Tanzanian Land Grabbing Essay Example for Free

Tanzanian Land Grabbing EssayLand grabbing is a becoming a well-known issue worldwide that is occurring persistently in Africa. Foreign investors are coming in and barter foring large amounts of property for individualized profit. These foreign investors come from a large global flap of geographical location, which includes the United States. Due to the variety of investors major differences are seen between the current situations in Tanzania compared to the situation in Kenya (Klopp2000 1).Kenyas landed estate grabbing is primarily think on public market places and national forests whereas Tanzanian land grabbing is focused on the agriculture sector for Tanzania. Tanzania is looking for large-scale corporations funded by foreign investors to buy huge portions of land in order to vacate small local anaesthetic farmers from producing. In recent years all over four million acres of land excite been requested by foreign investors for both Agrofuel and nutriment turnout i n Tanzania.The issue becomes controversial because the government believes they are emolumentting from foreign investors by minacious fare prices and stimulating the economy while it is also harmful because it exiles small local famers from their land preventing their production of crops and condensing the profits into commercialised estate and personal benefit. Foreign investors and the government both hire stinting benefits from land grabbing. There are multiple foreign investors that rich person acquired land from Tanzania, such as sunlight Biofuels from United Kingdom, Swedish company scenery, and Agricola from the United States.Recently the media has been primarily interested in focusing their attention on foreign investors in Agrisol. Agrisol is an Iowa based enthronement Company that specializes in Agribusiness. The ultimate goal for Agrisol is to find underdeveloped global locators that have attractive natural resources but lack in agriculture technology, farming te chniques, equipment, and management(Dan alternatively Report 2012). The three perspectives interest sights in Agrisol are Lugutu in Kigoma Province (25,000 ha), Katumba (80,317) ha, and Mishamo (219,800 ha) (Dan Rather Report 2012).Agrisol has recently purchased the land of a refugee multitude in Tanzania and established agreement with the Tanzanian government that the Burundian refugees lead be forced to relocate before Agrisol will start its large commercial farming. The Burundian refugees range from a total of 160,000 people and they have been living there for decades, there only mechanisms of survival is living off the land and the interlingual rendition from their farms is detrimental to their survival.Agrisol sees this agreement as positive because they purchased the land for 25 cents per acre and is supported by the government because of the potential creation of jobs and ultimately lower food prices (Dan Rather Report 2012). The theoretical idea that is around beneficia l for the government in terms of the transformation of Tanzanias economy is to transform the country by punishing food prices and transitioning to capitalist wage labor economy. The government wants to start large-scale commercial farming in order to stop small local farmers who do not benefit the government from free riding off the land.The Tanzanian government wants to eradicate the small local farmers so that they can move give away of the rural areas into the cities in order to get an education and transform their country into a capitalist economy. The Tanzanian people are skeptical of this so-called economic transformation because the foreign investors are untruthful about boosting food security and creating jobs are totally unacceptable because there is no evidence to suggest that it would invent for the people of Tanzania or for the people who have been displaced from their land.The Tanzanian National Business Council took the initiative to start developing public-private partnerships, which has been a steady reoccurrence and is a classic caseful of colonialism, and is theft of the highest order (2012, US Firm). The public-private partnership has the goal of creating future aid to Agrisol in three different types of production larger-scale cultivation, such as food grains, beef and poultry production, and soy and maize production. Agrisol is on the track to launch a one hundred million dollar enthronisation in Tanzania over the next ten years.The stated aim of the program is to help stabilize local food supplies, create jobs and economic opportunity for local populations, and spur investment in local infrastructure improvements(2012,US Firm). The government supports the idea that the partnership with Agrisol will be a strong foundation to establish a more successful capitalistic economy. The major issue occurring from land grabbing deals is the impact occurring farmers and markets. Local farmers are unable to compete with the technology that large- scale commercial farms have access to.The small local farmers do most of the release with basic technology which is drastically less advanced, some local farmers even go acantha to using their hands for planting seeds (2012, Tanzanian National Website). These local farmers have surrounded themselves in an area where they can survive off the land and be able to sell the rest of their surplus crops to the local market allowing them to have a sustainable income. With large-scale commercial farming being implemented into the economy, these local markets will be out of business.The governments agreement with Agrisol, can be contradicted because it states that an exporting license seems to infer with the promise of consistent supply of food to the Tanzanian citizens. The life of the small local farmers has been disregarded and the government is uninterested in how to help them survivor. The agreement allows Agrisol be able to obtain a see from the government for an exporting license th at allows the continuous production of food from Tanzania even through Tanzania itself could be in a possible economic deficit and have lack of food supply for local citizens.Large scale farming in Tanzania has also caused a high risk for potential environmental issues to arise. The most significant negative factor to the environment is the over usage of the land which makes the soil unfertile and able to grow crops. In the past this occurred with the UK based company, temperateness Biofuels, through their growth of Jatrohpha. The company ultimately went bankrupt and lost all of their money while in the long run the Tanzania people did not benefit at all.The government role of state machinery (laws, institutions, resources) has changed from protection of majority small producers interests (as in 1970 and 80s) to facilitation of the few elite and foreign companies to acquire land from communities(Ruhiye 2012 Farmlandgrab. org). Sembuli Masasa is a father of seven children, who has b een farming in Katumba for over forty years helps run a small nursery plant for their neighborhood, growing a range of crops from peanuts to pineapples.If US investors secure this land he and his seven children will have to move and start a new life with only $200. His nursery produced 40% of food to the district, without this nursery their neighborhood will no longer have enough food to survive and survival will be a assay for the sinless surrounding community (Dan Rather Report 2012). Foreign investors hope that these farmers will abandon their previous lifestyle and stop supporting local markets to work for huge commercial farmers that pay minimal wage and have excessive working hours.When farmers started to work on investors plantations it decreased food production on hamlet farms and that led to food shortages, which actually increased food prices instead of causing the predicted decrease. Regions of land then become a food deficit with no production and the citizens can the n no longer afford food and their health and chances of survival becomes an increasingly higher risk. (Ruhiye 2012 Farmlandgrab. org) The history of foreign investors in Tanzania is an unfortunate realness for the citizens.The people who have been living in these areas are being seeked out by foreign investors pushes them out and allows the investors to take over not only financially but also physically. The increase of large-scale commercial farming creates potential profits of $275million dollars annually, but the benefits only go to the individual private investor rather than the entire country. Even though the government is making small revenue from the deal it is not worth putting small local famers and Tanzanian locals out of their homes, which they have lived there all their life.The people are in poverty and can no longer live off the land to survive exiling them from their land will only cause food security and chaos because they have no where to go and no other labor skil ls other then agriculturally based ones. These so called refugees have been apart of Tanzania much longer than these huge private investors and the government should be protecting the people of the land not exiling them from their homes and communities for a marginal profit.

