Globalization of Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries Essay Example for Free

Globalization of Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries Essay Globalization of both the economy and the society has confronted the world over the past decade. A shift of focus and interest from the local market to the international setting has demanded innovation not just in corporate leadership as new information; forms of communication and technology are being offered to be utilized in encouraging and reinforcing interaction among individuals. Fewer trade barriers and unprecedented technological advances have accelerated the pace of globalization. The advances in communication technology make it easier to enter the international market through the efficient marketing and advertising strategies that a number of international business organizations invest in by utilizing the services provided by the Worldwide Web. Electronic data communication (EDC) facilitates the exchange of data at tremendous speeds; it sorts and integrates data with other information available to the recipients (businesses, banks, capital markets) from other sources. Individual countries and trading and currency blocs alike view the fast-moving e-business sector as having a direct impact on the countries’ and blocs’ competitiveness in the global market. Increased market competition identifies continuous adjustment and improvement in the production lines of countries to recognize the participation of smaller business units. The free flow of goods and services, the establishment of functioning trade blocs like the European Union, more favorable regulations for foreign direct investment, and e-commerce are now major features of the global market. The introduction of the new division of international labor calls for evaluation and reorganization of the business operations as well as a reassessment of the current technological practices. The Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries Industry in FRANCE Royle and Towers (2002) note that the Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries industry has now extended throughout the world, expanding in FRANCE and other European countries, bakeshops are often considered as a characteristic of the new global culture. These bakeshops are illustrated as informal, have uniform service to anyone regardless of social status and focuses on giving quick-service to its customers. The industry grew out of a cultural philosophy that greatly values friendliness more than propriety, basically more than traditions of gracious living and democratic consensus over status-based divisions. Firms within the Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries industry fall into the category of a competitive market structure. According to Lipset (1991), the competitiveness of a market refers to the extent to which individual firms have the control or power to influence market prices or the terms on which their products are sold. It must be noted that â€Å"the less power an individual firm has to influence the market in which it sells its products, the more competitive the market is† (Lipset, 1991). In the recent years, the integration of strategic planning and functional marketing has been perhaps the most relevant development in the field of marketing management as marketing managers have all the more realized that tactical marketing decisions must be made within a wider strategic framework. Marketing Mix (4Ps) Product – Products that Cakes and Cookies are offering can be improved and expanded. For example they can add more cakes that suit the taste and needs of their consumers in FRANCE. Cakes and Cookies should not limit their products according to the old time customers in the U. S. Placement – Decisions involving the place/distribution are also crucial in meeting the needs of the target market. There are many factors to consider such as the choice of location where the product will be sold to the consumers, and the various channel distribution required to bring the product in the target market. Elements of distribution channel include the packaging, storage facilities, transportation, and the members of the channel itself. Cakes and Cookies should make their customized packages and boxes for their Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries and this should be appropriate according to the taste of the FRANCE consumers. It is always relevant to choose a channel pattern that is suitable for the target market needs. Price Among other factors considered in pricing are the needs of the market, the costs involved, the effect on margins and the value offered at a minimum for the consumer without the price cut hitting the company image. It is not surprising therefore, that Cakes and Cookies entry price strategy became a model in starting business in the area. Finally, it is interesting to note that in FRANCE have consistently agreed with Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries pricing strategy for many years. This shows that consumers give their loyalty as long as the price is right and fair. Promotions – Today, personal selling, sales promotions, in the forms of souvenirs, and point-of-purchase displays (POP), publicity through non-paid presentation of the product to the target market (feature articles and special news coverage), and public relations (established link with the stakeholders) were utilized by Cakes and Cookies Similarly, TV and radio advertising are important channels to promote Cakes and Cookies Usually, effective television and radio advertising involves a good opening punch line, presentation of the competitor’s product (brand must not be mentioned) and its weakness, testimony of experts or renowned personalities/authorities, and in some cases, use of famous movie actors and actress also helps. Further, the existence of Internet and the continued revolution in the world of Information Technology are certainly positive signs for the blossoming of many new advertising opportunities. For instance, pop-up ads and email ads have started to inva de the Internet. Most advertising firms have also started to exert efforts to make their advertisements appealing to the public (Chow and Holden, 1997). Segment, Target and Positioning of the Product Of all the components of a marketing plan, perhaps the most overlooked but most critical element is the definition of the target market. According to Lovelock and Young (2000), it is a homogenous group of people or organizations that a company wishes to appeal to. There are two basic targets for a product or service: the user and the non-user segments. Thus, there are also two business and marketing decisions that the company must decide upon in light of the basic targets. The first is to cultivate the present market alone while the second is to go after non-users. The former can inspire consumer loyalty which is an important factor in the survival of any business. In the case of Cakes and Cookies, they should categorize their target market into two market segments: (1) the Cakes and Cookies patrons or those who have already tried the product, and (2) the Cakes and Cookies non-consumers. The Cakes and Cookies consumers further