Monday, September 30, 2019

Vincor International Analysis

Vincor International goal is to become one of the top five wine companies in the world in terms of earnings. In order to attain this goal they have implemented a corporate strategy that focuses on using their existing powerful position in market to help them developing sales, marketing, distribution capabilities on an international scale. The strategy also includes acquiring new wineries and wine brands in new emerging region in the wine market also called â€Å"New World regions†(Vincor, 2005) throughout the world. More precisely Vincor International strategy for growing the market shares involved the six following strategic actions: â€Å"(1) emphasizing the development, sales and marketing of wines in the fastest growing segments of the market, particularly the premium wine segments; (2) continuing to participate in the premium wine category through the development of premium brands that we own; (3) expanding the sales and distribution reach of our brands into regions which are supportive of New World wines; (4) continuing to complete acquisitions of premium branded wine companies in New World wine regions; (5) expanding the supply of premium grapes and, in particular, Canadian grapes to satisfy the growing demand for premium VQA wines; and (6) developing ice-wine into an international luxury product, capitalizing on the reputation of Inniskillin. † (Vincor, 2005) As for the â€Å"New world† (Vincor, 2005) expansions, Vincor strategic actions involve in growing in earnings are to improve operating income by acquiring new wineries and rationalizing and integrating the operations. This will also permits the expansion of the company’s product line and the expansion of the company’s currents brands by providing new distribution opportunities. Porter’s Five Forces Model Risk of Entry by potential competitors: Vincor International should not be overly threatened by the entry of potential competitors in their market. This is because the wine industry is a market with significantly high barriers of entry. In order to start a successful wine producing business a company needs significantly large capital investments. Given the complexity of the wine industry a strong knowledge is also needed in order to produce quality wine on par with competitors and understanding the market. Finally a new entrant will also be faced with a lengthy process in order to begin its business, licensing procedures and requirement are long and land and vineyard preparations make it for a prolonged initial production. Hence given these multiple obstacles the threat of new entrants for Vincor International is described as low. Intensity of rivalry among established firms: According to the Vincor International information form â€Å"the international wine industry is intensely competitive†. (Vincor International, 2005) This means that there is a lot of producers around the world that competes for shelf space and consumers taste. The rivalry is intense, the businesses in this market need to competitive on price, quality, brand recognition and/or distribution. The leading drivers in the wine industry that will be making the product stand out seem to be product quality. The Intensity of rivalry among established firms is described as high. Bargaining power of buyers: Vincor international have sales around the world and their principal buyers are consumers, wholesalers, government liquor boards and retail stores. When selling directly to consumers and retail stores the bargaining power lays with the buyer because there are so many wines to chose from. As for wholesales and government liquor board the bargaining power of buyer is even stronger because there are so few of them and there is a lot of wine to choose from. Hence, the bargaining power of buyers for Vincor International is very high and the company needs to find innovative ways and strategy to attract and keep its buyers. Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers all depends on the main product of wine, hence the wine grapes. It’ll rely on the relationship of demand and supply and demand of those wine grapes for the season. For instance if the grapes or having a good season and there is an unlimited amount of quality grapes then the bargaining power will rely with the buyer, hence the bargaining power of suppliers will be low for this particular season. However if the weather is not cooperating during the growth and there is a limited amount of grapes available to the buyer than the bargaining power will lay with the supplier and will be assessed to high for that season. Therefore the bargaining power of suppliers can change from season to season depending on the availability of quality grapes. It is also important to point out the bargaining power of supplier will also vary with the kind of wine produce, one kind of grape needed for a particular kind of wine can be abundant but another type of grape needed for a different type can be scarce. A good knowledge of the industry and weather can help a wine producer better manage the uncertainty of the bargaining power of suppliers from season to season. Vincor as tried to minimize the bargaining power by having owning their own vineyard and wineries so they supply their own grapes however they still buy 35% of their needed grapes from suppliers. Threat of substitutes: In the wine industry, the companies are faced with a vast variety of substitute. Basically any alcohol beverages from beer to champagne are a threat of substitutes. Depending on consumers taste wine can lose costumer shares to any other drinks. When a consumer as no particular taste preference for wine and consumer will chose another form of alcoholic beverage, a cheaper form if they are a price driven. Hence the threat of substitutes is assessed to high in the wine industry. Impact of the Macro-environment on Vincor International Vincor International is greatly affected by its political and legal environment because they are producing and selling a controlled substance. Hence in order to produce and sell wine Vincor must follow rules and regulations implemented by the country they are doing business in. Those rules and regulations includes how they produce their product, the distribution channels they utilize, where they sale their product, who they sale their product to and many other restrictions they must obey to. Also since Vincor is an international company it is also affected by the export policy of their home country but also the import policy of the country where they are selling their product. Any changed in taxes, currency value and economic changes in any country where they do business in will likely affect their revenue stream and operations. Another force affecting this market would be the changing demographic. The consumers are growing older and new consumers enter the market, hence the wine industry is faced with a changing age demographic. Wine has seen a increased in popularity in the younger generation however they have different tastes and it is important for Vincor to keep track of these trends and to adapt to the change in tastes of the changing demographic in order to stay competitive. Technological forces also affects Vincor International because the quality of the product plays an important role in their competitive advantage. Therefore they always have to keep up to date on new technology that would improve their wine quality. Technology can also help respond other changes in the outside environment, as we will see in the impact of social forces. Therefore the technological changes and new innovation must be taken into serious consideration to stay competitive. The social force that would most affect the wine industry including Vincor International would have to be one of the biggest social movements of the last decade, which is the shift towards a healthy lifestyle. (Hill, 2007) Health consciousness is not a positive thing for the wine industry because alcohol is perceived to be armful to your health. This is why it is important for Vincor to have a strategy to respond to this threat. Many companies in this industry have taken several approach to respond to this health trend and redefined competition. Strategies have been ranging from funding research to demonstrate the health benefits that comes from consuming wine to producing organic wine and even going as far as developing new wine production processes that aims at lowering the alcohol level in wine and calling it the â€Å"healthy wine†. (Sperling, 2010) On the national level the wine industry including Vincor International will be influence by the macroeconomic forces influencing Canada. The industries will most likely be affected by the growth rate of the economy and currency exchange. Since Canada has a currently good economy and the dollar is going strong Vincor is most likely experience an expansion of customer expenditures leading to less competitive pressure because Canadian customer are not currently struggling financially they are more likely to spend money on non essential items like wine. However the raise in the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar will work against Vincor International’s exports business. A rising dollar will discourage other countries to import Canadian products because they now have to pay more for them. As for the global forces influencing the wine industry, globalization would have to be the main force. The falling barriers to international trade and investment have permitted Vincor international to grow their domestic market further than the United States and Mexico but also to Europe and other markets. Vincor International is therefore part of a global marketplace reaching a much greater consumer base but also leaving room for more intense competition from all the other international wine producers.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Ethical principles contribute to good business operations

Businesses that practice good ethics tend to succeed in the business world. Not only is it the right thing to do it is also proven to pay off in financial gains. To have good ethics a business must be legal for starters. Businesses must conduct themselves with integrity, be honest, and fair. Businesses should manage relationships in an organizational and ethical manner as well. This allows employees to address problems with other employees and management without fear of retaliation. Management must effectively convey with employees and not put pressure on them to act unethically. They should also have a zero tolerance for any kind of sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace. There are factors that may seem touchy in practicing good business ethics such as giving gifts. This can be perceived as bribes to some but innocent to others. To avoid any problems companies should have a policy set in place stating what is acceptable and the value of the acceptable gift in detail. There are principles the make a business have respectable business ethics. Some of these principles include the following: being trustful, keep open mind, meet obligations, have clear documents, stay involved in the community, maintain account control, and be respectful. Businesses should understand that consumers want to do business with a company that they trust. This built strength and a growing client base. For continued growth the leaders of the cooperation should keep an open mind foe new and improved ideas that help them growth. Honor all your commitments as a business try everything in your power to keep your customers happy. Make sure all that you advertise or promise is correct not falsely or incorrectly isrepresented this leads to distrust so stay on top of what is actually represented by your company. Participating in community events or staying involved in local affairs shows you care which could bring in more business because customers might trust you even more. Finally, treating others with respect regardless of any differences goes a long way in practicing good business ethics. There is little difference between service and manufacturing business. Discuss I believe this is totally false according to the research that I have done on this topic. First, of all manufacturing businesses sell different than service businesses. Manufacturing businesses creates and sells a physical while a service business just sells a service. For example, Pepsi sells Pepsi products which are a physical product that comes from a manufacturing business. If a lawyer represents the Pepsi Company he is not selling any products but rather a service. Manufacturing and Service businesses also reside in different locations. Manufacturing businesses need to be close to their customers either retail or distribution. Service businesses have more latitude. This depends on the service that is being offered. Some service businesses are successfully ran out of homes or warehouses. In these cases most of the time the client never visits the business. Accounting is another way that these businesses are run differently. Manufacturing businesses have inventory to keep track of while service businesses do not. However, service businesses have to levy a cost on the hours their service provider’s work. Manufacturing usually uses the account method. This method counts an invoice as income. If any returns happen then the company has to make an offset of the income. Which can lead to further reduction by the costs of goods sold to eventually find the company net profit. Finally, there is a thing called forecasting that manufacturing businesses do differently than service businesses. In a manufacturing business they count inventory first. Then it estimates the number it can produce in a certain amount of time. This is dictated by the equipment that the business has as well as forecasted or predicted sales. Lastly, they add up the cost for all goods sold. Service businesses run completely different. They have no costs of goods to keep track of except the cost of overhead. Since there is no inventory there is no way economize equipment that helps determine efficiency gains. In the end, service businesses base their forecast entirely on what the service providers themselves can manage. It is all up to them not any product or any kind of equipment. In conclusion, It is definitely more profitable to run a business I believe with the best ethical standards set in place for a business. People trust a company more that has a strong background and a known image of being trustworthy. Not practicing good business ethics can end a business fast or cause bankruptcy. It is best to do the right thing at all times no matter if it is in business or just life in general.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Networking models Review Essay

