanel has mostly signed with local distributors in different country along with their own boutiques. This is just to diversify and make the most out of sales. SWOT Analysis Strengths * Very strong brand image * Efficient management with intense training * High quality products Weakness * Poor geographical coverage * Work needs to be done on website as it does not specifies the prices for products Oppertunities * Can look forward to expand more, specifically In asia irorder to gain more market * Keep up with technology Threats * Highly priced and counterfiet productsWeb Plan Summary Website Marketing Strategy: To grow sales and gain a foothold in competitive markets, having so many to ugh competitors, products were sold online directly through their website making it easier for all the customers to get the product. This would definitely enhance their total amount of sales at the end of the day. Development Requirements: * Invest in the emerging markets, open more stores * Increase emphasis on new media technology * Pay more attention to the counterfeit and possible invest in technology to prevent it.

Forward the Foundation Chapter 25

12 Las Zenow said with a certain trace of awe in his voice, â€Å"I didn't know you were so friendly with the Emperor, Professor Seldon.† â€Å"Why not? He's a very democratic fellow for an Emperor and he was interested in my experiences as a First Minister in Cleon's time.† â€Å"It made a deep impression on us all. We haven't had an Emperor in our halls for many years. Generally, when the Emperor needs something from the Library-â€Å" â€Å"I can imagine. He calls for it and it is brought to him as a matter of courtesy.† â€Å"There was once a suggestion,† said Zenow chattily, â€Å"that the Emperor be outfitted with a complete set of computerized equipment in his palace, hooked directly into the Library system, so that he would not need to wait for service. This was in the old days when credits were plentiful, but, you know, it was voted down.† â€Å"Was it?† â€Å"Oh yes, almost the entire Board agreed that it would make the Emperor too much a part of the Library and that this would threaten our independence from the government.† â€Å"And does this Board, which will not bend to honor an Emperor, consent to let me remain at the Library?† â€Å"At the present moment, yes. There is a feeling-and I've done my best to encourage it-that if we are not polite to a personal friend of the Emperor, the chance of a rise in appropriations will be gone altogether, so-â€Å" â€Å"So credits-or even the dim prospect of credits-talk.† â€Å"I'm afraid so.† â€Å"And can I bring in my colleagues?† Zenow looked embarrassed. â€Å"I'm afraid not. The Emperor was seen walking only with you-not with your colleagues. I'm sorry, Professor.† Seldon shrugged and a mood of deep melancholy swept over him. He had no colleague to bring in, anyhow. For some time he had hoped to locate others like Wanda and he had failed. He, too, would need funding to mount an adequate search. And he, too, had nothing. 13 Trantor, the capital world-city of the Galactic Empire, had changed considerably since the day Hari first stepped off the hypership from his native Helicon thirty-eight years ago. Was it the pearly haze of an old man's memory that made the Trantor of old shine so brightly in his mind's eye, Hari wondered. Or perhaps it had been the exuberance of youth-how could a young man from a provincial Outer World such as Helicon not be impressed by the gleaming towers, sparkling domes, the colorful, rushing masses of people that had seemed to swirl through Trantor, day and night. Now, Hari thought sadly, the walkways are nearly deserted, even in the full light of day. Roving gangs of thugs controlled various areas of the city, competing among themselves for territory. The security establishment had dwindled; those who were left had their hands full processing complaints at the central office. Of course, security officers were dispatched as emergency calls came through, but they made it to the scene only after a crime was committed-they no longer made even a pretense of protecting the citizens of Trantor. A person went out at his own risk-and a great risk it was. And yet Hari Seldon still took that risk, in the form of a daily walk, as if defying the forces that were destroying his beloved Empire to destroy him as well. And so Hari Seldon walked along, limping-and thoughtful. Nothing worked. Nothing. He had been unable to isolate the genetic pattern that set Wanda apart-and without that, he was unable to locate others like her. Wanda's ability to read minds had sharpened considerably in the six years since she had identified the flaw in Yugo Amaryl's Prime Radiant. Wanda was special in more ways than one. It was as if, once she realized that her mental ability set her apart from other people, she was determined to understand it, to harness its energy, to direct it. As she had progressed through her teen years, she had matured, throwing off the girlish giggles that had so endeared her to Hari, at the same time becoming even dearer to him in her determination to help him in his work with the powers of her â€Å"gift.† For Hari Seldon had told Wanda about his plan for a Second Foundation and she had committed herself to realizing that goal with him. Today, though, Seldon was in a dark mood. He was coming to the conclusion that Wanda's mentalic ability would get him nowhere. He had no credits to continue his work-no credits to locate others like Wanda, no credits to pay his workers on the Psychohistory Project at Streeling, no credits to set up his all-important Encyclopedia Project at the Galactic Library. Now what? He continued to walk toward the Galactic Library. He would have been better off taking a gravicab, but he wanted to walk-limp or not. He needed time to think. He heard a cry-â€Å"There he is!†-but paid no attention. It came again. â€Å"There he is! Psychohistory!† The word forced him to look up. Psychohistory. A group of young men was closing in around him. Automatically Seldon placed his back against the wall and raised his cane. â€Å"What is it you want?† They laughed. â€Å"Credits, old man. Do you have any credits?† â€Å"Maybe, but why do you want them from me? You said, ‘Psychohistory!' Do you know who I am?† â€Å"Sure, you're Raven Seldon† said the young man in the lead. He seemed both comfortable and pleased. â€Å"You're a creep,† shouted another. â€Å"What are you going to do if I don't give you any credits?† â€Å"We'll beat you up,† said the leader, â€Å"and we'll take them.† â€Å"And if I give you my credits?† â€Å"We'll beat you up anyway!† They all laughed. Hari Seldon raised his cane higher. â€Å"Stay away. All of you.† By now he had managed to count them. There were eight. He felt himself choking slightly. Once he and Dors and Raych had been attacked by ten and they had had no trouble. He had been only thirty-two at the time and Dors-was Dors. Now it was different. He waved his cane. The leader of the hoodlums said, â€Å"Hey, the old man is going to attack us. What are we going to do?† Seldon looked around swiftly. There were no security officers around. Another indication of the deterioration of society. An occasional person or two passed by, but there was no use calling for help. Their footsteps increased in speed and made a wide detour. No one was going to run any risks of getting involved in an imbroglio. Seldon said, â€Å"The first one of you who approaches gets a cracked head.† â€Å"Yeah?† And the leader stepped forward rapidly and seized the cane. There was a short sharp struggle and the cane was wrested from Seldon's grip. The leader tossed it to one side. â€Å"Now what, old man?† Seldon shrunk back. He could only wait for the blows. They crowded around him, each eager to land a blow or two. Seldon lifted his arms to try to ward them off. He could still Twist-after a fashion. If he were facing only one or two, he might be able to Twist his body, avoid their blows, strike back. But not against eight-surely not against eight. He tried, at any rate, moving quickly to one side to avoid the blows and his right leg, with its sciatica, doubled under him. He fell and knew himself to be utterly helpless. Then he heard a stentorian voice shouting, â€Å"What's going on here? Get back, you thugs! Back or I'll kill you all!† The leader said, â€Å"Well, another old man.† â€Å"Not that old,† said the newcomer. With the back of one hand, he struck the leader's face, turning it an ugly red. Seldon said in surprise, â€Å"Raych, it's you.† Raych's hand swept back. â€Å"Stay out of this, Dad. Just get up and move away.† The leader, rubbing his cheek, said, â€Å"We'll get you for that.† â€Å"No, you won't,† said Raych, drawing out a knife of Dahlite manufacture, long and gleaming. A second knife was withdrawn and he now held one in each hand. Seldon said weakly, â€Å"Still carrying knives, Raych?† â€Å"Always,† said Raych. â€Å"Nothing will ever make me stop.† â€Å"I'll stop you,† said the leader, drawing out a blaster. Faster than the eye could follow, one of Raych's knives went sailing through the air and struck the leader's throat. He made a loud gasp, then a gurgling sound, and fell, while the other seven stared. Raych approached and said, â€Å"I want my knife back.† He drew it out of the hoodlum's throat and wiped it on the man's shirtfront. In doing so, he stepped on the man's hand, bent down, and picked up his blaster. Raych dropped the blaster into one of his capacious pockets. He said, â€Å"I don't like to use a blaster, you bunch of good-for-nothings, because sometimes I miss. I never miss with a knife, however. Never! That man is dead. There are seven of you standing. Do you intend to stay standing or will you leave?† â€Å"Get him!† shouted one of the hoodlums and the seven made a concerted rush. Raych took a backward step. One knife flashed and then the other and two of the hoodlums stopped with, in each case, a knife buried in his abdomen. â€Å"Give me back my knives,† said Raych, pulling each out with a cutting motion and wiping them. â€Å"These two are still alive, but not for long. That leaves five of you on your feet. Are you going to attack again or are you going to leave?