Marketing Communications for Samsung Galaxy Tab Essay Example

Marketing Communications for Samsung Galaxy Tab Essay Marketing Communications for Samsung Galaxy Tab Name: Course: Institution: We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Communications for Samsung Galaxy Tab specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Communications for Samsung Galaxy Tab specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Communications for Samsung Galaxy Tab specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Tutor: Date: Marketing Communications for Samsung Galaxy Tab Step 5: Creating a Brand Identity Rational Branding Samsung Galaxy Tab can use several rational brand identities. It can use the Quality identity to influence the consumers based on its appearance, performance and results. The Galaxy Tab has some of the best features in terms of performance and results. It has improved on some of the weaknesses of the previous tablets from the same company, and from the competitors. The quality identity is specifically suited for the galaxy tab since it allows the marketers to convince the consumers to purchase the products based on what they can see. The galaxy tab as received many positive reviews on its performance. It has both cellular and wireless features. It has EDGE/GPRS, HSPA+ and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections (Pogue, 2010). It has both front and back cameras and full HD video playback. Many consumers are especially impressed with the speed at which the tablet performs and the clarity and ease of use of many of the features. Quality The galaxy tab can also use the feature identity. The tab has several applications and features which make it versatile to use. Consumers can use the tab for both business and entertainment functions. For instance, the high quality resolution and the wide screen on the tablet make it easy for consumers to watch movies. Users can also send and receive emails and make video calls. Although it has many applications, the features are made in such a way that the tablet is easy to use. The tab has been made using one of the latest technologies in the markets. It has a 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA processor, 1GB RAM and 16GB ROM, a ten-inch widescreen and a long lasting battery making it one of the most durable phones in the market. The RAM ensures that there is enough memory for users to multitask. Convenience Another brand identity that is especially suited for the galaxy tab is convenience identity. The tablet is widely available and easy to purchase. The tablet is available for sale through popular online stores such as Amazon. This means that consumers are not restricted by the location. They can buy products online and the stores can ship it to them. Moreover, consumers have the chance to learn about the product before purchase (Samsung, 2011). They can do this through the internet or in the retail shops. This enables consumers to know how the phone works and to clarify any issues they might have. Consumers can also return the tab incase of any malfunction. Outlet Marketers can take advantage of the outlet identity. The Samsung galaxy tabs are used by consumers from different target groups. This includes the teenagers and the youth, people in from the ages of 40 to mid 50s. Each of these target groups visit and shop in specific locations. The location and type of outlet matters a lot. The galaxy tabs are usually sold in all types of locations, but they are mostly targeted at the young people. The marketers can identify areas where there are low concentrations and where a specific market has largely been ignored. Samsung offers warranties on all its products. It offers one-year warranty for the Samsung tablets and one-year warranty for the batteries. It also offers ninety days warranty for the case and one-year warranty for other accessories included in the tablet. Samsung repairs the products that have been returned by the consumers. The process involves returning the product with the proof of purchase. The marketer can therefore, utilize the service and proof of claims identities. The marketer can take advantage of the noncommercial endorsements such as media editorials to market the galaxy tab. Some consumers have used the internet to note the positive effects of the galaxy tab, and this is beneficial since it acts as a form of advertising. Emotional Branding One of the advantages of the galaxy tabs is that it offers the marketer the chance to use both the emotional and rational branding. Although marketers can utilize different rational brand identities, they can also use emotional branding for the product. One of the common methods which marketers have found beneficial is associating a product with a public figure such as a celebrity. Many celebrities want to be associated with a high quality product that is in their class range. The Samsung galaxy tab ensures that it enhances a celebrity’s image by offering a stylish tablet that has a high performance and produces quality results (Willmont, 2010). With such qualities, it will not be hard to identify a celebrity who will be associated with the tablet. As is well noted, the football celebrity by the name Didier Drogba playing for the Chelsea Club has become ambassador of Samsung product which includes this Galaxy tab. Although this is a strong emotional branding strategy, other effects need to be put in place. The consumers need to know how this phone will affect their social life and personal life. The phone can be used to take a family through the various emotions they face in life even though they are apart. Through its wide screen, they can be able to talk to each other face to face rather than talking to each other verbally. Based on the twelve archetypal personalities, I think that the most appropriate emotional brand identity for the Samsung galaxy tab is the explorer. The explorer is not satisfied with the ordinary. Explorers seek ways of doing more as they strive for perfection. It is clear that the Samsung galaxy tab is on its way to perfection as it continues to look for the ideal. The Samsung galaxy tab has evolved to include different models based on size and continued perfection of features. The galaxy tab now includes different versions of the Samsung galaxy tab 7.0†, 8.9† and the latest version of 10.1†. Additionally, the phone industry is changing as need arises and so are the consumers changing with. Picking the explorer will be able to pave the