Accounting Martinez Corporation Essay

Martinez Company has decided to introduce a new product. The new product can be manufactured by either a capital-intensive method or a labor-intensive method. The manufacturing method will not affect the quality of the product. The estimated manufacturing costs by the two methods are as follows: Capital Labor Intensive Intensive Direct materials $5 per unit $5.50 per unit Direct labor $6 per unit $8.00 per unit Variable overhead $ 3 per unit $ 4.50 per unit Fixed manufacturing costs $ 2,508,000 $ 1,538,000 Martinez’s market research department has recommended an introductory unit sales price of $ 30. The incremental selling expenses are estimated to be $502,000 annually plus $2 for each unit sold regardless of manufacturing method. a. Calculate the estimated break-even point in annual unit sales of the new product if Martinez company uses the: 1. Capital – intensive manufacturing method 2. Labor – intensive manufacturing method b. Determine the annual unit sales volume at which Martinez Company would be indifferent between the two manufacturing methods. c. Explain the circumstance under which Martinez should employ each of the two manufacturing methods. Decision Making Across the Organization Managers that work for a company that sells goods and services to customers must have a good understanding of budgets planning to account for both fixed cost and variable costs. Making a decision within leadership of a company requires the management to know cost effectiveness, what price to sell the items, and the actual cost effectiveness of their product or service to ensure they are competitive within the market. There are many different  decisions that are made within a company and there are many different viewpoints from managers to make these decisions in order to be successful. The cost behavior analysis is the study of how specific costs of an item that is used within a company changes the levels of business activity. An example we can use is the American automotive maker General Motors. Looking at today’s vehicles and the items such as Bluetooth functions, DVD players, satellite radio and other amenities, prices have increased. About 6-7 years ago you could purchas e the same vehicle you are purchasing to day for about 10-20% less. Due to inflation, bank interest loans decreases and the amount of new technology that is added to a new vehicle prices have gone significantly higher. This could also be due to a rising economy and rising job market and bank loans being allowed to go from 60 months previously all the way to 82 months. In today’s market because of interest rates being lower customers are able to buy more expensive cars that are in their monthly price range of a loan versus the concern of the full price of the vehicle. In our exercise the Martinez Company had decided to introduce a new product. However, the new product can be manufactured by of two methods; either capital intensive method or the labor intensive method. Below are the solutions for the problems that were issued: A-1 Capital – intensive manufacturing method Selling price per unit = $30 Total variable cost per unit = $5 + $6 + $3 + $2 = $16 Total fixed cost = $2,508,000 + $502,000 = $3,010,000 Contribution margin per unit = $30 – $16 = $14 Break-even point (units) = $3,010,000 à · $14 = 215,000 units per year. A-2 Labor – intensive manufacturing method Selling price per unit = $30 Total variable cost per unit = $5.50 + $8 + $4.5 + $2 = $20 Total fixed cost = $1,538,000 + $502,000 = $2,040,000 Contribution margin per unit = $30 – $20 = $10 Break-even point (units) = $2,040,000 à · $10 = 204,000 units per year. B = ($3,010,000 – $2,040,000) / ($14 – $10) = 242,500 units per year. Capital Intensive methodLabor Intensive method Revenues$7,275,000$7,275,000 Direct materials 1,212,500 1,333,750 Direct labor 1,455,000 1,940,000 Variable overhead 727,500 1,091,250 Variable selling expenses 485,000 485,000 Contribution Margin$3,395,000$2,425,000 Fixed manufacturing costs 2,508,000 1,538,000 Fixed selling expenses 502,000 502,000 Net Income$385,000$385,000 The net income under both the manufacturing method is $385,000 when 242,500 units were sold that year. Therefore the Martinez Company would be indifferent or neutral between the two manufacturing methods at this level of annual sales. C. The Martinez Company should be employ the capital intensive manufacturing method if the units produced are identical in nature capital. They can also use the capital intensive manufacturing method if they want to be more accurate of production and a reduction in errors. This method can also reduce the average cost per unit by increasing the level of output or products sold. If the Marinez Company wanted to employ the labor intensive manufacturing method it should be employed when flexibility is key. If the products are meeting a different level of customer or consumer demands this would be the best method to use. This is also used when actual labors are involved with the production like a service versus a product and the employee can physically check the demand of the consumer and change the level of need as necessary. For products versus services the products can be customized from what a customer prefers or demands as well as feedback on production can occur. Reference Kimmel, P.D. Weydandt, J.J., and Kieso, D.E. (2011) accounting; Tools for business decision making (4th ed.). Hoboken NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