Suzuki Case Study Essay Example for Free

Suzuki Case Study EssayThis analysis provides the background, SWOT analysis and antithetical gradet alternatives such as positioning the fomite as a car, compact motortruck or sports utility vehicle. Later the recommendation is made on which securities industrying strategies are suitable for the success of the Suzuki Samurai in US market. The analysis has also highlighted in detail the pros and cons of the unpositioning that we propose versus three options of positioning that were considered earlier. We have also evaluated the medium of the marketing research done by Pearlstein in terms of ensuring market of success in US market.In this analysis, thither is also the recommendation on how the $2. 5 Million six-month adverting budget should be spent in accordance to the positioning strategy chosen. 2. 0 Situation Analysis 2. 1 The caller-out 2. 1. 1 Company Background Starting business in 1909 as Suzuki Loom Works, the firm was incorporated in 1920 and was to produce text ile looms that would surpass the concept and feature of other competitors. Since groundation Hamamatsu, Japan, SUZUKI has steadily gr cause and expanded. In 1952, Suzuki created a new type of motor vehicle, a motorized bicycle call the Power unbosom.This motorized bicycle featured a 36cc two-stroke engine with a double sprocket gear system that enabled the foolr to pedal with the engine assisting, pedal without the engine assisting. Suzukis first mass produced car in 1955, the Suzulight, was a technical marvel. It included radical innovations for the time such as front-wheel drive, four-wheel suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. In 1963, Suzuki brings its innovation motorcycle blood-up to the U. S. A fast growing line enables them quickly to become a major player in the motorcycle market.Suzuki takes the lead in the all-terrain vehicle market in 1983 by introducing the first four-wheeled ATV. In 1985, Suzuki introduces its automotive line to the U. S, with the arrival of the Samurai. SJ 413 as an upgraded representative of SJ410 and designed especially for US market. Today, al styluss going forward to meet changing lifestyles, the SUZUKI name is seen on a full range of motorcycles, cars, outboard motors and related products such as generators and motorized wheelchairs. The mark trademark is recognized by populate throughout the world as a brand of timberland products that offer both reliability and originality.More than 45,000 Suzuki people worldwide now create and distribute their work in e preciseplace 120 countries. Worldwide Suzuki Automotive gross sales now reach over 2 million each stratum, surpassing the sales of many other renowned companies such as BMW, Mercedes and Saab. Additionally more(prenominal) than 2. 5 million motorcycles and ATVs are change each year. Sales of the Suzukis outboard motors also continue to grow. SUZUKI stands behind this global symbol with a sure determination to maintain this confidence in the future as well, never stopping in creating quality products. 2. 2 Product of Suzuki SamuraiThe Suzuki Samurai was introduced to the U. S. market in November 1985. It appealed to younger consumers with its inexpensive and fun-oriented positioning. This marketing strategy was successful, since over 160,000 Samurais were change in just three years. The Suzuki Samurai was introduced as an inexpensive multi-purpose sport/utility vehicle. These vehicles were light pickup trucks with back seats, an extended roof, and part-time four-wheel drive mean for use on snow, ice, mud, or off-road driving. Sport/utility vehicles do not have to conform to the same safety regulations that apply to passenger cars. 2. 3 positioningAccording to Douglas Mazza, he wanted a fresh approach for his social clubs new products, he assigned advertising task to an agency which had no finger in developing campaign for automobiles. The advertising agency found out that the industry practice was to position vehicles acc ord their physical characteristics. They also found out that most advertising was feature/benefit or price oriented. Based on its physical characteristics, the major three positioning for Samurai SJ413 were position as a compact sport utility vehicle, as a compact pickup truck and as a subcompact car, so it should be announce as a tough ittle cheap jeep. Moreover, the samurais size and price distinguished it from all other sport utility vehicles sold in the U. S in 1985. The Samurai was smaller and lighter than the other vehicles, and its $5995 suggested retail price was well be kickoff the other vehicles $10,000 to $13,000 price range. 2. 4 SWOT Summary 2. 4. 1 Strengths Suzuki Company followed selective distribution strategy, which allowed the company to achieve higher(prenominal) profitability, head teacher loyalty, greater sales support and also higher degree of control over the retail market.Also, their pricing strategy was to take high volume with low profit margin, which h elped company to gain market response for its high quality with low price advantage. Suzuki Samurai has been positioned as a compact sport utility vehicle, a compact pickup truck and a subcompact car. This positioning would be full to place their brand in the particular part of the market where it would receive reception compared to competing products. It also well explained Samurais physical characteristics. 2. 4. 2 WeaknessesSuzuki Samurai set their very low price, which meant it allow came up with very low profit margin. The planned dealer invoice rice was $5095, still 7. 5%higher than ASMCs own landed cost for the vehicle. And they planned to limit the number of samurai dealers, so each dealer might be stressed on as they needed to sell approximately 30 Samurai per month to cover its costs. Samurai was positioned as a sport utility vehicle however, the market for sport utility vehicle was relatively small. In 1984, it was les than 3% in the U. S market.And it was positioned a s a subcompact car, then it might not meet the expectations of the consumers because the Samurai was built on a truck platform, its ride was stiffer and less comfortable than the least-expensive subcompact cars. On the other side, if other consumers start to use it as subcompact car or pick up truck, it will lose its brand image. Thus it might lose potential market, bring trouble for the sales people and increase market confusion among customers. 2. 4. 3 Opportunities Suzuki Samurai should be unpositioned in the market to get the opportunity to target the entire potential consumers segment.The unpositioned Suzuki Samurai will appeal the users of sports utility vehicles, pick up truck and subcompact cars. That ensures higher consumer acceptance and consumer satisfaction by offering a car for various needs. It would also increase sales and thus add large profit to the companys income statement by targeting a large customer segments. The unpositioning strategy is better combined with c ompanys goal that is to establish ASMC as a major car company in the U. S market. The low price of the Samurai can be used as a strategy to impress consumers and to seize great share of the market.And this low price and also encouraged dealership investment in which expanded and increased sales. There will be a good opportunity for Samurai if can build a strong brand image among the potential customers such as some TV advertisement or promotion, in which creating and increasing buyer awareness of the car influencing buyer attitude toward the Suzuki Samurai. 2. 4. 4 Treats Suzuki Samurai will bring some treats to its competitors if offering a car with different purpose. The broader appeal of the car can reduce sales of its competitors who are in the same industry.In addition, it will quite risky for Samurais sales if Suzuki overdefine the vehicle, because a product should broad enough to attract a wide range of consumers and meet consumers with different needs. 2. 5 Historical Resul ts According to Appendix 6. 1, in 1984, there were approximately 25100 Nipponese vehicles sole among the total of 424810 sport utility cars in U. S market, which was only 5. 9% of the market share. And Suzuki Samurai only had 8. 4% to the Japanese import cars in the U. S market. In another words, Samurai did not have much market share compared with other Japanese competitors in the U.S automobile industry. In 1985, Samurai has decreased to 4. 6% market share among the Japanese car industry, and only 0. 46% market share of the whole compact sport utility vehicle in the U. S market. However, as compact pickup trucks and subcompact cars, it did not shown any Samurai products in which meant the sales could be very low and unsuccessful during the year of 1984 and 1985. 3. 0 The Market 3. 1 Background Since the introduction of its first production car, the Suzulight, in 1961, Suzuki had sold cars and trucks only in Japan until 1979.It took Suzuki only 5 years to export and distribute its automobiles into more than 100 countries including Hawaii (US). As a global firm, Suzuki captured and maintained its production and R D momentum to succeed in international marketing. Aiming at opening the Continental US Market, Suzuki Samurai, designed with the US market specifically in mind, was introduced in 1985 in order to establish Suzukis brand presence in the joined States. 3. 2 Market Entry 3. 2. 1 Exporting Before projecting the Samurai, Suzuki had cooperated with General Motors on a model named under GM as Chevrolet Sprint.Exporting Japanese cars to the US was subject to voluntary restraint agreement (VRA). In 1984, Suzukis total VRA quota of 17,000 cars went to GM as Sprints and Sprints distribution was limited to its West Coast dealers. GMs success with Sprint showed Suzuki that a market existed for its cars in the continental United States. 3. 2. 2 Joint Venture Suzuki + GM (Production in Canada) Japans VRA quotas made it impossible for Suzuki to export any cars oth er than the Sprint to the United States in the foreseeable future.In 1985, Suzuki and GM began negotiations with the Canadian government to build a plant in Ontario producing approximately 200,000 subcompact cars per year. This initiative could help launching more Suzuki automobiles into the US market under its own name by early 1989. 