8 Themes of Ap Biology Relating to the Cell Membrane

8 themes of biology relating to the cell membrane Science as a process: Science is a process which encompasses many methods in order to reach a final conclusion. This relates to the cell membrane because it carries out many processes to reach a final product. For example, the cell membrane forms a barrier between the inside of the cell and the outside, so that the chemical environments on the two sides can be different. The cell controls those differences to optimize the working of the organelles inside the cytoplasm. The cell also causes brief changes in the internal environment by transporting proteins and other materials across the membrane. These changes are the ways in which the cell responds to its environment. All these functions work together as a process to keep the cell happy. Evolution: The early cell membrane’s purpose was to enclose genetic material and protect it from the surrounding environment. The evolution of a membrane surrounding the genetic material provided two huge advantages: the products of the genetic material could be kept close by and the internal environment of this proto-cell could be different than the external environment. This breakthrough would have jump-started evolution to an organism much like a modern bacterium. Also, the modification of many membrane properties throughout millions of years made it possible for new evolutionary forces to show themselves in eukaryotes, dealing with the presence of cholesterol in the cell membrane directly associated to protein thermo stability. Energy Transfer: The cell membrane participates in energy transfer with active transport. The cell membrane moves molecules against the concentration gradient from low concentration to high concentration. This function requires energy, or ATP, to carry out the process. At times, the cell membrane uses a protein pump to channel the molecules for easier transport. Two types of active transport the cell completes are antiport and symport. To transport large molecules through the membrane, the cell membrane uses vesicles. Those vesicles transport the material to the necessary organelle which will eventually turn the material into usable ATP. Continuity and Change: All species tend to maintain themselves from generation to generation using the same genetic code. However, there are genetic mechanisms that lead to change over time, or mutations. Cystic fibrosis is a product of a mutation in the cell membrane. Cystic fibrosis results from the mutation of a gene coding for a trans-membrane protein regulating chloride ion transport across the cell membrane. This multisystem disease cripples children and leads to early death. This mutation represents the changes found in the cell membrane, but the cell membrane has been doing the same job for millions of years with slight changes. Relationship of Structure to Function: The cell membrane structure depends on its function; to hold the shape of the cell and to regulate the traffic of the cell. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer which acts as a semi-permeable membrane, various proteins which carry out molecule transfer and certain active transport jobs, carbohydrates, and cholesterol. The shape of the cell membrane all depends on the environment inside the cell. Regulation: The cell membrane regulates the traffic of the cell. It is semi-permeable which means it allows diffusion for only certain molecules. It regulates what enters the cell and defends against diseases that may want to enter the cell as well. It also regulates the shape of the cell and holds it together. The membrane is one of the most important structures in a cell. Interdependence in nature: The cell membrane not only regulates the traffic of the cell, but is also the liaison for communication outside the cell. The membrane includes receptor protiens which aid in communication between cells. The receptor protiens receive specific chemical signals from neighboring cells or the proteins environment. These signals tell a cell to perform a certain job. It could tell a cell to divide or die, or to allow certain molecules to enter or exit the cell. Science, technology, and society: The study of the cell membrane has further increased our knowledge of the modern cell. We can now fully understand its parts and create valid conclusions of its structure and function. Society can benefit from this because they can be fully aware what is happening in the life around them and also in themselves. The cell membrane is one of the most important structures of the cell and has a very important role in an organism-to keep it healthy and functioning.

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

The novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, is set in turn-of-the-century New England, in the fake town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. During this time, both men and women were torn between duty and morality, and personal desire. People were expected to follow the societal norms, which although plagued them, were deemed as correct and proper. This social constraint placed on individuals cause them to make the decision of whether to be accepted by society, or whether to be happy. During this time, society was trapped in a web of their own formed ideas and opinions. It is this constant struggle between desire and what is socially acceptable that drives the main theme of Edith Wharton’s novel. In the novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome is faced with conflicts that cause him to make a decision between social morals, and the fulfillment of his desires to establish Wharton’s theme that society and conformity acts as a restriction on happiness. Ethan’s sense of responsibility first comes into conflict with his strong desire to leave Starkfield and pursue a career in engineering. But with the recent death of his father, he is forced to return to Starkfield and run the family farm while continuing to provide for his ailing wife. This becomes apparent in the prologue, when the Narrator’s discovery of his interest in the sciences indicates that Ethan had dreams that were never fulfilled. His inner need for knowledge and learning, almost â€Å"frozen† under a shroud of a life of simplicity and staticity, is without a doubt a consequence of â€Å"†¦ too many winters. †(13) spent in Starkfield. This negation of his aspirations causes him to live with a sense of regret that plagues him, and drastically effects his future decisions. During the prologue, Harmon Gow tells the Narrator that â€Å"Most of the smart ones get away. † (13), and immediately starts to wonder as to why Ethan Frome is still residing in Starkfield. The truth is that Ethan, being as intelligent and as motivated as he is, did try to leave Starkfield in the pursuit of a fulfilling career in engineering, but was trapped by the harsh grasp of conformity in the form of the Frome Farm. This failure to accomplish his ambitions gives his persona a tone of remorse, and by extension, the entire novel. The conflict strengthens the theme in the way it shows that if he would have followed his dreams of studying engineering, his life would have played out much differently. It is best put in the words of the famous poet John Whittier (1807-1892) when he said â€Å"For of all the sad words of tongue or pen/The saddest are these: ‘It might have been! ’†. Ethan Frome’s conflict between running away with Mattie and staying and caring for Zeena is the main factor that drives Wharton’s theme that conformity to society acts as a restriction on happiness. Wharton depicts Zeena as old, cold, and insensitive while Mattie is warm, loving, kind, and most importantly, a much more fitting wife for Ethan. Symbolism is used in the form of Mattie’s red scarf to give Mattie a sense of life and loving warmth, while at the same time giving Zeena a colder appearance. Therefore, Wharton makes Ethan’s desire to leave his ghastly wife for another woman considerate in the eyes of the reader. Yet, just like in the case of his engineering career, Ethan cannot bear to leave Zeena, on the account that society would severely frown upon a husband that abandons his sickly wife. He is torn between following what he knows is the â€Å"right† thing to do, and following what he knows will make him happy. It is important to note that his love for Mattie never falters—The conflict is external, not internal. He is afraid of what people would think, and not whether or not he loves Mattie. Although he has one night alone with Mattie, he cannot stop thinking about all of the responsibilities placed on him. His strong desire for Mattie eventually leads to the shattering of his marriage, which is symbolized by the shattering of Zeena’s prized wedding red pickle dish. Time and time again, Wharton shows how society has oppressed Ethan to neglect his aspirations. Even when Ethan has the opportunity to elope with Mattie to the west, his morals keep him from lying to his neighbors to secure the sufficient amount of money to go. These failures in following his own desire weaken him, and force him to live a life of submissiveness to the wills of society. His desire to conform restricts his happiness. He felt as if he would never be able to escape the clutch of society, and be with Mattie. In the end, Ethan can no longer deal with the troubles of life and makes the rash decision to abandon life entirely when he decides to go â€Å"Right into the big elm† (130) with Mattie. As they are coasting down the side of the slope, he becomes mentally encumbered with all of the responsibilities that he would be leaving behind, and becomes distracted. Again, implying that even Ethan’s greatest attempt to escape from the clutches of society has failed. Instead, he severely cripples both himself and Mattie, forcing them to return to the farm and live like Zeena. In a way, he did succeed in killing both himself and Mattie. Mattie got her wish to go down in the sled â€Å"So’t we’ll never come up any more† (130), because they did not come up anymore—At least not in spirit. Society did not allow them to die that day, instead, suffer through a forming of living death that will never grant them the happiness they desired in death.

Impact of Leadership in Organizational School Culture Essay

Impact of Leadership in Organizational School Culture - Essay Example She acknowledges that they do not respect each other due to lack of a consistent culture. The principal thus decides to institute a culture week to have the students showcase different cultures to ease the apparent tension. Lack of a homogenous school culture is both oppressive and discriminatory for other subgroups found within the school. The decision to include students in the management of their affairs is critical in effecting change that directly touches on their problems. Second: Staff stability to facilitate the development of strong cohesive school culture. Patricia Morgillo was posted to Quinnipiac Elementary School a priority school by designation of the state. The design was based students needing an intervention on the CMT. The school would receive more funding from New Haven school district, but stigma was directed to its teachers and pupils. She decided to refer to the school’s data to mobilize support for improvement from students and teachers. Previous adminis trators had not used hard data effectively to improve students' potential. "In fact, when I first came here, they used check marks to track students mostly on behavior, Morgillo said. Quinnipiac was a community school, and Morgillo knew staff had to examine statistics and soft data to implement change. Dr.Osborne, an executive in the district’s priority schools devised an action plan for addressing low test scores, strengthened professional development, and using data to effect change in different strands of the Connecticut Mastery Test.