† They turned and Raych called out, â€Å"Pick up your dead and dying. I don't want them.† Hastily they flung the three bodies over their shoulders, then they turned tail and ran. Raych bent to pick up Seldon's cane. â€Å"Can you walk, Dad?† â€Å"Not very well,† said Seldon. â€Å"I twisted my leg.† â€Å"Well then, get into my car. What were you doing walking, anyway?† â€Å"Why not? Nothing's ever happened to me.† â€Å"So you waited till something did. Get into my car and I'll give you a lift back to Streeling.† He programmed the ground-car quietly, then said, â€Å"What a shame we didn't have Dors with us. Mom would have attacked them with her bare lands and left all eight dead in five minutes.† Seldon felt tears stinging his eyelids. â€Å"I know, Raych, I know. Do you think I don't miss her every day?† â€Å"I'm sorry,† said Raych in a low voice. Seldon asked, â€Å"How did you know I was in trouble?† â€Å"Wanda told me. She said there were evil people lying in wait for you, she told me where they were and I took right off.† â€Å"Didn't you doubt that she knew what she was talking about?† â€Å"Not at all. We know enough about her now to know that she has some sort of contact with your mind and with the things around you.† â€Å"Did she tell you how many people were attacking me?† â€Å"No. She just said, ‘Quite a few.'† â€Å"So you came out all by yourself, did you, Raych?† â€Å"I had no time to put together a posse, Dad. Besides, one of me was enough.† â€Å"Yes, it was. Thank you, Raych.† 14 They were back at Streeling now and Seldon's leg was stretched out on a hassock. Raych looked at him somberly. â€Å"Dad,† he began, â€Å"you're not to go walking around Trantor on your own from now on.† Seldon frowned. â€Å"Why, because of one incident?† â€Å"It was enough of an incident. You can't take care of yourself any longer. You're seventy years old and your right leg will not support you in an emergency. And you have enemies-â€Å" â€Å"Enemies!† â€Å"Yes, indeed. And you know it. Those sewer rats were not after simply anyone. They were not looking for just any unwary person to rip off. They identified you by calling out, ‘Psychohistory!' And they called you a creep. Why do you suppose that was?† â€Å"I don't know why.† â€Å"That's because you live in a world all your own, Dad, and you don't know what's going on on Trantor. Don't you suppose the Trantorians know that their world is going downhill at a rapid rate? Don't you suppose they know that your psychohistory has been predicting this for years? Doesn't it occur to you that they may blame the messenger for the message? If things go bad-and they are going bad-there are many who think that you are responsible for it.† â€Å"I can't believe that.† â€Å"Why do you suppose there's a faction at the Galactic Library that wants you out of there? They don't want to be in the way when you are mobbed. So-you've got to take care of yourself. You can't go out alone. I'll have to be with you or you will have to have bodyguards. That's the way it's going to be, Dad.† Seldon looked dreadfully unhappy. Raych softened and said, â€Å"But not for long, Dad. I've got a new job.' Seldon looked up. â€Å"A new job. What kind?† â€Å"Teaching. At a University.† â€Å"Which University?† â€Å"Santanni.† Seldon's lips trembled. â€Å"Santanni! That's nine thousand parsecs away from Trantor. It's a provincial world on the other side of the Galaxy.† â€Å"Exactly. That's why I want to go there. I've been on Trantor all my life, Dad, and I'm tired of it. There's no world in all the Empire that's deteriorating the way Trantor is. It's become a haunt of crime with no one to protect us. The economy is limping, the technology is failing. Santanni, on the other hand, is a decent world, still humming along, and I want to be there to build a new life, along with Manella and Wanda and Bellis. We're all going there in two months.† â€Å"All of you!† â€Å"And you, Dad. And you. We wouldn't leave you behind on Trantor. You're coming with us to Santanni.† Seldon shook his head. â€Å"Impossible, Raych. You know that.† â€Å"Why impossible?† â€Å"You know why. The Project. My psychohistory. Are you asking me to abandon my life's work?† â€Å"Why not? It's abandoned you.† â€Å"You're mad.† â€Å"No, I'm not. Where are you going with it? You have no credits. You can't get any. There's no one left on Trantor who's willing to support you.† â€Å"For nearly forty year-â€Å" â€Å"Yes, I admit that. But after all that time, you've failed Dad. There's no crime in failing. You've tried so hard and you've gone so far, but you've run into a deteriorating economy, a falling Empire. It's the very thing you've been predicting for so long that's stopping you at last. So-â€Å" â€Å"No. I will not stop. Somehow or other, I will keep going.† â€Å"I tell you what, Dad. If you're really going to be so stubborn, then take psychohistory with you. Start it again on Santanni. There may be enough credits-and enthusiasm-to support it there.† â€Å"And the men and women who have been working for me so faithfully?† â€Å"Oh bull, Dad. They've been leaving you because you can't pay them. You hang around here for the rest of your life and you'll be alone. Oh, come on, Dad. Do you think I like to talk to you this way? It's because no one has wanted to-because no one has had the heart to-that you're in your present predicament. Let's be honest with each other now. When you walk the streets of Trantor and you're attacked for no reason other than that you're Hari Seldon, don't you think it's time for a little bit of truth?† â€Å"Never mind the truth. I have no intention of leaving Trantor.† Raych shook his head. â€Å"I was sure you'd be stubborn, Dad. You've got two months to change your mind. Think about it, will you?† 15 It had been a long time since Hari Seldon had smiled. He had conducted the Project in the same fashion that he always did: pushing always forward in the development of psychohistory, making plans for the Foundation, studying the Prime Radiant. But he did not smile. All he did was to force himself through his work without any feeling of impending success. Rather, there was a feeling of impending failure about everything. And now, as he sat in his office at Streeling University, Wanda entered. He looked up at her and his heart lifted. Wanda had always been special. Seldon couldn't put his finger on just when he and the others had started accepting her pronouncements with more than the usual enthusiasm; it just seemed always to have been that way. As a little girl, she had saved his life with her uncanny knowledge of â€Å"lemonade death† and all through her childhood she had somehow just known things. Although Dr. Endelecki had asserted that Wanda's genome was perfectly normal in every way, Seldon was still positive that his granddaughter possessed mental abilities far beyond those of average humans. And he was just as sure that there were others like her in the Galaxy-on Trantor, even. If only he could find them, these mentalics, what a great contribution they could make to the Foundation. The potential for such greatness all centered in his beautiful granddaughter. Seldon gazed at her, framed in his office doorway, and he felt as if his heart would break. In a few days, she would be gone. How could he bear it? She was such a beautiful girl-eighteen. Long blond hair, face a little broad but with a tendency to smile. She was even smiling now and Seldon thought, Why not? She's heading for Santanni and for a new life. He said, â€Å"Well, Wanda, just a few more days.† â€Å"No. I don't think so, Grandpa.† He stared at her. â€Å"What?† Wanda approached him and put her arms around him. â€Å"I'm not going to Santanni.† â€Å"Have your father and mother changed their minds?† â€Å"No, they're going.† â€Å"And you're not? Why? Where are you going?† â€Å"I'm going to stay here, Grandpa. With you.† She hugged him. â€Å"Poor Grandpa!† â€Å"But I don't understand. Why? Are they allowing this?† â€Å"You mean Mom and Dad. Not really. We've been arguing over this for weeks, but I've won out. Why not, Grandpa? They'll go to Santanni and they'll have each other-and they'll have little Bellis, too. But if I go with them and leave you here, you'll have no one. I don't think I could stand that.† â€Å"But how did you get them to agree?† â€Å"Well, you know-I pushed.† â€Å"What does that mean?† â€Å"It's my mind. I can see what you have in yours and in theirs and, as time goes on, I can see more clearly. And I can push them to do what I want.† â€Å"How do you do that?† â€Å"I don't know. But after a while, they get tired of being pushed and they're willing to let me have my way. So I'm going to stay with you.† Seldon looked up at her with helpless love. â€Å"This is wonderful, Wanda. But Bellis-â€Å" â€Å"Don't worry about Bellis. She doesn't have a mind like mine.† â€Å"Are you certain?† Seldon chewed at his lower lip. â€Å"Quite certain. Besides, Mom and Dad have to have someone, too.† Seldon wanted to rejoice, but he couldn't do so openly. There were Raych and Manella. What of them? He said, â€Å"Wanda, what about your parents? Can you be so cold-blooded about them?† â€Å"I'm not cold-blooded. They understand. They realize I must be with you.† â€Å"How did you manage that?† â€Å"I pushed,† said Wanda simply, â€Å"and eventually they came to see it my way. â€Å"You can do that?† â€Å"It wasn't easy.† â€Å"And you did it because-† Seldon paused. Wanda said, â€Å"Because I love you. Of course. And because-â€Å" â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"I must learn psychohistory. I know quite a bit of it already.† â€Å"How?† â€Å"From your mind. From the minds of others at the Project, especially from Uncle Yugo before he died. But it's in rags and tatters, so far. I want the real thing. Grandpa, I want a Prime Radiant of my own.† Her face lit up and her words came quickly, with passion. â€Å"I want to study psychohistory in great detail. Grandpa, you're quite old and quite tired. I'm young and eager. I want to learn all I can, so I can carry on when-â€Å" Seldon said, â€Å"Well, that would be wonderful-if you could do it-but there is no funding anymore. I'll teach you all I can, but-we can't do anything.† â€Å"We'll see, Grandpa. We'll see.†

