Monday, March 30, 2020
Research Proposal on Poverty Reduction Essay Example
Research Proposal on Poverty Reduction Essay Poverty reduction is the complex of actions aimed to reduce the level of poverty in the world. Poverty is only of the biggest problems of the human civilization. There always have been rich and poor people. Always one is happy and prosperous, the other is poor and simply exists in terrible conditions. The humanity has always wanted to cope with the problem of poverty, because the situation is getting worse and worse with every new year. The world is extremely unequal. Some countries and people there are very rich; they do not know what to spend the money on. The other countries and people live in such conditions which make them think whether they will manage to find something to eat this day. No wonder, during the history many philosophers, writers and scholars tried to brainstorm some effective methods to defeat poverty all over the world and bring prosperity for every human being. Unfortunately, it is completely impossible. A great number of masterpieces of world literature are dedicated to the utopian theories, which offer wealth and equality for everyone. A great number of socialist and communist movements have been created with the similar intention but nothing has been effective enough to reduce poverty on the planet. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Proposal on Poverty Reduction specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Research Proposal on Poverty Reduction specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Research Proposal on Poverty Reduction specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Even now scholars try to brainstorm interesting and effective theories, which can help the humanity cope with poverty but their attempts are not successful. Writing a research proposal, a student will have to do much work. First of all, in order to be good at the topic under research one will have to read a lot about the problem. Then, a student should think over a few key questions, which he liked or which surprised him while learning the topic. If he is really interested in the topic and has smart ideas connected with it, he is able to write a research proposal and ask the professor for permission to investigate it further. The proposal is a serious paper, although quite brief in volume. It is supposed to present to the professor a brief summary of the methods, expectations and possible results of the research of this important topic. If one manages to persuade the professor the topic is worth researching, it will be success. Student who wants to complete a successful paper will have to devote much time to the research of the topic. He will have to collect enough data from the reliable literary sources which are available at the library and in the Internet. Moreover, it is highly recommended to take advantage of the extra help of the web and read free sample research proposals on poverty reduction in India to see the way a professional paper is written. Every free example paper on poverty reduction in Pakistan is good experience and a set of useful tips for successful paper writing and students should never omit such help. *** ATTENTION! Free sample research proposals and research paper examples on Poverty Reduction are 100% plagiarized!!! At EssayLib.com writing service you can order a custom research proposal on Poverty Reduction topics. Your research paper proposal will be written from scratch. We hire top-rated Ph.D. and Masterââ¬â¢s writers only to provide students with professional research proposal help at affordable rates. Each customer will get a non-plagiarized paper with timely delivery. Just visit our website and fill in the order form with all proposal details: Enjoy our professional research proposal writing service!
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Greek Achievement essays
Greek Achievement essays When discussing ancient civilizations, one of the most prominent has to be the Greek civilization. Under the rule of various rulers, Greece saw a change from a pagan worshiping society that was almost abolished, to an enduring civilization that strived on philosophy, and intellectual thought. As the Greeks dispensed the gods in political life, they based government on human intelligence. The evolution of the Greek polis, or city-state, from a tribal-religious institution to a secular rational institution, that is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of mankind, was only a part of the general transition of the Greek mind from myth to reason. What separated the Greeks from other Near Eastern civilizations, as well as gave it enduring significance, was the Greeks gradual realization that political problems are caused by man and require earthly solutions. The Greeks also had a strong belief in their system of the city-state but it eventually would contribute to their demise. These city-states allowed for much separation within their political life, and thus was the cause for much suffering. Greece would endure two major wars, which would shape their civilization, and have a lasting effect. First was the Persian Wars with Sparta. Because Sparta was a walled city, and couldnt compete with the Athenian culture, Athens eventually triumphed. One of the most fascinating contrasts in this war is how different the two city-states could be. Athens was located on the peninsula of Attica, near the coast, possessed a great navy, and was a commercial leader for the Greeks. Sparta was a land power and was exclusively agricultur al. Spartas leaders pursued an isolationist foreign policy, and believed in keeping their freedom on the homeland. The Athenians had such things as democracy, and extended their hegemony over the Greeks. Unfortunately, after the long battles between Athens and Sparta were finally laid ...
