Marketing Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing - Article Example According to their article, there is a market - finance interface that exists in the operational sphere of every organization. This helps the organization interact with its external environment so as to create ample scope for the creation of market assets as well as cash flows. In this article, the writers have taken the focus away from mere sales growth and profit figures in order to show how the various aspects of marketing can contribute to the overall brand image and thus create a better environment for garnering of financial inputs as well as outputs. (Srivastava et al, 1998) In this regard the various aspects that have been dealt with are discussed in this paper as follows. According to the article by Srivastava et al, (1998), the basic theme of market research revolves around providing the means for an organization to broaden its horizons in terms of its goal achievement plan and its strategic positioning in the market. The implication of this theory revolves around the fact that the modern day organization needs to follow various steps in the research and examination of its various levels of operations and scope in the dynamic business environment that surrounds it. These steps include the following: Development of a goal or a mission in keeping with the basic capabilities of an organization. This includes knowing what the organization's basic output is in terms of its human resource base. A study of the market forces. This will help the organization realize the potential of the product in lieu of similar products that are being sold in the market through an emphasis on the demand and supply of the same. Grouping and organization of resources. This is a crucial element that can make or break an organization. Through the grouping of resources, an organization manages it finances in a better way so as to garner funds that will be circulated in the marketing activities. Through this process there is also a focus on creating a better market standing for the organization. The basic implications for these broad and age old principles in lieu of the article by Srivastava et al, demonstrates that the writers have shown an affinity for the broad spectrum of marketing research in the development of their market - finance interface. Market research is a primary function that gives rise to findings regarding the organization as well as its standing in the external environment. According to Srivastava et al, this has major implication for the market based assets. (Srivastava et al, 1998) The tools of market research help an organization create an identity in the following arenas: Change and knowledge management: The ability of an organization to cater for change and go along with the flow helps it earn more market based assets. The modern day economy is one that is changing with each passing day. The state of commerce is not what it used to be, say, a few decades ago. This is basically due to the fact that the new rule of thumb is that the only constant is change. The face of politics has greatly shaped the way the economy of a country and therefore, that of an organization, operates. In this way, there is a sense of constant interaction with the

The consumption of ice cream increases, so do the instances of Essay

The consumption of ice cream increases, so do the instances of drowning - Essay Example Ice-cream consumption (first variable) and the incidence of drowning (second variable) may show a positive correlation, but the consumption does not cause the incidence. This may be common sense, but this simple example demonstrates the issue of spurious correlation being taken as evidence for implying causality. In Correlation Theory, the coefficient of correlation simply measures the ‘goodness of fit’ of sample of the data for the two variables i.e. how well they correlate together. It â€Å"does not necessarily indicate a direct dependence of the variables† (Spiegel, M). â€Å"The problem of interpretation is always very much more difficult to deal with than the statistical manipulations, and for this side of the work there is no substitute for detailed practical acquaintance with every aspect of the problem.† (Moroney, M) Conclusions based on the correlation findings are only good as the interpretative ability of the analyst and his or her acquaintance with every detail or aspect of the problem. The possibility of other variables affecting the ones being compared should always be considered to account for the relationship being tested if there is any inkling of a spurious correlation. In our example, a third variable of temperature relates to both the existing variables of ice-cream consumption and instances of drowning and better explains the phenomenon. More ice-cream is consumed in hot weather especially during the summer heat. This tendency to consume more during hot weather is understandable my most people, and can easily be ascertained by examining the sales figures of ice-cream parlours. These are well known to show seasonal fluctuations being higher in summer and lower in winter. As for drowning, this too can be explained as being a more common occurrence in summer simply because more people like to and do spend more time either in or near water. This can be near lakes, rivers, seasides, and

Bank Failures over Last 25 Years Essay Example for Free

Bank Failures over Last 25 Years Essay The banks began to fail because of misappropriation of funds and loose lending practices to the majority of the US citizens living above their means. The government estimated 2,657 closures from bank failures from 1987 to 2012 (http://bankvibe. com). Currently, there is a total 7,074 FDIC insured banks (http://www. mybankertracker. com/banks). This caused was from credit stipulations were lowered to allow the subpar credit working Americans to obtain personal loans, car, homes or other amenities. Most banks were very stable but were not prepared for the financial bubble to burst in the distance near future. Moreover, in my experience with working for a few financial institutions, I observed the credit parameters amended to fit a customer’s financial state. These loans stipulations were as follows: no documentation, no income, no assets, or no verification job; underwriting went only off credit score in some cases. The small, mid-size, and corporate banks are all competing for the public’s business which caused disarray of bad banking decisions. Hence, the banks that failed from 1987 until present time in researching last 25 years; we don’t read much about these failures in our daily newspapers, simply just; there is an over abundant of banks failures every day and this has become very common (www. davemanuel. com/history-of-bank-failures-in-the-united-states. php) Nevertheless, these banking behaviors caused a massive failure of mortgage banks and commercial banks. This caused the government to become very involved when Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were affected by these lending behaviors (Johnson, 2010, p. 4-28). My research will display the trend of failing banks over the last 25 years and data will give insight on the numbers of banks. The Federal Reserve had centralized banking responsibility to save the banks, they deemed too big to fail. The depositors decide to simultaneously withdraw their funds from banks, which resulted in a bank panic. If several banks experience these actions at same time, this throws the banks into a bank panic. The Feds loan the banks money at a discounted rate to sustain these indiscretions (Hubbard O’brien, 2010, p. 37). Consequently, the US Congress started holding hearings, and questioning these huge corporate banks whose bonuses, incentives, and other loose business practices. These banks closed, sold, or merged with other banks to survive inevitable reality of failing (NAOAKI, 2011, p29). The investment banks were also involved in the buying and selling of bundled mortgages, investments, or other banking products to raise their capital. Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, and Countrywide were guilty of such practices as seen all over the TV national news. These companies have been either sold or closed down after the hearings on Capitol Hill. Currently, In order to resolve this crisis, banks have drastically changed their lending practice and the closure of failing banks has slowed down. Corporate banks were also beginning to receive stimulus funds to save them from failing. The government found themselves in a position of using the Feds to prevent catastrophic melt down of financial industry. The 12 districts are replenished to keep the general public getting loans; thus, keeping money in circulation (Hubbard O’brien, 2010, p. 438). All banks did not take the stimulus funds, but devised a plan to prevent failure. Therefore, banks had to pay back the loans in the billions, but were not charged interest if they paid the funds back early. The small to mid-size banks were left to fail, because they were not too big to fail. A double standard was shown to small businesses the backbone of America (http://economics. bout. com/). A bank of ineffective practices has shown small mom and pop banks they should not try to compete with Corporate Banking in America. They are not going to be bailed out, and allowed to fail. These small or mid-size banks are microeconomics not in macroeconomics equation of America big businesses. In conclusion, the bank failures are significant to our economy tremendously regardless the size, from the housing market, investments, or checking/savings accounts. The Feds saved the banks worth saving to boost the economy and slow down inflation. Perhaps, further research conducted to answer the following questions, and ask the questions: Do you think if people were given the stimulus funds instead of the banking institutions? What kind of economic boost would banks have, if the citizens were given stimulus funds? How does the government determine who receives funds to survive a financial set back? Why are parts of corporate America deemed too big to fail?