Computers Will Soon Replace Books Essay

There has been a lot of talk lately concerning the possibility of computers replacing the position of books in our life. I believe it is truly possible. Many years ago, people used books for everything related to education. In fact, the human’s best source of knowledge and education was the book. But computers have gained popularity in a very short amount of time and everyone at least has one somewhere around their house. We have the need to use computers for everything. All we have to do is give the computer instructions and it does all the hard work for us. I am going to discuss the benefits that computer has to offer to its users. Firstly, computers are much better than books because a modern computer can hold a billion times more information than the average 400-800-page book. If you want to do a research about anything, it would take you at least an hour just to find the right book but by using a computer, you can find the same information in less than 5 minutes. Many people including me use the internet as a dictionary, finding definitions, so this way only takes the time to type the word. A laptop computer equal to the size and weight of a book holds data about any topic you can think of. A book only covers a specific topic. A computer can hold much more types of data than a book. When you carry one computer, you are carrying a hundred thousand books. Secondly, everyone would agree that an e-books cost much less to produce and less to buy than an actual paper books. The information in a digital format can be shared easily by email or by copying the files onto someone else’s computer or simply by transferring it into your USB drive. It is also easier to edit the information. This makes it overall more convenient for students who might not be able to afford one copy of a book each and who don’t want to make notes and underline points. Free information means at least cheap education. Who would not like a cheaper education? There are numerous websites like Google (search free textbooks in your subject area) and Google books, permit students with a limited budget to get what they want without having to spend large amounts of cash. Free e-books make education accessible and cheap thus more widespread. Last but not least, the most obvious reason why computers are making our lives better is by reducing the number of trees that are cut down for the production of books. I agree that an eBook is not 100 percent green and is far from it. But if you are comparing eBooks to other paperback books, eBooks certainly take the lead. According to â€Å"The e-Book Apocalypse† article, twenty-four trees are required to produce a ton of paper for printing books, and twelve are needed for a ton of newsprint. Thirty-five percent of those books printed are destroyed before they are even read. In 2009, eBook readers took off and the latest reading trend began to grow. In 2010, these reading devices became more popular and started sparking the attention of people everywhere. Some of this attention came from the idea that this new was a huge breakthrough in an effort to save our planet, which I find most definitely possible. To conclude, I understand change, whether it is for the good or the bad, is always a difficult and uncomfortable thing. That is the only reason why the whole world has not yet made the shift from traditional books to e-books. Now, there might be few advantages to paper. But I see a lot more advantages to digital. The fact that I now carry about a hundred books with me, wherever I go, that I can read whenever I want, outweighs any advantage a paper book could give me. Digital books are here to stay and there is no doubt that within a few years we will look at paper books as something saved from the past.

Financial Statement part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Financial Statement part 2 - Essay Example The main operation is carried out in the United States but there are also several Home Depots located in Mexico, Canada, People’s Republic of China. Focusing on a long term scenario the industry is unpredictable, but the development of the home industry can lead to a promising future if the housing market remains stable (Roush, 1999). The current ratio indicates whether the current assets of the company are able to pay off its short term liabilities and obligations. The current ratio of the company that is 1.15 is good. As too high current ratio or too low current ratio is not a good indicator of the liquidity position of the company. Here the ratio indicates that the company has a sound liquidity condition to meet its short term liabilities. Current assets are 0.3 which indicates that the company should increase the current ratio to 1 because a higher current ratio indicates the liquid position of the company. The return on asset is 20% is fairly good as it indicates the profitability position of the company. A company with high return on asset indicates that how a company is able to generate profit by employing the asset of the company. The higher return signifies that the management is able to well utilize its asset. The return on capital employed is 63% which indicates that the company is has a strong asset base. It signifies the ability to generate revenue from its current capital base. The debt ratio that is the debt equity ratio indicates or compares the shareholders equity with that of the total liabilities of the company. It identifies and compares the commitment of the company with the commitment done by the shareholders. Here the ratio is 1.50 which is a result of a good scenario. It signifies less difference in the total liabilities and the shareholders equity. The debt capitalization ratio plays an important role in focusing the growth of the company. As it delivers an insight into the company’s leverage, the asset turnover ratio

Marx on Alienation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marx on Alienation - Essay Example For Marx, capitalism is an economic system in which businesses are controlled and owned by a few individuals of private enterprise rather than by the government and its people. That no matter what the business is, a capitalist, uses his own money or other people's money to make profit and appropriate it for himself. Workers are mere dispensable laborers who work for the capitalists, to produce the goods that are to be sold which in turn provide a profit for the capitalists. He theorized that alienation occurs as a result of the capitalistic effort whereby in his aim to amass more profit, the capitalist continues to push the laborer and later on replaces him with robots and machines. The worker is thereby alienated from the "object of his work" when the use of machinery is employed to create a surplus in production. Machines compete with the actual talent of a worker thereby allowing cheap labor. A worker would be alienated from the "activity of working" when he is forced to work. He does not have any right over his work as he is under close supervision to produce. Another set of workers are tasked to do most of the important thinking for him thereby allowing repetitive drudgery work under regimented working conditions. Workers are also alienated from the "chance to determine what it is to be human" when he is forced to work under certain conditions that are not biologically favorable for him. Man adapts with nature and uses it for his own benefit, but when man is forced to destroy whatever is beneficial for him to satisfy a greater need, he is separated from himself at the same time. He is not only alienating his needs but he is destroying what is vital to his existence. As a person, man needs other people to relate with. But when workers are forced to compete with one another to satisfy the demands of the capitalist, he is being "alienated from other individuals". In the real sense, Karl Marx wishes to impart that alienation occurs when labor is not voluntary, but forced. When there is coercion man is no longer comfortable with his working environment. He is not happy with what he is doing because of several factors that psychologically interrupts with his balance. The knowledge that his work does not belong to him; in his workplace, his job is under the control of his superiors; and to gain recognition, he has to outshine others thereby creating conflict among his peers similarly displaces man's true nature and alienates him. As a result, man is happier when he is not under these working conditions and work is shunned like a disease that will eat him up alive. Karl Marx provided that the theory of "alienation is not an end in itself but a means to an end". In his romantic and idealistic views for an end to alienation, changes would be geared towards an approach to classless society and the withering away of the state. He explicitly provided that class struggle has always been existent from the time human beings made their own history. That no amount of scarcity or surplus to satisfy the needs of an individual could alleviate what society creates false consciousness among men. Seemingly his ideas point towards the need to develop in man a sense of satisfaction after his basic needs are alleviated. That after man works for his own basic needs alone; he no longer has to work for a capitalist who belongs to the upper class of a society. A social

Please read the assigemnet and answer it Assignment

Please read the assigemnet and answer it - Assignment Example From experience, a basic structure made of unfinished cypress does not describe sophistication. A reader with such a prior schema finds it impossible to value the full splendor of the construction, unless he is convinced otherwise. Another way of looking at the passage is from the general knowledge point of view. Japanese culture is known to be rich. This ranges from their food, culture to dressing code. A person under the influence of such knowledge is thus sure to take Ise as one of the most incredible artworks in history of constructions. Idealized schema, otherwise known as prototypes will also inform the way one reacts or looks at the Ise as a cultural pillar. This is a generalized schema. A reader who expects changes that come about as a result of war, will readily believe the claims that the war lords took the structure of Ise into the national limelight. War lords usually exercise a lot of authority over their subjects, and are likely to take the structure architecture without the consent of its designers. There will be a variety of sentiments over the passage, depending on what schema informs the reader (Martin, 26). Not all readers will agree with the claims presented in the excerpt and not all will refute the