Strategy in Global Context

Strategy in Global Context January 29 2010 Submitted To: Mr. Nirmaalya B Biswas Submitted By: Jaskaran Singh Apoorva Veeksha Rai Robin Gupta ` ? Table of Contents Executive Summary3 Introduction4 External Environment5 Internal Assessment6 Organizational Purpose8 Strategy Analysis and Choice9 Current Strategy11 Conclusion11 Bibliography12 Annexure-113 EFE Matrix13 Annexure-214 Per capita income14 Annexure-315 IFE Matrix15 Annexure-416 The Internal – External (IE) Matrix16 Annexure-517 The Grand Strategy Matrix17 Annexure-618 QSPM18 ? Executive Summary McDonald’s is a signature restaurant chain serving 58 million customers each day all over the world through its 31000 restaurants in 119 countries. This report views the various internal and external factors affecting the McDonald’s prior to that the report gives a brief introduction about McDonald’s, its evolution and the way it entered the Indian market. Evaluation of the response McDonald’s is giving to the internal and external factors has been calculated through the Internal Factor Evaluation matrix and External Factor Evaluation matrix. We have used the I/E matrix and the Grand strategy matrix to formulate strategies. We formulated two possible strategies i. i. expansion in the market and product development. The strategies that we formulated using the above stated matrices have been evaluated by using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix to know which strategy is more viable. Furthermore, the report provides an insight into the organizational purpose of the McDonald’s. Current strategies and recommendations include the analysis of the strategies that McDonald’s is using to hold and maintain its competitive advantage. Introduction McDonald’s is the largest burger fast food chain which has its operations in 119 countries. It serves around 58 million customers every day through its more than 31,000 restaurants (McDonald's, 2009). McDonald’s was started by two brothers Dick and Mac McDonald’s in the year 1940. Ray Kroc became the first franchisee as he opened a restaurant in Chicago. Restaurant became so popular among the masses that in just four years the number of McDonald’s restaurants reached 100. QSCV i. e. Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value became the motto of the company and the execution of the same is one of the primary reasons why McDonald’s is what it is today. In 1961, Ray Kroc payed $2. 7 million to Dick and Mac McDonald’s and acquired all the rights reserved of McDonald’s. McDonald’s was growing at such a fast speed that in 1963, 500th restaurant was opened. In 1965, McDonald’s went public and in 1967 first restaurant across the borders of USA was opened in Canada and since then McDonald’s has never looked back. Presently McDonald’s has its restaurants in 119 countries of the world (McDonald's History, 2009). McDonald’s got the approval to enter in the Indian market in the year 1991 itself but it took 5 years to study the market, needs of the people, adjust the menu according to the culture and to build a strong supply chain. McDonald’s finally entered India in 1996 as it opened its first restaurant in New Delhi. McDonald’s is a joint venture in India, which was signed in April 1995 and is managed and owned by Mr. Amit Jatia (MD of Hardcastle Restaurants private Ltd. who heads the operations in South and West India and by Connaught Plaza restaurants Private Ltd. which looks after the operations in North and East India. There are 158 restaurants in the whole country today (About McDonald's, 2009). McDonald’s has always believed in thinking global and acting local. Before entering into the Indian market McDonald’s made to changes in its menu as in Indi a beef and pork items cannot be offered because of the religious sentiments of the people so they had to be eliminated from the menu. Thus, making India the first country where McDonald’s does not serve beef and pork in its burgers. External Environment External factors are the factors which do not exist within the realm of business itself and on which business has no control at all. We have used the EFE Matrix to conduct an external strategic – management audit (Annexure-1 shows the EFE matrix). The total weighted score of McDonald’s is 3. 04 this shows that it is performing with regards to the external factors in a very good manner. According to Technopark report in 2009 the food industry in India stood at $13 billion and estimates say that by the end of 2011 the fast food industry alone will grow to $6. 3 billion (Economic Times, 2010). The Technopark report also says that within the organized food service which is growing at a furious pace of 20% per annum the quick service restaurants are the fastest growing. This forms a huge opportunity for McDonald’s and it is determined to grab that opportunity with both the hands as it is planning to open 180-190 more restaurants in the country by the year 2015 (Financial Express, 2009). McDonald’s is determined to expand its market share in the industry which is growing at a fast pace. The other reasons which are triggering this expansion are the high youth population in the country and rise in urbanization and per capita income. These reasons develop the new opportunities for McDonald’s. Population living in the urban areas has also increased to 28% in 2004 and is expected to be increase by another 12% by year 2025 (Indian Demographic Scenario,2025, 2009). In urban areas the number of dual income households is increasing. Thus females, like their husbands, spend time away from home which has marked the way the females use to mange family meals. People have started opting for food away from home. Per capita income in India is also increasing very rapidly and moreover according to the World Resource Institute report ‘Structure of poverty in India’ which was published in the 2004 around 53% of the household income in India is spent on food, beverages and around Rs. 35000 crores is spent on eating out annually (Annexure-2 shows the rise in per capita income). Thus, the fast food industry has good prospects ahead. Other key external factor that forms an opportunity for the fast food industry as a whole and also for McDonald’s is the fact that 30% of the population of the country is the youth which is in the age group of 10-24 years of age who are generally inclined towards the fast foods (Youth in India, 2009). Rising consciousness about the health forms one of the greatest threats for the fast food industry. The trend has been changing towards the organic foods and the quick service restaurants will have to adapt themselves to sustain their market share. McDonald’s has slowly started to adapt to this change by introducing salads. For the foreign fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC etc. nationalism remains a constant threat for example when in 2005 USA denied a diplomatic visa to the Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, various protests were launched by the BJP party activists against the American MNC’s. Low barriers to entry in the fast food industry is also a potential threat for the players in the market because if the barriers are low and the growth opportunities of the industry are high, new players will be willing to enter into the market and thus increasing the competition. Internal Assessment Internal factors are the factors which exist within the realm of business itself and on which business exercise certain amount of control. We have used the IFE Matrix to conduct an internal strategic – management audit (Annexure-3 shows the IFE matrix). The total weighted score of McDonald’s is 3. 14, which means that it is performing with regards to these factors in an exceedingly well manner. McDonald’s is a well known and a recognized brand across the globe. This familiarity of the brand among the masses forms one of the biggest strengths for McDonald’s. Efficient supply chain is one of the other key strengths for McDonald’s. In India 50,000 crores of food produced gets destroyed because of lack of proper infrastructural facilities of transportation and storage. McDonald’s had set up an efficient supply chain by investing 450 crores in supply chain management even before opening its first restaurant in India to implement its Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value principle (About McDonald's, 2009). For any business, employees form the greatest asset and it is even truer in case of McDonald’s. The proficient work force that McDonald’s has is one of the key reasons why it is one of the key players in the market today. The ability to provide the order within one minute is one such manifestation of this proficiency. The efficiency of the employees is also increased because of the various training programmes they go through which help them in performing their tasks quickly and in a better way but also enhances their capabilities which help them rise in their careers. Around 40% of the employees in middle management of McDonald’s in India are the ones who had joined as crew members. Business environment is very dynamic no business can afford to remain static; it has to work continuously towards innovation. Nearly 80% of McDonald’s restaurants in India give certain percentage of their profits for research and development activities. This is another important strength for McDonald’s. McDonald’s has its operations in 119 countries; one of the key reasons for the McDonald’s is the ability to make itself a part of the community. In India also McDonald’s has been a part of various social welfare activities like – raising funds for charity on World’s Children Day, helping in setting up pulse polio to eliminate polio. McDonald’s strategy revolved around customization of the menu to suit the Indian palate. (About McDoanld's, 2009) One of the key weaknesses that McDonald’s has is that it faces a high attrition ratio as high as 83%, which means that company has to invest money for training of new employees again and again. (Business Standard, 2009) McDonald’s often faces protests from environmentalists for promoting practices harmful to the environment through the disposal of tons of packaging material and through the effects of cattle ranching. Another internal weakness for McDonald’s is that is yet to capitalize on the trend towards organic food. Even though it has reacted to the changing preferences of the consumers by introducing salads in the menu but it is still to make the most of the opportunity. Organizational Purpose Clearly defined organizational purpose is very important for an organization as it describes the basis for its existence. It works as a directing force on the basis of which every decision is taken. The organizational purpose can be known with the help of three elements which are: 1. Vision . Mission 3. Objective McDonald’s vision is to be the world’s best quick service restaurant experience. ([email  protected]'s, 2010) Being the best means offering excellent quality, service, cleanliness and value, so that it makes each customer in every restaurant smile. It has been the execution of the motto of QSC and V i. e. Quality, Service, Value and Cleanliness that has made McDonaldâ₠¬â„¢s a success story. It strategizes to attain best value by providing top quality products at reasonable prices. McDonald's mission is to be its customers' favorite place and way to eat. To fulfill this McDonald’s has been using the concentration strategy where in it is trying for greater market penetration by attaining high level of efficiency in servicing its customers with a limited product line. Delivery of QSC and V on one hand keeps the customers satisfied and on the other hand also maintains the competitive edge over the competitors. The delivery of QSC and V is accomplished by taking care of every minute detail whether it is the unique cold chain network which makes sure that the customers get fresh products at low cost or the supply chain management which makes sure that customers are offered good quality products. About McDoanld's, 2009) Moreover to keep the customers satisfied McDonald’s continuously updates its menu. Strategy Analysis and Choice In the IFE matrix the total weighted score came out to be 3. 14 and in the EFE matrix the total weighted score was 3. 04. This means that McDonald’s is responding to the internal and external factors in a good way. We have used I/E matrix to come out with a strategy for McDonald’s on the basis of its score in the IFE and EFE matrix (Annexure-4 shows the I/E matrix). The basis f I/E matrix are the total weighted score of the IFE matrix which is represented on X axis and the weighted score of EFE matrix is represented on Y axis. The I/E matrix is divided in three regions which have strategy implication. Quadrants I, II and IV are the regions of grow and build. Firms which position in Quadrant III, V and VII can be managed with hold and maintain strategy where as the organizations positioned in Quadrant VI, VIII and IX can be managed with harvest and divest strategy. McDonald’s is placed in the I/E matrix it comes in the Quadrant-I because of its score in the IFE and EFE matrix which is 3. 4 and 3. 04 respectively. The business organizations which are positioned in Quadrant I can be best managed through grow and build strategy. The Grand Strategy Matrix is ano ther widely used tool for formulating strategies. A firm can be positioned in the four quadrants on the basis of market growth and competitive position that it holds in the market. When we placed McDonald’s in the Grand Strategy Matrix it was positioned in Quadrant I mainly because of its high market share of 18% in the highly fragmented quick service restaurant and also because of rapid growth of the quick service restaurant industry itself. Financial Express, 2009)Thus, McDonald’s is in a strong strategic position (Annexure-5 shows the Grand strategy matrix). For the firms in Quadrant I market penetration, market development and product development are appropriate strategies. By using the Grand strategy matrix and Internal/External matrix we have come up with two strategies which are expansion in the market i. e. opening more restaurants in the country and the other strategies is product development which is developing the new products and continuously updating the m enu in order to pull more customers. Need for product development arises specially because of the rising health consciousness among the people particularly in the educated class. To identify which strategy is more feasible we have used the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix popularly known as QSPM. QSPM is a strategic management tool to evaluate which of the possible strategies is better for the business organization. In QSPM weights and attractive scores are given to each factor according to the amount of effect it can have on each strategy and then the product of weight and attractive score is calculated. The product for whichever strategy is greater is selected. We used two strategies expansion in the market and product development, the total attractive score for expansion in the market is 3. 37 and for product development is 2. 60. Thus, opening more restaurants is a more viable strategy than product development. Currently McDonald’s has 157 restaurants all over India, majority of these are in the metropolitan cities or in larger cities like Chandigarh, Kanpur, Jaipur so it has very less or limited presence in smaller cities. So, McDonald’s should target these cities as they form a large potential market for it. With the per capita income on rise, high youth population in the country and increasing urbanization the smaller cities can prove promising markets for McDonald’s. If we look at the current plans of McDonald’s it becomes clear that they have spotted this opportunity as they are planning to open 180 restaurants by the year 2015 majority of these restaurants will be opened in smaller cities. Retail initiatives are being taken up by petroleum companies like Bharat Petroleum Corporation. Financial Express, 2009) McDonald’s can capitalize on this trend and can set up more outlets near the petrol stations on the highways and can thus increase its presence. Current Strategy McDonald’s is currently focusing on expanding its base in the Indian market. By the year 2015 McDonald’s is planning to start around 180 more restaurants, majority of which will be opened in T ier II cities where McDonald’s has very limited presence. (financialexpress, 2009) So, McDonald’s is trying to penetrate very deep into the Indian market. McDonald’s is also trying to come up with new products so as to satisfy its customers. Nearly 80% of McDonald’s restaurants in India give certain percentage of their profits for research and development activities which helps McDonald’s in coming up with new products and efficient service. When McDonald’s entered the Indian market it had to re-engineer its menu and since then it has included several products especially for the Indian customers as McDonald’s believes in thinking global but acting local. McDonald’s should continue with its strategy of expanding its base into the Indian market as still there are lot of untapped regional markets in the country especially in the Eastern India where it has less presence as compared to the other parts of the country. McDonald’s should also concentrate on the smaller cities as large amount of population (nearly 177 million people) lives in smaller cities. So there is a huge market potential for McDonald’s in Tier II and III cities. (Population in small cities, 2010) Conclusion The Indian Quick Service Restaurant industry is growing at a very fast pace. Per capita income, urbanization and youth population is also increasing in India. So India is a very potential and attractive market for the quick service restaurants. McDonald’s should make the most of the opportunity and should penetrate deep into the market by increasing the number of restaurants in India. It should concentrate on increasing its base in the smaller cities which can form potential markets for McDonald’s. References About McDonald's. (2009). Retrieved 2009, from mcdonaldsindia. com: http://www. mcdonaldsindia. com/aboutus. html Brief history of McDonald's. (2009). Retrieved December 22, 2009, from mcspotlight. org: http://www. mcspotlight. org/company/company_history. html Business Standard. (2009). Retrieved January 2010, from business-standard. com: http://www. business-standard. com/india/storypage. php? autono=290494. Economic Times. (2010). Retrieved January 2010, from economictimes. indiatimes. com: http://economictimes. indiatimes. com/News/articlelist/1715249553. cms Financial Express. (2009). Retrieved 2009, from financialexpress. com: http://www. financialexpress. com/news/mcdonalds-india-to-open-180190-more-restaurants-by-2015/466279/ Financial Express. 2009, June). Retrieved January 2010, from financialexpress. com: http://www. financialexpress. com/news/mcdonalds-to-invest-rs-400-cr-in-india/321481/ Financial Express. (2009). Retrieved January 2010, from financialexpress. com: http://www. financialexpress. com/news/bpcl-plans-to-grow-in-retail-initiative/101536/ financialexpress. (2009). Retrieved 2009, from financialexpress. com: 3. http://www. financialexpress. com/news/mcdonalds-india-to-open-180190-more-restaurants-by-2015/466279/ McDonald's. (2009). Retrieved January 2010, from aboutmcdonalds. com: http://aboutmcdonalds. om/mcd/our_company. html McDonald's History. (2009). Retrieved January 2010, from aboutmcdonalds. com: http://aboutmcdonalds. com/mcd/our_company/mcd_history. html Population in small cities. (2010). Retrieved January 2010, from infochangeindia. org: infochangeindia. org/†¦ India/Cityscapes/Slumdogs-and-small-towns. html [email  protected]'s. (2010). Retrieved 2010, from mcdonaldsindia. com: http://www. mcdonaldsindia. com/workat. html Youth in India. (2009). Retrieved 2010, from www. popcouncil. org: http://www. popcouncil. org/projects/TA_IndiaYouthSituationNeeds. html Annexure-1 EFE Matrix S. No. Key External FactorsWeightageRankWeighted Score 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. Opportunities Increasing urbanization High youth population Rise in per capita income Indian quick service industry expected to be around $6. 3 billion High proportion of household income spent on food and beverages. Threats Rising health consciousness Anti American sentiments Low barriers for entry 0. 10 0. 15 0. 10 0. 15 0. 10 0. 10 0. 10 0. 20 1. 00 4 3 3 4 3 4 2 2 0. 40 0. 45 0. 30 0. 60 0. 30 0. 40 0. 20 0. 40 3. 04 Annexure-2 Per capita income Annexure-3 IFE Matrix S. No. Key Internal FactorsWeightageRankWeighted Score 1. . 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1. 2. 3. 4. Strengths High brand awareness Efficient supply chain Community involvement Efficient workforce World class training programmes Investment in research and development Quality of food Customization of menu Weaknesses High employee turnover Less variety Environmental issues Yet to capitalize on trend towards organic food 0. 10 0. 10 0. 05 0. 10 0. 09 0. 10 0. 10 0. 08 0. 10 0. 08 0. 05 0. 05 1. 0 4 4 3 3 4 4 3 3 2 3 2 1 0. 40 0. 40 0. 15 0. 30 0. 36 0. 40 0. 30 0. 24 0. 20 0. 24 0. 10 0. 05 3. 14 Annexure-4 The Internal – External (IE) Matrix McDonald’s Strong(3. 0 – 4. ) Average (2. 0 – 2. 99)Weak (1. 0 – 1. 99) High (3. 0 – 4. 0) Medium (2. 0 – 2. 99) Low (1. 0 – 1. 99) Annexure-5 The Grand Strategy Matrix Annexure-6 QSPM Expansion in the marketProduct Development Key FactorsWeightAS TAS ASTAS Opportunities Increasing urbanization0. 1040. 4010. 10 High youth population0. 1540. 6010. 15 Rise in per capita income0. 10—- Indian quick service industry expected to be around $6. 3 billion by 20110. 1530. 4520. 30 High proportion of household income spent on food and beverages0. 1030. 3020. 20 Threats Rising health consciousness0. 1020. 2040. 40 Anti-American sentiments0. 0—- Low barriers to entry0. 20—- 1. 00 Strengths High brand awareness0. 1020. 2010. 10 Efficient supply chain0. 1030. 3020. 20 Community involvement0. 05—- Efficient workforce0. 1030. 3020. 20 World class training programmes0. 0920. 1810. 09 Investment in research and development0. 10—- Quality of food0. 1020. 2030. 30 Customization of menu0. 0820. 1640. 32 Weaknesses High employee turnover0. 10—- Less variety0. 0810. 0830. 24 Environmental issues0. 05—- Yet to capitalize on the trend towards organic food0. 05—- 1. 00 Total Attractive Score 3. 37 2. 60

