International Markets Essay Example for Free

International Markets EssayOnce SAB Miller has decided to cook itself in the global securities industry, it becomes necessary for the merchandising manager to study and analyze the various alternatives available to enter the internationalist markets and select the most suitable i. The selection of the introduction vogue is one of the most signifi preservet decisions.SAB Miller labours in the process of internationalization, as it involves commitment of resources with long-term monetary and structural implications. Mode of entry whitethorn be defined as an institutional mechanism by which a unwavering makes its products or services available to consumer in international markets. bag (1994) defines the market entry for international markets as a comprehensive plan which sets forth the objectives,goals,resources,and policies that guide a ac c in anyer-ups international fear business operations oer a future period long enough to achieve sustainable growth in world m arkets.FACTORS AFFECTING THE SELECTION OF ENTRY musical elbow roomEXTERNAL MODESMARKET SIZEMarket size is one of the key genes an international marketer has to develop to keep in mind when selecting an entry strategy.Countries with a self-aggrandising market size justify the modes of entry with investment,such as solely owned subsiaries or equity participation. MARKET GROWTHMost of the large,established markets,such US,Europe and Japan, necessitate untold or less reached a point of saturation for consumer goods such as carmobiles,consumer electronics. at that placefore,the growth of markets in these countries is showing a declining trend.For instance,the overall growth in most of the US and European market is about 7% while emerging markets like India and China is over 30% which indicates tremendous market potential in judgment of conviction to come. in that locationfore,from the perspective of long-term growth potential such as China,India,Thailand,In through with(p)sia et c.These markets ar similarly termed emerging markets. GOVERNMENT REGULATIONSThe selection of market entry modes to a colossal extent affected by the legislative framework of the overseas market,the governing body of most of the Gulf countries prevail made it mandatory for contrary firms to have local anesthetic partner.For instance,the UAE is a lucrative market for Indian firms but most firms operate there with a local partner.Trade barriers such as ecological regulations and local content requirements in addition affect the mode of entry.It has been a study reason forincr expertnessd foreign investment in Mexico,which is a part of the North Ameri faeces Free Agreement(NAFTA),in order to cater to the US market. LEVEL OF COMPETITIONPresence of competitors and their take aim of involvement in an overseas market is another crucial f subprogramor in deciding on an entry mode so as to effectively respond to competitive market speciality.This is one of the major reasons behind auto companies setting up their operations in India and other emerging markets so as to effectively respond to global competition. INTERNAL MODESCOMPANY OBJECTIVESCompanies operating in domestic markets with limited aspirations generally enter foreign markets as a result of a reactive approach to international trade oppurtunities.In such cases,companies invite unsoliated orders from acquaintances,firms and relatives ground abroad,and they attempt to fulfil these export orders.This casual approach to entering international markets by way of producing in the homemarket and exportation overseas translates into regular exporting if the firm has despotic experience in its exports operation. AVAILABILTY OF COMPANY RESOURCESVenturing into international markts needs substantial commitment of financial and human resources and therefore choice of an entry mode depends upon the financial strength of a firm.It may be observed that Indian firms with good financial strength have entered i nternational markets by way of tout ensemble owned subsidiaries or equity participation.LEVEL OF COMMITMENTIn view of the market potential,the willingness of the company to commit resources in a particular(prenominal) market withal determines the entry mode choice.Companies need to evaluate various investment alternatives in a particular market similarly depends upon the way the company is willing to get the picture and respond to competitive forces. INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCEA company well exposed to the dynamics of the international marketing environment would be at ease when make a decision regarding entering into international markets with a highly intensive mode of entry such as say venture and wholly owned subsidiaries. Below atomic number 18 antithetical modes of market entry and they includeEXPORTINGExporting is the simplest method of entering a foreign market.It is theprocess of send goods or services from untaught to other countries for use or sale there. By expor ting to a foreign country,a company is able to enter this country without actually establishing itself in the country.The company must simply manufacture products that can be shipped to the foreign country.Export activities may take several stresss,including in ask exporting,direct exporting,and intracorporate transfers. command exports mean the most basic mode of exporting, ceilingizing on economies of scale in turnout concentrated in the home country and affording better get a line over distribution. Direct export works the best if the volumes be small. Types of direct exporting arSales saluteatives that represent foreign suppliers/manufacturers in their local markets for an established commission on sales. Provide reinforcing stimulus services to a manufacturer regarding local advertising, local sales presentations, customs clearance formalities, legal requirements. Importing distributors purchase product in their own right and resell it in their local markets to whol esalers, retailers, or both.Indirect ExportingIndirect export is the process of exporting through domestically based export intermediaries. Indirect methods of exporting requires less marketing investment, but, as the exporter has no bid over its products in the foreign market, the company lose substantial control over the marketing process. Types or methods of validating exporting areFilling orders from domestic buyers who then export the product Seeking out domestic buyers who represent foreign guestsExporting through an Export Management Company (EMC)Exporting through an Export Trading Company (ETC)INTRACORPORATE TRANSFERSA third form of export activity is the intracorporate transfer,which has become more important as the sizes of MNCs have increased.An intracorporate transfer is the sale of goods by a firm in one country to an attached firm in another. LICENCINGLicense is a contract to identify what is being licensed trademarks, patents, designs, copyrights or software. Lice nsing allows rapidly entering into the chosen foreign market and reduces capital requirements to establish manufacturing facilities overseas. Your contract does not violation of the host countrys existing laws and regulations.a licensor in the home country makes limited rights or resources available to the licensee in the host country. The rights or resources may include patents, trademarks, managerial skills, technology, and others that can make it possible for the licensee to manufacture and sell in the host country a similar product to the one the licensor has already been producing and selling in the home country without requiring the licensor to open a new-made operation overseas.The licensor earnings usually take forms of one beat payments, proficient fees and royalty payments usually calculated as a percentage of sales. As in this mode of entry the transference of knowledge between the parental company and the licensee is strongly present, the decision of making an intern ational license agreement depend on the respect the host government show for intellectual property and on the ability of the licensor to choose the right partners and avoid them to compete in each other market. Licensing is a relatively flexible work agreement that can be customized to fit the needs and interests of both, licensor and licensee. FranchisingThe franchising system can be defined as A system in which semi-independent business owners (franchisees) pay fees and royalties to a parent company (franchiser) in return for the right to become identified with its trademark, to sell its products or services, and practically to use its business format and system. Compared to licensing, franchising agreements tends to be longer and the franchisor asideers a broader big money of rights and resources which usually includes equipment, managerial systems, operation manual, initial trainings, site approval and all the support necessary for the franchisee to run its business in the sa me way it is done by the franchisor. In addition to that, while a licensing agreement involves things such as intellectual property, trade secrets and others while in franchising it is limited to trademarks and operating know-how of the business. TYPES OF FRANCHISESThere are three available types of franchises.The first type is the dealership,a form commonly found in the automobile industry.Here,the manufacturers use franchises to distribute their product lines.These dealership act as the retail stores for the manufacturer.In most distance,they are required to meet quotas established by the manufacturers,but as is the case for any franchise,they benefit from advertising and management support gived by the franchisor.The most common type of franchise is the type that offers a prognosticate,image and method of doing business,such as McDonalds,KFC,Holiday Inn.There are umteen of these types of franchises,and their listings,with pertinent information can be found in various sources. A third type of franchise offers services.These include personnel agencies,income tax preparation companies and real estate agencies.These franchises have established bids and re vomitation and methods of doing business.In some distances,such as real estate,the franchisee has actually been operating a business and then applies to become a member of the franchise. take MANUFACTURINGContract manufacturing refers to a situation where a business will engage the services of an independent party to perform a specified duty for the business. In terms of manufacturing, contract manufacturing refers to a situation where a manufacturer will engage the services of an independent party to perform a specified job. There are various reasons for this type of engagement by manufacturers, all of which involve the maximization of profit. The process of contract manufacturing similarly has some negative considerations that include the stake of uncertainty and lack of control over the process. WHO LLY OWNED SUBSIDIRIESEntering a foreign market with a wholly owned subsidiary involves creating a local firm without the aid of a local partner. There are two ways of doing this. The first is through what is called greenfield development. This involves creating a new boldness in the foreign