Economics Paper in MLA format including 2 primary source documents Term

Economics in MLA format including 2 primary source documents - Term Paper Example The price where the curves intersect is called the market price and this is where both the consumers and producers are willing to supply a certain quantity. The demand curve is downward sloping due to the fact that as the price reduces, the ability and willingness to purchase on the consumers’ part increases meaning that there is negative relationship between the quantity demanded and price of the product. On the other hand, the opposite can be said for the supply curve. A positive relationship exists between the quantity supplied and price. As the price increases, the producers are more capable and willing to supply the product and hence the upward sloping curve. Consumer surplus is when a consumer is getting to buy a product at a price which is lower than that which the consumer is willing to pay. Therefore all the area between the demand curve and the market price line is classified as consumer surplus. Producer surplus is the excess which the producer earns as a result of the difference in the market price and the quantity the producer is willing to supply at certain prices. Producer surplus is the area below the market price and above supply curve. Business and Labor The mergers process may be beneficial for the industry in the short run specifically for industries which involve huge costs and research and development projects. The greater financial pool available to these companies is required to undertake large research operations and improve new technologies. It also is about the efficiency of the companies that is if they have been able to increase their efficiency through this process and whether they have passed this efficiency to the buyers. The mergers process may increase the efficiency because now at a larger operations base, the company may be able to achieve economies of scale which is the reduction of average production costs as a result of the increase in production. Coming towards the minimum wage laws, the governments often introduce the policies of minimum wage which acts as a floor to the price of labor employed. When the government enforces the laws of minimum wages, then the market forces are disturbed and equilibrium ceases to exist creating a gap between the demand and supply, which is of labor in this case. The disequilibrium in theory results in a rise in the supply of labor but the demand reduces as the labor is now more costly. However, the magnitude by which this disequilibrium is caused depends upon the circumstances prevailing in each economy and varies from country to country. United States Finance The economy of United States of America was performing very well at the start of the century but then went under deep recession in the year 2008 with the credit crunch and all the financial institutions seem to crumble at the same time. People started to default, and the society and institutions started to face liquidity issues. Soon with this credit crunch, the debts started to rise and the economy sta rted to experience its effects which included the rising unemployment rates and decreasing gross domestic product (GDP) of US economy. Since the financial crisis struck in the year 2008, the US debt has been very high. According to a recent news article, the United States debt is nearly as much as the total value of all its goods and services produced in the US during the financial year. CNBC reports that the total value of the US debt is $14.96 trillion which means that the

Air Quality and Environmental Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Air Quality and Environmental Health - Essay Example Indoor smoke from solid fuels and unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene are main causes of 580,000 deaths per year. Urban air pollution and exposure to lead and other pollutants are responsible for 405, 000 deaths (World Health Organization, 2005). Studies from the United States and Europe show that persons in an industrialized nation spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. The indoors however cannot be rendered safer than outdoors since concentration of airborne substances indoors exceed those outdoors. Individuals exposed to it develop chronic diseases more so for those living in the urban areas. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the major source of indoor contaminants and it cannot be avoided by nonsmokers who live in the same house. Since the chemicals found in ETS are toxic and carcinogenic, exposure can lead to lung and other cancers, emphysema and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Everyone gets a share of the effects of harmf ul ETS but children are particularly susceptible (Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). Aside from environmental tobacco smoke, combustion pollutants can also be found at high levels inside homes. This is normally coming from malfunctioning heating devices and motor vehicle emissions. The combustion sources usually contain gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant. It can readily combine with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) which disrupts oxygen transport. The highest with the highest oxygen needs are affected first. CO poisoning symptoms is almost similar to influenza. Nitrogen dioxide is an irritant which mainly affects the mucosa of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract. . Acute S02-related bronchial constriction may also occur in people with asthma or as a hypersensitivity reaction. Pulmonary edema and diffuse lung injury can result form extremely high dose exposure to N02. Acute or chronic bronchitis can result from continued exposure to high N02 levels (Env ironmental Protection Agency, 2007). In addition, airborne lead, mercury vapor, asbestos and radon have its own contribution as health hazards. The microscopic fibers of damaged asbestos-containing material may disperse into the air and inhaled. Its presence within the lungs results to asbestosis, lung cancer and pleural or peritoneal cancer or mesothelioma. The second leading cause of lung cancer is radon. Lead toxicity may alternatively present as acute illness. In children signs and symptoms may include irritability, abdominal pain, emesis, marked ataxia and seizures or loss of consciousness. In adults signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, anorexia, constipation, fatigue, personality changes and hearing loss. Mercury present in paints can be the main source of mercury poisoning (Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). Diesel exhaust particulate is also a primary concern of many communities since it is responsible for 70 percent of the known cancer risk. It also contributes to other respiratory diseases (Air R esources Board, 2005) and pre-existing respiratory diseases can be exacerbated by air pollution. Children who are particularly susceptible to diseases, the Clean Air Coalition claims that children living in more polluted air have

Travel marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Travel marketing - Essay Example This is exactly one of the objectives that informs this current report. From a face look there is no doubt that significant changes in the consumer behavioral patterns and stiffening threats posed by competitors are at the very core of this downward slide. Over the years the company’s principle of standing on the aisle of low-cost fares that includes the exemption of meal options onboard and other luxuries services have steadily lost their usefulness the failure to immediately recognize these indicators are the result of the decline that is currently taken place in the company. As a response, the company adopted a deliberately policy of segmenting the European market on a number of indices based on mainly income level and lifestyle. A cardinal objective of this report will be to highlight the operational environment of the company so as to gauge how effective and plausible its marketing strategies are. In a more narrow sense the goal is to identify where it stands with regards to the success of its advertisement campaigns within the framework of identifying its internal strengths that have the capacity to propel it into greater market heights in the phase of the stringent competition from other players in the industry. The advent of globalization with its attendant stiff necked competition has put players in the transportation industry; particularly those operating in the airline enterprises are now exposed to a new breed of challenges which require a strategic restructuring of policies that will enhance their ability to remain competitive. Among other things new campaigns are geared towards the enhancement of a standard level of customer loyalty. Robust marketing strategies have become an integral part of this new drive. Conscious of this, players in the industry have now brazed themselves up to respond to the new aggressive standards; this means that at the heart of all what needs to be done is to critically reassess

Accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Accounting - Assignment Example It is his intention to obtain funds from bank to procure the fixed assets required for production of the product. The start-up costs for Personal Fitness Equipment Inc. are estimated at $1,50,000. All start-up assumptions are based on an actual infusion of $50,000 in the form of capital to be introduced by Dr.John. The balance amount of $ 1,00,000 is proposed to be brought in through Bank Finance at the interest rate of 3%. Certain portion of the funds will be utilized to procure raw materials to fund production of initial inventory. A company office would be located at the Atlanta market area. Available office space has been located in Atlanta. This office space is small and may be secured at nominal cost. As needs dictate office and/or distribution facilities will be expanded. Initially, the small office will serve to manage marketing functions and sales/order processing. Personal Fitness Equipment Inc, is in the business of manufacturing Fitness equipments for personal use. The promoter has come up with a unique design of Personal Fitness Equipment (PFE). This equipment is easy to use and is being priced at a cheaper rate. The main feature of this equipment is the safety standards and the wide range of exercises that can be performed with this equipment. The equipment is proposed to be made with metal of ideal weight. This product designed by Dr. John can be produced at low cost, is lightweight, independent tests have been performed at university and Local Gyms. The users have given positive feedback that the regularity of their physical exercise has increased after purchasing this product. The Appendix section has all the relevant Financial Projections. The sales forecast for the first year of operation is estimated at USD 500000. The company is expected to earn Gross profit at the rate of 54% of the turnover. The net profit of the company is estimated at USD 113770, which workout to about 23% of the turnover.

Sorry But Your Soul Just Died Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sorry But Your Soul Just Died - Assignment Example This would mean leaving the human like a mass of rock or soil – which can only be manipulated or moved. Another expectation was an account of the loss of the human spirit, to leave the human entity as good as the animals, which are on the basis of certain traditions considered not to possess a spirit – which links humans to the divine. The results here would include the depiction of animosity or the absence of a higher authority guiding humans (Wolfe). Wolfe’s bias is greatly based on unfounded fear, that the discoveries drawn from the field of neuroscience will drive humans from the personal control maintained in their natural state, where justice, morals, and values are a value drawn from each and every person’s soul endowment, to a force beyond their control. According to him, the control of humans by the genes, which is outside their control is absurd – as they will be obligated to find morals and values outside of their choice, to control their relations and all other aspects of life. An example here is Dean Hamer’s account of the gay gene, which he argues – just like the left-handedness gene is a natural inclination. The issue is that gays do not choose to become so, as they are naturally made in such a way (Wolfe). Wolfe through writing the essay is trying to offer information to the reader, on the importance of the personal choice and responsibility lines taken by each individual – when choosing values, justice and morals. He further, argues that the perceived assumption that the soul is not important is based on the gross belief that God is dead, from whom all values and identity are drawn. He further seeks to impart into the reader, the idea that the assumption of the death of the soul will result in gross immorality, where humans do not give consideration for one another – which is grounded on the identity of the moral obligation – grounded on the soul (Wolfe). The account is prese nted in a witty manner, showing that the author intended to engage the thinking process and the imagination of the reader, by raising their curiosity in predicting and finding out what the issue would lead to, through the mind of the reader. An example here is the account that trying to realize equality among different people goes against the very nature present in every single individual. The author further seeks to arouse the fear of the ultimate societal decay he talks of, these being the cause of the case, due to the fact humans will not be in a position to choose values – but will be genetically oriented to live as they are genetically endowed. An example here is the case of the gay gene, which obligates gay people to become gay – which has been a vice fought by many governments and authorities. The author uses such an example to raise curiosity and fear of further exploration of the new science, as it will serve in pushing humans into a stage where they are contr olled by their genetic inclinations. An example here would be genetic inclination into crime – which would mean that such a person becomes a criminal automatically, and that they would commit crime without any care, as it is in their nature. The emotional effect intended by Wolfe furthers his point, as it portrays an unavoidable negative side of the new science, whose further exploration would create more crisis than advantages. The emotion he is passing is clear, in that he even expresses optimism that those developing the new science

