Social inequality (contrast between UK and Brazil) Essay

Social inequality (contrast between UK and Brazil) - Essay Example Differences in living standards is evident in that there are people who live in luxurious houses while others live in slums, differences in life expectancy can be associated with proper health accessed by the rich and not by the poor, conflict in the society is associated with what Karl Marx referred to as polarisation between classes resulting to a revolution and finally progress will occur in the society in that the rich will inspire the poor to become rich. The conflict perspective of inequality by Karl Marx perceives inequality as one that does not play a useful role in society, Karl argues that all societies have two groups of people the owners of resources to production and the workers, the rich exploit the workers to make more profits through more working hours and low wages, the rich want to maintain the status quo while the workers want to change the existing situation and therefore there is always conflict in the society.2 The functionalist perspective by Davis and Moore perceive society stratification and inequality as one that plays a role in the proper working of society, according to this theory all social systems share certain functional prerequisite which must be met for the society to operate efficiently. One of these prerequisites is effective role allocation and performance and this means that all roles must be filled by those who are best able to perform them and that roles must be performed well by trained individuals. The mechanism that ensures proper role allocation is social stratification, roles are different in terms of importance and therefore there is the need to attach unequal rewards to the role.3 Living standards in the UK are higher than those of Brazil, this is attributed by the fact that the UK is more developed and industrialised; therefore the inequalities in the UK are better off compared to cases of inequalities in Brazil. Higher incomes in the UK are one

Critical success factors: Marks and Spencer

Critical success factors: Marks and Spencer Company Background In 1894, Micheal Marks, created a joint venture with Tom Spencer to enter the retailing business (company website). In 1904, the first shop opened at Cross Arcade in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The Marks Spencer (M S), celebrated their 120th anniversary in the year 2004 and for companys chief Executive position, Stuart Rose was appointed. The company was originally headquartered in Baker Street, London for many years, but later it shifted their registered office, at Waterside House, Paddington. At present, the company runs worldwide 600 stores, of which in UK alone 450 are located and 150 outlets remaining operating in 30 countries around the globe. In the year 2005, the company sales was amounted to US$14.6 billion with a market value of US$ 11.6 billion and profits at US$1.1 million and total assets of the company was US$8.1 billion. In retailing industry, Mark and Spencer are successful for several reasons. First, in terms of market understanding, they have created brand image, and provided a clear image to the consumers. In fact, their market strategy was not much deviated and thus much focused and moreover, they havent confused the consumers with competing brands. Another contributing factor to their success, was their proactive approach to human resources as in the UK, since many employees belongs to Marks and Spencer. In addition, it is likely that future employees and customers are familiar with current employees for Marks and Spencer who would be active in the decisions that in turn affect their jobs. Marks and Spencers one of the critical success factors is that they understand their customers by offering good value for the prices they charge rather than focusing only on price. Furthermore, the company could assure the same level of quality for goods throughout all their stores firstly, by using brand of St.Michael throughout the store and secondly, with their suppliers, they have exercised considerable control (by virtue of their size and the influence they have on their vendors). Marks and Spencer, relationship that has with its suppliers would be good for the company, however, for the suppliers, such relationship is difficult. Since company maintains such large customers that could dictate terms and conditions, but if it came from other customers, that would not be acceptable by the company. The companys other important critical success factors are efficient supply chain activities and an appropriate store inventory system. Main Organisational Challenges in Managing Global Supply Chain Today, a corporate challenge for each and every organization facing would be the acquirement of customer loyalty. Increase in competitors, expansion of market place, and provision of profitability by the customers would all work towards the advantages of the host organization. In addition, change in business pattern made customers to change their buying behaviour too. In order to meet the change in demands and address the change in consumer behaviour, organization administration had shifted their attention towards customer oriented for the purpose of being successful in business. To be success in the market, the companys need to entirely reformulate their predictable outlook of their business and shift from process-focused to customer-centred is an important leap towards competitive edge and service efficiency. In todays business environment, with the advancement of technological innovations, logical