Wednesday, July 31, 2019
True Life: Reality Television Is Scripted
Since the 1990’s, when reality television first started becoming widely popular, we have been able to see into the lives of different kinds of people, often turning everyday people into celebrities. With some of the most popular reality television shows, like Big Brother, True Life, American Idol, and most recently Jersey Shore, we are led on to believe that it is all real (â€Å"The Hunger Games Theme of Versions of Reality†). The reality of this television though is that most of it is either altered or manipulated just for our own entertainment.The directors of some of these shows often script, manipulate and plan situations to make the shows more appealing to their audiences (â€Å"How Much of the Reality†). Even in popular books like The Hunger Games where reality television is a theme, it is shown that it is changed just for the entertainment of the viewers (â€Å"The Hunger Games Theme of Versions of Reality†). While it is perceived to be real, the t itle of â€Å"reality television†is a misnomer because most showed turn out to be fake and scripted.Reality television directors push their participants into exploiting themselves for the entertainment of their viewers. There are hundreds of reality television shows currently on, and they make up a large portion of what people are exposed to in popular media, especially young people. While most shows won’t admit to being scripted, in fear of losing their â€Å"reality television†title, some shows have admitted to planning situations to get a good reaction out to the cast, which makes for more interesting television.Also, some directors have said that they do push the participants to the edge when they can to get interesting reactions out of them. They say there are lines that they don’t tend to cross, but they like to mess with the mind of their participants of their shows (â€Å"How Much of the Reality†). By pushing the people to their limits, a nd manipulating situations, they basically do whatever they can to produce an entertaining show.In the country of Panem, where the book The Hunger Games takes place, reality television is something that the people look forward to each year. The people of Panem and especially the people in the Capitol gather together and look forward to seeing the games each year; just as a group of friends may get together and watch the season premiere of Jersey Shore. The people look forward to one show in particular though, called The Hunger Games.But this reality show they watch is a little different than the ones we watch; instead of living in a house with strangers, or hopefully finding true love, the contestants kill one another until one is left standing (â€Å"The Hunger Games Theme of Versions of Reality). The game makers, who are the ones controlling the game don’t seem to always make it fair, that’s where is seems scripted in a way. There are several examples in the book wh ere The Hunger Games was altered simply for the entertainment of the viewers.First, throughout the training Katniss, the main character of the story, is told to be and act like someone whom she is not. Katniss is told to act friendly, and personable, and desirable so that she will have a stronger chance to surviving the games and it will make the viewers like her (Collins 135). Also another important example of when the Capitol changed the game for entertainment purposes is when they set fire to the forest to keep Katniss in the game (Collins 171). They also set the fire to give the viewers some excitement.In today’s reality TV, the directors will stir up conflicts and situations often to create excitement. In modern day reality television and also a fictional version of reality TV in The Hunger Games, entertainment of their audiences is more important than the actual realness of what they are showing. Being said to be some of the most romantic shows on television, an average of 17 million people tune in each week to view The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. What seems to be true love on screen, doesn’t always translate to that off screen.The success rates of the show’s relationships are low. In the 23 combined seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette only 17% of couples are still together. Most of the couple who are not together anymore broke up between 1 month and 1 year after the finale of the show. With so many failed relationships resulting so quickly from the show, it makes viewers wonder how much of the romances were actually enhanced for the for entertainment of the show (â€Å"How Many Bachelor†).Reality television is widely popular in today’s entertainment; it seems like you can’t turn the TV on without having not having the option of catching up on a different version of reality television. We are led on to believe that it is all real, but the reality of these television programs is that it isn’t al l real. A lot of it is faked just to get a good show, and to entertain people. While simply the genre of reality TV naturally drives people’s interests in, so the directors manipulate situations and people reactions to produce something that they hope to get as many viewers as possible.Its supposedly â€Å"reality television,†so why isn’t it all real? Work Cited â€Å"How Much of the Reality Show Is Scripted? †Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 30 July 2010. Web. 04 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"The Hunger Games Theme of Versions of Reality. †Shmoop. Shmoop University, Inc. , 2010. Web. 04 Oct. 2012. . Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press, 2008. Print. â€Å"How Many Bachelor and Bachelorette Couples Actually Make It? – The Bachelor. †Home – wetpaint. com. N. p. , n. d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. .