country from the ground up. The second method is what is referred to as brownfield development. This involves purchasing an existing company in a foreign country. Brownfield developments can be secure because they offer local expertise, but they can be difficult because there may be resistance from those in the companyto new ownership. JOINT judgeA market entry option which the exporter and a domestic company in the target country join together to form a new incorporated company. Both parties provide equity and resources to the JV and share in the management, profits and losses. The JV be limited to the life of a particular project. This option is popular in countries where there are restricti ons on foreign ownership, eg. China and Vietnam PIGGYBACKINGPiggyback marketing low cost market entry strategy in which two or more firms represent one anothers complementary (but non-competing) products in their respective market. Or, in other words, it is an arrangement, where two or more companies help each other to market their products, where the products have to be complementary and not competing against each other.LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETSNo direct foreign marketingA company in this stage does not actively cultivate customers outside national boundaries however this companys products may reach foreign markets. Sales may be made to trading companies as well as foreign customers who come directly to the firm. Or products may reach foreign markets via domestic wholesalers or distributors who sell abroad without explicit encouragement or even knowledge of the producer. As companies develop web sites on the internet, many receive orders from international Web surfers. Often an unsolicited order from a foreign is what piques the interest of a company to seek additional international sales. Infrequent Foreign marketingTemporary surpluses caused by variations in product levels or demand may result in infrequent marketing overseas. The surpluses are characterized by their temporary nature therefore sales to foreign markets are made as goods are available, with little or no intention of maintaining unremitting market representation. As domestic demand increases and absorbs surpluses, foreign sales activity is withdrawn. In this stage, little or no change is seen in company organization or product lines. However, few companies today fit thismodel because customers around the world increasingly seek long term commercial relationships. Further, evidence exists that financial returns from initial international expansions are limited. Regular Foreign marketingAt this level, the firm has permanent productive capacity devoted to the production of goods to be marketed in foreign markets. A firm may employ foreign or domestic overseas intermediaries or it may have its own sales force or sales subsidiaries in important markets. The primary focus of operations and production is to service domestic market needs. However, as overseas demand grows, production is allocated for foreign markets, and products may be adapted to meet the needs of individual foreign markets. Profit expectations from foreign markets move from being seen as a aid to regular domestic profits to a position in which the company becomes dependent on foreign sales and profits to meet its goals.International marketingInternational marketing is the export, franchising, vocalise venture or full direct entry of a marketing organization into another country. This can be achieved by exporting a companys product into another location, entry through a joint venture with another firm in the target country, or foreign direct investment into the target country. The devel opment of the marketing mix for that country is then required international marketing. It can be as straightforward as using existing marketing strategies, mix and tools for export on the one side, to a highly complex relationship strategy including localization, local product offerings, pricing, production and distribution with customized promotions, offers, website, social media and leadership. Internationalization and international marketing meets the needs of selected foreign countries where a companys value can be exported and there is inter-firm and firm learning, optimization and force in economies of scale and scope. The firm does not need to export or enter all world markets to be considered an international marketer. orbiculate MarketingGlobal marketing is a firms ability to market to almost all countries on the planet. With extensive reach, the need for a firms product or services isestablished. The global firm retains the capability, reach, knowledge, staff, skills, i nsights, and expertise to deliver value to customers worldwide. The firm understands the requirement to service customers locally with global standard solutions or products, and localizes that product as required to maintain an optimal balance of cost, efficiency, customization and localization in a control-customization continuum to best meet local, national and global requirements to position itself against or with competitors, partners, alliances, substitutes and defend against new global and local market entrants per country, region or city. The firm will price its products appropriately worldwide, nationally and locally, and promote, deliver access and information to its customers in the most cost-effective way. The firm also needs to understand, research, measure and develop loyalty for its brand and global brand equity (stay on brand) for the long term.b)OULINE ADVANTAGES AND DISAVANTAGES OF EACH STRATEGY.Advantages of direct exporting-Control over selection of foreign marke ts and choice of foreign representative companies. -Good information feedback from target market.-Better protection of trademarks, patents, goodwill, and other intangible property. Potentially greater sales than with indirect exporting.Disadvantages of direct exporting Higher start-up be and higher trys as opposed to indirect exporting Greater information requirements Longer time-to-market as opposed to indirect exporting.Advantages of the international franchising mode-Low political jeopardize-Low cost-Allows simultaneous expansion into different regions of the world -Well selected partners bring financial investment as well as managerial capabilities to the operation. Advantages of indirect exporting-Its an almost risk-free way to begin.-It demands minimal involvement in the export process.-It allows you to continue to concentrate on your domestic business.-Youhave limited financial obligation for product marketing problems theres always someone else to point the finger at -You learn as you go about international marketing.-Depending on the type of mediator with which you are dealing, you dont have to concern yourself with shipment and other logistics. Disadvantages of indirect exporting-Your profits are lower.-You lose control over your foreign sales.-You very rarely know who your customers are, and thus lose the opportunity to tailor your offerings to their evolving needs. -When you visit, you are a step removed from the actual transaction. You feel out of the loop. -The intermediary might also be offering products similar to yours, including directly competitive products, to the same customers instead of providing exclusive representation. -Your long-term outlook and goals for your export program can change rapidly, and if youve put your product in someone elses hands, its hard to redirect your efforts accordingly. Advantages of licensing-Obtain extra income for technical know-how and services-Reach new markets not accessible by export from exist ing facilities-Quickly elaborate without much risk and large capital investment-Pave the way for future investments in the market-Retain established markets closed by trade restrictions-Political risk is decrease as the licensee is usually 100% locally owned-Is highly attractive for companies that are new in international business. Disadvantages of licensing-Lower income than in other entry modes-Loss of control of the licensee manufacture and marketing operations and practices leading to loss of quality-Risk of having the trademark and reputation ruined by an incompetent partner-The foreign partner can also become a competitor by selling its production in places where the parental company is already in. -investment to attract prospects and support and manage franchisees. Advanatges of Frachising-Franchising provide knowledge of the local markets.A franchise provides franchisees with a certain level of independence where they can operate their business.A franchise provides an estab lished product or service which may already enjoy widespread brand-name recognition. This gives the franchisee the benefits of a pre-sold customer base which would ordinarily takes years to establish.A franchise increases your chances of business success because you are associating with proven products and methods.Franchises may offer consumers the attraction of a certain level of quality and consistency because it is mandated by the franchise agreement. Disadvantages of franchising-Franchisees may turn into future competitors.-Demand of franchisees may be scarce when starting to franchise a company, which can lead to making agreements with the wrong candidates -A wrong franchisee may ruin the companys name and reputation in the market -Dependence on franchisee.-Potential conflicts with franchisee.Advantages of Joint Venture-Accessing additional financial resources Asset sharing is one of the best advantages about joint venture. Since, you are able to use larger pecuniary resource to facilitate the production and operation of projects and products, you facilitate growth. In other words, you increase profit margin and increase your tax potential.-Sharing the economic risk with co-venturer It pays to have someone sharing the responsibility with you in case you end up in deep troubles. This is also true with joint venture. Since you are sharing assets, the risk of losing a great deal of money is divided to both parties.-Widening economic scope fast Building reputation is often difficult, not to mention time consuming and expansive. At a joint venture, you are able to widen your economic scope without spending too much money and waiting for a long time. Tapping newer methods, technology, and approach you do not have In order to grow and expand, you need resources in the forms of methods, technology, and approach. For that matter, it would help a lot if you will be able to partner with an entity that presently has the things you dont and the things you need. Joint venture opens up the venue for such need.-Building relationship with snappy contacts Aside from economic territory, another advantage of joint venture is the ability to give you business relationships with vital contacts. This is just like automatically be booster amplifiering your partners influential friend that can give you access to lots of things such as business opportunities and a pass to vital information.Disadvantages of Joint Venture-Shared profit Since you share assets, you also share the profit. The profit of both parties usually depends on the size of the share to the venture or may be defined on the agreement.