Case Study Skin Care Segment

Case Study Skin Care Segment From soaps and shampoos in the morning to overnight repair face creams, from sunscreen products in summers to moisturizing lotions in winters; skin care products literally touch our daily lives. These products we use are in some measure the signature of our lifestyles and standards of living. The skin care industry worldwide is a 50 Billion Dollar plus business. Caring for the skin of people throughout the world is an extraordinary business. It is a business where people are passionate about their work, because it matters. It matters to their families, to their communities and to the world. It is a business filled with tremendous opportunity for leadership and growth in the 21st century; a business where unmet needs still abound and where people around the world are waiting for new and better solutions. Skin care includes dramatic breakthroughs in science and technologies are opening the doors to bold new approaches; where global demographic and economic trends favor growth. It is a business where a broadly based company with a strong vision, a culture of caring and the resources to invest in the future has the opportunity to take the skin care to a new level for people throughout the world and where such a company can make a profound, positive difference for its customers. As the worlds obsession with fair blemishes skin continues, skin care products have emerged as a key driver for the personal care category. All the personal care majors, from HUL, PG and Emami to LOreal, CavinKare, Nivea and Dabur, are fighting a high-pitch battle to gain share in the small, but fast-growing skin care market. Indian skincare market ~ Rs 2,100 crore Skincare moisturizer market ~ Rs 1,600 crore Premium Skincare Market ~ Rs 450 crore Skincare market has been steadily growing at 16 per cent as of last year Anti-Ageing Market ~ Rs 60 crore Avons Face care Recommendation: Steps to cleanse and moisturize your face Step 1: Wash face thoroughly with a Cleanser. This opens up the pores on ones face Step 2: Apply Toner to close the pores to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating in the opened pores Step 3: Apply a Treatment (meaning a product like a wrinkle cream, firming cream, brightening etc.) Step 4: Apply a Moisturizer (During the day, your moisturizer should have a SPF in it. One can even use a combination of a fairness cream with SPF) Thats it! This process should only take about 3 to 5 minutes. Remember, a small amount goes a long way with your products. Dont over apply. That may decrease the effectiveness of the product. We note that every step caters to a different range of products LARGEST SKINCARE MARKETS WORLDWIDE France- It lives up to the reputation of the skincare knowledge centre with its the consumers having regular skincare routines The US is the second largest skincare market in the world, with a strong forecast growth in hand care The Japanese purchase high amounts of skincare products, as caring for skin forms a key element of their beauty routines Skin whitening creams form an important basis of Middle Eastern womens skincare regimes Per capita consumption in Hong Kong US$ 40, US$ 9 in Philippines, US$ 10 in Malaysia and Taiwan, 12 US$ in Japan and US$ 1.5 in China. Segment Market Overview Personal care category in India is valued at Rs 54.6 billion. An average Indian spends 8% of his income on personal care products. Skincare forms the largest part of the overall personal care market in volume terms. In 2009, around 15% of all spend on personal care came in the skincare category. The market size of this segment is US$ 200 million. Skin care grew by 13% in 2009 to reach nearly Rs32 billion. Skin care products comprise of personal grooming and personal hygiene products. The broad product categories are as follows- Personal Wash: soaps, face wash, body wash, shower gels Facial Care: face packs (or masks), anti acne, anti ageing, fairness, lip calms, astringents, toners Body Care: sunscreens, moisturizers, talcum prickly heat powders, antiseptics Foot care: Anti crack creams Hand care: Untapped market Skin Care Category: All India Urban Volume 13265.3 tonnes Conclusions derived from the above chart: Fairness sub category- 60% of the Skin care category volumes comes from this segment Winter Care sub category- Decline in consumption and decrease in small pack size buyers resulting in decline in volume Antiseptic sub category- New customers are driving the growth for this segment Sunscreen sub category- Low new trier rate Cleansing sub category- Increase in consumption from retainers is increasing volumes The anti-ageing phenomenon continues to gather momentum, with the worldwide market expected to reach $115.5bn by the end of 2010. Nourishers/anti-agers saw the fastest value growth of 19% in 2009. SWOT STRENGTHS Worlds largest FMCG company with a 61% share in the Indian skincare market Hindustan Unilever Ltds products continue to dominate skin care sales in 2009 The companys brands Fair Lovely, Ponds and Lakme were the top three skin care brands in India in 2009, with Fair Lovely accounting for 48% of the value sales of skin care in India. Long product mix Sophisticated Supply chain Strong brand name Major brands Ponds, Lux, Dove, Vaseline, Lifebuoy, Liril, Pears, Breeze, Hamam Since the brands have individual names, HULs reputation is not tied with that of the product. HUL carries all the advantages that come as a result of being a house of brands. Broad product line catering to all segments Low-priced sachet SKUs, free samples and new variants for its major brands boosted sales WEAKNESSES Significantly higher advertising expenditure incurred by HUL to build up all its brands from scratch since a blanket family name is not attached to the individual brands. Unilever generated revenues of $55.4 billion in the financial year (FY) ended December 2009, a decrease of 1.7% over 2008. The companys net income totaled $4.7 billion in FY2009, a decrease of 33.0% over 2008. OPPORTUNITIES The personal care division of HUL is recording an increase in revenues to the tune of $ 16.5 billion in 2009, an increase of 4.1% over 2008 owing to a volume growth of 2.3% driven by stronger innovation, advertising and promotional activities. Skin care grew by 13% in 2009 to reach nearly Rs32 billion Average unit prices continued to rise in 2009 Skin care is forecast to see a constant value CAGR of 10% Skin care continued to attract new players, both in the mass and premium categories, and, despite concerns about economic and financial security in the first half of 2009, skin care continued to see dynamic growth in 2009. THREATS Large numbers of relatively unorganised local players give it competition in the lower-price segments. Since these players typically operate in small geographies, they invest almost nothing in brand building and are thus able to offer higher trade margins and sell to consumers at prices lower than those of HLLs brands. Competition from organised national brands especially P G in the higher-price segments. In recent years, price war between the two FMCG giants has resulted in a dwindling of profits for both. 4.2 PROCTOR GAMBLE PG Hygiene and Health Care Limited is one of Indias fastest growing Fast Moving Consumer Goods Companies that has in its portfolio PGs Billion dollar brands such as Vicks Whisper. With a turnover of Rs. 500+ crores, the Company has carved a reputation for delivering high quality, value-added products to meet the needs of consumers. SWOT STRENGTHS Diversification: Product diversification with about 300 products. The diverse product mix includes personal and beauty items, household products, health and wellness, Baby and family and pet care and nutrition. Research and development: PG invests 3 4 % of Net outside Sales in research and development (RD). This amount easily exceeds their leading competitors, among consumer products companies. They also have more Ph.D.s working in labs around the world than the combined science and engineering faculty at Harvard, MIT and Berkeley. Innovation: In fiscal year 2004-05, PG was granted 27,000 patents globally. PG has produced a number of new products like diapers; shampoo and conditioner in one; toothpaste that prevents osteoporosis. Its diversified product mix helps in connecting technology across categories and brings innovation to the product. Brand building: Advertisement expenditure of PG is twice than the next company on the list of companies which spend highly on advertising. WEAKNESSES Has only recently, in 2007, made a foray into the skincare sector in India with the launch of its Olay brand. Is still a novice in a sector full of highly experienced competitors. Inadequate quality control: With large number of product profile, the quality control of all the products has deteriorated. OPPORTUNITIES Developing markets: The economies of China and India are growing at a very fast pace. The company currently competes in only about 10 of its top 25 categories in most developing countries. This provides PG with an opportunity to enhance its market share as well as expand its presence in other categories. THREATS Its brand Olay faces direct competition Ponds premium skincare range. Faces competition from local low-cost manufacturers 4.3 JOHNSON JOHNSON SWOT STRENGTHS Johnson Johnsons range of baby products is used widely by adults as it is one brand which is known for being very gentle on the skin. Clean and Clear face wash has effectively targeted the teenage segment which is paranoid of pimple problems and needs an effective and affordable remedy to acne. WEAKNESSES Neutrogenaoffering around 25 beauty items ranging from fairness creams, face cleansing lotions to sun protection and hand and body care products which was launched as a premium product is priced too steeply and not differentiated enough from Clean and Clear to justify the high price. OPPORTUNITIES The skincare segment is growing at a rate of 13% in India and thus provides immense growth opportunities to Johnson and Johnson. THREATS Ayurvedic products which are similarly gentle on the skin for e.g. Himalaya Faces competition from FMCG giants HUL and P G which have very long product line Factors shaping the industry 5.1 Growth Drivers Consumers clearly believe that taking care of their skin is one of the most important parts of their overall health and beauty regimes. Research shows that more consumers rated taking care of their skin as important than they did for looking their best in day-to-day life, highlighting how pivotal skincare is to the majority. Rapid urbanisation Increased purchasing power Greater awareness of fashion amongst the younger population Rising participation of women in urban work force Growing tendency to focus on individual and self gratification Growing importance of looks and personal grooming for personal and professional reasons Market trends like spread of organized retail to Tier II cities Development of non-traditional segments like mens cosmetics Development of a wide range of products at different price points Increasing competition with entry of large MNCs Increased brand building Customer awareness initiatives by companies Source-EIU CIA world fact book 5.2 INHIBITORS CULTURAL ISSUES Some cultures are more complex to service beauty-wise than others. It has been widely documented that some brands fail to build successful relationships with Muslim consumers because they fail to understand the consumers they are talking to. Because of cultural and religious issues, women focussing too much on looks are considered to be sinners and hence are not encouraged to focus on beautifying themselves. PRICE SENSITIVITY India is a very price sensitive market and thus there is a dire need for innovative solutions to cater to the Indian preferences and budgets. 5.3 Trend Analysis Key Trends in terms of product categories: Anti- ageing Anti-ageing solutions are nascent but gaining ground. It is the fastest growing segment in the skincare market (approximately 3 per cent of the overall skin category, it has doubled in the last three years) Brands Companies in anti ageing HUL Ponds Age Miracle Range PG Olay Total Effects: Fighting the 7 signs of ageing (lines and wrinkles, sagging, uneven skin tone, age spots, pores, dullness and dryness). Olay is a $2-billion brand. LOreal Garnier: In India since last decade Target Consumer for anti ageing: Indian Women looking for one product that will help her stay young and beautiful (Agelessness) Consumer Activation: Counters at cosmetics stores with counselling by expert beauty consultants at departmental stores and large modern retail outlets and further education on skincare Ayurveda Ayurveda is one of the most ancient medical traditions practiced in India, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries, and has a sound philosophical and experiential basis. [4] Ayurveda has several formulations for management of aging and other skin care related conditions. Its literature describes over 200 herbs, minerals and fats to maintain and enhance the health and beauty of the skin. Today there is once again a revival of preference for natural products, and in recent years there has been a great upsurge in the study of Indian herbs. [7] Thus brands like Himalaya and Dabur Uveda have come to the fore. They offer specific solutions to skin problems. For example: Himalaya offers Neem (the derma specialist), Acne and pimple cream, antiseptic cream, foot care cream for cracks and a variety of face packs Clinics for skin treatment: Clinics such as VLCC and KAYA provide acne, hair removal and anti ageing treatments And this is in addition to offering a range of products in skin care. Fairness: Fairness creams have become the major drivers of the skin care segments growth. Fair and Lovely dominates this market catering to the needs of Indian women who wish to be fair (fair is beautiful) and that too at a very affordable price. Another new trend is the introduction of Emami and Garniers fairness creams for men. An overview of trends in India: The pace of new brand/product launches in skin care remained robust in 2009. Leading players, including Hindustan Unilever Ltd, modernized their brands with the addition of new product variants to feed female consumer appetite for more sophisticated products and male consumers increasing willingness to pay for specialized products for men. Skin care continued to attract new players, both in the mass and premium categories, and, despite concerns about economic and financial security in the first half of 2009, skin care continued to see dynamic growth in 2009. 