way for any changes that need to be put in place. Samsung has different types of phones, and each of the phones has its unique quality. It is therefore significant that the Galaxy tab be branded in a way that brings out its unique effect to the rest of the world instead of conforming it to the other types. Step 6: Telling a Selling Story The release of the Samsung galaxy tab has been controversial in different parts of the world. The company has had to contend court cases with Apple, which is its most competitive rival, in order to release the galaxy tab (Samsung, 2011). This has affected the sale of the tablets in different parts of the world. The characters in the story are the Samsung galaxy tab, Apple, and the users. In order for marketing communications to improve, the galaxy tab has to overcome the different controversies it faces with Apple, so that users can enjoy the Samsung galaxy tab. The recent victory in an Australian court regarding the release and sale of the galaxy tab in the country was a significant boost to Samsung. Apple had sued Samsung for stealing some of its designs, and it described the similarities of some of the designs in the products. Apple has cited the fact that the tablets are similar in shape. Samsung has to overcome this conflict because it continues to incur more losses in terms of loss of sales and court cases. The potential users of the Samsung galaxy tabs have suffered because they cannot get the tablet. They are left out as others enjoy the benefits using the Samsung galaxy tabs. Some people wait to purchase the latest gadgets, but because of the ban of the tablet, they cannot do so. The conflict between the two companies has cost a lot to both companies. In order for the marketing communications to improve, the marketers have to identify ways of ensuring that the conflict is resolved. The company lost some customers as the cases were ongoing. Some of the cases have not been resolved, as Apple continues to press Samsung not to release the galaxy tabs on the market. Some of the customers opted to purchase the products that are available in the market. The company has embarked on a marketing campaign aimed at making the customers aware about its products. However, it has to put more effort so that customers can regain and retain their loyalty. It has to do this by showing the different features and software used in the tablets. Whereas the Apple’s iPad uses the IOS software, Samsung uses Android. The features are also different. The Samsung galaxy tab and the Apple iPad have different features such as size and weight of the tablets, different applications and accessories, and different storage memories. The marketing communicatio ns of the Samsung galaxy tab will improve when the marketers emphasize the different product features and specifications in the two tablets. Step 8: The IMC Campaign: Developing Short-term Sales Communications In order to improve the marketing communications for the Samsung galaxy tab, the marketers have to use different consumer promotions. The main goal is to ensure that marketing communication for the tablet improves. This means that the marketers have to use various ways to ensure that the consumers remember the product and the brand name for the company. Marketers can use specialties, coupons and price reduction to encourage consumers to buy the products (Egan, 2007). The three types of promotions will ensure that consumers try new products, buy more of the products and retain their loyalty. Specialties One of the ways through which it can do this is to use specialties. Consumers can receive specialties with every purchase of the tab. The specialties can be in the form of different accessories (Egan, 2007). Many users are concerned about the safety and the durability of their tablets. The consumers can receive a book cover case with every purchase of the tablet. The case protects the tablet from any damage and ensures that it lasts longer. The users will constantly be reminded of the product since the specialty received is tangible. This is one of the advantages of using a specialty as a promotion since the users will constantly remember the product. Additionally, the consumers may be given security offers for their phones. Samsung has technology that can be used to track the phone or even be used to prevent other people from using the phone in case of any loss or other unexpected happenings. Such a service may be offered for free for all those who purchase the Galaxy tab. The company may also offer free internet connection or other promotional activities such as winning a second phone that may be similar or different. Coupons Marketers can also use coupons as a way of promoting the tablet. Coupons usually encourage consumers to try a new brand (Egan, 2007). Marketers can offer consumers coupons in the way of price reductions. They can reduce the price of the tablet to be in level with, or below the price of similar products from rival brands. Since the tablet is already a high quality product, consumers will be encouraged to purchase the product instead of buying from another brand. The most appropriate types of coupons to use in this case are the instant redemption coupon, where the customers redeem the coupon when they are making the purchase, or the scanner-delivered coupon, where the customer receives the coupon as the cashier scans his items. Some of the advantages of using coupons is that it encourages customers to go place more orders and try new products in the same brand. This is especially useful in the case of the tablet, where customers do not go back often to buy the product. It can encourage consumers to try out the different models of the Samsung galaxy tab. Price Reductions/Price Cut-offs Another promotion that can be especially useful in this case is price reductions or price-offs. This applies to the selling channels and the end users. Although the cutting off prices questions the quality of the product, the prices should not be cut off too low. Lower prices attract majority well-earning customers as compared to the high prices that attract the minority wealthy customers. The company may sell to the distributors and wholesalers at reduced or discounted prices as they buy in bulk (Egan, 2007). Retailers can offer reduced prices of the products especially in the earlier versions or models of the Samsung galaxy tab. With the current economy, consumers prefer cheap prices to quality. When the cheap commodity is of quality, the consumers are