-Diminished control over some important matters Operational control and decision making are sometimes compromised in joint ventures. Since there is an agreement that divides which one will take over a particular operation, the other may not be satisfied with how the things are worked out with another. This leads us to another disadvantage of a joint vent ure. -Undesired outcome of the quality of the product or project Since one party may not have control on the supervision of the production or the execution of one part of the system, this can happen. This often leads to disputes and lawsuits. To avoid this, both parties agree on specific details about the whole operation process.-Uncontrolled or unmonitored increase in the operating cost Again, defined control over the operation may lead to this disadvantage. It is important therefore to make sure that all things are clarified on the paper before singing in the joint venture agreement. Advantages of contract manufacturing-Low financial risks contract manufacturing allows companies to save costs by manufacturing a particular item at a cheaper rate than what it would cost them If they decided to undertake the manufacturing process themselves. it allows the company doing the outsourcing to shave some time off the whole process, giving them quicker returns and turnovers. Where a com pany is less effective than another in manufacturing an item, contract manufacturing will allow it to concentrate on that in which it is the most efficient. Disadvantages of contract manufacturing-Reduced learning potential-Potential public relations problems may need to monitor working conditions. -The company doing the outsourcing faces some degree of risk if it fails to do its research properly. This is because outsourcing the manufacturing to the wrong company could end up costing the company more, rather than less, if the outsourced company fails to deliver as expected. Advantages of wholly owned subsidiariesOn the positive side, a wholly-owned subsidiary that does its business in a location different from the parent companys is able to remain in its locale. With the business world spanning so many countries, this can serve as a great advantage in international situations. Name recognition is another positive reason for maintaining a wholly-owned subsidiary. If a particular bra nd name is well known and popular, the parent company has no reason to absorb the subsidiary entirely. Wholly-owned status allows the subsidiary to retain its name brand, thus avoiding hindering its sales. Diversity for the parent company is another perk created by maintaining a wholly-owned subsidiary. This status allows the parent company to branch out into different products and markets, building strength in diversification. Disadvantages of wholly owned subsidiariesa wholly-owned subsidiary are more business oriented. The holding company runs a definite risk in assuming control of another company while allowing its management to continue to operate independently of the parent companys. The level of investment and allocation of funds and resources required is also very high. A parent company must spend a great deal of time and money to smoothly comprise the new subsidiary.All of these factors require commitment and dedication on the part of the holding company and willingness to form that partnership on the part of the subsidiary. Advantages of piggybackingreduced financial costslimited riskquick, easy access to the market. Generally, the supported company can make fast profits on the new market. The SME can, thus save time (3-5 years), compared to the normal length of time necessary to establish itself reduced logistical and administrative operations benefit of the brand image that the supporting company brings to its products immediate availability of a sales force structure excellent market knowledge of the supporting company.Disadvantages of piggybackingweak motivation of large companies to become supporters difficulty in finding partners offering a compatible product and distribution network risk of market loss, which can be reduced due to the complementarity of the product, and commercial fulfil between the partners occasional difficult relations because of differences in size or culture risk of lack of mutual confidence and of lack of involve ment risk of conflict of interest (e.g. local agents could systematically put the interests of the supporting company before those of the supported company) occasional very rigid requirements and conditions of access to the commercial networks of large companies. These conditions can be qualitative (e.g. product quality) and quantitative (minimum level of annual turnover, high commissions, etc.).Macro Environmental Influences That Can Affect SAB MillersSABMillers origins date back to the rump of Castle Breweries in 1895 as to serve a growing market of miners and prospectors in and around Johannesburg, South Africa. Two years later, it became the first industrial company to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the year after (1898) it listed on the London Stock Exchange. From the early 1990s onwards, the company increasingly expanded internationally, making several acquisitions in both emerging and developed markets. In 1999, it formed a new UK-based holding company, SAB pl c, and moved its primary listing to London.In whitethorn 2002, SAB plc acquired Miller Brewing, forming SABMiller plc. It is very important that SAB Miller considers its environment before going into international the market. In fact, environmental analysis should be continuous and feed all aspects of their planning to go international The macro-environment refers to the major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organizations decision making, and affect its performance and strategies. These factors include the Political (and legal) forces, Economic forces, Socio heathenish forces, and technical forces. These are known as the PEST factors.PEST AnalysisPolitical Factors The political environment revolves around the current government in a particular country in which SAB Miller manufactures or trades, and also laws/legislation operate or within their home market as well as overseas. If their government is socialist then perhaps there is a policy to tax more and to inv est in the public sector. On the other hand if SAB Millers have a more conservative or Republican government then the free-market is left to take control, taxation is less and there is often a smaller public sector. The political arena has a huge influence upon the regulation of the business, and the spending power of consumers and other businesses. SAB Miller must consider issues like How persistent is the political environment in that country? Will government policy of that country influence laws that regulate or tax SAB Miller? What is the governments position on marketing ethics?What is the governments policy on the economy?Does the government have a view on culture and religion?Is the government involved in trading agreements such as EU, NAFTA, ASEAN, or others? Economic FactorsThe economic environment is a direct influence on all businesses. Obviously if you are study marketing there is a huge element of economics within the topic itself, and you should be no stranger to th e principles of economics. As we saw from our lesson on the marketing environment there is a macro environment, and internal environment and the microenvironment. More specifically youll be at looking elements such as where a business is in terms of the current business cycle, and whether or not they are trading in a recession. SAB Millers marketers need to consider the state of a trading economy in the short and long-terms. This is especially true when planning for international marketing. You need to look at 1. Interest rates.2. The level of inflation Employment level per capita.3. Long-term prospects for the economy Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, and so on. Sociocultural FactorsThe Sociocultural environment embodies everything which is social and cultural within a nation or society. There are plenty of examples of society and culture on the marketing teacher website, so we recommend that you go to our lesson store and look through some of the consumer behaviour pages. S ome notable examples would include the influence of learning, memory, emotion and perception, motivation, lifestyle and attitude and consumer culture.Have a look at the six vivacious generations in America, social environment and class, the impact of your birth order on how you behave as a consumer and take a look at the eight types of online shoppers. In a more general sense consider influences such as the increase in life expectation of Western consumers, and demographics which is the study of populations. The social and cultural influences on business vary from country to country. It is very important that such factors are considered. Factors include 1. What is the dominant religion?2. What are attitudes to foreign products and services?3. Does speech communication impact upon the diffusion of products onto markets?4. How much time do consumers have for leisure?5. What are the roles of men and women within society?6. How long are the population living? Are the older generations wealthy?7. Do the population have a strong/weak opinion on green issues? Technological FactorsTechnological factors are a multifaceted influencer. Lets just think about the sorts of technology that you come in touch with almost daily. Smart phones such as Android and iphone are now common all garden, and we are used to being able to access information and communication technology instantly no matter where we are. During studies or at work we have access to information on quick PCs and over the Internet, with faster broadband connections arriving in many parts of the world. Technology also surrounds business processes. As we saw from our lesson on the functions within an organisation all departments use information technology or technology in one form or another. Our manufacturing operations will use technology to produce goods and services.Our logistics and warehousing functions use forklifts and Lorries as well as order tracking technology and software. The customer service depa rtment will use communication technology to talk to customers but will also have access to internal systems, such as technology to simplify credit control and stock control for example. There are many, many more examples of technology. Technology is vital for competitive advantage, and is a major driver of globalization. Consider the following points 1. Does technology allow for products and services to be made more cheaply and to a better standard of quality? 2. Do the technologies offer consumers and businesses more innovative products and services such as Internet banking, new generation mobile telephones, etc? 3. How is distribution changed by new technologies e.g. books via the Internet, flight tickets, auctions, etc? 4. Does technology offer companies a new way to communicate with consumers e.g. banners, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), etc?

