Thursday, October 31, 2019

Air Conditioning System Design for the Commercial Office Building Essay

Air Conditioning System Design for the Commercial Office Building - Essay Example Central systems are used for circulating conditioned air to different parts of the building. The primary advantage of such systems is maintaining of uniform temperatures throughout the building. While designing the system air distribution, temperatures and cost-effectiveness are important criteria. The system is comprised of plenums for supply and return; ducts; fittings; and associated components. Air handling units operate as a package unit with plant units. The system is assembled with pipework, ductwork and electrical connections at the site. The fan is placed upstream of the heater battery and cooling coil as the fans operate ideally when the system resistance of the outlet. The air distribution system is a separate distribution system as there are the specific temperature and humidity requirements. The air leakage limit is in accordance with the operating static pressure in excess of 750Pa according to the Code of Practice. The fan system has been designed as the sum of all fans required for the design conditions. Considerations include intake of outdoor air; circulation of air between heating and cooling source and space to be air-conditioned. Exhaust is to the outdoors. According to the Code of Practice Supply of constant air volume at design conditions does not exceed 1.6 W per L/s based on total fan motor power required for constant air volume fan system; and 2.1 W per K/s of supply air quantity for variable air volume system. Each floor has been considered as a zone, and individual thermostatic controls operate each air conditioned zone. However, controls do not permit heating and cooling operation simultaneously, or heating previously cooled air or vice versa. The air conditioning system includes automatic control devices for regulation of temperature. The thermostatic controls are able of adjusting setpoint temperature for the space being served.  A humidistat has been included as a part of a system that is capable of adding or removing moisture for maintaining specific humidity levels.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The History of Iraq Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The History of Iraq - Essay Example The British came to this region to take part in and control business activities. After all, Iraq is one of the countries which are endowed by oil wells which needed to be exploited at whatever costs. I am certain that this is the reason why the British colonial expansion by brought a lot of socio-political stability in the region. Indeed, their exclusivist ideologies widened the Shia-Sunni rift which had characterized Iraq for a very long time. I would like to agree with this student for giving a true version of the history of Iraq. First, he is right for saying that the Ottoman Empire had been in control of the larger parts of the Middle East especially before the end of the World War I. as he reports, their regime came to an end especially after losing the war to more superior powers such as the British. The student is also right for reporting that the alliance between the Ottoman Empire and the Germans did not bear any fruit because they lost the war before eventually getting stripped of their colonial territories like Iraq. Moreover, I am in a strong agreement with his student for accurately reporting that Iraq, as a nation, was created from three provinces including Bagdad, Basra, and Mosul. Indeed, the curving of Iraq’s geographical boundaries would later bring more problems as it became one of the reasons for constant rivalries between its nationals. In fact, as the student says, it partly contributed to the unending Iraq-Syria conflict over the ISIS attempts to realign the earlier Ottoman boundary.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Case The Coffee Shop Market Starbucks Marketing Essay