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Poof Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Poof - Essay Example First, it is evident that the play depicts men as traditionally violent and dictatorial especially against their wives and members of the female gender. Nottage depicts this from the first scene of the play with the violent shouting from Samuel commanding his wife to disappear. In this case, it is evident that the play depicts Samuel as a traditional man who abuses his wife all through despite the seriousness of what he identifies as mistakes. The traditional role of women doing everything for their men is evident whereby Samuel expects his wife to do all her chores and he cannot even engage in simple tasks such as picking up the shirts he will wear the following day (Nottage, n.d.). in doing this, Nottage appears to advance the traditional role of women as being ââ¬Ëhelpersââ¬â¢ to their husbands with their husbands playing a superior role than women, even in a society whereby women are increasingly competing with their male counterparts in various fields that were previously deemed as a forte for their male counterparts. Revisiting Loureenââ¬â¢s reaction following the disappearance of Samuel, it is evident that the play associates women with the traditional roles of child caring and housekeeping as the primary functions that women should play in a relationship, and most importantly in a marriage. Loureen tells her husband that he promised to be good once he came back and asks him to come back so that the two could sit down and iron out their issues. She thinks that she is responsible for the disappearance of her husband despite cursing him at the beginning of the play, which is indication that she has accepted her traditional female role, which is a theme that Nottage advances throughout the play. To some extent, the play appears to support the traditional aspect of women accepting to undergo abuse by their husband while accepting blame for situations that they did not have control over the outcome. In this case, women appear to be submissive to their husbands. The character of Florence, who is Loureenââ¬â¢s upstairs neighbor, further advances the traditional role of women as being dutiful to their husbands and being subordinates to their husbands. Her first expression after hearing of the purported murder was a feeling of pure illusion since she could not imagine that a woman had the capacity to confront their husband leave alone committing murder and killing their husbands. In this case, Nottage identifies women as traditionally powerless to their male counterparts with wives not given a chance to confront their husbands and express their emotions while disagreeing with the behavior of their husbands. In
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
World History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
World History - Essay Example The former colonies and developing countries in the twentieth century experienced unequal distribution of wealth and widespread poverty due to colonialism (Strayer, 2013). Accordingly, the developing countries started mining precious metals like diamonds that were sold to former colonizers in return for imports. The developing countries had low levels of education and depended on manual labor thus leading to high costs of production and low output in the economy. The former colonies and developing countries were faced by several ethnic based tensions and conflicts due to struggle for control of political power and natural resources like land and grazing fields that supported the economy (Strayer, 2013). Accordingly, several developing countries engaged in wars with each other due to poorly documented international borders that were demarcated by the colonial powers in order to ease the control of violent tribal groups (Strayer, 2013). Differences in experiences of the former colonies and developing countries in the twentieth century to the earlier ââ¬Ënew nationsââ¬â¢ in the Americas in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries After attainment of independence, experienced internal power conflicts among the several states since the federal government had the powers to set the public policies and collect taxes across the country (Strayer, 2013). Accordingly, some states worried that centralization of power would lead to abuse of human rights and thus amendments to the US constitution was necessary in order to entrench the bill of rights (Strayer, 2013). The ââ¬Ënew nationsââ¬â¢ in Americas attained independence after revolutions that occurred in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The French revolution, Spanish and Portuguese revolutions led to creation of independent countries in Latin America such as Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia and Argentina. However, internal divisions in Latin America marked the onset of creation of many of the new governments and countless revolts that prohibited Latin America from being united (Strayer, 2013). The new nations experienced political instability due to lack of constitutions and weak political systems that granted opportunity to rise of military leaders. Latin American new nations experienced social instability since the ruling elite and rebellions that led to mass murders and population transfers from native agricultural lands (Strayer, 2013). Central and North America experienced high growth in trade-networks and economic expansion of commercial agriculture due to availability of indentured servitudes that came from countries like India and China (Strayer, 2013). Accordingly, ââ¬Ënew nationsââ¬â¢ Americas saw growth in the size of militaries in the 19th century due to increased war tensions and military innovation by European countries. The encounter with other people and migration of the citizens led to diseases like smallpox, measles and influenza thus leading to d eath of thousands of citizens in those countries (Strayer, 2013). The new nations experienced religious revival and Great Awakening that spread across America due to advent of evangelicalism that believed new ââ¬Ënew birthââ¬â¢ in spreading the gospel. There was spread of various religious denominations such as Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians that countered the beliefs of Quakers and Congregationalists (Strayer, 2013). The former colonies experienced neo-colonialism that contributed to decline in autonomy and political viability of the existing independent states. The former colonizers desired to maintain their influence through providing economic assistance in return for development contracts and markets for goods thus contributing to cordial relations with the former