Information Management Master Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Information Management Master - Essay Example To do the changes, Information Management Process should contain the steps of designing records systems, documenting records systems, training records practitioners and other personnel, converting records to new records systems, formats and controls, setting standards and measuring compliance and performance against them, and determining retention periods and making decisions about records which have continuing value, in keeping with the regulatory environment. If Justafye considers my proposal and give me the opportunity to implement them, then our industry will be able to recover the losses that have been occurred for the disaster more or less. And I also believe that it will ensure our industry's effective Information Management. Justafye Industries is a large service based organization in a prominent metropolitan area. Justafye Industries has been operating for over 20 years and currently has a staff of 375. Most of their systems are highly technologically equipped. In past, individual staffs were responsible for maintaining organizational records of their own activities. No centralized guidelines existed for managing information. All staffs were aware of keeping everything for three years - just in case of any emergency; then destroy and make sure that they have a hard copy with them. All space within the building of Justafye is currently occupied with the exception of a small area in the basement, which has flooded on a number of occasions in recent times. Understandably there is much work to do in bringing some order into the information stored by Justafye Industries and in convincing staff to progress systems for records/information management.4 1-2: Problem Statement: 1. As a Corporate Information Manager, I will have to mention what changes should be made to the records or information division and its employee. 2. Finally I will have to recommend specifically for bringing about such change as soon as possible. CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH DESIGN 2-1:

Description of Company Operations Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Description of Company Operations - Assignment Example The assignment "Description of Company Operations" presents the description of company operations in such companies as Biolea, Evian, Gulf Craft Inc. and Ircon International Limited. Biolea is a company that has been in existence since 1817 and is family-owned. The company produces a wide range of organic olive oil products using millstones and presses. Production and bottling of the Biolea’s product take place exclusively at the estate. In the pursuit of excellence, the company combines innovation and tradition, maintained environmental accountability, and promotion of sustainable tourism. Examples of variable costs include labor required in millstones and presses, and the costs required to increase the output of the organic olive oil. Fixed costs of this company include salaries and wages to employees and equipment maintenance costs. Mixed costs to this company include fuel costs to the machine and insurance fees. Established in 1982 out of a passion for the sea, Gulf Craft has continued to exist and operate on three pillars. The pillars include love for the sea, being passionate about building, and an unmatched belief of UAE’s success depending upon and around industrial productivity. The company’s productivity revolves around these three pillars since its inception. The company specializes in boat construction, shipyard operation across 40 different countries. Its strategic location of proximity to the traditional yacht market provides an opportunity for market expansion and dominance.

Innovation in a sustainable future Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Innovation in a sustainable future - Essay Example Ever since my childhood, I have many anticipations and objectives for my future career. A few of the anticipations have eventually faded away as time has passed by. However, at present, my career aspiration is concentrated in the area of science. Furthermore, I would also prefer to mention that my career aspiration is to become a diligent engineer. Based on this aspect, the report discusses about my career aspirations and potential professional development in engineering field for the next ten years. Career in Engineering.Engineering is one of the most important fields of study in the academic life which opens up various career paths into a range of science areas. Engineers have extensive assortment of career options in comparison with other professions such as business or management among others. Engineering has vast scope in advance fields such civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering among others. In this context, I would like state that my career aspiration in engineering is to become an electrical engineer. This branch of engineering is largely related with the design and application equipment in order to generate power and distribute energy.What Electrical Engineers Do.As discussed above electrical engineers are concerned with the generation and utilisation of electricity. It is one of the leading braches of engineering. The key emphases of electrical engineers are to develop sources of power, energy control systems and sign al processing. As an electrical engineer, I will concentrate on planning, maintaining and creating products which can effectively generate electricity. Electrical engineering area is quite vast and there are so many areas of specialisation to select from such as electronics, power, communication and computer among others. I would take specialisation in the area of power or energy1. Energy Demand in Daily Life Over past few decades, the requirement of energy in daily life has increased considerably. Although there are several sources of energy, most of the effective energy sources are non-renewable in nature such as coal, natural gas and oil among others. This high requirement for energy along with non-renewable nature of key energy sources has generated the need for innovation of an alternative energy source. One of the most prevalent alternative energy sources is solar energy. In comparison with other non-renewable energy sources, solar energy is highly accessible and it also has l ow adverse impact on environment during power generation. Furthermore, I would also like to mention that this area of engineering has not been exploited properly and possesses a huge prospect in future as a sustainable energy source. By understanding the importance of solar energy, I have selected this area as my future career aspiration and after ten years, I want to see myself as great innovator in solar energy engineering field where this energy source will become much inexpensive and effective to produce energy and to satisfy the considerable level of energy demand2. Career Aspiration in Solar Energy Engineering Solar energy engineers require developing, designing and evaluating energy based products and projects in order to minimise energy expenses and enhance energy efficiency. Solar energy engineers also specialise in heating, ventilation, cooling, green building and lighting among others. Concerning these specialisation areas of solar energy engineering, I would prefer to ta ke cooling. The reason is that in power generation

Computer-Based information system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Computer-Based information system - Essay Example The paper will also discuss the computer-based information system of AT&T were misused by employees. The cloud-based data store is one of the recent information systems that was developed by AT&T Telecommunication Company. An article that was published by computer world indicated that the system is designed to help enterprise-based developers in the usage of (IoT) Internet of Things apps, as well as services. The system is designed to allow collection and the analysis of data more comfortable from various remote devices that are interconnected to large businesses (Hamblen, 2015). AT&T Company has also developed Monitoring systems for organizations. Currently, organization performance has been the primary focus for most organizations. Managers have been struggling on how they can improve the performance of their organizations by increasing performance by increasing supervision with a slight budget line. Monitoring systems have played a significant role in improving performance of various organizations (Computerworld, 1983). Computer based information system of AT&T has significantly reduced the cost of operations to most organizations. For instance, the development of cloud data stores played a significant role in cutting down the cost of hiring employees for a considerable number of organizations (AT&T Tech, 2012). Initially, most computer-based information systems of AT&T were predestined to improve the performance of the organization by either cutting down the cost of resources or improving the quality of services. Conversely, most information based system has been misused by employees for their personal gain. For instance, monitoring systems are designed to either monitor the performance of employees by the supervisors. A great part of monitoring systems is a computerized collection, analysis, storage as well as reporting