attracted all the more. The price reductions will ensure faster sale of the specific goods. It will encourage customers who have never used the tablet to try the specific brand since it will be on offer at a lower price. Price reduct ions are not complicated, and they ensure that the products move quickly. Step 9: The IMC Campaign: Developing long-term Branding Communications Although the Samsung galaxy tab offers several advantages, it has entered a market that other such products have already penetrated. It therefore, requires aggressive and effective marketing campaign to ensure that it persuades more consumers to purchase its products, so that it can take a larger share of the market. The integrated marketing campaign will include advertising, using the internet and public relations. Advertising Advertising is one of the most effective marketing tools. Marketers can advertise the Samsung galaxy tabs in the television and the print media. Since the marketers are not interested in one group, they can choose different types of channels, newspapers and magazines (Willmont, 2010). They can use different news sites, channels and newspapers so that they can reach people in their forties and fifties who are interested in catching up with the latest news. They can use entertainment and sports magazine so that they can attract the younger generation. They can also use television channels that are exclusively dedicated to offering entertainment so that they can reach the younger generations. Including a wide range of channels, will ensure that more people know about the product. Know what is happening Retrieved from http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/samsung-galaxy-tab-review/ The marketers have to ensure that they display the wide range of features. They have to advertise and make the consumers aware of its stylish design. The marketers have to include the fact that the product is relatively easy to use and carry at any time and place. Advertising not only creates awareness about a specific product, but also ensures that a company builds on its brand. It makes the consumers want to buy more of the product. In its quest of including football celebrity Didier Drogba in the advertisement of Samsung products, the company can advertisement how one can replay all Drogba’s goals using the Galaxy Tab. This will not only attract the young people, but it will also attract people who are funs of Drogba and football in general. All these consumers are in the diverse age groups. Drogba’s goals. Retrieved from http://www.onsmartphone.com/download-drogba-107071-for-samsung-i8910-omnia-hd Public Relations The release of the Samsung galaxy tab was in most cases controversial, especially because of the legal issues with Apple. The legal issues ensured that Samsung lost many of its potential clients, and it is therefore necessary for the firm to look for ways through which they can repair the damage that was done. It is necessary for marketers to include public relations in their marketing campaign. Public relations ensure that there is goodwill between a firm and all the stakeholders involved. Public relations are aimed at various people such as stockholders, suppliers, employees, the government, consumers and labor groups among other activists. The consumers find public relations more credible since the company gets the chance to inform the public about its products (Egan, 2007). One of the most effective ways of ensuring that the product gets a good PR is through sponsorship. The marketers can choose to sponsor events such as sports and games. It can choose to sponsor different sporting events such as baseball and basketball. This will ensure that a wide variety of people of all ages and from various groups are made aware of the product. For starters, Samsung is the sponsor for the Chelsea Football Club. Although this is a significant positive step, the company needs to get more involved with other events that are of benefit to consumers. There are countries where Samsung targets on selling this phone and yet some consumers in these regions have trouble accessing clean water, good school structures, medical care and facilities just to mention but a few. While the company can choose to sponsor a football club in the developed countries, it can also pick on one or more of these basic necessities and facilitate their abundance. Such actions will have been of significance to both the developing and the developed countries. Direct Marketing In most cases, direct marketing is sometimes taken as a form of advertising. However, it carries its own effects as it is. Consumers like to be communicated as though they were extremely significant to the company and not just part of a large audience (Egan, 2007). This is how direct marketing is significance. It communicates directly to customers. The use of text mobile messages, promotional letters, fliers, emails, interactive consumer websites, amongst others, are ways of direct interacting with the consumers. This direct interaction can be accomplished through the collaboration of other communication companies such as mobile network service providers. They can be used to deliver direct text messages to the mobile users which will advertise the Galaxy Tab as it values the consumers themselves. Using search email engines such as Yahoo and Gmail can also come in handy in delivering personified messages to users. Hiring the people (they do not have to be employees of the company) to distribute fliers and collaborating with media stations in order to have promotional shows will of more effect to consumers as compared to having a larger bill-board with the Galaxy tab on it. Internet Communications Internet communication is exclusive on the internet use. Unlike the other forms of direct marketing, the consumers have to access the internet in order to be communicated to. This is through the use of emails, consumer websites, just to mention but a few. The pop-up advertisements on the websites and banners are all forms of advertising through the internet (Egan, 2007). This type of advertising is able to reach a wide range of consumers especially those in the developing countries or those who need to know more information concerning the Galaxy tab. It is also significance to note that most of the mobile phones have access to the internet via the different communication network companies. It is therefore easier to reach people who do not have a computer, but they have as simple as a mobile phone.