decisions about delivery operations, warehousing, stockholding and scale of economie s get more complex solutions. In managing the global supply chain, the following are considered as main organizational challenges. Innovation of products and development In order to survive in the competitive world of growing market of the business, the efforts wield in hunting for opportunities which are of potential in terms of profit making and development of new products based as per the requirement of target market would be valuable. In general, before started operating a profit-oriented company, there must be products that is being offered. The change in preference of the consumer and their lifestyle prompted each and every company worldwide to target on their offerings by creating innovative products and improving their existing products. Superior customer service satisfaction: Experts from the Marketing field stated that â€Å"in achieving business success, all you need is a customer† (1998). In addition, they further explained that the concepts and theories are no longer necessary on how to manage the concern and problem solving is also not guaranteed to be efficient. Effective implementation of Marketing Mix: According to and , Marketing mix is the â€Å"standardised set of fitting marketing variables that every business and any other profit-motivated industry implements, in order to come up with a desirable outcome or answer on the target market they choose to penetrate†. They are popularly called as 4Ps, consists of product, price, place and promotion. Marks and Spencer, and the management, used marketing mix efficiently and moreover it noteworthy to restate their research on marketing mix that with the constant research and development in all 4ps, today, in the UK retailing market, their product remained as the global leader, thus they could able to maintain their product with high quality. Competition: The first problem encountered in every business environment is the adverse competition. Companies always looks competitor product in a different way, as they examine their products by dismantle in different parts and compare with their own products, this tactics was used because, in order to make sure that competitor product is no way different from the existing product, if it so, then that part alone would be copied or adapted. They use this as a benchmarking and extend this concept to every process of their business. According to . (1994), to compare performance between competitors, competitive benchmarking has been utilized, where as to compare performance of a business or production process, process benchmarking has been used, this is not necessarily among competitors. In the same way, as discussed above, if Competitor Company has a better process or operation, then benchmarking company would tried to adapt or copies to their own needs. Conclusion In order to remain in todays global competitive economy, key strategic initiatives for companies like MS from the point of view of supply chain Management (SCMS), are service improving and costs reduction (1998). The SCM is one of the business strategies, which focuses on the quick response to needs of ever-changing market and lead time of shortened purchasing and in addition, add values to demanding customers, who has been increased recently at the minimum time and cost (2002). Relying on a single party, would not be feasible today to fulfil the sophisticated needs of customers, thus requires a full collaboration, integration, a total commitment and synchronization among all business partners (1999). Marks Spencer, as a profit-oriented organization is purely dedicated to provide products, with the benefit to their employees, protects the environment, and customers who utilizes them. The firm is striving to maintain their dedication, by showing their extreme interest to both the external and internal environment in which they operates. MS and its management, in building and sustaining supplier relationship would easily refer to present culture of supply existing culture being used by their company presently throughout the operations of long years. In order to retain good supplier relationship, integration and acquisition are potential methods. In addition, awareness increase to the conditions of subsidiaries and affiliates would determine somewhat about the potency of the company. To international success of subsidiaries, training and retention are deemed crucial (and 2003). Although the company is successful in term of customer satisfaction, there are certain critics to the comp any, who are really not satisfied with the business performance. As available figures and statements from expertise revealed that in order to better stay with their competitions, continuous effort has been taken to make sure that they are will be the better if not best and works above the standards. Thus, managerial decision would always work towards the company stated vision. The distinctive competence of MS in terms of applications, technical expertise, managerial aptitude are the important foundation of heterogeneity, that would substantially become an factor of competitive advantage of sustainable. According to (1995), â€Å"corporate success is based on the distinctive capabilities of the firm those things, often the product of its particular history, which competitors cannot reproduce even after others realize the benefits these capabilities bring to the company that enjoys them† (). Thus, with the effective implementation of the concepts mentioned, and competitive adv antages in an organization is not beyond its reach.