Principles and Practices of Effective Leadership - Mod 2 Essay

Principles and Practices of Effective Leadership - Mod 2 - Essay Example To this end, the article recognizes the central role that will be played by emotional and cultural intelligence in developing such leaders (Hanna, 2012). There are also additional characteristics that are required for developing successful global leaders. To this end, intellectual understanding that is reflective of the global business context is one key characteristic. It refers to the ability to understand the complexities involved while conducting business globally (Hanna, 2012). The skill to overcome dominant thinking entails the capacity to appreciate the intercultural empathy and have a desire to learn about other cultures. A global leader should also have the desire for cross border partnering with teams in other countries. This skill demonstrates executive maturity in appreciating the value from other foreign and like minded corporations (Hanna, 2012). The author also states that the ability to develop and nurture local and global perspectives is a pertinent skill acquired through living and experiencing different parts of the world. The global leader also needs to have a sense of self assurance and self awareness in relation to their sense of purpose and values. Finally, the author asserts the important skill of developing internal and external networks. This aids in shifting management from a vertical perspective to horizontal collaboration. The article proposes that the global leadership qualities are developed through living in a culturally and linguistically different country. The article by Myron Curry delves into the factors that make a good leader and how an individual can develop into a good leader. To this end, the author states communication as one of the factors that establish a good leadership. The art of effective communication enables a leader to accurately articulate thoughts and ideas to employees (Curry). Evidently, the

Semantic technology for improving business process management and Essay

Semantic technology for improving business process management and E-Business - Essay Example From traditional to contemporary perspectives, core objective of the businesses has been to manage business operations so that enables business to achieve the competitive advantage over competitors (Dean, DiGrande, Field, and Zwillenberg, 2012). Since introduced information technology has been a constantly upgrading paradigm and so business are attempting to align the functions developing more concrete connections within and outside business environment; hence, entire stakeholders. Technology expansion has changed the perspectives and businesses are now being viewed as system having core components of input, process and output. Around these core components, business processes are continuously evolving for improvement with changing dynamics mainly arising from other perspectives. Broadly the sequence can be regarded as the information technology to recent integration of semantic technology in business processes. Thereby, the report herein attempts to explore the contribution of semantic technology in improving specific business areas of business process management and e-business conduct. In addition to specifically explore the understudy perspectives the report has developed the detailed reference with respect to technological banking leader Citibank. DISCRIPTION OF THE THEORY SEMANTIC BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT Business process management has over years achieved success to a great extent automating the critical components of the life cycle of business process. Semantic business process management has an objective of attaining process space in an organization to an increased level of knowledge. Success in achieving the process space in the organization benefits business with reasoning with respect to entire business processes including combination as well as execution of process. Integration of semantics technologies in business process management is achieved with the use of ontology that f acilitates the semantic information to the business process. Further, business process automation is enhanced with provision of the semantic web techniques. Business ontology is build using conceptualized core Semantic Web Services as well as Web Service Modeling Language. Sample organizational is depicted in the image below: (Pedrinaci, Domingue, and Brelage, ) As visible from the image above the organizational ontology has various segments and connection between the resources, structure, functions, policies, setup and strategies. The interconnection built between various aspects being facilitated by the core components of the semantic integration in the business process. These interconnections enhance the role of bidirectional interconnection in the business process. Hence, business process management has gained gain efficiencies in entire processes specifically the bottleneck avenues of business processes. ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THEORY Over years of development, information syst ems are attempting to enhance the dual perspective in the computers’ languages; first, increasing computers capacity to enhance understanding the human language with greater comprehension and intelligence while second refers to techniques aimed at providing existing content with labeling related to the domain (Mika, Elfring, & Groenewegen, 2006; Warren, Thurlow, & Alsmeyer, 2006). Further, semantic technology enables metaphorical as well as logical analysis from the queries in the similar context in which it is asked irrespective of the language as well as pattern it is asked and hence

Should democracies be forbidden to possess chemical weapons Essay

Should democracies be forbidden to possess chemical weapons - Essay Example This paper tends to assert that democracies should be forbidden to possess chemical weapons. Possessing chemical weapons threatens the integrity of a country. Let’s take the example of Iran to figure out how much tension possessing chemical weapons can create for the country itself and for the rest of the world. Iran has already been seeing tense relationship with U.S. and its allies, since the Iranian Revolution that came about in the late 1970s. The threat to Iran’s solidarity increased when President Bush declared it as part of â€Å"Axis of Evil† (WBGH educational foundation 2013, par.2). This threat did not decrease with the election bringing Barrack Obama in presidency. The notion that has further triggered the decision of U.S. war with Iran is Iran’s quest in nuclear technology. Iran’s acquiring chemical weapons, according to U.S., will be a threat to world’s peace. Even the allies of U.S. - England, Germany, and France- are worried ab out this nuclear state of Iran. ... Iran is not becoming a nuclear power (Henderson 2013); and therefore, it will not bear any threats from the external world, still threats prevail because Iran has been making military purchases from Washington and Gulf Arab, and has been making military maneuvers. This shows how being involved in and possessing chemical weapons threatens the stability and integrity of a country. Moreover, possessing chemical weapons creates a sense of hostility among countries of the world. USA has already entered into wars with a number of countries due to this reason, and this has destabilized those countries and has also put damaging effects upon the American economy. Entering into conflict disrupts the peace, not only of Iran but also of U.S., who has already lost the lives of many of its soldiers in military actions against Iraq and Afghanistan. Americans will never tolerate if the correct number of casualties of American soldiers in the war on terror is revealed to them (Nouraee 2010). The envi ronment of hostility brought about by chemical weapons only increases hatred, and encourages the residents of the attacked country to develop rebellious feelings. This does not help decrease terrorism, but increases violence and radical hostility. It only turns into a global hate combat. Also, U.S. has already been suffering from financial burden because of heavy budgets being assigned to war on terror. The sense of confrontation has been prevailing throughout the world because of the possession of chemical weapons by some countries, and this unhealthy environment poses risk to economies and social statuses of countries. Possession of chemical weapons should also be forbidden because it increases the chances of warfare. Let’s understand what the ultimate objective behind the possession of

USA Drug Policy approach on Colombia and Afghanistan Essay

USA Drug Policy approach on Colombia and Afghanistan - Essay Example The first part of this paper will therefore focus on the US drug policy in Colombia and the second part of this paper will evaluate the US drug policy in Afghanistan. The final part of this paper will provide a comparative analysis of the US drug policy toward the two countries and will offer key findings and explain how these two different policies are designed to achieve the same goal, although influenced by different political considerations. As the paper declares the US Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that Colombia is the source of more than 90 percent of the cocaine that infiltrates the US. Likewise the US identifies Colombia as a significant source of heroin in the US. Liang-Fenton characterizes the US drug policy toward Colombia as one of â€Å"eradication, interdiction and extradition†. Eradication is aimed at the crop and invariably involves â€Å"aerial herbicide†. Interdiction involves interdicting the drugs either in the source country or en route to the US and requires cooperation with the security personnel of the source state. Extradition is motivated by eliminating and/or immobilizing drug traffickers on a state to state cooperation basis. The US response to a Colombian judge’s release from prison of Jorge Ochoa, a â€Å"notorious cocaine capo† in 1987 illustrates the point. The Colombian government’s jurisdiction over the judge was entirely limited. The US re sponded by criticizing and ridiculing Colombia and in addition subjected Colombian travelers and Colombian products to intensive checks by US Customs at entry ports into the US.

Food and Beverage Services Essay Example for Free

Food and Beverage Services Essay Then the service is done a laid cover on the table. Following are the type of service come under this category: English Service: Often referred to as the Host Service because the host plays an active role in the service. Food is brought on platters by the waiter and is shown to either portions the food into the guest plates directly or portions the food and allows the waiter to serve. For replenishment of guest food the waiter may then take the dishes around for guests to help themselves or be served by the waiter. French Services: It is a very personalized service. Food is brought from the kitchen in dishes nd salvers, which are placed directly on the table. The plates are kept near the dish and the guests help themselves. Silver Service: The table is set for hors doeuvres, soup, main courses and sweet dish in sterling silverware. The food is portioned into silver platters at the kitchen itself, which are placed at the sideboard with burners or hot plates to keep the food warm in the restaurant. Plates are placed before the guest. The waiter then picks the platter from the hot plate and presents the dish to the host for approval. He serves each guest using a service spoon and fork. All food is presented in silver dishes with laborate dressing. American/Plate Service: The American service is a pre-plated service, which means that the food is served into the guests plate in the kitchen itself and brought to the guest. The kitchen predetermines the portion and the accompaniments served with the dish balance the entire presentation in terms of nutrition and color. This type of service is commonly used in a coffee shop where service is required to be fast. Russian Service: An elaborate silver service much on the lines of French service except that the food is portioned and carved by the waiter at the gueridon trolley in he restaurant in full view of the guests. Display and presentation are a major part of this service. The principle involved is to have whole Joints, poultry, game and fish elaborately dressed and garnished, presented to guests and carved and portioned by the waiter. Gueridon Service: This is a service where a dish comes partially prepared from the kitchen to be completed in the restaurant by the waiter or, when a complete meal is cooked at the tableside in the restaurant. The cooking is done on a gueridon trolley, which is a mobile trolley with a gas cylinder and burners. The waiter plays a rominent part, as he is required to fillet, carve, flamb © and prepare the food with showmanship. The waiter has to have considerable dexterity and skill. Snack-bar Service: Tall stools are placed along a counter so that the guest may eat the food at the counter itself. In better establishments, the covers are laid out on the counter its

