Major Abnormal Behavior Theories of Psychology

Major Abnormal Behavior Theories of Psychology Luciano Lara PSY 303 William Ross, Ph. D. July 13, 2009 Major Abnormal Behavior Theories of Psychology Abnormal behavior has been witnessed by humans throughout the age of modern man.From the pre-industrialized societies of the past that correlated abnormal behavior to evil spirits and supernatural and magical forces to be cast out by spiritual healers or magician with magical spells and holy ritualistic incantations, to the purveyors of modern day scientific medical and psychological treatments that include psychotherapy and genetically engineered medicines, human abnormal behavior has been scrutinized and reconstructed under countless theories of causation through the annals of history.Witches from the middle ages on were thought to cast evil spells or hexes on people that would cause them to act in unusual ways. Well into the age of The Renaissance, demonic possession was believed to be one of the chief causes of abnormal behavior tha t could only be cured through religious rituals known as exorcisms. Even with the prevalence of such ideas throughout much of the past, progress was made towards identifying where the causes of such abnormal behavior might originate.Examples of attempt to move away from the beliefs that abnormal behavior was a form of punishment delved out by the gods towards those who angered or offended them can be seen from some of the great thinkers of the ancient Greeks such as Hippocrates, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who rationalized that such behaviors could possibly occur from diseased brains. â€Å"Another general approach to the cause of abnormal behavior reflects what might be called the psychological perspective.According to this point of view, behavioral disturbances are caused by inadequacies in the way an individual thinks, feels, or perceives the world. According to the psychological perspective, people are at least potentially capable of examining their own thinking and modifying their behavior in light of that examination. † (Sarason & Sarason, 2005, p. 11).References Sarason, I. G. , & Sarason, B. R. (2005). Abnormal psychology: the problem of maladaptivebehavior (11th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Alpen Bank: Launching the Credit Card in Romania

Alpen Bank: Launching the Credit Card in Romania Written Analysis of Case Presented to: Miss Tania Hassan Presented by: * Case Overview: Alpen bank has to make a crucial decision whether or not they should launch the credit card business in Romania. The bank had to come up with a market strategy that can generate at least â‚ ¬5 million in profit within 2 years. Prior to introduction of the credit card in the market the Bank has to analyze whether an opportunity exists for the launch of the credit card. It has to further decide how to position the card in the market, what should be the target audience for the service.The bank has currently established a premium image by targeting the affluent class. Core Problem: Whether to launch credit card if it adds â‚ ¬ 5million profit to consumer bank segment within 2 years. The Alpen Bank seems hesitant to launch the credit card due to the existence of following problems: * Low per-capita income levels. * The population seemed inexperienc e with the usage of credit card. Consumer spending was cash based and merchant acceptance of card payments was low. Analysis: Opportunity: Considering the economic and market conditions as explained in the case, Alpen Bank should launch a credit card.It seems that Alpen Bank has an opportunity as economic environment in Romania had changed from 2006 after it joined European Union. The economy there was developing; a growing trends of luxury purchasing emerged, there was also an increasing likeliness of using card instead of cash and lastly other competitors had already taken similar strategies in the market. The credit and debit card market of Romania is also seen to grow at a good pace of 35% in 2006 and about 9. 5million cards were being used in the market. Apart from certain positives there are certain problems in credit card market too.People use cards generally for withdrawing cash rather than for buying products or services so there is less revenue driven from transactions. Ev en merchants are still ignorant in accepting credit cards and prefer payments through cash Thus it shows that Alpen has an opportunity to cash on the credit card but it would require efforts especially in marketing the card. Positioning: Alpen Bank has established a premium image and reputation of serving the affluent clientele. The bank should focus on its current strength rather than penetrating into a new customer base.The affluent class represents the top 10% of population which has about 24% of wealth. They are priced less sensitive and thus positioning the card on high end would be beneficial for the bank. They are career oriented; active professionals who would like to use their cards frequently for making purchases Moreover, for countries like Romania, it is seen that credit cards are somewhat  stickier as compared to the developed countries. This shows that if Alpen positions its card as a high end product, it will gain a share of market which would stick to its card. The middle class is also a potential market for the credit card.The middle class also has a huge potential especially in terms of the size of  market however they are more price-focused and would only welcome this new credit card if  the interest rates are low. They also have a  monthly income which supports them to have a credit card. Based on the attitudes of customers in other emerging economies it can be said that customers in middle-income class have a lower actual utilization rate when compared  with affluent class. If Alpen Bank currently emphasize on Affluent class it would be safer for it rather than it focuses on middle class. As today’s middle class may become affluent class of tomorrow.The decision whether to target affluent class or middle class depends on the revenue they generate solely or combined. The final objective of the analysis is to identify the profit generated if Alpen Bank serves Affluent class solely or it serves both. For this purpose we have analyzed the financial data provided to us in the case. Target Segment| Annual Income| %age of Potential Card Holders| Potential Card Holders| Annual Revenue| Total Revenue| Middle Class| 3,000-4500| 18. 2%| 3385200| 60. 63| 205244676| Affluent| 4500-6000| 15%| 2790000| 123. 38| 344230200| Most Affluent| 6000+| 12. 9%| 2399400| 209. 5| 503274150| Total| | | 8574600| | 1052749026| Total Population Qualify for credit Card = 18. 6million Revenue Per Card Holder (all three classes) = 122. 78 Revenue Per Card Holder ( Affluent+ Most Affluent)=163. 31 In the above scenario we have first calculated the value of each segment. Given in the case is that the population of Cardholders is 18. 6 million. Through exhibit 5 we determine the percentage of potential cardholder for each segment give in the above table column 3. Through that we determine the Potential card holder. After that we multiply the population of each segment with that of annual revenue.After summing up the total revenue we div ide once it with the population of combine three segments to derive Revenue Per card holder, and once with the population of Affluent + Most affluent to derive at the value of Revenue per card holder of affluent and most affluent. Customer Acquisition for All Customers | Unit Cost| Prospect Reached| ResponseRate| Qualification Rate| Conversion Rate| No. of Customer| Total Cost| Cost per Customer| Direct Mail| 0. 50| 2500000| 3%| 60%| 85%| 38250| 1250000| 32. 68| Take One| 0. 10| 2000000| 2. 5%| 30%| 85%| 12750| 200000| 15. 69| FSIs| 0. 05| 3500000| 1. %| 30%| 85%| 13388| 175000| 13. 07| Direct Sales| 3000/rep| 60000| 25%| 60%| 85%| 7650| 3000| 3. 92| Branch Cross-Sell| 1| 50000| 50%| 90%| 85%| 19125| 50000| 2. 61| | | | | | | 91163| 1710000| 18. 75| No. of Customer= 2500000 * 0. 03 *0. 60* 0. 85 In case of Affluent Class the Number of Customer will be reduced by 50% for Direct Mail, Take One and FSIs so the cost per customer for Affluent class will be 18. 31 Profit Calculation All C ustomers| 50,000| | 100,000| Revenue( 122. 78)| 6,139,000| Revenue( 122. 78)| 12,278,000| Acquisition Cost(18. 75)| (937,500)| Acquisition Cost(18. 5)| (1,875,000)| Direct Cost (20)| (1,000,000)| Direct Cost (17. 5)| (875,000)| Revenue| 4,201,500| Revenue| 9528000| Less| | Less| | Fixed Cost| 5,000,000| Fixed Cost| 5,750,000| Advertising Expense| 2,000,000| Advertising Expense| 2,000,000| Total Profit/( Loss)| (2,798,500)| Total Profit/( Loss)| 1,778,000| Through the above calculation of profit we can identify that Breakeven is occurring in between 50,000 and 100,000 customers. So now we calculate the breakeven. X in the following formulae is assumed to be additional customers. 122. 78 ( X+ 50,000) – ( 5,750,000+2,000,000) – ( 50,000*17. 5 + 36. 5*X) =0 X= 28,758 Break Even = 50,000+ 28,758= 78,758 At 150,000 customers we are generating revenue of greater than 5million so to identify the no. customer at which we get 5million profit we develop the following formulae 122 . 78( X+100,000)- ( 650,000+2,000,000) – ( 100,000*15 + 33. 75*Y) = 5,000,000 No. Of Customer =130,574 We apply the same process to the affluent class. Break Even: 163. 31( X+ 50,000) – ( 5,750,000 + 2,000,000) – ( 50000* 17. 5 + 35. 81* X) = 0 X= 3,604 Break Even = 53,604 Revenue Analysis: 163. 31 ( X+50,000) – ( 6,500,000 + 2,000,000) – ( 15*100,000 + 35. 81* X)= 5,000,000 X=42,820No. of Customer = 92,820 Recommendations: After doing the further breakeven and revenue analysis we recommend ALPEN bank to launch credit Card. The Bank is able to generate the profit as required. The bank should Position Credit Card as a high-end premium product in the initial stages. Firstly it is easy for bank to cater the need of the existing customers. By positioning the product in the affluent class the Bank is able to reach breakeven point in less number of customers. After getting a strong foothold in the market the Bank should focus of targeting the middle clas s as they are affluent class of tomorrow.