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Howard Schultz Chairman, President Chief executive officer VISION, OBJECTIVES AND MISSION Vision Statement: To establish Starbucks as most familiar and appreciated brand in the world and become a national business 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. The company also focuses its vision to employee satisfactions, so that the employees will be happy. Objectives of Starbucks: Is to grow by making employees feel valued Is to recognize that every dollar earned passes through employees hands The Six principles are: Respect and dignity Quality Diversity Profitability Satisfied customers Commitment Corporate Values and Business Principles: Building a Company with Soul Opposing Franchising because of Quality Control and Culture Only selling coffee beans without artificial flavors. Satisfy customers by all means. Employees contribution and involvement in making Starbucks a better company Corporate Social Responsibility: Establish the Starbucks Foundation in 1997 A major contributor of CARE, worldwide relief and development organization (Health, Education, and Humanitarian aid) Participate in local charitable projects. Provides financial support to community literacy organizations 2004 EnviroStars Recognized Leader Award for its community service and environmental activities Value Chain: Starbucks do not have a vertically integrated supply chain. It always works at increasing its relationship with its suppliers through the fair trade initiative Success Factors for Starbucks: Factors which helped Starbucks to gain success Starbucks were the first coffee makers in business Starbucks started their operation in the year 1987 under Howard Schultz Within the first five years they had 150 stores. First specialty coffee retailing chain in the market. First move advantage gave Starbucks a reason to establish a value proposition within customers and comes with a unique brand positioning. Profits were huge enough to allow them invest in their expansion plans. Market Research: Starbucks performed comprehensively study for expansion and enter into new markets. 1991 was the year in Starbucks moved to California resulted after a lot of market research. The reason why California people adapt quickly to changing lifestyle and that is the reason of choosing California. Employee Satisfaction Motivation: Starbucks played a major role in this aspect. Highly motivated and well trained staff resulted the high level of employee satisfaction. Starbucks offered health benefits to their employees for employees who worked more than twenty hours in a week. Starbucks Strategies (1983- 2008) Schultz restored the old and honest employees of Starbucks to give the best service to the customers. Dave Lawrence was hired as a executive vice presented and charged with leading operation, finance and human resources. In order to increase the market share, Starbucks has differentiated itself in providing a unique experience to its customers. 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Portland, oregon was the next market the company entered. Entered in L.A in late 1991. Opened 15 new stores in 1988, 20 in 1989, 30 in 1990, and 53 in 1992, producing a total of 161 stores in US. Also went for franchising concept to retrieve the cost for new store expansion. In order to make Starbucks a great place to work Schultz accepted to expand healthcare coverage to include part-time workers. To oversee the expansion process Starbucks created zone wise vice presidents to direct the development of each region and to implant the Starbucks culture in the newly opened stores. Starbucks had created a new subsidiary, Starbucks coffee international, to orchestrate overseas expansion and build the Starbucks brand name globally via license. To accommodate its strategy of rapid store expansion. In august 2002 Starbucks teamed up with T-mobile USA, the largest carrier-owned Wi-Fi services, to experiment with Providing internet access and enhanced digital entertainment to patrons at over 1200 Starbucks locations. Part 2 Starbucks Performance (Fiscal 2009 Annual Report) Stores Open : Store Sales Growth: (1) Store openings are reported net of closures. (2) Of the approximately 800 total US stores identified for closure, 566 stores and 205 stores were closed in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. (3) Starbucks restructured its Australia market by closing 61 stores in fiscal 2008. Of the approximately 100 International stores (incremental to the Australia closures in fiscal 2008) identified for closure, 41 stores were closed in various markets in fiscal 2009. Net Revenues: Operating Cash Flow Capital Expenditures: Company revenues decreased from fiscal 2008, primarily attributable to a 6% decline in comparable store sales, comprised of a 4% decline in transactions and a 2% decline in the average value per transaction. Foreign currency translation also contributed to the decline with the effects of a stronger US dollar relative to the British pound and Canadian dollar. The weakness in consolidated comparable store sales was driven by the US segment, with a comparable store sales decline of 6% for the year. The International segment experienced a 2% decline in comparable store sales. The Company derived 16% of total net revenues from channels outside the Company-operated retail stores, collectively known as specialty operations. The decrease in Foodservice and other revenue was primarily due to the softness in the hospitality industry. Schultzs Actions in 2008/2009 Retrained all the store employees They reduced operating costs by $600m per anum Simplified the product range They Closed 1,000 worst-performing stores Introduced Fairtrade coffee Started advertising Porters Five Forces Potential entry of Competitors (Low). Differentiation: Coffee industry companies tries to achieve differentiation in their service qualities through stores ambience, staff and complimentary products. Hence it becomes difficult for new players to imitate the existing business models. Potential development of substitute products (Low) Companies such as Pepsi and Coca Cola have been a threat to specialty coffee retailing from a substitute perspective. In the current situation this threat has been lowered considerably Bargaining power of suppliers (High) Trade Policy Farmers associations that practice the fair trade policy. In US this initiative is called the TransFair initiative. Users of these are certified coffee beans are regarded as more reputed by customers and hence most companies such as Starbucks are forced to buy from these farmers. This increases the bargaining power of suppliers. Differentiation Because of the taste differentiation companies need to procure an assortment of different varieties of coffee beans from different specialized farmers. This results the increase in the bargaining power of suppliers. Rivalry among competing firms (High) It faces tough competition from local baristas due to price factor. Starbucks is priced higher than these local players. Starbucks faces stiff competition from McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts and a number of players. Overall the industry is growing but at a slow rate and there are lot of players. Cost: In terms of switching cost, consumers do not pay a high amount when they needs to switch their preferences from Starbucks to other coffee shops. Starbucks have lost a number of its customers because of the high prices. Customers opine that they get the same coffee in other places at lower prices. Bargaining power of consumer (Moderate) Loyalty Programs: Repeated purchases from a single customer become guaranteed customers are bounded to the organization through Loyalty Cards Low Switching Cost It usually plays a negative factor to the companys growth by increasing the bargaining power of buyers. SWOT Analysis Strength: Starbucks has proven to give an outstanding performance in customer service and experience. It has its own unique playback songs system which can be used to listen to your choice. Starbucks have changed