The Marketing Strategy Of Apple Inc And Its Effectiveness

The Marketing Strategy Of Apple Inc And Its Effectiveness After reviewing the list of available topics for the 2012 Oxford Brookes Research and Analysis Project, I was most drawn to the topic A review of the Marketing Strategy of an organisation and its success because this relationship between the marketing strategy and organisational success is an area of high interest to me. I believe that undertaking this project will expose me to the real life interplay of the marketing models in the implementation of the business strategy of an organisation and help me to understand how a good marketing strategy can result in the success or otherwise of an organisations business strategy. Being much aware of how between 1995 and 1997 Apple Incorporated (then Apple Computers Incorporated) almost went bankrupt with $1 billion in backorders (California Digital Library, 1998); I believe that Apple Incorporated will be a fit candidate for this project analysis to show how an effective marketing strategy turned a failing company into the most valuable corporate body in share prices in under a decade (BBC UK, 2012). 1.2 Brief historic overview of Apple Inc. and its development: Apple Inc. wholly-owned subsidiary involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of mobile communication devices, computers and portable digital devices, including related software solutions and peripherals. Apple was established in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and Incorporated on January 3, 1977 in Cupertino, California (California Digital Library, 1998). Initially a success, infighting and a power struggle between founder Jobs and CEO John Sculley on which products to develop and market led to Jobs resigning from Apple in 1985 (California Digital Library, 1998). Misguided product development, poor research into consumer products and a failure to understand consumer needs led to a fall in market share, profits and faced near bankruptcy in 1996 after huge losses and unfulfilled backorders (California Digital Library, 1998). A restructuring of products and a strategic partnership with Microsoft to invest $150 Million in non-voting Apple shares and making available Office, Internet and development tools on Apples Macintosh computers, helped keep Apple afloat (CNET News, 1997). Apple currently is a market leader in the Mobile Computing industry with a much diversified range of products; including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Macintosh Computers. 1.3 Project Objectives: The objectives I aim to achieve by undertaking this project work include: To understand how the ANSOFF and Marketing Mix models are applied to the market/product relationship and the overall development of a marketing strategy for an organisation. To review the marketing strategy of Apple using the ANSOFF and Marketing Mix models and access how the market/ products of Apple are developed effectively marketed to their consumer base. To access the contribution(s) that the application of these models by Apple Incorporated has made to their financial performance. This assessment will include: The contribution to net sales from their main market products. Access the effectiveness of their marketing costs to net sales. 1.4 Overall Research Approach The research is centred on the analysis and review of the marketing strategy of Apple Incorporated by evaluating their product development and marketing strategies from the ANSOFF and Marketing Mix models. The research approach which will enable me meet the outlined objectives will include a mix of theoretical models and making inductive conclusions from their practical application by Apple. Deductive assessment from qualitative and quantitative contributions to the success of Apple by their applications of the functions of these models will be made from the financial statements of Apple and from Industry and Media publications. Chapter 2 Information Gathering In this research and analysis project there were mainly two sources of information I considered; primary and secondary. 2.1 Sources of Information Primary Sources Primary sources are the first hand information gathered by the researcher directly in the research field from his subjects and are usually in their crude form (Yale University, 2008). Methods for obtaining primary data include: Questionnaires and Oral Interviews I will not make use of the primary data sources due to constraints including: Financial constraints, time limit, subject location and the non-response of the subject to my request for information. Secondary Sources Secondary sources of information are that which is available to a researcher as a result of other research work or publications in a relevant field; this necessarily will not mean similar or same research objectives; but does make the relevant fact and data available to a secondary researcher (University of Illinois, 2011). Sources of secondary data include Industry related and media publications, Textbooks, Financial reports, etc. I will make use of secondary data sources as they were more convenient to the constraints I faced. My sources of secondary data included: Industry and Media Publications: I will make use of publications and tools from experts in the computing industry including reports from C.Net, Web Archives Organisation and The Car Phone Warehouse. References will also be made to major events and activities of the Apple in media and news publications and some of which include the Financial Times, The Guardian, The New York Times, The BBC and CNN. This enabled me to access independent views on the success or otherwise of Apples marketing strategy. Library research: During the research I frequented my local library in Leyton, the library of the London School of Economics (LSE) and the Library of the London School of Business and Finance. This facilitated me on my understanding of the ANSOFF and Marketing Mix models and their theoretical development. Electronic Research: I also made use of the internet to gather the majority of information I needed to analyse the history, development and current strategic position of Apple Incorporated, to which the website of the SEC, www.sec.gov, provided me with financial publications and reports. I also found information on the prices of relevant competitive products including the Samsung, HTC and VIM (Black Berry) from industry participants like the Car Phone Warehouse, www.carphonewarehouse.com. 2.3 Ethical Considerations of the Project: As an ACCA student and having written the Ethics and corporate governance module I do understand clearly the ethical situations that can arise from analysing an organisations strategies. I have as such made no attempt to obtain or disclose any top level information or data that might jeopardise the long term strategic position of my subject of study: Apple Incorporated. All the information that I will use in my analysis are publicly available from Apples financial reports and from various other industry and media outlets. References will be made to these media outlets, news events and such relevant information in the financial statements of Apple and all such sources will be disclosed as due and correctly attributed to. To the best of my knowledge neither myself nor any close relative hold any form of financial instrument, shares or stock in Apple or any competitor in the mobile electronics industry and as such I do not seek to profit from this research for any effects it might have on such instruments. 2.4 Theoretical base and definition of Models The ANSOFF Model developed by H. Ansoff (Johnson et al 2005) is a product/market growth matrix that allows an organisation to generate alternative directions for its strategic development. Alternative strategic directions are options of products and market coverage that are available to an organisation taking into account their strategic capability and the expectations of stakeholders (Johnson et al, 2005). Protect / Build Product Development Consolidation With existing capabilities Market Penetration Beyond current expectations With new capabilities Market Development Diversification New segments With existing capabilities New territories With new capabilities New uses with new capabilities Beyond current expectations Beyond current expectations Source: H. Ansoff (1988) as cited by Johnson et al (2005). An organisation typically starts from the position of building or protecting their market presence with its existing products in their existing market (Box 1). The organisation then has the choice of pushing further the same product in that very market or moving to developing new products in that market (Box 2). The organisation can also bring their existing products into new markets (Box 3) and finally the last and most radical option of diversifying into a new market with a new product (Box 4). (Box 1) Protect / Build: According to Johnson et al (2005) this involves consolidating and strengthening their current market status with their current products. This may require just increasing the efficiency of their processes by downsizing some activities. This approach is much preferred stagnant markets and requires much competitive advantage or edge to win over customers from competitors. Box 2 Product Development: A business resides in an environment and changes in that environment will demand new products or services at the expense of an established product. An organisation then delivers these modified or new products to existing markets. Product development is most utilised by industries with short product life cycle software and consumer electronics (Johnson et al, 2005). Box 3 Market Development: This is the case where existing products are offered to new markets which may include exploiting into other market segments, developing new users for existing products and advancing on the geographical stage both nationally and internationally. In all cases, it is prudential that market development strategies are based on products or services that meet the critical success factors of the intended new market. As simply on offloading traditional products or services into new markets are likely to fail. Market development also requires a degree of product and capability development (Johnson et al, 2005). Box 4 Diversification: This is a strategy that removes an organisation away from their current markets and products; that is their established comfort zone of domination as one may put it (Johnson et al, 2005). Diversification increases the market power that the head office must oversee and may be in response to a market decline, an attempt to spread risk or as a corporate response to the expectations of powerful stakeholders. Diversification can be understood in two ways; Related and Unrelated. Related diversification is seen as a strategic development beyond current products and markets; but within the capabilities or value network of the organisation. Unrelated diversification has to do with developing beyond the current capabilities or current value system and this is often referred to as conglomerate strategy (Johnson et al, 2005). An organisation can make a choice as to which of the function(s) of the model to apply in its strategic options. When this option has been made an organisation then has to develop a marketing approach to gain the advantage over their competitors. Marketing Model (Marketing Mix): Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably; it is widely used as a concept or a process and to cover a series of techniques (CIM, 2012). Marketing strategy therefore reflects a companys best options as to how it can most profitably apply its skills and resources to the chosen product and segment market Consumers have needs and wants, and are placed into segments based on those needs, but understanding the nature of customers and their needs is only just but the first step in implementing a business strategy. An organisation needs to communicate to the consumer why their product fulfils these needs and the tools used in this communication form the basis of the marketing mix model; being the Product, Price, Place and Promotion, also known as the 4Ps. The 4 Ps model was developed by McCarthy (Kotler et al, 2008) but modern scholars have identified 3 more Ps, People, Processes and Physical evidence that are more at play in the service sector, Booms and Bitner in (1981), as cited by Brassington and Pettit (2006). Product: This is what the customer receives from the organisation or manufacturer; totality of goods and services that the company offers the target market. (Kotler et al, 2008:49). A product goes beyond just the item sold, and is not only what to make, but how, when and its life span of feasible production. In marketing terms a product is split between the actual product and the augmented product. The actual product in its simple terms must satisfy the basic needs of the customer; and thus can be termed as the threshold product. However if an organisation seeks to survive in a changing market, it must provide more than the basic product. Price: The price is the amount of money the customer parts with in order to acquire the product; and may involve more than just the basic and straightforward calculation of costs and expected profit margins of the organisation (Brassington and Pettit, 2006). A common trait with price; regardless of the basis of calculation; is that it must reflect the value the customer holds to the product. This is a customers individual behaviour trait as Brassington and Pettit (2006) noted; and is a judgemental perception of what they are getting for their money, what options their spending power held for them and how much the amount relatively means to them. External factors that affect price include competitors and the general economy. The influence of pricing on the success of the overall marketing mix approach can be established with Bowmans Strategic clock model which shows the link between the perceived value of product, the price and its chances of success. A product that fails to communicate the appreciable value / price ratio to consumers will fail. The Strategic Clock Model, (C. Bowman and D. Faulkner 1997) Brassington and Pettit (2006), notes that within a given economic situation price sends all sorts of messages to the customers; it indicate quality and desirability and in the eyes of competitors it is seen as a challenge as low pricing can indicate a price war and high pricing leaves room for a competitor to undercut. Internal factors that may affect pricing include required return or shareholder expectations, cost of manufacture. Pricing is the most flexible element of the marketing mix but it is also quite a dangerous element to play with (Brassington and Pettit 2006). Place: Once the product and the price have been determined, the customer must be able to purchase the product. This can be directly from the manufacturer or from an intermediary or distributor. There are various modes of distribution in order to transfer the product to the