3.1: Networking models Review: The two networking models are TCP/IP which had 5 different layers and the OSI model which has 7 layers. They mainly incorporate the same layers and the only difference is that the TCP/IP layer combines layers 5, 6 and 7 all into layer 5. Both models are along the same line of information and both explain how a network moves data. 3.2: OSI reference model: The OSI model includes two more layers that the TCP/IP layer already had but is constructed in only layer 5. 7: ApplicationWeb browser, 6: PresentationWhat is being displayed on your page 5: SessionControl structure between sessions 4: Transport(TCP) Transfers data between points 3: Network(IP address/URL) Routing, responsible for addressing, sending and translation of logical and physical addresses 2: Data linkSends frames back and forth with necessary sync and error control (MAC/PPP) 1: Physical(Copper, wires ect) Defines the mechanical procedures that are required to establish and maintain physical links. 3.3 The TCP/IP model TCP/IP reference model; includes all information as OSI but only has 5 layers and not 7, Layer 5 includes layers 5, 6 and 7 combines. 5: ApplicationCombines layers 5, 6 and 7: provides network services such as email, file transfers, exchanges of data, support connections between sessions and inner host communications 4: Transport(TCP) transfers data between end points 3: Network(IP/URL) The routing process, packet switching and exchanging (looking for your URL) 2: Data LinkSends frames to and from with flow control, error control and sync; also addresses topology and medias. 1: Physical(Copper, wires ect) Defines mechanical procedures that are required to establish and maintain physical links 3.4 data link connections Computer A is trying to send information to Computer B, the IP address must see the advertisement from Computer B for the router to know where to send the information. The router then strips the Ethernet and sends the information over a leased line to router B, Router B then sends connects to another ether and PPP to further send to Computer B.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Energizing Red Bull Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Energizing Red Bull - Essay Example This essay discusses that the â€Å"Red Bull – The Anti-Brand Brand† case showcases the strategic and global growth of energy drink, Red Bull. Discovered in Asia by Dietrich Mateschitz as a drink to boost factory productivity in 1982, the drink became a household name by 2003 with sales in more than 100 markets and a market share of 70%. Being a pioneer in energy drinks segment, Red Bull is an innovative product that tactically filled a gap in the market that only had coffee or natural juices as alternative options for energy. Red Bull, a compund mixture of taurine, caffeine and glucuronolactone, claimed to boost metabolism, improve performance, increase concentration and reaction speed, and increased endurance. Red Bull attained operational excellence by having decentralized sales and distribution channels, making sure that the product was accessible and available at all times. The brand created high barriers to entry by making sure there were â€Å"exclusive† p artnerships with strong distributors. The sales teams helped generate an aura of â€Å"exclusivity† by handpicking initial distributors and deliberate limiting of the supply. As expected in any industry, a growing market always attracts competition. In 2004, Red Bull faced intense competition from giant brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi who were developing their â€Å"health drinks† business and from private lables across the market. Currently, the top competition for Red Bull is from Monster, Pepsi and Suntory. It is seen from recent reports that the market share of Red Bull slipped to 40% in 2010. (Privo, 2010). The following write-up describes the marketing & communication strategies that Red Bull shouls adapt in order to rebrand its image and increase its sales to fight competition. Media Strategy Adopted by Red Bull in the case Key Customers & Customer segments The key customers for Red Bull were Generation Y-ers (18-29 year olds) who were the main consumers of à ¢â‚¬Å"extra energy† projects. Previously, these customers looked out for products (sometimes illegal) such as alchohol to provide them the extra thrill in their lives. Within the young adults customer group, Red Bull segmented them further to customize their promotional activities with respect to their needs. These segments are: Club-goers: All party-loving people who love a vibrant nightlife, like to dance and drink. These customers were the major consumers of thrilling vodka-red bull mix. Outdoors enthusiasts (Skiers, Skate-boarders): Outdoors enthusiasts such as skiers, snowboarders wanted Red bull to keep their energy levels high during their expeditions. Extreme Sports & Action games lovers: Lovers of extreme sports and action games such as racecar, bike racing and skydiving etc. also consumed Red Bull with zest. Hardcire Music fans: Music fans that regularly attend music festivals, rock concerts and other music gatherings were also users of energy drinks as Red Bull. Stu dents: Students who needed extra energy during their exams and university classes were another segment of Red Bull consumers. Product Positioning The manufacturers of Red Bull created an innovative niche for itself by positioning the product as a different, cool and rebellious product, which is available at a premium. Dietrich Mateschitz deliberately separated Red Bull from carbonated drinks (soda), juices or coffee. (Joyner, 2011). Key Messages & Brand Positioning The brand positioning and key messagers were derived from out of the product benefits and after-effects: Red Bull vitalizes body and mind. This key message became the nucleus of all promotional activities surrounding Red Bull with brand attributes as innovative, rebelling, self ironic, intelligent, nonconformist, self-confidence, mysterious, witty, charming, polarising and unpredictable. Red Bull’

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The Mental Status Examination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Mental Status Examination - Essay Example He was finally taken to the rehabilitation centre after along struggle. Joni finished high school and was enrolled in a middle college. However, he dropped from the college after two semesters due to drug influence. In the college, he had other friends whom they were taking drugs together. Because of this, they were suspended and warned of arrest incase they proceeded with the act. However, he stated that the administration was just suspecting and he had to move away fast before any action. However, he seems to be above average because he reports that he had passed well in high school. The language proficiency and fluency were evidenced since he could coordinate well with little difficulty. Therefore, he can be considered as brilliant. Joni initially started using the drug while at the age of eighteen. Before, he started drinking alcohol every weekend. Gradually, his interest shifted to smoking cigarettes until he graduated to cocaine use while in the college. This practice proceeded and the frequency increased daily. He did not realize that he had become addicted until one day when he missed taking the substance he became very sick and started trembling. On taking the drug, he felt good and was then motivated more to continue with the drug usage. At the age of twenty two years, the body’s demand went higher and he introduced the injection. He stared doing the injection once a day, but later in a few months the rate of usage increased to about three to four times a day. Joni is still struggling to abandon the drug use because he has started feeling the consequences and challenges. The challenges he faces are mental in nature. Since I can understand his responses, he now has some small mental challenge cases that needed to be addressed. Joni appeared to be older than his age and was looking frustrated.

Training Objectives and SMART Goals Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Training Objectives and SMART Goals - Assignment Example During the training of the designers, managers as well as the heads of departments, the company will adopt the Grasha-Reichmann Learning Style. According to this style, the approach of the employees been trained will be analyzed while at the same time ensuring that concepts of participative, dependent and collaborative will be applied (Sprenger, 2003). The training program will ensure that adequate time is provided for the trainees to participate through asking questions and providing feedback on the impact of the training on their productivity. Similarly, the employees will form teams that will allow them to evaluate themselves and share knowledge.   It is vital to note that my making the employees dependent during training, it will make them acquire wide range of skills that will make them perform wide range of duties independently after training (Noe,   2012). Additionally, making the employees dependent will create strong positive working relationships that will ensure that c onflicts that may jeopardize operations in the work place are avoided.  Training objectives Training objective 1: Employees will be trained to come up with unique designs that will not only meet the needs of the customers but also that which will be difficult to be copied by the competitors. The managers will adopt good leadership skills that will entail innovation and need to attain a goal.Performance of outcome desired: Improve their skills of coming up with good designs as directed by heads of department.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Cultural Activity Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Cultural Activity Report - Essay Example In fulfillment of the requirements of this course, on 15th/03/2014, I took my time and attended a live concert at the City Auditorium. This was a spectacular event organized by the National Jazz Promoters which features the renowned Jazz Band of America. As a student, I had to attend this show in order to have a first-hand encounter with this high school-students-dominated band. It was indeed a great experience because it exposed me to lots of entertainment that I had never enjoyed before. With the National Jazz Promoters at the helm of the concert, everything went as planned. I was very excited and anxious to come across great figures like David Alex Lacy, Joel Gardella, Aaron Mutchler, Josh Achiron and Max who have made a name in the music industry. Even before the beginning of the event, my attention was captured by the theatre. For sure, the event was organized in a very spacious theatre equipped with modern facilities including chairs, stage, auditorium and laser lights. Meaning, all the fans that had thronged the venue would be easily accommodated without any problem. Besides, there were still enough spaces in which everyone would get to dance and enjoy the sweet melodious songs played by these artists. I was impressed by the manner in which these artists entertained us. Each of them seemed to have been adequately prepared for their respective roles which they played excellently. Meaning, the conductor, vocalists, singers, dancers and the instrumentalists were quite articulate in their performance. Everything was properly coordinated to help in producing sweet sounding rhythms that could be enjoyed by everyone. As a matter of fact, I was particularly delighted by the performances of Phillip Ahn who played the saxophone; Nathaniel McKay who played a trumpet; guitarist Josh Achiron and the pianist Max Holm. Their participating in the concert was so entertaining. A part from these instrumentalists, the singers also displayed a