Newspaper and Internet Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Newspaper and Internet - Case Study Example The first newspaper was published in Beijing in 748 (newspaper–industry.org, n.d.). The paper reported further that the first daily newspaper circulated in 1702 in London and was called The Daily Courant. It was further revealed that in 1754, the first commercial newspaper The Daily Advertiser was published in London. In the U.S. earlyamerica.com, (n.d.) revealed that their first daily newspaper Boston News-Letter came out of circulation in April 1704. Since its inception, the newspaper is strictly for news and it was only in 1856 that commercial advertisements were discovered as a profitable endeavor by newspaper New York Ledger (Bellis, 2008). The invention of the radio in 1920 and television in 1939 did not affect the popularity of the newspaper as the source of news and an effective ads placement alternative. Williamson (n.d. 23rd par.) revealed that â€Å"Most all the major stores are getting back to the basics and finding the print advertising to be the best return on i nvestment†. In 1973, the internet was discovered by Vinton Cerf (ideafinder.com, 2007). It is a known fact that the internet is also a provider of news and ideas much like the newspaper. Critics conclude that the internet will cause the slow death of the newspaper and the people economically dependent on it. The conclusion is based on the fact that the internet provides what the newspaper can for free. Based from this, one need not spend a dime to buy a newspaper just for the news and ads because there is the internet, providing them what they need free of charge. This paper 2 aims to document and analyze the strength and weakness of the newspaper compared to internet and come up with strategies in order to survive in the context of customer service operation and excellence. Business Management experts agree that the obvious first step in order to come up with strategies for survival of a business enterprise is determine the developed perception of the customers about the business. The general truth suggests that this is of prime importance for the reason that perceptions should be well addressed in the formulation of strategies and action plans. Burns (2000), a university professor and a web site owner said that in case of a daily traveler, newspaper is still the choice over the internet for the simple reason that he has to download and print the crossword puzzle in order to work at it while on a public transport going to office. He continued by saying "Well, now you have to print it out, or download it onto a laptop for the trip. You're back to hauling things around again." (24th par.). A blogger by the pen name Lockergnome (2005) reported that what he usually read from the newspapers today are the news he read from the internet site yesterday. The blogger continued by saying that if all readers will finally realize this, surely they will not buy newspaper anymore, waste their time reading because what they are reading is already history. In the end, the perception being shown here is with newspaper, the happenings are not in real time unlike with internet. Another blogger by the name of Farsha (2007) feels that internet is not effective as newspaper in areas where access to the World Wide Web is limited. Farsha further said that if continues presence in the mind of the customer is needed

Contingency theory and Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

Contingency theory and Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example An organization placed in the context of a globally interactive environment is in a position to reap huge profits through an efficient organization of its resources and effective coordination between its component elements. No one standard organizational method can be said to be the best way, rather every organization must determine the optimum fit between its component elements. As a result, the Contingency Theory is becoming increasingly relevant in the present day context, especially in maintaining ethical standards of corporate conduct and organizational integrity. The Contingency Theory may be applied in the analysis of the complex interactions occurring among the different dimensions of any particular phenomenon within an organization. As first mooted by Herbert Simon (1976), the contingency organizational theory revolves around the interaction of the organization with the environment and its impact upon the performance outcomes of the individuals within the organization. According to Zeithaml, Varadarajan and Zeithaml (1988), the existing situational factors play a significant role in how organizations are managed, and must be taken into account in order to arrive at one best way in which an organization can be managed for optimum performance and output. These authors suggest a three pronged approach in determining this best solution (a) the identification of important situational factors which function as contingency variables that provide the distinctions between the different situational contexts (b) grouping of these contingency variabl es on the basis of similarity of the contexts that they occur in and (c) analyze each group in order to arrive at the best possible solution and management style and method that is likely to produce the best results (Zeithaml, Varadarajan and Zeithaml, 1988). The Contingency Theory perspective first developed through

Hulse Letters Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Hulse Letters - Assignment Example In letters written by Hulse to his mother, the soldiers are seen determined, hardworking and impatient in the first months when preparing for battle, in his first letter he enthusiastically explains to his mother about their work in the mobilization of machinery and the soldiers readiness to set them in motion at any time, he talks animatedly about their position and the strengths of the British and French forces and fleet as compared to the German side.1 In his second letter he hinted of the start of the battle and talks about delivering a lecture to his platoon, he reminded them of their duty to their country, discipline and the treatment of all inhabitants with kindness. This is a depiction of a good leader setting an example for his fellow countrymen and giving them the necessary confidence and attitude to carry into the battlefield. As a leader he vows to set an example in his home or abroad when serving his country and king.2 The weather conditions in the field were wet and dreary, at first it hot and the temperatures inconveniencing, however the battalion and all its soldiers were fit and healthy raring to go on. These conditions changed after some time and the hot temperatures gave way to cold winds and rainfall, the poor weather conditions kept on deteriorating with heavy rains and sheets of snow and sleet. The trenches that had been dug in the fields would often flood and this would be uncomfortable and would dampen the soldiers and their drive.3 Due to the unpleasant conditions in the trenches and poor sanitation, the soldiers would get sick quite often due to the dampness that followed. The author got sick with dysentery and had to be lifted from the trenches with a high fever and barely conscious.4 These poor conditions saw the French hospitals overflowing with the soldiers who were sick due to the incessant rain and cold. This would

Am I a Competent Communicatior What are My Strengths Essay

Am I a Competent Communicatior What are My Strengths - Essay Example In case of women, they are more expressive of their emotions while the men tend to bottle themselves up and not let their emotions show to the public, if it can be helped as being emotional can be interpreted as a sign of weakness. The idea is to maintain the stiff upper lip, so to speak. In the cultural upbringing of men and women, this is also evident in how they express themselves. It also depends to great extent on the national culture, on what is generally acceptable behaviors. Culture determines how each gender express their emotions in a culturally-approved manner. Along these lines, women tend to engage in conversations more than men. Women in a way are wired to be more talkative and the nature of their conversations are matters which in a way are not very much of consequence, such as exchanging secrets, information and gossip. The men engage in banter just for the fun of it, but also in order to size each other up. This is to measure or assess the personality of the other gu y, a way of analyzing the capability of the person to whom one is talking to. Women talk just for the sake of talking to be comfortable. Moreover, culture also exerts a great influence on non-verbal behaviors. This include hand gestures, facial expressions, length of time between the next word or the silent intervals when speaking, body postures, touching the hand or arms, tone of voice and eye movements. In this regard, the verbal expression when speaking to a person could be either be congruent, contradictory or ambiguous with the accompanying non-verbal expressions. This may tend to either deliver the message accurately to the receiver or may be confusing if it is contradictory. This happens when the verbal message does not coincide with the non-verbal expressions of a person when he or she is talking or speaking to someone, depending of course on a situation. It is therefore very important that we are aware of our non-verbal expressions and gestures. I for one make an extra effo rt to deliver my message across accurately by making all the right non-verbal gestures coincide with what I am talking about to a particular person. This way, it is not possible to get misconstrued and avoid any misunderstandings that can lead to conflict. Men and women handle emotions differently and react to them also differently. Most men are afraid or reluctant to wear their emotions on their sleeves or shoulders, so to speak. In women, they are not afraid to express their emotions which is why people tend to say women are sometimes very emotional. Expression of emotions are very evident when it comes to how intimacy is shown to a partner. In this regard, I try to control my emotions whenever possible, as emotions can either be good or bad, depending on how I react to certain situations. A good example is if my boyfriend tells me â€Å"I need to talk to you about something† which can either be interpreted as something exciting and romantic or understood to mean something worse or bad that affects our relationship. My reaction, in terms of physiological changes, can therefore be good, such as happiness or excitement that elevates my emotions or it can be adverse that affects my blood pressure resulting into hypertension, palpitations, nervousness or insomnia. When it comes to managing conflicts, there is also a cultural and gender divide as to how men and women approach conflict resolution. Women

The Post-Modern Condition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

The Post-Modern Condition - Essay Example By definition, the "Word" cannot be a human artifice. 2. Early modern: Signs modify or screen reality, which is thereby acknowledged to be at least partially artificial or contingent. Observers concede that symbolic forms of mediation do not immediately touch or mirror reality-in-itself. Example: There is a growing recognition among intellectuals that theological disputes are an unavoidable part of deciphering the enigma that is "God." 3. Modern: Signs dissimulate -- that is, they conceal the presence of absence. Example: We begin to understand that God does not exist (absence), that he was always a figment of our too-fertile imaginations. Nevertheless, we concede that religious belief should perhaps be tolerated because it gives people hope and a reason for living. 4. Postmodern: Signs no longer claim to depict, mirror, or even disguise an objective reality. Consequently, symbolic modes of representation become pure "simulacra: copies (or copies of a copy) that have no original (Baudrillard 1983). The simulacrum embodies nothing but a knowingly manufactured and contrived reality. Hence, culture must be faked before it can be recognized. Example: A McDonald's commercial shows a little girl supposedly enjoying a hamburger with her father. Such a commercial is neither "true" nor "false." Both at the point of production and at the time of consumption, it is judged merely in terms of whether it is attention-worthy. (Gary Genosko, 1994). In Jean Baudrillard's (1983) terms, postmodern simulation "is the generation by models of a real without origin or reality: a hyperreal." The ad just described is not therefore compromised by viewers' awareness that what they are seeing is perfectly contrived, for postmodern subjects feel quite at home in a world where everything around them is already faked. Indeed, precisely because their lives lack stable or reliable meaning, postmodern subjects are often characterized by a desperate need to be seduced. Note, too, that a clever or successful ad will interest both the simpleton incapable of ironic detachment and the sophisticate cynically enjoying the commercial on its own terms. We must accordingly conclude that neither intelligence nor perspicacity gives us the resources to resist postmodernism. The modern intellectual believed that critical intelligence armored the individual against the seductions of eloquence. By contrast, postmodern subjects fail to achieve critical distance from what they perceive. By successfully collapsing the distinction between what signifies and what is signified, postmodernism makes it increasingly difficult