Developed countries Essay Example for Free

Developed countries EssayOne of their impositions is the much-touted phenomenon of globalization. This is literally being stuffed toss off the third world throat which is already over-choked with Western sleaze. Everybody knows that it is a Western ploy for self-promotion, barely the brazen attitude of the West to package it as an goop blessing for the teeming millions of the ontogenesis world is strange. There was a time when people disguised notwithstanding a blessing which in fact shoot no disguise they have at least some spot of decency in them. But now even a curse is being strutted as a virtue. But the facts call out different shots. The whole plan is a Western conspiracy against the developing world and might prove the move nail in its coffin. Jan Nederveen Pieterse (2004) is of the view that While global economic integration has grown over the past decades, global inequality has increased. In a piss rupture with the pattern over previous decades, global inequality has increased sharply since the 1980s. There is now little doubt that globalization of the world is inevitable.Because of the witching(prenominal) innovations set in by technology distances are dissolving like aspirin in a bowl of water, communication is becoming instant as the blink of human eye and decisions are being taken in split seconds across the globe. In general term, it is this shrinking of time and space that butt end be defined as globalization. Sooner or later, the globe must be a teeny-weeny easily accessible place. More suspect is the flush with which globalization is being bulldozed into the third world.It took the Europeans more than half a century to arrive at a reasonable consensus for creating a European Union and yet they allow only a handful of nations to join it. The economically stable European countries do not allow the cash-strapped countries to join them unless and until they upscale their maintenance standards. This fate is meant to ensure that when the barriers of immigration, trade, capital flow out and other stumbling blocks are lifted, there are no mass confusions which might threaten established society and living standards of the rich nations.If they are cautious about a essential area like Europe, how come they are not worried about what go away observe when barriers are dismantled between bizarre countries like Somalia and centers of serenity like Australia? The rich countries are not worried because their brand of globalization is a dystopia dissimilar the European Union. The only barriers they wish to snap through the World Trade Organization are those which have been raised by the third world for the modify of their industry and trade from the more advanced and developed countries.There is not even a small reference to the barriers erected by rich countries to pre-empt migration. On the impertinent stringent laws are being imposed to ensure that the cozy life style of their societies is not disrupted by immigr ants from the cash-clipped countries. The West is obviously very discriminating and its veneer of egalitarianism is only a smoke screen to hide its more sinister intentions. For example, it will never capitulate to the demolition of certain barriers, even though hell should bar the way.These are the barriers for the transfer of technology, easy access to capital, equal opportunity, partnerships and a host of other barriers whose retention gives the West an bank over the East. It is no denying the fact that globalization is very helpful for the developed countries. It will definitely reduced the status of poor countries to that of suppliers of raw materials while the developed countries will chuckle at them and will use this raw material to fill the stomachs of their always hungry industries..The capitalist free traders are now not in need to compete with the communists and so they have stopped showing a friendly face. Their greed knows no bounds. They looked for countries which ha d fought hard to gain independence close thing they want of them is to give up that precious independence, to do away with their borders, to allow the capitalists free access to do what they like to the economies of these poverty-stricken countries.This term is given up the name of free competition by the capitalists of the developed world. As they merge and acquire each other, they become monstrous giants against whom the small businesses in the poor and developing countries will not be able to compete. Now, what is the meaning of competition if you cannot win at all in the end? A few of these big giants will control the economy of the whole world. And it is a sad thing that they are not above cheating and corruption.

How Do You Begin To Count Your Blessings Religion Essay

How Do You Begin To Count Your Blessings Religion EssayWe embellish revere, many times covering it up, making it look similar something else, so that we dont encounter to deal with it head on. By giving it a different cover, we can pass over it much readily and non collide with how it is camouflaged. Fear retains a duskiness that we dont want to deal with, a place that we dont want to go, a dwelling that is undeniably un ottomanable. In the illumination we can give tongue to our truth, in the darkness we can hide not wanting to venture out.The light has all healing berths, solely why do we fear it so? Is it that we dont want to face ourselves, face our faults, and look ourselves in the eye? There is no issue in hiding fault, simply the issues lie in inauguration up and facing the truth. So, we may be afraid of the ensuing circumstances, the possibility of rejection of removal or being shunned by family, friends, and society in general. hardly what comes of that, new(pr enominal) than for us to slip back into the shadowy darkness. To suffer, to wallow in self pity, to yearn for a split life. Fear can grip us to the time period of unmove force, to the point of depression, to a feeling of cold and l unmatchableliness.We do not have to choose the route of others to be a part of the national alliance. We walk in shadows of other and that is ok as long as it is in the shadows of those who have gone before us and made an impact. But we do not rent to walk in the shadow of those who ar among us. We need to be strong, become front runners of an age of deliverance, an age that exit bind those of us who are of the light. The more light that is spread, the smaller the darkness becomes until it is over powered overtaken. Light heals, darkness deceives. We have the ability to move forward, united, unified in the same thought and power to heal, to create the universe for all mankind to live in, peacefully and without fear of penetration by the dark forces.O ur leadership will be from one of the light. But the masses will respond to a momentum created by the forces of light that will move us forward into a new millennium. We are the prospective of this earth, the keepers of the new way. We will be the teachers for those who do not believe, who have misgivings, who possess fear. Ones ability to turn around through the darkness, towards the light at the end of the tunnel, will encompass redemption in all of our souls. The masses will move forward, one by one, and then by groups until the flow will excel into a tortuous overthrow of the bitterness and evil of the existing mankind. We will manifest a lifetime of hope and inspiration, pushing back and pushing down, trampling on the darkness of possession, of grief, of solitude of depressiveness.We will embark on a journey to enlighten our souls, to truly understand what it is like to feel the power of be intimate and acceptance. For those who have neer felt this before, it will be all consuming, washing over you like a spiritual wind, caressing and subsiding your fears. Be willing to go to the levels it will take to bring forth and expedite this happening. Believe in the goal, believe in yourself. Believe in unity and perseverance. The sins will be washed bring in when faith is put into the light. Past transgressions will be forgiven , debts will be paid, understanding will flow inward and truth will be spoken. chouse will saturate the world, all will be as one and one will be all. There will no longer be an ongoing for we will live in the pre put up, in the presence of all that is sincere, all that is one, all that is beautiful in the light.Know that it may appear laborious at first, because you are unsure, because you are leery. Time and the past darkness have darkened your soul and your thoughts and beliefs. Change will not happen overnight, plainly salutary know that it will happen. Just be open to the possibility that life can and will be wonderful. We will remember our purpose, or intention and what we were set on this earth to achieve. The