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Avon Calls for Foreign Market Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Avon Calls for Foreign Market - Case Study Example From this paper it is clear that Avon applied product orientation strategy where it produced its goods and went to its customers to check whether they will be interested. Oudan & N.S. U, 2007 observes that this orientation has the advantage of saving the customer the burden to second-guess how a new product would develop. Product orientation allowed Avon to keep producing the items it was good in without having to deal with the risks involved in producing new products. Marketing orientation bears more advantages. In their line of duty, Avon representatives meet people and they get to hear their varying queries, ideas, and needs.  This study outlines that  Avon depends more on foreign markets because they do not stiff competition. There are many cosmetic manufacturers in the U.S. cosmetic industry. Avon’s independent salespersons help advertise products through the word of mouth. This cuts advertising costs that would accrue from other ways of marketing such as media.  Gr owth in the numbers of women who use cosmetics would raise Avon’s profitability. These are women of ages ranging between young adulthood and middle age. On the other hand, if the elderly exceeded the young, Avon’s profitability will go down. Avon targets women and an unbalanced growth in population that would lead to more men than women would reduce Avon’s sales and profitability. Global recession renders some people unemployed because companies resort to lay-offs and retrenchments in order to cut on their costs.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Questions to Answer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Questions to Answer - Essay Example These laws are what are regarded to as common law. When there is incongruity between two parties in relation to the law, then a common law court is obligated to listen to the case and refer to analogous or similar cases that have occurred in the past and incorporate their resolutions in decision making (Pozgar, 2011). In other words, if a judgment had been issued in a similar case in the past, then the judge or arbitrator in this case is required to follow the same logical thinking as the previous case. If there has never been a similar case, then it is the obligation of the judge or arbitrator to form or create a standard model as an example that would be referred to by other judges and arbitrators in future. Pozgar (2011) further notes that having a case to refer to and use it in decision making introduces the concept of impartiality in judgments as issues not covered by other laws in a jurisdiction are awarded similar rulings or verdicts. These common laws are however not permanent as they can be changed depending on the current needs of the society (Pozgar, 2011). According to Pozgar (2011), foreseeability is "The reasonable anticipation that harm or injury is likely to result from a commission or omission of an act" (p. 41). An individual can prevent the occurrence of a damaging incident or event if he or she predicts that the incident will occur on the basis of available information or facts. Having a clear understanding of the facts can help an individual in making decisions that would avert or prevent the occurrence of any harmful incident. In a court of law, a defendant is investigated or questioned with an intention of finding out whether he or she could have prevented injury or harm to a petitioner through analyzing data and information at hand. As an example, take the case of a patient lying to a healthcare practitioner when he seeks a clarification of the patients medical history. If

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Quotes that Will Change the Way You Think Essay Example for Free

Quotes that Will Change the Way You Think Essay In your quiet moments, what do you think about? How far you’ve come, or how far you have to go? Your strengths, or your weaknesses? The best that might happen, or the worst that might come to be? In your quiet moments, pay attention to your thoughts. Because maybe, just maybe, the only thing that needs to shift in order for you to experience more happiness, more love, and more vitality, is your way of thinking. Here are 60 thought-provoking quotes gathered from our sister site, Everyday Life Lessons, and from our blog archive that will help you adjust your way of thinking. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Don’t think of cost. Think of value. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly. Too many people buy things they don’t need with money they don’t have to impress people they don’t know. Read Rich Dad, Poor Dad. No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying. If a person wants to be a part of your life, they will make an obvious effort to do so. Think twice before reserving a space in your heart for people who do not make an effort to stay. Making one person smile can change the world – maybe not the whole world, but their world. Saying someone is ugly doesn’t make you any prettier. The only normal people you know are the ones you don’t know very well. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. As we grow up, we realize it becomes less important to have more friends and more important to have real ones. Making a hundred friends is not a miracle. The miracle is to make a single friend who will stand by your side even when hundreds are against you. Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak, sometimes it means you are strong enough and smart enough to let go and move on. Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, etc†¦ If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse. Don’t choose the one who is beautiful to the world; choose the one who makes your world beautiful. Falling in love is not a choice. To stay in love is. True love isn’t about being inseparable; it’s about two people being true to each other even when they are separated. While you’re busy looking for the perfect person, you’ll probably miss the imperfect person who could make you perfectly happy. Never do something permanently foolish just because you are temporarily upset. You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren’t busy denying them. Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. In life, if you don’t risk anything, you risk everything. When you stop chasing the wrong things you give the right things a chance to catch you. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come. There isn’t anything noble about being superior to another person. True nobility is in being superior to the person you once were. Trying to be someone else is a waste of the person you are. You will never become who you want to be if you keep blaming everyone else for who you are now. People are more what they hide than what they show. Sometimes people don’t notice the things others do for them until they stop doing them. Don’t listen to what people say, watch what they do. Being alone does not mean you are lonely, and being lonely does not mean you are alone. Love is not about sex, going on fancy dates, or showing off. It’s about being with a person who makes you happy in a way nobody else can. Anyone can come into your life and say how much they love you. It takes someone really special to stay in your life and show how much they love you. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion; today is special. Love and appreciate your parents. We are often so busy growing up, we forget they are also growing old. When you have to start compromising yourself and your morals for the people around you, it’s probably time to change the people around you. Learn to love yourself first, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you. When someone tells you, â€Å"You’ve changed,† it might simply be because you’ve stopped living your life their way. Someone else doesn’t have to be wrong for you to be right. Be happy. Be yourself. If others don’t like it, then let them be. Happiness is a choice. Life isn’t about pleasing everybody. When you’re up, your friends know who you are. When you’re down, you know who your friends are. Don’t look for someone who will solve all your problems; look for someone who will face them with you. If you expect the world to be fair with you because you are fair, you’re fooling yourself. That’s like expecting the lion not to eat you because you didn’t eat him. No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Many people are so poor because the only thing they have is money. Learn to appreciate the things you have before time forces you appreciate the things you once had. When you choose to see the good in others, you end up finding the good in yourself. You don’t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. It’s better to know and be disappointed than to never know and always wonder. There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without but have to let go. Happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside you. Most people depend on others to gain happiness, but the truth is, it always comes from within. If you tell the truth, it becomes a part of your past. If you lie, it becomes a part of your future. What you do every day matters more than what you do every once in a while. Read The Power of Habit. You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one. Things turn out best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Success and Failure of Project Methods at Heathrow