coffee to a recognized beverage. One of the major strategies of Starbucks is that it has never used expensive television advertising campaigns or brand ambassadors to advertise, instead it has relied more on its universally present cafes, word of mouth publicity and the ambience of its stores. It has maintained a high level of service through which it has achieved a consistent level of customer satisfaction. Weakness: Customers are never loyal to a single store and keep on changing their stores, because when ever Starbucks enters any international market it opens a large number of stores within close vicinity Sales of individual stores are never stable. Because of the recent recession, the levels of same store sales and margins have come down. The fourth quarter results have shown a loss of 70% in the companys net income and share prices have fallen by 33 cents. There has been a closure of 600 stores and lay off for 6700 stores. Opportunities: Along with coffee Starbucks has also branched out to produce DVDs, CDs, t-shirts and other proprietary food product offerings. The market for these products has grown considerably and gives a great opportunity to Starbucks for leveraging their brand. Starbucks should also look at exploring some of the emerging economies in South Eastern Asia such as India where the economy is stable. Threats: The economic recession is a threat for Starbucks since they had to close down a large number of stores leading to declining profits and large level of unemployment. McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts serve high quality green coffee also which is an impending factor on Starbucks growth. Starbucks is facing major challenges from competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts. Strategic Synopsis: Starbucks faces an extremely challenging fiscal 2009 due to the ongoing economic slowdown. It noted that its customers may have less money for discretionary spending as a result of job losses, foreclosures, and bankruptcies. Any resulting decreases in customer traffic or average value per transaction will negatively impact the companys financial performance as reduced revenues result in sales de-leveraging which creates downward pressure on margins. The company also said it expects negative comparable store sales for fiscal 2009 and that additional restructuring measures may be needed in the future if Starbucks is unable to improve its financial performance. PART: 3 Customer, Market, Market Segment: Customer Segment: Its is well known for its coffee as well as the relationships formed with its customers. This targets college students and business people in general, as well as individuals. Target Market Starbucks us always adult -focused and look forward to aim to connect with their customers, childrens and communities through different types of advertisements tactics. College age group and post graduates are the big growing market. Market Attraction Targeting adults and young adults is a good mechanism for Starbucks because this age level has the same interests as the foundation that promotes arts, culture, education, and the environment (starbucks.com). The company satisfies their customers through their advertising, support programs and, of course, their coffee. Resources and Capabilities A: Resources, capabilities and Strategic Assets: Every company or organization needs and owns certain resources, capabilities or competencies and also assets which are a necessity to endure and prosper globally. The resources consist of: Creating Competitive Edge Intangible Resources Recipe Employee relationship Large customer base Reputation of products and services Tangible Resources Large number of outlets Machinery equipments Operations in 37 countries RESOURCES CATEGORIES STARBUCKS RESOURCES PHYSICAL RESOURCES Operation in 40 countries Conventionally taste and environment. Effective segmentation. Supply chain management. Large number of outlets. FINANCIAL RESOURCES Turnover of  £46.56 billion in 2009. Gross margins of  £4.13 billion in 2009. Profit of  £2.1 billion in 2009. HUMAN RESOURCES Greatly competent labour force. Young and prosperous. INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL Reputation for excellence Brand image built as taste, environment. Strategic capability of Starbuck: CATEGORIES STARBUCK RESOURCES THRESHOLD RESOURCES solid supply chain. Young and affluent workforces. THRESHOLD COMPETENCIES Quality. Reliability. Dealings and relationship with its employees and customers. UNIQUE RESOURCES Hi-tech coffee machines equipments. Extraordinary labour force CORE COMPETENCIES Technology. Speed of production. Known as The Best coffee provider B: Structure, Culture and organizational knowledge There are very less companies who can boast to be as consistent as Starbucks in terms of attracting the customers which is always adjusting itself for the demand of the time with seamless quality and efficiency. The adjustment which is the company is willing to accept all the time is what makes it different from the rest. Their philosophy of the Starbucks is to provide product which are marvel of taste but also come with value and satisfaction. B: STRATEGIC CHOICE Identification of Strategic Options Ansoffs Product/Market Matrix Considering the approach of STARBUCKS they should continue to go with what they are doing currently. It means stick to what they do best. I think that they do need to enter new markets for themselves and in particular ASIA. Currently STARBUCKS is not one of the most commonly used or known brands in ASIAN region. To pin point the region the areas to focus must be China and South Asian markets. STARBUCKS has set its sights on Chinese Niche market with view of the massive growth in Chinese economy and the wealth generated. Working in China would also mean that they will be able to work with the best available technology and also the fast growing consumer market that exists within China. Other region of interest can be South Asian emerging markets and in particular India who are enjoying a massive boom in economy and also buying power. In my opinion the strategy used needs to be Business to Customer or B2C as this strategy has already served STARBUCKS Group very well in the past. The benefit of the strategy will be that it will be Product driven and will also maximize the value of the transaction and plus they will have larger target markets. This will also ensure that there will be a single step buying process and will enhance brand identity and also the brand image will also work as an extra helping hand for the company. B2C strategy will ensure the brand loyalty and also will promote emotional buying decisions which will base on status, price or may be desire. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION Starbucks should continue with its operation in the growing economies and markets and diversify themselves to new markets where ever possible. As most of markets of Europe and America are at a stage of maturity, the realistic option for growth is diversion to new markets. The markets of Europe and America are older and also are very established for the Starbucks and it also has developed a brand loyal segment of customers behind them. That is the reason they need to consolidate the work they have so far put in to the emerging markets and consumers. To put the strategy into action STARBUCKS needs to consider the below stated aspects so that the transition or change over to new markets is as smooth as it can get. The timing is one of the major aspects which need to be taken care off or estimated beforehand. Since company already has its plants based in INDIA and CHINA; they still need to develop them further to enhance production and meet the growing demand of a growing market and also a growing consumer base. The time it will take for them to either acquire or go into further and further of franchise growth model. The other important type of strategy in which STARBUCKS has been largely successful is by creating their 100% subsidiaries in the emerging markets so that it becomes a strategic asset