Case The Coffee Shop Market Starbucks Marketing Essay Starbucks Corporation is an international coffeehouse chain, founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks serves a variety of beverages including brewed coffee, tea, hot chocolate, espresso and a selection of bottled drinks. Starbucks also sells whole bean coffee and a variety of ready-to-eat snacks. The first Starbucks location to open outside of North America was in Tokyo in 1996; and from then on Starbucks became an international brand, expanding both nationally and globally. This report will attempt to examine the situation of Starbucks in Japan. It will bring out the marketing strategy to be adopted for a rise in profitability of Starbucks Japan in the next two years. In addition, it will attempt to explain the use of marketing mix to aid the chosen strategy. SWOT ANALYSIS: 1.1 STRENGTHS: 1.1.1 Strong brand image: Starbucks brand name, quality customer service and store ambience are its key strengths. It has maintained its international operations to ensure consumer recognition. Starbucks is renowned for its high quality products and has maintained a consistently positive consumer experience that has helped Starbucks build a strong brand image. Starbucks spends less than 1% of revenue on advertising and promotion each year which indicates they rely on an established company image (P. Ghauri, International marketing case study: Starbucks-Going Global Fast). Starbucks key competitor in Japan-Doutor coffee, had taken advantage of Starbucks brand image and copied its logo, while replicating the experience rendered to customers in its retail outlets. (Ono, 2003). This shows that the Starbucks image is a strength worth mimicking. With a well-established brand image in America, it was sure to expect recognition in the Japanese market, because the consumers there have a fondness for everything western . (http://azjatycka.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/international-marketing-strategy-of-starbucks-in-japan-success-or-a-failure/) 1.1.2 Commitment to community: Starbucks contributes a considerable amount of its resources to corporate social responsibility programs (Kotabe Helsen, 2004). According to Butler (2006)-CSR programs influence 70% of all consumer purchasing decisions, with many investors and employees also being swayed in their choice of companies. As a result, Starbucks involvement in the CSR programs helps its competitiveness in the business world. 1.1.3 Widespread Presence in International Markets: Starbucks has ventured into foreign markets with astonishing pace opening its outlets in 40 countries with 2068 stores worldwide. This widespread expansion has allowed its presence to be felt across the globe. 1.1.4 Retail outlets present at convenient and accessible locations: Starbucks has opened a number of coffee shops at convenient locations like shopping malls, libraries, university campuses, office buildings etc. They are typically located in high traffic, high visibility locations.(Starbucks annual report, 2008) 1.1.5 Presence of a variety of food items Beverages in addition to Coffee: Starbucks stores offer a choice of regular and decaffeinated coffee beverages, a broad selection of Italian-style espresso beverages, cold blended beverages, iced shaken refreshment beverages and a selection of premium teas. Starbucks stores also offer a variety of fresh food items, including healthier choice selections focussing on high-quality ingredients, nutritional value and great flavour. 1.1.6 Well Developed Corporate Strategy and Good Marketing skills. Weaknesses: 1.2.1 Lack of internal focus: Starbucks focuses too much on over-expansion, at times tending to ignore the problems arising withinconsistent employer dissatisfaction. The number of competitors: There are an ever increasing number of competitors that either mimic the Starbucks concept or try to get on par with its growth by providing the same line of products at a lesser price. Examples: Dotour Coffee, Tullys Japan, Mac Donalds. Self- cannibalisation: The strategy of over expansion has resulted in stores opened very close to each other, thus eating into the others sales. Product Pricing: Starbucks perceives itself as a premium gourmet coffee brand and bases its price on the quality of its beverages and in-store customer experience. Unfortunately, many competitors while offering a similar type of environment and lesser priced beverages are eating into Starbucks market share. 1.3 Opportunities: Flexible Tastes: Japanese consumers are influenced by western brands and have a fondness for them. They are open to new products and tastes and hence Japan is a viable market to test new products. New concepts can be concocted and brought out in the market at a faster pace, when compared to US or Europe. Thus those products that turn out to be popular and gain acceptance in the Japanese market can be introduced in the US market with positive expectations. For example, the Green Tea Frappuccino which was first introduced in Japan turned out to be a sensation and was thus launched in the United States too. (http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=4589). Thus, the flexible tastes of Japanese consumers give Starbucks an opportunity to develop new products and gain profits. Instant products: Starbucks recently launched its first premium soluble coffee stick product in Japan. About 60% of the total coffee sold in Japan is soluble. Hence Starbucks can capitalise on this aspect of Japans coffee market to enhance its sales through a variety of soluble ready to make coffee products. (http://news.starbucks.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=416) Diversifying its beverages: Starbucks is looking to sell regional wine and beer at its outlets in Seattle. It could introduce this concept in some of the Japanese stores as consuming western alcoholic brands is a trend among the Japanese clientele. (http://www.thestreet.com/story/10891284/starbucks-tests-alcohol-cheese-offerings.html . Growth opportunities: Though the overall market in Japan is nearing saturation, and Starbucks overexpansion in big cities has given it a lesser change at a steep growth, it could still expand to the less-saturated regions allowing it to exceed its growth potential. 1.4 Threats: 1.4.1 Cannibalisation: Starbucks extravagant growth and over expansion involves a risk of customer fatigue. Starbucks has introduced an array of new products and an increased product innovation lowers the sale of current products. Also with many stores opened close to one other, there is a risk of some stores facing loss. Thus, cannibalisation is a major threat as the coffee chain is reaching saturation in most of the big cities. 1.4.2 Dependency on raw materials The fluctuations in coffee and dairy prices are a potential threat for Starbucks. Starbucks is reliant on dairy and a rise in prices of the raw material could affect its profit margins. (Wikinvest, 2008). 1.4.3 Cultural differences: In USA, about 80% of Starbucks sales are takeout orders. In Japan 80% of consumers prefer to drink in the store outlets. Thus consumers preference to use the store atmosphere might turn out to be a threat to Starbucks plans of building a number of drive through outlets in Japan. (Chozick,2006). 1.4.4 Shrinking Disposable incomes. 1.4.5 Competition: Immediate competition from fast-food restaurants catching on the specialty coffee wave and developing products that competes with Starbucks. Tim Hortons -Nestle Dunkin Donuts McDonalds PESTLE ANALYSIS: Political Factors: Despite being far apart geographically, Japan USA have similar political structures. The Emperor is the head of the state, but the real power resides in the parliament and is mainly held by the Prime Minister.( House of Councillors, 2008). In USA, different states have the power to regulate businesses; whereas in Japan, regulations are laid down by the Diet and enforced throughout the country. This indicates that there are less complicated and less conflicting regulations to be concerned about when International businesses seek entry into the Japanese market. ( House of councillors, The constitution of Japan, as promulgated on November 3, 1946). (http://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/index.htm) Economic Factors: Measured on a purchasing power parity basis, Japan is the 3rd largest economy in the world. But going by the official exchange rates, Japan would emerge as the 2nd largest economy, behind USA. Japan had a spectacular economical growth in the 1980s, however, growth slowed down considerably in the 1990s. Japan entered into recession in 2008, with 2009 marking a return to near 0% interest rates( CIA, as accessed on 24th oct,2010) with its GDP rising to 5.3%, when compared to 1.2% in 2008. Socio-cultural: Individuals from varied backgrounds are exposed to different traditions, rituals, customs and religions. All these factors provide human beings with various learning environments, which cause significant variations in standards, behaviour, attitudes and beliefs (David,1998). A comparison of the subsidiary parent countries is important for the success of a business seeking to expand in the foreign market, as this would lead to a better understanding of the local market. The Japanese as opposed to the Americans act more collectively and tend to be loyal to their respective groups. The Japanese often sacrifice their personal goals and ambitions to promote group interests. A low context society in USA shows that Americans are more direct in their communications and their messages are explicit. Whereas the Japanese use indirect ways to communicate and their voice intonation, timing and expressions play important roles in conveying information. (David, 1998) Technological: Technological factors greatly influence business strategies as they provide an opportunity to exploit innovations and inventions. Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world and ranks 18th on the list.(http://gpmgroup.info/2007/04/27/the-most-technologically-advanced-countries). Thus it is more convenient to introduce technologically driven customer service into the Japanese market. There is scope for incorporating the American system of internet ordering in to Japan with the intension of faster service. Starbucks is continuously searching for ways to better a customers experience. With the introduction of the Starbucks Card for example, the Company has created the opportunity to improve customer service, shorten lines and make a customers visit at Starbucks quicker and more convenient. Also, most stores are equipped with WI-FI. Legal: There are no significant legal factors to consider while entering the Japanese market. Though, Starbucks has chosen to enter through a joint venture with SAZABY Inc., a Japanese retailer and restaurateur, because of the peculiarities of the local market. By doing so, Starbucks has given itself a better chance of exploiting the market as SAZABY would have a better understanding of how the Japanese consumers viewed food and coffee.(http://www.docshare.com/doc/155323/Starbucks-global-expansion-strategy2) Porters Five Forces Competition Tullys Coffee, Gloria Jeans, Caribou Coffee etc. Competitors selling similar products, incl. specialty coffees high quality food. Competition nowhere in terms of volume of operations. Threat of new entrants Controlled access of distribution channels Innovation product differentiation Bargaining power of buyers More options due to no. of competitors. Large variety of products. Bargaining power of suppliers Overcrowding of market. Rise in prices of coffee beans. Choose suppliers based on quality, social, environmental economic issues Threat from substitutes Tea Soft drinks Juices Marketing Strategy to Enhance Profitability in the next 2 years: Segmentation: Segmentation is dividing the consumer market into distinct groups based on each individual groups wants, needs, preferences and behaviour. Starbucks is a company that embraces diversity, not limiting themselves to one specific demographic, behavioral, or geographic segment. Individuals appreciate how, regardless of any little difference, at Starbucks they are always treated as equals. (starbucks.com) Taking the demographic factor as the desired basis for segmentation: Gender: Sixty percent of Starbucks Japan market are woman customers in their 20s and 30s. (http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020819slug=starbucks19). Hence Starbucks should further penetrate the market by retaining the woman customer base and increasing its appeal amongst them by providing incentives in terms of products, ambience and experience. Age: Most of Starbucks customers are educated, working personnel who can afford the high prices of the products offered. Starbucks has a limited consumer base with females in the age group of 25-39 forming their major share of consumers.(http://www.euromonitor.com/Japan_a_nation_of_coffee_lovers). It should reach out to the younger and much older groups by introducing a line of nutritional beverages. Education Income: Starbucks genius was to redefine the meaning of affordability regarding coffee. Target consumers were identified with regards to their living environment, level of income and education. They were convinced to pay premium prices for the experience, service and quality they were getting. The company was able to capture the changing consumer behaviour since the 1980s: more out-of-home entertainment, more self- gratification from consumers towards a good movie, a good glass of wine and a good cup of coffee. By raising the perceived value of the product for the consumer, Starbucks was able to raise its prices while keeping the product affordable. Creating brand loyalty through quality and innovation was also an important factor in decreasing the price elasticity of this commodity product. Thus, Starbucks should maintain this strategy and look less towards price reduction and more towards quality enhancement, a characteristic that has helped it build its brand. Targeting: Starbucks should practice differentiated targeting as it should try and capture a more wider section of the society. As it has identified the female gender to be its major consumers, Starbucks should retain this market and further expand it by targeting the woman clientele and coming out with more products that appeal to them. Also in order that it recieves a larger share of the male consumers, it should try and blend with the Japanese culture and accept their preference for smoking in some stores. Starbucks has already established its image amongst the educated and high income society. But, it should go one step further by seperately targeting the younger generation who are bound to follow in the footsteps of their peers and elders. In order that it recieves more number of teenagers, it should try and develop an atmosphere within its stores in terms of products and store experience that would appeal to the teens. Product Positioning: Starbucks is listening to the needs of the educated by devoting its business and research to developing ways to cater to this groups wants and needs. In addition to further building on its product quality and in-store customer experience, Starbucks should make itself more accessible to a wide variety of people by opening several quick stop services that would cater to the new generation of coffee drinkers because college-age students and the general population are always in a rush with little time to spare. The quick stop services and kiosks will make the process of buying coffee easier by eliminating long lines and creating alternative ways to buy coffee faster and will avoid the prospect of impatient customers. Starbucks should position itself as a brand not reserved only for the premium, high income society, but as a quality store that reflects on the needs and wants of all. As most Japanese are health conscious, it should try and build an image which does not discourage the teens and older people from visiting its stores. By bringing out more food items that match the Japanese palate, it should position its brand image as An American taste induced with Japanese flavors. Using the Marketing Mix to assist the chosen growth strategy: 1. Product: Diversify the product line: The tradition of tea drinking in Japan has been prevalent from the early beginning. There are many varieties of tea, and some of them, especially Green tea can be bought anywhere. Tea has proved to be a popular drink for most Japanese because of its wide variety of tastes. Thus, by introducing a few select varieties of tea in its store outlets, it would touch at the roots of the consumers. It would directly be percieved as a renowned American brand that cares to accomodate the Japanese tastes. (http://azjatycka.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/international-marketing-strategy-of-starbucks-in-japan-success-or-a-failure/). The presence of soybean in Japanese dishes is indispensable. Its not only widely accepted as the staple ingredient in Japanese dishes,be it rice, curd or soup, but also has great nutritional value. It finds its place in Japanese breakfast, lunch and dinner. It contains a chemical, soy isoflavones, which when accumulated in the body, functions like the female sex hormone(estrogen), which in turn promotes bone formation. Hence it is considered useful for post-menopausal women whose estrogen levels are low. Also soy isoflavones has been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 40%.( http://www.mindfully.org/GE/2003/Kikkoman-Non-GM-Soy22jun03.htm). Since Starbucks has found its presence to be more popular among woman, it will only increase its appeal to them by introducing a variety of beverages and food items that contain soybean in its diet. It should also bring about innovations in its product line, making them more nutritious to consume, thus forwarding its appeal to the health c onscious society. Introduce a line of health drinks, fruit juices that would attract teenagers who percieve Starbucks as a high end store selling speciality coffee. The presence of flavored non-caffeine drinks would help capture the teen market. 2. Place: Diversify its stores: Many critics had expected Starbucks to fail because of its strict no-smoking policy within its stores. The general Japanese customer prefers to smoke with food and drinks. But this strategy attracted many young health concious women who then accounted for Starbucks majority sales.(http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020819slug=starbucks19). Although starbucks has so far managed to sustain its growth, competitors with a tolerance to smoking are providing good reason for its drop in sales in recent years. Hence,in order to attract a more varied clientele and improve profitability, Starbucks should make an exception in the case of Japan and introduce some stores that accept smoking; adapt to its culture. They could still stick to their rationality behind no-smoking environment to preserve the aromas flavors of the coffee beans(Starbucks website) by not allowing in-store smoking. Certain stores with a wider space facility could bring in open-air seating arrangemen ts. This way, those who wish to smoke can take a seat outside and enjoy a starbuck coffee. Another way would be to introduce balconies in some stores that have 2 or 3 storeys. Build on its in-store experience: Starbucks should build more in its store atmosphere rather focus on building drive-through outlets. In Japan 80% of the coffee consumers like to drink inside the store, while relishing the ambience.(chozick,2006). Although starbucks has an untarnished brand image, it should further build on its superior quality of store atmosphere in order to remain competitive and keep up sales. The hygiene of the stores, book readings, baby changing stations, sleek furniture and posh interiors are the key to its ability to provide a quality customer experience. Given that the majority of its customers are women and the Japanese love for the English language, it should transform certain sections of the store to accomodate a reading section that would comprise more of women oriented magazines and books that teach english. Choose a larger number of distribution units: Starbucks should improvise on its plan to introduce its instant coffee-starbucks VIA across convenience stores in Japan. It had announced the launch of its instant products in 11000 convenience and grocery stores in september. (http://www.finchannel.com/Main_News/Business/70201_Starbucks_VIA_Ready_Brew_Hits_Grocery_Aisles_Around_the_World/). By doing so, it has exposed its brand to the worlds largest instant coffee market. (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63C1NG20100413). Now the availabity of starbucks instant products is not limited only to its retail outlets. However, the presence of its competitors( Nestle and Kraft) in the instant coffee segment is more widespread and well established. Thus, it should try to capitalise on Japans $5 billion instant coffee market by providing its instant products to more number of distribution units and seal its presence. 3. Price: Prices of instant products: Starbucks should consider reducing the price of its instant products to enable higher sales. Starbucks is to sell a box of 3 VIA instant soluble sticks for 300 yen, which amounts to 100 yen per cup, and a box of 12 sticks for 1000 yen. When compared, its competitor Nescafe has a rival offering of 15 sticks for 300 yen. (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63C1NG20100413?pageNumber=2). Thus, there exists a wide price gap for its instant products and since Starbucks VIA will be occupying the same shelf space as Nescafe, Kraft etc., it would find it difficult to gain acceptance in the market. A customer would go up to the racks and find the rival offerings more viable. Hence, Starbucks should look to cut down its prices on instant products. It can afford to do so without the risk of diluting the brand image built on high end coffee, as the instant coffee would come without the experience of physically being in the store. Prices of in-store products: Starbucks prices of in-store products are higher when compared to its competitors. It is looking to further raise the prices of some 20 beverages and 5 coffee bean products. (http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/starbucks-japan-to-raise-coffee-prices). It should retain this pricing strategy as it differentiates itself from its competitors by providing an excellent quality customer experience. Also most of its outlets are located on expensive pieces of real estate in centralized, busy areas of Japan. 4. Promotion: Cultural Entertainment campaigns: Starbucks should come out with various cultural and entertainment campaigns to attract the Japanese youth, a segment of the society it has still not managed to woo successfully. Conclusion Starbucks is ahead of the rest in the Japanese coffee market, but there is still room for improvement. A decentralised structure accompanied with a mixed global strategy has helped the company to find a balance between reaching economies of scales and responding to the local market. By establishing a joint venture with local retail chain Sazaby Inc., it has reduced their risks of being unfamiliar with the market; and Starbucks has successfully gained the knowledge and channels of distribution from its partner. Starbucks strong brand image and customer loyalty has contributed to their maintaining a leading position in this market. By diversifying its target consumers and innovating its product line, it should be able to further strengthen its market share.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Smoking Cigarettes Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Example Essays