Success and Failure of Project Methods at Heathrow This report is prepared to analyze the success and failure of the project methods and its process. For this purpose the project of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport is discussed. The Barry Leonard, 2009 explained about project management that it is a process of planning; organizing, allocating and controlling different resources to provide improved result of organizational project. It involves different set of activities to apply techniques and tools for achieving the targets of the project. The projects are carried out with the consideration of different factors which may be time or budget. The starting and ending time of project is always decided before its implication; which provide a benefit to produce successful results. The project manager carries out the planning and executing activities of the projects. It has to face many challenges regarding the organizational project. The achievement of project goals; completion of project on time; or utilization of input for obtaining expected output can be major challenges for it. The scope or cost can also become hurdles for meeting targets. The main responsibilities are assigned to project manger to fulfill the demands of clients. The Terminal 5 is a terminal at Heathrow Airport in London. It is having a structure to stand freely in air and considered a largest building for its standing. It is designed to cover about 35 million passengers each year. The glass and steel is used to build up it structure. Its design was offered in 1989, the United Kingdom passed its planning in 2001. The Queen Elizabeth II made its opening in mid of March 2008, and then its operations started at end of March 2008. PROJECT LIFE CYCLE There are five main phases of the Project Life Cycle, which provide a proper sequence to initiate or end up the project. It defines first that why there is a need to take a start of project, then problem relating to it, then the planning, controlling or monitoring processes take place to complete it. There can be many factors which create complexity to meet the basic objectives of the project; they may be related to the team performance, budget or size of project. There are mainly five phases of project life cycle, which are defining, planning, organizing, controlling, and completing. By following these different five phases, the project of Terminal 5 is analyzed here. Initiating or defining In this phase, the goals of objectives are defined with the combination of its scope. The list of its objectives is prepared to point out the involvement of the key factors for it. Then the statement of problem is provided to state the expected output by allocating the resources. All of the risks and assumptions are defined in this phase. The risks and uncertainties in mega projects provide a chance to implicate innovated techniques. The project manager is also appointed in this phase; which later on formulate a team after considering their abilities or experience according to the requirement of project. The main tools which are utilized in this phase are plans for business and framework of project (Kim, 2003). The Terminal 5 Heathrow is the greatest project of the Europe. Its main objective is to extend the range of airport for meeting the volume of its customers from 67 million passengers per year to the 95 million passengers. It is having a purpose to build up a strong structure of glass and steel with the combination of high security and safety to people. For this mega project, the BBA was assumed to select to apply their standard practices; utilize the capital appropriately and use technical competencies to avoid risks. It was targeted to connect the Terminal 5 with the other existing terminals. The risks estimated for the projects were quality of structure; safety for passengers; integrating the systems and working under budget. Its scope was to build up 270,000m ² terminal; two satellite buildings and 87 meter control tower for functioning in Heathrow. Planning Another phase is planning which is consisted of identification of different related activities of project. It also includes a task to estimate the time and cost; review the sequence of activities; and highlighting the critical actions. The specific criteria for achieving the project goals; and completing the task are specified in it. The most important process of writing the proposal is also performed in this phase. The planning phase of Terminal 5 project was started on 1986 and went up to 2001, when it was finalized that construction should be started now. By BAA, the project director was appointed at main board for handling and reporting from planning to controlling phase. The BAA selected appropriate set of tools for planning the project. It created an example to build up or construct the largest infrastructure within its defined capital and time. According to Flyvbjerg et al., 2003, its estimated investment was  £4.3 billion and time for its completion was expected year of 2008 for phase 1 and 2011 for phase 2. It was estimated to start it on 2002. It was planned very effectively to give a scope for complete the projects under estimated time and cost. Its planning phase started from 1986 and went up to the September, 2002. Organizing The Mishra (2006) described about third phase, that it is related to organizing activities, tasks or team of project. The basic needs are specified; the project manager and team are recruited under it. The work packages are also defined in it. The main task of organizing the team; and identifying the stakeholders are also performed under this phase. For Terminal 5 project, the BAA, private investment, HM Government was sponsored and Richard Rogers Partnership was appointed as Lead Architect. The advanced strategies were used by BAA and its different suppliers for organizing this mega project. The project manager Andrew Wolstenholme, had experience of dealing unexpected situations and risks while completing the Glaxco (GSK) project; he utilized all those methodologies and helped to provide his exceptional skills for T5 project. According to the Norman Haste, first project director of T5, there should be high investment on design for achieving successful completion. However, the design ing and the organizing phase started at 1989 and went up to around 2004. In the opinion of Andrew (2009) Single Model Environment (SME) was used for digitally designing; and integrating to the construction phase. Controlling This is an important phase of the project life cycle; because it is assured that all of the operations are performing under a control management. It is also known as execution phase because all of the plans are executed in it. The control tools are defined and status report of the tasks is prepared in it. The Harold (2009) demonstrated that during it, the plans and schedules are reviewed, and order may change according to the requirements. It may be considered as constructing phase for the T5. For Terminal 5, different designs were developed to bring in a real position. Its construction phase was divided into two phases: one was formation of building and infrastructure which started at 2001 and went up to 2008; other was connecting the systems and equipping the building which took time from 2006 to 2008. Its control tower was manufactured in 12 meter high sections to avoid the disturbance of aircrafts operations. It was built up by Richard Rogers Partnership. The control tower of  £50 million provided 360 degree cone to view which become the most technological controller in 2006 when started for functioning. In 2004, its first segment of single wave roof was placed on it, and then on 2005, sixth and last was on its position. The total weight of this roof was 26,000 tons which created its superstructure. Its high way design allowed passing away the cranes for constructing the other operations in airport. The staff of Terminal 5 was appointed by the BBA in 2008. The rail station was built up in it with six platforms; two of them were designed for London Underground Piccadilly Line extension; two for Heathrow Express extension; and other two were for connecting to west in future. The change order required in this project was to have some advancement in its road infrastructure. There was a need to have Airside Road tunnel (ART), which constructed in 2005. The Spur road from M25 was built by Balfour Beatty in 2008. To control the pollution and drainage the storm water outfall tunnel (SWOT) was arranged. It consisted of one bore tunnel which is having length of 4.1km. It was to recycle the wasted water by BAA. The automated people mover (APM) played their role to create a track transit system which provided facility of transformation between main terminal and satellite building. For providing benefit of transferring passengers and luggage, personal rapid transit (PRT) system of  £25 million was applied in July, 2009. Closure In last phase project manager should assure about the completion of project. It consists of different steps which are forming the agreements in documents forms; acquiring acceptance of clients; arrange deliverable in final form; comparing deliverable products with estimated; and allocating project resources. It also involves a step of informing about completing project to upper management (Michael, 2002). The allocation of different resources in this project enabled Terminal 5 to take about 30 million and Heathrow to take 90 million passengers a year. On Sep, 2006; two major transport milestones arrived on T5 when the project was completed about 85 percent. In 2007, the staff was trained and system was checked to provide deliverables. Around 40 million person hours were used for construction program since 2002. At T5 the availability of six cars was provided in start; and sixteen provided in 2008. The project was completed very successfully and its construction safety was on merit. In 2006, there were no reports regarding accidental situation of around 7000 work force. The official opening was held on 14th March, 2008; and it opened for passengers on 27th March 2008. IDENTIFICATION OF SUCCESS AND FAILURE Some of the successes and failures are discussed below: SUCCESS There were many chances of high risks and uncertainties in this project; but many advanced strategies were utilized to avoid them. Its main success is completion of project on time estimated for it. It was a great challenge for the project manager to arrange or allocate the resources with consideration of time. The budget programs were designed with most effective techniques and the cost plans were delivered very successfully. There were perfect tunnel bores and designs; the technical and mechanical activities were performed with deep consideration; structure was prepared with modern approaches. The Mott MacDonald performed their assigned task very efficiently while working on road tunnel. The designing; construction; and fabrication were much enhanced. The SME (Single Model Environment) proved to be very beneficial for these operations. The most innovative application helped to have stability in its operations. The quality level of providing the facilities to passengers was a great return on the high investment on the mega project; the shareholders achieved a great reward in it. There was a complete safety provision for the local inhabitant; passengers; and environment. The partnership with different parties was very successful which helped to remove the constraints. The exceptional plans were developed which helped to built up a control tower for serving all Heathrow. The integration was very strong to meet the projects goals. There were proper risk and control management to avoid failures in project. There were enhanced system of privacy; the finger prints were taken while crossing security gates which protect against illegal actions. There were strong IT systems for achieving success. FAILURE There were fewer failure regarding staff training, baggage handling and massive IT spread out. The main failure was the unfamiliarity of staff of BA which created many disruptions. Eventually, this problem was sorted out by BAA and BA later on. Initially, the baggage system not worked properly, the BA was blamed for it to not have sufficient staff. According to the BBC, there were many problems faced by the terminal staff for car parking in garages. There were high investment in the IT; there were 180 IT suppliers and 163 systems, about 9000 devices; 2100 PCs and a great mess of cables spread inside. According to British Airways CIO Paul, it is a smaller town filled with telecommunication system interrupting to build T5. CONCLUSION The mega projects always hold a risk of failure, however, the Terminal 5 Heathrow project was much successful and its phases were processed in proper sequence. The project management structure was very strong which helped to utilize the planning; managing and controlling methods effectively for completing the project. REFERENCES Andrew Devies, 2009, From Iconic Design To Lost Luggage: Innovation At Heathrow Terminal 5 Barry Leonard, 2009, GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, pg. 140-145. Flyvbjerg et al, 2003, mega projects and risk: an anatomy of ambition, Cambridge, Cambridge university press. Harold Kerzner, 2009, Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Pg. 418-450. Kim Heldman, 2003, Project management jumpstart, pg. 18-25. Michael Greer, 2002, The project managers partner: a step-by-step guide to project management, pg. 23-69. R.C. Mishra, R C Mishra Tarun Soota, 2006, Modern Project Management, pg. 22-60.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Vouchers and School Choice - Opportunity for Success :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

School Choice: Opportunity for Success For some parents, education is highly valued and they can afford high tuition, so they send their children to the private school. Other parents spend more money to move into a community where has good schools. We can call the situations stated above "school choice". However, what we talk here is not the "school choice"; there is another kind of school choice, which all parents can make and do not need to spend more money to move into another community. Generally speaking, children from the high SES family have better opportunities to get appropriate education and succeed in the society. On the other hand, children from the low SES family often face many difficulties in the educational process because of the financial problem and might get less support from their families. Therefore, in my opinion, this is the group that the government need to take care of. We need to provide children from the low SES family with opportunities as much as possible to help them succeed in the school and the society. One of the opportunities we can provide for those children is school choice. Some people argue that they pay high tax to provide quality education for their children, and others do not have the right to share with it. If we follow the system thinking, this belief is a fallacy because we can not separate one from others in a system. In the long run, school choice can create success for children from the low SES family. In other words, if we can help those children succeed in the school and society, they will produce less problems to the society, and we can build up a better environment for everyone. Furthermore, though people pay high tax, they still share the limited resources of the society and the country; they do not pay all what they should pay. There are the rich and poor in the society, and it somehow creates positive and negative cycles. That is, the rich can get better education and have good opportunities to succeed in the society. Vouchers and School Choice - Opportunity for Success :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics School Choice: Opportunity for Success For some parents, education is highly valued and they can afford high tuition, so they send their children to the private school. Other parents spend more money to move into a community where has good schools. We can call the situations stated above "school choice". However, what we talk here is not the "school choice"; there is another kind of school choice, which all parents can make and do not need to spend more money to move into another community. Generally speaking, children from the high SES family have better opportunities to get appropriate education and succeed in the society. On the other hand, children from the low SES family often face many difficulties in the educational process because of the financial problem and might get less support from their families. Therefore, in my opinion, this is the group that the government need to take care of. We need to provide children from the low SES family with opportunities as much as possible to help them succeed in the school and the society. One of the opportunities we can provide for those children is school choice. Some people argue that they pay high tax to provide quality education for their children, and others do not have the right to share with it. If we follow the system thinking, this belief is a fallacy because we can not separate one from others in a system. In the long run, school choice can create success for children from the low SES family. In other words, if we can help those children succeed in the school and society, they will produce less problems to the society, and we can build up a better environment for everyone. Furthermore, though people pay high tax, they still share the limited resources of the society and the country; they do not pay all what they should pay. There are the rich and poor in the society, and it somehow creates positive and negative cycles. That is, the rich can get better education and have good opportunities to succeed in the society.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