Monday, January 27, 2020
Starbucks Competition and Strategy Analysis
Starbucks Competition and Strategy Analysis Executive Summary As coffee drinkers of all ages and sizes increase around the world, Starbucks amongst fierce rivals continues to experience unsurpassed growth sales. Their upscale coffee outlets that deliver pleasing to the eye dà ©cor and brand uniqueness at locations scattered nationally and internationally, their distinct aromas and scents, Starbucks has been able to differentiate themselves from all competitors. The aforementioned characteristics that is Starbucks, has enabled the coffee retailer to increase profitability, expand globally, and attract new customers. With an estimated 17,000 outlets in approximately 55 countries, Starbucks boasts as the largest coffee outlet chain in the world. In North America alone, Starbucks employs nearly 11,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time employees. Additionally, the chain employs over 7,000 outside its United States borders. Through providing top quality coffee beans and distinctive varieties (aforementioned), Starbucks has led the way in revolutionizing the market industry. The chain not specializes in serving coffee, but also teas, juices, pastries of all kinds and now even coffee-flavored ice cream brands that deliver pleasing to the taste and thirst of many loyal, and soon-to-be new customers. Since 1994, Starbucks has enjoyed measurable success through clever mergers and or acquisitions. A few successful ventures include Seattles Best coffee chain now offers a small line of its premium brands on commercial Delta airlines flights and thanks to the ever-increasing Wi-Fi market, Starbucks continues to connect with customers. In 2010, after extensive market surveying, Starbucks introduced three new ice cream coffee-free flavor brands. Starbucks continues to face stiff competition and only through strategic planning hinged upon finding new and creative ways to be innovative will the firm continue to diversify its financial portfolio while enabling its ability to cover liabilities. Introduction Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Starbucks is an international Corporation (www.Starbucks.com) whose stocks are traded on the NYSE under the SBUX ticker symbol. Starbucks is the largest coffee outlet in the world, with close to seventeen thousand shops in approximately fifty countries or provinces, eleven thousand in America alone, over one thousand in Canada, eight hundred in Japan and seven hundred Coffee Shops in the United Kingdom. Starbucks in 2003 was listed as a Fortune 500 firm, ranked 465. By the end of 2010, they were ranked 241. Background Howard Schultz gained control of Starbucks in 1987. Starbucks was founded by three colleagues in 1971 in Seattle who were inspired by a mutual acquaintance Alfred Peet, an established businessman. By 1980 the company had grown to four locally owned stores that turned a reasonable profit every year. It was in 1981 when Howard Schultz, then Vice President of U.S operations for Swedish Kitchen and Coffeemaker equipment decided to visit Starbucks out of curiosity as to how and why the Starbucks was so successful with selling his companys products. Managerially, Schultz was impressed with the company. After much persistence, Schultz landed his first job with Starbucks as head of marketing and research. Overflowing with ideas for the company, Howard Schultzs biggest inspiration and vision for Starbucks future came in 1983 while on a business trip to Italy and the idea of Espresso Bars came fell upon him. After failing to convince Baldwin for the expansion of business, he initially left Starbucks in 1985 and started the Il Giornale coffee bar chain in 1985 and the coffeehouse was very successful. In 1987 after buying out the former owners Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker, Schultz began to quickly begin to realize his full dream for Starbucks and quickly expanded business operations in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Chicago, Illinois, of the same year. By 1992, Starbucks then a recognized publicly traded company on the stock market had expanded nationally to 165 shops. In 2009, Starbucks succeeded by opening about nine hundred additional shops outside the Continental United States. Mission Statement (Actual per www.starbucks.com, accessed on 20 February 20, 2011) Establish Starbucks as the premier distributor of the best coffee on the planet without compromising principles on quality of growth. Our Coffee It has always been, and will always be, about quality. Were passionate about ethically sourcing the finest coffee beans, roasting them with great care, and improving the lives of people who grow them. We care deeply about all of this; our work is never done.