Case study 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Case study 1 - Assignment Example odd was not expecting such swift response from the client, therefore asked them that she’ll review the organizational history first; in this way she kept herself from embarrassment and also saved firm’s reputation. Todd discussed this matter with the President but got a message indirectly that whether do this task or leave the firm. Todd had to now implement CQI and other essential organizational development changes in client’s firm. Kindred Todd is basically facing three kinds of dilemmas. The first dilemma lies within herself; Todd is taking circumstances very seriously and is in a conflict within .The second dilemma is that she is not confident enough. She has recently graduated from the university and her first assigned client for organizational development needs proficient systems invasion. Todd feels that she is not the right person for the job. The third dilemma is that Todd feels that she lacks competency. She had no previous experience in continuous quality improvement so she believes that she needs guidance, assistance and proficiency in CQI first. I would have accepted this task gladly as this could be the first career jump. Continuous quality improvement cannot be implemented without examining firm’s organizational behaviour and previous practices. I would have undergone the organization’s current systems and previous track record. In depth study of total quality management and CQI is necessary in this regard, so I would have deeply studied the concepts first. I would use my contacts in the industry; senior college fellows and teacher’s assistance. Assistance of CQI experts would give a competitive edge and by understanding the concepts and its practical implementation; I would have implemented CQI in the firm. I would have never left the consulting firm as they have given me the opportunity to make my first major career move. I would regard President’s decision for assigning this task to me and make sure to bring success and triumph

Customer service - M Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Customer service - M - Coursework Example It is vital for Tesco to build trust amid customers regarding prices and its stability to attain increased competitiveness. Tesco in order to meet its standards has undertaken initiatives to create immense value for its customers as well as shareholders through leveraging its experiences. The vision of Tesco is â€Å"to offer simple, transparent, and convenient products which reward its customers’ loyalty and strengthen their bond with the business† (Tesco Plc, 2014). Tesco complies with requisite legal aspects and best business practices to meet its customer demand for securing increased profit. The aim of Tesco is to provide best services to every customer in order to enhance customer loyalty towards the brand. The objective of the study is to understand the importance of legal aspects, customer service standards, and performances relevant to Tesco and its customers. Customers are bestowed with numerous rights and protections in order to get the best results and prevent offensive practices within the business. Tesco understands the legal rights of consumers and hence provides proper information about its products to them. Moreover, to ensure effective management of the customer services, Tesco provides helpline numbers and customer helpdesk and resolve their queries and complaints. From the perspective of organisational requirements, it is important for Tesco to provide a better shopping experience and deliver a proper after sales services for encouraging customers engage in repeated sales. Customer satisfaction is the key to success and hence it is important to understand and track their changing needs. Ensuring ethical operation and knowing customers are essential for business to sustain in the long-run. Every company needs to follow certain rules and legislation, along with external regulations to manage customers in a fair and efficient mann er. It is observed that complying with legal aspects enhance the quality of services.

Diffrences and Similarities in Caribbean Foods Essay Example for Free

Diffrences and Similarities in Caribbean Foods Essay The National motto of Jamaica is â€Å"Out of many, one people† might well apply as a whole, with a slight modification. Let it instead read: out of many one cuisine. For despite the diversity of the Caribbean people and culture that have produced a multitude of cuisines, there is an undeniable common thread, tractable through history, land, sea and sun. The local cuisine will provide the backbone to both the classic and unexpected Caribbean experience. Taste seven year old rum from Cuba as the sun sinks into the ocean or French style pastries for breakfast in Martinique or Jerk (meat marinated with various spices) in a small Jamaican town, and also hearing the music in Dominican meringue to the steely Trinidad Calypso. It all comes together to create the Caribbean scenario, one that lingers in your mind and taste buds after you have left. The Arawaks were the first to settle in the Caribbean. First venturing to Guyana, and Venezuela, then they made their way to Trinidad, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba. The Caribs followed and waged war on the Arawaks and then Europeans came and enslaved them. This gave us Caribbean people a combination of foods and culture. The Arawaks and Caribs had a taste for such animals as turtles, iguanas, alligators, and frogs. They liked turtle and iguana eggs also. The Europeans lad a taste for guinea pigs, rabbits, agouti (a rat like creature) The Amerindians (Arawaks and Caribs) dried and preserved their food by cooking it on a barbacot (a wooden framework over a pit of coals) The Spanish adopted this technique and barbacoa today known as barbeque grill. It is important to note that all the Caribbean Islands owe at least some of their culinary heritage to Africa because Europe imported African slaves to the Caribbean. Over the years, each island has developed its own cultural identity and today Jamaican point to ackee and salt fish and reggae for their cultural reference point while the Trini looks to roti and Carnival for theirs. Like also the Caribbean always make space fro starchy side-dishes. However, there is less emphasis on root vegetables and tubers. In their place will be a large dish of macaroni and cheese. This is not, it must be stated, the same sort of macaroni and cheese that comes from a box with the foil lined packet of powdered cheese product. This is the real thing; baked in the oven and packed so tight it can be cut into slabs and served lasagna style. Among the islands, Jamaica deserves special attention. Indeed of all the Caribbean countries it is Jamaica that a truly national cuisine has developed. When you get to Jamaica, it only takes a trip away from the tourist drags to realize that Jamaicans love to eat.