window will be opened and the brilliance will flow into our effects. We will see the new world as it should be, not as it is. Once we accept our journey and our purpose, we will move forward with remarkable speed to achieve our oneness with the light. We will defy all odds, all obstacles in our path to rise above and blend with those of the same passion.What we create now will be passed on to generations to come. Our children will see the changes and become a part of the new family. Our grandchildren will be born of the light and with these gifts already instilled within them. They will be the children of the new age. The earth will respond, growing and exploitation more jubilantly and not whiter away. It will balance itself out and dis occur the purging to cleanse itself. We may not understand initially, but our journey is provided beginning and it is going to be a wonderful journey. Keep an open mind and allow the new earths creation to seep into your awareness, becoming one with your soul.Go out into the world, into the jobs and the workplace into schools, government and every path of life and harvest the good, the tranquility and peacefulness that we know is ours for the taking. Vanquish the hostility, the inadequacies, the turmoil and look beyond the engrained believes we have been taught to live by. Qualify each person we encounter to be one of the light by your attitude toward them. Smile, share, bless, bow out the hate, and rejoice in the light, which you are. Begin with yourself and remove the old self and replace it with the new improved you. When the stresses of the day begin to weight upon your body, inhale deeply and breathe in the light, the quiet, and the calm and become centered. fling the stress, the negative thoughts, the irrational behaviors, those things that you cannot control.Send love and blessings to those who are the creators of your stress . Look around your surrounds and wish away any negative distractions or events that are occurring. Replace them with good thoughts and feelings of compassion and love. Dispel the resentments and quick response to point out the negativism. Quiet the multitudes by simply sharing the love and the happy thoughts. Believe and know that you are capable of making change happen by your own individual actions and through the words that you speak. Others will become aware and inspired by what they see and hear. This will not happened overnight but through a passage of time and endurance and faith. Like a chain reaction, it will move forward, spiraling outward through each and every person you encounter. Plant the seed of inspiration with everyone you encounter. Show by example. Look within first, the rest will come.The ability to move forward depends on the individuals intent, what they are willing to put forth, what they will do to guarantee their individual benefit from it all. Trust is h ighly essential to pull ahead this well being and expansion. Reality in each individuals mind transcends all the fear that is stored there. Reality is what ones perception is of the world that we have grown prone to, not what is real in a spiritual sense. Adaptation is required to transcend the injustices imposed upon us from youth. Our reality is what we have grown accustomed to, what was beat into our minds and bodies end-to-end a lifetime, regardless of how short or long that life span is. We forgot who we were from the onset, who we were meant to be, who we were sent to be, and what our bursting charge was and is. Our reality shields us from the darkness that we perceive to be there, but does not really exist. We need to quantify and qualify all our beliefs, right or wrong, to equate to one of the light, one of the authoritative being, one of the true self. business relationship has taught us to be deceptive, to lie, and to cheat in order to get what we need. The reality i s truth, seeking the answers that we know are out there, that will make us better individuals, true to ourselves, more than we have ever been. Perception is everything.. What we perceive is hidden in the darkness can hardly come to light with the reality of accomplishment about the light and its meanings. The hidden secrets of the darkness only shields us from the truth of our own selves, of our own victimization of others, what is hidden, what is intrusive, what is not self supporting. Our goal is to reach into the darkness, sweetener forth the light that is hidden within, bring it to the surface and ignite it into the reality of truth and awareness.Being one with yourself and others is imperative to truth and reality. Awkward as it may seem, the shift will occur, the light will shine through, the reason and reality will surface, broadening into the daylight and sunlight, advancing forward in retribution of the ills of the past. We cannot continue to be evasive, hindering our pr ogress, We cannot continue to breath stagnant air, living in the cesspool of a stagnant, non progressive lifestyle that we have all grown accustomed to over time. Reality is light, reality is freedom, and reality is the source of true spiritualism within the hearts of all.We cannot continue to be abolished and reprimanded for our faith and beliefs in the one true source. Indignation and self righteousness holds no place in the one who carries the spiritual light from within We atone for our sins as we grow spiritually and with love. The comprehend presence of God, our light source, our divination, whatever classification we give it, it is the soul of our existence. Matthew once said, it is I who has seen the light, it is I who have sinned and regressed. I come now with full heart and atonement to register my sins and my wrongdoing ,to face a new light, a new chapter in my book of transgressions. What we may believe and perceive as darkness, holds the light from shining through. We must(prenominal) breaks the shackles that hold us close the darkness and not freeing us or allowing us to break into the light of salvation. Forward we must go moving steadfast into a place of redemption.. Forward we must move into a place of no resentment, of no remorse, moving forward with love and light. Our blessings come from those who go through us from afar and within our guides or angels or believe that there is a better and more prosperous life hold for us after we complete our journey on this earth. We consider moving forward and through each chapter of our progression as our time hear on this earth, this planet, this movement in our time span of evolvement. Christ is our savior we are thought to believe and honor. He came by example to show and lead the way. niggle sees and guides us through our times of treachery and tribulation, keeping our reality in check, causing us not to waiver in our times of questioning and despair. Matthew is my guide and shows me the true m eaning of my existence. Be aware of the surroundings you live in, eliminate that which does not serve you anymore, physically, mentally and emotionally. Carry forth the blessings that have been bestowed upon you and ease outward and give from within. See the source of the light as it really is, what its stands for, what it means and brings to your life. Be real, be yourself, do not allow others to stain of mar what your mission and goals is in this life. Seek answers from within. Go to source of the matter he heart of things. Understanding will come with time, healing will come with the passage and removal of that which no longer works for your own good. Break free, break free from the limiting thoughts and negative cycle that you have been caught up on. Move forward, knowingly and hesitantly, but confidently for God and the source of all that is will be with you, leading the way, holding your hand and guiding you each step of the way. Do not fear that you will falter, for all of us are here to catch you if you strip and fall. Take us by the hand, walk with us, share with us, love with us. The darkness is but a house of fears holding us back, making us question of purpose and our existence. We are our own reality, the reality that we make for our life. The darkness is only necessary to the extent that it is a comfort zone, a place to be peaceful and restful. There is no fear in the darkness, only ones that we put there. There is comfort in the darkness only as you allow the light to penetrate add remove the insecurities that are stored there. Be fully aware that no one of the light can ever be harmful or prove malicious to you. The light is all good,, all sacred and all loving. The darkness should only be a period of restfulness where we can close our eyes and remove the stresses of the day and allow our insecurities and fears to diminish in to melt away to dissolve. Fear not for God is within the darkness, protecting you and keeping you safe.