2009 value growth was slightly higher than the CAGR of 12%. Robust growth towards was driven by increasing consumer sophistication and premiumization. Some consumers may have traded up from basic products such as Fair Lovely to more sophisticated variants offered by mass brands such as Ponds Flawless White, which incorporates SPF, UVAB filters and matt effect. Premium skin care grew slightly faster at 15% in current value terms than skin care as a whole in 2009. While skin care sales continued to be dominated by mass brands in India, urban women increasingly added one or two premium brands such as Este Lauder and Artistry to their skin care regimen alongside staples such as Fair Lovely and Ponds Word-of-mouth publicity for direct selling brands and the growing visibility of international brands in outlets in the major cities boosted the growth of premium products in 2009. Whitening and fairness and glowing/clear complexion remained the most prominent marketing claims in skin care in India in 2009 due to the prevailing preference of Indian consumers for fair skin. Acne treatment brands are commonly available in cream/ointment, lotion and bar soap formats. Cream/ointment is by far the most popular format, accounting for 81% of value sales of acne treatments in 2009. In September 2009, Clean Clear Active Clear Acne Clearing Gel was launched by Johnson Johnson Ltd. Acne kits are not available in India, and sales of acne treatment products are dominated by chemists outlets. LOreal India Pvt Ltd increasingly stationed beauty advisors in upmarket chemists outlets to promote Vichy in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. Nonetheless, due to its high price points and premium positioning, Vichy remained a highly niche brand in 2009. The launch of Garnier Light Eye Roll On in early 2009 was a huge success as the product highlighted the commonly faced problems of puffiness of eyes and dark circles and leveraged consumers latent need for such a product. The use of face scrubs and peel-off face masks is very common in India and the products are mainly used to improve skin complexion by removing dead skin. Facial cleansers witnessed a higher value growth rate in 2009 compared to 2008, spurred by the emphasis among newly launched brands such as Neutrogena (Johnson Johnson Ltd) and EverYuth Menz (Cadila Healthcare Ltd) on this category through their mass-media campaigns. Moreover, existing brands with a loyal consumer base, such as StreetWear (Modi Revlon Pvt Ltd), Nivea for Men (Nivea India Pvt Ltd) and Lactocalamine (Piramal Healthcare Ltd), expanded their product portfolio by launching facial cleansers in 2009. Even premium brands such as Clinique (Elca Cosmetics Pvt Ltd) saw a robust increase in the sales of their facial cleansers in 2009. 5.4 TRENDS IN ADVERTISEMENTS LUX: Today, the brand is still heavily advertised in India using Bollywood stars. Madhubala, Hema Malini, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla, Rani Mukerji have all been past brand ambassadors] Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif are the present brand ambassadors of Lux. In India Shahrukh Khan was the first male in a Lux advertisement. LUX signed up the King Khan as its ambassador for its 75th celebration year. This was quite interesting and made a clutter breaking endorsement. Why SRK? We can only speculate that he is a person who relates to emotions quite strongly, especially with ladies emotions. This could also be a way of the company wanting to create a wider space around the brand LUX to cater to a wider target group. Beauty being the central theme and emotions being the space around beauty. In this respect, currently Abhi-ash (Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) endorse the brand together. We dont see much of male models doing endorsement for soaps. Cinthol got Vinod Khanna, and it made the first mark in the consumer mind of male soap. Lifebuoy advertised with a bunch of males and it was more oriented towards cleanliness and god health and not in the beauty space. DOVE: Brand managers the world over are understandably jealous. Imagine having unearthing and exposing some of the neuroses women have about themselves, create a sensitive and believable marketing campaign, and then yes inspire change! In 2004, Unilevers Dove dared to launch this as its new positioning. And of course, it worked. Till date, the brand continues to excel in its role as marketer-turned-social activist, while, naturally, never losing sight of the core business. What were getting a lot better at now is incorporating the Campaign for Real Beauty message along with the product-specific, product-superiority kind of message, says Sharon MacLeod, Doves brand manager, on its evolution this year. Ordinary women from different walks of life feature in Dove ads rather than celebrities which enhances believability of the product. FAIR AND LOVELY: Its the ultimate product in India in catering to fairness needs of women. Advertisements highlight the plight of dark women who are under confident and even ridiculed in society. Then once they use FAL they are not only fair and glowing but also confident about going out into the world and getting a corporate job or becoming a super star. Such ads have a mass appeal. india is one country where women are judged and discriminated on the basis of their complexion and this brand offers a solution to facing that so called humiliation, hence it has sold like hot cakes since its launch. A similar product has been launched by other companies for fairness creams suited for men, PONDS: The ponds googli wooglie ads are supposed to be charming and have been readily accepted by the customers. However, the launch of PONDS AGE MIRACLE has been quite successful. The ad reads see the change in your husband i.e. PONDS reverses wrinkles and spots of ageing to transform oneself into ones youthful self. This brand too doesnt use celebrities to make ads more believable and simple rather than using celebrities who often divert the attention from the brand to themselves OLAY: Olay anti-ageing ads make extensive use of celebrities to endorse its brand. these include Sushmita Sen, Gul Panag etc to vouch for these brands. This adds credibility to the brand. This a premium brand and mostly symbolizes sophistication. JOHNSON JOHNSON: Baby care products are virtually a monopoly. These ads feature cherubic babies learning to walk, being cared for by their mothers etc. The products are also used by adults with sensitive skin. In order to cater to the needs of other adult segments, Neutrogena provides cleansers toners moisturizers lotions anti-ageing creams etc. The brand is endorsed by new age icons like Prachi Desai and Deepika Padukone. Clean Clear is a major brand in treatment of acne with its astringent, face wash and pimple zapping ointment. 5.5 BARRIERS TO ENTRY India being a price sensitive market there is low penetration by international brands High rate of new product launches Calls for ability to constantly update their products to changing customer needs or else the competitor can sweep the market away High advertisement spending Barriers specific to anti ageing sub segment: It is the working woman who is more conscious of the way she looks rather than the woman who stays at home. And in India that segment is still small, unlike the Chinese market where there is a high population of working women. To that extent, the companies find it limiting to enter this segment India. Also products are on the more expensive side. They are considered premium. For example, Olay is priced at Rs 599 for a 50 gm pump jar Producing efficacious anti-aging solutions requires a lot of science and research, which can prove expensive. This compresses the target market therefore discouraging companies from entering this sub segment and competing with already established brands commanding a high degree of brand loyalty. BRAND PERCEPTION SURVEY 6.1 Questionnaire If we assume every brand to be personified, what personality trait would you associate each of these brands with? Lux Dove Fair and Lovely Lakme Ponds Johnson Johnson Baby care Neutrogena Himalaya Boroplus Olay Garnier Vaseline Clear n Clear For making a decision regarding the purchase of a skin care product, rank the importance of the following in the decision process Price Quality Advertisements Publicity Innovation Note: Fairness, Anti ageing and Winter-care have contributed to either fuelling or sustaining growth in the skin care segment. The following questions therefore pertain to one major brand from each of these sub-segments namely Fair Lovely, Olay and Pond Answer the following in Yes/No FAL OLAY PONDS Quality The brand is of superior quality You would refer the brand to others Price The brand offers competitive pricing Its value proposition for the price is best in this class Innovation You view the brand as innovative The brand offers real-world solutions The brand understands the need of the market Advertisements Publicity The ads for the brand are superior to competitors The ads are suitable to the brand 6.2 RESULTS OF THE SURVEY Popular responses to the brands were: Lux : Competent Dove: Sincere Fair and Lovely: Imaginative Lakme: Spirited Ponds: Charming Johnson Johnson Baby care: Loving Neutrogena: Fresh Himalaya: Natural Boroplus: Reliable Olay: Sophisticated Garnier: Classy Vaseline: Gentle Clear n Clear: Confident On the basis of survey the following were the criteria as ranked by consumers in making a purchase decision regarding a skin care product: Rank Criteria Quality Price Innovation Advertisements Publicity FAL OLAY PONDS The brand is of superior quality 80% 84% 80% You would refer the brand to others 92% 76% 68% The brand offers competitive pricing 100% 60% 84% Its value proposition is best in this class 96% 80% 92% FAL OLAY PONDS You view the brand as innovative 92% 96% 60% The brand offers real-world solutions 80% 92% 76% The brand understands the need of the market 100% 72% 72% The ads for the brand are superior to competitors 56% 52% 52% The ads are suitable to the brand 80% 92% 80% 6.3 ANALYSIS CONCLUSIONS DRAWN Since all responses are above 50% in favor of Yes, the percentages indirectly reflect the degree of to which people agree: 50-70: Somewhat Agree 70-90: Agree 90-100: Totally agree We found that these brands are superior in their respective sub segments. On interviewing the women, we found that while FAL is the undisputed champion in fairness creams, OLAY is viewed as reasonably good as compared to other anti-ageing creams due to its extensive advertising and PONDS is the most viable solution for winter-care hence the popularity of Ponds Cold Cream. FAL It is viewed to be reasonably priced and thus is value for money. A whopping 100% feel that the brand is catering to the needs of the market. In India, it is no secret that women wish to be fair, hence FAL provides the perfect solution at the best price. Ads are believed to be superior to competitors but by a very small margin. The ads have a mass appeal and are considered suitable to the brand. OLAY The positive responses point to the fastest growing sub segment in skin care: Anti-Ageing creams. OLAY is premium brand (not meant to cater to the masses). The brand is viewed as very innovative and effectively provides a solution to the new-age need of agelessness among women. There are other players that dilute the impact of this brand on consumer minds but OLAY has made an impression with its celebrity endorsements. PONDS anti ageing creams offer ads which are more attractive hence the OLAY ads are not able to build an exclusive brand perception in the minds of people. PONDS Its value proposition is best among cold creams. It may not cater to the needs of all people as those with oily skin may choose to avoid using PONDS. The cream may cause stickiness in such cases which can lead to acne problems. However, when it comes to using a cold cream, most prefer this brand. The ads are considered endearing and suitable to the brand. The new emerging needs for fairness and anti-ageing solutions have not completely overruled the importance of ponds cold creams. Also as noted earlier, PONDS See the difference in your husband Anti-ageing creams are preferred in terms of ads UNMET NEEDS IN SKINCARE Oily skin: For skin which is more on the oilier side. A regular matt base cream or even the anti oil creams available in the market causes flakes to accumulate on the surface and oil based cream results in stickiness which may aggravate acne. An oil control version of Fair and Lovely solved the problem to some extent but it was still on the stickier side. Moreover, this product is not to be seen in the market anymore. There is a need to cater to people with this skin type as they often find themselves not using moisturizers or sunscreens at all (rather be tanned than have an acne outbreak) Elimination acne for good: There is no effective fool proof method of preventing recurring outbursts of acne. People prone to acne succumb to outbreaks throughout their life. Even those who regularly use cleansers to maintain oil free skin as well as anti acne creams or zap pimples with anti-pimple acid based ointments have to face them again. Anti-Radiation: Long-term exposure to radiation from televisions, microwaves, cell phones, computers and laptops etc. increases the risk of all forms of cancer, tumors, blood disorders, miscarriage, headaches, insomnia and anxiety. This we have heard but little do people know that it also causes aging of the skin by drying or wrinkling the skin, skin burn, etc. This form of skin damage is identical to sun damage and causes the same health problems. Computer radiation is most harmful to skin health because we sit directly in front of the computer for long periods of time with our face absorbing the radiation. This may require extensive research and development on the part of companies but a skin care product catering to protect one from these radiations can be regarded as a latent need. Hand care : There is no product specifically catering to this sub segment. Regular manicures are not feasible to care for ones hands. Indian womens hands are abused in the course of washing clothes and dishes, Hands become rough and hard. Lotions, moisturizers and antiseptics exclusively for ones hands are an unmet need. Premium skin care range specially designed to suit mens skin is largely unmet. The only progress in this respect is with regards the new entry of fairness creams fo