classified into (a) males and (b) females in order to differentiate the market appeal and competitiveness of the offered products in terms of sex as well as the specific consumers for specific types of Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries. in order to determine the competitiveness of each product per se. the Cakes and Cookies non- consumers, on the other hand, are further grouped into (a) those who do not eat Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries in general, and (b) those who eat other Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries. These market segmentation schemes according to product use will provide important information regarding the overall competitiveness of Cakes and Cookies products as well as viability and opportunities for encouraging sweeteners non-users to not just try any other average sweeteners but to choose Cakes and Cookies products among others. Moreover, companies now face the challenge of making its target consumers respond accordingly to their marketing efforts and those who understand its consumers’ responses will have a great competitive advantage (Kotler Armstrong, 2001). In this light, Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries should keep in mind the differences that are distinct between and among other bakeshops target market based on different cultural backgrounds which significantly affect the effectiveness of the campaign. The fact is, there may be ideas that will not be applicable across the diverse target market population. Studies on the relationship of consumer behavior and their personal values and cultural orientation as well as their beliefs on certain principles, the dispositions they hold and side they take on political, gender and social problems and issues will be likewise duly accounted. Positioning The changing world has then placed much emphasis on the importance of communication for effective marketing. All types of communication are involved in marketing communications, including literature, training, advertising, mail, telephone, product promotions and other contact relevant to marketing communication. Among the channel members, even follow-up on complaints as well as customer billing may be included within the communication loop. In order to effectively serve the marketing channel, correct timing and accuracy in communications is essential. Moreover, it is important for the company to recognize that all members of the channel have an obligation or important role in maintaining the efficacy of marketing communications. Organizations that capitalize on customers active participation in organizational activities can gain competitive advantage through greater sales volume, enhanced operating efficiencies, positive word-of-mouth publicity, reduced marketing expenses, and enhanced customer loyalty (Lovelock Young, 1979). Channel communications works in a two-way system wherein information transfers to the user and bounces all the way back to the producer (Goldberg McCalley, 1992). In other words, marketing communications works like a feedback system, which allows company producers to relay information to the customers. In response to the provided information, consumers give certain reactions or behaviors. In this light, the electronic transformation of the services offered by Chocolate Lovers, Cakes and Pastries will result to better and more efficient and effective customer service system to the clientele. Moreover, the functionality of the online portal for the marketing and advertising needs of the agency will most possibly result to increase customer reach, satisfaction level and return of investment. Furthermore, if consumers somehow become better customers that is, more knowledgeable, participative, or productive the quality of the service experience will likely be enhanced for the customer and the organization (Bowers, Martin Luker, 1990). Finally, some of the ways that companies acquired cost advantages are by improving process efficiencies, gaining unique access to a large source of lower cost materials, making optimal outsourcing and vertical integration decisions, or avoiding some costs altogether. If competing firms are unable to lower their costs by a similar amount, the firm will be able to sustain a competitive advantage based on cost leadership.

Marketing Mix For Volkswagen Brand Marketing Essay

Marketing Mix For Volkswagen Brand Marketing Essay The Volkswagen Group is one of the worlds leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmakers in Europe. Company owns ten car brands from seven European countries : Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, SKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Besides automotive industry, company operates also in financial sector. Every car brand operates as independent unit with unique portfolio. Products are differentiated from low-consumption small cars to luxury one. Commercial vehicle sector offers ranges from pick-ups to buses made by Volkswagen and heavy trucks made by MAN and Scania. Firm has 94 production plants around entire Europe and 8 in the Americas, Africa and Asia. Labour power is estimated to 501,956 workers worldwide and production to 34,500 vehicles every single day. The Volkswagen Group exists in 153 countries so far. TASK 1 A  business  strategy  typically is a document that clearly articulates the direction a  business  will pursue and the steps it will take to achieve its goals. In a standard  business  plan, the  business strategy  results from goals established to support the stated mission of the  business. A typical business  strategy  is developed in three steps: analysis, integration and implementation. In the analysis step of  business  strategy  development, one of several methods is used to analyze a firms market, resources, obstacles to success and specific advantages. The goal of strategic analysis  is to identify what a  business  wants to accomplish, the strengths it can bring to bear on accomplishing the goal and weaknesses that need to be addressed prior to integration and implementation. Strategic assessment methodologies can include evaluating the  business  environment, gaming various competitive scenarios, determining what market forces are at work and rating competitors, among others. Integrating a  business  strategy  usually is one of many steps in a larger  business planning process. A  business  plan begins with an overall vision. From the vision, a  mission statement for the  business  is constructed, usually the shorter and more precise the better. A mission leads to specific goals the  business  will achieve to accomplish its mission and that in turn leads to  strategy  to achieve goals. Specific tactics are usually then developed to support the business  strategy. Porters five forces model illustrated in Figure below helps to measure the industrys attractiveness by examining the threat of new competitors and substitutes, the 13 bargaining power of buyers and suppliers and the degree of rivalry between existing competitors. (Porter 1984, 24) Porters five forces emphasizes the external scanning which indicates the opportunities and threats in the markets.