Masters of the universe Essay Example for Free

Masters of the universe Essay 1.Statement of the problem The issue in the formation of Jupiter is how each company will treat their investment in the company. This paper will perform a consolidation analysis that follows the guidelines of the VIE model laid out in ASC 810-10. I will determine whether Jupiter is a Variable Interest Entity and who is the primary beneficiary. 2.Relevant Facts †¢Saturn and Venus, two unrelated parties, formed Jupiter, a joint venture †¢Saturn owns 51% and Venus owns 49%, contributing $561 and $539 (of manufacturing facilities) million respectively †¢The purpose of Jupiter is to own and operate organic clothing design and manufacturing facilities to sell organic clothing to unrelated retailers †¢Both companies received equity and debt securities for Jupiter †¢Board is split between Saturn and Venus (4 and 4) †¢Both companies can nominate individuals for CEO †¢Actions that can be passed with simple majority vote: appointment and removal of CEO, decisions for capital call contributions, admission of new joint venture members, and mergers and acquisitions †¢Saturn controls design, manufacturing, pricing and sales of the clothing †¢Venus controls all decisions regarding distributing clothing in fulfillment of sales negotiated by Saturn †¢Profits and losses are split by ownership percentage †¢Saturn and Venus are not related parties 3.Suggested Solution For the consolidation analysis of Jupiter, we will need to consider statements issued in regards to consolidations, Variable Interest Entities, and Joint Arrangements. The codification provides us first with guidance in Section 810-10 for identifying Variable Interest Entities. The formation is a VIE because it has 1 of the characters described in section 810-10-15-14.  The first of these is if the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinate financial support. Part 1 of the section describes this as entities significantly sharing in profits and losses such as in the creation of Jupiter. The agreement would not apply to the second subsection because they have voting rights, absorb losses and benefit from gains. Lastly the agreement would not apply to section 3 because both Saturn and Venus have voting rights proportionate to their obligations. Thus the formation created Jupiter, a Variable Inte rest Entity, and established Saturn and Venus as Variable Interest holders since they share in the obligation and benefits of the returns. In determining the primary beneficiary we turn to FIN 167, which was released in the Accounting Standards Update 2009-17 to update the previous guidance provided in FIN 46(R). The previous guidance was updated to include the concept of power when determining the primary beneficiary. Initially, the absorption of losses and benefit in gains was sufficient. Using this updated guidance we determine whether Saturn or Venus is a primary beneficiary. Statement 167 provides two characteristics they must possess. The first of these is the power to direct activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entities economic performance. In the case of shared power, there would be no primary beneficiary. The two parties do share power to direct activities; however, since Saturn has the ability to appoint of remove the CEO, make calls for capital contributions, admission of new joint members, and mergers and acquisitions with a majority vote I would argue that they have t he ability to direct activities that most significantly affect the financial performance of Jupiter. Because of this power, Saturn would be determined to have power. The second characteristic of a primary beneficiary is the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant or to the right to receive benefits that could be significant. Given the 51% interest in the profits and losses of Jupiter, and the initial investment of over $500 million Saturn has potential significant gains or losses. Both Saturn and Venus have an obligation to absorb gains and losses; however, only Saturn has the power to control the activities that significantly impact the entity’s financial performance and as a result is the primary beneficiary. Saturn needs to  consolidate Jupiter into its financial statements. 4.Other Possibilities Following the guidance from Statement 167 can also lead to a different answer regarding the determination of a primary beneficiary. The paragraph regarding shared power allows no recognition of a primary beneficiary if the power to direct activities actually is shared. One could argue that this is the case in the formation of Jupiter since Venus controls all the decisions regarding distributing clothing in fulfillment of sales. This is a significant amount of power that could significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. This power would still be in effect regardless of the majority vote decisions. In the instance of shared power, no primary beneficiary has to be determined and Saturn would not consolidate Jupiter. Instead, according to section 810-10-50 Jupiter would be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Since few people look through disclosures and even fewer understand them, this method would allow the company to shield this entity from investors. 5.Discussion Although either method mentioned above could be supported, I believe it makes more sense for Saturn to consolidate. Its powers as a majority-voting shareholder to decide on the appointment of CEOs make capital contribution calls, admit new members, and conduct merger and acquisition activities are extremely important. Although Venus has the power over distribution decisions, they are still affected by the decisions over which it has no control. Looking at this transaction in terms of substance, it appears that Saturn has included these terms to guarantee their control over the Variable Interest Entity. In conclusion, I believe that Saturn should consolidate Jupiter into its financial information into their overall financial statements.