Social Interaction Influence Cognitive Development Essay -- Psychology

Social interaction plays an important role in people’s life starting from the early childhood as infants interact with their caregivers and build the emotional attachment that is the base for future relationships. By social interaction with others children learn how to communicate, play and behave in particular situation. Berk (2009) proposed the overview of the literature that concentrates upon the early attachment and its importance. Knowing the influence of social interaction on child development in the first few years, the essay is going to elaborate upon the implication of social interaction on the development of cognition. Cognitive development as Lee & Gupta (eds.) claimed is the term that refers to acquisition and development of knowledge and cognition, namely the processes such as memory, language, and problem – solving and drawing. When elaborating upon cognitive development, the three main aspects can be distinguished: the understanding of the objects by chil dren, their ability to imitate caregivers and children’s ability to hold representations of the world (Oates, Wood & Grayson, 2005). All of the aspects play an important role in developing cognition of children and provide the explanation for the understanding of children’s learning influenced by social relationships and practices. In the essay there is going to be an emphasis on the social interaction between children and their caregivers and peer relations. To consider whether social interaction is a fundamental basis for cognitive development of children, there is going to be presented the overview of the literature that concentrates upon it. There are two fundamental theoretical frameworks that touch upon the subjects, namely the work of Piaget (1926) and Vygots... ...interact with their caregivers and through interaction not only their cognitive abilities are shaped by also their personality and behaviour in later stage of their life (Triandis & Suh, 2002). The essay is considering the background that social relation flourishes, namely interaction child – adult and peer relations. Through their early experiences with others, children develop their understanding of the world. By simple activities that are carried out on daily basis between children and caregivers, children are able to gain the meaning of new techniques and learning strategies, they expand their existing knowledge and experience new things. The interesting aspect is to elaborate on social interaction within different groups of children. Although the cognitive abilities may not fully develop in every child, social interaction encourages and prompts the progress.

Essay --

I am going into event planning, in the sector of the hospitality industry. Event planning industry is on the rise and is not glued to one specific genre, hence, there are several to choose from. Event planning is needed for all sorts of occasions such as, birthday parties, weddings, fundraisers, product launches, concerts, anniversaries, fashion shows, conferences, graduations, business meetings, and much more! It is an industry that will never stop growing and improving. Specifically, an event planner job includes working with clients, creating a positive self-image, networking with clients, and personal and financial gain. The job of an event planner is much more than hanging up streamers, laying table clothes down and checking the quality of the lights. Event planning requires tedious work and strenuous planning. Also called meeting and convention planners, they do everything involved with making sure these events go as anticipated. This includes, working with the client to choose a fabulous and affordable location, hiring quality caterers, selecting perfect entertainment, and even arranging lodging and transportation for attendees who are visiting from afar (McKay). The goal of an event planner is to make sure the event runs very much as anticipated, which includes multiple plans to combat what-if scenario, because no event will ever run exactly as planned. Event planning is a very personally rewarding career. Not only is it personally rewarding, but it also offers benefits such as gaining public recognition, and financial rewards. Besides that, event planning offers the individual flexibility, and independence (being able to start your own event planning business). Even though this job seems ideally easy and person... ...one’s business, but should also be included with the basic necessities like business cards and portfolios. From business conferences to weddings, there are events going on all around us, and where there are events there are event planners constructing it, putting it all together, while making everything run effectively. Event planning is always unpredictable and you need to be always ready for any problematic situation that may occur. When starting out there is a great chance that problems will occur that one will not prepared to face, but this is all a part of the improvement process. These situations should be looked at as a learning experience and should give you some ideas of how to improve one’s event planning skills and one’s own business. Because of all the hospitality, craziness, and personal gratification, I have chosen to become an event planner.

Discussion About Genetically Modified Foods Essay

Genetically modified foods: Beneficial views & Adverse views a. What is the possible risk for genetically modified crops considering nutrition and health? b. Whether the economic effects are the most important? c. Will it bring severe environment problems? III. Arguments for beneficial effects of GM foods a. Firstly, transgenic technology has made considerable progress in food applications. b. Transgenic food has successfully lowered food prices and ensured food safety. c. GM foods significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Introduction The author, Magana-Gomez, critically analyzed the risk assessment methods of transgenic food for human nutrition and health in the paper, â€Å"Risk assessment of genetically modified crops for nutrition and health†. Magana reviewed various modes including different feeding period, animal modes and parameters in the paper published in 2011 by Nutrition Reviews (Magana G, 2009). In consistent with his studies, negative effects of GM food were identified â€Å"at molecular and microscopic levels†. However, with our entry into the 21st century, genetically modified foods have undergone even faster development. However, there are also many doubts about the safety of genetically modified foods. Therefore, genetically modified foods have become a hot topic issue. Personally, although there are many controversies about GM food, I still insist on the research and promotion of transgenic food due to its diverse benefits. Views According to Curieux-Belfond CL, he could identify the factors that deserve consideration before â€Å"commercialization and promotion of transgenic food† (182). In this paper, â€Å"Factors to condider before production and commercialization of aquatic genetically modified organisms: the case of transgenic salmon†, the author took transgenic salmon as an example, in which Curieux-Belfond examined the corresponding impacts in terms of aquaculture, wildlife, ecosystem and human health. The paper published in 2011 by Evironmental Science & Policy suggested that GM food undoubtedly contributed to economic benefits without exerting too much extra burden (Curieux B, 2009). In the end, the author believed that the benefits of genetically modified foods far outweigh the disadvantages. Analysis of the benefits of genetically modified foods Magana’s argument is persuasive when he assessed the risks about GM food. However, since genetic engineering techniques have successfully transferred anti-viral, insect resistance, cold resistance and other genes to cotton, wheat, tomatoes and other plants, we can get stable new varieties of genetically modified, with low production cost and high-yield food, which will ease the world food shortage and reduce the use of pesticides to a large extent. Based on the above reasons, I will provide a critical analysis with the following specific examples which show his argument is partially wrong. Firstly, transgenic technology has also made considerable progress in animal food applications. At present, a variety of mammal and bird genes are successfully integrated into the genome of fish, which can significantly enhance transgenic fish muscle protein content and improve growth speed. With the development of genetic engineering technology, people have been freed from natural enzymes to a large extent. Especially when the enzyme obtained from natural protein material encounters difficulties, genetic engineering has the unique advantages of natural gene cloning (Seralini GE, 2011). Thus, it can be highly expressed in microorganisms with mass production by fermentation. At present, the transgenic enzymes are widely used in the food industry, such as maltose enzymes amylase, pectinase and the juice protease. The food nutritional quality modified by genetic engineering has also made remarkable achievements. For instance, the genetic engineering technology has been applied for seed protein improvement, which renders it possible to change the plant composition and amino acid content. Secondly, transgenic food has successfully lowered food prices and ensured food safety, which helps increase production and food supply while reducing the farm labor and pesticide applications, agricultural inputs and production costs (Weasel LH, 2009). In the future, GM crops have great potential in solving the food crisis. For instance, by applying transgenic technology to the human staple foods of rice and wheat, people can increase food production and improve nutritional quality, which will provide mankind with higher-quality food. Furthermore, GM foods have also proved effective in alleviating poverty and hunger. The world’s poorest 50% of the population are small and resource-poor farmers, while 20% living in rural areas without their own land actually depend on agriculture. Therefore, the increase in small-scale and resource-poor farmers’ income will directly assist 70% of the world’s poorest people (Curieux-Belfond O, 2009). So far, genetically modified cotton in India, China and South Africa have already made a significant contribution to more than 1. 2 million poor farmers’ income. The benefits of genetically modified corn in the Philippines and South Africa will be much clearer in the future. In addition, genetically modified rice has great potential to benefit 250 million poor families in Asia, whose benefits will reach 10 million people (Curieux-Belfond O, 2009). Transgenic food also helps to reduce land development. Transgenic technology has been developed to improve the current 1. billion hectares of arable land productivity through conservation of biological resources, thereby reducing land development and deforestation. Thirdly, I will demonstrate such improvement since they significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Traditional agriculture has a significant impact on the environment, and transgenic biotechnology can help reduce this impact. In the first decade of appli cation of genetically modified crops, by planting herbicide and insect-resistant characteristics, transgenic technologies have greatly reduced the use of pesticides, saved fossil fuels and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Undoubtedly, genetically modified crops with drought-tolerant genes will improve water-use efficiency and maintain sustainable agricultural development, which will play an important role in easing the crisis of population growth and global food shortage (Artemis D, 2009). GM crops have also contributed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in two main ways, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping slow climate change. First, by reducing fuel use, the spraying of insecticides and herbicides, GM crops continue to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In 2007, genetic engineering has been stated to reduce 1. billion kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to a decrease of 50 million cars from the road. Secondly, herbicide-resistant GM crops help reduce tillage applications, which protects the land and enhances soil carbon sequestration. Conclusions Despite the many advantages of GM food, we cannot ignore the risks. After genetically modified foods have been taken into th e human body, they may cause harm to human health. Moreover, after a large number of transgenic crops come into nature, they may be biologically harmful to ecosystems. Since the risks of GM food is serous, it is important for us to reflect on it first. Any of the scientific and technological developments should be comprehensive and provide well-being for human life. If genetically modified foods can only increase our economic interests and improved material life without the moral, social and environmental harmony, they cannot be defined as making great contribution to social development. Therefore, whether GM food is a benefit or a disadvantage really depends on what kind of human values people hold (Qaim M. 2009). That is the question we reflect on deeply. In contemporary society, with the rapid development of science and technology, the economic situation of the human and the material standard of living has been soaring. It seems that mankind is taking great proud for the advanced technology. However, we should look back to what the living environment we rely on is subjected to. Therefore, genetically modified foods are seen as the savior of mankind, which is actually human self-centered ideology. Of course, with the continuous development of biotechnology and genetic engineering, human beings have the ability to create more genetically modified food.