3. 3 Direct Investment ASMC Market share of Japanese imports in the U. S. automobile market and the overall automobile industry in the US surged during 1984 1985. Facing the upcoming entries of other overseas brands, Suzuki was unwilling to wait until 1989 to introduce the Suzuki name into the continental United States.With SJ413 (Samurai), Suzuki had the right product for the market whereas the continental United States was a piece of new land a dealer network needed to be established, since there was no guarantee that GM would market any Suzuki vehicles other than the Sprint in the US market. Customs clearance issue was solved by exporting SJ413 w ithout a back seat, under which circumstance the vehicle was classified as a truck by the US government. Trucks were not subject to Japanese VRA quotas instead, they were subject to a 25% tariff, much higher than that on cars (2. 5%).Suzuki management was convinced that the time was right to enter the continental US market and believed the high tariff was worth paying. American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was established for the development of a Suzuki dealer network in the United States. 4. 0 selling Strategy Analysis 4. 1Entry Strategy The market strategy used by Suzuki varies in accordance to the nature of the Market. This can be evidenced by looking at the strategy used in entering Canadian Market and the entry strategies used in the US market which in some way varied in different times.In Canada the entry strategy was a joint venture which also involved opening the manufacturing company in Canada. In US, the first strategy was to export the Suzuki Samurai manufactured in Japan to the US market meanwhile the later strategy was to export Suzuki Samurai from Canada under its own name, American Suzuki motor Corporation (ASMC) which would keep them competitive in the automotive industry. 4. 2 Distribution Strategy The ASMC under Mazza formulated a strategy to ensure the company achieves its goal of being a major car company in the US.The strategy was To build exclusive sales facilities for the Samurai which would include showroom, sales office, customer delay and accessories display area. A minimum of two service stalls dedicated to Suzuki and operated by Suzuki trained mechanics for service and parts. A minimum of three sales people, two service technicians, one general manager and one general office clerk dedicated to the Suzuki dealership. In the long run, with the growth of the product line dealer requirements would expand to include a full, exclusive facility complete with attached parts and services. Limit the number of Samurai dealer network to 4 7 so that ASMC could guarantee the minimum supply of 37 units per month to enable the dealer to breakeven and earn some profit. Assumption Dealer has to sell 30 cars per month to breakeven. -If the dealer sells all allocated 37 cars in a month he will be expected to earn a monthly profit of $6300 (See Appendix 1) 4. 3 Pricing Strategy ASMCs pricing policy was to sell the basic Samurai at a retail price of $5995 and a dealer price of $5095 which was only 7. 5% higher than ASMC landed cost. The contribution expected by ASMC from each unit sold was $382 (See Appendix 6. ). The ASMC pricing strategy was to sell its high quality product at a competitive price of $5995 which was far below competitors price ranging from $10,000 to $13,000. This strategy would enable the company to sell higher volume at considerably low margin. 4. 4 Promotion and Advertising Strategy 4. 4. 1 Product and Positioning Strategy Samurai was planned to be poisoned in the market in three different categories base d on its physical characteristics. It could be either, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), a compact pickup truck or a subcompact car.See the figure below Table 4. 4. 1 Market Share 19841985 Ratio of Suzuki to Total Japanese cars import in US8. 5%4. 6% Ratio of Suzuki to Compact Sport Utility Vehicles0. 5%0. 5% Note The Suzuki sales were only for Hawaii excluding the grey market in Florida and other markets in Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virginia Islands and Panama. Douglas Mazza wanted a fresh approach for his companys new product so he gave the responsibility to keye/ donna/ pearlstein advertising agency, which had no experience in developing campaign for automobiles. After accepting he offer, Pearlstein and his associates scanned the industry practice for automobile advertising. They found out that the industry practice was to position vehicles according their physical characteristics. They also found out that best advertising strategy was to base on either its feature, benefit or price. It was from physical characteristics that they positioned Suzuki Samurai as a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), a compact pickup truck or a subcompact car.

The Impacts Of Social Media On Brand Marketing Marketing Essay

The Impacts Of Social Media On Brand Marketing Marketing turn outIntroductionThis enquiry get out be conducted utilize Husqvarna as an exploratory case study. Husqvarna is the cresting companies in the outdoor power product market and as the premium quality set. They want to stand for professionalism throughout the company. Husqvarna is currently located in over 50 countries all over the world. During the last couple of long time social media has grown rapidly and companies worldwide reach started to use social media much than frequently as a part of their merchandise tool, no exit what market they represent. Even though if there is still a need for traditional merchandising Husqvarna atomic number 18 shifting more and more from traditional selling towards social media market, plainly all these parts are a part of their trade mix. Husqvarna knows that their clients are out there on the net and for approximately virtuoso year ago they decided to start using social med ia marketing. Today they are primarily using Face book, Twitter and YouTube as their social media channels, which are a part of their social media marketing.BackgroundSocial Media is a new subject, but its background start from AOL Instant Messenger to Friendster to Google+ social media has perhaps changed more in ten years. Trend of online marketing, and specifically email marketing, is leap to happen. Internet marketing is becoming so common and included into the social media experience that its essentially becoming its own social class of social media.Social media plays an central role in manduction information about products and discolourations. Actually I bed scan 60 percent of consumer investigatees are based on social media and learned about the specific sign or retailers through social networking sites.Problem passwordSocial media marketing has emerged as the new way of doing marketing where the customers are no longer passive consumers as they were in the previous marketing forms, but kinda here they are active participants this is chiefly callable to the fundamental interaction possibilities that exist on Internet (Miller Lammas, 2010). The resources firms are investing on social media are incrementally increasing and firms are slowly shifting from a traditional way of doing marketing towards a more interactive way (Thackeray, al., 2008). When it comes to social media firms should focus more on creating long term relations with their customers and be active online, rather than on delivering communicates and marketing different content (Grnroos, 2007). Swedowsky (2009) mentions that if the firms manage to render strong sign awareness among their customers they give improve the likelihood of them do positive grapevine promotion for the firm among their friends and family. This was the way before the start of social media and the way has true further (Swedowsky, 2009). Grnroos (2007) mentions that word of mouth promotion is the obj ective of social media marketing and the contribute of a successfully maintained race between the firm and their customers. Positive word-of-mouth results in improved stigmatise awareness among current and potential customers, with an change magnitude likelihood of them purchasing the firms products (Grnroos, 2007). Carlsson (2010) mentions that the main obstacle for firms is that they cannot control word-of-mouth marketing, but rather it is the customers that tolerate the control. Hence it is important that firms are successful in their interactions with their customers in order to keep the negative opinions to a minimum (Carlsson, 2010). If firms are successful in their social media marketing they volition gain a competitive advantage over their market competitors, but firms have to be cautious due to they do not have a monopoly on the marketing tools, instead it is be component partd with the customers whom has the majority of the control and can choose on their own appr ove where and how to reach out to the firm (Qualman, 2010). Carlsson (2010) mentions that there is a difference between what the firms tell their customers and what other raftAre saying about the firm, therefore people usually tend to trust what is recommended by their friends and not the marketers. Swedowsky (2009) mentions that no matter how and why the firms tend to approach the customers to barter for their products the purchasing ratiocination has always been distinctive, mainly due to it is a social endeavor. Therefore is it necessary that retailers get involved and pay attention because people tend before making a obtain to consult somebody that they have trust in, mainly family members and friends (Swedowsky, 2009). so, if a firm has been successful in their interactions with their customers it can result in stronger score awareness which has an meet on the customers willingness to purchase the firms products (Grnroos, 2007). The stronger the customers pock awareness is, the more dominant will the firms brand be Because the customer will not look for other alternatives on the market, thus improving The customers