A Time Of Prosperous Change :: essays research papers

A Time of Prosperous Change In the early nineteen hundreds when women used to be treated as objects who were only good for cooking and cleaning. These women were expected to stay home and do nothing but take care of the children. Authors were rarely women .Now in the present day a women is thought of as having a mind of her own. She is thought of as a independent, an individual who has a peace of mind of her own who is allowed to work and make a living as she pleases. Even we don't think of Weldon every time someone mentions a popular contemporary author we know she deserves to be mentioned. Both in the Critical Survey of Long Fiction and in Love and Marriage in the Novels of Anita Brookner and Fay Weldon Weldon is mentioned with great honor and respect. Anna Ericson uses more past situations in Fay Weldon's own life while contrasting her to Anita Brookner while in contrast the Critical Survey of Long Fiction criticizes the works without much comparison to others. Both the Magill and Anna Ericson have strong points on a women's individualism but Anna Ericson proves Weldon's choice of personality for the main character was one reflecting Weldon's own thoughts and morals. In the The Life and Loves of a She Devil Ruth is a character who is well developed who one can feel one with because of the fact that the author creates great depth to her as a character. In the Critical Survey of Long Fiction the author states that "In her fiction, Fay Weldon explores women's lives with wit and humor. She is caustic in her implicit condemnation of injustice but avoids preaching by characters say and what they do"(Magill 3474). On the other hand Ericson has more of a formula to Weldon's novels unlike the Critical Survey of Long Fiction. "The Weldon narrator is usually omniscient; she is wise, sad and cynical"(Ericson 1). which shows that the characters must be well developed to have such a personified personality. Magill rarely states how Ruth's personality had come about in The Life and Loves of a She Devil. Love was not an issue to Weldon when writing this novel this may be due to the lack of love in her very own life. Love was never thought of importance in the Critical Survey of Long Fiction. On the other hand in Love and Marriage in the Novels of Anita Brookner and Fay Weldon Ericson uses the subject of lack of love as the focus of his theories and that

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Mary Jane :: essays research papers

Mary Jane A good book is one that you cannot quit thinking about. For days after you finish it, you will catch yourself daydreaming about it. That is what The Bluest Eye did to me. I can’t say that I liked the novel, because I didn’t. It left me with an empty, horrified feeling in the pit of my stomach; a realization of how harsh the world can be. I believe that this was Toni Morrison’s goal for this book. She didn’t want me to feel all warm and cozy when I finished. She didn’t want me to ‘like’ The Bluest Eye; she wanted me to learn from it. I learned about a child’s understanding, how people can react differently to a harsh environment, the importance of white symbols in a black girls life, and what could possess adults to do horrible things to helpless children. In short, I learned about the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Claudia narrated most of the book, though the story is mainly about Pecola. Claudia and her sister, Fridea, are, in all visible ways, exactly like Pecola. They are poor, black girls in a world where only white is beautiful and good. The difference is that Claudia and Fridea could ignore society and still love themselves, but Pecola felt that she was worthless because of her black features. The world around Claudia, Fridea, and Pecola is filled with symbols of whiteness. The first thing that is brought to our attention is the elementary school readers, where the main characters are Dick and Jane. Dick and Jane are perfect white children and they live in a perfect, white, cheery, loving, world. Morrison concentrates on this at the beginning of every chapter to bring focus on the life that Pecola wants to live. This establishes the theme of white domination over the culture. Pecola worshipped Shirley Temple. While she was at the Macteer’s she couldn’t get enough white milk, which she drank out of a Shirley Temple cup. She also loved Mary Jane candies because â€Å"Each pale yellow wrapper had a picture on it. A picture of little Mary Jane, for whom the candy is named. Smiling white face. Blond hair in gentle disarray, blue eyes looking at her out of a world of clean comfort. The eyes are petulant, mischievous. To Pecola they are simply pretty. She eats the candy, and its sweetness is good. To eat the candy is somehow to eat the eyes, eat Mary Jane.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Role of Negotiable Instruments

Role of negotiable instrumentnts in boosting trade and commerce: Negotiable instruments such as cheques, bills of exchage, prommissory notes etc are playing a vital role In today's boosting trade and commerce. One of the reason behind the expanding of the trade and commerce so rapidly is also the negotialble instruments. In trade the transactions are now becoming aso much depending on the negotiable instruments. Where in commerce also the negotiable instruments are helping us in the following ways.Helpful in Buisness: imagine how it is possible to get the business products for resale purpose without the use of money. This is happening just because of the negotiable instruments. Furthur suppose that you want to do a business of refrigrators but you do not have the money to purchase the refrigrators for resale purpose. And also if you do not have any other resource to get the money for purchase you can still purchase the products for your business pupose with the help of the negotiable instruments.Negotiables such as promissory note and specially the bills of exchange are specially made for this purpose. Bills of exchange hepling many people who do not have the money to spend money as capital in their business. No need to carry cash with you : Due to the negotiable instruments it is became so easy to make payments through negtiable instruments such as cheques etc so that the use of cash is not their because most of the times when you are taking cash with you anywhere it is not felt secure that because the cash may do theft by any one.In other words you can say that negotiable instruments make us feel confident to deal at any place without the use of cash. Instant reciepts and payments of the dealings and transactions: We don’t need to wait for days to get money from the bank and from the other places but instead of it we just have to pay in the form of negotiable instrument such as cheque etc so that the people to whom we have to pay would receive that amo unt instantly.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Grotowski

Drama Essay How theatre is made interesting by the way it is staged is by using a variety of techniques to intrigue viewers and audience members from just a platform stage and some actors to something unique and interesting. Grotowski believed to be interesting it did not need lighting, effects, costumes, makeup, props, costumes or scenery. This was regarded as poor theatre as funding was barely needed and stuck to its name still today.The minimal use of props meant that the same prop could be used as many different things; He also encouraged the use of music especially ritual music because it was successful in affecting the audience is different ways. Another technique Grotowski and Artaud taught his actors to portray real emotions to their scene as opposed to pretending. In my performance we created a series of small scenes directed and played like a poor theatre play would have been in Artaud and Grotowski time. Using the techniques learned in class of Artaud and Grotowski.Our sce ne developed through the idea of the word power trying to deliver a message to the audience. The several little scenes we developed with smooth transactions in between them without lights on /lights off like Growtaski did between his scenes. In each scene portraying the different aspects of power. In positive ways and negative ways. We did not wear costumes as we were playing many different characters in a short period of time and costume change would of taken to long as we were on stage at all time like Artaud actors where. So we simply wore black clothing to make us neutral and easier to believe the character we were representing.To come up with the our theme of power our teacher made us create a mind map of the Phrase â€Å"back in the day† and bounce off ideas of what it meant to us. We use this phrase for our first scene which had no script. We took the characters of apes in a time before humans and showed how power and dominance existed before human time. Having the use of no costumes, no stage props and no custom lighting. The audience focus is directed all towards the actors. So it is all through the actors that the audience can understand the play and believe it the way we want them to. We used one prop that had no use or meaning by itself until it was used.A fabricated simple ball that we used differently in every scene. We did not want to show a clear description of the object and wanted to let the audience imagine what it is for themself. For example in the first scene we made the audience believe the object was just a significant and important item to the apes and they could then imagine what the item was themself, Each ape wanted to hold on to the item and the ape holding the object would of had power over the others. The item was then transform as a microphone in the scene of a president speech and then transform again as illegal drugs to be then used into a fashion statement in the end.Why Artaud and Growtaski techniques of staging were successful was the involvement of the audience. The people coming to see the play where part of the performance and where all on their toes not knowing was going to come at them. Our group goal in involving the audience was to surprise them in every way we could. The scene opened with one of our member Connor in the character of an ape playing with the object while audience attention was drawn to him they did not expect the two other apes sneaking up behind them to sniff them pull their hair and reowr at them. This was successful as we created surprise and laughter.The audience where sited towards the stage with a gap in the middle to make our new entrances. How to interact with the audience are not only the actors coming to audience but the audience on stage. We even dragged audience members on stage to be pretend slapped and humiliated in not a mean way and of course we did not hurt the audience in anyway. In conclusion even though poor theatre is harder for the actors to portray a character without the use of a costume, props, lighting or stage design. This raw theatre is easily just as entertaining for an audience through the way it is created.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Nestle Market Research