Education in Nigeria Essay

Education in Nigeria is overseen by the Ministry of Education. And the local authorities take responsibility for implementing policy for state-controlled public education and state schools at a regional level. The education system is divided into Kindergarten, primary education, secondary education and tertiary education. Primary education Primary education, Yoruba, and Igbo. Private schools would also offer Computer science, French, and Fine Arts. Primary school students are required to take a Common Entrance Examination to qualify for admission into the Federal and State Government Secondary schools, as well as private ones. The Universal Basic Education, UBE, came as a replacement for Nigeria’s Universal Primary Education scheme of the 6-3-3-4 system of primary education. The 9-3-4 system of education was designed in conformity with the MDGs and Education For All, EFA (Kayode, 2006). The UBE involves 6 years of Primary School education and 3 years of Junior Secondary School education, culminating in 9 years of uninterrupted schooling, and transition from one class to another is automatic but determined through continuous assessment. This scheme is monitored by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and has made it â€Å"free†, â€Å"compulsory† and a right of every child. [1] Therefore, the UBEC law section 15 defines UBE as early childhood care and education. The law stipulates a 9-year formal schooling, adult literacy and non-formal education, skill acquisition programs and the education of special groups such as nomads and migrants, girl child and women, Al-majiri, street children and disabled people (Aderinoye, 2007). [2] Secondary education. Students spend six years in Secondary School, that is 3 years of JSS (Junior Secondary School), and 3 years of SSS (Senior Secondary School). By Senior Secondary School Class 2 (SS2), students are taking the GCE O’Levels exam, which is not mandatory, but most students take it to prepare for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination. The Senior Secondary School Exam is taken in the last year of secondary school (SS3). Private organizations, the State government or the Federal government manage secondary schools in Nigeria. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is made up of thirty-six States and the Federal Capital Territory. There are about two Federal Government Colleges in each state. These schools are funded and managed directly by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education. Teachers and staff are Federal Government employees. Teachers at the Federal Government schools possess a Bachelors degree in Education or in a particular subject area, such as, Mathematics, Physics etc. These schools are supposed to be model schools carrying and maintaining the ideals of secondary education for Nigerian students. Admission is based on merit, determined by the National Common Entrance Examination taken by all final year elementary school pupils. Tuition and fees are very low, approximately sixteen thousand naira ($100), because funding comes from the Federal Government. [2] State-owned secondary schools are funded by each state government and are not comparable to the Federal government colleges. Although education is supposed to be free in the majority of the state owned institutions, students are required to purchase books, uniforms and pay for miscellaneous things costing them an average of thirty thousand naira ($200) in an academic year. Teachers in State-owned institutions usually have a National Certificate of Education or a Bachelors Degree, but this is not always the case as many secondary schools in Nigeria are filled with unqualified teachers who end up not being able to motivate the students. Often these schools are understaffed due to low state budgets, lack of incentives and irregularities in payment of staff salaries. [2] Some state-owned secondary schools are regarded as elite colleges because of the historically high educational standard and producing alumni who have prominent citizens in the various careers. These included King’s College, Lagos and Queen’s College, Lagos. However, the college ranking of these institutions have since dropped because of the arrival of some private institutions. Private secondary schools in Nigeria tend to be quite expensive with average annual fees averaging from one hundred and sixty to three hundred and twenty thousand naira($1000. 00 – $2000. 00). These schools have smaller classes (approximately twenty to thirty students per class), modern equipment and a better environment. Most teachers in these institutions possess at least a Bachelors Degree in a specific course area and are sent for workshops or short term programs on a regular basis. [2] Promotional examinations With the introduction of 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria, the recipient of the education would spend six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school,three years in senior secondary school, and four years in tertiary institution. The six years spent in primary school and the three years spent in junior secondary school are merged to form the nine in the 9-3-4 system. Altogether, the students must spend a minimum period of six years in Secondary School. During this period, students are expected to spend three years in Junior Secondary School and three years in Senior Secondary School. [2] The General Certificate of Education Examination (GCE) was replaced by the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). The SSCE is conducted at the end of the Secondary School studies in May/June. The GCE is conducted in October/November as a supplement for those students who did not get the required credits from their SSCE results. The standards of the two examinations are basically the same. A body called West African Examination Council (WAEC) conducts both the SSCE and GCE. A maximum of nine and a minimum of seven subjects are registered for the examination by each student with Mathematics and English Language taking as compulsory. [2] A maximum of nine grades are assigned to each subject from: A1, B2, B3 (Equivalent to Distinctions Grade); C4, C5, C6 (Equivalent to Credit Grade); D7, E8 (Just Pass Grade); F9 (Fail Grade). Credit grades and above is considered academically adequate for entry into any University in Nigeria. In some study programs, many of the universities may require higher grades to get admission. [2] The Federal Government policy on education is adhered to by all secondary schools in Nigeria. Six years of elementary school is followed by six years of secondary school. Senior Secondary school consists of the SS I, SS 2, and SS 3 which is equivalent to the 10th, 11th and 12th Grade. The Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) is taken at the end of the SS 3. The West African Examination Council (WAEC) administers both exams. Three to six months after a student has taken the SSCE examination, they are issued an official transcript from their institution. This transcript is valid for one year, after which an Official transcript from the West African Examination Council is issued. National Examination Council is another examination body in Nigeria Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE)in June/July. The body also administer General Certificate of Education Examination (GCE)in December/January. The students often take both WAEC and NECO examinations in SSS 3. [2] Tertiary education The government has majority control of university education. The country has a total number of 128 universities registered by NUC among which federal and state government own 40 and 38 respectively while 50 universities are privately owned. First year entry requirements into most universities in Nigeria include: Minimum of SSCE/GCE Ordinary Level Credits at maximum of two sittings; Minimum cut-off marks in Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Entrance Examination (JAMB) of 180 and above out of a maximum of 400 marks are required. Candidates with minimum of Merit Pass in National Certificate of Education (NCE), National Diploma (ND) and other Advanced Level Certificates minimum qualifications with minimum of 5 O/L Credits are given direct entry admission into the appropriate undergraduate degree programs. [2] Students normally enter university from age 18 onwards, and study for an academic degree. Historically, universities are divided into several tiers: First Generation Universities Five of these Universities were established between 1948 and 1965, following the recommendation of the Ashby Commission set up by the British Colonial Government to study the necessity of university education for Nigeria. These universities are fully funded by the federal government. They were established primarily to meet a need for qualified personnel in Nigeria and to set basic standards for university education. These universities have continued to play their roles for the production of qualified personnel and the provision of standards, which have helped to guide the subsequent establishments of other generations of universities in Nigeria. Universities in this tier include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Ibadan. [2] Second Generation Universities With the increasing population of qualified students for university education in Nigeria and the growing needs for scientific and technological developments, setting up more universities became imperative. Between 1970 and 1985, 12 additional universities were established and located in various parts of the country. [2] Third Generation Universities The need to establish Universities to address special areas of Technological and Agricultural demand prompted the setting up of 10 additional Universities between 1985 and 1999. [2] State Universities. Pressures from qualified students from each state who could not readily get admissions to any of the Federal Universities continued to mount on States Governments. It became imperative and urgent for some State Governments to invest in the establishment of Universities. [2] Private Universities In recognition of the need to encourage private participation in the provision of university education, the Federal Government established a law in 1993, allowing private sectors to establish universities following guidelines prescribed by the Government. [2] The typical duration of undergraduate programs in Nigerian universities depends largely on the program of study. For example, Social Sciences/Humanity related courses are 4 Years, Engineering/Technology related courses are 5 Years, Pharmacy courses are 5 Years, and Law courses are 5 Years, each with two semester sessions per year. Medicine (Vet/Human) degrees take 6 Years and have longer sessions during the year. [2] Women in education Education has been recognized as a basic human right since the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A positive correlation exists between the enrollment of girls in priary school and the gross national product and life expectancy. [3] Because of this correlation, enrollment in schools represents the largest component of societal investment into human capital. [4] Rapid socioeconomic development of a nation has been observed to depend on the calibre of women and their education in that country. [5] Education bestows on women a disposition for a lifelong acquisition of knowledge, values, attitudes, competence and skills. [6].