Why Smoking is Hazardous Essay written by Ren M.Chu Hi I’m here today to tell you the dangers of smoking. Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of death in our society. About one in five deaths in the US are results from using tobacco. About half all of smokers between of 35 and 69 die ahead of time the new smokers replace them. Smokers could be losing an average of 20 to 25 years of their life. Sometime I’m around an adult that smokes and when he smokes, it makes the house smell awful. I have many reasons to why I think this. It gives you aliment, shortens your life, can affect others around you and yourself. Every time you smoke, it’s like cutting 5 minutes of your life and there are many ways to quit. About 430,000 people in the US die every year from smoking related problems...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Why Junk Food Should Be Banned

Emily McLaughlin Ban Junk Food! DID YOU KNOW junk food has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and even cancer? Sure, junk food is totally yummy, but it is definitely not good for us or for the children in this country. Junk food also makes the quality of life worse. It makes you tired, and it can make you very unhealthy. There is a law going through congress right now about banning junk food in schools, and before you state your opinion, please open up your mind to see how junk food is affecting the quality of life in this country.One factor that affects the quality of life are the various diseases that affect the people in this country. 24-28% of Children in America are overweight, with 16% of them being obese. I believe that a lot of these problems could be solved if the lunches at school are healthier. These lunches at school would teach children how to put together nutritious lunches and/or snacks. Of course we cannot control what students eat outside of school, but I truly believ e that once they see how great they feel after eating a healthy meal they will want to eat better at home, too.Not only do diseases affect the quality of life, but so does your energy level. Don’t you feel more energized after you eat a healthy meal? Sometimes you feel like you can conquer anything. A Journal of American Public Health Association study concluded that children who ate healthy had significantly higher math scores than kids who didn’t. If children ate a healthy lunch, and had a test after, I guarantee you they’d do better on it because they would feel more awake and energized. The test scores in America would show an increase and our students would have more confidence.Along with diseases and energy level, your health affects your quality of life. In an AARP study people said that the key to happiness was health and family. When you’re healthy, you’re happy. Eating right can change how you view yourself and it gives you the energy to make other changes in your life, too. It’s important to eat right, but it’s also very important to teach the children in this country how to eat right, too. I know there are many people that oppose my view on this ban, but do they really realize what junk food can do to someone’s body?I can name five things that junk food does to your body. Number one: Junk food can make wrinkles appear earlier than they actually should! Number two: Bloating! Ladies, don’t we just hate that? Number three: Heartburn. Number four: Mood swings. Number five: Junk food can cause headaches. These are just a few of the things that junk food can do to you. I hope I have enlightened you. Before you vote on this law remember that junk food causes various diseases, makes energy levels go down, and causes moods to drop. Remember to vote YES to banning junk food in schools.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 12