for the company and would usually mean that it will be cost effective manufacturing by producing it in developing countries; which means that they will have relatively less expensive labour at their disposal in comparison with already developed countries and markets. The constraints for company can be the rise in prices of raw materials will definitely impact pricing and positioning of the brand. They will also have to work extensively to keep up to date with taste of consumers and also their preferences in terms of product. Another factor can be the potential of the markets suggested will definitely appeal to the competition and it might trigger a price war and fierce rivalry amongst the industry players. The fluctuation in international business will also affect STARBUCKS in particularly the international currency market. This strategic plan may be able to help STARBUCKS achieve a safer journey ahead and they will be able to sustain a strong foothold in the world. Starbucks should continue to open new locations worldwide. Starbucks is extremely dependent on its domestic success, and yet has a variety of countries it has not explored opportunities in. However, it is recommended that Starbucks tread lightly and with caution, insuring proper social and cultural analysis before plunging into a country. This is apparent in the fact that Starbucks was forced to close three retail stores in Singapore last year.   

Analysis of Transaction Processing Systems :: Computer Science Technology Essays

Analysis of Transaction Processing Systems It is the processing in which a system respond to a user’s command to carry out some operation to and fro. The request or command is called TRANSACTION, and the system carrying it out is called TRANSACTION PROCESSING SYSTEM e.g cash machines. Transaction processing systems are the systems working at a low level of any organizational structure being operated by data entry operators etc to collect and store data which is needed to be transported then to decisional level of organisations. But it is important to make sure nothing goes wrong at this level of handling data before it is transported to upper level to be manipulated and then making decisions based on information provided. â€Å"There is some support for the propositions that (1) Transaction processing systems should be able to be managed within each work group in an organisation, managed that is with respect to work stations in use and functionality available on those workstations. (2) exhibit very little model behaviour. (3) support a high degree of operator independence or asynchornity.† REFERNCE: http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~cavram/papers/tp/tr94-02h.html There are 9 types of transaction processing models 1: Batch systems: 2: Monitor systems : 3: Time sharing systems 4: Advanced virtual terminal front end systems 5: Client server systems 6: Electronic mail and forms 7: Database based groupware 8: (IVR) systems 9: (EDI) systems â€Å"Transaction processing systems are information systems which collect data and distribute operational data both within and between organisations. The wide spread use of networks and personal computers (used as terminals) has provided feasible new options for the design of transaction processing systems† b. DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS: â€Å"Decision Support Systems (DSS) are a class of computerized information systems that support decision-making activities. DSS are interactive computer-based systems and subsystems intended to help decision makers use communications technologies, data, documents, knowledge and/or models to successfully complete decision process tasks† Reference: http://dssresources.com/ Decision support systems are the computer information application which collects and analyze data and then present it to the decision making people of organisation i.e managers . decision support system as the name suggest help and support managers to make effective ,right and timely decisions. These systems store and process data at a much higher and efficient speed and then represent the information in multiple forms which could be regular text , graphical representation, numerical etc which really enable managers to come up with timely and right decisions. As the decision makers could be different so can be the systems as some work individually while other work in teams there are differences in decision contexts, types, and makers. â€Å"There are certain common traits that decision-making processes tend to exhibit. They typically involve the phases of intelligence, design, and

Music Censorship Essay

First , I want to talk about what decides if music should be censored and this includes parents and corporations. The parents started to listen to their childrens music and listened to the lyrics of the songs. Some of the parents liked the lyrics and music that their children listened to, while others did not. The parents that did not like the lyrics of the songs their children listened to decided to create a group the Parents Music Resource Center, or the PMRC for short. The PMRC was established by parents to regulate music censorship in 1984 and stated that their goal was to increase parental control over the access of access of children to music deemed to be violent, have drug use or be sexual via labeling albums with Parental Advisory stickers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents_Music_Resource_Center). The corporations were effected by the parents influences majorly. The conflicted parents demanded that the record companies put labels on their products, so their children would not be introduced to this vulgarity. The record companies and the parents fought back and forth until the parents involved legislators which stopped the record companies in their place. This was a revolution in music history and changed the music industry forever. Next, I want to talk about who regulates the censorship of music and this includes the PMRC and the Recording Industry Association of America, or the RIAA for short. The Parents Music Resource Center put heavy pressure on the RIAA with senate hearings to get them to put the Parental Advisory label, so that other parents would know what vulgarity was in the products. By doing so, the parents enforced the â€Å"Parental Advisory- Explicit Lyrics† warning label to be used by the Recording Industry Association of America on their products that was not suitable for children. The RIAA regulated the censorship of music before the PMRC started, but the did not give any kind of standards, criteria or guidelines for determining which albums should be labeled and which albums should not be labeled. Not only did the PMRC get onto the RIAA about their labels, but also many organizations were dissatisfied with the RIAA’s labels and have demanded more limits on the sale of music containing controversial lyrics (http://www.nku.edu/~issues/music_censorship/laws.htm). Through the efforts of many organizations, mainly the PMRC, stricter labels were used for albums with explicit lyrics. Then, I want to talk about what is politically correct in music, and it is either politically correct or it is not politically correct. If a song is politically correct it will be good for profit so most record companies and artiest try to direct the lyrics in the their songs as leaning toward politically correct lyrics. They’re can be a problem with politically correct songs though, sometimes when you have politically correct songs then it does not display an artists full emotion, and it can be distracting to make sure that their songs are politically correct. When you have politically incorrect songs then it, very often, offends the listeners or a group of people that the song is directed toward. Not only do you offend the listeners with politically incorrect songs, but also the listeners will stop listening which decreases sales and profit. Being politically correct is more profitable, but doesn’t allow full expression and politically incorrect songs take away from p rofit and decrease listeners.