Competitive Advantages Over Spaghetti House In Hk Marketing Essay

Competitive Advantages Over Spaghetti House In Hk Marketing Essay Abstract and aim By using personal survey questionnaire, 150-200 students of City University of Hong Kong will be asked, in order to find out the competitive advantage of Pizza hut and compare with Spaghetti House for places to buy food in names and addresses from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories. Addresses were area code to census tracts. Based on individual factors are traditional explanations for the inability of some people to change dietary habits. This study examines the food service by Pizza Hut and its competitive advantages over Spaghetti House Aim This work aims to find out the successful factor of other competitors and to provide suggestions and evidences in order to increase the sales and profits of Pizza Hut by improve Pizza Huts services and its competitive advantages. Background / outline Hong Kong is an international city. There are seven million residents and lots of tourists would love to shop in Hong Kong thus there are different social cultures exist including diet habit. Foreign food is playing an important role in Hong Kong to suit customers different needs. There are a lot of western restaurant in Hong Kong such as, Spaghetti House, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Pizza Hut etc. Lots of people especially teenagers like Pizza Hut very much, they love to eat western foods, so Pizza Hut attracts a bulk amount of regular customer for a long period. Pizza Hut is an American famous restaurant chain, offering different styles of pizza along with side dishes including pasta, buffalo wings, breadsticks, and garlic bread, Pizza Hut is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., the worlds largest restaurant company, with approximately 34,000 restaurants, delivery-carry out units, kiosks in 100 countries. Pizza Hut has been serving Hong Kong for almost 30 years. The first Pizza Hut restaurant opened in Hong Kong in 1981 with its first delivery service began in 1992, while the business of Pizza Hut is still increasing every year. Since 1987, Hong Kong Pizza Hut franchise has owned by the Jardine Matheson Group. At present, Hong Kong Pizza Hut has a total of over 70 branches and more than 3000 employees. The main competitor of Pizza Hut is Spaghetti House. Spaghetti House is also a famous western restaurant in Hong Kong. The menu of Spaghetti House is similar to Pizza Hut; its target market is a little different from Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut vs Spaghetti House  ¼Ã… ½Which one is more famous?  ¼Ã… ½Which one do customers prefer?  ¼Ã… ½Which products are more competitive? We hope to find the answer during this project. In this project, well analyze the 7Ps of market strategies of Pizza Hut and take the personal survey in order to find out the competitive advantage of Pizza Hut and the comparison with Spaghetti House in Hong Kong. More, we can also know that which one is better and more famous. Secondly, we focus on physical evidences from customers opinions to improve the environments of both restaurants. Finally, we refer to the result gained from questionnaires to make the recommendations and suggest new marketing strategies to Pizza Hut for the improvement. Objective and research questions Study the demographics of target customers Determine which attributes of pizza are the most important to the customers Determine the preference of product package by the customers Determine the acceptance of new products by our target customers Identify the purchase behavior of the customers Identify which promotion channels are the most effective Measure the satisfactory level of customers towards Pizza Hut Critical Literature Review Western fast food chains development and impact in Asia Majority scholar to believe food is more affected by culture to restrict in consumption product. As far as relatively other products concerned, that is more difficult to change the customers behavior such as U.S breakfasts manufacturer Kelloggs to spend 20 years time in Japan, ability success to entry use as major rice and kelp soup make breakfast of consumption market. Some country and district such as Japan and Hong Kongs children as regards coke, pizza and spaghetti etc foreign countrys food never again, but that local food is accompany children to grow and combine in local culture. From the above, Pizza Hut can identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans. Therefore, research and development professionals stay on HK of competitor initiatives and explore demand for fast food products. Advertising agencies working with clients in the food industries understand the product buyer to develop messages and images that compel consumers to purchase Italian food products. Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships. Finally, information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively. A 360 ° View of Fast Food and Impulse Habits Here has huge market growth potential for manufacturers and retailers to development in fast food chains and fast food services. According to the ACNielsen survey result, citizens average monthly purchase frequency in fast food, impulse food and drinks is around 20. Monthly Purchase Frequency for Impulse Food and Drinks in Hong Kong In addition, in a global consumer survey conducted over the Internet by ACNielsen in October 2004, 30 percent of Asia Pacific consumers claimed to eat takeaway at least once a week, closely behind the US (33%). As the result, eight of global top tens fast food consumption market from Asia Pacific, and Hong Kong ranks is the worlds No.1, have a fast food than traditional 26% higher than the United States , hard upon is Malaysia (59%) and the Philippines is 54%, 12% said never again to eat fast food, have 35% eat fast food even more. ACNielsens data also showed that although in the United States have 97% of adults do not mind eat fast food, but this data has also been Asia exceeded. From this result, fast food culture can popular in Hong Kong is about the Hong Kong peoples to demand fast and convenient lifestyle. Many people require swift and convenient, hurried cadence of life may not have time to cook at home, it affects our lifestyle, make to popularity of fast food culture in Hong Kong. As the same time because of the convenient location, the price is cheaper. In additional, because may about Hong Kong peoples personality, most are not satisfied to spend too much time on waiting. However, teenagers usually to eating fast food more during the noon or after school. While an adults to eat breakfast is out of home that provides an opportunity for suppliers and retailers. So, fast food culture is the most sales in Hong Kong. Top 10 Global Markets for Weekly Fast Food Consumption Hong Kong 61% Malaysia 59% Philippines 54% Singapore 50% Thailand 44% China 41% India 37% US 35% Australia 30% New Zealand 29% Source: ACNielsen Online Survey, October 2004 Modeling repurchases frequency and customer satisfaction for fast food outlets In this competition environment of Hong Kong, leading the company is necessary customer that requires spending many resources to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction with the company. Therefore, the company need understanding what factor is affect customers behavior and satisfaction, and then try to improve the customer services quality in the fast food industry, thus help make more loyalty customers. Improving service quality has become one of the most important strategies a service provider can use to differentiate itself from its competitors and thus position itself more effectively in the marketplace (Cronin and Taylor, 1992). Rust and Oliver (1994) suggested that quality is one dimension on which satisfaction is based. Although many studies provide a theoretical basis for studying the relationship between waiting time, consumer satisfaction and return frequency, they have failed to investigate the relationship between waiting time and the return frequency. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of waiting time and other service quality factors on customer satisfaction and return frequency in the fast food industry. As waiting time appears to be a vital factor of the services in fast food operations, therefore, fast food industry is chosen for our research purpose. Based on a survey of fast food outlets, we formulate a repurchase frequency model and a satisfaction model. The repurchase frequency model describes the relationship between the number of return visits and service quality factors including waiting time. The overall satisfaction model describes the relationship between the customers overall satisfaction level, the waiting time and other service quality factors. These models will help managers to identify root causes for customer satisfaction and loyalty and thus enable them to make focused improvements in critical areas to improve profitability. Hong Kong fast food culture Hong Kong is a delicacies paradise, and also is a fast food paradise, various Chinese and Western fast food restaurant at Hong Kong everywhere, lunch take-out to office are also has good idea or business. Hong Kong fast cadence of life, high working performance, many things have to stress efficiency and effectiveness of demand. It is because fast food more emphasize fast, therefore many foods have prepared cooked and heating for consumers. So, fast food culture offers fast and convenient especially popular for peoples. Nowadays, the purposes to co-operate for healthy fashion, fast food already changed into emphasize foods quality and sustenance, many foods have consumer to pay or order then start cook. Therefore, foods will more fresh and higher quality than prepared cooked. At the other hard, fast food chain to be particular about decoration than before, show the high class and city lifestyle; Detrude of fast-food restaurants in recent years, hot pot, iron meals and other food types, making customers to stay longer in the fast-food restaurants, but also because of the fast-food restaurants to make food choices many more customers are willing to patronize fast food restaurants. A financial tsunami to assist development fast food industry Although global financial tsunami cause economic recession, but fast food always is catering trades exotic flowers, Pizza Hut, Burger King, McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) these fast food chains have grow a business volume in this period. Cafà © De Coral, Pizza Hut etc. also want to development this period. Due to economic crisis affected unemployment and so on reason, thus affected consumers confidence. However, relatives enhance of fast foods attraction, increasing peoples in order to save times or money abandoned traditional restaurant meals, and tend to choice fast food. Therefore, fast food chain has obtained more market. Form the above; Pizza Hut should continue its diversification strategy to gain more market share. It should incorporate or develop healthier food include low-carbohydrate pizzas to satisfy the needs of different customer. If it is able to stay ahead of the competition in this aspect, they will have a strong competitive advantage over other companies. Service quality in the fast food industry Service quality has become a predominant part of all advanced organizations strategic plans. Increasing attention paid to service quality has resulted in more progress and profit for organizations. At an international marketing level, in a struggle for a share of market, managers have to understand and know how to modify their operations for success in the various cultures of Hong Kong. From the above reason, can organization provide good service; staffs quality and skills have important influence. Therefore, enhance staff with the training and improve the quality of services, Including improves the quality of staff and customer service and provide effective services such as staff is advised to review the guests a la carte in order to reduce opportunities for error, the menu and dishes can be coded to facilitate data input, restaurant customers should be informed in advance of waiting or cooking time and adoption a recognized service standards and guidelines etc. These can be satisfying consumers needs and attraction their have to patronize. Research methods/ Methodologies Category Options The degree to which the research question has been crystallized 1. Exploratory study 2. Formal study The method of data collection Monitoring Communication Study The power of the researcher to produce effects in the variables under study Experimental Ex post facto The purpose of the study Reporting Descriptive Causal-Explanatory The time dimension Cross-sectional Longitudinal The topical scope Breadth and depth of the study Case Statistical study The research environment Field setting Simulation The participants perceptional awareness of the research activity Actual routine The main purpose of our study is needed to find out the comparison of Pizza Hut and Spaghetti house. We need to collect the primary data and secondary data to analysis Pizza Huts 7Ps mainly. (Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process and Physical environment) First, we collect the secondary data from internet to know backgrounds, histories, objective, and the annual reports of Pizza Hut and Spaghetti House etc. Then, we collect other useful information on the internet. Afterwards, we go to libraries to find books such as population information and literature. After that, we use Self- Administered Surveys (Intercept and computer) and Personal Interview (Questionnaire) to collect the primary data. Indeed that information is related to our objective. To collect primary data, we will design a set of questionnaire about 7Ps. The method is taken by samples in Hong Kong (different regions in Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territory). The proportion will be 60:80:60, a half of male and female. It can be avoided unfair saturation. The sample size will be 200 that it can be reduced bias. The age distribution limits are 10 to 40. Our survey method is face-to-face interview, after the interview well give them a gift. (Such as coupon) We can understand Pizza Huts competitive advantage through information and make the recommendations on new market strategies for Pizza Hut for further improvement. However, we have limited information in secondary data. In conclude, our information mainly come from primary data. Secondary data is collected from other peoples or organizations, general major secondary datas sources are internet and daily, moreover including survey, census and companys records. However, the primary data is reversing the secondary data, its major used in survey research works. Secondary datas advantages is save more collect datas time, because many background work may carried out or complete, such as some reviews and case studies was carried out, statistics and published book may used to media promotion. And about the secondary datas disadvantages, because the data sources not every is trusty, even authorities data may undependable. Secondary data can be obtained from two different research strands Quantitative and Qualitative. Quantitative included housing, social security, census and other related databases. Qualitative included focus groups transcripts, observation records, structured interviews, semi-structured, research-related documents and other personal. Any required respondent to complete the questionnaire by oneself is referred to as a self-administered survey. The most survey method is via use internet, fax, newspaper and e-mail, or via restaurant and shops feedback form. According to this self-administered survey is require some inaccurately questionnaire considerations, because have some respondent may cause sensitive question or other special reason thus to indiscriminate answer the questions. Self-administered surveys advantage is using anonymous form to answer the questionnaire, thus make the questionnaires answer have more effective and true. At the other hard, can make respondent more convenient to answer, and can eliminate the bias, the cost is more than telephone and personal interview cheaper. However, the most of self-administered survey also not actual to control who to answer questionnaire, the respondent may read other part of respondents answer, thus affect their feedback. A personal interview is one of direct research method that allows face to face conversation between an interviewer and the respondent at home, in shopping centers or everywhere. The use of personal interviews provides interviewers with opinions, and the process of interaction via understanding. Personal interviews allow analyses of thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, and opinions that have a high level of content validity (Babbie, 2006). Personal interviews are an appropriate qualitative data collection methodology in a variety of settings including exploration of issues in sensitive areas such as internal agency evaluations or internal agency satisfaction studies. Personal interviews allow participants to share qualitative information in a manner that allows freer expression of ideas and opinions. Advantages of personal interviews: 1. Qualitative data obtained from small sample. 2. Rapport leads to fewer refusals. 3. In-depth answers possible. 4. Observation improves accuracy. Disadvantage of personal interviews: 1. Invasion of privacy. 2. Interviewer bias. 3. Cost: Professional Interviewer expensive. 4. People not at home. 5. Can be slow and time consuming. 6. Postal surveys: Distributing or mailing door to door a written questionnaire to a sample of buyers for their completion at home or at work. Project Plan/Gantt Chart

Alexander Graham Bell :: essays research papers

Alexander Graham bell was a very important man, not only to Canada but to the whole world as well, and it was not an easy road to success. His contributions to the world of communication were unmatched by any one. This essay will be arguing the facts about Bell that have been stated through 3 main topics, which are, Bell’s contribution to deaf people. Graham Bell made a contribution to the communication world. Finally he ran into many problems while in innovations were occurring. Alexander made an extremely large contribution to the deaf people by doing many things. Before he was born Alec’s father was trying to develop a method of speech for deaf people while this experimenting was going on he had a son who little did he know would rock the world with the invention of the phone. During his early years Bell and his father perfected this method of visible speech for the deaf. Alexander invented a glove whit visible speech letters printed on different parts of the glove so when touched by different fingers spelled different words. He and his family toured around the country showing this item off and soon gained much respect. After bell moved to Canada he decided that this glove was not enough. Soon he opened schools meant specifically for the deaf people to learn and there are still some schools to this day that have been founded by Bell just for deaf people. During one of his many visits to one of his school he met a young student by the name of Mabel Hu bbard “I have discovered that my interest in my dear pupil… has ripened into a far deeper feeling'; (always inventing, 28) this caused some controversy between the two families because of the significant age difference and the fact the she was deaf, also they didn’t want them to have kids for there was a possibly of deafness being hereditary (Alexander Graham Bell An Inventive Life, 16). Also people in the community were talking about how Bell was going to marry a deaf girl, but despite this wishes of the families the got married and had children who turned out fine. Mabel describes her first meeting wit Bell “I did not like him. He was tall, with jet black hair and eyes but dressed badly and carelessly in an old fashion suit… he seemed hardly a gentleman'; (Alexander Graham Bell An inventive life, 16).