Micha â€Å"Dude, where the fuck is your head today?† Ethan asks and seconds later a grease rag hits me in the face. I throw it back at him, hard. â€Å"You're starting to piss me off with this crap.† Ethan widens his eyes exaggeratedly. â€Å"Whatever man. You've been so distracted for the last two days.† He sticks his head back under the hood. â€Å"And I'm not going to say why.† â€Å"Good, because I don't want to hear it.† I round the back of my car and eye over the tools on the wall of the garage. I grab a rusty toolbox, one of the few things my dad left behind, and toss it into the garbage can. He called again this morning, begging on the answering machine for either my mom or I to pick up. Ethan raises his head up and eyes the garbage can. â€Å"Wanna explain what that was for?† â€Å"Nope.† I pick up a wrench and start working on the car. We work on it for a while, but it's hot and I'm getting more pissed off at my dad by the second. Finally, I move back and throw the wrench down onto the concrete. Ethan doesn't ask questions this time. â€Å"We should have a party tonight,† I announce, unable to hold still. â€Å"A big one, like the one we had on graduation night.† â€Å"You really want to relive that night?† Ethan backs out from under the hood. â€Å"Because I'm not sure I do.† I step outside into the sunlight, determined to get my mind off stuff. â€Å"What you can't remember doesn't hurt, right?† â€Å"I don't think you want to go there.† Ethan walks next to me and we stare down the driveway at an old guy pushing a shopping cart. â€Å"There are plenty of times in my life I wish I could remember – that I'd give anything to remember – but I can't. I lost like a year of my life. It's better to stay within the boundaries of a semi-clear head. Besides, this doesn't sound like you at all. What's up?† â€Å"Nothing's up.† I sigh, raking my fingers through my hair. â€Å"I'm just thinking out loud.† Ethan returns to the garage and starts working on the engine again. Around sophomore year, he started hanging out with these kids at school, who had really heavy views on the world and liked to sit around and get high while they talked about it. Ethan somehow ended up being friends with them, and within a month, he had dropped out of school and got into some pretty heavy shit. A year later he made the decision to get some help. He cleaned up his life, cut the habits, and worked the hell out of himself to catch up in school. He was a grade behind, but managed to graduate with our year. Looking at him, you wouldn't guess. The side door of Ella's house swings open and Lila steps out. She looks upset, although not as bad as she did last night. She glances up the driveway at the house across the street, where there's a very loud game of tackle football going on in the front yard. Her eyes roam to my house and then widen when she sees that I'm watching her. She gives a tentative wave from the top step. â€Å"Hey, Micha.† â€Å"What's up?† I say with a nod of my chin. â€Å"Is Ella up yet?† Shielding her blue eyes from the sun, she looks up at Ella's window. â€Å"Yeah, she said she'd be out in a second. She's just talking to her brother.† â€Å"He's not being a dick, is he?† â€Å"I'm not sure what constitutes as a brother being a dick, since I don't have one.† A smile cracks at her lips. I walk toward the fence, pulling up my jeans that are riding low on my hips. â€Å"There's no yelling going on?† Lila shakes her head and meets me at the fence, plucking some of her blonde hair away from her mouth. â€Å"But Ella's not much of a yeller, is she?† I rest my arms on the top of the fence. â€Å"It depends on which one we're talking about.† Her face falls. â€Å"How could I know her for eight freaking months and not know anything about her. It must say something about me, right?† I feel bad for her. â€Å"I think Ella kind of made it her mission to keep who she was hidden from you. It's not your fault.† She eyes me over with this suspicious look. â€Å"Honestly, it seems like she's that way with everyone, except for you.† â€Å"We've known each other forever,† I say. â€Å"We have a comfortable relationship.† Her blue eyes twinkle with mischievousness. â€Å"One where you feel her up in the car?† â€Å"It feels like you're trying to start some trouble,† I say, liking the girl even more. â€Å"Maybe I am.† She leans over the fence to the side of me so she can get a better view of the inside of the garage. â€Å"Is that Ethan in there?† I step back so she can get a better look. â€Å"Yep, he's working on the car.† â€Å"I think I'll go give him some help.† A grin spans across her face and she hops over the fence, squealing as her shoe gets caught in the wire. Trying not to laugh at her, I unhook her shoe and she walks into the garage, surprising Ethan. The door to Ella's house opens and my attention centers on her as she steps out into the sunlight. She's wearing a tight, black and purple plaid dress, and knee high lace-up boots, but her hair is curled up neatly. It's like a mix of her old look and her new one. Her face is guarded as she ambles across the driveway, with this strange look in her eyes, like she's terrified yet excited at the same time. â€Å"Did Lila come out here?† She bites her lip and I want to lean over and bite it for her; taste her and feel her like I did last night. Without taking my eyes off her, I nod my head at the garage. â€Å"She's in there with Ethan. I think she might have a thing for him.† â€Å"I think you're right.† She pauses. â€Å"I think I might have freaked her out a little, just barely.† â€Å"You mean you and Dean might have freaked her out a little?† â€Å"She told you I was talking to Dean?† â€Å"She mentioned it.† I extend my hand to her. â€Å"Why don't you come over and join the party on this side of the fence?† â€Å"A party of four?† she asks, trying not to grin and looking as cute as hell. I snag her by the hip, jerk her toward me playfully, and dip my lips to her ear. â€Å"It can be a party of two. Just say the word.† She shivers from the feel of my breath on her neck. â€Å"I think we better keep it a foursome.† I press my fingers into the curve of her hips. â€Å"I didn't know you liked it kinky.† She swats my shoulder and I laugh, my dad problems feeling less heavy. â€Å"Relax, I was just kidding, even though you're the one who brought it up first.† â€Å"I was joking.† â€Å"I know†¦ I think I am going to have a party tonight.† â€Å"Don't you have one of those every night?† I cock my eyebrow. â€Å"Besides the night you showed up, have you seen one going on?† She wrinkles her forehead. â€Å"No.† She sits down on the fence, swinging her legs over to my side. â€Å"Micha, what have you been doing for the last eight months?† â€Å"Pinning for you.† I avoid the truth. That I haven't been doing much of anything besides looking for her and helping my mom take care of things. She tucks her dress underneath her legs and I get a small glimpse of the black lacy panties she has on. â€Å"Where do you work?† Against her protest, I spread her legs apart and put myself between them. â€Å"I work at the shop with Ethan a lot, but it's not going to be forever. I have plans. I'm still working on getting everything lined up.† She places her hands on my chest, holding me back. â€Å"I think the lines between our friendship are getting a little blurred.† â€Å"That happened a long time ago,† I tell her, gliding my palms up the sides of her bare legs. â€Å"At least for me it did.† Her jaw tightens. â€Å"It's things like that which make them blurry and things last night†¦ and things like in the car.† â€Å"There seems to be a lot of things, which I think might be a hint that you and I belong together.† Her eyes snap wide and I back off to try another tactic. She needs to smile and let those stressed lips free. I pinch her side and she squeals. â€Å"Don't do that,† she says, holding back a laugh. â€Å"You know I hate being tickled.† I graze my fingers across her other side and she squirms, before falling over the fence and landing on her back in the grass. I leap over the fence easily as she scrambles to her feet. She narrows her eyes, backing toward her back door. I run up to the side of her and she skitters out of my reach. She glances at the door and then at the front yard, which is closer to her. â€Å"Micha, seriously,† she warns. â€Å"We're too old for this.† I spread my arms out to the side innocently. â€Å"I'm not doing anything.† Her eyes flick to her house one last time and then shaking her head, she spins around and runs for the front yard. I give her a head start before I sprint off after her. When I round the house, she's up on the front porch, jiggling the door knob. I laugh at her. â€Å"Is it locked?† She heaves a frustrated sigh and hops over the railing, slipping on the grass. â€Å"Dammit Micha! I'm so going to kick your ass for this.† â€Å"I'm planning on holding you to that threat.† I jog after her across the neighbor's yard. She races across the grass, her hair falling out of a clip. She leaps over the brick fence into the next yard and smashes a row of flowers. Without using my hands, I hop onto the fence, but trip during my dismount and fall on my knees. She freezes in the middle of the lawn and starts to laugh at me. â€Å"You so deserved that.† I get to my feet, dusting the dirt off my knees, and a dark smile rises on my face. â€Å"You think that's funny?† Her eyes sparkle and it's worth the fall. â€Å"You look ridiculous.† â€Å"Do I?† I take a step toward her. She takes a step back. â€Å"You do.† Abruptly the sprinklers turn on, drenching the grass and her. She screams and covers her head with her arms. â€Å"Serves you right for laughing at me,† I say with a grin. She lets her arms fall to the side and smirks. â€Å"Well, at least it keeps you away from me.† Her dress is clinging to her body in all the right places and pieces of her wet hair stick to the sides of her face. She begins to twirl in circles with her hands up above her head. â€Å"You're beautiful,† I say, unable to help myself. Ella Micha looks ridiculous and I can't help but laugh. I haven't laughed in so long that it feels unnatural leaving my mouth. It's like we're kids again, as if this moment belongs in another time where things are weightless and full of sunshine. As I'm laughing at him, the sprinklers turn on and my clothes instantly get soaked. At first I squeal, but then I let go, lifting my hands above my head and twirling in the water, figuring he won't come in after me. He calls out something about me being beautiful and then he charges into the sprinklers, completely blind-siding me. His arms snake around my waist and we collapse to the ground but Micha holds my weight up, so I land on the wet grass gently. â€Å"Micha,† I say, trying to be serious. â€Å"Don't do it. You know how much I hate being tickled.† â€Å"Which makes it even more appealing.† Water beads in his hair, his long eyelashes, his lips. With one hand, he pins my arms above my head and presses his body against mine. My wet clothes cling to my skin and I can feel every part of him. â€Å"I take that back. This is more appealing.† He lets his hand move up my ribs, his thumb sketching along the ridges, sending my body into a frenzy. I stop fighting him and lay perfectly still. Water sprinkles our faces as he lowers his lips to mine. Our wet tongues twine together, full of desire as they collide. A strange, unfamiliar feeling opens inside of me again and my legs fall apart and hook around his waist, requesting more of him, like they did last night. Micha draws back, looking surprised as he glances at the house to the side of us and then at the street. Then he lets out an untamed growl and deepens the kiss, thrusting his tongue deep into my mouth. I suck on his bottom lip and trace my tongue along his lip ring. It sends a quiver through his body and I'm secretly pleased, but my pleasure confuses me. â€Å"Ella,† he groans and then kisses me fiercely. His hand travels upward and cups my breasts. His thumb circles around my nipple and through the wet fabric of my clothes, the feeling is mind blowing. It's driving me wild and my knees vice-grip against his hips. A moan laced with ecstasy crumbles from my lips. I'm starting to lose control again and it's alarming. I try to get past it this time, but it consumes me and I have to stop. After a lot of effort, I get my arms between our bodies and I push him away. â€Å"We should get back.† I look at the brick home of the yard we're laying in. â€Å"Besides if Miss Fenerly comes out, she'll have a heart attack.† Micha's aqua eyes penetrate me. There's mud on his forehead and grass in the locks of his blonde hair. â€Å"If that's what you want.† Maneuvering to his feet, he takes my hand and lifts me to mine. He plucks pieces of grass out of my hair and lets his hand linger on my cheek. Holding hands, we walk across the grass and down the sidewalk, leaving a trail of water behind us and something else. Something invisible to the outside eye, but to me it's more noticeable than the sun in the sky.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Research Paper Sample on Abortion Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion

Research Paper Sample on Abortion Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion There is an increasing number of abortion cases throughout the world. Just take into consideration the numbers: 56 million induced abortions occur each year worldwide; 64% of all global abortions (i.e. about 36 million) occur in Asia; About 879,000 abortions took place in the United States in 2017. Additionally, you can get familiar with worldwide abortion statistics closer to estimate the scale of the problem the problem when more and more women tend to end a pregnancy so that the baby is not born alive. However, it isn’t always a problem but a necessity for a woman. Plunge into the research process on this topic and come up with results with the help of this article it consists of useful information to include in your research paper on abortion. Research Paper Introduction What Is the Research Problem? What Is Abortion? Abortion is the termination of pregnancy. It is the removal of the fetus before it is viable. It is usually done before the fetus gets to 25 weeks old. It is either spontaneous or induced abortion. In developed countries, abortion is legal whereas most developing countries do not encourage and permit abortion. This brings about the differences in safe and unsafe abortions. For example, unsafe abortion accounts for over 70,000 maternal deaths worldwide. Abortion has a long history. In the past, it was done with the help of crude tools such as sharpened tools, physical trauma, and other traditional methods. With the advancement in the field of medicine, contemporary methods of abortion are now used: Medication abortion involves taking medicines to end a pregnancy. A surgical abortion is meant to use medical instruments to remove the pregnancy. The Status of Abortion in the World Each country in the world has different legality, cultural and religious statuses and prevalence of abortion. The ethical principles towards abortion and the removal of pregnancies also vary. Countries such as the United States of America and Britain have heated politics surrounding the issue of abortion in pro-life and pro-choice campaigns. Most governments in the developed countries have legalized abortion. Many developing and underdeveloped countries have not legalized abortion and have no control over what is done by the medical personnel. Abortion and childbirth complications have been the leading causes of maternal deaths the world over. With the advent of the 21st century, maternal deaths have declined. This has been attributed to education on family planning as well as the use of contraceptives. The Discussion Part of a Research Paper What to Cover? Induced abortion A third of pregnancies occurring in the world today are unintended. A fifth of these pregnancies ends up in induced abortion. Induced abortion is the forceful removal of the fetus from the womb of the mother. The gestation age of the fetus is the determining factor of what procedures could be used to conduct the abortion. The procedure is also limited by the legality of abortion in that country, doctor-patient preference and the regional availability of such services. Induced abortion is either therapeutic or elective. Therapeutic abortion is done by medical personnel in an effort to save the lives of patients. Patients suffering from such things as illnesses, multiple pregnancies and complications could have this procedure done on them to avoid having complications at childbirth that may lead to loss of life. Elective abortion is done at the request of the woman. This is usually done for non-medical reasons. Spontaneous Abortion It is commonly referred to as miscarriages. They are unintentional. They usually occur before the 20th and 24th week. Many pregnancies are usually lost before doctors are aware of the presence of an embryo in the uterus. Spontaneous abortion is caused by chromosomal abnormalities, vascular diseases, diabetes, infections, uterus abnormalities and trauma among others. The most frequent causes of spontaneous abortion are age and a history of spontaneous abortions. Accidents and trauma have also been linked with the high rates of miscarriages among women. 6 Causes of Abortion Abortion is caused by a myriad of factors among them social, religious and economic factors. The society’s desire for convenience has been a factor influencing the rates of abortion. Children and pregnancy are seen as a hindrance to a lot of fun and pleasure. One would easily remove the pregnancy in pursuit of this pleasure. The society accepts this circumstance and even encourages it by allowing governments to legalize abortion. The lack of respect for life is a religious factor toward promoting abortion. People no longer appreciate new life forms. One would not think twice before doing an abortion. Raging debates have come up suggesting that a foetus is not a life form until it is born. Such debates could easily change people’s mindsets to disregard life. Economic issues including poverty and insufficient funding have promoted abortion. Many young mothers have opted to do an abortion citing the inability to take care of the child once it is born. Usually, such young girls do not have an income to support themselves leave the unborn child. Stigma has contributed a lot in ensuring that abortion becomes a common thing. Girls who get pregnant while still very young get criticism, especially in developing countries. In most cultures, such a thing was unheard of. It was unheard of for one to get a child outside marriage. If one would have such a child, she would be excommunicated. Developing countries have not fully come out of this and girls who get pregnant whilst young are looked upon as ill-mannered individuals. Rape has been a big reason why people abort their children. When rape has occurred, and one does not intend to keep the pregnancy, she would choose not to keep the baby. The experience of being raped is too big a burden that the evidence of such an ordeal in the form of a child would not be acceptable. Many girls would quickly abort to rid themselves of this psychological trauma. Young girls have a better chance of furthering their education once they get rid of the child. In African countries, for instance, a young girl getting pregnant means that she has to be married off immediately. This would ruin her chances of ever getting formal education again. Getting rid of the baby provides an easier way out in the quest for education and a brighter future. 2 Methods Used to Carry Out Abortion There are two main methods used during abortions i.e. use of the abortion pill and surgical removal. The abortion pill is used for pregnancies up to nine weeks old. A combination of two drugs is taken. They are taken within 48 hours. The effect of the drugs is that the womb contracts and sheds its lining. The process is painful. This pain is experienced on the lower abdomen. It may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Surgical removal can be done when the foetus is at 13 to 14 weeks. A sterile tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. Suction is done pulling out all the materials in the uterus. The woman may leave the hospital the same day after the procedure has been done. At 14 and 15 weeks, surgical dilation is done using forceps to remove the unwanted foetus. 3 Common Complications of Abortion The most common is bleeding. Bleeding occurs normally for a few weeks. It decreases as one nears weeks 5 and 6. In cases of excessive bleeding, there are chances that the uterus may not have been emptied completely. Pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease affects the vaginal area. The vagina produces an unpleasant vaginal discharge. The body temperature of the individual rises, and she experiences severe abdominal pains. Inflammation may happen in the womb due to emptying problems. It may be caused because the womb had not been completely emptied. This would require that a new evacuation be done for the woman. Pain is a normal problem for the abortion process. It is often relieved by using painkillers. In instances where there is excessive pain, one should consult the doctor to have her uterus rechecked. The uterus may be punctured especially during surgical termination of pregnancy. The tools used may create a hole in the uterus causing complications. Such a patient is kept in the hospital for observation and check up. 5 Advantages of Abortion Abortion gives a chance to young women especially those below the age of 21 years to pursue their education. A young girl caught in a situation where she has to carry the child to term will mean that she cannot do anything else. She would have to stop learning at some point to address the needs of the child. Most likely, she would have to stop schooling all together to take care of the child. By getting rid of the foetus, she is able to continue pursuing her educational needs. Abortion has been of help to women with health issues. Women with diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and sickle cell anemia have been able to avoid serious medical complications that arise from childbirth through abortions. Such complications could easily lead to loss of life. Usually, a doctor may prescribe such a procedure when he realizes that the life of the mother is in danger. Abortion gives women an identity. In the chauvinistic societies, women have no power at all over their reproductive sense. The inculcation of abortion into laws and codes of ethics has helped the women by giving them power over their sexuality. Abortion has been used to control family size. Parents have used abortion as a way to reduce the number of children that they may get. They would discuss whether they wanted the baby or not and would remove it in case they do not want it. This helps regulate the number of children and aids in family planning. Abortion is done by rape victims who have found solace in the fact that they could easily remove such children that would arise from such action. Rape victims would not want to keep the baby because of psychological trauma that they would associate this child to. Removal of the child would remain the best option to end this. 6 Disadvantages of Abortion Abortion indicates brutality to the unborn child. This is because abortion is killing. It does not give the new foetus a chance to survive. It is hinged on religion, which condemns the act saying that all are equal before Almighty. The spiritual books go against the very idea of abortion. Abortion encourages infidelity by women. Women would engage in sexual acts outside the marriage context with the view that they would remove such fetuses if they happened to implant themselves in their uterus. Once a woman gets pregnant, she would easily remove the pregnancy and continue with her life. Abortion has the potential of lessens chances of a woman getting a child later in life. Abortion interferes with the uterine wall. At other instances, it may lead to total damage to the uterus. This would result in bareness hence a woman would not get a child when she needs it later in her life. Such actions may also cause hormonal imbalances that could be attributed to the barren nature of the women later in their lives. Abortion promotes irresponsible behavior. This is because it gives women and men alike the freedom to commit careless sexual activities. This is because they know that they could easily get rid of the pregnancy if they so wish to. This freedom makes them care less about their sexuality. Concurrent abortions may lead to medical complications. Some of these complications include uterine infections, recurrent miscarriages, and sepsis among others. Consistent use of such methods causes the hormones to change. This means that the hormones are tuned to a program where they cannot sustain a full pregnancy to term. The body gets used to rejecting any pregnancy hence the case of consistent miscarriages may pop up. Abortion may end up causing psychological impairments. Examples of this include depression and guilt. Some women may feel depressed after losing their baby. This could be the case especially if the child was their first and the abortion was done as a medical thing that they had no control over. Continuous miscarriages may cause such individuals to stress and eventual depression. This would ultimately affect the biology of the mother affecting the subsequent pregnancies. This is because the brain would have been tuned to reject any pregnancies due to such depression. Conclusion And So What in the Final Count? Abortion is a social, medical and a religious issue. It is entrenched into the legal laws of every country in the world in one way or another. It has a place in the lives of individuals directly or indirectly. Ethical values arise out of such deeds as abortion that determines the direction that one chooses. Other mechanisms that control abortion include the legal and religious aspects of society. Providing the necessary support in the form of financial aid and psychological support to mothers contemplating abortion could serve as the best way to curb such deaths resulting from abortion. There are advantages and disadvantages of abortion of almost equal measure. Abortion presents a double-edged sword in its advantages and disadvantages to individuals and society. It should be after careful consideration that abortion should be done.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Advertising Variety Essays

Advertising Variety Essays Advertising Variety Essay Advertising Variety Essay The production of goods without quick sale is to no purpose. We have different kind of advertisement to promote sales. Advertisement gives information about new products, about health and safety is called informative advertisement. The kind of advertisement that persuades peoples to buy thing is called persuasive advertisement. Persuasive advertisement is directed to consumers who do not need to buy products very much. However, through effective advertisement they are brought round to buy them. Then there is deceptive advertisement. Deceptive advertising makes peoples believe products or goods to better then they are. When persuasive advertising becomes deceptive, the results are often negative. We look at the innumerable posters, notices, small boards and hoardings, huge boards on the outside of buildings and banners for advertisement at road crossings and street corners or in busy public places. At night the advertisement are well lit, and they seems to add glamour to the areas around. However, the large hoardings or billboards with pictures and slogans only block the view of natural scenery and restrict pennes. Advertisement is something of a necessity in the modern world of competition and conflicts. Firstly, they introduce the new products to the general public; for example, the public comes to know readily of some new medicines for diseases, effective techniques of constructing houses through companies having specialized knowledge. The government advertises its schemes and policies to inform the public and to make it participate in them. It has advertised in the past its new housing plans, saving schemes, educational policies, issue of identity card etc. Mom off and on. Advertisement in newspapers for job in government departments and private organizations are highly useful. They help the offices and agencies to get readily trained manpower from the public. They help the educated public to get jobs and production centers through newspaper advertisements. The education private sector mostly depends on advertisement and publicity to attract students to educational institute. Advertising of cigarettes, undesirable dress, expensive food, harmful soft drink and the time wasting games should be discouraged. Cosmetic and items of make-up that cause waste of time and money and also negative effect on the health should not be put up at public places. Any advertisement that effect health and character negatively and helps develop bad habits should immediately be disallowed by the government. The advertisement who misinform the public about their products and services and about those of their competitors should be tried in court of law and punished. There should be strict law for this, which carefully and forcefully implemented. Advertisement should be developed as an art that pleases and inform the peoples rightly about the best products and services. It should be not misused for popularizing of defective or expensive industrial goods, expensive luxuries, foreign products and even publications that can be harm full to the people in any way. Having investigated this branch we can made next conclusion: advertisement has become our need. For launch new products we have to advertise that product. And then that product will start running if that product has some quality.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

#1 - the effectiveness of graphic organizers #2 -Learning vocabulary Article

#1 - the effectiveness of graphic organizers #2 -Learning vocabulary through reading - Article Example There were earlier studies in the area, though limited in scope, which have brought out the positive aspects of graphic organizers. The reviewed study aims to provide additional knowledge in the recently implemented systems where remedial students and students with learning disabilities are mainstreamed, and it could ostensibly lead to significant research in the field. The review of literature is carried out promptly, mentioning studies in the field by Bergerud, Lovitt, and Horton, Darch and Carnine, Sinatra et.al., Scruggs et.al., Mastropieri et. al., and so on. The review goes in detail to the significance of their studies and critically evaluates them, establishing the necessity of the present study. It also establishes a theoretical framework, holds scope to make use of the effectiveness of graphic organizers for students with learning handicap to the relatively new aspect of mainstream instruction. The authors succeed in relating previous research to their work. The study has three research questions which are hypothesized in affirmative answers. The questions are: 1. are the graphic organizers more effective than self-study condition for the three classifications mentioned? 2. do graphic organizers produce consistent effects in middle school and high school across a variety of content area classes? and 3. can teachers successfully implement graphic organizers with heterogeneous groups through teacher-directed and student-directed procedures? The hypothesis is consistent with theory and known facts. It is explained as testable, and promised to provide expected results. The methodology is explained with sufficient clarity so as to allow future researchers to replicate it for their purposes. The population used is selected from nine whole classes of three each from middle school science, middle school social studies and high school social studies. From each subject area, two classes are randomly selected to serve as experimental groups and