How E Commerce Is Changing Consumer Buying Behaviour Marketing Essay

How E Commerce Is Changing Consumer Buying Behaviour Marketing Essay In Electronic Commerce, online purchasing is the process consumers go through when they decide to shop on the internet. Therefore, the internet has developed to a highly competitive market, where the competition over the consumer is fierce. In order to have an impact on and retain consumers, in a competitive market, Constantinides (2004) stated that the first step is to identify certain influencing aspects when purchasing online, these can be regarded as factors. The purpose of the research is primarily to identify and get insight into what main factors the online consumer takes into consideration when purchasing books online, as books are the most commonly bought product on the internet (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Online-Forschung e.V. [AGOF e.V.], 2007). Concise Review of the Related Literature This research suggests that consumers attitude toward Internet shopping first depends on the direct effects of relevant online shopping features (Davis, 1993). The core constructs of our framework are adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis (1989), an influential research model in the information systems field. Although this model is specifically tailored to understand the adoption of computer-based technologies on the job or in the workplace, it has proven to be suitable as a theoretical foundation for the adoption of e-commerce as well (Chen et al., 2002). Therefore, the TAM structures are employed as a foundation for our research framework. Online shopping features can be either consumers perceptions of functional and utilitarian dimensions, like ease of use and usefulness, or their perceptions of emotional and hedonic dimensions like enjoyment (Menon and Kahn, 2002). The internet has developed into a new distribution channel (Hollensen, 2004) and the evolution of this channel, e-commerce, has been identified by Smith and Rupp (2003) to be the most significant contribution of the information revolution. The number of internet users is constantly increasing which also signifies that online purchasing is increasing (Joines, et al., 2003). The rapid increase is explained by the growth in the use of broadband technology combined with a change in consumer behaviour (Oppenheim Ward, 2006). Using the internet to shop online has become one of the primary reasons to use the internet, combined with searching for products and finding information about them (Joines et al., 2003). Smith and Rupp (2003) also state that the consumers have never had access to so many suppliers and product/service opinions. By integrating Fishbeins attitudinal theoretical model (Fishbein 1967) and the expectation-confirmation model (Oliver 1980), we attempt to associate the three elements together and form a base model Model of Intention, Adoption, and Continuance (MIAC) (as depicted in Figure 2) for the development of an online consumer behaviour framework. (Purpose) (Implementation) (Persistence) Consumer Online Purchase Consumer Online Repurchase Consumer Online Purchase Intention Figure 2: Model of Purpose, Implementation, and Persistence Fishbeins attitudinal model has been widely used in the marketing context (Lilien et al 1992) and this paradigm provides researchers with a useful lens for examining the factors explaining consumer purchasing intention and adoption. According to this model, behaviour is predominantly determined by intention. Other factors like attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control are also shown to be related to an appropriate set of salient behavioural, normative, and control beliefs about the behaviour. However, Fishbeins model stops at the adoption level and does not capture other important factors that explain and predict consumer continuance behaviour (repurchase). The expectation-confirmation model (Oliver 1980), on the other hand, focuses on the post-purchase behaviour. It is a widely used model in the consumer behaviour literature, particularly in explaining consumer satisfaction and repeat purchase. Satisfaction is the central notion of this model and it is formed by the gap between expectation and perceived performance (Oliver 1980). The expectation-confirmation theory suggests that if the perceived performance meets ones expectation, confirmation is formed and consumers are satisfied. Bhattacherjee (2001) stated that satisfied users are more likely to continue the IS use. Thus, we point that adoption and continuance are connected to each other through several mediating and moderating factors such as trust and satisfaction. The research articles appear in a variety of journals and conference proceedings in the fields of information systems, marketing, management, and psychology. A review of these articles indicates that researchers mostly draw theories from classical consumer behaviour research, such as behavioural learning (Skinner, 1938), personality research (Folkes 1988), information processing (Bettman 1979), and attitude models (Fishbein 1967). There are still significant differences between offline and online consumer behaviour that warrant a distinguishing conceptualization. For example, Vijayasarathy (2001) integrated the web specific factors (online shopping aid) into the theory of reasoned action (TRA) to better explain consumer online shopping behaviour. Song and Zahedi (2001) built on the model of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and examined the effects of website design on the adoption of Internet shopping. Donal Rogan (2007) explains the relationship between consumer behaviour and marketing strategy and states that strategy is about increasing the probability and frequency of buyer behaviour. Requirements for succeeding in doing this are to know the consumer and understand the consumers needs and wants. Chisnall (1995) points out that human needs and motives are inextricably linked and that the relationship between them is so very close that it becomes difficult to identify the precise difference which may characterize them. Buyers characteristics are important theories from Kotler and Armstrong (2007) and it explains the way that the consumer interprets and receives stimuli from advertisements. The decisions of consumers are influenced by a number of individual characteristics that are linked to the consumers specific needs. (Kotler Armstrong, 2007) A review of online consumer research reveals that the scope of published studies is rather broad, the studies appear relatively fragmented with contradictory results, and only very few prior studies (e.g., Jarvenpaa and Todd 1996, Koufaris et al 2001) have attempted to systematically review and develop a framework for the research of this important research area. Aims and Objectives of Study To develop a valid and