Palm Inc – from handhelds to smart phones

From Handheld to smart phones. The pioneers of Palm Inc. Palm had been the leader in the market of hand-held computers with high market share and profitability as well as a brand name recognition level to which many other firms could only dream. Palm's brand has faded substantially and as of April 2010, the company was acquired by HP for $ 1 -B. Below , I have listed Palm Inch's list of errors that the organization made over Its life cycle and necessary recommendations. Error 1 . Palm Inc. Did not establish a great enough sense of urgency. Since Palm Inc. ‘s inception, no formal business strategy was designed and implemented.Based on the â€Å"Ecology Theory† Palm Inc. Entered the market as a r-Specialist and eventually transited as a K-generalist, by approaching different product markets. However, Palm Inc. Failed to be successful as a k-generalist due to operating with outdated skills and competencies. The company has failed to examine the market and competitive realit ies for potential crises and untapped opportunities. Palm's efforts stopped at the PDA product, while the competition has managed to find ways of implementing he Pad's features Into cell phones market. Error 2. Palm did not create a powerful enough gulden coalition.Based upon the â€Å"Institutional Theory† firms that do survive – they become legitimate In the eyes of the shareholders. Chances of survival increase by adopting the rules and codes of conduct found In the Institutional environment. Despite having started as the industry leader, Palm's development over the years did not look as rosy. Palm failed to get the shareholders, board of directors, senior management and even a customer representatives together to help them evolve a shared assessment of their company problems and opportunities, and create a minimum level of trust and communication.Error 3. Lack of vision. Palm had no clear vision – of what was the picture of the future that the company wanted to achieve ( product , customer target,etc). The company changed its name several times , and also changed its vision and strategy. From the case, we know there was no new product offerings during 2001 thru 2008. At the same time, other competitors Injected the marketplace with new Innovations, Palm gradually became a small and marginalia player In the Industry. The Innovation Is the basic power of the company,but Palm doesn't have the strong impetus. Demographic change.Customers and clients that are being targeted are ever changing. In earlier times, smart phones were necessary for business members who would need to keep up with e-mail. However, these days there is the prevalence of a much younger generation using smart phones for a variety of reasons (social networking, picture taking, communication etc. ). Palm Inc. Must adapt with these changes and keep up with the demographic changes of its relevant customers. Palm Inc. Needs to create a Sino to direct the change and effort bu t also to develop strategies for realizing that vision.It Is essential that the organization communicate the vision both inside the company as well as with their partners. Error 4. Under communicating the vision help If they believe that useful change Is possible. Without credible communication the hearts and minds are never captured. It is imperative that Palm Inc. Established Also ,employees and managers from all levels of the organization adopt the change. In 2001 Palm Inc. Initiated a radical internal restructuring and decided to reduce the cost base making the first-ever layoffs.Microsoft had reduced staff during the technology recession too , but they made more research money available for developing mobile software – But Palm Inc. Failed this aspect. Error 5. Not removing obstacles to the new vision. Palm Inc needed to empower other to act on the vision by creating a value proposition for employees. In 2001 Palm Inc. Initiated an internal restructuring by separating th e hardware and software divisions into two distinct units. The split resolved the inherent conflict of interest by licensing software or its win competitors in the hardware market.The hardware innovations were features that could be added to the phones and music players. Palm spent too much cash to develop the new SO and new smart phone. And the marketing capitalization is much shorter than the competitor. This situation causes Palm to not balance the money within each department. So the whole company can't run efficiently. For example, Palm can't self-finance marketing campaigns and in-store training of sale staff. In 2003 Pal Inc. Decided to spin off the software business and to use the raised cash to rather invest into the development of new smoothness.Palm Inc. Could have saved time and money by completely focusing on smart phones. Palm can't bring up the effective marketing strategy. The price of a new phone is more expensive than the ‘phone. The competitiveness is tiny t han other brands. After failing to seizing the market with new phone, Palm made an â€Å"attractive† product bundle on its phone. That turns out to be stressful to Palm. Failure of negotiation ability. Nevertheless Palm's new product was delayed because of certification issues with the carrier. At the same mime, Palm has a conflict with the dealer. Error 6.Plan for and create short term goals. In 2001 Palm Inc. Initiated an internal restructuring by separating the hardware and software divisions into two distinct units. The spiff produced good short-term results and due to high quality the software was used in phones for some time. In 2004 Palmate devoted more resources to smoothness and expanded Tree Family . The new Tree series was relatively successful with good margins. Error 7. Declaring victory too soon. After a few years of hard work, managers got tempted to Clare victory with the first clear performance improvement.Palm had a huge success in 2006, with the Tree series . Tree smart phones let Palm earned 30 percent of market share in the United States and brought Palm back to life. Having this success experience, Palm could have used this experience to bring out more great ideas and make them come true. However, between 2007 and 2009 new Palm product launches were rare, while the demand for the Tree and Centre fell quickly or never took off as expected. Error 8. Not anchoring changes in the corporation's culture.Until new behaviors are rooted in social norms and shared values, they are subject to degradation as soon as the pressure for change is removed. In order to overcome this issue many organizations need to invest in leadership development and succession plans consistent with the new approach. Recommendations : 1 . Apply R skills in new areas and diversify Palm's business : operating system know how could have been ported to other applications and platforms. E. G. : Possibility to enter new related businesses with high market growth rates: Ta blets, Notebooks. 2.Overcome entry barriers in the smartened market: increase the negotiation power by teaming up with major players like Samsung. 3. Limiting their development and costs by encouraging the open source development community to develop applications. 4. Entering other market segments by making use of Palm's â€Å"know how' by starting to develop commercial applications for other smartened operating systems. Fill smaller niches in the smartened market with respect to general environment forces: Coloratura and Political and Legal Forces: Smartened operating systems with high data regulations for users with sensitive data.As the fear of theft of personal information's or sensitive data is rising in certain groups of society (e. G. Decision makers like politicians and managers). Demographic Forces: Senior Friendly Smoothness for aging societies with health or special care features. Remote GAPS tracking, monitoring and streaming of health parameters to doctors and relative s. Global Forces: Provide a low-cost operating system which runs on cost effective hardware for the growing low income population of the world (Reverse Innovation). 5. Invest in leadership development and succession plans consistent with the new strategy.