Globalization of the Korean Auto Industry Research Paper

Globalization of the Korean Auto Industry - Research Paper Example State also opted for industry restructuring/ regulating, and concentrated on export led strategy. Rise in domestic demand due to the betterment of economic condition of the country, further enhanced the auto industry of Korea. It took Korea barely three decades to move along the learning curve and secure the place of fifth largest automobile manufacturer in the world. It is notable that exports and foreign auto manufacturers have played a key role in supporting and pulling through the industry in the worst times. This paper throws light on the road taken and success achieved by the Korean automobile industry along with its impact on the economy of Korea. It also aims to explain the reasons for its global competitiveness and what distinguishes it from American automobile industry. The next section of the paper would compare the Korean and American automobile industries which would then be elaborated by an example. It would be followed by the challenges faced currently by the Korean au tomobile industry. Lastly, the paper would conclude with some recommendations to tackle the challenges. Korean Auto Industry Development The history of Korean Automobile Industry can be traced back to 1960s when the Government of Korea took a policy decision to develop auto industry in the country. In the first five year plan of the country, initiated in 1962, emphasis was laid on the creation of indigenous automotive industry. In its initial phase, i.e. in 1960s, the automobile majors were largely involved in assembling of semi knocked down and fully knocked down kits which were nothing but imported components of automobiles. To ease out the conditions for the development of the industry, the state banned import of fully assembled cars although it encouraged foreign partnerships for transfer of technology to the domestic players. With the support of the state, the industry progressed to give rise to four major players which were Hyundai, Kia, Daewoo and Samsung Motors. Hyundai was formed in 1967 with the aim of manufacturing a wholly indigenous car. It started on the learning curve by creating an assembly line to assemble fully knocked down kits. It tied up with Ford, Mitsubishi and Honda for technology transfers in order to initiate local manufacturing of automobiles. It was not until 1976, that Korea achieved the feat of manufacturing automobiles domestically. After eighteen technology transfers, from its foreign partners, Hyundai launched ‘Pony’, in 1976. Pony was the first Korean developed automobile (Korean Development Bank 175). It also holds the distinction of being the first Korean car to be exported. In 1985, Hyundai achieved the landmark quality certifications to meet the quality requirements of EEC, Canada and America which enabled it to export to these geographies also apart from Middle East and Africa. Kia, another automobile firm owned by a chaebol (large Korean business house) was established in 1971. Kia started its product line w ith three wheeled trucks and in a span of three years graduated to manufacture four wheel vehicles. Kia produced its first passenger car ‘Brisa’, in 1974 in technological partnership with Japan’s Honda. Similarly Shinjin Motors (now Daewoo) tied up with Japan’s Toyota to acquire capital and technical knowhow in automobile production. In 1972, Toyota’s share was taken over by General Motors which steered the firm to become the largest automobile

Analysis of The Media Reaction Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of The Media Reaction - Article Example The president of CW, Dawn Ostroff is all praises for her involvement and dedication to her job and the way she is handling production of two shows and planning drama and comedy for to keep the show on the air for a longer time and get higher viewer count. What this article does point out is the fact that there are very few entertainment programs showing predominantly Afro American star cast these days. Most of the programs which used to have Afro American cast in the main lead are long over and that the current ones do not reflect this segment of the society that well on the small screen. There is an increasing trend to have 'colorless' themes for entertainment on the T.V. shows. It gives a significant analysis that though out the fact that though there are more colored actors than ever before they are not getting more work as there are no stories depicting representing their culture. All the segments of the media cannot be accused of relying on stereotypes when depicting a certain group.  Stereotypes are more common in movies and TV shows where colored ethnic groups tend to be shown a typical image associated with them over successive generations. Print media and articles are very careful in not allowing any bias from entering in their news items and editorials.  

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 44

Journal - Essay Example Whats more that is accurate over all races. Discussing a standout amongst the most striking outcomes of the low marriage rate, the amount of unmarried women who are having kids. Exploration lets us know that in 1980, 18 percent of births were to unmarried ladies, while the number today is a little more than 40 percent. There are inescapable budgetary implications to such an emotional movement. For decades, marriage has been elevated as an approach to battle neediness, especially for ladies with youngsters. The reason why marriages are fizzling is precisely basing on the fact that defective individuals are hopping in for the wrong reasons." On the off chance that that was correct, we ought to be seeing galactically high marriage rates and a custom of marriage that remaining parts solid, coupled with cosmically high separate rates. Anyhow that is not what were seeing. Concerning the reasons behind why relational unions are fizzling appears as though something you only hauled out of flimsy air. "Imperfect individuals" – Everyone is defective in restricted or the other. Marriage, much the same as other social organizations, is still a build of people and is in this manner characterized by every individual desires, childhood, and conviction frameworks. As I would like to think, there are no widespread wrong motivations to get hitched on the grounds that marriage gives diverse profits to distinctive individuals. What one few sees as a wrong motivation to get hitched, an alternate may see as a flawless motivation to wed. Some wed for adoration. Some wed for gang. Some wed for convention. None of these reasons are generally not right. Relational unions are fizzling in light of the fact that an excess of individuals view matrimony the way Gretta Cohn does: as something that ought to be dealt with like a vocation contract; as something that "needs another model" rather than an old one that met

Economic developments in Germany and their impact on the EU economy Essay

Economic developments in Germany and their impact on the EU economy - Essay Example This paper demonstrates the main two economic pillars behind the unification were the theories of ‘Regional Trading Block’ and ‘Optimum Currency Area’. The former deals with a free trade area with a two-tier tariff system i.e. zero tariffs within the union members and some positive rate of tariff for the non union-members. (Robson 1999: 109-110) The latter deals with the introduction of a unique currency; it would enable the member states to enjoy the benefit of a fixed exchange rate system with the facility of full currency convertibility. (Krugman and Obstfeld, 1997: 631-33) The simultaneous functioning of a trading block and the optimum currency area was the main theoretical standpoint of the European Union and economic integration was the result of that. Economic integration is desired for the transfer of the benefit of economic development of one country to another. (Czinkota, Rivoli, Ronkainen 1989: 14-16) Let us consider the economic development of Germany and its influence on the European Union. Here our analysis would be concentrated on the economic development of Germany after the establishment of EU. German economy marks itself as a social market economy as the government undertakes a wide array of social services. As German economy is highly export oriented it advocated for European economic integration. After unification German commercial policies have been highly centred towards union. The social reform policies adopted by Germany for the welfare of the society and the structural industrial reform enhanced the performance of the economy and its global competitiveness. (US Dept of State 2008)

Go to www.zooniverse.org. and write 200 words on each of FOUR of these Essay

Go to www.zooniverse.org. and write 200 words on each of FOUR of these different sites - Essay Example The site explains the procedure to analyze these frequency overlays in a tutorial and provides a detailed database for Kepler findings of exoplanets. The site also provides a detailed account of interference patterns and how they can be identified. Furthermore, weak signals can be identified and put up for more investigation. The experiment involves public for analyzing of this data instead of a computer. These patterns are fun to find and latest projects are always available to look at. Live observations from the Allen Telescope Array are provided as well which makes this experiment extremely interesting for the public. I had fun to read about the procedures and the site gave me some insight into how the signals are analyzed and consequently, processed. The site provides interesting opportunities for us to take part in the hunt for radio signals from exoplanets. 2. Galaxy Zoo Galaxy Zoo simply requires identification of galaxies by participants. The project was launched in 2007 and has changed over time. The team has changed data collection methods over time, however, for the participants the calculations are not necessary and the data is processed separately by the team. The project is very simple as it only involves identifying the shapes of the galaxies. Images are provided by Hubble Space Telescope and Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We need to systematically classify and help the team in identifying galaxies as one of the categories; that is elliptical, spiral, merging or star. The project is very simple and the site presents pictures of galaxies in an interactive player. The design is very intuitive and it guides a participant in few easy steps. These steps involve identifying with shapes and provide some choices to best suit our opinion about the galaxy. The images are of distant galaxies and are at times fuzzy. It is hard to clearly distinguish galaxies, though; some concentration is required to keenly observe the pictures. The best part about the project is the easy connection to discuss the image by others in a detailed forum. Participants can also write about their special observations if any related to the picture that needs special consideration from professionals. Overall, the site provides an interesting experience to look into the shapes and classifications of galaxies and help the team identifying vast database of about 900,000 galaxies. No special knowledge or training is required and it is fairly simple to participate in the project. 3. Planet Hunters The site presents interesting opportunities to participate in analyzing data from Kepler Mission. Kepler measures light from stars precisely and this measurement is presented in the shape of an interactive graph taken over time. A simple tutorial teaches how to analyze these graphs. The light from the star dips when a planet transits in front of the star, therefore, reducing measured brightness by Kepler. These transits can be identified as dips in the graphs as the graph prese nts brightness measured from the star. The graphs are presented in an interactive player with choices for identification in a systematic manner. The data at times has noise and the measurements are occasionally very confusing. Multiple dips can be identified at times; however, some classifications are straight forward with very little noise