reliable measure of motivations and costs associated with online information search and purchase behaviour; To provide a systematic and exhaustive review of online consumer behaviour research; To test the ability of the measure to identify the impact that specific motivations and costs have on apparel search and purchase decisions among Internet shoppers worldwide; To identify important constructs that are specific to the context of online purchasing; to propose an integrated framework that enhances our understanding of the underlying driving factors of online consumer behaviour; To evaluate the potential of the Internet as an efficient and effective medium to disseminate information to enhance brand/product awareness, evaluations, and purchase intentions in the global marketplace; To provide directions for future research in this area. Research Questions How does the level of computer and Internet experience of the target group relate to the level of Internet purchases? What main factors affect the online consumer when considering and making a purchase over the internet? How do these factors influence the consumer when purchasing books online? What kind of segments can be found within the identified consumers when purchasing books online? What is the connection with the identified factors and consumer segment groups? A Structured Research Approach Prior literature provides us with a rich foundation on which to build a research framework for the study of online consumer behaviour. As suggested by Douglas et al. (1994), strong theoretical and conceptual frameworks can be developed through an integration of constructs from different research traditions and disciplines. In the current study, we review the prior literature of online consumer behaviour and analyze the theories and the underpinning factors. A systematic and structured approach in search and review is strongly recommended in writing sound IS literature reviews (Webster and Watson 2002). In this study, we conducted an exhaustive and systematic electronic search using ProQuest, Social Science Citation Index, IEEE Xplore, and other bibliographic sources with keywords such as online shopping, Internet shopping and online consumer purchasing behaviour. In addition to the search for referred journal articles, we included three IS-related conference proceedings (AMCIS, HICSS, ICIS) in our literature search and analysis. Research Methodology To answer the purpose of the thesis, both primary and secondary data had to be collected. Primary data is data collected especially to answer the purpose and research questions of the current research. This data must be gathered by the researcher of the research at hand and can be done by observation, interviews or questionnaires. Secondary data is data that has been collected earlier, to fulfil the purpose of some other research. This data can be gathered from books, articles, reports and many others sources. (Saunders et al., 2007) Direct Observation Observation is a research technique that is often implicit in the data-gathering approach and observation is something we cannot fail to do as people, we are all expert observers (Hackley, 2003). Furthermore, participant observation will be chosen as it puts the researcher where the action is enabling them to experience the lives of informants, one option is to observe consumers behaviour and their purchase decision in online store (Meiselman et al., 2000). An observational approach provides a clearer representation of the decision process that consumers proceed through rather than the consumers perceptions of that process (Douglas and Wind, 1978), thus providing the researcher with the ability to uncover unconscious consumer actions. Survey The greatest use of questionnaire is made by survey as strategy. However, both experiment and case studies research strategies can make use of these techniques (Oppenheim, 1992). Some authors reserve it exclusively for surveys where the person answering the question actually records their own answers and other authors use it as a more general term to inclusively for survey interview hat administered either face to face or by telephone. (Kervin 1999) In addition, questionnaire can be used as a general term to include all techniques of data collection in which each person is asked to respond to the same set of questions in a predetermined order. (DeVaus, 1996) Interview An interview is a purposeful discussion between two or more people (Kahn and Cannel 1957). The use of interviews can help to gather valid and reliable data that relevant to the research questions and objectives. Sampling Sampling techniques provides arrange of methods that enable to reduce the amount of data need to collect by considering only data from a sub groups rather than all possible cases or elements. Sampling also save times and give over view of population. Researcher Kervin (1999) argues that using sampling enables a higher overall accuracy than a census. Methods of Data Analysis During the dissertation both the quantitative and qualitative data will require analysis. In order to analyze the data collected through the survey and the focus group, several strategies were used. The aim was to give a descriptive analysis of the consumer behaviour in online shopping. The tables, charts and pie charts were interpreted as made up the foundation for the focus group discussion. The method of analysis to be followed is that proposed by Dey, Miles and Huberman: Comprehend and manage it. Merge related data drawn from different transcript and notes. Identify key themes or pattern from it for further exploration. Develop and / or test hypotheses based on these apparent patterns or relationships. Draw and verify conclusions. (Dey, 1993; Miles and Huberman, 1994) Moral Issue of Research Consumers were firstly observed without interruption, allowing their natural behaviour will be recorded. Only once they complete their actual purchase decision, the researcher will approach them. Those shoppers who will picked up a product to purchase were intercepted as they walk away from the cabinet and will be asked to answer a few short questions regarding their purchase choice. Research Timetable Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Internet Research Literature Review Research Design Methodology Data Sources Data Collection Data Analysis Writing up Draft Editing Final Document Binding Document References Arbeitsgemeinschaft Online-Forschung e.V. [AGOF e.V.], 2007. Bettman, J. R. (1979) An information Processing Theory of Consumer Choice, Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley. Bhattacherjee, A. (2001) Understanding Information Systems Continuance: An Expectation Confirmation Model, MIS Quarterly, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 351-370. Chen, L., Gillenson, M.L. and Sherrell, D.L. (2002), Enticing online consumers: an extended