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Everything’s Arranged
The short story ‘Everything’s Arranged’ by Siew Yue Killingley is about a Ceylonese girl named Rukumani that having a secret affair with a Ceylonese boy named Devanayagam while studying at University. Both of them love each other deeply. As they went for longs term vacation, their secret affair discovered by their parents. The story tells about how these young couple, especially Rukumani has struggled and suffered because of their family members, relatives and their community as they try to get together in life. Her marriage was arranged against her own wish.The main characters in this story are Rukumani and Devanayagam. Meanwhile, the other characters are Johnny Chew, Amy Wong, Mr. Sambanthan, Susheela, Nadarajah, Rukumani’s mother and grandmother, Devanayagam’s father and Auntie Sally. As from the story, the setting of the story might be around early stage after our country’s independence. During that time, love marriages are still alien to Indian cultural. The typical India Community thought fall in love as a big sin and only arranged marriage is allowed. The conflict of the story is about the rejection of love marriages by old generation.The story reveals the conflict faced by the two lovers, Rukumani and Devanayagam, who are secretly in love. Their parents, who do not know about their love story, have arranged a marriage for them, and the problem comes when both of them have to marry to another persons. The first theory that can be related to the story is Feminism Theory, which can be defined as a â€Å"recognition and critique of male supremacy combined with efforts to change it. †Feminist Theory is an outgrowth of the general movement to empower women worldwide, and it involves every sense, including belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.According to the theory, feminists fight for the equality of women and argue that women should share equally in society’s opportunitie s and scare resources. They try to fight for women’s right to be equally and fairly treated in the society, regardless of their gender. There are three ultimate goals of feminism, which include demonstrating the importance of women, revealing that historically women have been subordinate to men, as well as bringing about gender equity. ‘Feminist Theory’ is an umbrella term for Liberal Feminism, Radical Feminism, Socialist Feminism, and also Marxist Feminism.Radical Feminism According to Radical Feminism, male power and privilege is the basis of social relations, and sexism is the ultimate tool used by men to keep women oppressed. As we can see in this story, Rukumani is not allowed to decline the marriage which is arranged by her parents as it is considered as rude. She does not even get the chance to make a decision for her own future. â€Å"The time for her marriage to be arranged would soon come†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Based on this line, we can deduce that sexism is t he ultimate tool used by men to keep women oppressed.Even at the beginning of the story, it is mentioned that Rukumani will soon get married to a guy who she does not know, and it is all arranged by her parents, without considering her feelings. Her father especially, has chosen someone who he thinks is the best for his daughter because of the cheap dowry his family willing to give. Even though Rukumani already has a guy who she loves, she knows that there will be a lot of obstacles that she has to go through for their love, and it might be impossible to continue the relationship because of the arranged marriage.Realizing it or not, Mr Sambanthan, Rukumani’s father, is the one who gives oppression to his own daughter. He thinks that it is his right to find someone to be his daughter’s husband. â€Å"†¦had proved a disgraceful and shameless hussy by rejecting a match with a promising lawyer who was willing to accept a cheap dowry because of her B. Sc†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Rukumani is accused as an ungrateful child after her parents find out about her Chinese friend, Jonny, whom they taught her boyfriend. In this situation, women’s oppression is the deepest as the woman in the story has no right to do the things she likes.On that day, Jonny, who is her classmate, came to her house in order to have a talk with her during the long term vacation. However, her little brother and her mother misunderstand about them, by claiming that Rukumani brings her Chinese boyfriend to their house. It is seen as a very shameful and immoral act, that her mother starts to think of what the society might think about their family. Plus, her mother tends to compare her with the neighbours by saying that their daughters have never brought a man into their houses. Rukumani is oppressed and she does not know what to do in order to set her free.Her parents think that the guy whom they want to take as their son in law as the most perfect match for their daughter without