Introduction In this research work the company chosen is Nestle. We have tried to cover the brief history of the company, vision, mission and objectives of the company. This brief history and other sub heading under company background is compulsory to be understood and researched well as they form the basis for marketing plan of the company. We have also tried to cover the internal and external environments for the company and countries for its future rowth and further marketing planning strategy Analysis 1. Nestle Worldwide 1. 1. Overview of Nestle All over the planet, people know Nestle. Nestle is a Swiss multinational nutritional and health-related consumer goods company headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. It is the largest food company in the world measured by revenues among the world's 40 largest corporations. Nestle was founded in 1867 by Henri Nestle. Its international R;amp;D network supports the products made in more than 500 factories in 86 countries.The Nestle factories a re operating in the region of: 1. Africa 2. America 3. Asia 4. Europe 5. Oceania Being a company dedicated to food from the beginning, Nestle remains sensitive to culinary and eating habits, and responds to specific nutritional problems, whilst also setting and matching new trends such as growing out-of-home consumption and caring about the well being of its consumers Nestle’s Philosophy: Good Food, Good Life is the very essence of Nestle and this philosophy can be traced back to our beginnings. 1. 2. Nestle’s VisionThe Nestle global vision is to be the leading Company in health, wellness and nutrition in the world. In particular, they envision to: * Meet the needs of consumers of every age group from infancy to old age, for nutrition and pleasure, through development of a large variety of food categories of the highest quality. * Lead an extremely motivated and professionally trained workforce, which would drive growth through innovation and renovation. * Deliver shar eholder value through profitable long-term growth, while continuing to play a significant and responsible role in the ocial, economic and environmental sectors of the country. s * Nestle brands are the preferred choice in their categories. Consumer insight drives all aspects of Nestle’s marketing and communication efforts. 1. 3. Nestle’s Mission Nestle’s mission, in the words of our founder Henri Nestle, is: â€Å"Nestle is dedicated to providing the best foods to people throughout their day, throughout their lives, throughout the world. With our unique experience of anticipating consumers' needs and creating solutions, Nestle contributes to your well-being and enhances your quality of life. 1. 4. Nestle’s Objectives Nestle’s objectives are to be recognized as a leading, competitive, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company trusted by all its stakeholders, and to be the reference for financial performance in its industry. Its chief objectives are: * To achieve compatibility with international voluntary standards on environmental management systems. * To build mutual trust with consumers, governmental authorities and business partners. * To ensure continuous improvement of Nestles environmental performance. Conservation of natural resources and minimization of waste. * Total compliance with the laws. * To establish the benchmark for good business practice. * Employing new technologies and processing. By committing to resources, both human and financial. Measuring the cost and benefits to business of its activities 1. 5. Product mix of Nestle Baby foods| Cerelac, Gerber, Gerber Graduates, NaturNes, Nestum| Bottled water| Nestle Pure Life, Perrier, Poland Spring, S.Pellegrino| Cereals| Chocapic, Cini Minis, Cookie Crisp, Estrelitas, Fitness, Nesquik Cereal| Chocolate & Confectionery| Aero, Butterfinger, Cailler, Crunch, Kit Kat, Orion, Smarties, Wonka| Coffee | Nescafe, Nescafe 3 in 1, Nescafe Cappuccino, Nescafe Classic, Nes cafe Decaff, Nescafe Dolce Gusto, Nescafe Gold, Nespresso| Culinary,chilled and frozen food| Buitoni, Herta, Hot Pockets, Lean Cuisine, Maggi, Stouffer's, Thomy| Dairy | Carnation, Coffee-Mate, La Laitiere, Nido| Drinks | Juicy Juice, Milo, Nesquik, Nestea|Food service| Chef, Chef-Mate, Maggi, Milo, Minor’s, Nescafe, Nestea, Sjora, Lean Cuisine, Stouffer's| Healthcare nutrition| Boost, Nutren Junior, Peptamen, Resource| Ice cream| Dreyer’s, Extreme, Haagen-Dazs, Movenpick, Nestle Ice Cream| Pet care| Alpo, Bakers Complete, Beneful, Cat Chow, Chef Michael’s Canine Creations, Dog Chow, Fancy Feast, Felix, Friskies, Gourmet, Purina, Purina ONE, Pro Plan| Sports nutrition| Power Bar| Weight management| Jenny Craig| 2. Environment of Nestle 2. 1.Internal business environment 2. 1. 1 Managers Nestle Company is a decentralized organization that organized according to matrix structure. Nestle Company as a decentralized organization allows its subordinate organizations t o enjoy a relatively high-level of autonomy. Although it still makes major strategy decisions at the headquarter level, daily operations are left up to subordinate organizations to derive and implement. The responsibility for operating decisions is pushed down to local units.Nestle has a strong top management team which runs on strong values and principles of the company. The efficient top management of the company is able to run finance, operation, marketing, logistics, sales, and research and development departments with great success which ultimately leads to the fulfillment of the goal of the organization. Senior members are of diverse origins and backgrounds. * Board of Directors The Board of Directors is the ultimate governing body of the Company. It is responsible for the ultimate supervision of the Group.The Board attends to all matters which are not reserved for the Annual General Meeting or another governance body of the Company by law, the Articles of Association or speci fic regulations issued by the Board of Directors. * Chairman The Chairman has the right to represent the organization to implement the company’s rights and obligations, take responsibility to the law and the owners of the organization about the rights and duties are assigned, strategizing development plans of the company and organization those through the decision of the Board. CEO The Board of Directors delegates to the CEO, with the authorization to sub delegate, the power to manage the Company’s and the Group are business, subject to law, the Articles of Association and the Regulations of the Board of Directors. The CEO chairs the Executive Board and delegates to its members individually the powers necessary for carrying out their responsibilities, within the limits fixed in the Executive Board’s Regulations. 2. 1. 2. EmployeesThe Nestle team comprises around 328,000 employees, 29% are based in Europe, 33. 6% in the Americas and 37. 4% in Asia, Oceania and Af rica. Their challenge is to combine strategic corporate leadership with strong, responsive local leadership to achieve consistent high levels of performance and corporate responsibility across their business Nestle has a rich working culture which motivates its employees to serve best to its customers with the help of the variety present in their product range.Nestle has included the benefits of the employees in the goal statement of the organization as the management of the company strongly believe that the productivity, quality and the dependability will reflect on the product only if the employees take care of all these factors. Different departments of the company work to contribute in the growth of the organization and these departments not only keep the customer's needs and demand in mind but also keep the same type of attention for the internal customers of Nestle.The company believes if the internal market of the company is fully satisfied, the internal market will be able t o serve to its customers and able to understand their needs and able to manufacture the products which can fulfill these needs 2. 2. External environment 2. 2. 1. Customers The immediate customers of Nestle are retail and grocery stores which provide the products of the company to the end customers at a reasonable price and a reasonable profit.The end customers of Nestle are the consumers who consume its wide range of product. The company has a bright brand image in its big pool of end customers. Nestle has an extensive marketing network to figure out the target customers, it has marketing specialist to understand the market place and the customer needs, secondly to is spending a lot to figure out the customer’s preferences regarding the substitutes of its products in order to bring the customers on board and retain them.Nestle has an extensive market share, due to the reason that its customers are brand loyal and do not compromise over quality and same is the case with the c ompany’s quality assurance (QA) team. One of the principle strategies that Nestle utilizes is to produce differentiated products for each age group in order to get a high market share and preferences over others. 2. 2. 2. Suppliers Suppliers provide the resources like labor and material resources to produce goods and services. They add to customer overall value delivery system.Labor supplies include handling of * Quantity of labor * Quality of labor * Labor strikes * Labor relations Material supplies deals with the * Quantity of material * Quality of material * Price of material * Stability of material inputs * Delivery delays Nestle efficiently handles the quality, quantity, price and stability of both material and labor supplies. Management maps out the strategies for labor strikes, supply shortages and delays to avoid increasing the cost of production, which can badly affect sales in short run and customer satisfaction in long run. . 2. 3. Competitors Competitors also play a vital role in effecting the way in which the organization operates, competitors are basically the rival firms in the same market which is providing the same product in the case of Nestle the are many competitors since there is a wide range of products offered by Nestle Nestle's largest international competitors are Kraft Foods, Unilever and Mars Incorporated. It also faces competition in local markets or specific product ranges from numerous companies, including Sara Lee and DanoneNescafe is one of the world-famous brands of Nestle with a long history of development and illustrious reputation. Therefore we choose this brand to go deeper analysis of its production as well as its distribution. 3. Input and output 3. 1. Inputs 3. 1. 1. Raw material Coffee beans and water are the basic ingredients used to make coffee, but there are as many ways to make coffee as there are coffee drinkers. All Nescafe coffees are made of 100% pure coffee beans. The only exceptions are our ready-made c offee mixes and mixtures. They contain other ingredients such as whitener and sugar, which are commonly added to coffee.Raw materials are selected from the freshest coffee beans through the production process with the highest quality standards, properly roasted to keep the aroma of coffee are naturally charming 3. 1. 2. Labor Teams of professional preparation and testing are well trained. The sensitive senses of coffee experts allow them to recognize the best qualities as grinding, roasting and tasting raw materials. 3. 1. 3. Technology The company also has modern production technology and strictly quality control system in all stages of production. 3. 2. Outputs 3. 2. 1. Nescafe’s productsNescafe products include: Nescafe Original, Nescafe Classic, Nescafe Clasico, Nescafe Gold Blend, Nescafe Black Gold, Nescafe Special Filtre (in France), Cafe Parisien (The Paris experience), Nescafe Allen, Nescafe Espresso, Nescafe Red Cup, Nescafe Blend†¦ to name just a few. 3. 2. 2. Distribution Nescafe also be distributed under Nestle’s distribution system with the 2 major channels of distribution: Traditional distribution channels and Modern distribution channels. * Traditional distribution channels (grocery): Organize the sales staff to distribute products to individual households through market channels & shop. Modern distribution channels (key account): Deliver goods to consumers through supermarket, metro or distribution chain system. Furthermore Nestle is currently holding Out Of Home (OOH) distribution channel such as restaurants, hotels, at-work, factories, etc†¦ There are specific products for this channel to cater fully for the professional chef, a full merchandise to cater to the world standard hotel as 5 star hotels or the high-rate corporate office †¦ called NESTLE PROFESSIONAL parts distribution. 3. 3. Research for production of Nescafe-Nestle in VietnamTo ensure a large output power, the company must be combined with the Vi etnamese government to build long-term plan for raw materials to ensure the production of the company. Build strategic Materials areas by combining with fertilizer companies and agricultural extension centers to sign a contract directly with farmers. Furthermore, collaborate with scientists and local authorities in the provinces of Dak Lak, Lam Dong and Dong Nai-the key coffee growing regions in Vietnam- to build the model farm, offering new varieties of high yield and send some Vietnamese scientists to some Center of research and development in developing countries.Regarding technology, the big companies like Nestle will find advanced technology in the world to ensure that few workers record the highest results. Moreover, the company will provide technical assistance to coffee growers so that they can provide better quality and have higher income About labor at the factory the company will cooperate with Vietnamese Ministry of Labor to learn about the workforce in Vietnam or the co mpany will cooperate with the local center for workers promotion or the surrounding areas to make sure human resources are available if the company needs.The company will have a separate department to do this. 4. Manufacturing process * Harvesting It all starts on the plantations, where farmers tend to the coffee plants and harvest the coffee cherries, usually by hand. The next thing they have to do is separate the bean from the outer shell of the cherry. This is done either by drying the beans in the sun or by washing them in a pulping machine before drying them. * Drying To get at the coffee beans inside each cherry, the beans need to be separated from the skin, pulpa and parchment.This is achieved by drying the cherries under the sun or by soaking the cherries in hot water. The dry beans have a greenish tinge and are therefore known as ‘green beans'. They are usually exported for blending and roasting. By combining different types of beans you can give the resulting coffee a more rounded taste. Once you have the right blend of beans, the most important phase of coffee production begins: the roasting * Roasting Once the green coffee beans have been selected, the beans need to be roasted to release the aroma and taste we know as coffee. In fact, this important rocess is one of the most fundamental parts in producing the flavorful taste and rich aroma of NESCAFE coffees. During roasting, the coffee beans expand and change in color. They turn to yellow once they absorb heat and then to brown as the beans lose their water content. The beans turn darker as they release their oils, giving the coffee its flavor. Depending on the roasting equipment and the desired flavor of the coffee, green beans are roasted at between 180 °C and 240 °C for between three and fifteen minutes. * Grinding After roasting, the beans are ready for grinding.The particle size of the grind; whether coarse or medium, fine or very fine depends on the brewing method and equipment use d. Grinding increases the surface area of the coffee, allowing the flavor to be extracted more easily. * Processing To make NESCAFE ® Pure Soluble Coffee, the ground coffee is put into an industrial percolator containing hot water under pressure to brew a highly concentrated liquid coffee, called coffee liquor. The coffee liquor is then spray dried by passing it through a continuous stream of hot air, changing it into fine particles.This is the process for making NESCAFE CLASSIC ® coffee. Alternatively, the coffee liquor is snap frozen and then ground into the required particle size. The particles are suspended in a vacuum tunnel with low heat, causing ice crystals to form and leaving particles of freeze-dried NESCAFE GOLD ® coffee. 5. Marketing strategy for Nescafe in Vietnam 5. 1. Price Launch several product lines aimed at the large and diverse segment of the market. Each segment has different product lines with reasonable price and can be accepted but still ensure high qua lity. For classes of consumers with high incomes and interested in quality: the Nescafe Gold, Premium with higher prices and higher quality compared to other common products * For classes of consumers with average incomes – a large segment: with Blend 43, Mild Roast, Espresso products †¦ consumers receive economic benefits as well as product quality. * For young people: new product such as Latte with the relative prices. Deploy promotions, discounts to attract customers and increase purchasing power 5. 2. PlaceBuild strong distribution network with distributors and retailers to cover the market with high density. Develop the retail system to ensure the company's products are available to serve customers: retail outlets at premier sites e. g. Bus stand, Railway station†¦ Implement incentive policy about pricing and commission to agents to encourage them to introduce and offer products to customers at the reasonable price. Other than that, Nestle can put their vending machine in a place that always full of people such as shopping mall, airport, hospital, school and any other place.Associate with supermarkets and shopping centers by opening sophisticated parlors with more value added services; improve the area, type and number of the company’s products here. Expand promoting trade into neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia, west Asia countries, where Nestle’s products are not available or do not meet the requirements. 5. 3. Promotion Take advantages of company such as brand reputation, quality products to increase market share Use mass media to advertise products to consumers: * TV commercial * Magazine and newspaper advertizing * Public event * Online advertizing Social networking Use other form of advertising such as non-media communication or advertising. Some of the ways are participating exhibitions, sponsorship activities, public relations and sales promotion such as giving freebies with good or reduced price Construct showrooms to introduce the company’s products and distribute sample products to the customers. Intensify customer care service by holding seminars about nutrition and healthiness, informing customer about Nestle’s products. References * Jafaa, M. S. (2009) Nestle Marketing strategy for Marketing Report – Nestle Milo [online].Publication 25 November 2009 [accessed 16 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. scribd. com/doc/26214574/5/Nestle-Marketing-strategy * Brabeck, P. (2011) Nestle Malaysia Marketing Strategy [online]. Publication 8 March 2011 [accessed 16 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. allfreepapers. com/print/Nestle-Malaysia-Marketing-Strategy/1020. html * Aziz, M. K. (2009) Marketing Management Strategies of Nestle [online]. Publication 20 May 2009 [accessed 18 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. scribd. com/doc/61960026/Nestle * Nescafe (2008) Coffee Production [online].Publication 18 December 2008 [accessed 19 June 2012]. Available from: htt p://www. nescafe. co. uk/coffee_production_en_co_uk. axcms * Khan, S. A. (2011) TQM 2nd Assignment on Nestle [online]. Publication 16 February 2011 [accessed 21 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. scribd. com/doc/86194068/TQM-2nd-Assignment-on-Nestle * Nestle (no date) Mission and Vision [online]. Vavey, Switzerland: Nestle [accessed 21 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. Nestle. co. za/aboutus/Pages/MissionVision. aspx * Nescafe (no date) Coffee Roasting [online]. Vavey, Switzerland: Nestle [accessed 21 June 2012].Available from: http://www. nescafe. com/coffee_roasting_en_com. axcms * Nescafe (no date) Coffee Ingredients [online]. Vavey, Switzerland: Nestle [accessed 21 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. nescafe. com/coffee_ingredients_en_com. axcms * Nestle (2011) Nescafe [online]. United Kingdom: Nestle UK [accessed 21 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. Nestle. co. uk/brands/coffee/Pages/Coffee. aspx * Nescafe (2011) Corp Governance Report 2011 [online]. Vavey, Switzerland: Nestle [accessed 23 June 2012]. Available from: http://www. Nestle. com/Media/Reports/Pages/Reports. aspx.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Struggle Session