education Essay -- essays research papers

Learning is the act or experience of one that learns knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study, modification of a behavioral tendency by experience (as exposure to conditioning). Education is one of the most important tools that a society possesses. The right implementation of this tool is one of the greatest ways of assuring the quality of life within a society. The ability to better ourselves, is one of the strongest inherit abilities of the human race. Without the consistent development of the human race, life would be nothing more than survival. At its most basic level of definition, education is nothing more than the teaching of ideas. The early stages of schooling instill more attitude and social skills than knowledge. The younger stages of a person's life are usually the most definable years of their lives. As the age and skill level of the student increases, more education is based upon the interest of the student. Education has its downfalls. Students are only taught what society sees fit to teach them. This ideology has an astound effect when used as controlling propaganda. If a society doesn't want students to learn about a certain period of history, then it is not taught. Children might hear stories or tales from elders, but the majority is left in ignorance. In the United States, education is a tool to succeed in life. The quality of education that a student receives depends upon many issues. One of the biggest differences in education is between publi...

Marketing Strategies of Catering Firms Essay

Basically, the Descriptive method of research will be utilized in the study since it is designed for the investigation or to gather information about present existing conditions. [1]This will be done by gathering the descriptive data through the use of researcher-made questionnaires. Manuel and Medel(1990) defined Descriptive Research as a research that describes ‘what is’. It involves the description, recording analysis, and interpretation of the present nature, composition or how a person, group or thing behaves or functions in the present. It often involves some type of comparison or contrast.[2] According to Polit and Hungler(1999), Descriptive Research describes what exists and may help to uncover new facts and meaning. The purpose of Descriptive Research is to discover, describe and document. Aspects of a situation as it naturally occurs.[3] In other words, Dsescriptive Reserch design is a valid method for researching specific subjects and as a precursor to more quantitative studies. Whilst there are some valid concerns about the statistical validity, as long as the limitations are understood by the researcher, this type of study is an invaluable scientific tool.[4] Its common means of obtaining information include the use of the questionnaire, personal interviews with the aid of study or interview schedule, and observation, either participatory or not. Descriptive Research includes studies that gives meaning to the quality and standing of facts that are going on. For instance, the information about a group of person, a number of objects, a set of conditions, a class of events, a system of thought or any other kind of phenomenon or experience which one may wish to study.[5] This method will be appropriate and used in the study because it is concerned with the conditions that exist and help to answer the questions involving the Marketing Strategies of Catering Firms in selected towns in Rizal. SETTING OF THE STUDY This study will be conducted in selected towns in Rizal. Rizal is a province located in the CALABARZON, just 16 kilometers east of Manila. The province was named after the country’s national hero,Josà © Rizal. Rizal Governor Dr. Casimiro Ynares III on June 17, 2008 announced the transfer of the Capitol from Pasig. Its P 270-million capitol building, constructed in Antipolo by Ortigas & Co., owner thereof, was completed by December of that year. Built on 5-hectare lot at the Ynares Center, it employs 2,008 employees. The New Capitol was successfully inaugurated on March 4, 2009, bringing back the Capitol Building inside the provincial territory, from which it was absent for 33 years (when Pasig was incorporated into Metro Manila). Rizal is bordered by Metro Manila to the west, the province of Bulacan to the north, Quezon to the east and Laguna province to the south. The province also lies on the northern shores of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. Rizal is a mountainous province perched on the western slopes of the southern portion of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Antipolo boasts of a wonderful view of Metro Manila and it is where Hinulugang Taktak, a waterfall popular with tourists, can be found. The Rizal Province will be accessed by the future C-6 Road connecting the provinces of Bulacan and Cavite and cities of Taguig (beside Laguna de bay), Paraà ±aque and Muntinlupa which are located within Metro Manila. [6] The selected towns to be involved in the study are Tanay, Taytay, Angono, Binangonan, and