(Wheeler Hunger 2006) An opportunity or threat could be events or trends that may affect the company in a positive or negative way when certain strategic actions are followed. (Aaker 1995, 21) These five forces shape the attractiveness of an industry and particularly that the company can make use of these five forces to gain sustainable competitive advantage in the market of competition. This influences the barriers of entry in the industry which includes issue like companys economic size, the product differentiation, demand for capital, and access to supply chain etc. (Porter 1984, 25-48). The first force of the model is the threat of entry of new competitors. This threat decreases the attractiveness of the industry by increasing the level. The industry structure analyses also the threat of substitute products. According to Aaker (1995) substitutes are manufactured by parties identified as competitors but with less concentration on the main industry. And these manufactures have strong 14influence over the profitability of market. The substitutes are able to provide the same requirement as the main competitors. As the substitutes can help a company to improve its price strategy and performance, the customer could choose their product without making any loss in costs. (Porter 1984, 44-46) The bargain power from buyer provide the possibility of the customer to press down price and ask more service which will decrease the profitability of a company and influence the overall business. The characteristics of an industry dominated by customers are through high volume purchase and compared lowest prices. (Porter1984, 46-48) The bargaining power of suppliers exists in markets which are highly concentrated on selling in different segments and customers. The supplier may dominate markets by increase the price level or decrease the products or service quality. The supplier can also affect the profitability of an industry where the cost level cant be covered by increasing prices by using this technique. The suppliers have dominance in the market with opposite circumstance to industry dominated by buyers. (Porter 1984, 49-50) The last element in Porters model is the degree of rivalry between existing competitors. This consists of forms of rivalry such as price competition, new product development, improved customer service and better guarantees. The defending actions against competitors are results of being threatened. The intensity of rivalry is due to various structural factors, such as the number of competitors in an industry, or whether the industry is declining or growing, or companys strategic contributions. (Porter 1984, 38-44) P5F.JPG Figure shows Porters Five Force Model (Porter 1984, 24) Pest analysis stands for Political, Economic, Sociocultural and Technological analysis. It describes a framework of macro-environmental factors for environmental scanning. It is a useful strategic tool for understanding market growth or decline, business position, potential and direction for operation. (Wheelen Hunger 2006, 73-79) Political Volkswagen outsources a great deal of their manufacturing outside the Europe in continents such as Asia, Africa and South America. Due to these countries being considered as booming economies, government may encourage local residents to try minimizing purchasing products from abroad, but instead use locally produced products in order to maintain the situation of the home market and make a higher value of the GDP. However, these or any other legal or political constraints should not be a significant barricade to continue outsourcing and/or sales in foreign markets. In certain countries such as Denmark and Norway car insurance and registration alone can amount to the price of the car itself. These rules and regulations are becoming ever-increasingly popular and pose a threat to sales of cars in other Scandinavian markets and places which seek to follow such a trend. Almost all of the regulations come from consumers increasing concerns for the environment and the concern for safer automobiles. (Highfill, Copus, Smith, 2004) Economic As an advantage to Volkswagen few markets which proved to show a decline in salesmainly in Spain, which proved to show a decline of 16.8 %. Taken as a whole, sales of VW however, were on the increase- despite overall motor industry taking a dive. VW sales increased in W. Europe by 8.6 % improved sales figures. The main brands which contributed to the sales were Audi, Skoda, Bentley and the VW commercial vehicles. Sales of the VW passenger cars, such as the VW Sharan van grow tremendously in regions/ markets such as Central and Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. The percentage growth of the following markets is as follows: Asia Pacific with 17.4 % North America had a significant growth of 21.4 % Central and Eastern Europe with a larger 29.7 % Although the most part of the growth came from the Central and Eastern European markets, there proved a decline within the Polish market. As the following figures will indicate, the Polish appear to have opted for the more cost-focused car brand, from the Volkswagen Group- the Skoda. This goes to prove that the Polish customers are evidently beginning to become more cost-focused. This is the strategy the Volkswagen Group use, to aim cost-focused clients with the Skoda and for those seeking more luxury at an affordable cost it offers the clients the range from the Volkswagen product portfolio. Social Poland is doing fine during economic crisis compare to other European countries. There are few reasons for this situation. Firstly, it is a big country with huge and cheap labor power. There are almost 40 million of habitants in Poland, so it is attractive market for foreign companies. Secondly, taxation rate is relative low comparing it to for instance Denmark. Finally, location of Poland makes this country competitive. Poland is settled up between Germany and Russia, two powerful markets but in the same time close to Scandinavia due to sea connection. Poles perceive Volkswagen brand as a car maker which produces stable, affordable and reliable cars. It is based on German hard-working spirit and precision, that is why Volkswagen cars are very popular nowadays also in aftermarket. Another advantage of having car from German manufacturer is the slowest ratio of value loss among other automotive companies. (Business in Poland Law, tax and banking, 2006) Technological Volkswagen has 94 production plants worldwide and additional 8 in Americas, Asia and South Africa. There are two production facilities in Poland. One is responsible for making parts for various models, while the other one makes commercial vehicle called Transporter. Main materials that company uses to produce cars are. Company intensively focuses on developing new technologies and innovation to become the most economical and ecological car producer in the world. Directly quoting words of board chairman, Martin Winterkorn it seems that company is aiming for the leader position within automotive industry. Till 2016 we would like to invest 62,4 mld Euro for Research Development to become number one. . Moreover, company aim also for renewable energy sources like water, wind and sun. German car manufacturer brings practical