the International Financial Reporting Standard in the uk

International Financial Reporting Standards are a set of regulations issued by the International Accounting Standard Board, an independent organic structure located in London, United Kingdom. In the period 1973-2000, the International Accounting Standard Board ( IASB ) and the International Accounting Standard Committee ( IASC ) , an organisation formed in 1973 by professional accounting organic structures in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland, and the United States, issued the international criterions. Those criterions were known during the mentioned period as the International Accounting Standards ( IAS ) ( Ball 2005 ) . From April 2001onwards, the IASB became the functionary organic structure for publishing regulations and criterions sing accounting and fiscal issues under IFRS. At the same clip, IAS which issued by the International Accounting Standard Committee ( IASC ) are still acceptable by the IASB ( Ball 2005 ) . Harmonizing to the International Accounting Standard Board, since 2001 at least 120 states have required or permitted the acceptance of IFRS. In 2002, the European Union launched that all EU states ‘ listed companies must fix themselves to follow IFRS from 2005. In 2003, the first IFRS1 issued by IASB â€Å" first-time acceptance â€Å" and the undermentioned states commit themselves to follow the IFRS ( Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Africa ) . In 2005, In Europe about 7,000 listed houses in 25 states at the same time change to IFRSs. US Security Exchange Committee Chief Accountant issues ‘roadmap ‘ depicting stairss towards the remotion of the rapprochement demands by 2009. 2006, China adopts accounting criterions well in line with IFRSs in order to acquire full convergence after the Memorandum of Understanding has been made between IASB and FASB for progressing convergence of IFRSs and US GAAP. In 2007, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Japan and Korea all launch a day of the month to follow or meet with IFRSs. In 2008, Israel, Malaysia and Mexico to follow IFRSs and United States issues ‘roadmap ‘ for IFRS acceptance, update of IASB-FASB Memorandum of Understanding released and IASB paths complete response to the fiscal crisis. The completion of first portion of Constitution Review by IASCF was in 2009, besides the IASB increased members to 16 by 2012. Study overview: This survey will concentrate on the impact of implementing IFRS on UK listed companies through statistical analysis, mensurating the differences of fiscal ratios before and after the acceptance of IFRS. Then the survey will analyze the balance sheet and income statement points in order to research the grounds for differences in fiscal ratios and so analyze which of the IFRSs that made these differences. The fiscal ratios will be used in this survey are: The profitableness ratios: operating net income border ( OPM ) , return on equity ( ROE ) and return on invested capital ( ROIC ) . Leverage: measured by equity ratio ( ER ) and pitching ratio ( GR ) . Liquidity ratios: current ratio ( CR ) and speedy ratio ( QR ) . Market-based ratio: monetary value to net incomes ratio ( PE ) .Research Problems:This survey will be trying to analyze the followers: The effects that may ensue from altering describing criterion from the UK GAAP to the International Financial Reporting Standard. The survey will concentrate on fiscal ratios, specifically profitability ratios, fiscal purchase, liquidness ratios and the market-based ratio of the houses that adopt the IFRS and impacts of this acceptance.Purposes and Aims of the survey:This survey will turn to the research inquiry whether there is an impact on the public presentation of the companies that adopt IFRS alternatively of their local GAAPs. Further more, this survey is a attempt to add more literature to the 1s that already done in this country but on different states in order toRationale and Justification for the survey:The principle and the justification of this survey is an effort by the research worker to find whether if there is an impact on the cardinal fiscal ratios consequences when following the International Financial Reporting Standards. There are many literatures done about the issue of following IFRS and its impact on the public presentation of the houses. Such literatures tackle the topic from different point of position, but this survey will concentrate on analyzing the impact on fiscal ratios through statistical analysis.Methodology:This survey will analyze the impact of acceptance of IFRS on fiscal ratios of the listed houses in UK for the old ages 2002, 2003 and 2004 as the old ages before the compulsory acceptance in 2005, so the old ages 2006, 2007 and 2008 as the old ages after the acceptance. The s urvey will utilize the fiscal ratios for 30 listed houses in the UK. This research will follow the survey of Lantto & A ; Sahlstrom ( 2009 ) , where they analyse the differences between fiscal ratios before and after the transition from Finnish accounting criterions to IFRS. This survey will utilize the same methodological analysis on the UK houses and will prove the statistical significances of the differences, and analyze the major grounds for the differences before and after the transition.Research construction:Chapter one: debut Chapter two: differences and similarities between IFRS and UK GAAP Chapter three: research methodological analysis Chapter four: consequences Chapter five: decision and treatmentPlan of the Survey:The entry of the thesis will be on the of September 2010 and it will be finished in about four months get downing from June up to September and can be scheduled as follows:Literature Reappraisal:Many literatures have studied the impact of the acceptance of IFRS alternatively of national GAAPs in order to analyze the betterment of fiscal coverage. IFRS is established to minimise the spread between fiscal statements prepared under different national or domestic GAAPs. Lantto & A ; Sahlstrom ( 2009 ) analyze the impact of IFRS acceptance on cardinal fiscal ratios in Finland after transition from DAS to IFRS. Their survey conclude that there have been alterations in cardinal fiscal ratios of Finnish companies after the acceptance of IFRS perceptibly increasing in profitableness ratios and pitching ratios on one manus. On the other manus, they have found a decreasing in the PE, equity and speedy ratios. These additions in profitableness ratios and lessenings in PE ratio are due to the additions in the income statement net incomes. They refer that the remotion of the amortisation of purchased good will harmonizing to IFRS 3 is the chief ground for the noticeable increasing in the ratios of profitableness. They besides found that there is an addition in duty points and a lessening in stockholders equity and this will take to increase the fiscal purchase ratios. In add-on, the addition of the current liabilities made the liquidness ratios to diminish, w here Daske et Al ( 2008 ) examine the compulsory acceptance of ( IFRS ) and its effects on the economic system on different states over the universe. They analyze a sample of houses in 26 states in order to analyze the effects on market liquidness, cost of capital, and Tobin ‘s Q in these states. Their determination was, on mean, market liquidness increases around the clip of the debut of IFRS which contradict Lantto & A ; Sahlstrom ( 2009 ) . They recorded an addition in equity ratings which is consistent with Lantto ‘s consequences and a lessening in houses ‘ cost of capital, when the effects took topographic point before the official acceptance day of the month. When spliting their sample, they find that states that have intensifiers for transparence tend to hold capital-market benefits. When they make comparing between compulsory and voluntary adoptive parents, they find that the capital market effects are most obvious for companies that voluntarily adopted IFR S, in both old ages when they adopt IFRS and once more afterwards, when IFRS go compulsory. Furthermore, Cordazzo ( 2007 ) address the concern of altering from Italian GAAP to IFRS by supplying empirical support of the nature and the size of the differences between Italian GAAP and IAS/IFRS. He studied Italian listed companies in order to demo the most of import effects of the acceptance of IAS/IFRS. The consequences show a further the entire impact of altering to IFRS on net income than stockholders ‘ equity. His consequences confirms Lantto & A ; Sahlstrom ( 2009 ) consequences in footings of positive impact on net income and contradicts with Daske et Al ( 2008 ) and Lantto & A ; Sahlstrom ( 2009 ) in the impact on stockholders equity when his consequences showed a lessening in this point. The single accommodations show more major differences between the Italian GAAP and IAS/IFRS in how to handle concern combination, fiscal instruments, commissariats and intangible assets wi th mention to both net income and stockholders ‘ equity ; while there has been an of import difference merely on stockholders ‘ equity in income revenue enhancements, and belongings, works, and equipment. Nevertheless, Jermakowicz ( 2004 ) study the acceptance of IFRS in Belgium. The survey examined 20 companies in Belgium tracking the impact of IFRS on their studies. This survey adopted a study attack sent to 20 Belgian houses aims to happen out that using IFRS will impact the method of coverage of these companies every bit good as enhance the comparison degrees in fixing amalgamate histories for these houses. The first three companies that adopted the IFRS in 2003 were analyzed quantitatively. The survey summarises that companies adopted the IFRS alternatively of Belgian GAAP reported a considerable impact on their net income, every bit good as equity, which is consistent with Daske et Al ( 2008 ) and Lantto & A ; Sahlstrom ( 2009 ) . Besides, Iatridis & A ; Rouvolis ( 2009 ) look into the effects of the acceptance of IFRS alternatively of Greek GAAP on the fiscal figures of Greek listed companies. They besides study the factors related to IFRS voluntary revelations before officially following IFRS, the grade of net incomes direction under IFRS, and the value relevancy of IFRS-based accounting Numberss. Their consequences show that the following IFRS has caused instability in the figures of balance sheet and income statement of Grecian companies. They found that there has been a major betterment in fiscal figures in the undermentioned period even though the effects of the passage cost because of following IFRS. The consequences show that the twelvemonth of the acceptance of IFRS in 2005 did impact the fiscal figures adversely in footings of profitableness and liquidness. In twelvemonth 2006, these figures recorded an betterment, which they refer it to that IFRS became more well-known to the Grecian companies. Another survey has been done on German companies that adopt IFRS by Van Tendeloo and Vanstraelen in 2005. They tackle the issue of whether the acceptance of IFRS is related to lower net incomes direction. They study German companies that have adopted IFRS if they engage significantly less in net incomes direction compared to companies fixing their studies under German GAAP. In their consequences, they propose that the acceptance of IFRS can non be related with lower net incomes direction. Schipper ( 2005 ) study the effects related to mandatory acceptance of IFRS in the European Union and he found that the International Accounting Standards Board must supply more inside informations about the usage of the IFRS and the inauspicious effects that may ensue due to the acceptance of IFRS, or at that place will non be broad usage of IFRS by the comptrollers who prepare the fiscal studies and they will go on to utilize local GAAPs or US GAAP. Jones & A ; Higgins ( 2006 ) support Schipper ‘s consequences when he studied 60 companies in Australia that adopt IFRS through a telephone study. They find important fluctuation in the study answers with elements such as house size, industry background and expected impacts on fiscal public presentation ; the overall consequences show that many of the companies have non been good prepared for altering to IFRS and they are dubious about acquiring any benefits from following IFRS. Callao et Al ( 2006 ) . Quoted in Callao, Jarne & A ; LaA?A ±nez ( 2007 ) inspect the manner in which Spanish companies have dealt with procedure of using IFRS. The base of empirical survey is a study sent to Spanish concern groups listed on the Madrid stock exchange. The consequences show that these companies have taken a really positive attitude towards the harmonisation procedure and the acceptance of IFRS in one manus. On the other manus, altering to IFRS is dearly-won and needs more alterations in concern organisation and constructions, every bit good as accounting policies. A twelvemonth subsequently a contradictory survey done by Callao et Al ( 2007 ) when he examine the effects of the acceptance of IFRS on the comparison and relevancy of fiscal coverage in Spain. This survey tried to compare between houses that adopt IFRS and others that still use the local GAAP. They found that following IFRS did negatively impact the comparison and concluded that using both criterions at the same clip in the same state will do it hard when comparing between houses, even in the same industry. Their survey besides consequences that the fiscal coverage has non improved because there was a spread between the book value and market value when altering to IFRS. They besides concluded that there will non be benefits from using IFRS in the short term and may be there will be in medium and long term. Peng & A ; Smith ( 2009 ) look into the convergence procedure through the old ages ( 1992-2006 ) of the convergence of Chinese GAAP with IFRS from theoretical point of position. They find that there have been an of import motion towards convergence took topographic point through the issue of four following Chinese GAAPs: 1992, 1998, 2001, and 2006. Convergence between Chinese GAAP to IFRS happened through both, the direct import of criterions from IFRS and progressive alterations to Chinese GAAP. Direct import was observed for points either reflective of traditional Chinese accounting pattern or 1s that addressed state of affairss non considered or non relevant under the old accounting theoretical account. Progressive alterations to Chinese GAAP were observed on points well different from traditional pattern. On the whole, they concluded that both combination of staged execution and direct import has proven to be practical and effectual in the convergence of Chinese GAAP with IFRS. Jones and Luther ( 2005 ) examine three Bavarian companies and two direction consultancy houses in Germany, whether the alteration to IFRS could hold important effects on the typical traditional direction accounting patterns applied in the field of control. They conclude that directors have to take between, either uniting external and internal coverage or go oning to run double accounting systems, restricting the acceptance of IFRS to external coverage. Ormrod and Taylor ( 2004 ) analyse the impact of the following IFRS alternatively of UK GAAP on compacts included in debt contracts. Their consequences showed more volatile on net incomes figures, every bit good as in fluctuations reported net incomes and balance sheet elements. Wei?enberger, Stahl, andVorstius ( 2004 ) study the surveyed a group of German houses listed in ( DAX100 ) for the grounds that made these houses choose IFRS or US GAAP instead than German GAAP. The research workers received 81 responses out of 359 houses ‘ sample. Their consequences showed that the ground of acceptance of IFRS or USGAAP by these German houses was that they was anticipating to hold terms in the capital markets, every bit good as to better supply of information, and the internationalisation of investors. However, they found that non all of these aims were attained. Larson and Street ( 2004 ) study 17 European states to analyze the obstructions of the convergence in these states ( Switzerland, the10 new EU members and other EU campaigner states ) . The informations used was gathered in2002 convergence study by the former Big Six international accounting houses. They showed in their consequences that two major obstructions to convergence are the trouble of definite IFRS and the tax-orientation of many local systems.