Reading Theories Essay Example for Free

Reading Theories Essay Reading theories Of the two approaches mentioned in reading research and literature, the bottom-up approach focuses on language elements such as grammar, vocabulary and cohesion, while the top-down approach includes a focus on background knowledge about content and organization, generally referred to as content and formal schemata respectively. A combination of these two approaches is generally known as the Interactive Model of Reading. The pedagogy in this study was based on the Schema Interactive Model of Reading (Simonsen and Singer, 1992). 7 able 1: Approaches and strategies Approaches Top Down Strategies # Generating questions from title Skimming questions Bottom Up for content, based generated# Skimming # on for writer’s thesis # Guessing meanings of words from context (vocabulary) use of modals, tenses Schema discourse) Interactive (text as # Concepts of cohesion and coherence and connections between paragraphs Text purpose and purpose at paragraph level # the # Understanding how language functions in context. E. g. Metaphorical models of reading Specific models of reading. Bottom-up models Top-down models Interactive models Interactive compensatory model( nature inner knowledge) if there’s lack u should compensate it Word recognition model Simple view of reading model Dual coding model (2languages) Psycholinguistic guessing game: activate prior knowledge .. student is giving an aim for reading Reading strategies : . specifying a purpose for reading ? Planning what to do and what steps to take ? Previewing the text ? Predicting the contentes of the text or section of text ? Reflecting on what has been learned from the text ? Checking prdictions ? Posing questions about the text ? Finding answers to posed questions ? Connecting test to background knowledge ? Summarizing infor ? Makin interferances ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Connecting one part of the text to another Paying attention to text structure Rereading Guessing the meaning of new word from the context Using discourse makers to see relationships Checking comprehension Identifying difficulties Taking steps to reapir faulty comprehension Critiquing the author Critiquing the text Judging how well purposes for reading were met (where you reached the aim of reading or not ) Reading is not decoding but building concepts Read is to acquire lge in order to know special notes In order to write u need positions + definitions Learning can happen without reading There is implicit relationship betwwen l1 and l2 It is natural to use L1 in L2 reading.. L1 IS The basis of L1 To accomplish this goal, instructors focus on the process of reading rather than on its product. ? ? ? They develop students awareness of the reading process and reading strategies by asking students to think and talk about how they read in their native language. They allow students to practice the full repertoire of reading strategies by using authentic reading tasks. They encourage students to read to learn (and have an authentic purpose for reading) by giving students some choice of reading material. When working with reading tasks in class, they show students the strategies that will work best for the reading purpose and the type of text. They explain how and why students should use the strategies. ? ? ? ? They have students practice reading strategies in class and ask them to practice outside of class in their reading assignments. They encourage students to be conscious of what theyre doing while they complete reading assignments. They encourage students to evaluate their comprehension and selfreport their use of strategies. They build comprehension checks into in-class and out-of-class reading assignments, and periodically review how and when to use particular strategies. They encourage the development of reading skills and the use of reading strategies by using the target language to convey instructions and course-related information in written form: office hours, homework assignments, test content. They do not assume that students will transfer strategy use from one task to another. They explicitly mention how a particular strategy can be used in a different type of reading task or with another skill. By raising students awareness of reading as a skill that requires active engagement, and by explicitly teaching reading strategies, instructors help their students develop both the ability and the confidence to handle communication situations they may encounter beyond the classroom. In this way they give their students the foundation for communicative competence in the new language. ‘ SLA: Second-language acquisition or second-language learning is the process by which people learn a second language. Second-language acquisition (often abbreviated to SLA) also refers to the scientific discipline devoted to studying that process. Second language refers to any language learned in addition to a persons first language; although the concept is named second-language [1] acquisition, it can also incorporate the learning of third, fourth, or subsequent languages. Secondlanguage acquisition refers to what learners do; it does not refer to practices in language teaching. The academic discipline of second-language acquisition is a subdiscipline of applied linguistics. It is broad-based and relatively new. As well as the various branches of linguistics, second-language acquisition is also closely related to psychology, cognitive psychology, and education Is to acquire lg without effort : classroom/real life.. in natural way L2 reading is a reading problem. is not letter decoding†¦when you read l2 text you activate your prior knowledge †¦l2 readers who are able to turn a txt into paragraph are better reader==) read faster/remember more There is no reading without : -phonological representation /guess meaning/ prior knwldge Implicit knowledge That we learn unconsciously Automatic knowledge The explcit will turn into implicit Output: what u speak input: what u read learn Explicit knowledge we can verbelize.

Importance of Solubility in Everyday First

Importance of Solubility in Everyday First For my science project Ill be researching the solubility of various substances. Solubility is an interesting subject because its very important for everyday life and I knew very little of it before I started my project. My experiment will give me insight on how the rate of solubility is affected by certain factors and if certain liquids struggle to mix together well. For this essay I needed to understand what solubility is, what affects the rate of solubility, where it can be found in nature, how its used every day, and how solubility works. The measure of solubility determines how substances dissolve into one another. The substance dissolving into the other is the solute and the substance being dissolved into is the solvent. When you mix salt into water the salt is the solute and the water is the solvent. Though the salt wont dissolve into the water immediately and if a large portion of salt is being dissolved into water, then there will be a portion of salt left over.Nevertheless, when salt and water do mix a new substance is formed that can have many practical uses. Solubility isnt limited to just liquids mixing with other liquids, however, solids and gases can also mix into liquids.A solution is created when the solutes molecules form intermolecular bonds with the solvents molecules as they merge. First the solutes molecules drift into the solvent and are surrounded by the solvents molecules, then the molecular bonds of the solute are broken so that intermolecular bonds can be made with the solvent. This process can be compared to dropping a clod of dirt into a puddle of water. There are numerous factors that affect solubility such as temperature, stirring, and the substances themselves. These factors can accelerate the rate of solubility or they can prevent certain substances from being soluble. Temperature is an important factor when it comes to experiments of solubility because the rate of solubility increases with temperature. Solutions are affected by temperature because it causes the molecules to speed up when hotter or slow down when colder and when molecules are moving around quickly they can merge into the other solvents molecules quickly and vice-versa. Solubility among gases, however, works better when the gases are colder because theyre more dense when cold. Stirring is also important when mixing substances for faster solubility because it has a similar affect on molecules that heat has. The oceans tides and waves stir the dirt and salt in the water, thus causing the substances to quickly mix together. Certain substances are composed in a way that negates them from being soluble with other substances. This can be caused by the density of a substance and whether the solutes and solvents molecules are polar. The density of a substance, such as oil, causes it to sink to the bottom of a cup of water rather than mix with the water because the molecules of oil are larger and heavier. The water simply sits on top of the oil and if more oil is added, then itll just pass through the water. Solids wont mix with other solids because their molecules are too dense, but solids can mix with liquids. Gases can mix with liquids too if the gass molecules are dense enough. The polar alignment of a substance also prevents it from merging with something of the opposite alignment unless one substance is both polar and non-polar, such as alcohol. Chemists use the phrase like dissolves like to describe this circumstance. Solutions can be found almost everywhere on the earth, from the oceans to the sky. Every ocean and every lake on Earth is a solution. This is because the water has mixed with dirt, salt, and various substances to become a new substance that, though still water, isnt healthy to drink. When rain touches the ground it mixes with dirt, rocks, and so on that it becomes a solution upon contact with the earth. Dirt and rocks are too dense to mix with each other, but when theyre small enough they can mix with various substances. Smoke can mix with clouds and create a solution of acid rain that can be very dangerous and carbon dioxide can create the unhealthy phenomenon of smog. Because gases diffuse, the earths atmosphere isnt a giant solution. Solubility has many practical applications in our lives such as purifying water, making drinks, and vitamin storage. Because every ocean in the world is a solution of water mixed with dirt, salt, and various substances the water isnt healthy to drink, so its purified by chemicals that remove the harmful products of the water. Almost everything we drink is a solution because its had chemicals added to it that make it taste better or make it safer to drink. This process is used on most of the food we eat and liquids we drink to prevent people from getting sick. Chemicals are added to eggs to prevent food poisoning from salmonella and to certain products to increase shelf life. When you stir sugar in a cup of coffee youre making a solution. The stirring and heat make the process of the sugar dissolving in the coffee faster and afterward you have a tastier cup of coffee. When you make coffee youre making a solution because the coffee beans are added to water and blended until they become a liquid. Blending drinks and making martinis are both ways of making solutions that taste better or worse than their individual components. Drinks can be carbonated for an interesting taste that is caused by mixing a liquid and a gas under pressure. Most vitamins can be categorized as fat-soluble, which means that the vitamins are stored in our bodies, and water-soluble, which means that the vitamins pass through our bodies and are excreted as urine. Because fat-soluble vitamins are stored in our bodies, they shouldnt be taken in large doses. The names fat-solubles and water-solubles refer to how they should be used by our bodies. I learned a lot from my essay about solubility, but I namely learned how often solubility occurs, its uses limitations, and that solutions are very practical. Solubility is all around us in nature and God implemented it so that we could be healthier and enjoy interesting tastes. Our world would be vastly different if there were no solubility, in fact no living creatures could exist.