assistance service for example Park Lane, which make car seeking for space and park afterwards. Another example could be a Temporary Auto Pilot which control car under 130 km per hour. Together with Lane Assist car stays on same lane, so driver can do something else in same time. Above sentences proof that Volkswagen is consequently developing new technologies to make cars better, more ecological, more economical, more technology advanced and remaining affordable to every customer. Without doubts firm is one of the most leading if it comes to innovation in industry. (Volkswagen Technology). TASK 2 Inbound logistics: In general automotive industry right now is mainly using materials like steel, plastic, copper etc . By time going and constant innovation process and ecology care make this materials gets slowly substitute by other materials like aluminum, lithium and even cobalt. Volkswagen do not owe any mining subsidiaries therefore is addicted to suppliers. To secure production continuity company has to secure process of getting raw materials. That is why German manufacturer come up with raw materials strategy. This includes IT system called Central Procurement and Treasury System. Operations: An operation is the process of putting raw materials together and producing the final product. In this case Volkswagen operations process takes place in factories that company possesses. There are 94 production facilities in different locations. Company believes in systematic localization so productions plants can handle themselves the value added process. This process of international outsourcing allows reducing currency risks, transport and duties. Outbound logistics: This section focuses on delivering product to the retailers, outlets, stores or DTC. Firstly it is important to state that company has own logistics department called Volkswagen Logistics which deliver products to Volkswagen outlets. As it was stated before different productions facilities produces various parts and models. From those facilities cars are ready to be transported into outlets. Volkswagen Logistics uses mainly road transport and big trucks to transport ready to use products. Marketing and Sales: This section describes pricing, promotion and selling the final product within value chain. Volkswagen makes adverts spots independently. Usually spots describe specific product or new technology invented to the car. They are played on TV stations, Internet websites, YouTube. Social services where Volkswagen exists like Facebook and Twitter allow users to share experiences with Volkswagen brand. It is a great tool to create a relationship or brand loyalty with actual customers and acquire new one. http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/essays-and-dissertations/images/value-chain-fig1.jpg Figure shows a Value Chain SWOT analysis provides the strengths and weaknesses as an internal factor of the company and Opportunities and Threats for the external environment of the company. Any company has to change its strategic planning according to the SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis will also help the company to analyze the prospects after the acquisition of a Chinese car company. Strengths Volkswagen has strong position in the Chinese market as it has a long experience in this market. Volkswagen has a strong brand portfolio; a good mix of luxury models are included in its portfolio and German engineering with competitive pricing will make a big difference. Volkswagen has a strong research and development department which continuously works for the improvement in the quality, functionality and environmental compatibility. Volkswagen design team can come up with the customize design which will suit the customers of China. Weakness Poor performance in Africa and North America can be issue for concern for Volkswagen. Operational inefficiency and weaker productivity are other reasons for concern for Volkswagen as it has relatively low employee productivity compared to its competitors. Opportunities There is encouraging rate of growth in the Chinese car market. Chinese car market has reached $98 million in 2008. Market consumption has reached to 7.4 million units in 2008 which is an increase of 17.8% compared to previous year. The volume of market is expected to reach 13 million by year 2013 (Datamonitor, 2010). Threats Increase in the production cost due to the increase in the raw material prices. Increase in the government rules regarding the labor may also increase the prices. Increase in the competition may cause price wars due to which there will be fall in prices. There is enormous growth potential in the automotive industry in China and in the coming few years, various factors will derive the demand. There are enormous growth prospects in Chinas car market, the rate of car ownership is low and financial industry for automobiles is immature. As China is a developing country, its economy is expected to increase rapidly, it is least expected that the car industry will grow in a steady or balanced way. The car registration rate rose in 2002 and 2003 was 63% and 70% which were not sustained and the growth rate was moderate in 2004 with 16% and further modest in 2005. This slowdown of growth coincided with the huge investment in the productive field which led to the decline in the prices. However a utomotive sector recovered very strongly with the growth rate of 30% in 2006 and 24% growth rate in 2007 respectively (Automotive Industry Report, 2009). TASK 3 Marketing Mix for Volkswagen Brand For brand strategy of Volkswagen there is involvement of first P according to marketing mix is Product as described in model. The product in this model is defined as that combination of services and goods sell to the customers by the company or organisation in target market (Armstrong Kotler, 2005). From analysis it is found that product is also a part of Brand name. Design and quality are the main product features that possess variety in them. Here an example can be quoted for a brand of Volkswagen Touareg that has been sold in India comprises of a package of seating, engine, breaks and engine etc. (Volkswagen India, 2009). Hence for product strategy the company is equipped with variety and design in their products including warrant for them which in turn results in good response from the customers and make them satisfied and bring loyalty in them. The second P in this model if marketing mix is price. Price is of a product or service is defined as that amount which is paid by customer to the organisation or company for buying their products or services offered to them (Armstrong Kotler, 2005). While discussing the price strategy it has been found that there are 61 dealership offers high prices for the products to sell in India as compared to their rivals like Honda city and Ford, but there is variation that the company charge interest rate by 4.5 5.0 % instead of other rivals make with 8% or more as a loans given by banks or building societies of other rival car makers. This facility is attributed by the Volkswagen financial Services that aided to support the sales of the company to their customers. There is next P for the marketing mix is Place that is also very