A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller | Analysis

A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller AnalysisA View from the Bridge is a get together set in Brooklyn in the 1950s and was written by Arthur Miller. He wrote this adopt based on different aspects in his disembodied spirit as he lived in Brooklyn as a child and worked in the Brooklyn shipyards standardised Eddie and befri break offed the Italians he worked with. Miller heard a myth of some men coming over to work illegally and being betrayed which inspired him to write A View from a Bridge. It was originally a one act play, but he changed it into a two-act play later(prenominal) on. The play includes ideas from Greek tragedies, which is where the grammatical case of Eddie links into. Alfieri, another main character acts as a Greek chorus, a vital role in a Greek tragedy and he watches the action, comments on it and talks to the auditory modality directly, like a narrator. We see him in many different roles without the play and for each one role adding to the dramatic t int of the play.The first role Alfieri takes on is as a narrator, which is at the start of the play. You wouldnt have known it, but something am exploitation has honest march oned. You see how uneasily they nod to me? Alfieri uses the word you to include the reference and to make them feel involved. Also, as the narrator he highlights the importance of certain guessings and actions, as after the scene when Marco and Rodolpho arrive, Alfieri starts to talk again saying Eddie Carbone had never expected to have a destiny implying that because Beatrices cousins have come to stay, something leave alone change. Alfieri also mentions that we settle for one- half and uses repetition as in the first speech and the very last speech after Eddie has died he says that it is better to settle for half, it must be. By use the word we Alfieri is again involving the auditory modality and making them think that they should settle for half as well as Eddie, and is in that locationfore offering moral guidance to the audience. moreover by saying it must be better to settle for half, and using an imperative, Alfieri is trying to convince the audience and even himself that appreciating what youve got must be better than anxious(p) like Eddie did. When Alfieri is narrating the play, Arthur Miller uses dramatic devices for example using stage lights to focus on Alfieri, so the audience know what he is saying is very important.The statute title of the play A View from a Bridge has many different meanings, as it could be seen as Alfieris view from the bridge, as he is the one narrating the events and sexual congress his view on the events that unfold. Furthermore the title is literally the play, which is set in Brooklyn Bridge and is most the community around the area and the actions that happen which Alfieri tells as a narrator. Also the bridge could be a metaphor for the differences between Alfieris view on justice and Eddies differing opinions and can also incorporate Alfi eris view that we should settle for half as to do this you may need to compromise and meet in the middle, like the middle of the bridge. Another interpretation on the title is that the bridge is like a bridge between Eddies community in Brooklyn and Marco and Rodolphos community in Italy and they both have to understand each others way of life by using this bridge to help them.Another role Alfieri takes on is a character in the play as a lawyer. He gives Eddie advice on how to deal with Rodolpho and Catherine permit her go. Thats my advice. You did your job, now its her life wish her luck and let her go. The audience trust Alfieri, because of his character as a lawyer as more often wherefore not they are seen to be trustworthy and reliable. As well as advising Eddie, he also warns him when he feels Eddie is going too far. Because of Alfieris narration running through the play, the audience can see that there is a theme of law and justice running through the play. He explains these themes by giving more randomness about the different communities telling the audience that the law has not been a friendly idea since the Greeks were beaten, implying that the Americans of Red Hook do not really moot in the law. Alfieri attempts to explain the law to Eddie and Marco, telling them that the law is nature. The law is only a word for what has a right to happen. So when Eddie chooses to find justice by his own means, Alfieri feels that he cannot get involved and he cant do anything to stop Eddie.In the first scene when Alfieri meets with Eddie as a lawyer he describes Eddies eyes like tunnels. This simile gives the impression of a dark journey ahead of Eddie and gives the audience an image that Eddie cannot escape his fate that has been predicted by Alfieri as the audience already know its going to happen. It could also suggest that Eddie was thinking deeply or that he had many dark feelings rushing around his head. In this scene Alfieri is powerless to prevent what i s going to happen and this creates tenseness and suspense because the audience want to know what is going to happen next. I could see every tonus coming, step after step. Alfieri also acts as a warning sign, by preparing the audience for events that are about to happen. You wont have a friend in the world, Eddie By using the language you wont Alfieri is warning Eddie that something is in spades going to happen and that he should be careful. As the weeks passed, there was a future there was a trouble that would not go away. By using repetition, Alfieri is emphasizing the point that something is going to happen and is making the audience think through what will happen and why and therefore keeps them hooked. Arthur Miller uses dramatic irony as the audience and Alfieri know something is going to happen, however the characters in the play are preoccupied to this. Alfieri informs the audience that his customers are prepared to settle for half, however in the final paragraph he tells the audience that something else is going to happen by using the phrase and yet. Alfieri uses the commendation bloody course to paint an image in the audiences head of blood and violence and the images that are left in the audiences mind leaves them curious about the rest of the play which creates dramatic tension. It also shows Alfieris importance in the rest of the play, as it shows he is predicting the play and Eddies fate. In the last sentence of Alfieris first speech, he links to his past saying every few years there is still a case to tell the audience that this story will definitely be tragic. He then introduces Eddie This ones name was Eddie Carbone, and the fact that Alfieri immediately mentions Eddie after talking about that culture of Red Hook and also speaks about him in the past tense shows that his fate has already come to an end and gives another indication that Eddie will die at the end of the play so the audience are left wondering not what will happen to him but how it will happen. The way in which this quote is presented shows that Eddie is one of many of Alfieris clients whose tragic story is like many others in Italy that die of unfair causes.The setting of Red Hook is a poor community and Alfieri creates the atmosphere of Red Hooks by describing it as the slum that faces the bay seaward side of Brooklyn Bridge. There is a lot of cultural context linked into the story as Alfieri comes from the same Italian background as Eddie therefore he understands both American and Italian lifestyles and he helps the audience to understand the 1950s Brooklyn society in which the characters live. Alfieri also explains how the thick and the poor are divided in their community by their jobs and states that Eddie has a hard job as a longshoreman working on the docks.I often think that behind that suspicious little nod of theirs lie three thousand years of distrust. This is a quote that Alfieri says at the beginning of the play which gives the audience an insight into what Red Hook is like and suggests that there is a lot of dishonesty in the area. He mentions the characters Al Capone and Frankie Yale who were former Italians that had a account statement of crime and violence, In those days, Al Capone the greatest Carthaginian of all was learning his trade on these pavements, and Frankie Yale himself was cut precisely in half by a machine gun, he uses this quote to emphasise the case that he is about to handle which shows that it will be of violent nature and he also uses this quote to show that the play will end tragically.The audience sees Alfieri as a character in the play when Eddie goes to see him for advice. However Alfieri feels that he cannot help Eddie as he knows about the disaster that is going to happen at the end of the play so he feels powerless over Eddie as his friend and his lawyer and cannot prevent the decisions Eddie is choosing to make. Another role Alfieri takes on which is a very important part in the play is as a moral commentator. Alfieri gives his own views and opinions on the characters and their actions and this guides the audience rather than allowing them to make their own minds up. The audience has the same opinion of the narrator because Alfieri talks directly to them affecting their view on the situation and characters and they deliberate everything he says. Alfieri comments on Eddies moral character saying he was as good a man as he had to be in life that was hard and even, and he explains that Eddie is neither entirely good nor entirely bad. Alfieri only guides the audience influencing their opinion, but sometimes gives two differing opinions on Eddie allowing the audience to make up their own minds.In the play there are only two acts, which is unusual for a play however there is many different things that happen in these two acts. As an audience we see that Alfieri is very important to the structure of A View From A Bridge as he is the character that opens the play and end s the play with his two dramatic speeches therefore adding to Alfieris dramatic impact to the play.Finally Alfieri acts as the Greek chorus in the play, explaining the events on stage to the audience without actually participating in them. He has to know a lot about each of the main characters and actions to be an effective chorus however he communicates with the audience more thoroughly than with the characters, to inform them of the actions and thoughts of the characters. The idea of the narrator was developed in the Greek tragedies of the 5th century called the chorus who commented on the actions of characters in the play which is like Alfieri. A Greek Tragedy was originally a play that consisted of tragic events with a main character (like Eddie) whos fate would soon come to an end and usually die at the end. A View from a Bridge uses the conventions of a Greek Tragedy, as Arthur Miller used a final culminate in the play where Eddie Carbone (one of the main characters) tragical ly dies, which suggests his play is based on a traditional Greek tragedy.In conclusion Alfieri helps contribute to the dramatic impact of the play in many different ways, because of his different roles but also because as an audience we know that what is going to happen as Alfieri predicted the events to come which adds tension and suspense. Throughout the play Alfieri keeps emphasizing that we should settle for half, which shows that Arthur Millar was trying to give a moral message to the audience and also society saying that they should settle for half, and constantly bring justice to the world as otherwise we might end up with Eddies fate.Bibliographywww.bbcbitesize.co.ukwww.sparknotes.co.uk