customer; from simple mail order to long and complex distribution chains. Place in the modern era of marketing has also taken the electronic edge and includes the internet and telephone orders. The Place function is not just about the movement and transfer of goods, it is about manipulation, competitive advantage and power of bargain between the consumer and the manufacturer (Brassington and Pettit 2006). Promotion: Product promotion is about communicating to the consumer or customer. An organisation has a product that may be competing with several others to satisfy a customers need. The act of convincing consumers on why an organisations products are the best in fulfilling their need is what promotion is all about. Often seen as the most active and glamorous part of marketing, it does demand a daunting amount of artistic endeavour and can be used to overcome setbacks an organisation may have in the other aspects of the marketing mix. Promotion in totality however contains two main acts: pull promotions that attempt to attract the consumer to purchase the product and push promotions that aim for retailers or intermediaries, encourage them to purchase the product and promote them to their own consumers. Promotion involves not just advertising but also discounts or sales promotions, personal selling, branding and public relations (Brassington and Pettit 2006). People, Processes and Physical Presence: Booms and Bitner (1981), as cited by Brassington and Pettit (2006), added 3 more Ps (People, Processes and Physical Presence) to the initial 4 Ps model to reflect the extra activities in the marketing of services. People reflect the human aspect of rendering a service to a consumer. A customer that feels comfortable with a particular service provider trusts them and has a rapport with them; forms a relationship with that provider that a competitor will find hard to break into. People add value to the service package that goes beyond what the service aims to offer (Brassington and Pettit 2006). Process concerns the live provision and consumption of a service; which is much different to the hidden processes of manufacturing sectors. A service provider has to maintain consistency with the consumer this involves specific quality controls, training, manuals of service, time of service and a professional level of quality (Brassington and Pettit, 2006). Physical Evidence has to do with how an organisation maintains an ambience of their principal locality of rendering services for the consumer. This is a premises from which their service is sold or delivered and includes how appealing it is in terms of maintenance, design and accessibility. This can include the airplane one boards when they book a flight, the room they sleep in when they book a hotel (Brassington and Pettit 2006). 2.5 Limitations of the report This report has limitation due to the constraints it was subject to and the intrinsic limitations of the theoretical models. The unavailability of primary data has restrained this reports view of scope to the secondary data and the financial statements of Apple Incorporated. Constraints that limit the scope and dept of the report also include the number of words which as underlined in the project outline is a maximum of 6,500 words. Time has also been a constraining factor limiting the extent to which the research could be carried out. The location of the study subject, Apple Incorporated has also made it impossible to study the cultural influences and other market factors, apart from marketing strategy, that could and can affect the success. The nature of the theoretical models ANSOFF and the Marketing Mix model restrains their exact application and thus analysing their real life application. These models like all theoretical models may not necessarily be reflected in their totality when applied and certain assumptions need to be made in order to analyse their effectiveness. Chapter 3 3.1 Application of Models and Analysis An assessment of the current marketing strategy of Apple Incorporated using the ANSOFF and 7 Ps Marketing Mix modules will set a point out on what exactly Apple does and how this has been effectively reflected in their success. Outline of ANSOFF Model as Applied By Apple: Market Penetration: Apple from its period of incorporation had been focused on gaining a market share in the computer and I.T industry and although they had a reflection of research into other I.T based products; their main focus was on a limited product spectrum which included the Apple II, Lisa and Later the Macintosh computers (California Digital Library, 1998). They based this market penetration strategy on their style and brand appeal, and sought to grow their market share the more. This clearly fitted into the ANSOFF model function of market penetration and market consolidation strategy. This approach however begun to recede in the 1990s as their strategic competitors Microsoft and IBM outgrew Apples market share with much cheaper and more innovative computers which in addition capitalised on the inability of Apples computers to integrate with other industry standard software and computers (Jim Carlton, 1998). Market Development Function: Apples market spans across the globe and is segmented on a regional and product basis including consumer, business, education, enterprise and government organisations that make use of the power and productivity of Apples products. This market has been developed with focus on product differentiation and enhanced knowledgeable sales persons, which allows the easy conveyance of value of products to consumers (Apple Inc, 2011). Apple is also active in the reseller and third-party locations market including Apple Premium Reseller Program which allow high level integration and support services to their products (Apple Inc, 2011). This high value market development is directly linked to their products which are developed on value, ease of use and integration. Product Development Function: Being involved in the mobile computing industry which is highly characterized by frequent product introductions and rapid technological advances requires strategic application of the product development function of the marketing mix model. iPod: This is a portable digital music player introduced in 2001as a niche product it clearly struck a nerve with a new generation of electronic users. With the traditional PC being regarded as my parents computer or the official business computer, Apple identified a market that desired the portability of an electronic music player and the storage prowess of a computer for that music data. It includes the iPod touch, iPod nano, iPod shuffle and iPod classic all of which work with iTunes and related accessories both Apples and third-party compatibles. Apple sold more than 15 million units in the last three months of 2005 and helping double the quarterly profits of Apple from $255 Million in 2004 to $565 Million in 2005 (BBC UK, 2006). The graph 3.1 shows how this product dominates the mobile music devices industry. Graph 3.1 Source: IDC, 2006 as cited CNN Money, 2006. Apple US Electronics Music Player Market Share iPhone: Developed in early 2007, the iPhone combines a smart mobile phone, an iPod and an internet communications device; as then CEO Steve Jobs put it a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary phone and a break through internet communicator (Anthony Imbimbo, 2009). It also includes accessories that allow it to communicate with other Apple products and tools that elaborate on ease of use, value and user friendliness. Within three months Apple had sold 270,000 iPhone devices and generated $5 Million of net revenue for the 3rd quarter of 2007, (Apple Inc, 2007). Graph 3.2 Sources: Apple Incorporated Financial Statements, 2010 2011, Growth in Net iPhone Sales Between 2008 2011. Graph 3.3 Sources: Apple Incorporated Financial Statements, 2010 2011. Percentage Growth Net iPhone Sales to Net Sales 2008 2011. Graph 3.2 and 3.3 above indicate how the iPhone product grew rapidly and its net contributions to sales. Mac: This is the personal computing product which includes desktop and portable computers, related devices and third party hardware products. They are designed to target high end business and professional customers. iPad: In the first quarter of 2012 Apple introduced the iPad which like the iPod touch and iPhone is based on the multi-touch technology, showing how using their existing capabilities Apple develops products to fulfil market needs (Apple Press Info, 2010). Described as a multi-purpose mobile device for browsing the web, reading and various other functions, the market reception of the iPad was so successful that Apple sold 300,000 within the first twenty-four hours of its launch (Ars Technica, 2010). Graph 3.4 shows the accelerated growth of net sales contribution from the iPad product. Graph 3.4 Sources: Apple Incorporated Financial Statements, 2011. Percentage Growth in Net iPad Sales to Net Sales Between 2010 and 2011. This simultaneous implementation of the product and market development functions of the ANSOFF model clearly follows in line with Johnson et al (2005) observation that market development requires a degree of both products development and capability development. Chart 3.5 Sources: Apple Incorporated Financial Statements, 2011, Percentage of Products to Net Sales. Chart 3.5 above shows the net contribution to net sales from the most recent products from Apple Incorporated. iTunes and iCloud: The iTunes offers a tool for organising digital files on apples devices on both Windows and Mac platforms it is integrated into the iTunes Store which allows the rental and purchase of digital products from Apple accredited sellers, including the App Store and iBookstore with one account (Apple Inc, 2011). The iTunes interface provides an integration platform for all devices one may own allowing files to be wireless pushed to all devices (Apple Inc, 2011). Extending on the iTunes digital hub integration, Apple introduced the iCloud in October 2011, which allows consumers to store and share all their files across all Apple devices they own, perform backups and various other functions including managing mail and contacts. This digital hub ideology allows Apple to provide the augmented services that make their products value stand above those of their competitors. Software Products and Computer Technologies: Apple offers a range of computer softwares for education, enterprise and government customers including the Mac OS X, iLife 11, iWork 09, server software and professional application software including Final Cut Pro, Logic Studio etc (Apple Inc, 2011). Apple also builds software for their mobile devices supported by the iOS architecture and offers these augmenting products to enhance the customer use and value of their products. Display Peripheral Products: Apple has a range of peripherals and display devices including the Apple LED Cinema Display, AppleTV and Thunderbold Display, Apple also offers several third-party augmenting devices that add value to their products (Apple Inc, 2011). Diversification Functions: When Apple introduced the iTunes and iTunes Store product they created a completely different product line that strays from their electronics products lines and yet offers more augmented value to their mobile devices. This online music store can be seen as a concentric or related diversification that provided a platform where the music industry could sell its products easily to the rapidly growing market of iPod and iPhone users. This diversification has been so successful that Apples online music store the iTunes overtook the largest music retailers in number of songs sold in 2008, (Apple Press Info, 2008). Source: ArsTechnica 2008, Apple iTunes Store Music Sales by % Volume. A more detailed analysis shows how Apple changed the way consumers purchase music from buying a whole album to allowing selection of a particular track or set of tracks. This lies in related horizontal diversification as Johnson et al (2005) pointed out as activities that are complimentary to the parents core activity network. Apple clearly uses a combination of the ANSOFF product, market development and diversification functions to effectively contribute to its success as a mobile I.T manufacturer. Application of the 7P Marketing Mix Model by Apple Incorporated Apple applies the 7P marketing model by either identifying a specific markets needs or by creating a market by defining products that address the needs of their target segment consumers. Product: Apple defines their products with the final consumer in focus and does not seek to gain all the consumers in the market; rather they focus on the Value seeking consumers and thus all of Apples products are designed to satisfy the needs of these value consumers. Products are designed with each aspect specifically detailed to achieve an advantage over equivalent competitor products including; superior ease of use, seamless integration and innovative design (Apple Inc, 2010). As Kotler et al (2008) describes, Apple provides augmenting services and peripherals for almost all of their product lines including maintaining compatibility to older generations and other third-party devices and software. These services, which are additional to all Apple products as basic packages at no and extra packages at extra costs allows consumers to continuously add more value to their products to fulfil their evolving needs. Currently as I write this report, Apple has launched several series of product upgrades and differentiation within the iPhone, iPod and iPad for other value consumers identified in their market segment whose needs the current products do not meet; including the iPhone 5, iPod Touch, iPad Mini and the Mac Book Pro and iMac (Apple Online Store, 2012). Pricing: One other aspect of the Marketing mix model which Apple applies effectively is the pricing of their products. Apple markets itself as a high end product manufacturer with a high-quality buying experience for their target consumers, and this is reflected in their pricing. Apples products are higher in prices in a comparison to their market competitors but this it leverages with its unique ability to design and develop its own operating systems, hardware, application software and services and provide its customers with new products and solutions of superior ease of use, seamless integration and innovative design. Apple believes in high quality sales and after sales support experience and ensures that although their prices are higher than any competitor; the final end consumer knows that the quality of product, sales and after sales support is second to none (Apple Inc, 2011). From C. Bowman and D. Faulkners (1996) strategic clock model, Apple Incorporated can be seen to be solely concentrated on a high value high price relationship which they also described as focused product differentiation. A samples analysis of the current UK mobile phone market prices ranges between the major market competitors and Apples iPhone product belo