crucial in Brand management. The place usually referred to that place where there is availability of products of company to their customers. As in concerned to Volkswagen the company involved in using dealers and distributors for the purpose of the sales of their products. There are two modes for the dealers to get authorised either through franchised or direct ownership of company. For the company their network related to their dealers is very important and is maintained in a proper way because the product of the company are introduced through them to the customers, hence it is very important. In the views of Kotler 2005 the company usually share their losses and profits both with their dealers for purpose to maintain the quality of cost leadership. At present the Volkswagen has fine relationship with their dealers in India and also involve in the dealing of their products with Skoda with 61 leaders (Top News, 2010). The last and fourth one P is Promotion. The promotion has variance in their objectives that has to be achieved in market. The promotion is usually handled with the tool of advertisement. The promotions for customers are added through the advertisement that results in the excitement among them. The aim of promotion is to pull in target consumers. These promotions are based on the scheme of non profit but in turn results in the profit for the company (Bradley, 1993). For example the Volkswagen Company in year 2009 has launched a promotion named Pre Monsoon campaign published by Motor beam, 2009. This promotion is for the purpose to establish the brand of company India. In India the company offered a variety of range of services to their customers and fro this company is getting profit from the promotions of the company brand. Market development According to Reiziger (et al, 2003) when a company took entrance into a new market and launch themselves by introducing existing products this is came to know as the development of market, and the main aim of the company is to lure the customers from the their existing competitors in that exiting market i.e. new market. The company Volkswagen has got the entry into Indian market in 2007 by launching their product Jetta, then after two years in 2009 the company has launched two new cars in market with their existing brand using the brand value in market these cars are ionic beetle and the Touarge sedans (Volkswagen India, 2010). Diversification Again in the views of Reizger (2003) this is the entrance of any new company with having the launch of their new product under its own brand is termed to be diversification. This strategy is commonly recognised as most risky one as there is introduction of two new entities one is market and other one is product. For the Volkswagen diversification is not so risky, as it has already successfully launched a variety of cars in the market with its own brand and in accordance with its brand image and with every brand it has inched higher and created sense of the demand in the market on every launch of new products. Most currently the company has as innovation there are four new car that has gone to be launched in 2012 and these new coming products are SUVW, Couple, Up and Blue Sport (Volkswagen, 2010). CONCLUSION Volkswagen is a successful company with long history and well-known brand name. Firm tries to continue tradition from decade as a people car with putting innovation to it. Such successful company like Volkswagen is can aim for the bigger goals. With power and support of the Volkswagen Group firm has a chance to dominate automotive sector. Carried internal marketing and external marketing audit proofed that it is really hard to find a weakness within company structure. To remain successful on the market company have to use winning strategy. No matter what are the circumstances Volkswagen still have to put additional resources for research and development of the newest technology and maintain current labor power and structures within Human Resource Management. Make their products better and better in order to compete with other automotive companies. And finally deal with long term issues like how to substitute petrol. APPENDIX http://www.seeklogo.com/images/V/Volkswagen-logo-F2A46D9A81-seeklogo.com.gif http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4wE65k57GIDmexFeoF3r7IHdy2mhBUw7aiyb79vnjeeZwYnfkdw Figure shows the 1st model of Volkswagen http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/1st-Volkswagen-Jetta-Sedan.jpg http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7JKyGkitlyAsnNvL7B_q5aF5goOl8utO5su5BRnzWOVuRC5JJ Latest model of volkswagen

The Nature of the Legalism and Its Significance :: essays research papers

In contrary to its contemporary antagonist philosophical schools, who advocate the practices of humanness and the rightness and set ideal of the past, the Legalists, in their complete rejection of the traditional ethics, embraces the efficacy of political power and uphold a society of laws and punishments. As the old feudal states decayed and the smoke of endemic warfare suffused, the need for a more rational government that can afford greater centralized power so as to strengthen a state against its rival increased substantially among the Warring States. Such a rising urge necessitated the emergence of the Legalists and further predetermined the Legalists’ inherent nature – realistic, totalitarian and problem-solving – which, with the realization of its significance and duty in the stream of history, finds its hegemonic character as well. In function, the Legalist is more of a powerful and influential government consultative committee than a philosophical school. In practice, they openly advocate war as a means of state expansion and transforming people into more submissive and loyal or inversely, a way for its people to server the state; they conceive a political structure where all government apparatus and social institutions reside under an absolute monarch, who has the ultimate power and set his foundation in an elaborately self-contained, austerely impartial and severely coercive legal machinery; the state would also find no existence of the earlier schools of thoughts if not their total annihilation; loyalty to their emperor and â€Å"weakened† minds among people would prevail, bringing about social stability enabling intensive and efficient farming. It is thus rational for us to question the validity of preconditions upon which these ideas were acquired and the legitimacy of the ideas; and later but more importantly, how did the Legalists become the only classical thoughts had its teaching adopted as the sole official doctrine of a regime ruling all China and bring about the unification of China; and lastly, the association of the all-too-soon collapse of the ephemeral Qin Dynasty and the Legalists thoughts. As for the precondition of the Legalists’ thoughts, there are a few fundamental premises or judgments that we can find from the texts. As an independent school of thoughts in order to distinguish itself among all Hundreds of Schools and set aside all past ideals and standards, the Legalists, first of all, believed in the inevitability of a constant change in society. As noted by Han Fei (d.