considering Rukumani’s feelings. â€Å"At the same time, they liked to pretend that Rukumani was too spiritual to know everything about sex†¦Ã¢â‚¬ According to this line, women’s oppression is the most widespread as their lives are arranged that they do not have the chance to plan their future by themselves. Men use sexism as their ultimate tool to keep women oppressed. In Rukumani’s family, everything has been planned by her father and no one is capable of objecting it. At times I think of committing suicide but I am not sure how to kill myself. †Referring to this line, we can conclude that women’s oppression causes the most suffering in their lives. In the letter she writes to Auntie Sally, Rukumani has mentioned that she somehow feels to commit suicide for the sadness and oppression she faces because of the arranged marriage. Marrying a guy who she does not even know is not her choice, and she is not willing to do that. At certain extent , she just feels like her life is reaching to an end, which she feels hopeless, hence thinking of committing suicide.However, she does not do that as she does not know the way. It clearly shows that the decision made by her father has caused her to suffer in her life; she does not have freedom to make a decision for her own life. Liberal Feminism Liberal Feminism is about freedom, which all people are created equal and should not be denied equality of opportunity because of gender. It highlights the efforts on social change through the construction of legislation and regulation of employment practices. However, in this short story, the bias towards men can be clearly seen. †¦he could go out to shows with his friends.†During the long vacation, Devanayagam can still hang out with his friends, but not for Rukumani. In their culture, women are not allowed to freely go out with their friends, and they are strictly controlled by their parents. It is not fair for Rukumani as sh e also has feelings and freedom to do the things she likes, just like men have. The freedom should be equally given to everyone, regardless of their gender. Just like men, women can as well manage their own lives independently and should not be restricted just because of one’s wish.Psychoanalysis According to Sigmund Freud there are parts that involve in humans’ lives, which are id, ego, and superego. Id allows humans to get their basic needs met. Freud believed that the id is based on pleasure principal. In other words, the id wants whatever feels good at the time, with no consideration for the reality of the situation. The id does not care about the needs of anyone else; it is only its own satisfaction. As in ego, which is the second part, the personality begins to develop after interacting more and more with the world.The ego, which is based on reality principle, understands that other people have needs and desires and that sometimes being impulsive or selfish can h urt us in the long run. It is the ego’s job to meet the needs of the id, while taking into consideration the reality of the situation. The ego acts a balancer or reminder, and it puts limitations to the id. It tells us whether our particular action is right or wrong. In this short story, Mr Sambanthan, who is Rukumani’s father, has a very strong id. He does not even care about others’ feelings whenever he wants to make a decision.He has been arranging Rukumani’s marriage without even discussing with her, as knows that he has power to anything he wants to. â€Å"The time for her marriage to be arranged would soon come and she would find out all about that after she was married. †This line clearly shows Rukumani will only know about her own marriage after she get married, and there is someone who is planning for her. With a very strong id, Mr Sambanthan wants the marriage to be successful without even realizing that he is actually being unfair to hi s daughter.He only takes his feelings into consideration, and neglects others’. As a good father, he should first discuss with her daughter, and think of her feelings, as this matter is related to his daughter’s future. Instead, he rules everything in the house and once blaming his wife for not teaching good morals to Rukumani. Because of this, Rukumani feels so sad and worried if she had to break up with his boyfriend and got married with a guy she does not love, or even knows. â€Å"At times I think of committing suicide but I am not sure how to kill myself. In the other hand, the ego makes Rukumani not to kill herself because of the problem.Rukumani once mentions in the letter she writes for Auntie Sally that she is thinking of committing suicide as a result of the pressure she feels. However, she does not do that thing as she is still able to think rationally. Nevertheless, Rukumani also has the strong id as she eventually tells her parents and the guys’ th at she has a boyfriend that she loves. The action is considered as rude, and it is the reason why the guy’s family rejects her, and do not want to proceed with the marriage.