Plantain Vs Banana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Plantain Vs Banana - Essay Example The name Musa paradisiaca was given to the plantain group which are cooked and consumed while still starchy† (Robinson 21). Through further classification the two fruits became known scientifically as M. balbisiana and M. acuminata (Robinson 1). Bananas and plantains share the same source of origin in Southeast Asia (Robinson 1). Today, the banana and plantain are abundant in slightly different parts of the world. Historically, the banana traveled from its origin to more tropical climates around 500 A.D, then ended in the Caribbean and South America about a thousand years later (Robinson 14). Most modern bananas are grown in the Caribbean region. In contrast, the plantain traveled from its origin of Southeast Asia and is now produced primarily in South America. Physically, bananas and plantains appear similar except for their color. Bananas are typically yellow when ripe and green when not ripe. Plantains are green when not ripe and black when ripe. A plantain is longer than a banana, and has a thicker skin (Chiquita Bananas). The major differences between plantains and bananas are their taste differences and their popular uses. Although they appear similar on the outside, inside they are quite different and are used for different purposes. According to the Chiquita banana website, bananas are much sweeter than plantains and are typically eaten raw (Chiquita Bananas). Bananas are considered a fruit while plantains are considered members of the vegetable family. Plantains can be eaten raw, but are mostly eaten when they have been steamed, baked, boiled, or fried. Plantains are used as though they are a vegetable and are a staple in Central American and South American diets. Interestingly, plantains are produced primarily in South America and consumed locally. â€Å"Only 1.62% of the world plantain production is exported† (Robinson 6). Bananas became popular in the United States after they started being imported

'Prison works and community sentences are a soft option.' Critically Essay

'Prison works and community sentences are a soft option.' Critically discuss - Essay Example Nevertheless, the public and the government remain divided on the issue of sentencing and punishments. On the one hand, there are people who believe that punishments are not as tough as they should be (Bowditch 2008). They believe that hardened and repeating criminals do not deserve mere slaps in the wrists through community sentences (Powell 1999, p.209). On the other hand, others insist that community sentences and prison works have worthy merits (Gibb 2006). They are cheaper than imprisonment and can be effective punishment alternatives on their own. Community sentences, if properly managed, can do more rehabilitation than custodial sentences (Edwards 2011). This paper explores the issue that asserts that prison works and community sentences are soft options and it also discusses dissent against soft options, especially in an era that demands stiffer penalties. This statement underscores that these soft options are only for minor crimes and not recommended in resolving penology an d social problems. This paper argues prison works and community sentences are soft options, compared to custodial sentences, but they can also be effective in addressing penal issues and decreasing the social concern of recidivism, as long as they are properly and strictly managed and implemented. Community sentences Notions of probation can be traced to local court practices in the early nineteenth century, where young offenders or those guilty with small offences could be discharged or bound if a suitable person offered to take accountability for supervising future conduct (Raynor 2002: 1172). In 1876, the Church of England Temperance Society started to create an active presence in some city police courts to promote moral reform of offenders and to keep them abstained from alcohol (Raynor 2002: 1172). From the 1950s to the 1980s, probation experienced two reformulations and rethinking, with major effects on the questions tackled by probation research (Raynor 2002: 1174). Wilkins ( 1958) and Radzinowicz (1958) asserted that the effects of probation can be located in the â€Å"treatment model,† where for Radzinowicz (1958), probation was â€Å"a form of social service preventing further crime by a readjustment of the culprit† (Raynor 2002: 1174). Wilkins agreed that the treatment model focused more on subsequent behaviour of offenders and not issues of the criminal justice system (Raynor 2002: 1174). As the 1970s ended, the â€Å"treatment model† faced strong criticisms. Empirically, the studies of the effectiveness of penal sanctions of different forms led to negative results and the general finding that â€Å"nothing works† (Raynor 2002: 1175). There were also moral and philosophical arguments against the treatment, such as the objectification and dehumanisation of subjects and resting on the unverified claims of superior professional knowledge† (Raynor 2002: 1175). Community sentences were first enacted by law in 1907 for th e â€Å"probation† of offenders (Ministry of Justice 2008: 1). They departed from the treatment agenda, because they focused on effects of systems, instead of people (Raynor 2002: 1177). During the 1980s, an emphasis on community sentencing emerged as part of crime policymaking (Charman and Savage 1999: 194). Community service and supervision orders took greater priority over prisons as ways of resolving crimes (Charman

The Life Styles Inventory Essay Example for Free

The Life Styles Inventory Essay The Life Styles Inventory (LSI) is a self-assessment questioning instrument that processes the information you input into the system into 12 different thinking styles. The LSI encourages applicants to understand and change bad behavior and find ways to improve them by examining one’s thoughts and feeling and why they do things the way they do. After taking the 240 self-assessment exam an individual knows exactly what they need to focus on in terms of their development style, because the assessment gives you raw feedback of the results. The results of the self-description is graphed on a circular diagram and table chart giving visual feedback of the individuals results as it relates to their thoughts and behavior in the 12 LSI styles. This summary is a custom-made developmental needs assessment, which then gives the individuals their strengths and areas they may need improvement in. My Life Style Inventory profile shows my primary style is Avoidance. My backup thinking style is dependent closely followed by Power falling within 5% referred to in the LSI Circumplex. As much as I hate to admit it I found the information in the finding extremely accurate with my primary style. I would definitely agree that Avoidance is in my nature. The information that it has under the avoidance style circumplex describes me to T. All my life I’ve been told that I hide my true feelings, that I shy away from situations that I may not want to get involved in because I make them bigger than they really are, and even that I have a fear of failure and rejection. However, I don’t fully agree with what it says about the Avoidance-Oriented Manager style for me. It states that that (â€Å"Managers scoring higher on this scale are often threatened by the responsibilities of their positions and tend to feel overwhelmed much of the time. By choosing to ignore problems in hopes that things will take care of themselves, they often obtain a false, temporary sense of security. †(LSI 2013). I agree with this statement to a certain extent. I might feel threatened by the responsibility of 1my position sometimes, but that is only because I want to do the job perfectly without any flaws, knots or wrinkles. As this may cause me to feel overwhelmed, it doesn’t make me ignore problems in hopes that things will take care of themselves it makes me strive that much harder to complete the job as best I can. I find myself as a more hands on: we will get it done together type manager because I feel people respect managers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty sometime. That’s not to say that I want delegate responsibilities throughout my team because I certainly don’t have a problem with doing that also. My first back up style is Dependent and I too much don’t agree with everything that was stated in this circumplex but again it kind of fit my personality. The circumplex states that (â€Å"The Dependent scale measures the degree to which we feel our efforts do not count. Dependent behavior originates in a need for security and self-protection: dependent people typically feel that they have very little control over their lives. † (LSI 201) It also stated that this style may be due to some type of life changes which I can see why it fits my personality. I was recently in a long term relationship with the first girl I ever loved and I believe due to that separation I can see how I may feel my efforts do not count and how I may feel I may feel that I have very little control over my life because in this relationship I really wanted to get back with my ex-girlfriend but we never did. And this even ties in with the Power management style which would be like my backup to my backup style. I believe my limiting style would be Self-Actualizing because this is where I scored my lowest score on the LSI circumplex. I believe that my low score in this area is what will possibly keep me from being the most effective manager possible. If I could change one behavior from this area I would change how it says I doubt myself and my ability to make a difference. I would like to have more confidence in my abilities and take the risks because with risk you get big rewards. This style that I would like to change is Achievement. I believe Achievement is one of the styles that I much have working for me because of all that I could gain. I also chose Achievement because this is where I scored one of my lowest scores on the LSI assessment and I agree with the reasoning the assessment had to offer. I think by me not scoring high in this assessment it increase my overall effectiveness in the organization because Achievers have increased opportunities for promotions, higher salary levels, more respect from others and the ability to effectively lead others just to name a few and these are all thing that I want the gain within an organization. My personal style is more laid back. I have a really nonchalant attitude toward most things. I am not really confrontational at all I am more like a mediator. I like to think of myself as an open person accepting of others and very friendly because I have a nature of wanting to be accepted. I feel my management style is somewhat different though. First and for most I demand the respect of all my employees as a manager because I want no misunderstanding what our roles is. Once you start one what you can’t change styles in the middle of the race, I believe you will lose a lot of respect from employees that way even fellow coworkers, top management etc. Also as a manager I feel that I am loyal, honest and fair. I believe that hard work is very important and I always strive to complete assignment at any cost. After I have established my roles as a manager and thing are running smoothly I then let my personality slip into the mix. Once I feel more comfortable with employees I am able to joke around and allow for a un-tense work environment. As I am not a manager at this time I recall my previous positions as a supervisor at my last job as a case manager and as a resident assistant over a floor of 35+ college men. In my job I also strived to complete assignments because I want the team to look good when other department were falling short of the quota. At the same time I was pretty cool with my team because I wanted a non-hostile work environment. My personality was shaped throughout the course of my life. I was raised by a single parent my mother and I was pretty sheltered. I was raised to do the right thing in a Christian household and to do unto others as I would want them to do unto me. I feel that the way I was brought up, my religion and culture definitely plays a part in my personality. I feel my mother sheltering me relates to my need to be dependent on others. I feel that the way I was brought up in a Christian household relates to me thinking the way I do causing me to be a little narrow-minded when it comes to certain issues. Looking back on this assignment I really feel like I learned a lot from the LSI. This experience helped me understand my style a whole lot better and makes me what to take hat I have learned and apply it to my life to make me a better manager. With what I have learned I definitely feel this assignment will influence my personal, academic and professional development because of what I know now. I’ve learned that this chart is not indefinite and that my styles can change if I work on it. The areas that I may feel are character flaw I can work on them and potentially fix them and make me better manager. One goal that I hope to work on is opening up more and not shying away from responsibility. I feel that if I work on these goals I would be a good manager.