Cainta. Tanay is a first class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is located 57 kilometers (35 mi) east of Manila, although a typical commute between Manila and Tanay will take between one to three hours depending upon traffic conditions. It contains portions of the Sierra Madre Mountains and is bordered by Antipolo City in the northwest, Baras, Morong and Teresa in the west, General Nakar (Quezon Province) in the east, and Pililla, Santa Maria (Laguna province) as well as the lake Laguna de Bay in the south. According to the latest census, it has a population of 94,460 people in 15,720 households. The majority of the population consists of Tagalogs who live near Laguna de Bay, though there are also a significant percentage of mountain dwelling people living in the northern portions of the municipality. The town’s major trades consist of fishing, agriculture and regional commerce. Tanay is also believed to be the birthplace of the Sambal language. [7] *Continuation of Setting of the Study* The City of Taytay is a first class, densely populated municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is currently the third most populous municipality in the country. Conurbated with Metro Manila, it is bounded by Cainta on the north, Pasig City and Taguig City on the west, Antipolo City in the East and Angono on the South. It is the â€Å"Woodworks and Garments Capital of the Philippines†.[8] Angono is a first class urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is known as â€Å"Arts Capital of the Philippines†, and located 30 kilometers (19 mi) east of Manila. According to the latest census of August 1, 2007, it has a population of 97,209 inhabitants (or 4.26% of Rizal province’s total population of 2,284,046) in 15,740 households. First created as a pueblo in 1766, Angono was a barrio of its neighboring town Taytay and Binangonan before being legally proclaimed an independent municipality in 1935 by then President Manuel L. Quezon. It is home to the Angono Petroglyphs, the oldest known work of art in the Philippines. [9] The Municipality of Binangonan is a first class urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 249,872 inhabitants in 38,488 households in census. It has a land area of 64.38 km ². A thriving fish port and fishing industry is found in Binangonan, having a long coast line facing the Laguna de Bay, including the western part of Talim Island. The plant of Rizal Cement and Grandspan are in Binangonan as well. Their main livelihood are fishing and farming. With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the municipality is now part of Manila’s conurbation which reaches Cardona in its eastern-most part.[10] The Municipality of Cainta (Filipino: Bayan ng Cainta) is a first-class urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is one of the oldest (originally founded on August 15, 1571), and is the town with the second smallest land area of 26.81 square kilometers (10.35 sq. mi) next to Angono with 26.22 square kilometers (10.12 sq. mi).Cainta serves as the secondary gateway to the rest of Rizal province from Metro Manila. Cainta became one of the most urbanized towns due to its proximity to Manila.[11] Subject Of The Study The subject of the study will be twenty five(25) owners or caterers in selected towns in Rizal. The selected towns to be involved in the study are Tanay, Taytay, Angono, Binangonan and Cainta. The researchers will distribute the questionnaire – checklist to the five(5) catering firms in each selected towns. Sources of Data In this study, the researchers will use a questionnaire – checklist as the main tool in gathering the needed data or information on the marketing strategies of catering firms in selected towns in Rizal. The researchers adapted the questionnaire of Caisip et al, with some modifications to suit the type of respondents. The questionnaire – checklist is divided into three parts: Part 1 pertains to the personal profile of the respondents which includes the age, job position, sex, civil status, educational attainment, monthly salary, type of catering, ownership, accreditation, affiliation and location. Part 2 consists of the profile of catering firms that perceived by the respondents which includes the physical facilities, services offered, capacity, number of staff, income per year, price per pax, target market and amenities. Part 3 contains the different marketing strategies used by the caterers to attract customers. These will be answered by the respondents by putting a checkmark on the corresponding space by using the following five-point scales: SCALE| VERBAL INTERPRETATIONS| 5| Very Much(VM)| Always(A)| 4| Much(M)| Frequently(F)| 3| Moderate(MO)| Occasionally(O)| 2| Little(L)| Rarely(R)| 1| Very Little(VL)| Never(N)| This scale will be used to know the effectiveness of the marketing strategies that the catering firms applied. Procedure Of The Study The researchers underwent planning which includes the formulation of the problem, they decided to go on the title â€Å"Marketing Strategies of Catering Firms in Selected Towns in Rizal†. After the