American Express Quality Management Marketing Essay

American indicate Quality Management Marketing EssayProblem Statement- American Express using Quality Management to Excel in a Highly-Competitive Niche Market. Business Executive Exclusive Perks Card from U.S. Express (The BEEP Card) Do we launch with current aims of Business commitment in the field?Organizational Background American Express is a diversified international financal work association that was founded just prior to the American Civil War. It is best known for its worry line of charge cards, travelers checks, and in fact, holds about 25 percent of the total credit rating card transactions in United States, largely because of its perks and programs focusing on American handicraft (Chenault, 2009). American Express does non re all(prenominal)y sell anything tangible. Yes, they pee some merchandise, but their patriarchal focus for the consumer is to get as many American Express cards into the hands of qualified customers as possible. M whizzy is generated do ne the fees charged to retailers and credit card clearing houses. But, American Express is essentially branded as a service-oriented business topnotch service that customers receive in their interaction with all U.S. Express staff (Bihlmier, 2002).One of the reasons American Express has been so successful to date, despite the ups and downs of the economy, is its focus on customer experience and brand that experience into something that feels tangible, level(p) though it is not tangible. They countenance done this through enhancement of the customer experience from initial contact through final payment, tagging celebrities for endorsements, and stigmatisation the experience (McCarthy, 2005 Davis, 2010 americanexpress.com).Thus, for many businessmen, American Express is more of an experience they can call the keep telephoner 24/7, 365 days per year in an emergency, have money delivered or charges authorized by phone they can received discounts on hotels, car rentals, meals, an d neverthe little special events. Being an American Express member has its perks. And, with the naked as a jaybird BEEP card, specifically designed for that upper echelon of corporate executive, the experience offered forget be even more customized and special.Literature Review Even with billions in global assets, however, American Expresss business pretending is tied to the economic pulse of the business world. As one of the top rated charge cards for business and corporate use, the financial crises of the last few years has negatively impacted the company, and in November 2008, American Express won Federal Reserve System approval to covert its subprogram to a bank holding company, which make it eligible for government subsidies under the Troubled Assets Relief Program, which, at that time consisted of over $127 billion (Lanman, 2008). This troubling class was serious enough for the Fed to waive its typical 30-day waiting period, and was the will in credit-card holders fai lure to repay loans at almost twice the rate of 2007. Indeed, one of the major strategic weaknesses of American Express is its tie to the economic health of the global financial markets American Express following the trends by posting some(prenominal) quarter profit declines even with some segments showing upturns. Given the continued volatility in the financial markets, we want to be best positioned to take gain of the various programs the federal government has introduced. We will also continue to build a larger deposit base to broaden our funding sources (CEO Kenneth Chenault, Ibid).American Express is a large enough company, with core values in banking, financial services, travel, and corporate/personal credit and charge cards. They have a Strategic Planning congregation that operates consulting services to management of all its business units, and also services as a conduit for executive level recruiting. (American Express Strategic Planning Group).The business mould for A merican Express consists of several major sections, (See Figure 1) with the top grossing centers 1) Discount Revenue from card transactions (53%) 2) Interest from card member lending services (revolving charge cards) (13%) 3) Fees from cards, travel, and other holding feeds (23% combined) (American Express Summary, WikiInvest).American Express acknowledged that 2008 was a tough year and that they are tied very closely with the consumption patterns of businesses and executive cardholders in particular, the dismal performance of twain the 2007 and 2008 Holiday seasons in luxury goods. Additionally, the impact of the ENRON, Arthur Anderson, and even Automobile Industry issues may twinge surplus oversight and regulation upon American Expresss financial services division. Tactically, the company has instituted several short- and mid-range solutions to improve its financial volatility 1) Adjust models in lending to reduce high-risk, grave certain accounts, reduce lines of credit, a nd limit rising cardmembers 2) Manage risk to improve profits 3) Enhancing services for businesses and cardmembers experiencing difficulty in order to prevent defaults (2008 Annual Report, p. 5).Strategically, the company has decided on the actions ofReengineering Control of costs, cut back spending in all area of the business increase efficiency and reduce or detach activities that were not supporting the companys highest priorities, including the elimination of 10% of the global workforce (7,000 jobs). Benefits of $1.8 billion are expected as a result of this reengineering.Partnerships Forging new Co-Branded partnerships in key fruit international markets, primarily in the Far East and Australia. Signing 13 new partnerships and launching 130 new products with banks that issue American Express-branded cards globally.Servicing Improving servicing aspect and offering more opportunities than competitive products this resulted in earning the J.D. Power and Associates Customer S atisfaction Award.Business partnerships Even in a down economy, partnerships with businesses will continue to patron American Express grow its revenue partnering in the B2B aspect will improve the ready income, while inveterate to provide greater incentives for additional partnerships. (Ibid, p. 8).American Express has been through recessionary times before, and has emerged even stronger utilizing its core values and strategies.Marketing And Advertising On of the key factors in the improvement of American Express in the market is the continual thrust of its brand. American Express has taken branding to a new level one who has moved from the outmoded mold of 1960s marketing, humorously described in the III Series MADMEN,1to a more centered approach that makes every employee, essentially, a brand manager American Express. American Express does not actually sell anything tangible. Yes, they have some American Express merchandise, but their primary focus for the consumer is to get as many American Express cards into the hands of qualified customers as possible. Money is generated through the fees charged to retailers and credit card clearing houses. But, American Express is essentially branded as a service-oriented business top notch service that customers receive in their interaction with all American Express staff (American Express Joe Bihlmier interview, 2002). American Express has done this with a few simple, yet very powerful, changes to its business paradigmCustomer tinge Every step of the American Express experience has been refined to be different and competitive from all other credit and charge card companies. Employees are highly trained, speak English in a professional manner, and instead than take the offensive on certain situations, begin the discussion with the customer as the 1 priority.Accuracy of Statement American Express statements are double and triple checked for accuracy, with an ease of back up data available at a moments notice. Since American Express realizes that most use is for business, they have organized their statement into categories that make it easier for the employee to report.Business Cards American Express wants large businesses, and has made it easier for company employees to receive cards and generate only their receipts back to the company. American Express will customize reports, by employee and category, for larger companies accounting management, and for some, even deliver it electronically based on their individual needs.Ease of Dis ranking a Charge Again, American Express assumes the client is right, and with a simple phone call, will act as an advocate for any unauthorized charges (AmericanExpress.com).Utilizing celebrities as role models Instead of having a celebrity simply pitch a product, American Express has taken twain different views of improving its brand using celebrities. The celebrities actually USE the product, their names are printed on the card, and not only are they shown in their particular field of expertise (e.g. Tiger Woods, Robert DiNero, etc.), but the company has ads that play off popular archetypes (e.g. the movie CaddyShack, etc.) (McCarthy, 2005).Differential Branding Now, not only does American Express offer the Gold and Green cards, but a blue and red card, with different cards supporting credit customers (as opposed to charge customers), and the ware RED, which supports the fight against Aids, and other environmental causes. For example, one AmEx commercial shows a sexy model near a traditional Masai warrior the model holds the RED card and says, It doesnt make you feel so guilty about spending your money (American Express, 2007).Thus, for many businessmen, American Express is more of an experience they can call the company 24/7, 365 days per year in an emergency, have funds delivered or charges authorized by phone they can receive discounts on hotels, car rentals, meals, and even special events. Being an American Express member , has its perks (See Appendix A Examples of American Express Branding). American Express seems to excel at creating the strategy from the outside in, rather than the typical product management idea of inside out this strategy has shown an increase in brand recognition, whether or not those consumers utilize the product at present. Thus, that recognition, as the population ages and is able to afford participating in the American Express experience is more of a marketing investment strategy, long-term, than it is a roll in the hay short-term blip (Atstiel, 2005).The Problem/Challenge The design and conformance quality are both strategic management issues that, for a company with a demographic like American Express, are vital for the success of their product. For a merchant, American Express is significantly more expensive than MasterCard or Visa, takes longer to be reimbursed, and has less flexibility in discount rates. Instead, it is the very design and conformance (value of the product and the degree to which product promises and specifications are realized) in the marketplace that makes it even worthwhile to merchants. In many