Wildlife Corridors :: Wildlife Habitats Conservation Biology Essays

Wildlife Corridors With the continuously accelerating rate in the loss of wildlife habitat, there is a concern which greets the upcoming century. The problem with the presently remaining "untouched" wilderness is that large whole pieces of wild habitat end up manipulated to suit the needs of human populations. Often times mismanagement of land, besides the mere intrusion into a delicate habitat, exerts stress upon it’s state of equilibrium; so much so that certain species within an area become at risk for extinction. Depending on the stability and degree of interspecie dependency, the extinction of a couple of species of animals could lead to the gradual eventual degradation of that habitat. The focus of many leading conservation biologists within the last three to four decades has been on the study of different factors and dimensions that influence the extinction rate of different types of wild habitat. By understanding the factors and dimensions involved in the maintenance of habitat stability , conservationists may be able to more accurately explain how fragmentation effect specific types of habitat and population, and more accurately predict the effects of proposed conservation projects. Now as we enter a new era with frightening statistics on environmental destruction, conservationists are calling for quick action to slow down the rate of extinction and habitat fragmentation. The present popular proposed solution is for the construction of dispersal corridors, which will reconnect pieces of isolated habitat and reduce the rate of wildlife extinction. There is not enough available material to support this proposal but there is also not enough to prove it unworthy either. Although this is not the only solution to the problem, it is the most appealing to conservation biologists who desire to protect and reclaim wilderness quickly. Thus, ecological corridors is a critical topic of debate because it has become a popular concept taken very seriously by radical conservationis ts who are in a haste to implement the plan but who do not have sufficient data to prove that it might not counter their predictions and, as many skeptics fear, prove detrimental for habitat restoration. CORRIDOR ANALYSIS AND DESIGN Analysis In regions where habitat is fragmented by urbanization, cattle grazing, deforestation, etc., animals need a natural temporarily sustainable pathway for movement and migration in order to prevent either chances of inbreeding or overexploitation of prey. (1,3) Corridors act as a source of connectivity between two or more isolated habitat patches, making a natural landscape more confluent.

Automobile:from Horse To Horsepower :: essays research papers fc

"In the first hundred years of active life, it has been described as a menace ands a blessing, a blight and a godsend, as a savior of our countryside and cities, and as their curse, as socially divisive and the greatest social leveler. It has been worshipped and reviled, celebrated and scorned." The automobile is an invention that has had a tremendous impact on society. The automobile has taken diverse segments of the American population; farmers, small town residents and urban dwellers and given them access to the same opportunities and experiences. Autos have given us motels, shopping plazas, drive-thru’s, vacations, commuting, and, certainly not the least, suburbia. The genesis of the automobile is one of the most profound and important chapters in the development of American culture. Before the automobile, people traveled by means of bicycles, trains, street cars and horse-drawn carriages. These methods of transportation were slow, limited and not private. Up until the about 1880, inventors experimented with building a "horseless carriage." These experiments were powered mainly by steam, and were not practical. They traveled at slow speeds (six miles an hour), were very noisy, frightened horses, smelled awful and polluted the air. Sometimes the coals (used to make steam) would fall off the auto, and burn wooden bridges down. Railroads and stage coach lines hated the automobiles because they did not want competition. Autos were scarce and ridiculed by most of the population. "The car began life as a rich man’s toy, rather than a means of transport or as an instrument of social change." They were displayed in circuses because they were considered a wacky idea with no future. The development and acceptance of the automobile in America took place around the turn of the century, from 1895 to 1910. The most successful steam car was the Stanley Steamer, invented in Newton, Massachusetts in 1897 by Francis and Freelan Stanley. It was produced until 1924. The steam car did not fare well because it was not suited for long distance travel, was too hard to start and posed the hazard of an open fire. In the late 1890’s and early 1900’s the electric car was the most popular type of automobile. William Morrison was the creator of this type of car. People liked the electric car because it was easy to operate, ran quietly and did not give off fumes. Unfortunately for modern society, the electric cars could not go faster than 20 miles an hour, and the battery had to be recharged every fifty miles.

Survival Strategies For Starting Up Business

Introduction:The strength of the house depends on its foundation similarly for the survival of business in market its foundation plays a crucial role. A start-up can be defined as a newly created company looking for markets and investors. It’s very difficult to with stand in present economic conditions. Success of the new start up business depends up on Planning, its financial capacity and human resource.Planning:A strategic plan serves as a road map to lead an organization. Every company should have strategic plan which determines its future projections. A plan should include:Vision and mission statements.Goal setting.Resources required for reaching goals.Description of business- outline of business, how can they reach their goals, and location of business. Business opportunities- competitive advantages of taking such business. Risks that the business need to face.Business environment- relating to competition and other threats. Determining benchmarks. What are the various pos sibilities for achieving or failing to achieve goals. It is vital to understand whether there are obstacles for your business in its striving for success Financial:To carry on plans effectively it need finance.It should have adequate capital.There should be a complete understanding of expanding cash flows.Human resource:The entrepreneur has the major responsibility of advocating and leading the business from front and helping the staff to deal with difficult situations. The success of business depends up on correct implementation of skills, learning, knowledge, and information on a practical level.The correct utilization and management of knowledge has been cited as a key way of supporting business with the ever changing environments they work within. The role of the human resource department is to assist in creation,  storage and maintenance of knowledge within a firm in a synergetic manner to support the business.

Of Mice and Men Relationships

The novel ‘Of mice and Men’ is written by John Steinbeck, set in the 1930’s, America, during the Great Depression. The theme of the novel is of two men (George and Lennie)   Steinbeck introduces the two characters, George and Lennie, in the opening section of the novel. From this dialogue-â€Å"You drink some, George†- the reader is able to establish an understanding of the two characters’ relationship. One stayed behind the other’, is the first indication that one take more of a lead in the relationship than the other, and more evidence to support this: ‘Lennie imitated him exactly’. Steinbeck goes on to describe the first man to be ‘small and quick’, whereas ‘behind him walked his opposite, a huge man’. It would be thought the larger man would lead, to protect. The two men are described as ‘Both were dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats†¦ and both carried tight blanket rolls’ .This shows they are similar in the way they are both itinerant workers. However they differ with appearance: George is explained to have ‘sharp features’, and Lennie to be his opposite ‘shapeless of face’. Steinbeck uses their appearance to show how completely different they are with everything, George has a sharp, quick mind, while on the other hand Lennie is rather simple minded. Steinbeck presents George and Lennie’s relationship very much like that of a father and sons.George looks after Lennie’s work card as George knows Lennie well enough not to trust him with it: â€Å"think I’d let you carry your own work card? † George also looks out for Lennie and tries to protect him- ‘you never oughta drink water when it ain’t running’, which is evidence to show he is like a father, advising Lennie. Steinbeck emphasises the theme of George and Lennie being like a father and son further by George praising Lennie to build Lennie’s self esteem: â€Å"Good boy, that’s it†.