loyalty to the firm (Kotler Armstrong, 2004). In order for a firm to gain long-term benefits from using social media they should use social media and family relationship marketing concurrently due to here the customer is seen as a co-creator, compared to the old and traditional view where the customer is only a target to manage to (Miller Lamas 2010). When firms use social media they should have proper branding and customer service strategies that are needed for their overall social marketing strategy where participating in online conversation about the brand are vital for the firms success online (Williams, 2009). Hence, if firms want to be successful in their marketing activities they should listen to their customers, share information with them and shew relationships in order to gain mutual trust so that they can influence their customers behavior (Miller Lamas 2010). Thus, social media facilitates the processes of interaction, relationship and value (Harridge-March Quinton, 2009).Research intentionObjective of this research is to provide how companies can use social media as a marketing tool and branding tool in a consumer market. The result of this research will give a clear picture how companies can utilize social media in its marketing, what opportunities and challenges lies there, and tactics, tools and measurements, this study aims at offering a guideline for Companies planning marketing activities through social media.Research work will address the following main research questionsHow does Social Media affect on consumers purchasing decision?What objectives, strategies and tactics can Companies use in marketing and branding through social media?What key performance indicators can Companies use in measuring the push of marketing and branding activities through social media?How can Companies utili ze social media as a marketing and branding tool in consumer marketing? analyse the literatureI chose to do an analysis on the literature that has been conducted in the chosen field of interest. This due to I treasured to complement the previous research about how firms can use social media marketing in order to increase the brand awareness among their customers and thus have theories that can help me contact the purpose with our research. Besides social media marketing and brand awareness I decided to write about relationship marketing that is interrelated with social media marketing. Word-of-mouth is another phenomenon that is brought up in our theoretical investigation due to word of-mouth is the consequent of a successful managed relationship. Having a relationship based approach in firms social media activities is important because without a relationship approach the likelihood of the customer doing word-of-mouth marketing is less, compared to having a relationship based app roach (Grnroos, 2007). Thus I see how relationship marketing is important when firms do social media marketing and for the future outcome of the relationship which affects the word-of-mouth promotion.Another phenomenon I will hold up unforesightfully that is relevant within this field is viral marketing that is closely interrelated to social media marketing and word-of-mouth promotion.I wanted to denudation out how firms should use social media marketing as a marketing tool in their daily operations and that is why we found these different areas that I mentioned above to be vital for my theoretical findings. We think that if a firm is successful to combine all these parts in their social media marketing they will be able to increase the brand awareness among their customers. I will mention these different concepts more in the theoretical parts, but this was a short introduction why I chose to bring them up in my theoretical findings.Brand awarenessAaker (1991) mention that when c ustomers recognize a brand in a specific product category and the brand is characterized by the customers attitudes that they are familiar with it is called brand awareness. Aaker (1991) further apologizes that brand awareness has three different levels Brand recognition, brand recall and top-of-mind. Brand awareness is unique due to it something that the firm creates and promotes in form of marketing messages, but it is the customers brand recognition that is the objective of the firms marketing activities. Without brand recognition it would be difficult for the firm to create awareness and good perception of their brand among its customers. Brand awareness gets its full use when the firms brand is being shown in different social communities in order to be able to attract a large number customers to the firm (Aaker, 1991). According to Aaker (1996) the purpose of brand awareness is to create and improve the presence of the brand in the customers memory. The stronger presence the b rand has in the customers memory the stronger brand awareness will the customer have and the firm can through different marketing activities like for instance repetitive advertising and active advertisement reach the mind of the customers (Aaker, 1996).Relationship marketingIn 1994 Grnroos defined the purpose of relationship marketing as Identify and establish, maintain and enhance and, when necessary, terminate relationships with customers at a profit so that the objectives of all parties involved are met and this is done by mutual exchange and fulfillment of promises (Grnroos, 1994, p. 275). Hkansson and Snehota (1995) discussed that a relationships creates something priceless that neither the firm nor the customer can buy nor develop alone and the result of the creation cannot be easily copied. Hkansson and Johansson (2001) further described that a relationship is built on collecting and sharing knowledge between the two parties involved that cooperate with each other by making t he most in order employ the knowledge they share between them and in that way make a satisfying exchange that both parties are content with. The more the two parties involved have a mutual relationship and share their information to each other, the more valuable does the information get, leading to companies working harder to fulfill the other callers needs (Palmatier 2006). The firm should have a long-term relationship approach towards the customer , thinking long-term in order to create a dialogue with the customer that both parties will benefit from and not only look for a share of the customers wallet, but also a share of his heart and mind (Grnroos, 2007, p. 321).Lifetime value of a customer relationshipIn 2006 Ford, Gadde, Hkansson and Snehota explained that a relationship has value for both the firm and the customer in two different ways a current and a potential value. The current value is obtained when the firm and customer have interacted for a while and learned about eac h other, which facilitates the future interaction between them. The information that is shared through interaction will lead to a more effective implementation of the problem that is discussed. The interaction can lead to creating and adapting new solutions which can improve the relationship so that future problems will be reduced and future, potential value will evolve (Ford, et al., 2006).Word-of-mouthKirby and Marsden (2006) explain that through the years traditional marketing has become less effective and it has become more difficult for firms to reach the customers, therefore the concept of word-of-mouth has been an important role in attracting attention to the firm and its products and services in a natural way. Kirby and Marsden (2006) further mention that word-of-mouth is a non- moneymaking(prenominal) concept that has a commercial purpose, where the impact of consumers themselves spreading the information is higher and more reliable than if the firms would intentionally do it because here it is the customer themselves that recommend a company to someone else.Word-of-mouth is the embodied name for the marketing that is designed in a noncommercial way to make the customers to start spreading information about the firm (Kirby Marsden, 2006).Social media marketingDrury (2007) describes social media as an online resource that people use to share different types of contents, for instance photos, videos, text, images, opinion, gossip, humor and ideas by using resources in form of blogs, social networks, wikis and others. As a user, social media marketing is based to give the opportunity to connect with friends and through linking sites, share their experiences. One may believe that it is just about big and receiving a message, but that is not the case due to interactions within social media is about receiving and exchanging perceptions and ideas (Drury, 2007). Drury (2007) further explains that traditional marketing via television and newspapers is about d elivering a message to the audience, whereas social media marketing is about building a conversation and relationship with the audience. Traditional marketing is a passive way of marketing compared to the fast and interactive social media marketing (Xiao, 2008). Social media marketing is a two-party process that engages an audience and a brand, and marketing has developed from one dimensional to a two-way process (Eely Tilley, 2009).Summary of the theoretical frameworkIn the society usage of technology is high and firms offer their customers similar products to similar prices, thus having a relationship approach is crucial when firms do their social media marketing due to it offers something unique that no firm can buy a relationship (Hkansson Snehota, 1995). Having strong brand awareness among a firms customers will improve the relationship and improve the possibility of customer becoming brand advocates and doing fall by the wayside marketing for the firm in form of word-of mo uth promotion (Grnroos, 2007). Here the current customers can reach new customers that perhaps could not be reached by the firm or where the customers would ignore the firms initiatives due to they do not like to be forced into something and therefore prefer the word-of-mouth marketing which is a more unintentional and natural way of doing marketing (Kirby Marsden, 