technology acceptance perspective, Information Management, Vol. 39 No. 8, pp. 705-19. Chisnall, M. P. (1995) Consumer Behaviour, 3rd Edition, Maidenhead, McGraw Hill Companies. Constantinides, E. (2004) Influencing the online consumers behaviour: the Web experience, Internet Research 14: 2, 111-126. Davis, F.D. (1989), Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology, MIS Quarterly, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 319-40. Davis, F.D. (1993), User acceptance of information technology: system characteristics, user perceptions and behavioural impacts, International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, Vol. 38 No. 3, pp. 475-87. Devaus, D. A. (1996) Surveys in Social Research, 4th edition, London, UCL Press. Dey, I. (1993) Qualitative Data Analysis, London, Routledge. Donal Rogan, FH Joanneum Graz, 28 May 1 June 2007, International Consumer Behaviour. Douglas, S. P., Wind, Y. (1978) Examining family role and authority patterns: two methodological issues, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 3 pp.35-47. Fishbein, M. (1967) Attitude and Prediction of Behaviour, in M. Fishbein, ed., Readings in Attitude Theory and Measurement, New York: John Wiley, pp. 477-492. Fishbein, M. (1967) Attitude and Prediction of Behaviour, in M. Fishbein, ed., Readings in Attitude Theory and Measurement, New York: John Wiley, pp. 477-492. Folkes, V. S. (1988) Recent Attribution Research in Consumer Behaviour: A Review and New Directions, Journal of Consumer Research, vol. 14, pp. 548-565. Hackley, C. E. (2003) Doing Research Projects in Marketing, Management and Consumer Research, Routledge, London. Hollensen S. (2004) Global marketing A Decision Iriented Approach, 3rd Edition, Edinburgh Gate, Pearson Higher Education. Jarvenpaa, S. L., and Todd, P. A. (1996) Consumer reactions to electronic shopping on the World Wide Web, International Journal of Electronic Commerce, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 59-88. Joines, L. J., Scherer, W. C., and Scheufele A. D. (2003) Exploring motivations for consumer Web use and their implications for e-commerce, Journal of Consumer Marketing, 20: 2, 90 108. Kervin, J. B. (1999) Methods for Business research, 2nd edition, Reading, Addison Wiley. Khan, R. and Cannell, C. (1957) The Dynamics of interviewing, New York, Wiley. Kotler, P. Armstrong, G. (2007) Principles of Marketing, 12th Edition, Upper Saddle River, Prentice Hall. Koufaris, M., Kambil, A., and Labarbera P. A. (2001) Consumer Behaviour in Web-Based Commerce: An Empirical Research, International Journal of Electronic Commerce, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 115-138. Lilien, G. L., Philip K., and Sridhar M. K. (1992) Marketing Models, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Meiselman, H. J., Johnson, J. L., Reeve, W., Crouch, J. E. (2000) Demonstration of the influence of the eating environment on food acceptance, Appetite, Vol. 35 pp .231-7. Menon, S. and Kahn, B. (2002), Cross-category effects of induced arousal and pleasure on the Internet shopping experience, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 78 No. 1, pp. 31-40. Miles, M.B. and Huberman, A. M. (1994) Qualitative Data Analysis (2nd edition), Thousand Oaks, California, Sage. Oliver, R. L. (1980) A Cognitive Model for the Antecedents and Consequences of Satisfaction, Journal of Marketing Research, no. 17, pp. 460-469. Oppenheim, A. N. ( 1992) Questionnaire Design, New edition , London , Printer. Oppenheim, C. and Ward, L. (2006) Evaluation of web sites for B2C e-commerce, Aslib Proceedings: New Information Perspectives 58: 3, 237-260. Saunders, M. N. K., Thornhill, A., Lewis, P. (2007) Research Methods for Business Students. London: Pearson Higher Education. Skinner, B. F. (1938) The Behaviour of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis, New York: Appleton Century Crofts. Smith, D. A., and Rupp, T. W. (2003) Strategic online customer decision making: leveraging the transformational power of the Internet, Online Information Review 27: 6, 418 432. Song J., and Zahedi, F. M. (2001) Web Design In E-Commerce: A Theory And Empirical Analysis, Proceedings of the International Conference of Information Systems 2001, pp. 205-220. Vijayasarathy, L. R. (2001) The Impact of Shopping Orientations, Product Types, and Shopping Aids on Attitude and Intention to Use Online Shopping, Quarterly Journal of Electronic Commerce, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 99-113. Webster J., and Watson R. T. (2002) Analyzing the Past to Prepare for the Future: Writing a Literature Review (pp. xiii-xxiii), MIS Quarterly, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. xiii-xxiii (13-23).

Durango Street :: essays research papers

Durango Street Durango Street is a novel by Frank Bonham. He writes about a young boy who lives in an extremely bad neighborhood. His name is Rufus Henry. Rufus was in a correctional camp for stealing a car. In the camp he met a friend named Baby. Baby lived where Rufus's mother had moved. Baby got released a little bit before Rufus and then went on to his home "the flats." Rufus was left out from camp with a parol officer. His parole officer tells him not to get involved with gangs but Rufus knows he has to join a gang to survive. He runs into one of the local gangs The Gassers, and gets into a little fight with them and the leader Simon Jones. He gets away in good condition, but knows that The Gassers are goin to be looking for him. So he finds his friend Baby and joins the gang The Moors. Rufus gets beat up into the gang, and soon after takes over. He beats up the leader Bantu. Rufus the takes contorl of the gang. The rival gang knows about this, and then beats up Rufus's little s ister. Rufus then gets back at them and beats up the gang and blows up there car. He then meets up with a man named Alex Robbins. The man is a social worker who "sponsors" or helps gangs. They have meetings every week and talk about The Gassers and ideas they have. Alex suggests to go to the local football team (TheMaurders) and watch them train. Little did Alex know is that Rufus has an obsession with their star running back Ernie Brown. Ernie is actually Rufus's father, but no-one knows except Rufus and his mother. Simon Jones steals Rufus's book of Ernie Brown that he keeps in secret and in provate. Simon then reads it in front of everyone how Ernie is really Rufus's father. This makes things with the gangs very hostile. The Moors then meet these two girls named Nonie and Jannet. They talk with the gang and convince them to throw a graduation dance. The gang rounds up some money and has the dance. The Gassers try to ruin it by setting off smoke bombs in the ventalation systems, but the dance is not spoiled but turned out great. After the dance Rufus and Alex talk about Rufus going back to school, and they end off with a nice smile.