cases, corporations use only American Express, and thus their employees are motivated to use that card, typically billed directly to the home office, without the same necessity for reimbursement and TE Expense Reporting. Because American Express already invested in atomic number 91 materials, already shipped those materials to its list of businesses who accept the card, the key clearly was not whether the marketing folks at American Express had done their job. They had but only partially for all the collateral in the world is for naught if it is not posted, thrown away, or put into storage. That being said, the metrics of sixsome Sigma, and the defined error acceptance helped American Express hone in on the root of the problem regarding POP and the interrogation behind it, as well as a means to mitigate the situation. Simply pu t, the current look into was simply not working in scathe of identifying the issues surrounding use of the card in small businesses.Opportunities/Recommendations American Express hired a research marketer to call on businesses to uncover what POP materials were being used, why or why not, and how these materials could translate into an increase value kindred for the consumer and business. Unfortunately, the data uncovered by the research vendor was fraught with inaccuracies from abject call rates to a disconnect in research opportunities that, in fact, worked contrary to the needs of the company in providing a service to its business clients.American Express uncovered two primary causes for this disconnect by shadowing the vendor and putting principles of Six-Sigma into place to find a potential set of solutions. The two primary causes for the unacceptably high uncallable rate for American Express research were a disconnect between time of research and store hours and the abil ity of the research to identify individual businesses that were in compliance with American Express POP requirements. Both resulted in a loss of time and money, an unacceptable error rate, and right smart redundancy (returning to recheck). However, the research vendor was given the list by American Express. When the business signed up with American Express, they not only listed the type of business (e.g. retail, restaurant, etc.) but also their hours and days of operation. A simple Boolean search would have provided the research firm a sort of appropriate businesses and an adjustment of hours. Six Sigma already asks for statistical checks to be made when viewing data, had the methodology been in place within the marketing research area, the initial disconnect would not have occurred. It was not incumbent upon the vendor to know details about the client beforehand. Further, operating in a Six Sigma manner would have put a more robust vetting upon the research project prior to placin g it into the field. In addition, the research protocol should have been written so that the purpose of the visit was plain to the vendor analysis of POP. If the analysis was possible without actually visiting the business (e.g. viewing the POP on the door or register), redundancies would have been eliminated (Hayler and Nichols, 2007, 55-9).Still, Six Sigma is a tool, it is not an edict. Like many tools, it is dependent upon two things 1) How it is used, and 2) The quality of the data. Six-Sigma was originally designed for use by Motorola in the early 1980s. It was put in place in order to not only uncover, but to solve, certain manufacturing processes that were not working appropriately. It improved the company by defining a clearly focus on measurable issues that could be quantified and linked to profitability. It also increased an emphasis on managements commitment to utilizing the strategic forgening system to actually implement a cause-effect relationship within the manufact uring model. However, when all the bells and whistles come off, and all the statistical data and measurement are broken down, the model is really a quality improvement template. It is not designed for any subjectivity and often fails to take into account that margin of error is different on divergent products and services (e.g. a surgical dick or medical device should have a lower rate of error than a new hardback novel). Further, some of the standards are arbitrary and force management to plug in data (as in the American Express market research). That being said, it is both possible to overanalyze certain ineffectual data in other words, making certain Six Sigma data more important than it really is to ROI. However, it does effectively help management identify areas of needed improvement, of inefficiency, and of redundancy (Prasad, 2009, 32-40).Conclusions such market gurus as Warren Buffet continues to invest in American Express and believe that it is a solid company with a sol id business plan. American Express does have weaknesses, but because the do not offer tangible products, their success or failure in the marketplace is a result of their continual ability to get consumers and businesses to use their products. They have realised a global service sector, they have established an extremely strong brand, they have established recognition that is top within its industry, and almost top in the era of advertising the perception of the card remains positive but the company is confront with an uncertain few years while the economic downturn changes globally. Luckily, the company is well-positioned to handle the slowdown, stakeholders seem patient to allow the company to restructure and refocus, and the strategic plan remains solid (Hagstrom, 1997 Evans, 2005). ? Six Sigma is a tool, it is not an edict. Like many tools, it is dependent upon two things 1) How it is used, and 2) The quality of the data. Six-Sigma was originally designed for use by Motorola in the early 1980s. It was put in place in order to not only uncover, but to solve, certain manufacturing processes that were not working appropriately. It improved the company by defining a clearly focus on measurable issues that could be quantified and linked to profitability. It also increased an emphasis on managements commitment to utilizing the strategic preparation system to actually implement a cause-effect relationship within the manufacturing model.However, when all the bells and whistles come off, and all the statistical data and measurement are broken down, the model is really a quality improvement template. It is not designed for any subjectivity and often fails to take into account that margin of error is different on divergent products and services (e.g. a surgical instrument or medical device should have a lower rate of error than a new hardback novel). Further, some of the standards are arbitrary and force management to plug in data (as in the American Express market r esearch). That being said, it is both possible to overanalyze certain ineffectual data in other words, making certain Six Sigma data more important than it really is to ROI. However, it does effectively help management identify areas of needed improvement, of inefficiency, and of redundancy. In the case of American Express- the Six Sigma model did uncover redundancy and most certainly does point to the need to din and develop new market segments, thus answering the question of launching a new product piece into the marketplace.

Freud And The Unconscious Essay -- essays research papers

Freud was particularly interested in the psychoanalytic school of thought and the founder of psychoanalysis. He believed that our unconscious minds are responsible for some(prenominal) of our behaviors. According to Freud, he thought that there was a significant relationship between slips of the tongue and what we are actually thinking. Today these are called Freudian slips. in like manner he believed that we get information, like our fears and wishes, out by just merely saying what comes to mind. He was able to tell a covey about people, including their departed experiences, how they were feeling, and what they wished and feared, just by simply encouraging them to speak whatever came to mind. In sitting down and tape recording myself speaking about anything that came to mind, a lot of unconscious thoughts about myself were revealed. I noticed myself speaking of things that I normally wouldnt have. For instance, I spoke of God, death, and negative things about my friends. I also state a lot of stuff that really made no sense at all. An exact piece of what I recorded myself saying was, I get int care. Thats just the way I am. I dont give a shit. Its like I dont know. Die. Maybe God will. Yeah maybe. Ha. Butterflies. Stand on walls, do that dance. Yeah Buddys cool. Stop. No. Eva. Duh. Shes so fucking stupid. Ugh. Drink. Yeah right. Who cares? Its little.&...

Graduation Speech :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

What do you want to be when you grow up? The dreams of our youth often drive the challenges of today and the challenges of today often become the blueprints of our future.Most of my childhood dreams centered around sports and they have been a big part of my life. When Teresa Wilson brought fastpitch softball to the University of Washington, my friends and I were the first to sign up for her initial summer skills camp. We all stood together, down below on the Chiefs softball field, shyly giggling and acting crazy. Teresa Wilson introduced her first UW team players and instantly Jennifer Kline became my hero and to play intercollegiate fastpitch was cemented in my oculus as a dream. Kline worked with me as a catcher at the camp and she was so good, and so smart, and so patient, but most important she wasnt condescending or arrogant. She worked with me on blocking and framing and calling a gage, never making me feel stupid or clumsy. The dream to play college softball expanding to c oaching the game someday. I could really see how much a good coach or teacher could help a player or student.Sport teaches lessons that raft translate on a larger scale to life. As an athlete I have learned the importance of teamwork. Any team is only as strong as its least prep bed member. The very best player will never beat the best team. The concept of teamwork encourages members to give up the prosecution of individual glory for the success of the team. Individual statistics may bring personal pride but they rest in the shadow of the teams overall success.Sport nurtures our infixed love of competition. Athletes are encouraged to practice hard, prepare both physically and mentally for the contest challenge, and then perform at their highest level. Most amateur athletes are also taught to accept victory with a certain degree of modesty and humility and to acknowledge defeat with graciousness and the added incentive to mitigate future performances. This is a particularly impor tant life lesson to learn. Healthy and fair competition leads to better performances by all participants.Sport builds self esteem. The praise of coaches and the cheers of fans nurture feelings of self-worth and even criticism, when offered in a constructive way, can strengthen a players confidence in his own ability and his contributions to the team. Everyone enjoys hearing compliments but it is the criticisms that, when taken to heart, can improve the athlete and can bolster his self-esteem by supporting the belief that he brings value and effort to his sport.