Global Warming Essay
Introduction            Speaking in simple terms, the environment basically means the immediate surroundings that human beings and other living things live in. Naturally speaking, the environment comprises animate and the inanimate, the flora and fauna, water bodies, land, vegetation, air and the composition thereof, and the atmosphere. This means that the need to conserve the environment is an issue very sacrosanct since, all the forces of nature that support both animal (human), and plant life exist and function under the aegis of the environment.            The importance of thereof is testified of by the fact that the world in its entirety has come together in one accord to ensure environmental safety. To this effect, sundry and almost all countries have come together to institute polices and frameworks that will ensure that matters touching on environmental safety are upheld. This means that there are stipulations that have also been placed so that any member state that breaches these policies can be punished. This international confederation of nation states makes up the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) as an umbrella body of the United Nations (UN). The UNEP organ has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. General concepts of the environment  The importance of the environment is reiterated by the fact that there are several underpinnings that the environment has on general life. This principle is referred to as environmental interrelationships. The principle has it that the manner in which the environment is managed and its subsequent quality is directly proportional to the quality of life of the organisms that live in and on it. The corollary to the above principle is that man, as the highest order of organisms in the environment, has seen not only the importance of conserving his environment, but has also come up with rules and policies to safeguard it, both at the national and international level. These rules are known and referred to by Cunningham and Cunningham (2008) as environmental ethics. The expedience of conserving the environment is supported by the fact that all lives are totally dependable on the environment. This means that the destruction of the environment is tantamount to the detriment of all sorts of life in the planet. The principle of interrelatedness of species and environmental ethics            Within the environment, there are two sets of relationships that living things have. The first relationship is that all living things are mutually and incorrigibly dependent on one another. It is because of this concept that elements such as food web and food chain are a reality. For this, relationships can be symbiotic or parasitic.            The second relationship has it that all species share from one central pool of environmental resources. This means that the destruction of one component in the environment even if there is no correct nexus between the destroyer and the victim, the former will be adversely affected also. For instance, the continual cutting away of trees and vegetation cover immediately exposes the lives of wild animals. In the long run, man is bound to loose in a double way as he is deprived of rain, and as such is in danger of becoming ensnared by famine due to drought. Secondly, because the habitat of the wild will have been destroyed, the animals will have to come out in the open to contend with man over the remaining resources. Environmental interactions and organisms            According to Weart (2004), ever since the appearance of man 200,000 years ago, man has tried to manipulate the environment so that it benefits him whereas other species have merely tried to rely on it. It is against this backdrop that technological development is quantified pegged on man’s capacity to harness forces of nature and nature itself so that the quality and longevity of life can be enhanced. Unfortunately, with the desire to make ameliorations on the longevity and quality of life, man has interrupted the course of the environment. These facts will be dealt on at length in the essay. Global warming            With the increase of technology and technological skills, there has sprung up machines and industries that are completely dependent on fuel. This means that these machines and industries have to release gaseous wastes which are normally toxic. Global warming occurs when there is the continual emission of carbon dioxide. In turn, the build up in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere causes the depletion of the ozone layer (O3) so that it is punctured. This leaves (tiny) gaps through which the ultraviolet rays of the sun can now penetrate to reach the earth.            Because of the above condition, there is the resultant rise in temperature on the earth. This rise in temperature leads to overheating of the earth, causing drought. At the same time, one of the rippling effects of this overheating is that it leads to the melting of the ice caps. The melting of the ice caps in the other end leads to the disappearance in the landmass.            From the above juncture, it can be easily and rightly surmised that a myriad of problems will kick in. For instance, the economic implications that man will face just because of the attenuated land mass, will be staggering. This will mean less space for economic production (industrial premises), domicile, among others. Again, the thought of man missing on enough space for agrarian activities is sobering, as this means that the concept of realizing food security is a matter that will be a mere mirage. Besides, the erratic weather patterns are bound to compromise crop farming. Species extinction            Among the issues that climatologists, geographers and biological scientists are worried about in relation to environmental degradation, is that the resultant global warming is responsible for the demise of different species. This happens as the resultant change in climate in the other end, having led to the disappearance of landmass, leaves other species with their habitats compromised.            