Cafe de Coral Marketing Paper Essay

1. Introduction Background information This marketing plan is base on the quick service restaurant in Hong Kong market and the Cafà © de Coral Group is focus in this plan. The Group was incorporated in October 1968, it is principally engaged in the food and catering industry as largest Chinese quick service restaurant group, maintaining a publicly recognized leadership position in the mass-market, quick service restaurant chain business, with vertical and horizontal diversification towards the food services, food processing and distribution, catering and hospitality sectors in Hong Kong. It has prospered through the concept of customer oriented by increasing the environmental, product and services qualities. Besides, it combines the Chinese and Western food cultural in order to create the fashion of fast casual dining for health and nutritional lifestyle and provide a modern and warm experience for the customers. 2. Current Market Situation 3.1 Market Analysis Cafà © de Coral is a major Chinese quick service restaurant chain in Hong Kong. Following is an overview of the potential in the catering market and a specific review of the fast food restaurant market. (a) Overview of the opportunities in the catering market * Hong Kong probably is the most welcomed tourist attraction in Asia. By the forecast of the World Tourism Organization, Hong Kong is the fifth most frequently visited destination in the world, accounted for 57 million  visitors per year by year 2020 (InvestHK, 2012). * The majority of tourist population is come from the Mainland China (InvestHK, 2012) and this would probably flavors the Chinese style cuisine or catering services. * The persistence of inflation in Hong Kong may induce the demand of fast food instead of ordinary or luxury cuisines. (b) Specific review of the fast food restaurant market * There are 15,757 fast food shop establishments in Hong Kong, hiring for 41,319 people (InvestHK, 2012). * According to a survey sponsored by Mingpao and conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong(2011), Cafà © de Coral acquired the titles of â€Å"most mentioned catering brand† and â€Å"most beloved catering brand† among the three major fast food chains (namely Cafà © de Coral, Maxims and Fairwood). * Cafà © de Coral is keeping expanding its market share in both catering market and specifically the fast food market. In year 2010, Cafà © de Coral has expanded its market share in fast food market successfully to 24.8% and in catering market to 4.6%(Commercial Radio, 2010). 3.2 Company Analysis The Group was incorporated in October 1968 and went public in July 1986 on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, which was the first of its kind at the time of listing. In October 2001, it was appointed as one of the top 200 constituents of The Hang Seng Composite Index Series. After 42 years of development, it has become the market leader in the Hong Kong fast food industry with over 24.8% market share in the Quick Service Restaurant segment and 4.6% of the total dining out industry in Hong Kong. Its business operation spans over 2 continents with more than 300 operating units in Hong Kong. Over the past years, the Group advanced in strides in profit performance and in its business dimensions. The continuous business growth records over the years speak for itself, recording multiple growths in terms of market capitalization, turnover, profits, employees and net assets value. The Group’s market cap increased by over 20 times, turnover by over 19 times,  profit by over 14 times and net assets by over 51 times since listing, with a dedicated workforce of 6,500. 3.3 SWOT Analysis 2.3.1 Strengths (a) Product Diversity The Group’s menu regularly rotated to maintain a variety of choices and to meet the taste and budgets of customers. Products on menu range from western cuisine to traditional Chinese dishes. New and seasonal products for each time segment are introduced regularly. (b) Strong Advertising â€Å"A Hundred Points of Excellence† has been the commitment to customers and is now a household catch phrase. As part of on-going campaign to strengthen the Cafà © de Coral brand, proactive advertising campaigns are launched on a continual basis. Through the campaign, the brand image has been further enhanced by positioning Cafà © de Coral as a place not just for best taste and value meals but also a popular meeting place for all walks of life. 2.3.2 Weakness (a) Relatively High Selling Price The food price of Cafà © de Coral is high in generally by comparing with the local style cha chaan teng and fast food restaurant in Hong Kong. This makes a comparative disadvantage for the Group. (b) Bad Public Relation In 2010, Cafà © de Coral has offered its staffs that they must forfeit their paid lunch break of approximately 45 minutes a day, a net cut in their pay. Political parties, unions, religious groups and students’ unions of universities, had organized and boycott Cafà © de Coral. After that, Cafà © de Coral had label as â€Å"Too Acrimonious†. 2.3.3 Opportunities (a) Individual Visits The number of individual visitor from mainland China keep increasing, and most of the visitors from mainland China flavor the Chinese style cuisine or catering services like Cafà © de Coral’s dishes. (c) Inflation in Hong Kong The persistence of inflation in Hong Kong may induce the demand of fast food instead of ordinary or luxury cuisines. As Cafà © de Coral maintaining a publicly recognized leadership position in fast food chains which benefits from increasing demand of fast food. 2.3.4 Threats (a) High Rental Cost The rent in Hong Kong is almost the highest among the world. According to the report of SingTao, about 40% of production cost is rental cost. And the rental cost keeps increase every year by 30% to 50%. Some of the restaurant cannot afford the high rental cost and go bankrupt in recent year. (b) Price of Ingredient Increase Under persistence of the appreciation in RMB, the price of food ingredient keeps increasing. According to the report of SingTao, the price of food ingredient increasing by 25% which is 35% to 45% of the production cost. 3.4 Competitor Analysis There are two major direct competitor in Hong Kong include Maxim and Fairwood. And there are some other indirect competitor including international chain fast food restaurant, Chinese restaurant, local style cha chaan teng, etc. Fairwood’s quick service restaurants serve mainly Chinese food. Its menu is frequently changed with seasonal favorites. Despite its Chinese predominance, its menu is enriched by the adoption of Western dishes that have been carefully redesigned to suit local tastes in order to enhance its  attractiveness. Also, Fairwood’s philosophy has always been to provide a wide range of good quality Chinese and Western cuisine at affordable prices in a bright, clean and modern ambience. Maxim’s quick service restaurants are bringing to customers a variety of quality dishes, a new interior and comfortable dining environment. Also, Maxim’s philosophy is â€Å"Whole-Hearted Mission† that is to surprise, delight and inspire customers with a unique dining experience. International chain fast food restaurant like McDonald, KFC are indirect competitor of Cafà © de Coral. These types of fast food restaurant are western style, usually with French fries and hamburger. Their target customers are general public with different nationality and culture. And they are especially focus on young people market. Chinese restaurants are focus on the middle age and elder market. They provide traditional Chinese dished like dim sum for customer. They are not position as quick service restaurant and they provide a place for customer eating slowly and chatting with family, friends and co-workers. Local style cha chaan teng are focus on low-mid income working class market. They are quick service restaurant provide affordable dishes for customer. The envirnment of cha chaan teng are crowded and noisy which is not suitable for having a relaxing and comfortable dinning experience. 3.5 Customer Analysis 2.5.1Market Segments (a) Segment A – Visitor from China: The segment consists of visitors who are Chinese residents and having a Chinese style eating habit. (b) Segment B – Family: The segment consists of people who usually have dinner outside and do not cook their dinner at home with small family size. (c) Segment C – Teenager and young adult: The segment consists of people who ages are between 15 and 45 and they enjoy gathering with friend. 2.5.2 Bases or variables of Segmentation used (a) Geographic Segmentation: Geographic segmentation divides the market of Hong Kong into group base on the variables of â€Å"Region†. Since the target customer of Cafà © de Coral are local low-mid income working class and visitor from mainland China, public housing estate and shopping plazas are preference in this segment. And the groups which segment out from the market are luxury residential areas and mid-level area. (b) Demographic Segmentation: â€Å"Age† and â€Å"Family Size† are the key variables used in this segment. As Cafà © de Coral adoption of Western dishes into the menu and have fusion of Chinese and Western food cultural which is suitable for the teenager and young adult, ages are between 15 and 45, and elder people do not prefer in this type of dishes. So â€Å"Age† is selected as a key variable. As most of family in Hong Kong are small in size and some of the family do not like to cook due to the hustle and bustle city live in Hong Kong. These families prefer having dinner outside and Cafà © de Coral offer them a moment of leisure, relaxation and warm experience to go with the delicious dishes. So â€Å"Family Size† is selected as a key variable. (c) Psychographic Segmentation: â€Å"Income† and â€Å"Lifestyle† are the key variables used in this segment. As the consumer behaviors and preferences of food will be affected by income. Local low-mid income working class will choose quick service restaurant with  affordable price due to the hustle and bustle city live in Hong Kong as a place of meeting place with friends and co-workers. So â€Å"Income† is selected as a key variable. As Hong Kong is an international city, people prefer a modern experience with fusion of Chinese and Western food cultural. Cafà © de Coral creates a fashion, health and nutritional dinning lifestyle for customers to gather with friends with warm and joyful experience. So â€Å"Lifestyle† is selected as a key variable. (d) Behavioral Segmentation: â€Å"Benefits† is the key variable used in this segment. As city life in Hong Kong is hustle and bustle, convenient and speedy are very important factors for customer to choose a restaurant in order to save their time. Also, Cafà © de Coral prospered through the concept of customer oriented by increasing the product and services qualities which make Cafà © de Coral publicly recognized leadership position in the mass-market. 3. Target Market And Positioning 3.1 Recommended target market Teenager and young adult are recommended as a target market. Since teenager and young adult enjoy gathering friends in restaurant and prefer a wide range of good quality dishes at affordable prices and a bright, clean and modern ambience. As Cafà © de coral adoption of Western dishes into the menu and have fusion of Chinese and Western food cultural with the fashion of fast casual dining for health and nutritional lifestyle and provide a modern and joyful experience for customers, it is suitable for Cafà © de Coral to focus on teenager and young adult market. 3.2 Recommended position As teenager and young adult are selected as target market, Cafà © de Coral is  recommended to position as a diversified, health and energetic quick services restaurant. Since teenager and young adult are keen on having new experience, diversified dishes can satisfy their wants. Also, teenager and young adult are caring about their body shape, appearance and style, health and energetic dishes can satisfy their wants and fulfill their perception. 4. Market Objectives 5.6 Build up a diversified, health and energetic brand image In order to build up a diversified, health and energetic brand image, Cafà © de Coral can make some advertisement in the internet and invite some young artist and singer to promote the new image. Cafà © de Coral can have some seasonal theme interior design for different western festival and play some soft but popular songs. This enhances the attractiveness of Cafà © de Coral as a good choice for young people gathering with friends. 4.2 Design more new diversified, health and energetic menu The menu may have more high fiber and low fat dishes which fits the image of health and energetic. Also the menus can have different seasonal and festival theme in order to satisfy the wants of diversification for young people. Also, Cafà © de Coral can provide more meal plan for friends instead of only provide individual meal plan. References Cafà © de Coral, 2012 http://www.cafedecoral.com Eastweek, 2011. http://dev.eastweek.com.hk/index.php?aid=19412 InvestHK, 2012.http://www.investhk.gov.hk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012.07-foodservice-en.pdf Mingpao, 2011.http://marketing.mingpao.com/hkbrand/cfm/other.cfm?html=10c Commercial Radio, 2010.http://www.snb.hk/page/zh-tw/snb_report.aspx?ItemId=264449 Min Wage Research,2010. http://minwageresearch.blogspot.hk/2010/11/ongoing-cafe-de-coral-debacle.html