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Coursework Assignment BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE VIEW ON MARKET BUBBLES Essay

Coursework Assignment BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE VIEW ON MARKET BUBBLES - Essay Example During the period of tulip mania it has been observed that the cost of a single tulip had surpassed the average income of an expert employee. The period of tulip mania was considered to be a golden age in the Dutch calendar where the prices of the tulip bulbs reached to an unexpected extent (Thompson, 2006). Literature Review and Explanation of Tulip Mania (of the 17th century) At present time, Dutch flower industry comprise about 70% of global flower production and about 90% of global flower trade. From the past time, Dutch flowers were traded to Europe, where the bulbs of flowers were sold with significant amount of prices. Among all the flowers, Tulip flower is significantly interrelated with the life of Dutch people. Dutch people were quite ecstatic about the tulip flowers. From the historical evidence, it can be observed that Dutch people consider tulips as a symbol of fortune in their life. Throughout the period of 1636 it has been observed that the costs of tulip bulbs became extensively which initiated the event, tulip mania (Goldgar, 2007). Historical Explanation of Tulip Mania (of the 17th century) Tulip was first originated in the year 1593, by a botanist named, Carolus Clusius, who carried tulip plant from Constantinople to Holland. He embedded a small garden to investigate the plant for medicinal purposes. Due to certain perceptions about tulip, the flower soon became a fashion icon among affluent people of Holland. As a result, its demand as well as prices started to increase. Momentarily usual tulip bulbs began selling at higher rate in the flower market (Wood, 2012). Key Elements or Structure of Tulip Mania (of the 17th century) With increasing demand of tulips, different marketers started to make investments on planting tulips which provided less risks and high profits. From historical evidences, it can be observed that in the initial period, tulip plantation yielded better profits, but after some years there was sudden fall in the growth of th e business. Nevertheless, new guidelines were applied for tulip production, but the firms and the industry faced losses due to rises in the prices of buds (Thompson, 2006). Behavioural Finance Phenomena of Tulip Mania (of the 17th century) The behavioural finance phenomena related to tulip mania of 17th Century provided insight about both prosperous and collision of the market of tulip bulbs. The tulip mania had led to extending negative consequences in the Dutch economy. The effects of tulip mania were so brutal in the sense that it led to liquidation of the economy. In the context of tulip mania of 17th century, it can be argued that in the initial period, the prices of the tulip bulbs were not quite high. However, when the tulip buds were carried in Europe, investors from different foreign markets collected those buds and spread in the market. Nevertheless, as time passed there was certain decrease in the demand of tulip bulbs for farmers because of certain risks in the cultivati on. Hence, the production of tulip

Friday, October 18, 2019

Consultancy Projects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Consultancy Projects - Essay Example The inventory now stands at sixty days requirements as against 20 days stock they used to hold a year ago. The disposal of this stock is causing problems. If it is not sold it will have to be thrown away due to its perishable nature. Her suggestion has caused a furor in the company management and at a recent meeting of the Marketing and Operation Council (MOC) of the company everyone seemed to have a different opinion to solve this problem. The outcome however has been in favour of two different views. One opinion is that the company should reduce its price by 45% thereby increasing its sales volume and bring down excess inventory to far lower levels. The inherent disadvantage here is that this will encourage the competition to do the same and the result will remain the same. Unless market share is increased this move is more likely to create chaos. It will also result in loosing customer confidence as the premium status of the product will be lost. The fear is that there will be immigration of customers to other suppliers. It was further pointed out that this loss could be mitigated by selling the excess inventory by calling it a different brand. It was argued by those who advocated this first policy that this would spare the premium brand and would attract new customers looking for low end products. The second suggestion is to offer deep discount to its captive customers only. Neptune has around 300 restaurants who are its regular customers and it is proposed that they be offered up to 45% discount on additional off take. It was argued that this would not be considered as price cutting and would avoid a price war with competition. This would also target a closed market which had the potential to absorb more quantities if the price was right. This would help the restaurants increase their own customer bas by offering different fares and would not hurt the image of Neptune in the market. The

APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS - Essay Example The proponent will discuss concisely the research aims and objectives. Next to this, the proponent will show related and significant literature that may add up insight to the subject of the research. Then next to this will be the discussion of research methodology. It is through this that the proponent will detail the needed structure in order to work out the research and obtain substantial information. The other important part will be data analysis. It is through this that the proponent will analyse the data gathered in order to come up with important information as the main contribution of the entire research. Finally, ethical issues would also be included in the research. This is to ensure that the entire research process is conducted with strong emphasis on ethical considerations so as to come up with Research Aims and Objectives In this section, the proponent will discuss in general what the research is all about. Thus, the proponent will present the general aim of the research and that this research is in line with the investigation on how the channels of communication with employees might be improved in a multi national organisation. Next to this, the proponent will discuss a little background about the importance of communication in an organisation that especially deals with manpower. This will give substantial idea on the proposed objectives of the study. The following discussion is considered the background of the study that will serve as opening thoughts as far as the introduction of objectives is concerned. Communication is important because it is through this that an organisation will succeed in dealing with employees and all other aspects in the operation. Communication is one of the most important applications in the operation because it is having this that every detail in the operation will substantially be implemented. For instance, if the vision is not clear among employees, then the company will end up being hopeless in achieving its objectiv es may it be in the short-term or long-term run. In fact, communication both in its verbal and non-verbal forms is important in the operation on a daily basis because there is a real need to do so in order to interact with employees, customers and everyone in an organisation. Thus, it is important that the most effective and efficient channels of communication should be chosen especially in a multi-national companies. The only possible way to effectively improve the channels of communication that are integrated in the multinational company is to evaluate it in the first place. Such evaluation should be essentially done among the users. Thus, it is important that this study must emphasise that one of the best options is to conduct evaluation on the current channels of communication used in a multinational company. Thus, the following objectives should be included in the research process. 1. To choose a multinational company where channels of communication will be evaluated. 2. To eva luate the channels of communication in that certain organisation based on the employees feedback. 3. To evaluate the channels of communication based on their accuracy and efficiency. 4. To present a detailed conclusion and recommendation on how the channels of communication in a certain organisation might be improved. The above objectives imply that the general objective for this research is to actually choose an organisation to be

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Foreign Direct Investment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Foreign Direct Investment - Research Paper Example Acquiring equity interest in foreign countries is considered to be the most effective and easiest form DFI. From a pure financial perspective, acquiring equity interest in companies which does not give controls over the financial decisions of the local entity is not considered to be an effective FDI. By acquiring the controlling interest in a local company, a foreign country has an opportunity of obtaining strategic advantage. Another form of DFI, which has been gaining a lot of attention lately, is licensing and technology transfer between organizations. With the advancement in science and technology, the MNCs are now investing heavily in Research and Development (R&D) in order to devise cheaper, more effective and efficient ways of production. Through licensing and technology, organizations are entering into alliances with foreign entities, even academic institutions, which have brought significant advancement in the fields of medical, food and agriculture, digital media production , robotics and information technology communication. Licensing agreements are lucrative and beneficial for the companies as it allows them to take full advantage of the latest technologies and advancement, without having to expose themselves to the risk of failed R&D investments. Readymade ideas and innovations are on the shelves, and all the organization has to do, is to pay royalty. Organizations, particularly MNCs, indulge themselves in FDI bearing a defined set of motives into consideration. Enhancing profitability and shareholders wealth, reducing cost of production and improve the method of production are few. Broadly, the reasons for doing DFI can be divided into two categories; Revenue related motives and Cost related... Organizations, particularly MNCs, indulge themselves in FDI bearing a defined set of motives into consideration. Enhancing profitability and shareholders wealth, reducing the cost of production and improve the method of production are few. Broadly, the reasons for doing DFI can be divided into two categories; Revenue related motives and Cost related motives. Considering its revenue related motives, a company has to constantly evaluate the potential of its current market in order to identify whether it has been saturated to an extent where the derivation of additional revenue is impossible. These situations often arise when there is intense competition in the home country and the growth of the company has reached its threshold. In order to survive and operate profitably, the organizations then seek other horizons. Countries such as China, India, South Korea and Malaysia are few which have been attracting foreign investors lately. With the passage of time and international trade becomi ng more and more regulated, the trade barriers have been abolished and consumers of developing countries are being benefited. A Foreign market can be proved to be profitable in cases where the factor of production in the organization’s home country is expensive. Race for new and advance technology is becoming more vicarious among the giant MNCs. It is quite apparent that the organizations which are heavily technology driven are performing at a better pace when put in comparison with their competitors.