The Impact of Technology on Marketing in Nigeria Essay Example for Free

The Impact of Technology on Marketing in Nigeria Essay With a few exceptions, available literature tends to uphold the view that technology has become a universally relevant concept in every business organization. Some argue that a consistent and positive relationship exists between Marketing and Technology. This paper therefore, proposes that with its effects on marketing, organizations and practitioner can create a symbiotic relationship between Marketing and Technology with the ultimate objective of sustaining or improving current marketing performances of these organizations. Our focus is to examine technology (ies) and it(s) effect on marketing activities and decisions. INTRODUCTION Drucker, (1980), observed that the business environment of the recent past has been characterized by turbulence. This has resulted on the reassessment of the growth prospects of various industries as well as dramatic upheavals in the relative positions of firms within these industries. The causes of these changes are numerous but it is by now apparent that a major cause of this upheaval is technology. Although technology has been ignored in most traditional considerations of economic or managerial behavior, it is no longer taken for granted. It has even risen to the forefront in debates on world and national economic policies and on the future of specific industries and markets. This paper attempts to examine the issues associated with technology in marketing and its impact not so much as in terms of the â€Å"quantity† of work and time employed to do the work, but rather in terms of the â€Å"quality† of the activity in marketing and its contributions. Today, marketers use technology to improve the quality of products and services offering. These new and evolving technologies coupled with increase management sophistication have transformed marketing from the creative art of yesterday into a true business discipline of today. In addition, it has resulted in developments that have provided important information and opportunities that have helped to meet customer needs and helped organizations to serve their customers better. Examples are scientific knowledge, research, inventions and innovations that result in new or improved goods and services, advances in manufacturing technology, improvements in distribution, better pricing techniques, etc. Most recently, the internet, an extensive global network of computes have made the distance between marketers, suppliers, and customer even shorter than what it use to be. In essence, we will discuss technology and merging aspects as they affect marketing practices and decisions. DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY The Advance Learners Dictionary described technology as the application of practical or mechanical sciences to industry or commerce and the methods, theory and practices governing such applications. An attempt to adopt this opinion will focus attention on machines and equipments in business. Technology has become more abstract, and its scope more defined that earlier thought. Pareauct and McCarthy (2003) opined that technology is the application of science to convert an economy’s resources to output. This only assumes that technology in business is a conversion process that enables firms to exploit available resources in new ways. Again, we see it as the application of science in the production and services. This also excludes auxiliary services in business. The definition of Bateman and Sneel (1999), seems to be more appropriate to describe technology in marketing. They see technology as â€Å"the methods, process, system and skills used to transform resources into products and services. This results in the commercialization of science by the systematic application of scientific knowledge to business products, process or services†. Jobber (2000) seems to confirm the above definition by outlining the following factors as important to technology in marketing. They are technology, methods, process systems and skills; a.Technology: As the method, process, system and skill that enable an organization to acquire, analyze and use the vast amount of data involved in managing its resources and customers. The technology needs to deliver the right information about the right customer at the right time so that the business can achieve its role in managing its resources and customers effectively, and efficiently. b.Method: For the technology to be effective there is a need for an understanding of the values, attitudes and behavior of various customers, prospects and stakeholders in the marketing process. This will help the organization to focus on such areas as the effective retention and acquisition of business customers for its long-term benefits. c.Process: Everything should be in a series of actions directed to provide a clear and consistent process for managing customer relations needed to be developed and reviewed in the light of changing customer needs and requirements in modern times. d.Systems: The technology should be able to provide some interacting elements that will form a collective entity. The implementation of the plans and processes that will deliver the value proposition to customer in every transaction must be synchronized and coordinated. e.Skills: The skills expected should involve special ability to perform in a given task. Key elements such as organizational structure should support effective customer management, role identification, training requirements for resources and employee satisfaction. The above factors are crucial to an organization’s ability to adapt to evolving technologies that may affect marketing technologies. Nickels, et al (1999), observed that technology in business has often changed names and roles over time. It started as data processing, information system, information technology virtualization and now to knowledge technology. This must have influenced Heineke (2003) to highlight of four stages in technology development as system-centric, PC-centric, Network Centric and Information Centric. Whatever the stage, the fact remains that technology in business or marketing has not reduced the amount of work but rather significantly changed the type of work performed by people in organizations. It has not replaced human labor, but induced deep and enduring changes in marketing environment. As technology affects the realm of marketing, as used in everyday life, its impact increases. This impact consists in not only a shift to different type of activities in business but also an encompassing effect on marketing in terms of quality. This quality is achieved by offering more comfort to customers as well as increasing the smoothness, user friendliness and efficacy in the performance of marketing activities. Generally, as technology in marketing advances, it might be possible to foresee some more enduring trends in marketing activities. The focus would then be on future issues on how to improve the quality of products and services provided by marketing for years to come. MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGY As stated above, technology has passed through well-defined stages. The history of marketing also shows very specific phases of growth from distribution, merchandizing, salesmanship, branding, advertising, database marketing to one on one marketing (Menton 2003). There existed a symbiotic relationship between technology and marketing. For example, from the early days of transportation, coming of radio, television, to computers networks. The effect of this relationship has been the steady reduction of the distance between the firm and the consumer. All these stages were greatly influenced in part by better and faster ways of doing business. As a business activity, marketing is facing a new and more complex environment. Technology, which affects this environment, has become very dynamic and highly volatile. Marketing and technology have become two of the most important aspects of any modern business. They share the skills and resources that are needed to power a successful and profitable enterprise. TECHNOLOGIES AFFECTING MARKETING Technology has been acknowledged as one of the most dynamic factors affecting business of today. It has spawn a myriad of applications that have potentially and dramatically impacted existing markets and different participants in the marketing activities like final consumers, sellers, seller of complementary service, intermediaries, information providers and business competitors. There is an unending and rapid advance in technologies that have led to amazing growth in knowledge technology. There are emerging technologies that have shown their usefulness given impressive declines in cost. The emerging and enduring technology in marketing as outlined by Shugan (2008), are i.Search and Engines: The internet now provides a wide variety of services for finding websites sellers, service people, product information, archival information, messages, reviews, announcements and search engines. The search engines are integral parts of the internet as a distribution channel. They help to disseminate information about products, brands and services of many firms. They allow for selected information, narrow buyers choice, increased assortment and targeting of particular items and customers. Examples of these search engines are; www.google.com, ww.yahaoo.com; www.msn.com; www.ask.com, etc. ii.Biometrics and Smartcards: Biometric is the automated identification of a person made by comparisons of physical physiology or behavioral traits to digital template. This technology provides an effective tool for countering undesirable arbitrage and provides the ability to identify a buyer from those only observing a buy. It also allows consumers to buy in advance and consumer later. On the other hand, smart cards are credit cards that contain chips with information on individual consumer. The cards allow users to both identify themselves and communicate private information. This technology has facilitated the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and credit cards that have redefine the concept