(2, 7) Our Partners Were called partners, because its not just a job, its our passion. Together, we embrace diversity to create a place where each of us can be ourselves. We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard, ensuring the latest technology is implemented for producing superior products to our loyal customers. (4, 8, 9) Our Customers When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers-even if just for a few moments. Sure, it starts with the promise of a perfectly made beverage, but our work goes far beyond that. Its really about human connection. (1) Our Stores When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends. Its about enjoyment at the speed of life-sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity. (6) Our Neighborhood Every store is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously. We want to be invited in wherever we do business. We can be a force for positive action-bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day. Now we see that our responsibility-and our potential for good-is even larger. The world is looking to Starbucks to set the new standard, yet again. We will lead. (3) Our Shareholders We know that as we deliver in each of these areas, we enjoy the kind of success that rewards our shareholders. We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks-and everyone it touches-can endure and thrive. (5) Customer Products or services Markets Technology Concern for survival, profitability, growth Philosophy Self-concept Concern for public image Concern for employees Mission Statement Analyzed à I consider this to be a fairly good, and accurate statement although per my rating (based on research), the mission statement lacks two (2) important components: Technology and Concern for employees. The company must evaluate whether it is technologically advanced and even though the companys vision is of concern to its employees, it still should be added to its mission statement. Vision Statement (Actual per www.starbucks.com, accessed on 20 February 20, 2011) To establish Starbucks as the most recognized and respected brand in the world and become a national company with values and guiding principles that employee could be proud of. The vision statement clearly describes the dream or the future of the company that is to be the worlds most well known coffeehouse and also to be the most appreciated and positively graded brand by all levels of people around the world. Finally, the company focuses emphasis in the value of employees and their loyalty, and strives to create a happy work environment. The opportunity for entry of new competitors shows a balance between different firms competing in a market and subsequently, they can be looked upon as a threat to already established firms. One of Starbucks staunchest competitors is McDonalds McCafe which is really catching on globally. Competition is real due to entry level start up costs which can be extremely low and or offered at a bargain price to gain a competitive edge. This probably can explain why Starbucks has recently decided to partner with Burger King which I personally consider a very positive move. Starbucks Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) is illustrated below and compares the coffee firms internal and external factors, based upon strengths (superior or 4.0), against weaknesses (1.0), against its current, and projected market competition. Used effectively, it will give management clear idea about the firms strengths and weaknesses and aid in plotting a way forward that is healthy and most importantly, profitable. Anything in between can be rated from fair, to average to above average to superior. From the illustration below, Starbucks fares a little above average when compared to Dunkin Donuts, yet well below McDonalds. Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) In the External Factor Evaluation or EFE, only external factors, that is, opportunities, and threats, are evaluated. From the illustration below, the following info can be drawn: Gourmet coffee consumption tied in to drinkers educational levels. The higher the level of education the more gourmet coffee on average was consumed, by as much as seventy-one percent. Trends showed sixteen percent of U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis; sixty-three percent only occasionally. The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only thirteen percent and fifty-nine percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002. Also, trends over the past ten-years showed consumers requesting more organic coffees which influenced retailers on the growing environment of coffee beans. Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbohydrates / sugar and calories. International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee. With regards to threats, the 2007-2009 economic recession adversely affected the specialty coffee industry. Recently, trends show consumer concern with nutritional value. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers. Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings. In conclusion, competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complimentary products. This may explain why SBUX has recently announced a partnership with Burger King who has long lagged behind McDonalds, especially in the breakfast arena to start offering Seattles Best coffee products (a subsidiary of Starbucks), in efforts to further close the gap between itself from its the conglomerate that is McDonalds Corporation. External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix Gourmet coffee consumption rose with the drinkers educational level. Those who finished college bought forty-nine percent more gourmet coffee on average, and those with some postgraduate education bought seventy-one percent more Sixteen percent of the U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis, whereas sixty-three percent indulged occasionally The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only thirteen percent and fifty-nine percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002 Another trend that has surfaced in the past decade has been consumer requests for organic coffees, and more emphasis was placed by retailers on the growing environment of the beans Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbs / sugar and calorie International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee Threats The 2007-2009 economic recession adversely affected the specialty coffee industry Recent trends shows consumers are concerned about the nutritional value of coffee products and are demanding nutritional info be posted on the products even in retail outlets. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings Competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complementary products Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix is a summary step in conducting an internal strategic-management audit used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a business, and provide a foundation for identifying and evaluating relationships founded upon those areas. Looking at key Internal Factors, Starbucks most advantageous opportunities lie in expansion in ever-growing Markets like Brazil, Russia, India and China or the BRICs as they are commonly referred. Of note, Starbucks doesnt appear to show any interest in marketing its products through advertisings as much as focusing on the quality of its coffee and that power alone to retain, and attract new customers. Key Internal Factors Strengths Starbucks expects to add approximately 20 net new stores to its global store base in fiscal 2009 by closing approximately 425 company-operated stores in the United States and adding of approximately 60 company-operated stores internationally The company plans to open approximately 65 net new licensed stores in the United States and approximately 320 net new licensed stores internationally Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are expected to remain unchanged, at approximately $600 million. Licensing revenues increased primarily due to higher product sales and royalty revenues as a result of opening 438 new licensed retail stores in the last 12 month Strong marketing and promotional campaign such as product placement in major TV series Starbucks also provides electrical outlets and, in some stores, wireless access, for customers who might need to use their MP3 players or laptop computers Starbucks products can be found in convenience stores, grocery stores, department stores, movie theaters, businesses, schools, and even airports Starbucks is rated by Fortune as one of the best top 10 places to work Starbucks also encourages the use of its Web site where customers are able to register their Starbucks cards, receive nutritional information about Starbucks products, shop online, search for careers, and much more Weaknesses 47 percent drop in earnings in one year (2008) For the 26 weeks ending March 2009, Starbucks revenues decreased 7 percent to $4.95 billion and net income decreased 72 percent to $89.3 million Moodys Investors Service recently downgraded Starbucks credit ratings The U.S. company operated retail business continued deteriorating trends For the second quarter of fiscal 2009, U.S. total net revenues were $1.8 billion, a decline of $131.5 million, or 6.8 percent, due to decreased revenues from company operated retail stores Many of Starbucks International operations are in early stages of development that require a more extensive support organization relative to the current levels of revenue and operating income in the United States International total net revenues were $433.7 million for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2009, down $59.7 million, or 12.1 percent, compared with the same period last year, primarily due to the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound and Canadian dollar Global Consumer Products Group (CPG) total net revenues decreased by 2 percent to $94.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, due primarily to lower margin on sales of packaged coffee as a result of discounting, as well as lower volume to the trade The Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis is an effective to that when used properly, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates information which helps firms identify strategic advantages/disadvantages. SWOT Strategies Opportunities Gourmet coffee consumption rose with the drinkers educational level. Those who finished college bought 49 percent more gourmet coffee on average, and those with some postgraduate education bought 71 percent more Sixteen percent of the U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis, whereas 63 percent indulged occasionally The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only 13 percent and 59 percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002 Another trend that has surfaced in the past decade has been consumer requests for organic coffees, and more emphasis was placed by retailers on the growing environment of the beans Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbohydrates / sugar and calorie International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee Implement product development by introducing organic coffee and disclosing the nutritional content to the consumers (S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, O1, O2, O3) Continue opening more retail stores overseas where coffee is in demand and market has not been saturated by competitors (S1, S2, S3, S4, S9, O6) Develop new products with better nutritional value (S6, S8, O1, O2, O4, O5) Develop a marketing strategy such as Starbucks Combo by offering combination of gourmet coffee and cookie / cake or 2 for 1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the patrons can purchase coffee on Tuesday and get free refill on Wednesday (W1, W2, W3, O1, O2, O3) Establish joint venture with hotels, airlines, and retailers for having mini-Starbucks locations or for serving premium Starbucks coffee in the hotel rooms or during the flights (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, O1, O2, O3, O6) Threats The 2007-2009 global recession negatively affected the specialty coffee industry Recent trends have shown that some of the consuming public is concerned about the nutritional value of such products as those offered by the specialty coffee sector and have even challenged the correctness of the labeling and calorie information posted on the products available at retail outlets. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings Competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complementary products Implement market penetration strategy by promoting additional licensing retail deals. This minimizes the risks and capital expenditures for Starbucks (S2, S3, S4, S5, T1, T4, T5) Lower prices of popular drinks by $0.50 and promote the price decrease through aggressive advertising (S6, S7, S8, T1, T4) Penetrate market by appealing to a wider variety of consumers (W6, T4, T5) Cutback on some of operating expenses such trying to improve purchasing power and getting better prices from the suppliers and vendors (W4, T4, T5) Create Promotional Strategies Such As Starbucks Combo Or Reduce The Price By $0.50 Per Drink On Popular Drinks Develop New Products With Better Nutritional Value Expand Internationally By Opening Additional 100+ License Retailers Through Joint Ventures Portfolio Analysis: Starbucks BCG Matrix (The Worlds Most Innovative Companies Their creativity goes beyond products to rewiring themselves. Business Week and the Boston Consulting Group rank the best. Accessed and referenced on 20 February 20, 2011 at http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_17/b3981401.htm) The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix is enhancing a multidivisional firms efforts to formulate strategies. The BCG allows a multi-focused firm to manage its portfolio by examining relative market share position and the industry growth rate each division relative to all other divisions in the organization. The Starbucks BCG matrix below shows four (4) divisions which include Question Marks, Stars, Cash Cows, and Dogs. Quadrant I shows low relatives market position, high growth industry. Cash needs versus cash generation are high and low. Quadrant II or Star Division identifies best long-run opportunities for growth and profitability. Quadrant III or Cash Cows with high relative market share position but compete in a low growth industry and finally, Quadrant IV or Dogs identifies relatively low market share position and compete in a snail or no market growth industry. Starbucks Income Statements shows steady increases between 2003 and 2005. The revenues on the year 2003 were $4,075,000, while $2,191,000 in year 2004, $6,369,000 in year 2005. Also, the firms growth sales rate for 2004 and 2005 was 56.3%. In conclusion, Starbucks were identified in Star division which means its long-run opportunities for the growth and profitability is overall good. Recommendations Starbucks coffees price are much more expensive than other market competitor products because Starbucks purchases the highest quality coffee beans which means and price-war advantage for its competitors in these challenged economic times. Develop series of new coffee, tea and fruit drinks with better nutritional values for health conscious customers. Initially, enter selected market with predatory pricing strategy and then move to larger market. Starbucks is showing signs of change and that the change has started to work. For the first time in eight quarters, the company posted positive earnings. In fact, all US company operated stores reported positive growth in their sales. For the last few years, the company over-expanded by opening too many stores and some too close to each others. Now, they have done an impressive job restructuring itself and returning back to being profitable by closing some stores and slimming down its workforce over the past few years. They further eliminated excessive waste in their operations and have been trying to be leaner in their day to day business processes. Leading the way in technological media, Starbucks innovative nature has enabled capitalization on the social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, Starbucks even has an iPhone application (accessed at Why Starbucks Has Room to Improve. http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/starbucks-growth-upgrade-profit-price-hikes/1/22/2010/id/26485 20 Feb. 2011.).
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Organization transformation Essay
The need for a change is almost there on a daily basis in corporations. This is accentuated by particularly by the advent of new technology like the internet and new management methods and new technologies (Wallace, 2007). This brings in new ways of doing jobs within the company and thus the workers are affected. Companies which initially used to have the traditional organization model have increasingly adopted they are better and more efficient and modern transformed organizational models. An organization provides a mean of utilizing individual capabilities within a team to accomplish what cannot be achieved by the aggregate attempts of team members working in isolation. The aims of forming corporations and organizations are to deliver goods or services to consumers in a way that at the conclusion of the deal profits and not losses can be realized. Organizational change is geared at achieving this and thus winning the hearts and minds of the target population while concurrently bringing about a changed behavior and work culture to the partakers. In response to this Organizational transformation, roles, skills, job descriptions and structure of the workforce need to be re-designed. The Southwest Gas Corporation Such a company that has embraced organizational change from the traditional one to the modern organization transformation is the southern gas corporation of Nevada. Having realized that all organizations and corporations are unique due to unique environment in which they operate and their mode and ways of operations they should be structured to accommodate unique problems and opportunities Southwest Gas Corporation is a company engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing and transporting natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers in Nevada state of the southwestern United States. The Gas Corporation has employed about 2,500 workers who serve at least 1. 