For instance, in June 30th 2008, a study of species reveals that penguins that live in the arctic have having their numbers diminished because of their gradually disappearing habitat. This is because, on top of their vast numbers, these animals have to contend with the limited resources for the survival. The UN Climate Scientists Association pointed out that at the moment, the population of penguins has depreciated by 7.9 % from 2005 to 2007 alone. It is not surprising that this body accredited the above condition to the melting of the ice caps Overpopulation            It is estimated by the United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) that at the moment, the earth hosts 6.7 billion people. This UN umbrella body points out that the ideal number of world population should not exceed 6 billion meaning that the earth and her resources are inundated. The UNDP, in conjunction with the UNEP posits that there is no way in which the earth is able to replenish her resources that are being dispensed at a very high rate. It is on this premise that virtually all governments, together with UNEP are overtly concerned with diminishing forest reserves and natural resources. At the heart of the matter is that there lies an anthropocentric question and that of the environmental welfare. If it is proscribed of human beings by the UNEP to encroach on forest reserves, how shall he live? This question is going to be grappled with hard, in the near future, as melting ice caps is going to deprive man of an ideal land mass. Water and Air Pollution            Water and air pollution are concepts that Houghton (2004) touches in a comprehensive scope. This is because the two are highly concomitant and highly dictatorial on the quality of human life. Houghton (Ibid) postulates that the prevention of these forms of pollution is the starting point of the extirpation of global warming. Houghton elucidates his opinion, saying that the most tenable recourse will be to place international standards that will regulate the maximal volume of carbon dioxide that will have been released in the atmosphere. At the same time, this UN Climate Scientists continues that the UNEP should have more powers vested on it so that it can be able to sanction the countries that compromise these stipulations.            Houghton (2004) continues that the same principle should be ratified in all countries so that all UNEP member states must ensure that all their industries or factories are totally compliant with the UNEP Drainage of Industrial Wastes Act. To this effect, no UNEP member should at all tolerate factories that empty their wastes in water bodies. Similarly, Cunningham and Cunningham (Op ct) continues that it is an opportune time all countries followed the example of the US that has its Industrial Hazard Act totally in force. This means that all the factories in the US have pipes that transport wastes labeled. By reading the labeling, the reader is able to know the nature of the wastes whether liquid, solid, gaseous, flammable or toxic. At the same time, the manner and the place of disposal of the wastes will be predictable. This makes it easier to detect culprits who do not adhere to environmental ethics.            More light seems to be flickering at the end, due to the fact that the UNEP, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UNDP now requires that all its member states hand over, after every five years, their water and air management policies. The deployment of inspectors from these three UN bodies for the sake of carrying out impromptu inspections on factories and other corporate entities is also a measure that seems to be propelling international policies of water management and air quality issues into safe directions. Sustainable Development and Energy Sources            Gore (2006) says that while there is no problem with technological development, there is need for clear cut policies that regulate the sources of energy that are to be used in a country’s industrial base. To this effect, it is taken as important, the fact that there is to be the limitation set for the amount of carbon dioxide wastes that are to be released into the atmosphere. It is because of the above situation that developing economies are being encouraged to work towards speeding up of the electrification process.            This is because, it has been found that the ratio of atmospheric pollution to that of the industrial output in developing countries is not favorable compared to the developed economies. This situation is so since developed countries have comprehensive electric connections and tend therefore to use electric power that is environment friendly. Solid Waste Management The UNEP and WHO also continues to push its member states into ensuring that there are fine tuned policies on the solid wastes disposal regulations. In a very positive and encouraging move, the UNEP unearthed a program in which it was to release funds out of its financial gallery to ensure that the developing economies are all serviced with waste baskets. Since, 2003, the UNEP, WHO and other developed countries have been contributing funds to the developing economies so that the latter can realize decent toilets that have well drained sewage systems. Conclusion: If society is to act so as to forestall Global Warming            In order to catalyze the process of extirpating cases of global warming, it is incumbent that the rank and file of each society be involved in the war against environmental degradation. This may portend, apart from taking some of the above measures to forestall global warming, informing and educating the entire human society of the importance and the ways of taking care of the environment.            At the same time, it is needed that developing countries totally subject their activities and status to the UN member bodies, despite the fact that they settle over 90% of the UN budget. It is because of the above situation for instance that the US always blackmails the UN, by threatening to pull out of the UN, whenever policies that are anti-American are recalled. The US and Canada on April 1st 1965 refused to suspend heavy use of industrial coal. US threatened to pull out of the UN, since she knew clearly that the UN could not afford to loose her as she settles over 75% of the UN budget. This sets up a bad precedence for other member states in reneging UNEP environmental policies. Work Cited Cunningham, W. and Cunningham, M. (2008). The Principles of Environmental Science:         Their Inquiry and Applications (4th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Gore, A. (2006). Global Warming: Planetary Emergencies and Proposals. Colorado:    Bloomsbury. Houghton, T. (2004). A Complete Briefing on Global Warming. Cambridge: Cambridge            University Press. Weart, S. (2004). Global Warming. Harvard: Harvard University Press.