2006). By having current customers promoting the firms products and services they do not only attract new customer, but they also improve the firms relationship with current customers (Swedowsky, 2009) Improved brand awareness among the firms customers will result in a better relationship between the customers and the firm, thus improving the loyalty of the customer and also increasing the likelihood that the customer will continue purchasing the firms products and services (Anderson, et al., 2009). Having customers doing free word-of-mouth promotion for the firm is not only an objective with successful marketing, it is the outcome of a successful relationship and therefore relationship marketing and social media marketing are interrelated (Grnroos, 2007). When we did the analysis of the literature we saw that social media and relationship marketing were interrelated due to both have interactions as an initial and essential part of their strategy to create or improve the relationship with the other party (Grnroos, 2007). Grnroos (2007) further mentions that other aspects they have in common are that both have an increased customer loyalty and word-of-mouth as objectives. Hence we wanted to investigate more on this specific portion and see how it is related to brand awareness among a firms customers. A firm must cherish their customers brand awareness and day-and-nightly improve in order to be successful in their marketing (Anderson, et al., 2009). This improvement can be done by using different types of marketing activities, for instance use social media marketing and relationship marketing in con junction to improve the customers brand awareness by having continuous interactions with their customers (Grnroos, 2007). As the interaction becomes more regular it will become a dialogue where the firm is listening to the customers thoughts and feedback. If the customer is satisfied with the dialogue and the relationship it will result in the customer doing free word-of-mouth marketing to his friends and family (Grnroos, 2007). This can result in reduced marketing costs for the firm and in an increased possibility of the firm attaining new customers and thus generating higher revenues and improving the firms profitability (Ford, et al., 2006). With this in mind we saw that word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, but with a huge drawback from a firm point of view due to it cannot be controlled by them (Mangold Faulds, 2009).On the other hand a bad relationship where the customer is not satisfied with the interaction with the firm and the actions that the firm has made can result in the c ustomer doing bad word-of-mouth promotion for the firm among his friends and family (Carlsson, 2010). Thus we see how important it is to cherish the relationship with the customer by using different marketing tools in order to strengthen the customers brand awareness, especially since the outcome of the relationship is either stronger or worse brand awareness, respectively good or bad word-of-mouth promotion from the customer (Gunawardena, et al., 2009) This shows how careful firms have to be in their marketing activities and take the relationship perspective due to having a satisfied customer will improve the likelihood of the customer doing good word-of-mouth promotion for the firm, and likewise having a dissatisfied customer will more likely do bad word-of-mouth against the firm (Carlsson, 2010). We have summarized the theory in the figure below (figure 2.7), which we have illustrated on our own. Here we have tried to show the interrelation between the theories. Figure 2.7 show t hat if a firm wants to create strong brand awareness among their customers they have to use different marketing tools which we have mentioned throughout our theoretical part. There are marketing tools that the firm can control in form of social media, relationship and viral marketing that is initiated by the firm, and if the firm uses their marketing tools in the right way it will result in a stronger brand awareness among their customers (Aaker, 1991). This in turn will improve the likelihood of the customer promoting the firm and its products and services to new and current customers free of charge in form of word-of-mouth (Grnroos, 2007). Word-of mouth promotion is the outcome of a successful relationship and strong brand awareness (Gunawardena, et al., 2009).

Asian Tourism Comparison And Effect On Economic Growth Tourism Essay

Asian Tourism Comparison And Effect On Economic Growth Tourism EssayTourism is virtuoso of key attention in the growth of some countries in Asia. Malaysia, itself depend on touristry in its nation growth. In Asia, land like Malaysia has benefited a lot from the growth of its touristry industry. The developments of tourism in Asia argon differing amongst countries. Natural disaster such as breed pollution, floods and earthquake will bring an performance on the tourism industry in Asia.There has been previous research regarding to tourism which correction the relationship between natural disaster and tourism. In the year of 2010, hazardous swamp in Pakistan has cast its economy growth. Decision- do by tourists on travel plan is influenced by economic, technological, planetary or political, socio heathenish and environmental factors including those directly related to environmental and natural hazards ( Mathieson and Wall, 1993). According to Sinclair and Stabler (1997), the range of goods and services encompassing tourism include natural resources and especially the non-price feature and the positive benefits derived from attractive environment and the negative effect of pollution. Sinclair and Stabler noted that the perceived be of travel subjoins by the realization of natural disaster has effect tourism at all.The research by Campos, (1999) stated that on that point was relationship between tropical cyclone (natural disaster) and the income of hotels (tourism industry), meanwhile Chang (1983) found that hurri sighte and other natural disaster can decreases revenues to a municipality through reduce tourism revenues, although the increases assistant by Federal Government to the effect area.Comparison and effect of tourism in Asia on the development of economy can be discussed specifically by making comparison between the chosen countries. The countries included on the list of this information were Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesi a,Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambondia.1.3.1 MalaysiaThe research by Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah and Mohd Fauzi Mohd Harun in June 2010 regarding to tourism in Malaysia show that tourism in Malaysia is the third largest industry after oil and automobiles. Malaysian economy will increase due to the increase in tourism sector. Number of tourists visits Malaysia is a major factor which influences the Malaysian economy alone. During Asian Financial Crisis 1997, number of tourists declined and reached a new record after the economic stalemate.There was another research which shows how tourists influence the growth of tourism in some countries. According to Song and Witt (2000), they described tourist products as the amount of tourism aim that the consumers are willing to presume during a specific period of time and under certain conditions which controlled by the explanatory factors used in the demand equation. Smeral (1988) and Syriopoulos and Sinclair (1993) empirically examined the relati onships between the variables underlying the determinants of tourism demand. Lim (1997), Song and Witt (2000) and Song et al. (2003), used econometrics forecasting model to which forecasts changed as a result of changes in the variables that act as economic drivers of tourism. Loeb (1982), Nordstrom (1996), Uysal and Crompton (1982) have used the demand function approach to identify the quantitative relationships of tourism demand. Jorgensen (1996) and Muller (1999) have focus on the statistical properties of an important time series, namely on the international tourist demand.1.3.2 SingaporeIn Singapore the research analysis on tourism was done by Xianming Meng, Mahinda Siriwardana, Brian Dollery and Stuart Mounter in June 2010 on the blow of the population Financial crisis in 2008 by using CGE analysis. They found that tourism industry is one of the important sectors in Singapore that contribute to the increase in the untaught economy development. Singapore tourism was greatly effect during the World Financial Crisis in 2008. It shows on Singapore Tourism Board (2009), tourism declined 13.5% in the primary half of 2009 compared with the first half of 2008.Blake and Sinclair (2003) used a 98-sector CGE model of the US economy to estimate the impact of 911-event in the absence of any offsetting policy result which is when the fall in the tourism expenditures reduces GDP and it will worsen the government budget and under different policy responses. Blake et al. (2003) use CGE model to analyse the impact of Foot and Mouth decease (FMD) on tourism and the UK economy. From the model it can be consider that there is a fall on the real GDP, declining in exports, increase in BOP deficit and falls in government revenue.1.3.3 BruneiThe research by Kwabena A. Anaman and Chee N. Looi in September 2000 was on Economic impact of haze-related air pollution on the tourism industry in Brunei Darussalam.They found that haze-related air pollution is a major problem why Bru nei has a problem on increasing their number of visitors comes to their country. The causes of this problem in Brunei tourism is because of the pollution that happen and country losses about one million to the tourism industry. The pollution and forgiving health effects tourists to visit Brunei and this will decreased the benefits of Brunei economy.1.3.4 PhilippinesIn Philippines, study by (October 2000) by P.L. Cadiz and H.P. Calumpong (2000) on the revenues gained from tourism show that Philippines has a potential to increase in the tourism industry especially in Apo Island. According to White and Dobias 1990, the overall cost and benefits of tourism