Essay examples --

II. DIELECTRIC LOADED EXPONENTIALLY TAPERED SLOT ANTENNA DESIGN The ETS antenna is also known as flared notch antenna, is among one of the most promising antenna satisfying all requirements described in the technical challenges [11]. It is fundamentally a planar traveling wave antenna with end fire radiation. This antenna is the preferred candidate for Mm Wave applications due to its wide bandwidth, low cross polarization and highly directive patterns. A major advantage of this antenna type is that the wide bandwidth and maximum gain can be achieved using exponentially tapered profiles with dielectric loading [12]. The proposed dielectric scheme provides an interesting alternative. This antenna is integrated by using a single substrate. It is easy to fabricate and the structure is compact [13]. To eliminate the higher order modes in the waveguide, the thickness of the substrate is restricted. The loaded dielectric slab in front of the antenna can be considered as a dielectric guiding structure excited by the exponential flare resulting in a wider beamwidth and maximum gain. The compa...

Information Systems and Services Essay -- Essays Papers

Information Systems and Services Question 1 Components of an Information System: Hardware – There are three types of hardware technology - mainframes, minicomputers and microcomputers. Mainframes – The mainframe computer is a very powerful machine designed for large-scale data processing activities. These computers have steadily declined over the last 20 years due to their size, cost of operation and maintenance. Minicomputers – The minicomputer is often referred to as a server. It has the ability to offer networking, speed and power. These computers can be programmed and are much more interactive as well as more user friendly. Although they are still expensive (though not as expensive as the mainframe) they are upgradeable. Microcomputers – The microcomputer is commonly known as the PC (personal computer). It is most commonly used as a desktop computer intended for office or home use. These machines can be placed in fixed locations and connected to peripherals such as printers, scanners etc. The microcomputer is easily upgraded, fairly cheap to upgrade-repair and components can be easily fitted or removed. Software – The most common piece of software associated with an information system is a database. Information is accessed through a database management system, which is defined as one or more computer programs that will allow the user to enter, store, organise, manipulate and retrieve data from the database. Data - Data is derived from both internal and external sources and whilst most external data is readily usable and concrete forms e.g. Bank statements, purchase invoices etc. Data is a routine by product of some routine essential operation such as the production of an invoice or alternatively a special counting. Data are facts obtained by reading, observing, counting and measuring, which are then recorded. Personnel – Information systems personnel usually work in their own department (I.S. Department), which employs computer programmers, systems analysts, computer operators etc. They may also work in other functional departments or areas in a support capacity. The skills required by these personnel will include technical skills, written and verbal communication skills, an understanding of the organisation that they work for and the ability to work with other people. The information systems department has three primar... ...mmediately available or delayed. The information should be available when needed. If it is supplied too late it will be of no use. It is also important that information is communicated through the correct channels so that it arrives at its destination clear and understood. Question 3 INFORMATION FLOWS WITHIN THE SYSTEM. Internal - The internal flows of a system are the data or paper work that is sent internally to other departments within an organisation i.e. making and receiving orders, sending invoices and memos etc. It also helps the different departments to communicate effectively with each other. External - The external flows of information are to whom the organisation is accountable e.g. the government for taxes, suppliers for payment, shareholders for dividends, financial institutions for deposits or withdrawals etc. Electronic - The electronic flows within the system can be anything that requires technology to move data around e.g. e-mail, fax, network messages within a LAN or WAN, bar code scanners, swipe machines etc. Hardcopy - A hardcopy is any thing that is received which is paper based e.g. invoices, purchase order, statements and received faxes.

Is Liberate Art A Way of Life Essay

In many instances, individuals neglect to acknowledge the importance of school and a higher education. The individuals who view education as their number one priority see staying in school is important. Why is it important? Is staying in school going to benefit the student/individual? In this essay, I will explain why the literate arts are important and for what they are good. I will also give the opinions of others and what my views are. Richard Miller, the writer of † The Dark Night of The Soul† writes, † I have these doubts, you see, doubts silently shared by many who spend their days teaching others the liberate arts. Aside from gathering and analyzing information, aside from generating critiques and analysis that forever fall on deaf ears, what might the literate arts be said to be good for?† (424). I agree when Miller says that the doubts are silently shared by many people. Miller and Friere have specified their outlooks on specific parts of literate arts. The literate arts can be explained in a plethora of different ways. Friere explains, â€Å"Yet only through communication can human life hold meaning. The teachers’ thinking is authenticated only by the authenticity of the students’ thinking. The teacher cannot think for his/her students, nor can she impose her thoughts on them. Authentic thinking, thinking that is concerned about reality, does not take place in ivory tower isolation, but only in communication†(322). Communication allows the individual to express what could not express though other liberates. I feel that liberate arts are put to good use when expressing ones self. It teaches individuals/students different ways to get away from reality when everything is falling apart around them. To me, without literate arts, society would deteriorate. Reading, writing, and communication puts my brain to work and it puts others who think like me brains to work, which is why they are important in education. Being literate helps students efficiently analyze what they read and write. When Miller reviews Amis’ writing, â€Å"The Information,† he explains that reading makes the student smarter and writing provides access to immortality and I agree with both statements. As I try to come up with a literary form that influences my way of thinking and captures me, I seem not to be able to come up with just one. The thing that did constantly pop up in my head was my favorite television show, â€Å"The Ghost Whisperer.† You’re probably thinking, â€Å"What is The Ghost Whisperer? What does that television show have to do with your essay? How does it tie into the topic?† As it turns out, it has a lot to do with my essay because it is another type of literate art. Television influences the mind of individuals just like reading, writing and communication. In â€Å"The Ghost Whisperer,† the main character, Melinda, tries to deal with her day-to-day life while dealing with her supernatural powers and the ghosts with whom she has encounter. Although she goes through all of these things, the main point is that she is human and goes through average person problems. Among the show’s storylines, I tend to find myself relating to some of the situations that the characters face. From the show, there was a quote that captured me the most. The quote that has captured me and influences me to refer to it on a daily basis; it comes from season five; episode eleven, â€Å"If you believe in happiness the way you believe in bad things you will find it.† This quote, in my opinion, has a powerful message within its self because life tends to make people think negatively depending on what people are going through. One has to stop thinking about everything that is going wrong and acknowledge what is going right. As I read, â€Å"The Dark Night of the Soul† by Richard E. Miller, I found it to be an interesting read. He inquires, why we read, why we write and what might literate arts be said to be good for? In his essay he describes the school massacres that have occurred throughout the years. As he describes these events, he asks a deeper question, â€Å"What is the point of continuing to read, write and learn in the face of such underlying dangers. I think that with all that is happening, individuals/students should continue with education because reading, television, writing and communication makes a difference in the lives of individuals around the world. The bottom line is that literary art has a way of touching students unexpectedly one way or another and students should not just throw the art away because of society’s perception. Works Cited Miller E., Richard. â€Å"The Dark Night of the Soul†.Ways of Reading: An Anthology for Writers. 9th. David Bartholomae & Anthony Petrosky. Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s Press, 2010. 420-442. Print. â€Å"Dead Air.† The Ghost Whisperer. CBS. WWJ-TV, New York City. 8 Jan. 2010. Television.