Implications Of The Union Budget Of India Economics Essay

Implications Of The Union Budget Of India Economics Essay This article starts with highlighting some the basics of the Union Budget 2013-14. It further looks in detail at the planned and non-planned expenditure patterns. A detailed look has been taken at the tax proposals and its impact on individuals and different sectors. A special mention has been made of the views of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The article then concludes by saying that overall it is a lukewarm budget. IMPLICATIONS OF THE UNION BUDGET OF INDIA 2013-14 Abstract This article starts with highlighting some the basics of the Union Budget 2013-14. It further looks in detail at the planned and non-planned expenditure patterns. A detailed look has been taken at the tax proposals and its impact on individuals and different sectors. A special mention has been made of the views of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The article then concludes by saying that overall it is a lukewarm budget. KEYWORDS -Union budget India, 2013, highlights , impact, individual, sectors Introduction The Union Budget 2013-14 was presented  admist huge challenges posed by the macro- economic environment both in the domestic and global scenario. A majority feel that the Finance Minister (FM) Mr. P. Chidambram has done a commendable job by adhering to many of the public commitments he made in the recent past regarding the level of fiscal deficit in India. The FM did not announce drastic changes in the tax structure which could have brought in more resources. But given this moderate mop up he has increased outlays on many of the key sectors of the economy like education, health and social sector. Yet he has managed to curtail the fiscal deficit at 4.8 % of the GDP. He has also committed to decreasing subsidies given the next years estimate for combined food, fertilizer and petroleum product subsidies is at almost Rs 27,000 crore less than the revised estimates for 2012-13. Some Important Highlights * Fiscal deficit seen at 4.8 point of GDP in 2013/14 * Faced with huge fiscal deficit, India had no choice but to rationalize expenditure Borrowing * Gross market borrowing seen at 6.29 trillion rupees in 2013/14 * Net market borrowing seen at 4.84 trillion rupees in 2013/14 * Short-term borrowing seen at 198.44 billion rupees in 2013/14 * To buy back 500 billion rupees worth of bonds in 2013/14 Subsidies * 2013/14 major subsidies bill estimated at 2.48 trillion rupees from 1.82 trillion rupees * Petroleum subsidy seen at 650 billion rupees in 2013/14 * Revised petroleum subsidy for 2012/13 at 968.8 billion rupees * Estimated 900 billion rupees spending on food subsidies in 2013/14 * Revised food subsidies at 850 billion rupees in 2012/13 * Revised 2012/13 fertiliser subsidy at 659.7 billion rupees Expenditure * Total budget expenditure seen at 16.65 trillion rupees in 2013/14 * Non-plan expenditure estimated at about 11.1 trillion rupees in 2013/14 * Indias 2013/14 plan expenditure seen at 5.55 trillion rupees * Revised estimate for total expenditure is 14.3 trillion rupees in 2012/13, which is 96 point of budget estimate * Set aside 100 billion rupees towards spending on food subsidies in 2013/14 Revenue * Expect 133 billion rupees through direct tax proposals in 2013/14 * Expect 47 billion rupees through indirect tax proposals in 2013/14 * Target 558.14 billion rupees from stake sales in state-run firms in 2013/14 * Expect revenue of 408.5 bln rupees from airwave surcharges, auction of telecom spectrum, licence fees in 2013/14 Current Account Deficit Indias greater worry is the current account deficit will need more than $75 billion this year and next year to fund deficit Inflation Food inflation is worrying, but all steps will be taken to augment the supply side. Plan and Non-Plan Expenditures Planned expenditures have been reduced by 20% from that budgeted for FY 2013 in to attain the projected deficit number of 5.1%. This is giving some jitters to the investor community. Planned expenditures in Indias budget refer to discretionary expenditures which can increase the productive capacity of the economy for example, public infra spending, capital expenditure programs of public sector units and capital expenditures in the agriculture sector such as strengthening irrigation facilities  / dry land farming etc. On the contrary in the view of many economists curtailment of planned expenditures can have an adverse impact on long-term capital asset creation in the economy. On the other hand non-plan expenditure has not been reduced at all. It has actually been increased by 5% on the revenue account. It is slated for a further 10% increase in FY 2014. This brings us to question of what non-plan expenditure is. It primarily comprises of subsidies   food, fertilizer and petroleum   and other transfer payments, salaries, pensions etc. The 10% increase in non-plan expenditure projected for FY 2014 appears optimistic and quite on the lower side. A matter of concern is however the fact that the three critical areas of food, fertilizer and petroleum subsidies have not seen any determined attempts at long-term reduction. Budget Proposals and the Implications for Different Sectors Individuals Income Tax Slabs Income Tax Rates Where the total income does not exceed Rs. 2,00,000/-. NIL Where the total income exceeds Rs. 2,00,000/- but does not exceed Rs. 5,00,000/-. 10% of amount by which the total income exceeds Rs. 2,00,000/- Where the total income exceeds Rs. 5,00,000/- but does not exceed Rs. 10,00,000/-. Rs. 30,000/- + 20% of the amount by which the total income exceeds Rs. 5,00,000 Where the total income exceeds Rs. 10,00,000/-. Rs. 130,000/- + 30% of the amount by which the total income exceeds Rs. 10,00,000/- Education Cess: 3% of the Income-tax. A tax rebate of Rs 2,000 is proposed to be allowed for taxpayers earning total income of up to Rs 5 lakh. This increases the basic threshold limit for tax trigger at Rs 2.2 lakh for taxpayers with income up to Rs 5 lakh. However there was no relief for taxpayers earning total income above Rs 5 lakh. Simultaneously the FM imposed a 10% surcharge on income tax for those earning above Rs 1 crore. This is a mere 42,800 in number. Those taking new home loans of up to Rs 25 lakh during 2013-14 for purchase of their first residential property not worth above 40 lakhs will be eligible for an additional deduction of 1 lakh on interest payable The unutilized deduction amount can be carried forward to the next year. Women Empowerment The government has we had seen all along above adopted a pro-poor, anti-rich stance. In addition the FM in the budget 2013 showed a lot of concern for women. Among the many proposals notable was the Nirbhaya fund with an allocation of 1000crores. It is aimed at protecting women. He also announced the starting of a all-women public sector bank with n allocation of 1000 crores. Corporates There is a reason for corporates to cheer. There is an incentive for them to invest as 15% of spending of over Rs 100 crore on new plant and machinery in the next two years qualifying for a deduction. Securities Market The markets had some sops too. This was in the form of lower tax on securities transactions and easier procedures for foreign portfolio investors. But on the other hand there was a fresh levy, equivalent to the tax on securities transactions, on non-agricultural commodity futures. Impact on Banks The budget proposals will benefit government banks through equity infusion and gradual easing in stress on infrastructure loans. However, the level of non-performing loans (NPL) might be high because of the continued focus on agricultural credit. An equity injection of Rs 14000 crores in FY 2014 was planned. This was to maintain the momentum of all initiatives proposed since FY 09. The FM further pledged commitment when he said banks will always meet the Basel III capital norms. Private sector banks were encouraged to become competitive by creating a level playing field for them by extending them the interest subvention scheme. Impact on Healthcare The FM pledged that the government was hell-bent on providing Health for All or Universal Health Coverage and promised Rs 37,330 crore, an increase from Rs 30,702 last year, for the health ministry to achieve this. Here are some are some highlights of the sops: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare   got an allocation of Rs 37,330 crores There is a proposal to create a National Health Mission and this NHM will be given Rs 21,200 crore. The FM allocated Rs 4,721 crores to improve medical education, An allocation of Rs 300 crores was made to alleviate child malnutrition.    The Ministry of Women and Child Development was asked to frame a better for the improvement of the condition of women in the country. He allocated Rs 97,000 crores for womens development To improve the childcare health and education facilities, the FM made an allocation of Rs 76,000 crores. The FM attempts to create a comprehensive social security package to make insurance more accessible to Below-Poverty Line families. The FM added with a hint of humour that tobacco, the Governments favourite taxable product would attract a Special Excise Duty (SED) of 18%. This would apply to all tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, cheerots. Auto Industry The Union Budget has received a mixed response from the Indian auto industry. Some called it the worst-ever and some called it fair or even neutral. The budget was not well received because of its hike in the excise duty on Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and luxury models.  Joginder Singh, President and Managing Director (MD), Ford India Private Limited (FIPL), said, As we all know the automotive industry has been going through very challenging times, we are disappointed with the increase in the excise duty for SUVs. Textiles The budget announced a zero excise duty on cotton textiles at the fibre, yarn, fabric and garment stage. This will help reduce prices of end products. The reduced prices will further boost garment demand amid weak consumer sentiment. This move will undoubtedly promote revenue growth and improve operating profit and cash flows of the textile sector. The budget in continuation of the Technology Up-gradation Fund Scheme in the Twelfth Five Year Plan allocated Rs2,400 crore for technology up-gradation. This is likely to encourage investments power loom modernisation. Impact on Infrastructure The Union Budget 2013-14 addressed some of the many challenges faced by the infrastructure sector. However the solutions for some of the problems have to necessarily be found outside the framework of the annual budget. The budget announced the setting up of a regulatory authority for roads. This was long pending. If the board can be constituted quickly vested with enough powers it has the potential to address many of Indias highways development programmes. There was an announcement that 3,000km of road projects will be awarded in the first six months of FY14. This seems ambitious given that less than one-fourth of that number was achieved in the first eight months of FY13. However the target could be achieved if this is sought to be done on the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) route, rather than the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The EPC route will avoid some of the challenges in the BOT model viz., developer apathy, commercial bank aversion to funding toll road projects and over-optimistic traffic forecasts, the latter adversely affecting credit profiles of many projects in the past. Impact on the Telecom sector The budget did not offer did any special sops for the struggling telecom industry in India. Just one announcement was made that duty would increase on mobile phones priced above Rs 2000. It also announced a 5 percent duty hike on STB (set up boxes), and zero customs duty on import of plant and machinery for the semiconductor industry. The FM did nothing to boost telecom sector investors confidence. Education The budgetary allocation to Ministry of HRD for various schemes has been increased by 17% to Rs.65, 877 crore. A service tax exemption has been granted for institutes offering vocational courses. Under the total budgetary allocation, Rs 272.58 billion has been allocated for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Sum of Rs 39.83 billion for Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan has been allocated. Further a sum Rs 52.84 billion has been allocated for scholarships and remaining for up-gradation of existing universities and other education schemes. Companies engaged in providing education and allied education services stand to gain. FMCG Consumer durables As mentioned earlier the Union Budget 2013-14 has proposed to raise specific excise duty on cigarettes by about 18 percent. There is to be a similar increase on other tobacco items such as cigars, cheroots and cigarillos. This rise in the excise duty would negatively impact the demand of the entire tobacco industry. Manufacturing As a measure to incentivise large-scale players in the manufacturing sector, an investment allowance of 15 per cent in addition to depreciation shall be provided for any fresh investment of a minimum of Rs. 100 crores in plant and machinery for the period April 2013 to March 2015. On the other hand, there are no such incentives for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector except for the non-tax benefits made available for an extended period of three years even after they lose their MSME status. The Confederation of Indian Industry ( CII ) Views The budget was welcomed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). They felt it was a growth-oriented budget, and it would kick-start the next cycle of investment in the country. The CII president Adi Godrej said the budget makes laudable efforts to optimise growth drivers while addressing inclusive and sustained development. The budget meets most of our concerns regarding fiscal consolidation, investment incentives, and inclusive growth. These are in alignment with CIIs submissions in its pre-Budget Memorandum to the Finance Ministry, said Godrej. Budget 2013-14 promises to adhere to the fiscal deficit roadmap as laid out by the Finance Minister last year. This will boost growth, curtail inflation and help in ratings. Emphasis on agriculture, technology and innovation and science and technology is very welcome as it adds to future growth prospects, he added. CII particularly welcomed the stress placed on inclusive growth and development. He was happy that the budget left untouch ed the indirect taxes, which if imposed would have led to a slowdown in the industry. Conclusion The budget overall is a pragmatic exercise though it did not contain any big-bang reforms . It failed to excite all. This was because the budget had some drawbacks. There have been no relaxations as regards to retrospective law introduced on taxing software and the expected clarifications or guidelines as regards the scope of indirect transfers involving substantial assets located in India have not come. No roadmap was laid for the implementation of the Shome committee recommendations like the postponement of the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR). But one must admit it is not a negative one either. In short the budget 2013-14 can be called as a blow-hot, blow-cold budget