Globalization Impacted on Indian Economy

Globalization Impacted on Indian Economy Introduction: Indian economy had experienced major policy changes in early 1990s. The new economic reform, popularly known as, Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG model) aimed at making the Indian economy as fastest growing economy and globally competitive. The series of reforms undertaken with respect to industrial sector, trade as well as financial sector aimed at making the economy more efficient. Globalization has many meanings depending on the context and on the person who is talking about. Though the precise definition of globalization is still unavailable a few definitions are worth viewing, Guy Brainbant: says that the process of globalization not only includes opening up of world trade, development of advanced means of communication, internationalization of financial markets, growing importance of MNCs, population migrations and more generally increased mobility of persons, goods, capital, data and ideas but also infections, diseases and pollution. The term globalization refers to the integration of economies of the world through uninhibited trade and financial flows, as also through mutual exchange of technology and knowledge. Ideally, it also contains free inter-country movement of labor. In context to India, this implies opening up the economy to foreign direct investment by providing facilities to foreign companies to invest in different fields of economic activity i n India, removing constraints and obstacles to the entry of MNCs in India, allowing Indian companies to enter into foreign collaborations and also encouraging them to set up joint ventures abroad; carrying out massive import liberalization programs by switching over from quantitative restrictions to tariffs and import duties, therefore globalization has been identified with the policy reforms of 1991 in India. (http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/8/738/impact-of-globalization1.asp) Aims and Objectives:- The details mentioned below will help to know the research issue, the reason for the issue, cause of being the present issue and explain that how this research can be helpful in future. The research issue:- The main issue is the impact of globalization on the Indian economy. Globalization has come to dominate world since the 19th century. Globalization has many meanings depending on the frame of mind of person who thinks about it. However, Globalization means the integration of economies and societies through the exchange of ideas, technology, services, finance and people. The reason that led to globalization in India was the significant decline in GDP of some East Asian companies, lack of growth in developing countries and the foreign exchange markets of the developed nations. Due to the above reasons- Inflation in India rose sharply during 1998-99, reaching the height of 8.8% in September 1998 and dropping down in January 1999. Manufacturing growth in terms of GDP fell to 7.7% in 1996-97 from previous years height of 15%, whereas in 1997-98 it fell to 6.8%. The above mentioned impacts show the connection of India with the global economy, production decisions and government policies. Why is it an issue? There is a concern that relates to the loss of autonomy following the economic policies. It is certain that in the progressing world, all countries cant implement the same techniques, there are suppose to be some differences depending on various circumstances. Why is it an issue now:- Though there will be a help of foreign investment to promote the economic development in the short run, but there is also a possibility that at the times of recession investors may withdraw their funds causing further problems. Domestic producers are being affected by overseas giants,that are having competitive advantages over the domestic producers; having huge funds to invest. This has started to result in closure of many domestic owned firms. Globalization has resulted in outsourcing of jobs to developing countries, resulting the loss of jobs in developed countries; in the near future there is a chance that multinational corporation with there immense power may rule the world. What could this research shed light on:- The research mainly concentrates on finding the positive and negative impacts of globalization on Indian economy, talking about reforms, mentioning some important stats and figures, casual analysis of various factors influencing the country, etc. Background section:- In the early 1990s Indian economy had experienced major policy changes. The economic reform known as Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG model) aimed to make the Indian economy, the fastest growing economy and also to make it globally competitive. The series of reforms implemented with respect to industrial sector, trade as well as financial sector aimed at making the economy more efficient. July 1991 has led to a new start for India. This period of economic changes has had a tremendous impact on the overall development of almost all major sectors of the economy. Globalization has changed the mindset of Indian people. It has changed the traditional values such as self reliance and socialistic policies of economic development; that were mainly created to economic backwardness, inefficiency of the economy and also some other problems; which were created since the independence in 1947. Despite of such obstacles, India has always had the potential to be on the fast track to prosperity. Literature Review:- There have been many authors who have commented on the topic: Impact of Globalization on the economy. Let us take a close look at the ideas of such authors. In the book by Jeffrey A. Frankel (1998), named The regionalization of the world economy, he gave a brief idea about the free trade areas, custom unions and custom blocs that are prevalent in the entire world. He further said that Regionalization is the base which makes more economists hopeful about the opportunities that it may create in the near future, whereas it creates fear in the minds of others- making them think about the efforts it may take to encourage global free trade. The book provides answers to questions like- the extent of regional arrangements having affected the patterns of trade, maintains the safety effects for the arrangements and it also explains the economic effects on patterns of trade, via price differentiations or gravity models. In the book by Robert Boyer and Daniel Drache (1996), named States against markets: the limits of globalization, they commented that: As the countries are making efforts to increase their exports; this has indirectly led to crossing of national-borders and becoming dependent on other countries to satisfy their wants. Some important points discussed in the book are- clarification of whether globalization is a development or not, further it assesses the success of globalization as a media of convergence and uniformity across nations, it provides update on Hayek vs. Keynes debate and also helps to provide best benefits to the entire world. In the book by K R Gupta (1996), named Liberalisation and globalisation of Indian economy (Volume 1), he comments that it has been a long time since the process of Liberalisation and Globalisation was started in India in 1991. In the book he has examined the achievements and failures of economic reforms throughout this period, and has also made some suggestions to improve them. The book also presents the roles to be played by all states in accelerating the developments of the country as a whole. It describes the economic reforms of other countries from which India can learn a lot, it analyses the impact of reforms on the agricultural cottage and small scale sector and suggests a greater attention towards these sectors. In the book by Satyendra S. Nayak (2009) named Globalization and the Indian economy: Roadmap to convertible rupee, he examines the impact of globalization on the Indian economy- in respect to the trade, investment and financial aspects, he has also considered the balance of payment and exchange rate. In the first part of the book- he mentions the role played by the US in undergoing the globalization process, he also provides detailed analysis of monetary system. In the second part of the book- the author explains the Indian economic systems and its process of dealing with the globalization; he has given a brief idea regarding the economic reforms and state of liberalisation in India. Finally the author examines whether the Indian currency- rupee can be made fully convertible or not. Research Questions:- Based on the purpose of this research the primary question will be: Will Liberalisation, Privatization and Globalization help India to achieve faster growth and progress in future as well. What impact will the MNCs have on the growth and development of under-developed and developing countries? What were the important reforms undertaken by India in the early nineties as a part of liberalisation and globalization strategy? Research Design AND METHODOLOGY Collis and Hussey (2003 pg 113) defines a research design as a science of planning procedures for conducting studies to get the most valid findings. A research design is an important step for a research proposal Research process can have different design and different methods can be used depending on the chosen subject what is being analysed. The research process is used to define the research strategy of the study in detail. Figure 1 describes a generic research process onion that supports the researcher to depict the issues underlying the choice of data collection methods (Saunders et al 2000: 84) Figure 1. Research process onion http://www.thesisexpress.com/images/fig3.jpg [Accessed 15th May 2009]. The layers of the research onion represent the following aspects: Research philosophy Research approach Research strategy, methodology Time horizons and Data collection methods The research onion gives an overview, how one can achieve its objectives by using the techniques in each layer of the onion. This research proposal aims to take a closer look on market segmentation, package design, brand development and assessment, and understanding various processes, including consumers decision-making processes. The research design, philosophy of this proposal will be framed more within the qualitative (phenomenological paradigm) methodology. But in order to better understand the study respondents, to optimize the data collection process, to increase both the breadth and width of data collection requires the use of mixed methods. The main differences between them and what they are focussed on can be seen in table 1. Table1. Quantitative / Positivist paradigm Qualitative/ Phenomenological paradigm Older tradition derived from scientific enquiry Developed from research into human experience Data take the form of numbers Data take the form of