8million customers in Arizona, Nevada and parts of California states. The company is an investor owned utility whose shares are traded in the New York Stock Exchange and the pacific stock exchange (South West Gas Corporation, 2007). The company has been implementing a five year organizational transformation with an aim of offering better services to the customers and improving the quality of he workers. With respect to transformation certain areas should be prioritized for instance in redefining the business model, integrating acquisitions, building infrastructure, reframing markets and managing talents. The southern gas corporation has taken comprehensive plan to change from the traditional to the transformed organizational model studies done on this company indicated that a positive correlation between the working conditions and the productivity of the workers exists . the results of the studies revealed that innate forces of human behavior may have a greater influence on organizations than do mechanistic incentive systems. In response to that study southern gas corporation have done an almost complete overhaul in areas to do with transport, billing, the accounting system, meter reading systems and the whole organization structure of the company since 2002. Effects Having undergone the organizational change to a more better and modern one saw a number of transformations in the work force. Every member of the workforce was subjected to month long refreshment training as a way of crating a new working atmosphere and as a way of orientating them to the new working tools. The remuneration package was revised to increase the morale of the workers. On the part of the infrastructure the offices and other working areas were renovated. The total reorganization of the offices this was to cater for the psychological aspect of the workers The Organizations adopted a vertical division of labor practice involving the administrators then below them the managers and supervisors and lastly at the base we have the workers. The principal function of top level administrators or executives generally is to plan long-term strategy and administer the middle managers whose work is to guide the day to day activities of the corporations and oversee implementation of the top level strategy. Low-level supervisors and laborers put the made strategy into action and carry out the immediate tasks needed to keep the corporation running. Thus, the South west gas corporation has become a formal with reference to the extent of formalization of rules that have been adopted within the organization structure. In formal organizations, a mild impersonal relationship between the workers and the company is viewed as the best environment suitable for achievements of organizationââ¬â¢s objectives by the managerial staff. Here subordinates duties more clearly defined and workforce with different applicable skills are dispensed duties to their areas of specialization in the corporation. It is the duties of workers at the bottom level to perform the essential duties of the corporation with supervisory assistance from the managers. Subordinate staff deals generally with supply and production chain of the corporation . The managerial needs of the whole business process is overseen by the higher cadre staff that includes the supervisors and the administrators. Two important implications into the change in the organization procedure there was equity due to just fair and impartial treatment of all workers, the organization was more orderly since employees were arranged where they would be of most value to the corporation. Initiative was fostered by encouraging the employees to act on their own. Similarly the employees cultivated more attributes and etiquettes (South West Gas Corporation, 2007). Motivation should come from different incentives rather than letting monetary rewards be the sole motivators. The spirit of comradeship among the workers fostered devotion to a common cause. The behavioral change by the managers that allowed greater latitudes stimulated the workers. In general, transformation made workers to become more productive. Having been provided with the best working conditions the workers employees have become capable of effective self-direction yielding self-actualization and this was among the biggest rewards that organizations has provided to its employees. Similar the shares of the southern gas company at the New York stock exchange gained value. Use of improved service delivery systems for instance the better gas safety management systems reduced the number of gas accident cases recorded prior to the five year period. Due to a liberalized approach towards the workers in the by the management they were able to create their labour organization to looks for their own interests, thus enhancing growth of the labour union organizations. This amounted to increase in vocal power of the workers to demand their rights. Conclusion In the world today organizations are operating in an increasingly complex platform. Changing multiple dimensions and high rates globalization trends and the implications of the post-industrial information age are driving these corporations to revolutinalize themselves (Wallace, 2007). The end product of this transformation is a successful company with competent work force. However, organizational transformation should not stop with the end of the project duration. During the benefit realizations stage of the lifecycle, emphasis should be continued on the need to encourage the workers and the community to adapt to the new ways of working and get the most from the system change.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Book Analysis