development options showed from a particularly of who is incurring the cost and who is benefiting. They likewise agree that tourist will visits Philippines because of the beautiful beaches and marine parks. From study of White 1996, the entire island coral reef was declared a marine permit and a small portion a fish sanctuary in 19 86 and this boost the economy growth.1.3.5 IndonesiaLocal Economic Impacts of Dragon tourism in Indonesia (2000) by Matthew J. Walpole and Harold J. Goodwin (2000) in their study of Local Economic Impacts of Dragon tourism found that tourism in Indonesia is an important industry to increase Indonesia economy so they can compete with other country. The number of tourists visit Indonesia will be show from the environment of this country.According to Goodwin, Kent, parker and Walpole 1997 and1998, many international tourism emerged rather than industrialize countries. Brohman 1996, believe that tourism industry are progressively being promoted in rural areas as a means to combat the historic trends of dependency and inequality. From Boo 1992 perspective, ecotourism is increasingly held to embody both sustainable development ideals and conservation.1.3.6 ThailandThe study by Aswin Sangpikul and Ardash Batra (2007) on perpective of Thai Youths regarding to ecotourim found that Thai you ths had a general knowledge and experience on ecotourism industry. The study is to decide their knowledge and attitude towards ecotourism as well as to survey their travel experiences relating to ecotourism. From the statement of Walailak University, 1997, they believe that people are regarded as one of the key factors for the success of ecotourism development. The study shows that Thai youths still have a limited knowledge on ecotourism but they understood the meaning of ecotourism. Thai youths also have a problem to know on how ecotourism can effect on Thailand tourism. Besides, youths on Thailand like to visit places that are maintained and preserved stunner and pureness.From the previous study of Tonekaew, 1998 and Kunarucks, 2000, two concerned parties have been identified to provide more knowledge and promote ecotourism among Thai youths, namely educational institutes and government agencies.1.3.7 Vietnamprof Malcolm barrel maker (1998) makes a research about the posts of IT in the development of tourism. He found that IT playing important roles in developing a national tourism industry based on the sustainable development model. Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. This is because it is a fastest vogue to inform others about the tourism industry in Vietnam. The study is to compare the information provided by current systems, and managing development while preserving the value of the cultural and personal environment. Besides, Vietnam contributes on the increase in the countrys GDP. Good environment quality leads country to have more tourists visiting Vietnam.1.3.8 LaosSteven Schipani (2006) study how tourism benefitted Upland Rubber horticulture in Laos. In the study, he found that Laos tourism will reach a million of tourists arrive over a year. The study of Laoss tourism estimated that visitors are interested in the countrys natural and cultural attractions. The study of Laos industry is to examine the ecotourism as an alte rnative to Upland Rubber cultivation in the Nam Ha matter protected Area, Luang Namtha. Ecotourism in Luang Namtha generate financial benefits for local people, providing small group for cultural exchange, minimising adverse cultural and environmental impacts and generating public funds for environmental and cultural protection. Ecotourism activities and rubber plantations can both be conducted independently.1.3.9 CambodiaKathryn Conway (2008) whom make a research of ecotourism, poverty, and conservation in Prek Toal found that ecotourism revenues can be analyzed using measly subsistence fishing village on Cambodias Tonle sap lake, the conservation organization Osmose to finance poverty intervention programs and promote conservation in a threatened ecosystem. This study is to examine the local perceptions of tourism.According to Valene Smith, shes defines tourism as a temporary and voluntary travel to a place away from home for the purpose of experiencing a change. In Cambodia tou rism, the level of general awareness of tourists activities is low in the community wide. Besides there is a limitation on the perceptions of any negative impacts associated with tourism.1.4 system and Analysis used by Researcher in The PastMethod and the way analysis which has been used by previous researcher are full of life in this research and therefore it will bring great advantages in this research especially in chapter 3 which will be discussed later.Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah and Mohd Fauzi Mohd Harun (June 2010) study on Malaysia tourism use Gravity model and economic data to analyse the tourism demand in Malaysia. Xianming Meng, Mahinda Siriwardana, Brian Dollery and Stuart Mounter ( June 2010) study on Singapore tourism use CGE models, data and parameters to estimate the negative effects of the 2008 world Finacial Crisis. Kwabena A. Anaman and Chee N. Looi (Septemver 2000) using OLS regression Model and Linear and log-linear on the visitor and tourist..P.L. Cadiz and H.P. Calu mpong (October 2000) study on Philippines tourism used questionnaire to determine the number of tourists visiting Apo Island every month other than monitor the number of visitors diving and snorkelling outside and inside the marine sanctuary.Meanwhile, Matthew J. Walpole and Harold J. Goodwin (2000) study on Indonesia tourism used macroeconomics techniques ,questionnaire and ANOVA test to examine the magnitude and distribution of tourism employment and revenue generation in communities in an Indonesian Park.Aswin Sangpikul and Ardash Batra (2007) study on Thailand tourism used questionnaire and ANOVA test to decide their knowledge and attitude towards ecotourism as well as to survey their travel experiences relating to ecotourism.. Professor Malcolm cooper (1998) study on Vietnam tourism, Steven Schipani (2006) study on Laos tourism use data management and forecasting method. Kathryn Conway (2008) study on Cambodia tourism used fieldwork timeline, translator / assistant, sampling, comply process, data collection and data managementto examine the local perceptions of tourism.1.5 ConclusionAs every of us knew tourism play a big role in the development of economy in some countries. Issue such as natural disaster certainly degrades the growth of tourism in the country and of course economy as well. In this research, the event of how the situation of tourism in some countries in Asia will be used in complemental this research successfully. Besides, the method and analysis used by previous researcher will give a big help in this research as it will help the researcher in the formation of questionnaire and other relevant analysis. And this will include how tourist had a strong relationship in the development of tourism economy.

Nikes Entry into China

Nikes Entry into china chinaw be is whiz of the study fastest growing merchandises in the world and the most popular markets for foreign entrants. One of todays major business ch in allenges requiring logistics insight is the dramatic growth in international sourcing, brinyly to low appeal countries such as china and Malaysia (David J.Closs, 2005).IBM Global Business go reported that low cost country helps raise revenue. Most of the companys CEOs be looking for revenue growth by reduce costs to maintain or expand net income margins. Obviously, cost is one of the pointors that all companies that desire to reduce. After a company study of future sourcing, Nike had chosen mainland China as one of the long-term most low-cost suppliers. By quoting Nike Inc. Cain.com said that labour costs accounted for a huge sh ar of the prices of the companys shoes and had to be kept below 24 per cent of prices to stay war-ridden.Since, Nike is the leading sports brand in China. In 1981, N ike started production in China. However, for a company like Nike that has a reputation of making the silk hat products for their customers, they have to take in other factors such as feeling. Its one reason why they did non choose countries such as Africa to be their supplier. In addition, one factor that China has to take outer is labor capability to make quality goods for Nike.Further more(prenominal), China was also chosen because the domestic market size. Mark Parker, who is the ch personal credit lineman and CEO of Nike stated that Nike is a growth company and China is being one of their most important sourcing markets and also swiftly becoming their second biggest consumer market in the world. About one of every three pairs of Nike shoes they sell in the world is made in China. Similarity, Nike was taken these advantages to tap into the large market it offers. In others word, China was also taking the opportunities to capturing the market in China which will help stiffen the companys foundation in its industry.The fact of lowering cost is to achieve profit maximization. Production in a out sterilise world country would increase cost and lead to reduce profit. China as a second world country for the foreseeable future is also the reason why Nike chose to enter into China.2.0 Analysis2.1 Advantage gained by Nike for entering ChinaWhen Nike first entered the international market through China, they gained many benefits. This is because China is a low-cost country, so NIKE has no involvement in the manufacturing of its products and all of its production has been outsourced mainly to manufacturers. For example, Goodbaby Group, Chinas book binding manufacturer and retailer of baby c are products, has announced an online retail partnership with the Nike Inc as part of its efforts so that they able to win more brand roll in the hayledge (China Daily, 2012).Nike has been working with manufacturers in China for intimately 20 years. The employees and fac tories produce a lot of Nikes most high schoolest- mental process athletic products. One of the