Financial Statements and Stakeholders The WritePass Journal

Financial Statements and Stakeholders Introduction Financial Statements and Stakeholders -2014. [Online]. j-sainsbury.co.uk/media/2064053/sainsbury_s_annual_report_and_ accounts_ 13-14.pdf. 2014. [Accessed online on 01/11/2014] Laurent, C.R. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of financial ratio analysis. Journal of Business Finance and Accounting. [Online] Vol 6(3). 2006. p401-413. McLaney, E. J., Â  Atrill. P. (2008). Accounting and finance : an introduction. Fourth edition. Harlow: Pearson. Palepu, K. Healy, P. (2008) Business Analysis and Valuation: Using Financial Statements. Mason:Thomson Learning WM Morrisons Supermarkets plc , 2014. Morrisons Annual Report 13-14 [Online]. http://annualreport.marksandspencer.com/downloads/MS_AR2014_Annual_Report.pdf [Accessed online on 01/11/2014]

Why Powerful Men Sexually Harass Women

Why Powerful Men Sexually Harass Women We know from recent studies that half the workforce in the US is female. And were also well aware that though the numbers may be equal, the power distribution isnt. Only 15 women served as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies in 2009. Even at the upper and middle levels of management and leadership, men predominate. And with power comes abuse. When a woman files a sexual harassment complaint, its rarely about a co-worker harassing her. Its usually a boss, supervisor, or someone higher up the food chain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that for some men, power provides opportunities and access. Many perpetrators dangle potential jobs, pay raises, or promotions in front of women with the implication that if youre nice to me, Ill be nice to you. But is sexual harassment about sex and lust, or control and domination? Is power the catalyst that flips the off switch into an on position for some men who would otherwise not behave this way if they werent in charge? Those who study human behavior tend to agree that powerful men sexually harass women more than men on equal footing with their female co-workers, but what triggers that is up for debate. Most, however, agree that sexual harassment is not about desire but domination. Noted legal scholar Catharine A. MacKinnon specializes in sex equality issues under constitutional and international law. In her book Directions in Sexual Harassment Law co-written with Reva B. Siegel, MacKinnon states: ...[S]exual harassment is...the expression, in sexual terms, of power, privilege, or dominance....To understand sexual harassment primarily in terms of misplaced sexual desire is wrong for many of the same reasons that it is a mistake to understand rape as primarily a crime of passion or lust. acceptance of interpersonal violencethe desire to dominate womenhigh authoritarianismdifficulty seeing others’ perspectives (difficulty being empathetic)belief in sex-role stereotypesendorsement of stereotypic views of male sex-role norms While the tendency is to link the above traits to male behavior, it might be more accurate to blame hormones specifically an overabundance of testosterone. Widely recognized as a major factor in dominant behavior, testosterone also impacts men in other ways (and can similarly influence women with elevated levels in their own bodies). Writing about The Testosterone Curse for Psychology Today, Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D. notes the many traits associated with high-T (high testosterone) males: ...[D]ominant individuals also tend to be extremely competitive, and are frequently endowed with whats commonly known as the killer instinct. ....[I]n cutthroat businesses, its undeniably an asset....[but] a driving need to compete with others undermines the empathy, understanding, tolerance, and compassion necessary to sustain close, caring relationships.At its worst, high-T dominance and competitiveness can involve brute force, violence, and fighting behavior of all kinds....Their more tender feelings literally blunted by elevated testosterone levels, they tend not to be particularly concerned aboutor, for that matter, interested inthe feelings of others....Sadly, theres seems to be something about high testosterone levels that contributes to an almost predatory frame of mind....Complementing this tendency to be imprudent, rash, or even reckless, are a variety of research findings indicating that high-testosterone males are more likely to be impulsive, impatient, unreliable.... According to anthropologist and historian Laura Betzig, the point of politics is sex. She cites rulers throughout history who routinely engaged in sexual harassment and sexual assault, adding: Why is every man with a big harem a despot? Because collecting women–like tribute, like labor, like homage–tends to require force. People...tend to cede favors on two accounts. One is, they get a favor back; the other is, they get beat up if they dont. There are, in short, positive and negative sanctions. because they can Powerful men have a both an overactive libido as compared to normal men, but they are also more willing to gamble that they can get away with their sexual activities....[I]n my opinion, it is the position of power itself that makes men arrogant, narcissistic, egocentric, oversexed, paranoid, despotic, and craving even more power, though there are exceptions to this rule. Powerful men generally have a keen eye for female beauty and attractiveness....Every willing woman confirms the power of the powerful man....It is not too speculative to think that powerful men live in a sexualized or eroticized world. Not only do they expect to have sex whenever they fancy, but they also expect that every woman is always willing to provide this service, and enjoy it. They are...opportunistic and just take what they want. It probably comes as a complete surprise when somebody does not comply. The forbiddenness, and the awareness of transgression, makes the sex even more attractive... Sources:Betzig, Laura. Sex in History. Michigan Today, michigantoday.umich.edu. March 1994.MacKinnon, Catharine A. and Reva B. Siegel. Directions in Sexual Harassment Law. p. 174. Yale University Press. 2004Seltzer, Leon F., Ph.D. The Testosterone Curse (Part 2). PsychologyToday.com. 6 May 2009.Sex and Power: Powerful Men Have an Overactive Libido. Spiegel Online. 27 May 2011.