A struggle session was a form of public humiliation used by the Communist Party of Mao. When the struggle session began, the Red Guard used Labor camps, public humiliation, destruction of buildings or objects and corporal punishment to criticize the peoples who opposed to praise the great of Chairman Mao and rejected to publicize Maoism. And their targets were intellectuals, landowners and artists. For example, Ye qianyu was famous in Traditional Chinese painting. During the war, he led a group of artists to participate in the anti-Japanese propaganda of the Allied. So he was labeled â€Å"U. S. mperialism spies† by Red Guard. He is not only to accept the corporal punishment, but also to participate in the labor camp. Therefore, there were two different tendencies of artist when the struggle session began, Political fanaticism class and Creative  Underground  Class. For the Political fanaticism class, they responded to the call of Chairman Mao, followed by the Central Cult ural Revolution combat deployment and the creation of works of art. Most of their works contained the elements about praise of the great achievements of the Cultural Revolution and Demonize â€Å"enemy† which means Capitalist roaders. Follow Chairman Mao and advance in the great storms and wave†, printed by Shen Yao Iraq. It was one of the most famous works in Cultural Revolution. It means the people in the revolution was irresistible and didn’t afraid of anything if they followed Chairman Mao. For the Creative  Underground  Class, most of the works was not related to the expression of the political intentions of the Cultural Revolution. The artist usually used landscapes  to  express their emotion. Huang Qiutuan and Shi Lu was the representative of this painter.