research instructors’ approval of the title, the researchers gathered related literature and studies to complete the Chapter 1 and 2. In Chapter 1, the researchers collected the needed information involving the Introduction, Background of the Study, Theoretical Framework, Conceptual Framework, Statements of the Problem, Hypothesis, Scope and Limitation of the Study, and Definition of Terms. The Statements of the Problem will be pattern to the Study of Caisip, Catherine C. et al. While in the Chapter 2, the researchers did the same thing in gathering the data needed, which includes the Research Method, Sources of Data, Setting of the Study, Subject of the Study, Procedure of the Study, and Statistical Treatment. Upon the completion of the 2 chapters, the research instructors will schedule the researches for the colloquium. So, the constructive criticisms will be made by the panelists for the improvement of the study. Statistical Treatment To analyze the data gathered, the indicated statistical treatment below will be used in the study: Problem number 1: Frequency and Percentage Distribution will be used to determine the profile of the respondents in terms of age, job, sex, civil status, educational attainment, monthly salary, type of catering, ownership, accreditation and affiliation, and location. Problem number 2: Weighted mean will be used to determine the marketing strategies of catering firms in selected towns in Rizal in terms of physical facilities. Frequency and Percentage Distribution will be used to determine the marketing strategies of catering firms in selected towns in Rizal in terms of services offered, capacity, number of staff, income per year, price per pax, target market and amenities. Problem number 3: F-Test(One Way ANOVA) will be utilized to determine if there is any significant difference on the marketing strategies of catering firms in selected towns in Rizal with respect to the different aspects in terms of physical facilities, service offered, capacity, number of staff, income per year, price per pax, target market and amenities. End Notes 1http://www.slideshare.net/Angilo/descriptive-research, July 10, 2012 2Rupinta, Sheila Marie G. et. al â€Å"Status of Tourisim Components in the Different Hospitality Industries in Selected Towns in the Province of Rizal.† 3http://www.reserachproposalsforhealthprofessionals.com/descriptive-research.html 4http://www.experiment-resources.com/descriptive-research-design.html, August 5, 2010 5http://www.slideshare.net/Angilo/descriptive.research, July 10,2011 6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rizal, August 15,2012 7http://www.wowrizal.com/towns-and-cities/tanay-rizal-facts-location-population-barangays-history/ , April 4 2010 8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taytay,_Rizal, August 24,2010 9 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angono,_Rizal, July 22, 2012 10 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binagonan,_Rizal, July 7,2012 11

Costco Value Chain Analysis Essay

Introduction The aim of the SSP is to identify a firm in a competitive industry, and propose solutions to the problems it faces.   The paper covers corporate strategic thinking, complexity analysis, systems thinking, and sustainability analysis. The major problem addressed in the paper is Costco’s ability to develop a suitable value chain, which can increases profitability and maximize shareholder’s value.   Costco is one of the leading global retailers, specialized in selling a wide range of merchandise, ranging from local to international brands. The tools presented in this paper provides Costco with an opportunity for transforming its business activities relative to the industry rivals, with the aim of creating profits and raising the company’s value. Executive Summary The paper has two major parts. The first part applies traditional strategic thinking, which includes applying the complexity analysis of key issues affecting Costco and a sustainability analysis. These tools address the challenges surrounding Costco’s business operations and profitability.   The first part includes stakeholder identification and value analysis, general forces analysis, value chain analysis, SWOT analysis, key factors to success analysis and Porter’s five forces analysis. The second part is a complexity analysis of Costco, which includes industry evolution modeling, action plan analysis, Boid analysis, Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainable Framework Analysis. Analyzing the Company Strategy Type Action Plan Analysis Costco’s current strategy originates from its mission and vision. The company pursues three of the four generic strategies, which are low cost leadership, customer relationship and differentiation. These three exposes the company’s strategic intent thinking to achieve global leadership.   