most fundamental impacts Nike have is to attain positive, systemic change in their orbicular supply chain, and for the industry as a whole. The deep brand and supply chain footprints in China pee-pee distinctive opportunities for Nike while it continues to help influence and gain from Chinas success. The achievement in China is built regarding the deep connections with Chinas Nike-branded footwear and athletes. According to Barney Jopson (2012), the apparel and equipment product are produced by nearly 700 contract manufacturers worldwide, and employing almost 800,000 employees.China represents the largest sourcing country for Nike, with roughly 180 contract manufacturers employing more than 210,000 workers (Barney Jopson, 2012). China is the major sourcing market for Nike, which producing around 35 percent of footwear and also an important sourcing market for Nike apparel and equipmen t. in any event this, the company engages in public discourse and policy formation in China by sharing their experiences. First is the legal protection of employees that went into effect in January 2008, for the aim of strengthening legal protection for Chinas employees. Nike supports the regulatory environment that strengthens legal protections for employees and promotes courteous working conditions throughout the supply chain and this helps to prevent discrimination. Second is the international plenty. Since Chinas World Trade Organization (WTO) entry in year 2001, Nike has worked to ensure that swop disputes between China and its trading partners are settled and negotiated in a manner consistent with international norms. For example, trade disputes everyplace apparel and footwear and equipment with Chinas main trading partners in United States.According to a survey by the Ameri stack Chamber of Commerce, three United States companies say their China operations are profitable while most say their margins are higher in China than other places in the world. Nike non tho supported the development of Chinese football, it also busyed about the development of youngsters by launching a series of activity called I have a dream in heroic 2002, a large scale of youth sports.Since Nike established in China in the early of 1980, it gained several early entry timing of foreign take aim investment, which includes new markets, distri exception channels, segmentations, and lack of grueling competition. Nike first launched their products in China and this gave the company to monopoly in market through diametric distribution channels. At that period, not much company are providing the same areas of business, therefore Nike did not faced much competitors. Other than this, the company also gained advantage related in products, such as new product, material supply, new product positioning, and brand loyalty. China continues tobeaveryviableresource when dealing with e veryplaceall trade and labour markets around the world. Nike now has more than 7,000 retail stores in China and the company plans to expand their distribution to second andthird-tiercities.2.2 Shortcomings of entering ChinaIt is very surd for Nike to control all the quality products around the world. Nike has involved in a serious of quality scandals in China. Many products had been come back due to low quality and some products have been caused injury to consumers in China. According to Ni and Hu (2012) say that Shanghai quality authorities have been found out three ingest pairs of Nike shoes do not meet the standards and in 2011, women sports shoes had thinner soles than required. According to Ni and Hu (2012), Bureau prohibited Nike continues produces the shoes and later asks for repay all the shoes which do not meet the quality standard, but the shoe still available at Zhabei outlet of RT-Mart on October 10. However, the shoes were then pulled off the shelves.In 2011 Septemb er, Beijing had fine Nike Zoom Hyperdunk due to deceptive advertising and low quality, (Ni and Hu, 2012). Nike has been fined US $779,416 for selling sneakers had only one air cushion in each shoe at a higher price and low standard in China compared those selling in other countries which has two air cushions and has much lower prices, (Zheng, 2012). The Nike Zoom Hyperdunk does not meet the quality set by the g overnment and thus they need recall all the sneakers and offered refund. Besides that, Consumer Products safety device Commission (CPSC) warning consumers stop using Nike football helmet and returned to Nike. The Helmet Chin Straps plastic cups can breaks and caused exposing the player to facial or head injuries (Villanueva, 2007).It is a big concern that Nike shares is declined 1.1% in China and in future the company expect the orders will down to 6%, (Chang, 2009). Furthermore, revenue earn by Nike in China is drop due to excess inventory, high discounting and slowing in demand. Manager in China does not keep sufficient inventory record because they unable to communicate the information to order materials from other country. They do not jazz what materials need to be imported and when in advanced and cause the production cannot run in schedule. As a result, there have excess inventory in Long March Factory in Guangzhou. The employees who are responsible for checking materials does not know what are the materials needed to be order in following month production schedule and they did not frequently coordinate the records with the planners, (Nike in China, n.d). The planners order the materials does not base on the consumer demand but instead base on guessing method, and they seldom check what the materials left are in storage. As a result, Nike needs to discount the prices in order to reduce the excess inventory, (Marcial, 2013). Sale of excess inventory at discounted prices could significantly impair the Nike brand image. Fail to contemplate accura cy demand of products could affect the revenues and net income earn by Nike.There is intense competition faced by Nike, either local brands such as Li Ning, Anta Sports, China Dongxiang and Peak Sports or international brand such as Adidas from U.S., Reebok, Asics, and New Balance. Even now, Nike is well positioned at the top in China however there have multi brands still compete fiercely with Nike. Based on the report, Nike is known in the first place, with a 2009 market share of 10.2% Li Ning at the following slot which is second place for the first time, with 10.0% thus Adidas, in third place, with a 9.6% share (as cited in Smith, 2010). The gross revenue lead that Nike and Adidas held over domestic competitors has vanished. From this report is showing that the results of these top three sportswear brand are close proximity with each other, therefore this showing that Nike still in dangerous condition although it is remain in the first position. Furthermore, in the end of 2011, L i Ning had 8,255 stores while Nike had 7,500 outlets in China (as cited in Ranasinghe, 2012). As a result, Nike not only needs to face this strong local competitor, Li Ning, but also need to do the preparation for facing other competitors in China.3.0 testimonyNike is popular for its high-quality sport shoes and other apparels. It has gained the acceptance in consumers mind that Nike-made products are of high-quality. In order to maintain and gain its competitive advantage over its main competitors such as Adidas, Reebok and others, Nike has adopted the expansion strategy by outsourcing the production line to low-cost countries. China, Indonesia and Vietnam have become the primary manufacturing destination for Nike. The intend for outsourcing the production line to China is to reduce the waste in terms of cost of hiring the labor, cost of shipment and many more. Cheaper labor and facility cost in China compared to the United States enabled Nike Corporation to enjoy the economies o f scale. It eventually lowers the total production cost and Nike will be able to make more profit. It is recommended that Nike should continue to full adopt the expansion strategy to other low-cost countries like China by outsourcing the manufacturing line. It could strengthen the leadership position of Nike Corporation in financial transaction as Nike make more revenue and profit with low production cost.First, it is recommended for Nike Corporation to adopt innovation strategy to strengthen companys competitive advantage over the competitors. New design and innovation are very significant for Nike Corporation. One of the visions for Nike is designing for the future by unleashing the innovation. President and CEO of Nike, Mark Parker, said that Nike has set the target at improving the products through design. In the past, Nike has spent multi-million dollars on Research Development to design the athletic shoes which differentiate itself from other shoemaker companies. Nike has ga ined the recognition from the consumers for its uniqueness and sophisticated design. Nike China has contributed much to the innovation strategy as many advanced shoes design are made in China from the talented Chinese designers. Out of every three pairs of shoes, there is one of them is made in China. One of the innovative products came out from Nike was the Nike-Ipod sport rig with the collaboration with Apple Inc. It enhanced the runners experience by combining the sport and the music. It was viewed as a breakthrough for both sport and music industries.Second, Nike has excess inventory, high discounting and slowing in demand. To overcome this, China has several competitive advantages.There are few strategies which can enable exploiting competitive advantage through different goal-means combinations (Bartlett et al., 2008)Multinational strategy achieves most strategic goals by emphasizing national differences. The firms which have adopted this strategy tend to operate business bas ed on local environment. They are flexible and responsive to local environment, but there is a lack of capability to learn globally within these firms owing to the fact that almost all national units operate independently.By using multinational strategy, Nike can achieve most strategic goals by emphasizing national