The Rise Of A Nation: United States Becomes The Number One Super Power

The United States experienced many different world events that helped propel it to becoming the world’s super power. From the Monroe Doctrine which would help the United States isolate itself from the Colonialism of the European nations and set itself as the super power of the America’s, to the Spanish American War which ended Spanish rule in the America’s as well as helped the United States acquire its own territories, to the first and second World Wars which ultimately bankrupted all of Europe, to the rise and fall of Communism and the ending of the Cold War. So why were these events so important to the rise of the United States? As the Spanish began losing its territories to independence in Central and South America, the United States adopted the Monroe Doctrine to help isolate these American countries from outside European nations so it could become the dominant nation in the America’s. The Monroe doctrine helped the United States set up puppet nations in Central and South America who were loyal to United States business and political interest. From the Monroe Doctrine many Central American and Southern American countries gained their independence from Spanish rule; the doctrine stated that any European nation that tried to force its rule upon the rebelling central and southern American nations would also have to face United States intervention. The United States was able to keep these new nations from really prospering while exploiting their natural resources for American business. Take for example the Panama Canal; put in place by the American government and funded by American business. It hel ped fuel the American economy; as well as showed the United States military might, and made it clear that the Monroe Doctrin... ...super power in the world. Throughout the United States history it had to struggle to be taken seriously as a country, however, in its short time as a developing nation it was able to become the most powerful and prosperous nation in the Americas and later through European and Asian events become the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world. The Spanish American War, WWI and WWII and the fall of communism are the most significant events that helped the United States become the super power it is today. Because of the United States location on the globe it was able to stay out of the heavy bombing European and Asian countries had experienced. Without these war torn cities the United States prospered by helping rebuild European nations, which propelled the United States into economic prosperity. These events marked the United States into super power status.

Inventory of the lost :: essays research papers

An inventory of the lost Suppose your father was working high in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. You have been told by authorities in New York City what intuition told you as you watched the two towers collapse: Your father is dead. Yet that conclusion is a municipal bureaucracy's intuition, no more certifiable than your own. Your father's remains have not been found. He is presumed to have been killed largely because, first, he could not possibly have survived and, second, he has not been seen since. So your grief is compounded by a question as illogical as it is impossible for you to shake: What if, somehow, he escaped? What if, in some perhaps tragicomic way that screenwriters might never imagine, he managed to get out alive? This sort of bizarre ending doesn't often happen in real life, of course. Extremely rare is the victim of war, or of violence, or of some other tragedy, whose remains are never found and identified. If survivors of those victims get the terrible pain of loss, they invariably get proof that the victim is, irrefutably, deceased. Not so, though, for many survivors of the 2,792 people killed at the World Trade Center. Working with body parts retrieved from mountains of rubble, the office of New York City's medical examiner has confirmed the identities of 1,518 of those World Trade Center victims. But scientific tests have failed to link any of the body parts to the more than 1,200 other victims. The majority of those body parts exhumed from the debris - 12,000 of almost 20,000 fragments - are a tragic inventory of the lost. Efforts to match them to known DNA samples provided by the families of victims - strands of hair lifted from combs left at home, for example - have failed, often because the retrieved body fragments were so badly incinerated, crushed or deteriorated that their DNA was unknowable. Unknowable, that is, using today's DNA technologies. Faith in future technologies has led to a remarkably smart way of dealing with all those still unidentified body parts. They are being dried, individually vacuum sealed and packaged for a time when new means of identifying human tissue may tie them to specific victims. Under a protocol developed by city officials working with representatives of victims' families, the remains will be interred in a memorial at the site of the twin towers.