Evaluate a college website Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluate a college website - Essay Example It has a very nice layout, which is aesthetically appealing to the students. At once, the individual is exposed to the DePaul logo. Clearly, the university makes its brightest mark at the fact that it is an outstanding university with its prestigious achievements. It keys on the idea of learning and teaching, a mutual collaboration between students and teachers. If students want to apply online, it is easily navigate to the application page. Furthermore, it is one of the most The website is extremely user friendly as clear differences are made for accessibility. Students can also connect to external sites such as campus connect or desire 2 learn. The background is solid blue with white text which facilitates the overall process. All the correct information was found on the information tabs. For instance under â€Å"admissions and aid,† the tuition guidelines are listed along with financial aid. In addition, the â€Å"student life† highlights the key critical development areas for students to visit in order to harness their growth. A great thing about this website is the fact that there are no unnecessary pop ups. Since it is an educational institute, it completely eliminates that problem. Lastly, it utilizes the future technology with having links to social networking websites. Undoubtedly, this shows it understands the students and to build a network. The tuition for undergrad is $30,000 per year. It was super easy to find under â€Å"admissions and aid.† It lists out all the information for all different colleges. Since DePaul has college of commerce, law, education, and liberal arts; all have different tuition rates for each school. I would give DePaul’s website a solid A for many reasons. First and foremost is the fact that the graphical layout is very creative and attractive. In addition, it provides all the necessary information for any individual who not only wants to learn more about the college but the city itself. In addition, the website engages

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Time Management in College Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Time Management in College Education - Essay Example Proper time management in college may involve future planning, monitoring the allocation of available time, goal setting, and prioritizing tasks. Numerous tools, skills, and techniques will help the students to accomplish their goals and tasks within the set deadlines. Such methods may include goal setting, prioritizing tasks, monitoring the academic pursuit, creating a list, organizing a work schedule, and limiting procrastination. Through effective time management, college students will enjoy certain benefits that may include good performance, establishing a conducive learning environment, and focusing on priorities. Indeed, since there are numerous non-curricular commitments that limit the available study time, traditional students should embrace time management in their academic pursuit to ensure that they maximize the available study time. Indeed, the research paper will focus on the significance and direct association between time management and the provision of a college educa tion to first year traditional students.Ahmad, F. (2009). Time Management in Higher Education. Education, Business, and Society:The author in this peer review studies time management in higher education with reference to the credit hour system. In this context, the author explores in-class teaching time and course scheduling in Jordan's universities as seen in Jordan's higher educational system. Moreover, the author relates to time management with effectiveness and increased academic performance and productivity.

Evaluate a college website Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluate a college website - Essay Example It has a very nice layout, which is aesthetically appealing to the students. At once, the individual is exposed to the DePaul logo. Clearly, the university makes its brightest mark at the fact that it is an outstanding university with its prestigious achievements. It keys on the idea of learning and teaching, a mutual collaboration between students and teachers. If students want to apply online, it is easily navigate to the application page. Furthermore, it is one of the most The website is extremely user friendly as clear differences are made for accessibility. Students can also connect to external sites such as campus connect or desire 2 learn. The background is solid blue with white text which facilitates the overall process. All the correct information was found on the information tabs. For instance under â€Å"admissions and aid,† the tuition guidelines are listed along with financial aid. In addition, the â€Å"student life† highlights the key critical development areas for students to visit in order to harness their growth. A great thing about this website is the fact that there are no unnecessary pop ups. Since it is an educational institute, it completely eliminates that problem. Lastly, it utilizes the future technology with having links to social networking websites. Undoubtedly, this shows it understands the students and to build a network. The tuition for undergrad is $30,000 per year. It was super easy to find under â€Å"admissions and aid.† It lists out all the information for all different colleges. Since DePaul has college of commerce, law, education, and liberal arts; all have different tuition rates for each school. I would give DePaul’s website a solid A for many reasons. First and foremost is the fact that the graphical layout is very creative and attractive. In addition, it provides all the necessary information for any individual who not only wants to learn more about the college but the city itself. In addition, the website engages

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Mobile Phones Essay Example for Free

Mobile Phones Essay Mobile phones have had such a large impact in our modern twenty-first century societies, that they have become part and parcel of our daily lives. Nowadays, it has become the norm in our towns and villages to see people who are busy tapping on their cell phones. Mobile phones have changed the way people communicate. These devices are carried anywhere people go because they are light and easy to carry around, such that everyone is constantly in touch with others. This is very different from when home and work telephones were the only means of communication. Nowadays, people can call each other using their mobile phones wherever they are as long as there is reception, regardless of the country they are in. This can be life-saving when emergency calls are needed, while also very useful to communicate with work colleagues, family and friends. Furthermore, mobile phones have also given birth to text messages, which are found to be more convenient than phone calls, because they can be answered at the receiver’s convenience without being disturbed. Read more:Â  Essay on Use of Mobile Phones by Students Smart phones are the latest kind of mobile devices, which have been available for only a couple of years. These phones continue to enhance our communication, mainly by using the internet for third party services, such as chatting and social networking sites. Moreover, these phones can be used for a multitude of other things, such that they are able to have the function of a computer, a music player, a camera, a video camera, a gaming console and a diary, among other uses. Mobile phones have also been of a disadvantage to their users. People in modern societies are often found to be addicted to their cell phones. They check if they have any new message over and over again, even when they are out with their friends or when they are on a date. Firstly, this obsession shows lack of manners because mobile phones are given more importance than the person in front of them. Secondly, this lack of priorities can often be dangerous, for example while driving. The latest smart phones could be very expensive. Even though there are a variety of affordable cell phones and smart phones, some people, most often youths, spend hundreds of Euros every year to buy the latest smart phone, although having only a small improvement over the previous one. Generally, this is a result of persuasive and costly advertising made by giant manufacturers. Furthermore, this has also been a common subject for bullying in schools. Mobile phones have obviously made people’s work and personal life much easier. As long as these are used with caution and moderation, cell phones do not have any particular negative impact on people’s lifestyle and health.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Procter Gamble: Organisation And Development