The Role of Paralegals in the Legal System Essay -- Legal Assistant

Justice. It is something that everyone wants, something that we strive for, even something that sparks. However, when we think of lawyers, we think of superheroes with an expensive education, walking into the courtroom and serving up justice. What no one thinks of is the person that helped the lawyer get there, the paralegal that prepares the necessary documents, the paralegal that makes sure his or her attorney is at the right place at the right time. A paralegal is crucial and in some cases vital to our justice system yet they are so often over looked. To understand what a paralegal does we must first understand what the job of a lawyer entails. Black’s Law Dictionary defines a lawyer as â€Å"a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law.† Attorneys generally have around seven years of a college education under their belt, they have the authority to argue their clients case before a judge and jury. Just because a person has a law degree does not necessarily mean that they are skilled lawyers. One could have the best education money can buy but still be a lousy attorney. Practice and careful preparation is needed before one goes to court, but there is still one thing that is invaluable to an attorney. Experience. All of the classes in the world could not prepare one for the nerve that it takes to stand before a judge and jury with your client beside you trusting you to put up a fight. I had the opportunity to witness the behind the scenes action as a young attorney recently prepared for his first trial. What I saw is not what would normally happen but it is something that does happen. This attorney was given about three hours to prepare for his first trial, he had about three ye... ... by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." However we know that they do so much more. Works Cited "Current ABA Definition of Legal Assistant/Paralegal | Division for Legal Services." American Bar Association. Web. 12 Apr. 2011. . Green, Regina. Personal Interview. 7 Jan 2011. Henry Campbell Black, Black's Law Dictionary, 5th ed. (St. Paul: West Publishing Co., 1979), 799. Hooper, Milton. "The Evolving Paralegal Role." Paralegal Today: The Magazine for the Paralegal Profession. Web. 12 Apr. 2011. . Sands, Ana. Personal Interview. 7 Jan. 2011.

The Count of Monte Cristo :: The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo    The Count of Monte Cristo is an interesting tale about a sailor named Dantes who changes his whole persona in order to get back at his enemies. Dantes becomes a number of different people in order to carry out his plans. The changes Dantes went through made his different stages as a sailor and later as a mastermind of vengeance seem like day and night. Although Dantes seems very naà ¯ve at the beginning of the story, he becomes very sharp during his stay in jail. By the amount of detail and preciseness in his plans, Dantes as the Count can be looked as a mastermind. Much of Dantes’ knowledge comes from the old, thought to be crazy, priest named Faria that taught him in prison. Faria was also responsible for much of Dantes character change due to his great power of reasoning. Because Faria had given him a treasure and a hunger for vengeance, Dantes was willing and had enough money and power to carry out revenge on his enemies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Faria is the first person that opens up Dantes’ eyes so that he can see who his enemies really are. When Dantes first meets Faria, he is overjoyed because he hasn’t seen another person, other than the guard, for years. Faria reaches Dantes by means of a tunnel that took him 3 years to dig with his makeshift tools. Even though he had limited resources, Faria made matches, a lantern, a ladder, and a knife. Faria hid all these tools behind two separate rocks in his cell. All of these things show how smart Faria really was.   Faria’s intelligence is what helps Dantes make his transformation. â€Å"There is a maxim of jurisprudence which says,   ‘If you wish to discover the guilty person, first find out to whom the crime might be useful.’ To whom might your disappearance be useful?† This quote makes it apparent to Dantes that it wasn’t just a big accident that he went to jail. When Dantes foun d this out, you could see an immediate change in his character.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After Dantes gets the treasure that Faria gave him, he starts to put his plot for revenge into action. The first thing Dantes does after he gets the treasure is to change into the Count of Monte Cristo.