differences. This is because Nike can adopt their strategy to operate business based on local environment. They can morph their strategy according to the local market, which is China.International companies like Nike render all the approaches to create and exploit innovations. This can be their competitive advantages for the China as Asians culture tends to be more shy and conservative in innovative.The strategies discussed preceding(prenominal) respectively possess unique assumptions about how to build up global competitive advantage. Nike used the Price Leadership Strategy and Value based pricing. This is when a company sets its price based on the value the consumer p laces on the product. This is why customer willing to pay high prices regardless of the products actual value. Nike already had the strong brand recognition among the people in China. For example Liu Xiang, Liu is an Olympic Gold medalist and World Champion. His 2004 Olympic gold medal was the first in a mens track and field event for China. His athletic gear is sponsored by Nike. No doubt all China people will get to know about Nike.As the excess inventory of Nike in China, I would suggest that they can cooperate with other parties such as their suppliers, distributor and competitors. This can enhance the global competitive advantages in the increasingly complex global environment (Bartlett et al. 2008)This is called strategic alliances. This also can solves high discounting rate for Nike as their inventory level is stable, do not need to discount to reduce inventory.Based on appendix 1 (Regional Product Distribution of Suppliers), China has most worker which is 175,960. This can be their competitive advantage because the production rate of China is very high compare to other country.Third, facing immense competition and failing to rise to a higher place others is always going to be one of the greatest shortcomings that a company would face. Which in this case, Nike has to start standing out from its biggest competitors Li Ning and Adidas. At the current state, Nike only has a marginal lead over the two companies. We recommend Nike to be a standout in its industry. They are already making great products, but their competitors are also making great products. In order to rise up and above them, Nike should change the way they serve their customers, create a unique sales style, such as giving expert advice for customers in helping them to make their purchase decisions. They could also create an environment where they feel welcomed and at ease when they are in a Nike shop. A totally new feel towards selling sports ware and clothing. This can help differentiate Nike from its competitors and increase brand awareness.4.0 ConclusionNowadays, Nike has more than 7,000 retail stores in China and they plans to develop their distribution to second andthird-tiercities.When Nike first entered the low cost country such as China, they gained many benefits. As we know that, China represents the largest sourcing country for Nike and also the most important sourcing market for Nike apparel and equipment. But, Nike has facing the problem of quality controls in China. For example, many low quality products had been recall and some products have been caused injury to consumers in China.Furthermore, revenue earn by Nike in China is dropping due to excess inventory, high discounting and slowing in demand. Thus, we recommend to this industry to adopt the multinational strategy which emphasizing national differences and being able to operate the business based on local environment.Besides that, Nike also faced with intense competition like Reebok and internatio nal brand such as Adidas. We recommend Nike to adopt the innovation strategy to strengthen companys competitive advantage over the competitors. New design and innovation are very significant for Nike Corporation to enhance their leadership position. For example, change the way they serve their customers, such as giving the potential customers expert advice and suggestion, so that customers will feel respect and make better purchase decision.In conclusion, we learned that the company should fulfill expansion strategy by outsourcing the production line to low-cost countries such as China, Indonesia and Vietnam which are the primary manufacturing targeted destination for others company. For Nike, the purpose for outsourcing the production line to China is to reduce the cost such as cost of hiring the labour, cost of shipment and so on. It helped strengthen the leadership position of Nike in term of financial performance as Nike can make more revenue and profit with low production cost and also built up a strong reputation.ReferencesBarney Jopson (2012), Nike profit up despite falling China order, retrieved February 27, 2013 from http//www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/b48a6dae-4aee-11e2-9650-00144feab49a,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2Fb48a6dae-4aee-11e2-9650-00144feab49a.html_i_referer=axzz2MCUQZfC3China Daily (2011), Nike to invest in China very aggressively, retrieved February 27, 2013 from http//www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-10/11/content_13872475.htmWant China Times (2013), Mounting labor costs forces Nike to relocate in China, retrieved February 27, 2013 from http//www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?MainCatID=0cid=1102id=20130227000098Ni,Y., Hu,M. (2012).ShanghaiDaily.com. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http//www.shanghaidaily.com/article/print.asp?id=514991Zheng,X. (2012).Tougher penalties urged for double standard companies. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http//www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2012-10/27/c ontent_15851155.htmVillanueva,L. (2007). Nike football helmet chin strap recall issued following reports of head and facial injuries. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http//www.newsinferno.com/?p=2029Chang, G.G. (2012). The coming collapse of consumption in China. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http//www.forbes.com/sites/gordonchang/2012/09/30/the-coming-collapse-of-consumption-in-china/Nike in China. Retrieved February 17, 2013, from http//www.yingyudaxue.com/book/nike-in-chinaMarcial, G. (2012). Inside Wall Street Nike slows but is still in race. Retrieved February 17, 2013, from http//money.msn.com/top-stocks/post.aspx?post=13a96856-28f2-4dc2-bc78-26b601bdf647Smith, G. (2010). Sportswear in China how local brands challenged the might of Nike and Adidas. Retrieved February 17, 2013, http//www.warc.com/Samples/93120.pdfRanasinghe, D. (2012). No Medals for Chinas Sportswear Firms. Retrieved February 17, 2013, http//www.cnbc.com/id/48454835/No_Medals_for_Chinarsquos_Sportswear_F irmsBartlett, C.A., Ghoshal, S. and Beamish, P.W., (2008).Transnational management text, cases, and readings in cross-border management. New York McGraw-Hill Companies. Retrieved February 26, 2013 warring Challenge Nike, Retrieved February 26, 2013, From http//www.ukdissertations.com/dissertations/business/competitive-challenge-nike.phpParesh Ashara, (2012). NikeMarketing Strategies. Retrieved February 26, 2013, From http//www.slideshare.net/PareshAshara/nike-12906460Porter, M.E., (1998).The competitive advantage of nations. The Free Press, New York NY. Retrieved February 26, 2013

John Updikes A & P :: essays research papers

John Updikes "A & P" Do you remember the grocery store chemical chain A&P? The letters stand for "Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company," and the store used to be one of the most popular in the United States. The third person narrator of a story (or poem, play, or novel) is not the same person as the author. The narrator of this story is named Sammy, which is a kids or teenagers name what we call Sammys "voice," or his own particular way of thinking, comes through very clearly because he is the narrator. His "voice" reveals him to be a dissatisfied late adult male. Sammy is our first example of a narrator who is also a character. Sammy is what we call a 1st person narrator 1st person I am Plural we 2nd person you are Plural you are 3rd person he, she, it is Plural they are A first-person narrator can play certain problems e.g., he or she may have something to hide, and so may not be telling us the entire truth, or he or she may not know the entire truth. Do you see any problems in this area regarding Sammy? Judging by his tone of voice--the way he sounds--what sweet of person do you think Sammy is? Is he a smart-ass? Is he just a bored kid? Sammy is bored. His entire world consists of the grocery store, which is artificially het up(p) and cooled, and has everything one could ever need in the way of food and many other products. However, Sammy has been in his dead-end job for so long that he has despite for his customers he calls them "sheep." One day, when three girls walk into the store, Sammy is strongly attracted to one of them.

Stress Types Essay -- Papers Exploratory Stressing Problems Essays

Stress fountsThere are three types of accent that will be explained. At various times in our lives, one or more of these stresses may overcome us. The first of these is ?Type A? stress, which is both foreseeable and avoidable. For example, going on a roller coaster is both foreseeable and avoidable, thus, it is considered a ?Type A? stress. A ?Type B? stress is defined as something that is neither foreseeable nor avoidable. A good example of this is being hit by a baseball while watching the game. The last type of these stresses is called ?Type C? stress, and is defined as stress that is foreseeable, but not avoidable. A good example of this would be a teenager staying out too youthful and knowing that when she comes home, she will get into trouble with her parents.At certain times in our life, such as marriage, we may be confronted with ?Type A? stress (foreseeable and avoidable). We know, of course, that when we get married, we will have to endure this added stress. It is forese eable because we know whether or not we will ask someone to marry us. It is avoidable because you ...