Historical Perspective of Ethics of Care

There is vague and indescribable meaning is attached with the word care, which is interchangeably used for caring, compassion, humanitarianism, altruism, beneficence, or philanthropy. â€Å"For where there is love of man (philanthropia)’, reads a famous passage in the pseudo-Hippocratic treatise Precepts (Precepts, 6),†there is also love of the art (philotechnia)[1]. The term â€Å"philanthropia’, means literally ‘Love of Mankind, original meaning of the word was the benevolence of the god for man, this is the term used for Care. Sir William Osler saw in this maxim evidence of Greek physician’s ‘love of humanity associated with the love of his craft-philanthropia and philotechnia-the joy of working joined in each one to a true love of his brother. ’[2] Plato, in the Republic (Republic, 340, C-347 A) raised a question on self- interest is the motive behind all human efforts, especially political activity. Galen, in a work entitled on the Doctrines of Hippocrates and Plato, discusses this specific passage from the Republic, after summarizing it he mentions â€Å"Some pursue the medical art for the sake of money, others for the exemptions granted by law, certain ones on account of Philanthropia, just as others for the glory or honor attached to the art. Hellenistic and roman thoughts on philosophic and popular ethics were also influenced by the humanitarian and cosmopolitan ideas. After the for the century before Christ the word philanthropic came to used the expression of comprehensive love of mankind and a common feeling of humanity. This may be the result of Alexander’s conquest of the East or for lessening importance of individualism of the fourth century. Edelstein quotes that the morality of outward performance characteristics of the classical era was now supplemented by the inner intention. The word Philoanthropia is frequently used by Christen writers but not mentioned that often in new Testament, the word used is agape meaning ‘God is love’. There is gap between these two words as the dynamic of Ethics. Christen Philanthropy means practice of love, mercy and justice are vital element in the worship of God (Micah 6:6-8). Henry Sigerist has viewed about Christianity, he writes’ the most revolutionary and decisive change in the attitude of society towards sick. Christianity came into the world as the religion of healing, as the joyful Gospel of redeemer and of Redemption. It addressed itself to the disinherited, to the sick and afflicted, and promised them healing, a restoration both spiritual and physical. It became the duty of Christian to attend the sick and the poor of the community’. Here the word â€Å"Care’ has got its meaning. Rannan Gillion's statement ‘Mature medical morality has since Hippocratic times incorporated at its centre a moral concern for nurturing and care for its sick patients; meeting the needs of sick patients has been the moral driving force of medical ethics since its inception. Lord Walton describes how Christianity decisively influences the Hippocratic tradition. Doctor-Patient relationship was taught all by Hippocrates, Socrates, Palto and Aristotle. The fundamental to this concept of Doctor- Patient relationship was the concept of philia, used both for the art of medicine and patient. Based on the same idea, this was further developed by the Greek doctor, the relationship developed for the patients that was first influenced first by the love of mankind and second by love of his art of medicine. Despite the belief, there was differential treatment for people based on their status, care to the patient was abstract, not the individual patient, Greeks only seemed to consider discussions on life style and cause of disease to benefit the rich, this was not appropriate for poor and slaves. This was thought that it was unethical to treat deadly disease, for this challenge nature and the doctor would risk paying the penalty. Thus in the Hippocratic tradition the doctor did not treat the incurably sick or terminally ill and he made the judgment in that no doctor would treat anyone leading an immoral life. But in Christianity love for man in nature was transformed into love for thy neighbor and doctor was to treat all patients irrespective of class, stratus, and ability to pay. The work of doctors also involved the care for all sick and consolation of the terminally ill. So Care was a prerequisite for both the development of nursing and medicine, which embraces the quit essential purpose of care. Murdoch perceives to be the warmth and coldness in the morality; it is there are Buber's I and Thou, which has rejected by Noddings. The detached rationality of duty and responsibility is held together with the warmth of love and compassion by virtue of their meeting in God. Buber argued giant Carl Rogers, in a professional relationship, in which one partner has needs which other does not, in which one person comes for help to others, the genuineness of relationship depends upon the maturity which is greater than both partners. The relationship with care taker and giver can be temporary and unequal, necessary detachment is its strength . security and protection for the vulnerable. Objectivity and necessary detachment need to be combined and balanced with the subjectivity and warmth of fellow feeling as true compassion. Here is the meaning of agape, the Judeo-Christian concept of altruistic love, stemming from the all-embracing Thou, the root of Buber's understanding for the me and the you in human relationship. Kant also does not escape the grounding of Judaeo-Christian tradition. His view of morality is influenced by it. Kant although chooses to try and escape the theological imperative and ground his categorical imperative in human rationality alone, as a result of this his moral position could not be grounded. We need to question both extentialist, Noddings and rationalist Kant about † why', why should we care? Nietzsche asked the same to Kant's approach. If our moral outlook is independent of external and objective norms-or perhaps s Gilligan suggests, we become more mature and less abolitionist in our moral understanding – then the effect it is up to us to make our own morality, in that case one is better than other, this is the matter of personal preference. Nietzsche emphasized on personal empowerment, by getting rid of all the constraints of traditional morality that held them back from actualizing their true potentials. . As per them, God is Myth, so the idea of morali ty influenced by the outdated notion should be thrown off. The restriction imposed by the Judaeo-Christian should also be thrown off and one new to take his/her life the way one wants. Nietzsche calls for re-definition of the values and concept of care. As per their view ‘ The sick man is a parasite of society. In a certain stage it is indecent to live longer. To go on vegetating in cowardly dependence on physician and machinations, after the meaning of life, the right to life, has been lost, that ought to prompt a profound contempt of society. It may be more ‘caring' not to ‘care'. The view of re-shaping of the values of society and attitudes of the members of society is further elaborated by the modernist and post modernist philosophy from Heidegger to Foucault. Ethics of Care in Islam In Islam the ethics of care is discussed . Professor Serour, discussing the Islamic perspective, recalls that the first known documents dealing with medical ethics are Egyptian papyri (16th century BC) in which, as long the doctor followed the rules, they were held to be non- culpable, should the patient die. If the doctor transgressed the rules and the patient dies, the doctor paid with his life. Hammurabi set fees according to the social status of the patient. Codes were laid down for physicians and surgeons. Serour cautions those who presume to judge acts of others from a different culture. Ethics is based on moral, philosophic and religious principles of the society in which they are practised. Ethics may differ from one culture to another. He also counsels those with a strong religious background to differentiate between medical ethics and humanitarian considerations on the one hand and religious teachings and national laws on the other. What is legal might not be ethical. The law rarely establishes positive duties such as beneficence and can be, and is, used not only to deny justice but also to deny respect to persons and to do harm. Serour emphasises that ethical norms are guidelines. The context must govern judgement. He adds a fifth principle: The human being should not be subject to commercial exploitation. Islam is governed by the Sharia which, in turn is based, in chronological order, on the Holy Quran (the word of God), the Sunna and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Mahomet developed by jurists), the unanimous opinion of Islamic scholars or Aimma (Igmaah) and finally, by analogy (Kias). If an instruction on a certain issue is provided in the Quran, it is the one to be followed. Islam permits flexibility, adaptation to the necessities of life and shifts in ethical stands based on the current culture. Dr. K. Zaki Hasan describes Unani medicine as a synthesis of the ancient Greek, Indian and Persian systems. Its practitioners, along with the teacher and cleric shared a common role and culture with a primary social, not monetary, objective. Indian philosophers on Ethics of care: Indian philosophers consider the ethical implications of the Indian classical theories of Karma(Action and Habit) These theories usually proposes rebirth – that is , reincarnation in a human or animal form, in this world rather world, Since, on the presumption of karma, the nature of one's deeds determines one's future state, the universe includes laws of moral payback. Indian classical philosophers weave numerous variations on such views into the overall stances, including Budhdhist,Vedantic, Logis and Carvaka views Ancient Indian thoughts, philosophy developed with rational synthesis , spirituality was the foundation of Indian culture. The fundamental basis of ethics arises from the Hindu belief that we all are art of the divine ‘Parmatman’. According to Vedas(4000 BC to 1000 BC), the call to love your neighbor as yourself is â€Å"because they neighbor is in in truth they very self and what seperates you from him is mere illusion(maya). Closely allied to Hinduism are Budhdhism and Jainsim. These religion proclaim â€Å"Ahimsa† as ‘Saarvatha sarvada sarvabutananz anabhidroha,’ a complete absence of ill-will to all beings. The ultimate aim is for our Atman to coalesce with Parmatman or Brahman to become one. According to the Vedas (4000 RC to 1000 BC), the call to love your neighbour as yourself is ‘because thy neighbour is in truth thy very self and what separates you from him is mere illusion (maya). ’ Closely allied to Hinduism are Jainism and Buddhism. These religions proclaim Ahimsa Paramo Dharma. Most important of all our actions is alzinzsn, non- violence. Patanjali defined ahimsa as Sarvatha sarvada sarvabutananz anabhidroha(1) , a complete absence of ill- will to all beings. Ayurveda is the ancient science of life. It lays down the principles of management in health and disease and the code of conduct for the physician. Charaka has described the objective of medicine as two fold; preservation of good health and combating disease. (2) Ayurveda emphasised the need for healthy life- style; cleanliness and purity, good diet, proper behaviour, and mental and physical discipline. Purity and cleanliness were to be observed in everything: jalasuddi (pure water), aharasuddi (clean food), dehasuddi (clean body), manasuddi (pure mind) and desasuddi (clean environment). Ayurveda calls upon the physician to treat the patient as a whole: ‘Dividho jayate vyadih, Sariro manasasthatha, Parasparanz tavorjanma, Nirdvadvam nopalahhyate. (Diseases occur both physically and mentally and even though each part might be dominant, they cannot be compartmentalised). Ayurveda treats man as a whole body, mind and what is beyond mind. The earliest protagonists of Indian Medicine, such as Atreya, Kashyapa, Bhela, Charaka and Susruta have based their writings on the foundations of spiritual philosophy and ethics. But the one teacher of Ayurveda who established the science on the foundation of spirituality and ethics was Vagbhata, the author of Astanga Hridaya(3) . Vagbhata says:Sukarthah sarvabutanam, Matah sarvah pravarthayah, Sukham ca na vina dharmat, thasmad dharmaparo bhavet_( All activities of man are directed to the end of attaining happiness, whereas happiness is never achieved without righteousness. It is the bounden duty of man to be righteous in his action). Charaka Samhita prescribes an elaborate code of conduct. The medical profession has to be motivated by compassion for living beings (bhuta- daya)â€Å". Charaka’s humanistic ideal becomes evident in his advice to the physicians’. He who practices not for money nor for caprice but out of compassion for living beings (bhuta- daya), is the best among all physicians. Hard is it to find a conferor of religious blessings comparable to the physician who snaps the snares of death for his patients. The physician who regards compassion for living beings as the highest religion fulfils his mission (sidhartah) and obtains the highest happiness.