of place in marketing. ii.Mobile or Wireless Access Devices: This technology involves mostly the use of mobile phones and other Personal Digital Assistants popularly called PDAs, to access information from the internet about products and services. Their advantage includes, ubiquity, reach ability, convenience, security and privacy and personalization. The technology includes Short Messages Services (SMS), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and 3G – a new generation of mobile service. iv.Interactive Digital Television: This offers similar facilities like the internet but provided with a simpler interface that can be operated from a remote control. It allows for distribution, information and participation interactive ness. This includes Asynchronous Transfer Mode, and Personal Communication services. v.M-Commerce and GPS Tracking: Mobile commerce (M-commerce) is the use of various information and communication technologies that allow the mobile exchange of information. It includes the use of a variety of devices such as mobile phones, wireless internet, and personal digital assistants. With the Global Positioning System (GPS), these devices can enable the users to determine their precise location on the earth surface. When it is linked to communication and computational components, they can transmit, locate and do location-based computation. They can be used to identify buyers and when it is inked to inventory system, could help to find the closest outlet for a particular product or service. vi.Enhanced Computational Speed: There is a remarkable increase in computing power. This has obviously spanned an enormous, number of opportunities for marketing. The increase in speed allows sellers of products and services to use sophisticated tools to analyze traditional database and continue to improve targeting strategies. These databases include information on automobiles, biomedical equipments, distribution devices, communication system, basic office equipments, etc. Business customers can now visit websites like visiting stores and even do their shopping on-line. THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON MARKETING IN NIGERIA The market place which is the interest of marketers is not what is use to be. Technology has shaken the foundation of marketing in several distinct and profound ways. It has affected marketing and marketing functions in Nigeria the following ways. Technology has allowed for the personalization of direct marketing activities and effects. Postal telecommunication and electronic correspondence can now be addressed specifically to individual customers. This has put the consumers in control, by giving the power of choice to them. Consumers can now get marketing messages where they want them and how they want them and most importantly, if they want them at all. Again, technology has also changed the media landscape. It is the foundation for the introduction of a vast array of new media alternatives. This has increased the reach and targeting power of marketers through the evolution and development of the internet, pod casting, blogging, I-pod and mobile technology. This has made it possible for a sponsor of an advertising message to select millions of messages and narrow cast any of them to millions of different individuals. It has changed how companies communicate with their customers and made marketing more scientific in the country. Furthermore, technology has completely transformed the measurement platform. That which was once considered to be beyond the scope of quantification has bowed to the reality that everything can fact be measured no matter how challenging or complex. This has helped to capture customer trends and behaviors in databases. Marketing strategists to define new markets, segment markets and plan marketing actions then apply these databases. Technology has crested a paradigm shift in marketing, which is referred to as Customer Relationship Management (CRM). This marketing-led approach helps to combine relationship marketing, direct marketing and data based marketing to build and sustain long-term business with customers. This seeks to establish long-term committed, trusting and cooperative relationship with customers that is characterized by openness, genuine concern for the delivery of high quality goods and services, responsiveness to customers. It suggests fair dealings and the marketers’ willingness to sacrifice short-term advantage for long-term gain. Technology provides the very foundation for effective customer relationship management in Nigeria. In addition, technology has become sustenance in a very short period and it has dramatically changed how consumers live their lives and how marketers need to address their customers. The influence of technology has grown into a macro-cultural shift in all aspects of society. This has affected the behaviors of consumer in all segments, of every society. It has helped to build â€Å"product or service communities†. An information gathering process that aims to access primary target groups and develop an enthusiastic community of customers for a firm’s products and services across the country. It has further widened the range of goods and services available to consumers and impact on companies’ promotion strategies. Components such as internet, CD-ROMs, etc enables buyer and sellers to interact on-line. They provide facilities that can be used to identify sales leads, conduct web-based marketers to make tough choices about how to spend marketing money and have shortened the window of time necessary to prove marketing success to business management and other stakeholders in Nigeria. An emerging definition of convenience in the country includes anytime, anywhere, anyway delivery of easy to use products and services. Electronic delivery of products and services has helped to create networks of websites and customers who sell, resell and recommend products and services offerings to their friends and other customers through these facilities. This has led to affiliate marketing across Nigeria. Finally, break through in technology have enabled the marketing of service that were until recently considered impractical in the country. The digitization of data content has brought new capabilities to interactive services and facilitated the creation of completely new classes of data. This is allowing an unimaginable quantity of information to be pumped into households via Internet, interactive devices, etc. This has facilitated the development of rich interactive services by marketers and marketing practitioners in the country. CONCLUSION Technology affects marketing in two basic ways, i.e new product/services and new processes of doing things in marketing. This technology is changing both the internal and external landscape of marketing. These forces of change facilitated by new and emerging technologies suggests a new emphasis of marketing as a strategic way of doing business has changed. Given this imperative of change, those responsible for marketing decisions in Nigeria must learn new ways to respond to the new business concept of â€Å"survival of the fastest†. REFERENCES Agbonifoh B.A. et al (2007); Marketing in Nigeria: 2nd Edition Concept, Principles and Decisions Afri Tower Books Aba-Nigeria Bergen, Mark Shantanu Dutta, Steven M. Shugan 1999 Variants: A Retail Perspective J. Marketing Res. Bob Lipdice (2008) Reinrenty Marketing an Introduction http://ana.bliogs.cpm/hodice12006/01/reinrenty-mar.html Capon and Rashi Glazer (2008);Marketing and Technology. A Strategic Coalignment http:/www.7stor.orlistor/giftotdir Carson, Paula Phillips, Patricia A. Lanier, Kerry David Carson, Betty J. Birkenmeier (1999). A Historical Perspective on Fad Adoption and Abandonment J. Management History 5(6) 320-333 Craver D.W and Piercy N.F (2003);Strategic Marketing 7th Edition McGraw Hill, Irwin Dave Chaffey Private Limited, New Delhi et al (2003); Internet Marketing 2nd Edition Strategy Implementation and Practice (FT) Prentice Hall, Harlow David Jobber (2004); Principles and Practice of Marketing 4th Edition, McGraw Hill London Eliashbery, Jehoshua, Steven M. Shugan (1997);Film Critics Influencers or Predictors? J. Marketing 61(2) 68-78 Friar, John H.R Balachandra (1999);Spotting the Customer for Emerging Technologies Res. Tech. Management 42(4) 37-44 How Technology will Save Marketing http://www.iaffekuice.com Huber, Peter (2000); The Death of Old Media. Wali Street J. (January 11) A. 26 Hwang-Aim Sook (2004); Integrating Technology Marketing and Management Innovation: Research Technology Management, Amore Pacific Corp. South Korea Iyer, Ganesh, David Soberman (2000); Marketing for Product Modification Information Marketing Set. 19(3) 203-22 Kotler P. (2003); Marketing Management 11th Edition Prentice-Hill of India Louderback, Jim (2004); GPS: High-Tech Lost and Found Extremetech (August 9) 1 McCarty, E. Jerome (1964); Marketing: A Management Approach, Richard D. Irwin, Homewood, II N. Nohia and J. Bekly (1994); â€Å"An Action Perspeative: The Crux of the New Management†. Calfornia Management Review Pg 70-92 Patrician A. Mirphy (2008); Where Marketing Meets Technology Perreauet W. D. and Mccarthy E.J. (2003);Essentials of Marketing. A Global Managerial Approach. McGraw Hill, Irwin Boston Rovenpor, Janet (2003);Explaining the E-Commerce she did so many Internet-Based Business Fail? E-se 53-77 Shugan Steven, M. Jinhon Xie (2004); Advance Selling, California Management Rev. 46(3) 37-54 Shugan Steven, M. Larry Winner (1999); Product Review Marketing Strategy. Working Paper, University Gainesville FL Tellis, Gerard J. Stefan Stremersch, Eden Yin (2003); Titional take off of New Products. The Role of Economic and Country Innovativeness Marketing Set 22(2). The Impact of E-Business on Marketing and Marketing. http://www.cim.co.uk/knowledgehub/marketingknowledge Trends that will Impact Marketing in 2005 http://www.dexigner.com/designnews1679.html Winkler A. (2008);Warp-Speed Brandy. The Impact of Tech on Marketing Editorial Daviews http://www.amagon.com Wu, Dazhong Gautam Ray, Xianjun Geng. Andrew W. (2004); Implications of Reduced Search Cost and First E-commerce Marketing Set 23(2) 255-262