A keen Alignment and Goals analysis shows that employees at Costco support the company’s strategy. However, the employees have the required skills to make the strategy work, and on top of this, they are well paid and motivated. Costco’s action plan analysis can increase profit margin to 18 percent and operating profit margin to 10 percent by 2017 (Farfan, 2010). Boid Analysis Industry Evolution Modeling The Boid analysis reveals three major rules governing the retail industry, which Costco values. The first one is to have a customer driven focus through adding value to the product mix. The second one is to maintain a flexible pricing strategy, and offering promotion services to customers. The third one is to adopt global cultural changes through adapting to clients preferences changes. This means delivering specific services and products to a particular culture or country. The Industry Evolution Modeling analysis reveals Costco’s determination to advance and match with the new ways of doing business. The company can improve its industrial positioning by coming up with premier membership requirement. It is clear that Costco forgo short-term profits for long-term stability and viability and increasing shareholders’ wealth.   In addition to this, Costco slowly adopts new technology that draws customer attention and can expand development initiatives and research (Bloomberg, 2011). Life Cycle Assessment Sustainable Value Framework Analysis The Life Cycle Assessment for Costco shows that Costco understands the environmental risks which originate from warehouse operations.   Costco tries to mitigate the risks associated with the environment such as loss of reputation caused by not obeying environmental rules. Costco monitors the reports on four major greenhouse gases which are carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons and methane. The Sustainable Value Framework provides an internal and external focus for what is happening today and what might happen tomorrow. This roadmaps a given strategy and drives success and is associated with a given payoff. Costco’s internal sustainability for today is to prevent pollution, minimize material consumption, and reduce waste. The payoff is reducing business costs and risks. For tomorrow, Costco’s internal strategy must reduce carbon footprint, create a cleaner technology, and avoid environmental disruption. The payoffs for this are competitive repositioning and further innovation (McKinsey, 2012). The external sustainable for today focuses on transparency, connectivity and drawing attention of the civil society. The pay offs are social legitimacy and increased brand reputation. For tomorrow, the external strategy ought to address depletion of resources, poverty and climate change, and the payoffs would be trajectory for permanent growth. Detailed Analysis of All Quadrants The information presented above reveals that Costco can improve its profitability by focusing on the four quadrants. To achieve permanent growth, the company must participate in campaigns that are aimed at preventing resource depletion and climate change. This way, Costco’s brand image will become popular among the members of the public, which can increase its customer base and hence profitability. Table 2: Sustainable Value Framework    Today Future External Strategy: Sustainability Vision- Costco’s code of Ethics, Community relations, Greenhouse Gas Elimination Programmes. Payoff: Sustainability in long-term growth. Strategy: Product Stewardship- Costco’s sustainable Packaging and Reducing materials Payoff: Increased reputation, and Brand Legitimacy. Internal Strategy: Clean Technology- building Construction mission, and Silver LEED Certification Payoff: Strengthening positioning and innovative buildings for future viability. Strategy: Preventing Pollution- Costco Energy programme. Payoff: Low costs associated with warehouse facilities.    Conclusions Costco tries to operate in accordance with its mission and vision in order to meet performance goals. The company strives for sustainable future. It does this by coming up with programs that can cut costs and reduce pollution. Costco’s expansion to global markets seems limited. In addition the company has a strict Code of ethics when establishing partnerships. Costco continuously offer discount services to its buyers. From the above analysis, it is clear that Costco aims at long-term growth other than short-term profitability. This explains why it short-term profits margins are smaller compared to that of its competitors, Wal-Mart and Target Corporation. References Bloomberg Business Daily (2011, November 24).  Costco Wholesale Corp.  Retrieved from http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/financials/ratios.asp?ticker=COST Farfan, B. (2010, September 10). 2012 Retail Store Closings Roundup: U.S. Retailers Closing or Liquidating Stores: Complete list of U.S. Retail Chains Downsizing or Going out of Business in 2012.  About.com. Retrieved from http://retailindustry.about.com/od/storeclosingsandopenings/a/2012-Store-Closings-US-Retail-Industry-Liquidations-Roundup-Chains-Going-Out-Business.htm McKinsey & Company. (2012). The value proposition in multichannel retailing. Retrieved from https://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/The_value_proposition_in_multichannel_retailing_2800