Friday, September 13, 2019

International Foundation Programme Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Foundation Programme - Essay Example 1. Question One According to the statistics from the United Kingdom Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), the number of international students from Europe enrolled in UK’s institutions of higher education was about 428,225 for the year 2010-2011. This indicates that there was a considerable increase in the number of students of approximately 6% compared to 2009-2010 405,810 students. International students make up 14% of full-time first-degree students, 70% of post degree full-time students, and 48% for full-time research degrees students (UKCISA). Among these, 26% are currently students in London, with about 11,320 of these students originating from Cyprus. Majority of the students currently studying in the UK are from the Republic of Ireland, with a student population of 16,855 (UKCISA). Majority of these students opt to study in the United Kingdom, as the standards of the education system in the UK are way above those in their countries of origin. If we look a t Cyprus for instance, the state is a relatively small island with lack of competitive marketing especially in the education sector. Therefore, UK becomes an enticing option for most of the Cypriots, as it is quite a big and powerful country. After completion of studies, a significant portion of these international students hopes to find employment opportunities within the UK labour force industry (UKCISA). 2. Question Two Because of globalization, the importance of English is growing inevitably. An analytical look and study at the world today indicates that there are 53 countries that predominantly use English as their official language or widely spoken. Statistics indicates that there are 192 independent countries across the globe. When we put this number into math, nearly 27% of the world countries do know English. Twenty-seven percent is quite a high number when compared to variety of different languages (Georgieva and James, 2010:37). Now if we look at this research it is clear that the demand for English should be high. Strong countries such as, UK, USA and Canada are English speaking countries, which makes English even more alluring. As seen from the analysis of world in general, English is stronger in some countries than in others across the world. If we take Europe for example, English is not that important. All rules and regulations are written in every language, which this creates more flexibility in terms of trade. English is quite important in world countries therefore nowadays countries like China are getting stronger in world market. As china now has one of the strongest economies and production power, this may make Chinese a must language rather than English. Globalization has made English such an important language that people compare it to basic skills of modern life, comparable to using a personal computer or driving a car (Georgieva and James, 2010:38). 3. Question Three International Foundation Year (IFY) helps students in their English as well as informing them of the education system of UK. The foundation incorporates rules of writing essays and the manner in which to do presentations. The international foundation year helps the student to gather all these important information so that they can improve their English. In addition, the foundation helps the person for the 1st year of university education (Page, 2006:119). It instils a sense of discipline among the students such that they do not fail in

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Essay is to define Ahimsa Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Is to define Ahimsa - Essay Example provision of ahimsa because both these human factors are closely linked and are vulnerable to cause a reaction that may result in the physical expression of the same. Alternatively, it can be said that ahimsa is the basic principle of life that promotes universal values and ethical living because it abhors violence. It teaches one to love fellow-beings and live in harmony. In the contemporary environment of fast paced life, people are living on their nerves and each of them is trying to become better than others. This has significantly influenced human behaviour that has become less tolerant and more vulnerable to the vagaries of life, provoking violent expressions, both in action and thought. The repercussions are highly detrimental to the society that is increasingly becoming global in essence but diverse in equation. The rapid globalization has changed the dynamics of societal norms and the emergence of pluralistic society demands new paradigms of peaceful living. Indeed this definition of ahimsa becomes pertinent in the current times and needs to become the governing principle of living. Interesting, while ahimsa is fittingly described as a principle of non violence against all odds, it also seems to have acquired huge scope of interpretations that encompass not only the real and meta physical reality of human life but also life after physical death. The spiritual annotations of ahimsa bring human beings closer to the divinity and therefore, towards immortality of soul that is indestructible. It inculcates selfless service and promotes acceptance of human failings within the wider realm of human interactions. In short, it teaches people to love and to cherish what one has. In loving others, one would not hate nor desire harm to those whom one loves! Ahimsa is also the philosophy of life because it teaches to love not because another person is wholly pure in thoughts and actions but because he understands that the other person is also created by the same

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Belbin's Team Roles Inventory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Belbin's Team Roles Inventory - Essay Example The deliberate combination ensures smooth running of affairs with little hiccups on the way. Ostensibly, this is to enhance efficiency coupled with specialization and division of labor. According to Belbin’s definition of what a team is (1993), he gave an insightful opinion about what a team is in this sense; he said that a team is not just a collection of individuals that are given specific job titles in an organization. Instead, he defined it as a deliberate conglomeration of persons who best understand one another in the sense that they work in tandem in areas they are best proficient in with the sole aim of achieving a specific objective. With regard to these, a team is fragmented into simpler units of individuals who are charged with different responsibilities and all these coalesce at a point to further a single interest. In his journal ‘understanding groups at work’, Alcorn (1989) stressed the need of applying the Belbin model in work place. He argues that in putting it in practice, the management of an organization is able to come to terms with its employees strengths and weaknesses and use these in strengthening the performance of the organization by utilizing the strengths of the persons and ignoring their weaknesses. I.e. duties will be assigned to the most appropriate person who will execute them skillfully and with little efforts. Application of this model is also aimed at not bringing confusion and multiple assignment of duties to the employees as these may result into absconding of duties. The information accrued from the Belbin’s model can be extensively used in a work place to help undertake to some duties that are equally helpful. It helps identify and nurture a highly skilled and work-oriented persons to keep in the work place, it enhances a sense of belonging and an attitude of can do to the employees in the work place. Not enough, Belbin’s model also inculcate high-level trust and understanding that brings about coherency in the work place besides instituting a productive and efficient working relationship. Lastly, it can also help in recruitment of employees such that only the best are engaged (Hayes, 1997). In relation to the fact that in an organization group work is necessary, the groups are composed of the different people who work hand in hand to achieve a specified objective. All the members of the group are assigned specific duties that they can best perform in and these are called team roles, Benders and Hootegem (2000) defines team roles as the tendency to demonstrate and manifest proper conduct that are ethical and rational to fellow team members in pursuit of the certain benchmarks in the organization. It also warns that the aim of teamwork is not to gauge personality but to establish the correct behavior that can be tolerant others in a work place. Though the number of team roles might be different from one organization to the next, Belnin in his perception proposed the e xistence of nine different team roles. Of all the team roles, each had a peculiar role to play given on grounds that it is his/her best performing area. This is according to the evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses- the strengths prevail upon weaknesses. The nine team roles advanced by Belbin Belbin advanced nine possible team roles that are necessary in teamwork, these roles are all-important and are peculiar, and each seems to be the driving force of the other. All are

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Economics for Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Economics for Business - Research Paper Example With this in mind, the company has been in the forefront of creating subnotebook computer named ultra Personal Computer (UPC) which the Guiness World Records describes as "the smallest full-powered, full featured personal computer" (Oqo 2007). Unlike most of the products in the global business arena, the UPC which is offered by Oqo has not been driven by the demand of customers in the market. In fact, the creation of the product is through the company's effort of determining the evolving computing needs of the high-end clientle (Oqo 2007). Thus, the UPC is a product where the supply is generated first before demand. The demand curve for the UPC can be drawn as a downward sloping demand curve. Though the UPC is generally targeted to individuals who posses higher purchasing power through their level of disposable income, the product also appeals to the mid-level consumers who also wants mobile computing (About Us 2007). However, it should be noted that the high pricing strategy employed by Oqo is generally done to enhance the attractiveness of UPC. Thus, at a much lower price level, demand can be offset. It is also worth mentioning that UPC is a normal good because demand for it generally rises with increases in disposable income. Currently, Oqo is dealing with the rapid increase in demand for its products. The company's press release states that the company braces for demand as corporate clients has been more than eager to test the UPC (Press Releases 2007). Supply Being the pioneer in this technological innovation, Oqo has become the major supplier of UPC in the market. Thus, Oqo can be said to have a monopoly of the entire UPC market. The implication for this is the ability of the company to choose its own level of price and quantity supplied. However, it should also be noted that Oqo cannot fully exploit its power as a monopolist because of the presence of various substitutable goods like personal computers, laptops, and palm tops which are also used for the same function. Price As mentioned above, the innovativeness, quality, and image of Oqo's product commands a very high price in the market. As with any business organization in the market which invests huge capital for research and development, Oqo prices its products to compensate for these costs. The company's pricing strategy is generally putting a large premium over and above production costs. Oqo does not charge a single price for UPCs and practice price discrimination. It should be noted that the company charges different prices to each customer according to how much they are willing to pay. For example, the base price of the company's Model 2.0 has a base price of $1,499 but this can vary according to the product features and specification that the client wants to integrate in the product that he/she is going to purchase (Press Releases 2007). Production The production of UPCs are solely undertaken by Oqo which includes the assembly of components from its various suppliers. The company has a manufacturing plant where production takes place. Being a small company which is only comprised of 105 employees, it maximizes production capacity in order to cope with the burgeoning demand in the