David Mametââ¬â¢s Bambi vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose, and Practice of the Movie Business is one of the latest books written by David Mamet. The book is about the sharp views that Mamet makes about the movie business and the inner doings of Hollywood. On 30th November 1947 Lenore June gave birth to a boy in Chicago who was named David Alan Mamet. Mametââ¬â¢s mother Lenore June was a teacher and his father Bernard Morris who was an attorney. (Film Makers, Pp 1)Mamet is an American movie director, writer, novelist, dramatist, and a screenwriter.He is famous for his works which are well-known among people for their clever, short, and at times offensive dialogue and his mysterious styled phrasing sense. (Film Makers, Pp 1) Mamet has received a number of award nominations like he got nominated for Tony Award for Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) and Speed-the-Plow (1988). He was acknowledged with Oscar suggestion for Wag the Dog (1997) and The Verdict (1982) as a playwright. (Film M akers, Pp 1)Some of his recent books include The Old Religion written in1997, it is a novel about the execution of Leo Frank; Five Cities of Refuge: Weekly Reflections on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy written in 2004, an explanation of the Torah, The Wicked Son written in 2006, contains a deep study of the Jewish self-hatred and anti-Semitism; and Bambi vs. Godzilla, a book having sour comments and is a collection of essays on the movie business. (Gabriel Steinfeld, Pp1) In this book Mamet gives us a revolutionary inside look at Hollywood from the point of view of a film-maker.The title brings together an impressive, arresting and a weird metaphor that is ââ¬Å"Bambi vs. Godzilla,â⬠which refers to an old underground small cartoon, with long and graceful subtitle which is expressed in more literary language that showed off his intelligence. The subtitle which is ââ¬Å"On the Nature, Purpose, and Practice of the Movie Businessâ⬠shows that this book is a collection of essays on different phases of film making which includes production, direction, behind-the-scene stories etc. The book consists of eight major sections and forty-odd short chapters.The eight major sections contains the titles such as ââ¬Å"The Screenplayâ⬠( this section provides the steps to effective skill writing), ââ¬Å"Techniqueâ⬠, ââ¬Å"Genreâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Some Principlesâ⬠are the sections that covers the areas of film criticism , ââ¬Å"The Good People of Hollywoodâ⬠(this section of the books covers dissimilar topics, that are mostly related to the power dynamics that take place behind the scenes of movies), ââ¬Å"The Repressive Mechanismâ⬠(this section is somewhat freely linked by the subject of power and the relation of art to it), ââ¬Å"Passing Judgmentâ⬠( this section covers the part of acting and criticism), ââ¬Å"Crimes and Misdemeanorsâ⬠(covers the portion of the cheats and the dishonesty that big na mes make in the Hollywood). (Gabriel Steinfeld, Pp1) He in details explains what happens at the studios, what happens during the shooting of a movie and various questions which arise in the mind of a common man.Mamet presents a clear-cut view of the deepest and the secret inner workings of the general movie industry and particularly concentrates on Hollywood in the book. Mamet provides entertaining, astonishing, and willingly gives the answers to questions about almost every portion of filmmaking, right from the concept to script and to the screen. (Gabriel Steinfeld, Pp1) Before Bambi vs. Godzilla Mamet wrote and directed a drama Spartan in 2004, which was very much mishandled by Warner Bros. they didnââ¬â¢t knew how to present this drama to audience so after a short period of time they dumped this drama. The way Spartan was handled and treated Mamet could be expected to reveal his anger and rage through this book he had for the studios and the film industry.Even though several of these pieces were written before the Spartan misfortune, Mamet showed his disapproval for the present structure and organization of conventional cinema and to show his disapproval he does not even waits for the main chapters to start he begins it from the introduction of the book. (Gabriel Steinfeld, Pp1) In the book Mamet covers a wide range of topics that range from ââ¬Å"How Scripts Got So Badâ⬠to the ââ¬Å"Manners in Hollywood. â⬠He takes us gradually through some of his personal favorite movie stunts and directorial tricks, and clearly in the film speaks aloud the fact that it is the craft and the crew that make great films not the actors and producers.He also tells the audience in the books that who are his preferred and much loved performers and what are his favorite films, according to him who he thinks is the most ideal actor that would bring elegance to the screen, and who he thinks should never have showed on screen. (Christopher Hirst, Pp1) Modern or Pos t-modern? Mamet was post-modern in his artistic perspective. He has used to portray art which is considered to be in disagreement to a number of features of modernization, or to have appeared or developed in its consequences. In common activities for instance inter-media, setting up art, theoretical art and multimedia, mainly connecting video are illustrated as postmodern.The qualities linked with the exploit of the expression postmodern in art incorporates bricolage, utilization of vocabulary significantly as the fundamental creative constituent, collage, generalization, misappropriation, representation of user or accepted civilization and presentation art. The book is written about the present situation of Hollywood. David Mamet speaks about the flaws of the film industry. His way of writing and his ideas clearly shows that he is a man of modern culture. He looks at the modern situation of the film industry and suggests ideas that could make drastic changes in the film industry of today and those would pertain in the future. The choice usually Mamet makes for his actors would be disapproved or ignored by the current film-makers but if they looked through Mametââ¬â¢s point of view Hollywood would very soon start to produce well-crafted and outstanding movies of its time.(Christopher Hirst, Pp1) References Christopher Hirst ,Paperbacks: Bambi Vs Godzilla, by David Mamet, (2008) Retrieved 01-02-2009, from http://www. independent. co. uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/paperbacks-bambi-vs-godzilla-by-david-mamet-864393. html Gabriel Steinfeld , Book reviews: Bambi vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose and Practice of the Movie Business, by David Mamet,(2009) Retrieved 01-02-2009, http://www. helium. com/items/536905-book-reviews-bambi-vs-godzilla-nature-purpose-practice-movie-business-david Film Makers, David Mamet. Media Pro Tech Inc. (2006). Retrieved from: http://www. filmmakers. com/artists/mamet/biography/index. htm
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