The Role of Management

The Role of Management Preface The subject of interest in this report is the responsibility of management in health and safety with reference to the UAE industries. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded industrially and economically especially in the airline, construction, maritime, and petroleum sectors. Mass recruitment and utilization of laborers both high-skilled and low-skilled from developing countries has provided satisfaction to the manpower demands of these rapidly growing economic and industrial sectors. (Speegle, 2012)Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This enormous recruitment has led to changes in population demographics. The total UAE population is approximately 8.2 million, with about 940,000 being Emiratis while the rest are multinational immigrant workers. These unique factors pose a number of challenges to the health and safety of workers. As a result, there is a hig h mortality rate. This paper purposes to illustrate the role management plays in reducing the risk of dangers associated with the UAE industries. It outlines and emphasizes the activities managers should carry out to minimize such risks. Safety is a crucial requisite in any industry. Every firm should establish a safety section in charge of all incidents and accidents. In addition, the report establishes the role of safety plans and health safety equipment programs in minimizing the risk of hazards in the UAE companies. This is to identify the missing links in management and poor managerial practices that give way to these hazards. The paper also tries to provide directions in the effort to minimize these problems. (Taylor, 2005) Introduction The UEA is a rapidly growing state both in population and economy. It consists of a federation of 7 emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain). These are situated towards the southeast part of the A rabian Peninsula. Despite being a new state in the Middle East, UEA it has witnessed remarkable economic growth in the last 40 years, particularly in the airline, maritime, petroleum, and construction industries. Mass recruitment and utilization of laborers both high-skilled and low-skilled from developing countries has provided satisfaction to the manpower demands of these rapidly growing economic and industrial sectors. They possess varying academic qualifications, religious beliefs, work experience, native languages, and cultural practices. This mass employment has a tremendous effect on the population demographic patterns. Consequently, its population has increased largely since the year 1971. (Institute of Leadership Management, 2012)Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Problem description Occupational injuries as a cause of morbidity and mortality in UEA Injury is among the leading causes of mortality in the UAE cutting across all groups of people. Studies reveal that occupational associated deaths attributed to about 16% of all injury related fatalities in Abu Dhabi in the year 2007. Further, research studies suggest that the number of mortalities related to occupations injuries is rising. The 2007 Health Authority Abu Dhabi annual report reveals that 22% of all injuries are as a result of occupational injuries. Factors leading to increase in mortality rate due to occupational illness The rise of fatalities due to occupational injuries is alarming in the UAE industries. This has prompted the need to look into the underlying cause of these life threatening incidences. There are three major factors contributing to the rising number of work related deaths. These include:- 1. Lack of awareness of the occupational associated hazards e.g. Construction sites or chemical industries. 2. Inadequate training of the workers on the occupational hazard s and how to avoid them. 3. Poorly established safety measures in working areas as a result of poor management. (Lawrence B. Cahill, 2010) The role of management in minimizing risks associated with occupations For safety purposes, every industry should have a safety manager who ensures that all processes and operations work in an effective and safe manner. The safety manager also makes sure that all the staff members are conversant with the laid down operational regulations and safety rules of the company.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Operational role The safety manager is responsible for guiding the workers on the principles of safe operational procedures. In addition, they are also responsible for conducting investigations on the arising accidents and how to avoid them in the future. Supervisory responsibility The manager ensures that workers carry out all the operations and activities of a company in a manner that conforms to the Work safety-and Health administration rules and guidelines. The manager is the overall overseer of all activities in the industry. Risk assessment The manager should assess the type and frequency of occurrence of the risks associated with the workplace. This assists in projecting the amount of resources to be put in place for any cases that may arise. The manager may achieve this by identifying the most common hazards, identifying the people at risk, evaluating the common risks, and establishing ways of tackling them. (Taylor, 2005) Role of safety plans and health safety equipment programs Safety plans are crucial in ensuring a safe working environment hence reducing mortality cases. A safety plan is an outline of approaches prepared by the safety manager. It addresses the laid down recommendations on how to handle injuries and minimize risks causing them. A well-organized and planned safety plan helps in r educing fatalities resulting from occupational injuries. Safety equipment programs are responsible for ensuring that all the equipment used in an industry conforms to the standard safety and health specifications. They help reduce the number of accidents related to poor equipment. (Lawrence B. Cahill, 2010) Implementations The government of UAE has established laws and acts, and programs to promote safety in working areas. These help promote safety awareness in industries. They include: 1. The Federal Labor Law and AmendsAdvertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More 2. The Height Aware Campaign 3. The Heat aware Campaign Conclusion Expatriate workers just like other employees; import their attitudes, beliefs, ideas, and experiences into the occupational areas. The incidence of occupational linked injuries in the UAE is alarming. Partly, it is due to recruitment of many expatriate workers for the rapidly developing industrial and construction projects. These have hence outpaced the capacity of health, labor, and education ministries to implement enough health and safety training and awareness programs. Safety and Health practitioners responsible for training of multinational workers should give special considerations to immigrant workers by developing a safety and health training and information program. (Speegle, 2012) This study was a quite a challenge as it encountered many shortcomings. Integrating information from all governmental departments and agencies dealing with safety management was quite involving. This report is simply an overview that needs further investigation. There is still need to research on this project since it is a leading crisis in UAE. Further studies should be conducted on how to minimize morbidity and mortality rates arising from the occupational injuries. Also, more research should be done to establish the best programs to be implemented. References Institute of Leadership Management, J. J. (2012). Managing Lawfully Health, Safety and Environment Super Series. Oxfordshire, London: Routledge. Lawrence B. Cahill, R. W. (2010). Environmental Health and Safety Audits. Lanham, Maryland: Government Institutes. Speegle, M. (2012). Safety, Health, and Environmental Concepts for the Process Industry. Clifton Park, New York: Cengage Learning. Taylor, B. (2005). Effective Environmental, Health, and Safety Management Using the Team Approach. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley Sons.

Joy Luck Club Essays - Chinatown, San Francisco, The Joy Luck Club

Joy Luck Club Essays - Chinatown, San Francisco, The Joy Luck Club Joy Luck Club In the novel, The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan, it tells of four Chinese women drawn together in San Francisco to play mah jong, and tell stories of the past. These four women and their families all lived in Chinatown and belong to the First Chinese Baptist Church. They were not necessarily religious, but found they could improve their home China. This is how the woo's, the Hsu's, the Jong's and the St Clair's met in 1949. The first member of the Joy Luck Club to die was Suyuan Woo. Her daughter, Jing-mei June Woo, is asked to sit in and take her mother's place at playing mah jong. Memories of the past are shared by the three women left, An-mei Hsu, Lindo Jong and Ying-ying St Clair. June Woo learns of the real secret her mother carried to her grave from her mother's friends. The twin baby girls, her half sisters, Suyuan pushed in a Wheelbarrow as she escaped from the Japanese. Due to sickness, Suyuan can no longer carry her babies, and is forced to leave them on the side of the road. She lives her whole life not knowing if they are alive or dead. In the book, the Woo's left for America to build a better life for themselves. Suyuan Woo wanted to have a daughter like herself, and no one would look down on her. It was important that she speak perfect English and hopefully not share in the same tragedies and sorrows she had known. The movie brought this concept out very vividly. You were able to imagine the time and place and the emotions of the characters. Their anger in the early years, how women and children were treated as possessions. The book spoke of Rose Hsu Jordan, daughter of An-mei Hsu, who had seven brothers and sisters. A very tragic time in her life when her brother Bing drowns at age 1 while she was in charge of watching him. The movie does not touch upon this tragic event and brings out the rich family Rose marries into, and the instant rejection from her boyfriends mother. Rose unhappiness in her marriage with Tod, is similar to the unhappiness her mother had throughout her life. Lindo Jong was a special character in the book , referring to promises she made to her mother as a young girl, and keeping them throughout her life. She was actually abandoned by her family and Lindo was sent to live with her future husband's family. She never complained because she would never dishonor her mother. The movie did an excellent job of showing us the culture during that time in China and how the matchmaker arranged the marriages at an early age. She is a very smart girl and figures out how she could get out of this marriage and still keep her promise to her mother. She puts the blame on the matchmaker and is released from the marriage. When speaking of strong characters in the book, one would have to include Waverl y Jong, daughter of Lindo Jong. She was a bright child who became a famous chess player, which made her mother very proud. The movie brought out her unhappiness in her life and the unhappy relationship with her mother. The two shared similar lives even though they lived in different countries and different times. Ying-ying St Clair, according to the book, was married at an early age and referred to her husband as a bad man. In fact she tried so hard to forget him she forgets his name. She tells of taking her baby before it was born because of the hate she has for her husband. The movie tells the story a little different in reference to her baby. After her husband comes home with his mistress and causes her shame, she drowns her tiny infant while bathing him. A tragic and emotional part in the movie. Lena St Clair, daughter of Lindo St Clair, may not have had such a tragic relationship with her husband as did her mother; but she was unable to find happiness in her marriage. The book and movie were similar in showing us the relationship she had with Harold.