Financial Resources Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial Resources Management - Essay Example It is the relations between the Dollars or Euros that an entrepreneur has borrowed and Dollars or Euros invested in the business. The more the investment by the owners the more they attract the financing. When the equity to debt ratio of the firm is high then debt financing should be taken. If the proportion of the debt to equity ratio of the firm is high then it is advised that the owners should increase their equity investment, that way they cannot jeopardize firm's survival. Limited equity financing is used by most of the small or growth stage businesses. Whereas in debt financing, funds pour in from different quarters like from friends, relatives, etc. Venture capitalists are the most common source of equity funding. Venture capitalists may be institutional risk takers, financial institutions, wealthy persons, etc. and most of them specialize in industries. Venture capitalists are risk takers and show interest only in three to five year old companies that result in more than average profits. These venture capitalists are called as investment gurus whose interest lies in those companies that have major regional and national concerns. Commercial finance companies, financial institutions, banks, savings and loans, Lloyds Bank small business, etc. are some of the sources for debt financing. Because of their positive impact on the whole economy local and state government encourage the growth of the small companies. In debt financing additional funds comes from friends, family, relatives, and industry colleagues, etc when capital investment is smaller. Generally banks formed as a major source for loans for the establishment of small businesses. Banks don't offer long term loans to small firms instead they grant short term loans for machinery and equipment, they also offer demand loans to small firms that reduces the risk of leveraging the funds available. Applying for a loan Loan application should be well written, so that the reader could get a clear picture of what your plans are. The presentation should be of the best quality in the initial loan proposal and application. Only industry specific details should be included so that reader can easily understand. Business description: a. Organization type. b. Information date. c. Location. d. Product or service. e. Firm's previous commitments (if any). f. Future plans. g. Competition. h. Customers. i. Suppliers. Management experience Resume of the owner and important employees should be included. Personal Financial Statements Care should be taken that the financial statements are not older than 90 days and financial statements of all principal owners and guarantors should be included. A copy of last year's income tax return should also be included. Loan Repayment The method of repayment of loan should be included and supporting documents of cash flow schedules, budgets and

Governance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Governance - Essay Example The right role requires board member engagement. The traditional model has a passive board that requires minimal participation from the board whose main job was to approve management decision. The CEO has the discretion and the board has limited accountability. The certifying board model focuses on credibility to shareholders ensuring that the business is managed properly and CEO meets requirements. The engaged board is likened to a CEO’s partner that constantly provides insight, advice, and support on key decisions and actively defines role and boundaries. The intervening board asserts its presence and deeply involved in key decisions through intense meetings. The operating board decides what the management implements and usually characterized by start-ups where executives still need more management experience. The right work requires the boards to potentially participate in dozens of distinct areas although focus may be on legal areas such as counseling senior management, ev aluating CEO, and ensuring effective audit, among others. Ideally, the working board must also be able to provide support to directors who need help, whom to retain for the next term as well as those to release. Committees may also help them stay in focus and concentrate on specific issues. The right people in the board require competence as a group and as individuals, but in reality, capabilities mismatch expectations. The right agenda requires the need for the board to discuss then thoroughly through annual off-site meetings beyond the regular ones where they mingle with the management and employees to gain insight as well as get fruitful results. Right information should not be too much or too little but enough to provide exact and necessary information that they need to know and discuss. The right culture engages the board with candor and willingness to challenge as it reflects the social and work dynamics of a performing team (Nadler, 2004). The Principles of Good Governance an d The Seven Practices Lawrence and Weber (year) prescribed five principles of good governance for the board through selection of outside directors to fill majority of positions, conduct open elections for members of the board, appoint independent lead director or chairman of the board and hold regular meetings without the CEO present, align director compensation with corporate performance, and evaluate the board's own performance on a regular basis. The overlap between the lists of Nadler and Lawrence and Weber is that Lawrence and Weber’s list is encompassed on Nadler’s right mind-set. Nadler’s is more encompassing, extensive, and specific while Lawrence and Weber’s were traditional at most. Executive Pay and the Principles of Board Practices Through the right people method, Nadler’s practices may eliminate those which are performing questionably, thus maintaining performers that may be threatened with competition. In addition, transparency and eq uity is also promoted in order to determine that it is not only senior management or executives that monopolize compensation but must be distributed equally to all members of the organization as one component should be determined as important as the others. This will help distribute compensation from the executives down to the rank and file (Martinelli, 2011). Board Performance and Application to Disney One of the bigger problems of the Walt

Cold war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Cold war - Essay Example is of cold war and it led to worsening of economy in Europe and decline of Soviet Union, cutting of military spending, spending millions by the US, and depression among others (Taylor 78). McCarthyism is the political practice employed to create distrust and disloyalty about the communists without having any real tangible evidence leading to accusations (Taylor 127). People lost their jobs because of teaching about communism, education taught negatively about communism, freedom of speech of the communists was curtailed as well as producing movies portraying negatively about communism. Relationship between nations continued to chill. The cold war spread to other nations such as Berlin, Korea and Vietnam which were divided into two one controlled by US and the other by Russia leading to internal war and a nations destroying its own people a war initiated by the two super powers. The aftermath of the cold war was the destruction of Vietnam, separation of Korea and the war between the North and South as well as tearing of the Berlin

Business Strategy of a New Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Strategy of a New Business - Essay Example These success drivers are obvious but it is amazing how many businesses ignore their importance. This is particularly true in difficult markets or economic recession where short term financial constraints lead to cost cutting. The mission of the new business is to provide high-quality delivery services to wide target audience. The original mission has made it clear that it is in the relatively unexploited sector that the new business sees its clearest opportunity for innovation. The new business sets out to create a range of high-quality services that are distinctive in type. The main goals and strategic objectives are to get and keep a customer. Also, the new delivery company is aimed to achieve competitive advantage and sustainable competitive creating value for their customers, select markets where they can excel and present a moving target to their competitors by continually improving their position. Three of the most important factors are innovation, quality and low cost (Chase and Jacobs 54). This technique is intended to capture the key characteristics of the environment in which the business operates. These factors, which may be supportive or constraining to the future development of the organization, provide the backcloth' against which the future strategies and plans must be formulated. In product delivery industry, corporate resources are balanced both internally and externally. Internal balance is achieved by the coordination of all marketing activity and its integration with the other areas of the business. External balance is concerned with the continuous adjustment of a company to its market environments through changes in product, price, package, channels, advertising, and selling. In this sense, marketing forces are viewed by the new venture as shaping the total organization and all the business functions (Drejer 92). Political changes do not have a great impact on this business. A special attention should be paid to economic processes (gas and oil prices) and demographic changes. Changing environments create market opportunities for the delivery company that must be reflected in adaptive corporate action. Resources cannot merely be directed to the cultivation of old markets if competitive positions are to be enhanced (Schien 77). Core Competencies For the new delivery company, core competencies are clear distinctive brand proposition and low cost, exceptional service quality and effective solutions for customers. Strategy theory based on core competencies-or technology, since these two words are not clearly defined as mutually exclusive conceptions-has become an alternative approach to strategy making. The new business deliberately plans a competitive strategy based on excessive inventory levels and long customer lead times (Pittengrew et al 71). Thus, there are some deficiencies in the organizational systems that can be solved only through a process of systems improvement. The applicability of operations strategies mentioned above is obviously greater in processes producing high volumes. The ideas for waste reduction used in conjunction with these systems are generally applicable: setup time reduction, better quality control,

Industry Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Industry Practice - Essay Example This form of leadership has been successful in some organizations though it has also failed in others. It allows quick decision making and therefore less time is wasted on decisions. It requires a leader who is knowledgeable and experienced otherwise wrong decisions might be made (Goethals, Sorenson & Burns, 2004). Autocratic leadership style is more applicable where control is required. These are situations where the margin of error is either very small or is not there at all. In such a situation, decentralized decision making is likely to cause organizational failure. It therefore becomes necessary for experienced leaders to make decisions so as to avoid or minimize the chances of any error (Daft & Lane, 2008). This form of leadership is very applicable and is actually used in rigid organizations. These are organizations whose rules are rigid and do not easily adjust their policies as situations changes. In addition, autocratic leadership can also be used where the conditions are thought to be dangerous or are likely to cause harm to people. Among the organizations where the leadership is used include; military manufacturing organizations or in a construction (Daft & Lane, 2008). The theory is useful at the workplace in situations where quick decisions have to be made. In such situations, there is no much time to consult. Decentralized decision making is time consuming and therefore cannot be applicable in urgent situations. Therefore, the leaders take the initiative to make such decision to save time. This is important because if time is wasted in urgent situations, the overall goal achievement of the organization maybe affected (Gitman & McDaniel, 2009). The leadership style is also useful where strict deadlines are required. There are some activities which have to be completed within a specified time. According to Douglas McGregor in one of his theories, (Theory X) people generally dislike work. Therefore, they