Generic Strategy – Porter

THEME 8: GENERIC STRATEGIES 1. Introduction. 2. The Porter's approach: competitive strategies (cost advantage, differentiation advantage and specialization). 3. The Ansoff's approach: the Growth Matrix (market penetration, product development, market development, and diversification). 4. An integrating approach.  © Alfonso VARGAS SANCHEZ 1 Hope is not a strategy, specially when internationalizing the company is the intention 2 Strategic Analysis: Compulsory Questions What business is the organisation in? manufacturing/retail, etc. Who do they compete with, and how do they compete? Who are the organisation’s stakeholders?Key stakeholders & their influence. What are the external drivers for change? – PEST model, macro environment. – Five Forces model, micro/industry environment. How does the organisation gain value? – Resource audit, tangible & intangible. – Value Chain and Value System analysis. Assess the balance in the corporate portfolio, BCG ma trix. How should I compete? Porter’s generic strategies: low cost, differentiation, specialization. What are my strategic movements? Mergers/Acquisitions, etc. 3 Mission – Vision – Values PEST analysis Competitive Forces P. C. Industry Attractiveness S C. C. S. P. B (threats & opportunities)Value Chain: activities & linkages F. I. T. D. HH. RR. PR. Value System (linkages): other SBUs (synergies) & suppliers buyers’ value chains Strategy formulation, at three levels: C–B–F Company’s Competitive Position (Resourcebased View): cost advantage or uniqueness (strengths & weaknesses) I. L. OP. O. L. M&S A-S. S. STRATEGY ELEMENTS LEVELS BUSINESS SCOPE RESOURCES & CAPABILITIES COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES SYNERGIES CORPORATE (1) (1) (1) BUSINESS (2) (2) (2) FUNCTION (3) (3) 5 STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE PORTER’S APPROACH Exclusivity perceived by the customer Position of low costs COMPETITIVE SITUATIONBroad (the whole DIFFERENTIATION sector) Reduced ( only one segment) COSTS LEADERSHIP FOCUS or NARROW SEGMENTATION 6 THE LOW COST PHENOMENON Two basic ways: -Productivity. -Economies of scale & learning/experience. 7 8 9 COSTS LEADERSHIP RESOURCES AND APTITUDES -Sustained investment of capital and favourable access to financial markets. ORGANISATIONAL REQUIREMENTS -Strict control of costs. -Detailed and frequent control reports. RISKS OR LIMITATIONS -Technological change that cancels out the experience gained or investment made. -Competitors who learn easily and rapidly. -Stagnation of the product or of the marketing. Inflation of costs that annuls the previous price differential. -Clearly defined organisation -Special aptitudes for and responsibilities. process engineering. -Incentives based on meeting -Close supervision of quantitative objectives. work and operations. -Products designed for ease of manufacturing. -Low cost of distribution. 10 Reading: â€Å"Designers on quest to build $12 computer† 11 DIFFERENTIATION RESOUR CES AND APTITUDES ORGANISATIONAL REQUIREMENTS RISKS OR LIMITATIONS -Significant aptitudes -Coordination between the functions of R&D, product in marketing and in product engineering. development and marketing. Strong investment -Qualitative assessments in R&D. and incentives. -Prestige in quality -Capacity for and technology. understanding the market -Full cooperation of and how it changes. the distribution -Appropriate channels. organisational structure for -Long tradition in the stimulating and rewarding sector, or a unique creativity. combination of aptitudes obtained in other business activities. -Competitive levels of product prices, in accordance with a strategy of minimum global cost. -The customers no longer value the product's factors of differentiation. -As the industry matures, imitation reduces the perceived ifferentiation. 12 Mention some brands for which you are willing to pay a premium price 13 SPECIALISATION RESOURCES AND APTITUDES -Resources and aptitudes of special application and interest in the company's area of operation. -Dominance of the relevant technology and of the engineering of the product. -Marketing capacity. -Ability in the use of limited resources. -Other competitors are specialized in part of the market of the already specialized company. ORGANISATIONAL REQUIREMENTS -Flexible and efficient organisation structure. -Corporate culture relevant and specific to its areas of specialisation (products and markets).RISKS OR LIMITATIONS -The differences in costs compared with nonspecialized companies are so wide that the advantages of specialisation are eliminated. -Close coordination between -The market in which the functions. company is specialized reduces its differences -Rapid response to changes with respect to the global market. in the environment. 14 15 16 A niche strategy within a declining industry Reading: â€Å"Cassettes linger long after expected demise† 17 Segmentation variables Varieties of products. Types of purchas er. Distribution channels. Geographic areas. Example: olive oil market. 