Business Essays Puma Company Brand

Business Essays Puma Company Brand Puma Company Brand 1. Executive Summary Puma AG is a multinational company that is based in German and manufactures high athletic and sportswear shoes both for women and men, It was founded by Rudolf Dassler after a dispute with his brother Adi Dassler with whom they had founded the Dassler Schuhfabrik in 1924. Puma had a very poor brand image that show a decline in its market share and prompted puma to change it strategic decisions to improve on its image, this process of change was led by Jochen Zeitz Puma CEO based on phases one to four of strategic plan to change puma’s image so that it can compete favorable in the marketplace and within a couple of years Jochen Zeitz had change puma’s brand image into one of the most desirable and sought after brand of sportswear and footwear worn both buy celebrities and fashion followers all over the word. 1.1 Introduction Puma was founded in Dassler Schuhfabrik, Herzogenaurach, Germany by Rudolf Dassler after a dispute with his brother Adi Dassler with whom they had founded the Dassler Schuhfabrik in 1924. Until early 2003 puma had a very poor brand image that show a decline in its market share and prompted puma to change it strategic decisions to improve on its image, this process of change was led by Jochen Zeitz Puma CEO based on phases one to four of strategic plan to change puma’s image so that it can compete favorable in the marketplace and within a couple of years Jochen Zeitz had change puma’s brand image into one of the most desirable and sought after brand of sportswear and footwear worn both buy celebrities and fashion followers all over the word. This report is divided in three parts, Part one presents the factors that influenced puma to change it brand image and it further goes to describe these factors under Macro-environmental analysis basing on market trends, rivalry between customers and strategic group mapping. The second part presents the puma’s resources and capabilities in terms of strengths and weakness as well as virtuallity as seen as strengthens and the third part of the report presents puma’s winning strategies basing on pumas situation that fits the company, sustainable completive advantages and as a better performing company. According to case study of Puma AG (in Thompson, A.A., Strickland, A.J. and Gamble, J. (2005) Crafting and Executing Strategy (Fourteenth Edition), McGraw-Hill, New York, pages C411- C432), The environmental and competitive factors that influenced Puma’s strategic decision to improve its Brand image is identified under Macro- environmental factors, rivalry between competitors and strategic group mapping as below. 1.1.2 Macro –environmental factors Lack of social acceptance of Puma brand from the upper class customers who were not willing to wear the brand because they considered to of poor quality and were sold â€Å"dirt-cheap† Puma’s brand was compromised and this a affected it’s value for example Rudi’s son wanted puma products to reach all the customers of all social back ground and this move was seen by the upper class people as some thing below them and they can not be seen wearing the same brand as people on welfare recipients. In order for pumas brand to be accepted as a high quality brand of value, force puma to change and improve its brand so that it can be socially accepted by customers. Change in customers taste and style for example there was high demand for supports ware and fashion apparel tend that was oriented toward high value and lifestyle products, this change in customers demand influenced pumas to changed it’s brand image to meet the customers growing demand Demographic change in soccer market for example their was a high demand to respond to needs of both kids playing on local pitch and nationals soccer team playing professional at international level that required high quality brand and in order for puma to tap in to these demographic change puma needed to improve its brand image. Market change of 1980 when sports brand became more dynamic and consumers taste diversified into new and more exciting high price that make products more desirable this forced puma to change its brand image so that they can charge high price as customers associate high prices with quality of brand or product and the more highly charged the more desirable the brand. Introduction of niches in the market offered attractive growth rates both incumbent and new market players for example skateboarding markets, golf sports, sports equipments for out door activities made puma change its brand image, for example for puma to enjoy this attractive growth its brand has to be of high quality. Merging of manufactures to form one big group for example Rosso joined forces with several other manufactures in northern Italy to form Genius group this was seen as a threat because this means more resources and strong financial stand and this led to high fragmented global market and for puma to survive in a highly fragmented market it needed to change its brand image Puma’s brand was disreputable and had lost specailised sports dealers in its distribution network in order for puma to gain its distribution network it had to improve on its brand image 1.1.3 Rivalry between competitors Puma greatest rivalries are from the following competitors: Nike Inc Nike is the number one sports brand in world over and from the case study Based in USA Has got sub brand like Tiger words and Michael Jordan Adidas Salomon AG Deals on core sports (soccer, athletics skiing) Has got stronger financial resources Has got it’s marketing and design departments in Germany and France Prada Sports Luxury brand It has entered in to sports segments four years ago Deals in trendy fashion wear of high prices Diesel Based in Italy Fashion brand ,majoring in sunglasses, footwear Competitors entered the market such as Adidas, Nike, Rebook among others entered the market and made competition for market share was very high and these competitors had better quality brand than puma and among them, they shared 27% of the market share, this stiff competition influenced puma to improve on it’s brand image to survive to survive in the competitive market Nike was the biggest competitor of all and it had the largest market share for example Nike was became the world’s largest sports equipment manufacture in the late 1980 and maintain this position since then. Puma was dealing in almost identical products like puma but its brand was poor so in order to have a share in the market place puma needed to improve on its brand image. Adidas-Salomon was also another competitor that entered the market as the second world’s largest producer of sports equipment manufacture in world with approximately $6.5 billion in sales and was present in every country this put puma in a very difficult situation and in order for puma to have a favorable share in the market it needed to change its brand Reebok also entered the market at the time when puma brand was poor, Reebok was the world third largest player in the sports market, Reebok identified footwear industry as a key market and began to aggressively into overseas market this expand was seen as a threat to puma and to survive it puma had to change its brand image Prada though a luxury bran, it also started deal in sportswear four years ago and this is a threat for Puma and because though the price for Prada brand is high, it high quality goods do attack customer who are willing to spend for example super starts, this is a threat to puma because puma has to not only with Prada but with Nike, Adidas and Reebok for customers. 1.1.4 Marketing strategies Acquisitions of groups for example Rosso bought out other partners and embarked on growth and expansion this means more competition for market shares as he built a solid and vast distribution platform across five continents reporting annual sales of $330 million with luxury brand selling jeans for as much as $100-$200 a pair making it’s brand more appealing to customers and in order for puma to survive Such a hash market, it needed to change its brand image Innovations as a marketing strategy for example Nike diversified his product portfolio to target people of ages 20 -30 with enthusiastic sports appeal, Reebok changed its marketing strategy and began transition toward football, baseball and soccer which Puma was one of puma product line and in order for puma to attract new customers it has to change it brand image for example puma designing and new functionality in new collections and launched retro looks of the 1970s/80s All companies engaged in massive advertisement for their brand a awareness so that they can compete favorable in the market for example in Nike marketing strategy, it focused on sponsoring huge events and popular events, Reebok also sponsored popular events and had a licensing agreement with national basket association that increased its brand awareness To compete with each other favorability each company outsource production and raw materials where their cost was cheap and labour was available this enables each company to cut on production cost. Product differentiation causes constraints on rivalry for example the is high rivalry for example between Nike, Adidas and Reebok because thought there is high brand identification in the market they almost dealt in similar sports equipments which offer customer the usage. 1.1.5 Strategic group mapping to position competitors Strategic Group Map on Footwear Mark From the strategic group mapping, the rivalry between Puma and Nike is very low and puma doesn’t pose a threat because Puma doesn’t enough market shares as compared to Nike, This is because Puma is a stage where its brand is poor and customers are not willing to buy puma products and this explains why the position of puma and Nike are far a part from each The close positioning of Nike, Adidas and Reebok are and narrow and almost tight because they are competing for almost the same size for example the rivalry between Adidas and Reebok are almost of the same size in market share and they have to keep competing for the market with no dominance from Adidas and Reebok as a leading rivalry, this is because the cost of production is low and so is the cost of labour The cost of switching from one brand to another is very low for customers the rivalry firms because customers can freely buy from another from Nike, Adidas and Reebok especially where there is no brand royalty that’s why they are so close together Nike, Adidas and Reebok entered the market almost at the same time when puma’s brand image needed improving this cause high competition for the market shares and for customers and this explains why less room for expansion for Nike , Adidas and Reebok that needs to protect it’s market share from Puma The cost of production was low between the rivalry firms as most of had outsourced all production and raw material where they were cheap to produce, this made the market so unstable and due to high competition for the market share. 2 Puma’s strengths and weakness 2.1 Strength Puma had collaboration with some of the famous designers from different cultural back ground for example puma’s new projects were developed under the supervisions of trendsetters like Yashuiro Mihara and Jil sanders which are strongly influenced by kickboxing. This cooperation and collaboration opened a new wide market for puma for example where high fashion meets sportswear, for example this collaboration led puma to produced high quality brand that suppers starts like Madonna were happy to be spotted wear puma brand and this made many fashion and brand wearer buy more of puma products Puma launched new collections which blended with sports, lifestyle and fashion for example puma curato shoes, unala cropped woven women’s ware which are very sport fashionable and trendy, such causal sportswear became like very day kind of wear for certain age group for example the young starts who identified themselves with puma logo and style, this made it easy for puma to target and reach the right market as at the right time as puma knew it’s market and customers well Innovations -puma carried innovations at each part of the process for example puma worked with engineering teams of Jordan grand prix Racing to learn about new materials like carbon fire which are then built into pumas shoes like shudou shoes, this innovation enabled Puma to produced high quality sportswear that were so desirable that puma gain a lot more customer that puma became looked upon as a trend starter in the footwear market for other companies like Nike and Adidas as follow Puma outsourced all productions and raw material procurements in European were to expensive and raw martial were cheap in Asians countries , this allow puma to reduce it’s working capital and allow puma to shorten the production and enable full quality control of input factors Puma had knowledge and experience, this is one of pumas major strength because according to the case study Zeitz’s understanding of fashion as â€Å"the new combinations of elements of the past it easy for puma to produce products without having to design for scratch rather than use its heritage, this made it easy for Puma to re-launched older products for example the retro look where some parts were taken from 1970/1980 collections were re-launched after adding modern elements such as fit or color way shoes Puma has good planning and timing for example puma for example puma entered the sports market two years before its revival in order to maximize profits and this gave puma enough time to prepare for up coming demand, Puma had gain market experience and gave customers the impressions of always being in the sports market. Puma participated in various marketing campaigns to arose customer brand awareness for example it sponsored big events, chose music television channel which was known for its young audience who tired to differentiate themselves and targeted them with puma adverts, for example Puma use the MTV and Music Mongol as Jazzy to promote footwear and other apparel this made lead to the popularity of puma brand and in the last five years saw increased sales as the brand was considered â€Å"rebellious and stylish â€Å" as two most desirable attributes as compared to it’s competitors Acquisitions of other company for example puma acquired Swedish company Tretorn, Europe’s third largest manufacturer of tennis ball from Proventus for â‚ ¬23 million which the contributed to â‚ ¬45 million in sales and puma was able to allocate its over head cost of distribution functions Puma had a shareholder New Regency which put puma in several successful Hollywood movies such as devil and high crime this benefited puma massively from generous product placement. This new regency made it easy for puma to reach it market audience through movies, adverts that portrays the image of puma as a company Technologically puma created a web presence that fit its imaged for example its home page displayed different adverts from Jamaica line. Interactive stories transported readers into managers’ thoughts during his 96 hour business tripe around the world wearing pumas casual and business attire. A project promoted on the internet was the â€Å"top winner thrift† A collection of 510 unique and individual shoes was created and sold at premium prices all over the world. 