non-numbers Reality is assumed to be a fixed concept Reality is assumed to alter according to perspective Researcher maintains objectivity, remains aloof and distant from the researched There is interaction between researcher and researched, possibly to the extent of inter-subjectivity where both collaborate on the work as a whole Ensuring reliability means that the work may be repeated with the same findings Reliability may not be possible with human experiences. It is less important Large representative samples Small samples not necessarily representative Validity may be low Great importance placed on validity- the truth or trustworthiness of the research Findings to be generalised to whole population studied Findings not generalisable; may be transferable in certain circumstances Deductive or hypothetico- deductive stance-tests pre-set theories and hypotheses Inductive stance develops theory from observation artificial research setting, controlled by the researcher natural setting for the researched Source: Lecture notes by Jonathan Knowles There are two main research approaches: deduction and induction. With deduction a theory and hypothesis (or hypotheses) are developed and a research strategy designed to test the hypothesis. With induction, theory would follow data rather than vice versa as with deduction. Major differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research are: Table 2 Deduction Induction Scientific principles Gaining an understanding of the meanings humans attach to events Moving from theory to data Need to explain casual relationships between variables Close understanding of the research context Collection of quantitative data Collection of qualitative data Application of controls to ensure validity of data Realization that the researcher is part the research process Operationalisation of concepts to ensure clarity of definition More flexible structure to permit changes of research emphasis as the research progresses Highly structured approach . Researcher independence of what is being researched Less concern with the need to generalize Necessity to select samples of sufficient size in order to generalize conclusions Source: Saunders et all, 2007, p.120 This proposal follows the inductive approach where data is collected and the theory is developed as result of the data analysis. Through the interviews, access will be gained to the understanding of meaning that humans attach to the events. The objective for using the inductive approach is to ensure that all angles are covered in terms of understanding the deeper structure of the research problem. The next step is to choose the strategy, methodology which is going to be used. According to Saunders et all (2007, p.135), any of these strategies can be used Experiment Survey Case study Action research Grounded theory Ethnography Archival research For the purpose of this research proposal the grounded theory methodology will be used. Grounded theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) is often thought of as the best example of the inductive approach. It helps in theory building through a combination of induction and deduction. A grounded theory strategy is, according to Goulding (2002), is helpful for research to predict and explain behaviour, the emphasis being upon developing and building theory. Constant references to the data to develop and test theory leads Collis and Hussey (2003) to call grounded theory an inductive/deductive approach, theory being grounded in such continual references to the data. Data collection methods are an integral part of research design. There are several data collection methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Problems researched with the use of appropriate methods greatly enhance the value of the research. Data can be collected in a variety of ways and from different sources. Data collection methods include interviews- face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, computer-assisted interviews, and interviews through the electronic media, surveys, questionnaires that are either personally administered, sent through the mail, or electronically administered, observation of individuals and events with or without videotaping or audio recording and a variety of other motivational techniques such as projective tests. Interviewing, administering questionnaires, and surveys are the three main data collection methods followed in this research. Timescale:- Its important to develop a time plan for the research to lead to a successful dissertation. For this reason the Gantt chart (developed by Henry Gantt, 1917) can be used. A Gantt chart is a graphical representation of the duration of tasks against the progression of time. It is a useful tool for planning and scheduling projects as well as monitoring a projects progress. A Gantt chart lets us see how remedial action may bring the project back on course. Table 3 Target date January-February Start thinking about research topic End February Identify research problem, finalize objectives March Devise research approach March-end July Collecting data, read literature June- September Analysing and interpretation of data By half September Draft finding chapters 13th August- 5th November Appointments with supervisor By 12th November Revise draft, writing format for submission By 16th November Print, bind Before 23rd November Submit Adapted from Saunders et al., 2007, p.41 Resources:- The resources required for this research may be categorized as finance, data access and equipment. The financial expenses for this research will not be too high. However, because of the research is mainly focused on India, it will be necessary to cover travel expenses which may occur in case of personal interview, but thanks to low cost airlines, it would be still affordable. Internet has provided most of the information about this subject. Internet access is available at the university campus. Other minor expenses are expected for photocopying or printing and posting questionnaires. The main equipment used will be PC, printer and recorder. Access to study population:- In this research data will be collected from Primary source due to its validity; as well as secondary data to supplement the primary data. The primary data will be collected by conducting survey using questionnaire technique among income groups and various age. The questionnaire will be checked for completion and interviewing quality. Editing is the review of the questionnaire with the objective of increasing accuracy and precision. There are several sources of secondary data, including books and periodicals, government publications of economic indicators, census data, Statistical Abstracts. Ethical Issues:- When doing research it is always important that all parties in research should exhibit ethical behaviour. Ethics are norms or standards of behaviour that guide moral choices about our behaviour and our relationships with others. The goal of ethics in research is to ensure that no one is harmed or suffers adverse consequences from research activities. There are six key principles of ethical research that will be addressed, whenever applicable: à ¢-   Research should be designed, reviewed and undertaken to ensure integrity and quality à ¢-   Research staff and subjects must be informed fully about the purpose, methods and intended possible uses of the research, what their participation in the research entails and what risks, if any, are involved. à ¢-   The confidentiality of information supplied by research subjects and the anonymity of respondents must be respected à ¢-   Research participants must participate in a voluntary way, free from any coercion à ¢-   Harm to research participants must be avoided à ¢-   The independence of research must be clear, and any conflicts of interest or partiality must be explicit http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/Images/ESRC_Re_Ethics_Frame_tcm6-11291.pdf [Accessed 16th May 2009]. Analysis/Interpretation of the Data:- For this research, a probability sampling technique will be used to answer the research questions and achieve objectives. The possible sampling techniques used will be stratified random and cluster. According to Saunders et al (2007, pg 221) stratified random sampling involves division of population into two or more relevant and significant strata based on one or more number of attributes. Further division of the population into series of relevant strata will ensure that the samples are more likely to be representative of the different customers in India. The data collected from the questionnaire will be neatly presented, analysed, and interpreted using pie-charts, bar graphs in the most efficient way to have the better understanding of the results. Conclusion: The main purpose of this research proposal was to identify and analyze the impact of globalization on the Indian economy. It also helped to determine the positive and negative impacts on globalization. This proposal helped me to identify the main objectives, questions and problems which this research may concentrate on; the literature review gave me the idea regarding the literature sources available- that will be enlarged by following research for the dissertation. Design and methodology stage helped to create the framework of possibilities and methods useful to achieve the specified objectives. It helped me to make a proper plan to undertake the research within the time available and to make sure that the results are in relation to knowledge and understanding. References: Malik T, 2004. Impact of globalization on Indian economy; accessed on April 25, 2010 (Source: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/8/738/impact-of-globalization1.asp) Irving Fisher Group, 2003. Indian economy and globalization; accessed on April 25, 2010 (Source: http://www.slideshare.net/fathima_sy/globalization-and-indian-economy-1095107) Balakrishnan C, 2004. Impact of globalization on developing countries and India; accessed on April 29, 2010 (Source: http://economics.about.com/od/globalizationtrade/l/aaglobalization.htm) Trade Chakra; accessed on April 29, 2010 (Source: http://www.tradechakra.com/indian-economy/globalization.html) Goyal K, 2003. Impact of globalization on developing countries (with special reference to India); accessed on April 29, 2010 (Source: http://www.eurojournals.com/IRJFE%206%20goyal.pdf) Pavcnik N, October 26, 2006. Distributional effects of globalization in developing countries; accessed on May 3, 2010 (Source: http://www.princeton.edu/~pennykg/JEL_Globalization.pdf) Kaitila V. Economic globalization in developing countries; accessed on May 5, 2010 (Source: http://www.etla.fi/files/918_FES_02_3_developing_countries.pdf0) Research papers. Globalization can have a negative impact on developing economy (Source: http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Globalization-Can-Have-Negative-Impact-Developing/145452)