18Segmentation matrix (1) TYPE OF PURCHASER VARIETIES OF PRODUCTS (QUALITY) Olive Oil Virgin Olive Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil Final customer (bottled product) Restaurants, etc. (bulk product) 19 Segmentation matrix (2) TYPE OF DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL VARIETIES OF PRODUCTS (QUALITY) Olive Oil Virgin Olive Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil Generic Specific 20 Combining segmentation matrixes (1+2) TYPE OF DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL VARIETIES OF PRODUCTS (QUALITY) Virgin Olive Oil for final customers (bottled product) Extra Virgin Olive Oil for final customers (bottled prod. ) Generic Specific 21 Segmentation matrix (3)GEOGRAPHIC AREA VARIETIES OF PRODUCTS (QUALITY) Virgin Olive Oil for final customers using a generic distribution channel Extra Virgin Olive Oil for final customers using a specific distribution channel National Market (a) International Market (c) (b) (d) 22 The choice of a segment/s ATTRACTIVENESS: within the same i ndustry there are segments with different levels of attractiveness. INTERRELATIONSHIPS: choose the most beneficial combination of segments. SUSTAINABILITY: your business scope should lead to a strong (defensible) position. (1) Structural attractiveness (competitive forces). (2) Size and growth. 3) Position of the company. (4) Advantages in costs or in differentiation. (5) Costs of coordination, of commitment and of inflexibility. Against: (6) Competitors with broader objectives. (7) Imitation. (8) Substitution. 23 Example: olive oil market SEGMENTS / CRITERIA ATTRACTIVENESS INTERRELATIONS SUSTAINABILITY (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (a) (b) (c) (d) 24 Criticisms of Porter’s framework Hybrid strategies could be employed without â€Å"stuck in the middle†. Cost leadership alone does not sell products. Differentiation strategies can be used to increase sales volumes rather than to charge a premium price.Price can sometimes be used to differentiate. A â€Å"generic† strategy can not give a competitive advantage. Arguably, the resource based strategy has superseded this generic strategy framework. 25 â€Å"A company must produce at low cost, while also innovating; it must deploy the massed resources of a large corporation, while showing the entrepreneurial flair of a small start-up; it must achieve high levels of reliability and consistency, while also being flexible† (Grant, 2012). 26 OPTIONS FOR GROWTH ANSOFF’S APPROACH CURRENT PRODUCTS NEW PRODUCTS ANSOFF’S APPROACH CURRENT PRODUCTS NEW PRODUCTS CASE STUDY:CURRENT MARKETS Market Penetration Product Development CURRENT MARKETS Expansion†¦ †¦of Products NEW MARKETS Market Development Diversification NEW MARKETS †¦of Markets Diversification 27 The Growth Matrix Sub-strategies Existing Market Penetration: -Intensification. -Relaunching. -Imitation. -Reduction of costs/prices. -Disaggregation. Product Development: -New products (R&D, innovation). -New product lines. -New services. MARKETS New Market Development: -New territoriesINTERNATIONALIZATION. -New segments of purchasers. -New distribution channels. -New possibilities for utilization. Diversification: -Concentric (or related). By conglomerates (or unrelated). Existing PRODUCTS New 28 INTERNATIONALIZATION & GLOBALIZATION 29 INTERNATIONALIZATION & GLOBALIZATION Reading: â€Å"China’s budding food industry faces scrutiny† 30 International Strategy Opportunities and Outcomes Identify International Opportunities Explore Resources and Capabilities Use Core Competence Strategic Competitiveness Management Outcomes Problems and Risks International Strategies Increased Market Size Return on Investment Economies of Scale and Learning Location Advantage International Business-Level Strategy (*) Multidomestic Strategy Global Strategy Transnational StrategyModes of Entry Exporting Licensing Strategic Alliances Acquisition Establishment of New Subsidiary Higher Performance Returns Innovation (*) Low cost or Differentiation. Standardization vs Adaptation. Multidomestic vs Global. Management Problems and Risks Strength of Market Drivers Aircraft Computers Automobiles Soft Drinks Toothpaste Retail Banking Book Publishing Baked Goods Low Multidomestic High Global Strength of Cost Drivers Pharmaceuticals Aircraft Computers Automobiles Toothpaste Retail Banking Baked Goods Soft Drinks Low Multidomestic High Global Corporate-Level International StrategiesMulti-Domestic Strategy Strategy and operating decisions are decentralized to strategic business units (SBU) in each country. Products and services are tailored to local markets. Business units in each country are independent of each other. It assumes markets differ by country or regions. Focus on competition in each market. Prominent strategy among European firms due to broad variety of cultures and markets in Europe. Corporate-Level International Strategies Global Strategy Products are standardized across national markets. Decisions regarding business-level strategies are centralized in the home office.Strategic business units (SBU) are assumed to be interdependent. Emphasizes economies of scale. Often lacks responsiveness to local markets. Requires resource sharing and coordination across borders (which also makes it difficult to manage). Corporate-Level International Strategies Transnational Strategy Seeks to achieve both global efficiency and local responsiveness. Difficult to achieve because of simultaneous requirements for strong central control and coordination to achieve efficiency and local flexibility and decentralization to achieve local market responsiveness. Must pursue organizational learning to achieve competitive advantage.International Corporate Strategy When is each strategy