2.1.2 Weakness Poor brand Image Before the revival, puma has a very bad brand image that most customers from the upper social class did not want to buy puma products because it was considered cheap, this ruined poor reputation and it took years for this image to be rebuilt through phases. Luck of financial resource Puma did not have a strong financial resource as can be seen from the balance sheet of 1999-2002 this could have been due to reduced sales as the brand was of poor image. From the case study puma has the lowest balance sheet compare to its competitors Luck of customers Due to puma poor brand image of 1992-2002 it was not attracting customers because the brand was poor the substitute were readily available on the market most of pumas customers might have crossed to Nike or Adidas as they had better quality footwear Limited market when the brand was poor puma has the least market share as compared to Nike, Adidas and Rebook that to gathered shared 27% of the market share. This failure by puma to capture a larger make share is a weakness and this decreased on brand attractiveness, this can be due to puma’s marketing communication which is different for market segment Puma lost its sports dealers distribution network due to poor brand image and unhealthy sale. Though this was gained, Puma still missing the sports segments distribution systems From the case study Puma has a higher overhead as compared because some of its products were sold cheaply at a very low price making it really hard to figure out what the profit was made as costs were being attached to total sales regardless of what product segment was sold 2.1.3 Virtuality Puma is the first virtual sports company according to pumas mission statement and uses Virtual Warehouse Management System. According to Jochen Zeitz, CEO of puma Virtual actually may be the wrong word. One should probably say a virtualized company, where location doesnt really play a role anymore. Its totally independent from location and how you do business, and move things forward. Take product development, for example. Its actually divided among all the three hubs, with certain development functions in Germany, certain in the U.S., and others in Hong Kong. They each complement each other and work together. Its all integrated through proper IT, so no matter where you are, you can access the same kind of information and add to the entire development chain†. (Reveries.com, Dec 2202). 2.1.4 Virtuality as strength for puma Information sharing Puma has a global management structure several head quarters supported by a strong information technology infrastructure this makes it easy for sharing of vast network resources on a global scale for example during design stage and using the Lotus notes and information database application, key information about design process and procedures and it can be entered in to the database and it can viewed by all the production team located in all the regional hub, this makes exchange of idea and decision making fast without the need for production team and designers to be physical locations in one place. For example footwear can be designed in German then it can be checked by product development team in another country, the review is done throughout the production cycle till the product is finished and ready for sale. Hi technology infrastructure The strong information technology infrastructure can be used to link all the global regions together for example during executive meetings video-teleconference can be use link all the mangers in the various regions together during a meeting enabling fast sharing executive information for managerial decision marking Online Reseller Puma’s virtuality has enabled puma to provide its customers with aid of viewing and buying products through a web based stores and retailers for example puma’s â€Å"Qualified Puma Online Reseller† has made it possible for customer to order products and view their purchase status as they a wait delivery whenever their locations Family Websites Through virtual presence puma has been able to a couple of puma family websites for example in 2000 puma featured an online store in offering a few product in United States only though this has become more common of Pumas online stores, this makes it easy for puma presence to be very where in any country in the world and makes it easy for puma sales team to interact with customers online. Puma also open it’s door to the public via web presence (Pumabiz.com) by allow users access to company information such as corporate structure, financial reports and puma performance in the market, this web presence enabled puma attack potential and future business partners as well as recruiting new staff using the Pumabiz.com website. Virtual warehouse Puma’s virtualisation process lead to the creation of a virtual warehouse where as soon as customers order goods they are assigned with unique making it easy to locate the goods and goods are dispatched to customers no matter where they are with the specific given period. The virtual warehouse system solves puma’s traditional way of storage and led to a feeling that puma is everywhere as the virtual warehouse was everywhere puma has a subsidiary. By using vitulised system puma has competitive advantage for example Puma all core competence is seen as a single big company and globally it’s employees are all over the world and through use of puma communication technology employees are able to share all the resources and the process of virtualisation is being seen as a future that most companies will follow (cf Fuderholz, 1998) The interaction of customers, suppliers and shareholders through the use of information system and communications between organisations have brought only supplier and investors together but has brought shareholders closer for example shareholder through the use on information system are able to search and find out how the company id performing in the market 3 Winning strategies There are evidences from Puma financial reports that suggest puma strategies in the resent years have led to winning strategies; this can be seen from its broad actives that have improved puma’s image considerably. 3.1 Fits the Company’s situation well Increase in orders Pumas orders has increased by product line according to puma’s outlook for example order for footwear went up by 4.7% to â‚ ¬ 721.1 millions and order for apparel has increased by 19.9% to â‚ ¬ 397.7millioms followed by accessories which increased by 13.6% to â‚ ¬68.9 million See Appendix ii 111 Global branded Sales growth Puma management confirmed increase in sales on of footwear, apparel and accessories for based on the financial results for the first quarter of 2008 this has the strength of Euro against other currencies for example footwear sales were down by 4.6% to â‚ ¬404.1 millions, Apparel almost remained the same as last years total â‚ ¬246/9 millions and accessories increased by 30.0% to â‚ ¬ 90.1million Consolidated sales In the first quarter of 2008 consolidated sales grew for example sales in footwear flat but with all puma region meeting satisfactory sales level except USA, the sales of apparel goods increased by 18.5% to â‚ ¬ 231.8 million and accessories in creased by 16.5% to â‚ ¬ 47.3 million with contributions from the entire region in double digits Europe, Middle East also saw increased sales of 19.9% which all together left the company with 3.4% revenue of which footwear sales accounts for up to1.9%, apparel increased by 5.7% and accessories by 3.7% despite a slow sales in America. (26 February 2008 | Source: just-style.com) Pumas sales for the full year of 2005 consist of consolidated and license sales which increased by 18.4% to â‚ ¬ 2.4 million for which the sales of apparel accounts for 16.5%, accessories increase to 16.5% and footwear increased by 17.7% Gross profits at 5% from the sales and earning development report, puma’s gross profit from the first quarter increased to 52.2% as compared to last years. The margin of footwear increased from 52.0% to 52.1%, accessories increased from 53.4% to 54.9% and apparel was low compared to last year’s gross profits Puma embarked on phase IV Puma has started its phase IV in 2006 of becoming â€Å"most desirable sports lifestyle company† that consists of expansion out side of European market as all as expansion of product categories; this includes entering the already existing markets as well as entering into new areas for example puma aim to offer products that cover all the sport lifestyle such as incorporating sportswear into fashion and making puma more distinguished to beat off competition from its rivalry. Phase IV expansion strategy show tremendous growth in profits as result of continuous high sales and puma ability to spot new trends in the market and offer products accordingly Puma’s shareholders value In 2007 Puma’s main long term goal was founded, when Pinault Printemps Redoute of France take over Puma, this brought the two companies that share the same vision and culture together, for example the take over made it possible for each company to provide support to the other to reach it’s strategic objectives. The take over was not objected by the share holders because the offer price of â‚ ¬330 per share was considered fair and this made both companies more money. Good balance sheet Pumas sales for the full year of 2005 consist of consolidated and license sales which increased by 18.4% to â‚ ¬ 2.4 million for which the sales of apparel accounts for 16.5%, accessories increase to 16.5% and footwear increased by 17.7%, this as compare to pre 2003 shows that puma has got a healthy balance sheet for example puma equity ratio is above 60% and of March 31, 2008 total assets increased by 0.8% to â‚ ¬ 1,811.5 millions 3.1.2 Competitive advantage Barney (1991) defines sustainable competitive advantage as A firm is said to have a sustained competitive advantage when it is implementing a value creating strategy not simultaneously being implemented by any current or potential competitors and when these other firms are unable to duplicate the benefits of this strategy (italics in original) (p. 102). Based on both Barney’s work and the definition in the dictionary, a sustainable competitive Advantage is defined as long term benefit of implementing some unique value-creating strategy not currently being implemented by any known or potential competitors along with the incapability to duplicate the benefits of this strategy. Factors that have enabled puma achieve sustainable competitive advantage are identified below Knowledge and Expertise Puma has uses expertise in design knowledge with major competencies in all parts of design and marketing for example with the acquisition of Puma by PPR group has enabled puma to use PPR large base design team to produces high quality of desirable brands, this knowledge and expertise makes puma completive set a part from it’s main competitors. Brand as completive advantage Pumas brand is so strong and dynamic according to Zeitz that by 2003 puma’s popularity was so strong that mega starts like Madonna was proud to wear Puma’s, This brand image and associations of it’s brand with international starts is of competitive advantage in selling of apparel and footwear because it brings about publicity for puma and brand awareness and open up venues for other opportunities for example by 2003 puma signs a deal to be the official supplier of apparel and footwear to the FIA world rally champion. Expansion into other market Puma has been expanding its market especially in china, for example puma has open many stores in Olympic village in china to showcase new collection and meet the demand for Puma’s footwear demand , this expansion has attacked new customers and puma has provided support to individual sports personality for example, the CEO of Puma is quoted as â€Å" If we find the right person we will consider partnering with those Chinese sports starts† ( China daily report 26,2007) Innovative products Puma has a advantage in footwear, apparel and accessories because it a lot easier for puma but fashion know who with the help of designers and the CEO of puma has the understanding of fashion â€Å"the new combination of elements of past† in which when puma spots a new trend instead of making a new brand, puma uses it old brand to design and this counted for 10% of footwear, apparel and accessories based on the old design and this also made puma a trend starter. In footwear puma also collaborated with sought after designers like Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen to produce new line of women’s and men’s footwear which was launched in the spring of 2006 Broad consumer appeal Puma offer a very diverse product line for everyone and this accounts for the broad customer appeal because there is product for everyone. In the spring collection of 2003 did carter for both male and female for example Nuala product line with cropped woven pants and Nuala Nylon coat for women as well as Kings ss soccer shirts that catered for both men and women. Puma also ventured into Action sports line for emerging sports like BMX skateboarding and downhill mountain biking creating platinum series offering causal footwear and apparel and accessories for such events Relational market asserts Puma has got greater bond with its customers this has forged a working relationship work with customers to manufactures highly unique and customized brands for example in the case study puma promoted the â€Å"top winner thrift† a collection of 510 unique and individual shoes that were created out of recycle cloths from Jeans and ties, with the purchase of such items, customers allowed to enter puma’s exclusive community on the web. Supplies to meet the various demands of consumers Puma’s major supplier was Yue Yuen, the largest supplier of footwear, so when the demand for particular footwear goes up puma is more readily meets the demand from constant supply of branded products from YueYuen. Intellectual market asserts Puma has great in depth knowledge regarding customers needs and preferences for example puma has gained knowledge and credibility in sportswear and equipment, this was a results of many years of trading on the same product line and which made it very easy to have competitive advantage over others fashion industry, this knowledge made it easy for puma to re-launch products that customers most prefer to have. 3.1.3 Better company performance Marketing campaign Puma participated in various marketing campaigns to arise customer brand awareness for example it sponsored big events, chose music television channel which was known for its young audience who tired to differentiate themselves and targeted them with puma adverts, this has resulted in o better performance because it improved brand awareness which in turns led to high sales performance. Out sourced production Puma outsourced all productions and raw material procurements in European were to expensive and raw martial were cheap in Asians countries, this allow puma to reduce it’s working capital and allow puma to shorten the production and enable full quality control of input factors, this results in a better company performance because it enables puma to meet the market needs effectively and save a lot of money from having