Procter Gamble: Organisation And Development INTRODUCTION Procter Gamble was created in 1837 by William Procter who was a candle maker and James Gamble who was a soap maker. Since then the company was growing bigger and bigger as years past by. Nowadays, Procter Gamble is a multinational organization operating in more than 180 countries and producing over 300 products. Firstly, at this report, the strategic development of PG will be clearly evaluated and it will be followed by the evaluation of its resources and competences. Then, the evaluation of the companys external environment will be analyzed through the use of swot analysis, pest analysis and 5 forces analysis. Subsequently, a strategic group analysis of the industry that PG is engaged to will be carried out to illustrate their differentiate characteristics from other companies. Finally, the longer term strategy of PG will be clearly demonstrated with some future recommendations that could be supportive. Pattern of strategic development Since 1837 when Procter Gamble was founded, the company continued to grow and following the changes at the external environment, the corporate strategy of PG was changing as well. From 1945 to 2020, PG has three stages of corporate strategy, which are: Product diversification strategy (1945-1980), Globalization strategy (1980-2003), and Sustainable Development Strategy (2003-2020). Product diversification strategy (1945-1980) In 1946, PG introduced Tide washing powder. Tides performance was better than the similar products in the market and so it soon got as a big success. Subsequently, PG launched a lot of new products. The first fluoride toothpaste Crest Obtained certification by American Association of Dental Prevention, then it became the leading toothpaste brand quickly. In 1961, PG introduced Pampers which is disposable baby diapers, it is still one of the top product that PG sells (Ifeng Finance, 2010 ). The disadvantage of this strategy is that it is too difficult for the company to control and manage so many products and the company may over pursuit the market share and might not pay attention to develop the star products which have core competitiveness. As a result, the original core competitiveness is weakening and the company does not have its own characteristics, the concept of the companys image and product become blurred. Globalization strategy (1980-2003) Through the acquisition of Norwich Eaton pharmaceutical company  ¼Ã‹â€ 1982 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ ° and Rechardson-Vicks company ¼Ã‹â€ 1985 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¼Ã…’PG is active in personal care products industry. In the late 80s, early 90s, through the acquisition of Noxell ¼Ã…’Max Factor ¼Ã…’and Ellen Betrix, PG plays an important role in cosmetics and fragrances industry (Ifeng Finance, 2010 ). These acquisition activities have accelerated the process of PG globalization. Moreover, Pampers, Whisper, Pantene, Tide, Ariel, Crest, and Olay and other brands has become a world-renowned brands. However, the biggest problem when a company involved into other countries, is the cultural differences which will lead to different reactions on product on the consumers, thus the marketing strategies need to be changed accordingly. Also, the different national legal systems and the differentiation in consumers budgets is also greatly affecting the conduct of globalization strategy. Sustainable Development Strategy (2003-2020) At the current stage, the tenet of PGs organization strategy is sustainability which means improving peoples life quality. In order to achieve this strategy, PG to start work from the following aspects: Products: PG developed and sold sustainable innovation products which can significantly reduce environmental pollution. In 2007, PG replaced the packaging of detergent as half of the originals, and adjusted the solution to double concentrated formula. The method saved the use of packaging materials and reduced wastes. PGs purpose is to make the environment a better place (Adweek, 2007). Operations: PG established the sustainable development team in the offices. Through green recycling box, the company recycled more than 4800 kilograms of waste paper, and in exchanged for 69,000 new pieces of paper, moreover, the companys power consumption dropped by 10%, saving 17 million kWh which is equivalent to 560 families a months electricity consumption. In addition, in some factories and distribution centers, PG also installed solar power and rainwater collection and processing device, to further reduce energy consumption. (21ST CENTURY BUSINESS HERALD, 2009) Social Responsibility: In 2009, PG signed United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and developed a global reduction in carbon footprint by 2012, and that will be published the results of carbon reduction stage. (21ST CENTURY BUSINESS HERALD, 2009) So far, all of the efforts which PG has done are win-win situation of business and environment. When the company set up the environmental value chain, it will get financial gains from using energy efficiency and reducing wastes. Resources and Competences PG as we know it, is one of the worlds largest consumer products company but what does makes PG so successful while it competes in the huge consumer products industry? This part of the report is mainly focuses on the PGs resources and competences and how the resources and competences works together creating a competitive advantages for the firm. Resources Tangible resource The tangible resource is easy to be identified by looking at the financial report. Their net sale was $ 78. 9 billion in 2010, which is markedly stable by compared with the last two years net sales ($ 76.7million in 2009 and $79.3 in2008 respectively). The net earnings were $ 12. 7 billion and net operating income was $16 billion in 2010. This illustrates that PG has enjoyed a stable and healthy profits. Intangible resources The intangible resources are the brand equity, corporate culture and human resources. PG is the 6th Most Admired Company in Fortunes 2010 list; it was also one of the most valuable brands in the world. The corporate culture is unique, tough lives and improve life every day is PGs philosophy which encourages the PGners engaging to improve consumers life. PG is also very good at research develop. PG has invested $2 billion in consumer research over the last decade in order to understand consumers needs and to improve customers satisfaction. Additionally, at the same time RD increases the product innovation. Competences Marketing strategy Product differentiation: each product has different brands, for example shampoo has Rejoice, Pantene, and Head Shoulders. Only one product has more than three brands and detergent has as many as more than nine brands. Product differentiation can lower risk in case if one brand goes wrong. Various functions: one product has different functions and different packaging, for example, some of detergents have fragrance and others with the function of strong cleaning. This strategy will increase the market share for PG, such as in china along, the market share increased from 30% to 40% in 2010. Advertising: PG tends to use celebrities to advertise its products in order to attract young customers. Localization is another strategy that PG has adopted, for example in china, the company sells shampoo by suing Chinese girl who has black long hear, because this can represent the Chinese culture. Consumer understanding PG is a company that did most investigations in consumers and market research. More than 15,000 researches has been conducted each year. PG invested $350 million a year in consumer understanding in order to improve the customer needs. PG is the first company to focus on customer feedback. Innovation PG is the Innovation leader in the consumer products industry. Over the past 15 years, 125 PG innovations have earned a spot on the top 25 Pacesetters list more than six largest competitors combined. Innovation program: connect develop (C+D): PG is always seeking the opportunity to collaborate with people or company who has innovative ideas. The VRIO framework evaluates the competitive advantage from four aspects: valuable, rare, inimitable, and organized. From the evidence above the corporate culture was the Competitive parity. Because each organization has its unique cultures, it is inimitable. Human resources are the short term competitive advantage of the company. People are not fixed assets of one company, they can go to other company as well if they wish to. PGs competitive advantages are its brand equity, RD, marketing strategy, consumer understanding and innovation. External business environment At this part of the report, the evaluation of PGs external environment will take place. This evaluation will be contacted through the SWOT analysis, PEST analysis and Porters Five forces analysis. SWOT Analysis (Opportunities and Threats) SWOT analysis is a way to analyse an organisation and its environment. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths and Weaknesses are the internal factors, Opportunities and Threats are the external factors. At this report we are only consider about the external factors. Opportunities The increasing demand for the section of male health and beauty goods is one of the biggest opportunities of PG and with the acquirement of Gillette, PG is growing rapidly at this particular market. Moreover, PG has a huge opportunity with its reaction to the enormous technological growth of the internet by utilizing different marketing techniques and online social networks. What is more, taking into consideration their long-term aims, they have been disconnected from some products such as the oral-care toothpaste of Gillette, Zest brand have been acquired by Brynwood Partners, etc. so PG will pay their full attention at brands of their interest. PG is persistently growing into more and more countries so at the moment operates in 80 countries and now due to the recession it is easier to acquire any smaller firms because of their financial problems (Canadian Business 2011, Worldlingo 2011). Threats PG as a global giant company have a lot of competitors like Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Johnsons Johnsons, etc. who in various countries causes large threat at the market share. Moreover, the competitors of PG are increasing their goods range through getting hold of other smaller firms. As a result of the recession, the consumers budget has been decrease and therefore their spending power is limited as well. Also, raw materials prices are rising thus the production cost is rising and the different currency rate place a huge threat on PG. PEST Analysis PEST analysis stands for Political, Economical, Social and Technological factors and it is used by the analysers to identify the external factors that may affect the organisation in an opportunity or as a threat. Political Factors ProcterGamble have created the PG Political Action Committee (PG PAC), which is a scheme that it was created to give the opportunity to the employees of PG to support candidates at the federal, state and local level who contribute to the quality of life at the communities. Moreover, PG by offering economic support contributes in the political process (Procter Gamble 2011). Economical Factors PG is designed to go through any type of economy as they are very capable and they have a commitment to the consumers. Subsequently, even at the time of the recession PG had margins to reduce costs and offer products to consumers ( Business Week 2011). Social Factors With the creation of Live Learn and Thrive Program, PG helps children in need to drink clean water so it helps them to have a healthy beginning in life. Moreover, it is making places, tools and programs available to them for better learning (Procter Gamble 2011). Technological Factors PG as a big organisation and as it is specified in a lot of different markets, they are focusing on more sophisticate technology and they have managed to reduce any unwanted errors. PG have managed to create new products and further improve their existing products (Procter Gamble 2011). Porters Five Forces Model (SlideShare INC. 2011) Porters five forces model is a framework that was created by Michael E. Porter in 1979 and it is consider with the buyers power, supplier power, the treat of new entrants, the treat of substitute and the rivalry of a firm. Buyer Power Consumers are well informed for all different brands of a specific product that are available mostly through advertising. Brand name is very important but consumers are very perceptive with price level as well. Thus, buyers power is high so PG organisation must remain competitive to keep being successful. Supplier Power The power of the suppliers to PG organisation can be low because the raw materials are easy to be find from different suppliers and what is more, such big firms have the opportunity to produce their own raw materials. Threat of New Entrants The threat of new entrants is very low since PG and their well known competitors are already huge global firms with very famous brand names and consumers will not just change their brand goods as easily. Moreover, setting up this kind of firm will cost millions. Threat of Substitutes The threat of substitutes that PG have to face is high. That can be seen from the retailers shops and sometimes the substitutes have cheaper prices and same performance. Degree of Rivalry The variety of the goods between different companies started to be similar to each other so the firms must begin a differentiation with offers, vouchers or even better/cooler advertises. Strategic group analysis PG is one of biggest multiple customer goods company in the world. Thus each product could have its own competitors. However, the main competitors of PG are Kimberly-Clark Co, Johnson Johnson and Unilever. Net sale of PG and Unilever The chart above illustrates the net sale of PG and Unilever in the last six years. As it can be seen, Unilever has about 10 billion more sales than PG in 2005. Interestingly, as it can be seen from 2006 to 2010, the net sale of PG is considerably more than Unilever. Furthermore, in 2008, PG reaches the peak showing 20 billion Net Sales more than Unilever ¼Ã‹â€ PG official website 2010, Unilever official website 2009 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ ° Product range and geographical scope Procter Gamble, Johnson Johnson, Unilever and Kimberly-Clark are the major international companies that sells their products all over the world. But as regard their geographic scope we can see huge differences. PG has been selling its products in more than 180 countries. Johnson Johnson is almost the same as Unilever, and they are both over 170countries. However, Kimberly-Clark has been developed up to 150 different countries. The product range of PG holds into 5 main product categories which are: Personal Beauty, House Home, Baby Family, Health Wellbeing and Pet Nutrition. Although the categories of PG are very similar with Unilever ¼Ã…’the food product of Unilever (Hearbrand, Lipton, sim-fast) gained an advantage over the other three companies. However, Johnson Johnson focuses its products on paramedical such as baby care, wound care and vision. In addition, Kimberly-Clark specializes in Health care products (PG official website 2010, Unilever official website 2009, Joh nson Johnson official website 2010, Kimberly-Clark official website 2010) Market share of shampoo in China With the development of shampoo market, the organization of PG became the leader of shampoo in Chinas market. PG basically owns five main shampoo brands which are Rejoice, Head Shoulders, Pantene ¼Ã…’Sassoon ¼Ã…’and Clairol; With these brands PG became the dominant position in many countries. Take china market as an example, PG take up nearly 60% shampoo market share in 2010. However, Unilever only accounted for 23%. The domestic brand C-bon only had 6.3% until 2010 (Bai Du website 2010). Successful factors PG adopts multi-brand strategy. When PG entered the China market, it launched Rejoice, Head Shoulders, Pantene, Sassoon and Clairol successively. What is more, each of these brands has its traits; for instance, the function of Head Shoulder should emphasis getting rid of surf and the function of rejoice is to soften the hair. Adopting the multi-brand strategy could have two advantages; Firstly, multi brand strategy can focus on different target market. Secondly, brand management can became very independent. In addition, at the same time it can reduce the risks. Supposing that one brand of PG frails, it will not affect the reputation of PG too much. On the other hand Unilever adopts the Monolithic Brand Strategy which with this method can save money on many advertisement fees, it lost the market share. PG always build the brand image with a massive advertising campaign. It is not only in newspaper, magazines, but also on major television channels. The advertisement of PG is very pertinence, because each of their brands are emphasizing its unique function (Bai Du website 2010). Long term strategy development of the organization References: Bai Du website (2010 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °Brand of shampoo strategy in China. [online] available from [20 January 2011] Bai Du website (2010 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °marketing analysis of PG and Unilever [online]available from [20 January 2011] Bai Du website (2010 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °PG took up more 60%market share in China. [online]available from [21 January 2011] Business Week (2011) PG is up [online] available from [19 December 2010] Canadian Business (2011) Brynwood Partners [online] available from [7 January 2011] Docstock (2010) PG Analysis [online] available from [29 December 2010] Ifeng Finance. (2010) Procter and Gamble Profile [Online] Available from [10 January 2011] Johnson Johnson. (2010) official website [online]available from [16 January 2011] Kai, H. (2009) Procter Gamble: Environmental Friendly Promoting Innovation. Newspaper of 21st Century Business Herald, 26 Kenneth R. Andrews. (1980) The Concept of Corporate Strategy. Richard D. Irwin, Inc Kimberly-Clark ¼Ã‹â€ 2010 Official website [online] available from [18 January 2011] PG (2010) Official Website [online] available from [5 January 2011] SlideShare INC. (2011) Fluff Pulp Fiction [online] available from [5 January 2011] Sustainable Packaging Coalition. (2007) PG Canada Liquid Laundry Concentrate [Online] Available from [8 January 2010] Unilever (2009) Official Website [online] available from [14 January 2011] Worldlingo (2011) List of Procter Gamble brands [online] available from [6 January 2011]