appropriate? High Global Strategy Need for Global Integration Transnational MultiDomestic Low Low High Need for Local Market Responsiveness Effective Standardization Coca-Cola McDonalds Barbie: The †Å"All-American† Girl Goes Overseas Barbie is more than 40 years old. Sold in 130 countries. National adaptations: – Physical features. – Costumes. – Activity sets. Standardized physique: – Scaled to 6’2†, 110 lbs. – 38-18-28. Effective Adaptation McMutton Pie in Australia. Wendy’s shrimp sandwich in Japan. Campbell’s noncondensed soups in the UK. Coca-Cola’s 175 ml containers in Japan.Cadillac Seville 1997 Asian edition: Right-hand drive, shorter seats, closer pedals, 10† shorter & retractable mirrors. Limits to International Expansion (beyond political and economic risks) Management Problems Cost of coordination across diverse geographical business units. Institutional and cultural barriers. Understanding strategic intent of competitors. The overall complexity of competition. DIVERSIFICATION Why? Growth, Profitability and Risk Reduction: Don‘t put all your eggs in one basket !! 42 DIVERSIFICATION Three essential tests for judging diversification (Porter): -The attractiveness test: Is the target industry attractive?Use the 5forces model to assess its attractiveness. -The cost-of-entry test: Is the cost of the diversification worth it? Will the diversified firm create enough additional value to justify the cost? -The better-off test: Does the diversification move produce opportunities for synergies? Will the company be better off after the diversification than it was before? How and why? Potential advantages: 1. Economies of scope (cost savings from using a resource in multiple activities carried out in combination). 2. Internal market (for capital and staff). Reading: â€Å"Perils of diversification†. The era of diversification, 50s-80s. – Refocusing, 90s-onwards. 43 DIVERSIFICATION Because of its high risk, many companies attempting to diversify have led to failure. However, there are some good examples of successful diversification: -Virgin Group moved from m usic production to travel and mobile phones. -Walt Disney moved from producing animated movies to theme parks and vacation properties. -Canon diversified from a camera-making company into producing an entirely new range of office equipment. 44 DIVERSIFICATION Reading: â€Å"Toyota tunes up violinplaying robot† 45 Diversification & PerformanceThe findings of empirical research: How do diversified firms perform relative to specialised firms? -No consistent, systematic relationship has been emerged. -High levels of diversification are associated with deteriorating profitability. -Timing is key. Does related diversification outperform unrelated diversification? -Diversification into related industries should be more profitable than diversification into unrelated industries. -Peters and Waterman’s golden rule: â€Å"Stick to the Knitting†. Empirical studies have defined relatedness in terms of similarities: Operational relatedness.Strategic relatedness. 46 Related Di versification Businesses are distinct but their value chains possess strategic â€Å"fit† in operations, marketing, management, R&D. distribution, labor, etc. Therefore, they tend to exploit economies of scope. Tend to (historically) outperform unrelated diversifications. 47 Unrelated Diversification No common linkage or element of strategic fit among SBUs — i. e. , no meaningful value chain interrelationships. Dominant logic: spreads businesses risk over multiple industries, stabilizing corporate profitability (in theory).Strategic approach: any company that can be acquired on good financial terms & offers good prospects for profitability is a good business for diversification. Conglomerates (clusters of businesses under central, mainly financial, management control), such as GE. 48 Example: GE â€Å"Diversification helps to strengthen General Electric; when one business is going badly, the other goes well, which contributes to the stability and growth of the company †. These words of Ricardo Artigas, Vice President of the General Electric Company, clearly reflect the sense behind this trategic option, the result of which is a company configured into twelve divisions: 1. Aircraft Engines; 2. Appliances (domestic electrical appliances); 3. Capital Services (financing services for customers); 4. Lighting; 5. Medical Systems; 6. NBC (television channel); 7. Plastics; 8. Power Systems (electrical energy generation); 9. Electrical Distribution and Control (power cables, transformers, etc. ); 10. Information Services; 11. Motors & Industrial Systems; 12. Transportation Systems. 49 AN INTEGRATING APPROACH Leadership in costs Differentiation Maintenance Growth Restructuring Internal External ExpansionDiversification of Products of Markets Concentric Conglomerate Vertical Integration Horizontal Integration 50 AN INTEGRATING APPROACH GROWTH STRATEGIES Expansion Internal Diversification Expansion External Diversification of Products of Markets Concen tric Conglomerate of Products of Markets Concentric Conglomerate Strategic Advantage Costs Differentiation Readings from the textbook: Pascual & Lagasa -internal growth based on diversification-; Fontaneda & La Casera -external 51 growth based on the expansion of products and markets-. â€Å"Progress is when things get simpler, not more complicated† Bruno Munari, Italian artist. 52