WNBA Salary Claim :: Technical Writing

ATTENTION: MR Salary Man TO: WNBA Salary Board FROM: Mamma Thomas Professional Sports Representation Agent SUBJECT: Rookie Salary Negotiations Dear Sir, I am writing to discuss the details of Latoya’s Thomas’ contract in which my client disagrees upon. For entry into the 2001/2002 Women’s National Basketball Association, referred to from here as the WNBA, player draft. Latoya is a 6’1 all around player and is very versatile my client is now playing for the WNBA and has considered coming to America to play for your league the WNBA In looking over the minimum requirements I noticed that a few things rose to my attention. In particular endorsements allowed, contract length, sponsorships, work out dates, travel conditions, and salary increments. I will attempt to address all of my reservations and offer suggestions to remedy these requirements and leave room for negotiation between your negotiation team and myself. If you can not meet these requirements then my client will not be allowed to enter your WNBA draft 2001/2002. Firstly, let me quickly outline Latoya’s extensive playing history and this will demonstrate the level of play that Latoya can offer to your league. Starting out at 11 years old in the seventh grade Latoya played for Dent Middle School. In the eigth grade she also played for Richland Northeast High School on the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. In continuing her career she made the Varsity team her Freshmen year and contiuned to play all four years. As a freshmen she averaged 15 points per game and was named Freshmen of the year. As a Sophmore she averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds. As a Junior, Latoya averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assist. She also lead the team and the nation in scoring. She lead the team to a Conference championship and a State Championship. As a Senior she was #1 player in the nation, averaged a triple double with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assist. For the second consecutive year in history she lead team to a state championship and lead the nati on in scoring. All four years in High school she was selected to be on the all-state team, all- region team, and all-conference team. During the summers of her High School years she would continue practicing and playing for an AAU team. To play for an AAU team you must be selected by the regional committee of which you belong to as a player.

Migraine: The Unbearable Headache :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Migraine: The Unbearable Headache I often remember my grandmother lying down on the couch with an agonizing look on her face. At times like these, she'd frequently ask to turn down the volume of anything seemingly too loud, or to dim the lights. Grandma was going through her common, yet terrible incidents of migraine headaches. As a child, I never really understood why aspirin wouldn't help her pain. After all, that's what we all took when we had a headache, and soon enough we were back to feeling fine. Little did I know of her "condition" until, as an adolescent, I experienced, for the first time, what my sisters and I jokingly called, "the grandma episodes." The pain was so terrible I could barely eat, drink, move, talk or see things they way they normally looked. Flashing lights overtook my vision and a nauseating feeling kept me hidden in my totally dark bedroom attempting to make the overall disgust go away. I went from prescription pills that would only relieve the other symptoms, to inhalers that would knock m e out after a couple of minutes. I also tried green apples, stopped drinking caffeinated substances, made a journal, tried breathing exercises, and nothing really helped. So, where was science? Why was it not coming to my aid? Controversies over the origin of migraines, and TV specials regarding what to do about them, would always leave me empty-handed. In time, I came to accept the fact that no one had real answers and that I had to live with my condition the best way possible. But what exactly do "scientists say" is a migraine headache and what does science have to say in contribution to this? A migraine headache is considered a vascular condition that is associated with changes in the size of the arteries within and outside of the brain causing them to throb and spasm. The National Headache Foundation estimates that 28 million Americans suffer from migraines and these occur about three times more frequently in women than in men. A quarter of all women with migraines suffer four or more attacks a month; 35% experience one to four severe attacks a month and 40% experience one or less than one severe attack a month. Each migraine can last from four hours to three days. Occasionally, lasting longer. Studies have shown that per 100 people, about 5.5 days of activity are restricted per year due to migraines.