Growth Through Going Global

Growth Through Going Global The traditional theory of the firm is based on the short-run profit maximization. Many actions of firms may be seen to conflict with this aim and yet could be consistent with the aim of long-run profit maximization. For example, policies to increase the size of the firm or the firm's share of the market may involve heavy advertising or low prices to the detriment of short-run profits. But if this results in the firm becoming larger, with a bigger share of the market, the resulting economic power may enable the firm to make larger profits in the long run.In many respects, a firm's global strategy is simply an extension of its strategy within its own domestic market. However, opening up to global markets can provide an obvious means for a business to expand its markets and spread its risks. It is also a means of reducing costs, whether through economies of scale or from accessing cheap sources of supply or low-wage production facilities. A firm's global grow th strategy may involve simply exporting or opening up factories abroad, or it may involve merging with businesses abroad or forming strategic alliances.The result is that the global business environment has tended to become more and more ompetitive. What will a growth-maximizing firm's price and output be? Unfortunately there is no simple formula for predicting this. In the short run, the firm may choose the profit maximizing price and output – so as to provide the greatest funds for investment. On the other hand, it may be prepared to sacrifice some short-term profits in order to mount an advertising campaign.It all depends on the strategy it considers most suitable to achieve growth. In the long run, prediction is more difficult still. The policies that a firm adopts will depend crucially on the assessments of market opportunities made by managers. But this involves Judgment, not fine calculation. Different managers will Judge a situation differently. One prediction can be made. Growth-maximizing firms are likely to diversify into different products, especially as they approach the limits to expansion in existing markets.It is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the public interest. In the case of sales revenue maximization, a higher output will be produced than under profit maximization, but the consumers will not necessarily benefit from lower prices, since more will be spent on advertising – costs that will be passed on to the consumer. In the case of growth and long-run profit maximization, there are many possible policies that a firm could pursue.To the extent that a concern for the long run encourages firms to look to improved products, new products and new techniques, the consumer may benefit from such a concern. To the extent, however, that growth encourages a greater level of industrial concentration through merger; the consumer theory of the firm, the degree of competition a firm faces is a crucial factor in determining Just how responsive it will be to the wishes of the consumer. References: http://classofl . com/homework-help/economics-homework-help/

Samsung Yemen Lcd Tv & Its Accessories

SAMPLE MARKETING PLAN FOR SAMSUNG 3D TV â€Å"Inspire the world, create the future. † 1. 0 Executive Summary Samsung Electronics has proven to the business world that they are one of the most prestigious technology companies in the industry. With more technology advancements than our market can handle at this point and time, Samsung has paved the way for the future in electronics. One of the most popular new â€Å"toys† in the market today, is the unbelievable 3D TV. The first 3D TV was launched in March of 2010, and has already had a major impact on the market.Samsung dominated the market, controlling nearly90% of the total share. Samsung’s  product, the 9000 series TV, is  incomparable to competition with its ultra-thin screen, measuring only 0. 3 inches in width. The 9000 series also comes with a full color spectrum that makes for an  incredible viewing experience. 2. 0 Situation Analysis Samsung’s current strategy in the 3D television market is t o seize a dominant market share while the market is being pioneered and to maintain the majority market share throughout the stages of the 3D television life cycle.With the recent release of 3DTVs into the market in early 2010, the product is still considered to be in the introduction stage of the product life cycle. While Samsung introduced its  new slogan, â€Å"Inspire the world, Create the Future,† the company's strongest emphasis in the last two years has been on convergence and  integration. Samsung has re-organized their  corporation to encourage cross-pollination and innovation. This is demonstrated by the progressive approach to the market that Samsung has taken, acknowledging the lack of immediate growth in the market, and innovating to prepare for the potential growth in the market.Targeted Segment With the development of 3D TV technology, Samsung’s target market is easily identified as the Early  Adapter. An early adapter is a  consumer who has a very quick rate of diffusion, the rate at which the market accepts a new product or product idea. One Strategy Analytics Survey identified â€Å"Cube Tubers† as the most likely consumers of  products available in the 3D  TV market. â€Å"Cube Tubers,† are twice as likely to express interest in receiving 3D TV  programming at home. These consumers represent a  rather small eight-ten percent of the overall  population.They are most likely  young, mid-twenties to late thirties Caucasian males,  educated and married. They seem to be the  most likely candidates to show interest in buying the newest generation of the television market. Along with the â€Å"Cube Tubers,† the broader target market tends to be families with young children. The target audience for 3D TVs will mostly be  found in or near  bigger cities. These locations must be  considered the prime market areas due to the likelihood of the availability of 3D content in urban areas rat her than away from cities in the more technologically  constrained rural areas. Competitive Analysis . Sony cooperation 2. Mitsubishi Inc. 3 . Panasonic Inc. 4 . LG Electronics Inc. 5 Vizio Inc. 1 Sony Corporation Sony is a Japanese company that uses web advertising as a dominant feature. They offer different videos and PDF documents on their websites to help customers understand their business. When typing into Google,  Sony does not come up  first, however, Best Buy was one of  the leaders, who sell  Sony TV’s. Sony finds itself in the top five of the market share of the previous trends of the television market, usually in the top three until recently being bumped down to fifth recently in the FPTV market. Mitsubishi Inc. Mitsubishi Inc. is also a Japanese company  with a Very broad product mix, and a marketing theory that anything is possible. They Aim to release their 3D TVs mainly through private company sales rather than in