The movie Analysis. When Harry Met Sally Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The movie Analysis. When Harry Met Sally - Essay Example This happens before the drive to New York City. The second stage occurs during the drive and is known as the stage of experimentation. During this stage, there is an attempt on the part of both the characters to look for common characteristics in their personalities. Much of the tension in the movie arises out of the fact that this stage stretches for a very long time. The next stage is the intensifying stage. During this stage, the two parties seek to take the relationship forward and develop it further. Harry and Sally take a long time in reaching this stage and it happens during the New Year Eve party when they realize the attraction that they felt for each other. It is during the next stage, that of integration, that they engage in sexual intercourse. The act of sex then can be seen to be one where the members of the couple disclose hidden parts of themselves to the other. The next stage of bonding for Harry and Sally arrives, one may speculate after the events of the movie as th e formal declaration of love comes at the end of the movie. The stage of disintegration, on the other hand, never really arrives (Knapp and Vangelisti; Reiner). The different stages of love in the movie are ironically, shown to develop not between Harry and Sally but between different characters and the members of the lead couple. ... There is a great emphasis on the stages between initiation and bonding in the movie. It makes it clear that these stages may not move through very quickly and the appeal of the movie lay largely in the audience’s wish for the stages to pass by quickly. The stage of bonding is looked upon as the most desirable one and the one that every relationship is supposed to lead up to. The stage of experimentation is looked upon as one of the most conventionally romantic stages and the elongation of this is considered to be one of the reasons for the enduring popularity of this movie. The Johari model can also be used to analyse the different stages of the relationship within the movie. There are different windows that different parts of the relationships within the movie occupy. In the beginning, Harry and Sally both occupy the window of the arena. They are aware of those sides of themselves that are known to the society at large as well. There is no knowledge that is hidden from the so ciety and known to the other person. As a result, there is no proress in the relationship and it remains stagnant. Later on, the space of the blind spot is opened up for discussion as Harry and Sally are made to confront the validity of their beliefs. These are challenged as they are made aware of those aspects of their personalities that they are not aware of but the society is. This happens through the interventions of the two characters. The relationship develops further and to its logical conclusion when the couple separates itself into a unit separate from the society. This happens when they move into the space that is designated as the facade. In this stage, the characters are

Discussion and problem solving questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion and problem solving questions - Essay Example It is also great storage of large digital files like digital music and digital photos/movies (http://www.iwebtool.com/what_is_dvd-rw.html). 3. With the capability to store digital music, the audio CD has revolutionized the way we play and listen to recorded music. Now music can be downloaded over the Internet and played on PCs, solid-state MP3 players, and other electronic devices. Does this signal the beginning of the end of the audio CD? Explain. Now that music can be easily down loaded from the Internet, it seems that audio CDs are actually in danger of extinction just like those vinyl LPs of old times. Young people today are incapable of listening to one whole album due to the short attention span they have. The consumers of the world today cannot be forced to buy one whole album when what they want is just that one song or music they can download from the Internet so easily (Meagher, 2009). 4. Today’s continuous speech-recognition systems are able to interpret spoken words more accurately when the user talks in phrases. Why would this approach be more accurate than discrete speech where the user speaks one word at a time with a slight separation between words? There are two types of speech recognition software; the discreet and continuous. The latter is the latest technology that is capable of reading the speech which is spoken continuously. Speech recognition is definitely helpful tool for professionals and students who are doing a lot of typing, but it is also a helpful tool for people with disability. Continuous speech recognition is better and more accurate than discreet, because it allows the user to talk in a more natural and comfortable manner, but it requires higher specified PCs. It requires higher RAM and faster processor (Davis, 1999). 5. Describe the benefits of using a notebook PC, in conjunction with an LCD projector during a formal business presentation as opposed to the traditional alternative (transparency acetates and an