Managing Employee Retention and Turnover Essays -- Human Resource Mana

Managing Employee Retention and Turnover Employee retention has always been an important focus for human resource managers. Once a company has invested time and money to recruit and train a good employee, it is in their own best interest to retain that employee, to further develop and motivate him so that he continues to provide value to the organization. But, employers must also recognize and tend to what is in the best interest of their employees, if they intend to keep them. When a company overlooks the needs of its employees and focuses only on the needs of the organization, turnover often results. Excessive turnover in an organization is a prime indicator that something is not right in the employee environment. We will look at the differences between retention and turnover, why employees stay, reasons why they leave, and what can be done to save them. We will also examine some external factors that will make employee retention and turnover reduction highest priorities for human resource professionals. Basically, employee retention is measured by an employee's longevity with a company, and is the desired outcome of a company hiring workers it wants and needs. Many organizations find it more productive and profitable to redirect resources formerly allocated to recruiting, hiring, orienting, and training of new employees and use them instead toward employee retention programs. Such programs identify good performers who are likely to leave the company and work proactively to retain them. Although there is no tried-and-true prescription for retaining good employees, there are five factors that have a proven positive impact on retention and they should be taken into consideration when developing an employee retention program:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Supervisor/Employee relationship - "Immediate supervisors who are also leaders of people will be the most important people in the workplace of the future..." (Jamrog, 2004) Today's supervisor is expected to be a coach, a trainer, and a mentor. Foremost, he must be able to communicate well up and down the organization. Employees who have honest, open relationships with their supervisors feel a sense of commitment to them.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Employee engagement - The best employees are motivated by tasks that are intellectually stimulating and provide variety and challenge while contributing value. Studies from the Gallup organizat... ...and preparation will help employers more readily adapt. References AARP. 2002, Staying Ahead of the Curve: The AARP Work and Career Study. Wahington, D.C.: AARPRetention rodeo. Buhler, Patricia M. The exit interview: a goldmine of information Source: Supervision v. 63 no4. (Apr. 2002) p. 15-17. Database: WilsonSelectPlus. Ceridian Employee Services, http://www.ceridian.com/myceridian Christian & Timbers, www.ctnet.com Frank, Fredric D. The Race for Talent: Retaining and Engaging Workers in the 21st Century. Source: Human Resource Planning v.27 no3 (2004) p. 12-25. Database: WilsonSelectPlus Jamrog, Jay. The Perfect Storm: The Future of Retention and Engagement. Source: Human Resource Planning v. 27 no3 (2004) p. 26-33. Database: WilsonSelectPlus. Society for Human Resource Management (2003). Older Workers Survey. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2003) Customized Data Compilation, November 20. "Demographics and Destiny: Winning the War for Talent," Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Bethesda, Maryland; 301.581.4600 http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/ http://www.capitalhgroup.com/weAre/research/KeepingTopTalentSurvey.pdf

Huck Finn’s Experiences Essay examples -- essays papers

Huck Finn’s Experiences In Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain presents the problem of slavery in America in the 19th Century. Twain poses this problem in the form of a character named Huckleberry Finn, a white boy raised in the antebellum South. Huck starts to question his view regarding slavery when he acquaints himself more intimately with a runaway slave while he himself tries to run away. Huck’s development as a character is affected by society’s influence on his experiences while growing up in the South, running away with Jim, and trying to save Jim. Although Huck decides to free Jim, Huck’s deformed conscience convinces him that he is doing the wrong thing. Huck’s experiences in the society impact his conscience by raising him to believe that human beings can be property. This quote by Pap Finn is taken from a conversation that he is having about a black professor from the North, â€Å"†¦prowling, thieving, infernal, white-shirted free nigger, and-† (Twain, pg 27). In this quote, Pap Finn expresses his feelings towards black people, and he is not the only person to think this way. Pap feels as if the most accomplished black man is always beneath the basest white man. When Huck returns to Aunt Sally, they have this conversation: Aunt Sally: â€Å"Good Gracious! anybody hurt?† Huck: â€Å"No’m. Killed a nigger† Aunt Sally: â€Å"Well, it’s lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Twain, pg 221) Southern society seems to share this idea of how white people belittle blacks. Aunt Sally shows how it does not really matter about a ‘nigger’ being shot and how she does not consider that a person getting hurt. Society’s influence on Huck is clearly evident when he says, â€Å"They took my nigger, w... ...as he must be white inside. This shows how in his mind, white is good and black is bad, but since Jim is black and he is doing something good, then he must be white. Huck’s experiences and surroundings change him day by day. Even though Jim is black and he hasn’t changed, Huck has changed and now recognizes Jim as a human being and not as property. Through out the entire novel, Huck has grown as a character because of the experiences that he has gone through. Along with society's impact, running away with Jim and trying to save Jim have also changed and impacted Huck's character. Huck's views on slavery have changed due to his experiences with Jim. Although the end of the novel does lead Huck to how he was at the beginning, the reader can still see how much Huck has changed and grown. Huck does not view Jim as property anymore, but as a human being with feelings.

Era of social and cultural rebellion Essay

â€Å"The disintegration of American values was reflected in manners and morals that shook American society to the depths.† (Leuchtenburg) The 1920’s was an era in which the Americans showed their independence through actions; learning not to live the same ways that those preceded them had. The ’20s was a cultural and socialistic rebellious attitude, decomposing past American ethics and beliefs. The most obvious rebellion is shown by the feminine movements during this time. The 1920’s led to a new role for American women, in which females desperately tried to rid themselves of Victorian roles they had played in the past. In an effort to become modern and masculine, the â€Å"flapper† led to newly recognized rights for females in the male fields. The flappers showed their rebellion by wearing short skirts that in previous years would have been entirely inappropriate dress for women. Rebellion was also shown by the increased number of females working in public offices, obtaining jobs, attending colleges, and having leading roles in professional careers (events that were practically unheard-of fifty years earlier.) Women professionals increased 50 percent, while married working women increased 30 percent. With the suffrage movement in 1920, women started out the ’20s with a passion for independence and political and social rights. Women lived by themselves, proving absolute independence from men. They, who had once been thought of as men’s property solely to perform the acts of cleaning and cooking, were revolting against their title of â€Å"exclusive possession.† Once the rebellion against stay-at-home wives had started, women who still fulfilled that role felt compelled to apologize that they were not out working alongside men in the job world. (Leuchtenburg) Marriage was also a way to rebel; women who were unhappy in marriages felt that they had the right to divorce their husbands; this act more then doubled between the years of 1914 and 1929. Divorce, once thought to be completely immoral, was becoming quite common. All these factors show that the female race was using the 1920’s to revolt against issues they had previously disagreed with, but never ha d the courage to address. The 1920’s brought a breakdown in ethics. Couples went further in publicly showing their affection for each other. Sex was a common discussion topic,  not only for women but young girls. Suggestive topics were broadcasted all over the radios, movies, and newspapers. Parties were no longer chaperoned, and parents no longer had knowledge about their daughters’ actions. The fact that individuals during this time were so free with their sexual favors proves the fact that people during this time wanted to show their capability at making decisions for themselves. (Leuchtenburg) One may argue that the 1920’s was not an era of social and cultural rebellion, and bring up the opinion that the dresses the flappers wore were efforts to save money. (Shannon) This is possible, but in order to feel completely at ease at wearing what would have been considered (only a decade earlier) an outrageous outfit, the women would have had to rebel. One might also say that the reason why there were increased numbers of women attending college was not the fact that they were rebelling to prove their equality with men, but rather because it was the first time they could ever afford such an education. This is untrue; debt was so high in the ’20s that most families would have been unable to afford a college education. During the 1920’s, the economy grew into a consumer economy, one that revolved around the ability of the citizens to consume products. In order to make it easy for the people to do this, credit was developed. With the innovation of credit, many people became in debt, and consumer debt rose a total of 250 percent. Personal debt rose 2.5 times faster then personal income, and people just didn’t have money to spend it on an education solely for the reason of becoming educated. However, in order to show their equality, women would have been more willing to put a college education on credit. In conclusion, the Roaring Twenties was a time of serious cultural and social rebellion. People wanted to live their lives they way they chose; they wanted to show their independence and ability to make decisions, and not live by the beliefs of their predecessors.

Goodner Brothers Case Study

Q1. Define SWOT analysis with appropriate examples using external resources (200 words) SWOT Analysis, technique credited to Albert Humphrey, is strategic planning method used to evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats involved in business ventures. 1 It involves 1) Specifying objective 2) Identifying internal and external factors favorable and unfavorable to achieve objective 1 Example – Healthcare Software Company selling high value products 2 Strengths : Internal Characterisitcs of Business that give it an advantage 1 †¢ Highly experienced team, well established, reputable company †¢ High Percentage of Sales from Exports †¢ Knowledge of Advanced technology †¢ Very efficient Processes †¢ Top class service Weaknesses : Internal Characteristics that place it at disadvantage 1 †¢ Customers slow to Upgrade †¢ Complicated Products – need lots of Customisation †¢ Products innovative and market needs to be educated †¢ Technology emphasis within company rather than Marketing emphasis Opporutnities : External chances to impove performance 1 New competitors entering markets †¢ Government spending cut backs †¢ Technology changing fast Theats : External elements that could cause trouble 1 †¢ Population ageing †¢ Environmental issues increasing profile †¢ Healthcare costs rises rapidly †¢ Increased Safety and Risk awareness in healthcare Possible Strategy 2 Invest in marketing skills and knowledge to find new markets for specialist technical knowledge Increase export market to give buffer to Local Government initiatives in healthcare Add more value to customers outbidding new competitors. Emphasis in sales materials to offset new competitors entering market. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/SWOT_analysis & http://www. managementstudyguide. com/swot-analysis. htm Copyright  © 2008 – 2012 managementstudyguide. com. All rights reserved. (1) |http://www. rapid-business-intelligence-success. com/sample-swot- analysis. html  © Copyright Syd Stewart 2008 (2)| | |