nationally acclaimed retail stores like most brands. Mitsubishi has continued to  use and perfect DLP technology, created by Texas Instruments, while Samsung has moved on from DLP and has released some beautiful Plasma, LCD and LED  3D TVs.Mitsubishi’s difference is  in its picture quality,  although DLP offers great picture quality the technology has many drawbacks such as bulb replacement and interior cleaning to maintain picture quality that hinder consumers from buying their product. Mitsubishi is the most recent follower of trends by recently adopting the Smart TV  idea and integrating Internet  connectivity into the unit. .3 Panasonic Inc. Panasonic, another Japanese company, is another competitor finding its way to the top three market shares in the TV market.Panasonic aims to be  the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry by 2018, the 100th anniversary of their  founding. After Samsung initiated an unexpected price war with Panasonic  at the opening of the 3D mark et, they announced an expectancy to miss sales targets for the first year. Demonstrating Samsung’s sound knowledge of good pricing strategies keeping competitors on edge. Panasonic’s premier 3D product differs in  the backlight composition, opting to use plasma for the  opening of the 3D market. LG Electronics Inc.LG Electronics is a Korean company. LG Electronics Inc. , ranking as the world's second-largest maker of flat-screen TVs,  said it aims to strengthen its presence in the burgeoning 3D TV market, seeking to grab a share larger than its target for the liquid-crystal display (LCD) TV market. LG is eyeing 25  percent of the global 3D  TV market this year, which amounts to 950,000 sales based on an annual market forecast of 3. 8million units. That compares with LG's 15  percent market share target for  LCD TVs, or  25 million units. LG had focused on the  mass market.Initially LG’s objective  was to create footprint among the sizable mid dle class, and other than its aggressive pricing, little to  distinguish it from  other consumer durable companies. 5 Vizio Inc. Vizio is a market share leader in the industry, but its claim to success is in its ability to follow  technology and market trends. Vizio’s vision is to be the industry leader  in consumer electronics by consistently delivering the latest technologies at the most affordable price. Vizio has developed cost efficient production methods that allow them to undermine the quality of the products slightly and the price for what they sell at  significantly.SWOT Analysis Strength A. High Quality Innovative Products – Brand Prestige Samsung’s 3D TV market products lead the  industry as they have pioneered the launch of the  new market segment in  early 2010. Samsung’s LED TV product line has earned the prestige of the best picture quality available in the market by Consumer Electronics Reports. Those very products are  a lso leading the  way in innovation in the way of style and appeal to consumers, as Samsung released the 9000Series, which is the  thinnest 3D TV available at  . 31 inches.Samsung is a strong corporate brand known  for its quality products and  advanced technology use. The brand prestige that Samsung looks to carry over from the LED, LCD  and Plasma markets, hoping consumers will easily identify the brand and associate it with it high quality products from an organization dedicated to providing  market leading products. B. Availability of Resources Samsung recently transferred 300 engineers from their very prominent semiconductor business unit within the organization, and established a new television business unit.The relocation of these engineers has  allowed SE to develop market products far beyond the technology and innovative capacity of competitors. C. Constant Focus on R;D Samsung Electronic has been regularly strengthening its research and developments (R;D) fu nction. The company devotes significant resources and attention to develop consumer-preferred  products with innovative and distinctive features. It is evident from the fact that, the company invested approximately 5. 0% of its revenue in R;D activities  over 2008 and 2009. 2 WeaknessesA. Lack of Association with 3D Gaming Content Unlike SE’s competitor Sony, Samsung does not have a direct association with content provider for 3D gaming. Acknowledging that the 3D gaming segment will account for a substantial market share, one could infer Sony’s association with gaming consoles like PlayStation as  a competitive advantage over Samsung. B. High Quality, High Price Understanding SE prides itself on having very high quality products, one can infer that SE can  justifiably charge the highest price for those renowned products.To maintain a dominant market share as the market for 3D TVs expands, SE’s establish target consumer will  have to expand. With the  target consumer established economically as the upper level of the middle class and all levels of the upper class currently, the target will have to expand to incorporate all members of the middle class. 3 Opportunities A. Strategic alliances that enhance the company’s product offerings Samsung Electronics has entered into strategic agreements with some of the well-known companies of the world in the recent past.For instance, during June 2009,the company signed a patent cross license agreement with Toshiba for semiconductor  technologies. Toshiba is the leading player in the NAND flash memory market with thousands of patens under its  name. Toshiba is also in the forefront of innovations in this product category with several new technologies under its credit. By signing the cross licensing patent agreement with Toshiba, Samsung Electronics continues to have access to important NAND flash process technology as well as multi level cell flash memory design IP relevant for f uture NAND flash generations.B. Partnership to access 3D gaming content Establishing a partnership with a company in the video game industry would be ideal to increase the amount of 3D gaming content. Although this segment of  the market is currently minimal, the surplus of content could influence consumers so that the segment could increase. A partnership with a company  like Microsoft could have an impact on the market  greatly. The timing of this opportunity would be immediately, the sooner the partnership begins, and the sooner the content could be produced, presenting an opportunity  for the market  to expand. . Threats A. 3D Gaming Market – Sony The fact that Sony offers the PlayStation gaming console, they have a foot in the door with the consumers who have interest in 3D gaming, which could potentially represent a significant share of the market. Sony’s PlayStation is the first gaming console to launch 3D gaming  content. This relationship between t he two products allows Sony to sell both products together at a discount offering not only a product to view 3D content, but also a gaming console with abilities that allow consumers to play3D games.