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Business Project High School Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Business Project High School - Assignment Example 3. Target Market - the target market for the business is the small business owners especially in the Bondi junction area of Australia. The reason behind this is the number of office goers and the numbers of foreigners who actually know more about the organic food and also who are more interested in organic food consumption are relatively high. Also, if the small business owners are targeted, it will be easy to handle them and also the amount of risk is relatively less. 4. Consumer Analysis - The organic food industry in Australia booming. According to a recent study, currently the cost of the organic food market in Australia is $200-$250 million per year. This figure is restricted to the domestic market alone. Apart from this the amount of organic food exports is $50-$80 million per year. There is approximately 20-30% of consumer demand in the market for organic foods. The annual growth of the organic food market in Australia is estimated to be 60%. 5. Reaching the customers - In order to reach the customers either e-mail marketing can be considered or even point-of-sales advertising also can be considered. Both the methods are equally advantageous. Flyers also can be distributed. These have got the flexibility in color, shape and dimensions. Also the sales promotion activities can be linked up with the point-of-sales advertisings. ... 4. Consumer Analysis - The organic food industry in Australia booming. According to a recent study, currently the cost of the organic food market in Australia is $200-$250 million per year. This figure is restricted to the domestic market alone. Apart from this the amount of organic food exports is $50-$80 million per year. There is approximately 20-30% of consumer demand in the market for organic foods. The annual growth of the organic food market in Australia is estimated to be 60%. 5. Reaching the customers - In order to reach the customers either e-mail marketing can be considered or even point-of-sales advertising also can be considered. Both the methods are equally advantageous. Flyers also can be distributed. These have got the flexibility in color, shape and dimensions. Also the sales promotion activities can be linked up with the point-of-sales advertisings. This way there would be value addition. 6. The competition - The major source of competition would be the already existing players in the market. Apart from them non-organic producers who carry out mass production also can be a threat to the business. Carrying out an industry analysis would help in identifying the number of players in the market and their respective market share. Price differences between the competitor and our product over a particular period needs to be observed and analyzed. Depending on the analysis and alongside keeping the profit margin in mind the prices of the products can be revised. Also the transportation costs, production costs etc need to be analyzed. The cost of shipping the products to other places between the competitors can be identified and analyzed. Foods that have high potential and consumer demand need to
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Utilizating halophytes in afforestation and reforestation reducing Research Proposal
Utilizating halophytes in afforestation and reforestation reducing pressure on deforestation - Research Proposal Example On the other hand, reforestation refers to the development or maintenance of an existing forest through the act of planting trees when others are cut. Deforestation may not prove a very effective means of reducing pressure on deforestation leading to better chances on environmental maintenance. Through these measures afforestation and deforestation, the environmental aspects would indicate an improvement that ranges from the reduced pressure on deforestation. The challenges faced by many countries on fighting the environmental changes occasioned by the high rate of deforestation, there have developed options that would aid in providing solutions to deforestation. Through these, the application of halophytes has proven an option to aid in providing the environmental cover necessary to improve the environment. The application of halophytes proves applicable based on their ability to withstand tougher grounds and grow into plants that will keep the necessary green cover available. The environmental efforts to redeem the environment have mostly proven futile leading to the need to develop netter approaches to the problem hence the study below: Many environmentalists have developed approaches towards the solving of deforestation. Despite these efforts, deforestation still on the rise and has provided for a fear of the environment caused by the increasing effects and loss of the earth’s cover. Many efforts have emerged aimed at reducing the effect and creating a means of dealing with the challenges. These range from afforestation to the campaigns promoting reforestation. The application of these means did not yield much and hence the concentration of many on studying these aspects to reveal better approaches to the problem. The application of resistant plants and those that can grow under difficult conditions has provided the option that many consider workable in reducing the pressure on deforestation. The
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Examples of e-Procurement applications and tools Case Study
Examples of e-Procurement applications and tools - Case Study Example E-business refers to the application of technologies, especially Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), to undertake or sustain business activities and processes, inclusive of research and development, procurement, design and development, manufacturing, operation, logistics, finance, value chain integration, HRM, design and development (Boone and Kurtz 2011, p.4). Procurement refers to the process by which companies purchase goods and services from a diverse range of suppliers. E-procurement infers the business to business (B2B) or business-to-consumer, business-to-government purchasing of work, goods or services via the internet, besides other information-based and networking applications such as Enterprise Resource Planning and Electronic Data Interchange (Turban, David, Lee, Liang, and Turban 2011, p.5). Procurement can be a critical part of a company’s overall strategy for cutting down costs. E-procurement methods incorporate methods such as electronic data interchange (EDI), online marketplaces/ e-marketplaces, and a combination of the two. E-procurement can be facilitated through the application of either a manual process or employing of automated software such as Enterprise Resource Planning Tools (ERP tools). E-procurement value chain comprises of aspects such as Contract Management, Vendor Management, e-Auctioning, Indent Management, e-Tendering, and Catalogue Management (Harrison and Hoek 2008, p.12). E-procurement ICT incorporate components such as e-procurement software, B2B auctions, B2B market exchanges and purchasing consortia that are directed at automating workflows, consolidating and leveraging organizational spending power and citing fresh sourcing opportunities online. The most cited procurement use of the Internet revolves around consummating the transaction and attainment of technical advice. Top performing organizations mainly conduct more than 20% of their e-procurement transactions online, besides utilizing the internet for e-procurement applications such as communicating with vendors, verifying vendor price quotes, as well as purchasing from the vendor’s catalogues (Boone and Kurtz 2011, p.212). Technological advancement has led to the onset of commercial trans actions such as Electronic Funds Transfer, supply chain management, internet marketing, Electronic Data Interchange, online transaction processing, and inventory management systems (Neef 2001, p.36). Types of e-procurement There are several examples of e-procurement tools, each of which avails benefits to manufacturing enterprises in ensuring that raw materials and other essential manufacturing components are delivered on time to meet production schedules in the most effective manner to maximize profit margins. Web-based ERP Web-based ERP is engaged in creating and endorsing purchasing requests, placing procured orders and receiving goods and services via application of a software system based on internet technology. ERP software packages from vendors such as Oracle, SAP AG, and the SAGE Group are designed to maximize the resource planning of an enterprise. In the manufacturing industry, web-based ERP is designed to generate purchasing schedules so as to achieve a perfect just-in -time (JIT) assembly cycle (Li 2007, p.300). One of the outstanding characteristics of ERP software is its capability to generate purchase orders via and production application of the bill of materials for the finished products as a basis. ERP systems also issue reschedule notices to suppliers (Neef 2001, p.38). Other types of e-procurement software include Vendor Management Systems, e-MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), SAAS transformation, e-Tendering, e-marketsites, e-Sourcing, and
Friday, July 26, 2019
Discuss the view that, due to the phonological and orthographical Coursework
Discuss the view that, due to the phonological and orthographical assimilation they undergo, borrowings into French are often difficult to distinguish from native words - Coursework Example There are two aspects of history that can explain the phonological and orthographical assimilation that the French language underwent. Firstly, the ethnic, technological, political and other factors that affected the language.Secondly, the grammatical and phonological changes that the French language had to undergo. French orthography is composed of the punctuation and spelling of the French language. It is a combination of historical and phonemic principles. Most of the spellings are based on the pronunciation of Old French and this has stayed the same for a long time. However,there were enormous changes that took place regarding the pronunciation of this language. This resulted in a sophisticated relationship between sound and spelling2. This was evident in the vowels, an array of the silent letters and many homophones. For example, ceint/sein/sain/cent. There were attempts to respell some of the words using the Latin etymologies which further increased the silent words for example tens instead f temps. This is compared to the English word â€Å"tense†that was originally spelled as vint. Nonetheless, there are a set of rules that are used to govern French orthography that will create room for accuracy when producing French words. One imperative way of handling nomination is to borrow word, more specifically when it is borrowed to the referent at he same time. However, native mormphemes can be substituted with a foreign word, and we get a calque or a loan translation which is semantic borrowing only. There are various types of loan translation that can be distinguished however,the essence is clearly anological: French arriver and English arrive can be matched more or less in their semantic range however, the French Verb meant also to attain success. Hybridization plays an important part loanwording. Evidence of the strong effect of the French on Middle English is
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Define plagiarism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Define plagiarism - Essay Example Instead of working hard in the library by reading books, or taking notes, one may get tempted to just search the Internet and copy information verbatim. This ‘cut and paste’ culture is to be condemned. Plagiarism can indeed be considered as "theft of intellectual property†because just like how the theft of physical property is an offence, borrowing a person’s work without acknowledgment is like theft. After all, a lot of mental effort and time would have gone into the original work. The least one can do is to properly acknowledge it. 1. Deliberate plagiarism is deliberately using another person’s work without any credit to the original work. It includes ‘cut and paste’ directly from a source, paying someone else to write the assignment etc (Study & Learning Centre, 2005). Deliberate plagiarism can be avoided by planning well ahead of the assignment, meticulously noting the sources, making rough drafts, having a proper communication with the tutor (Lehigh University, 2006), and avoiding the temptation of using another writer etc. 2. A citation is required whenever an â€Å"idea, quote (written or spoken), data, image or other content that is not yours unless it is common knowledge†(The Pennsylvania State University, 2007) is used. 3. If exact words or phrases are used, then they must be used within quotations. Only essential words or phrases must be quoted; entire paragraphs need not be quoted. The authors name must be mentioned in the quoted sentence (Stolley,
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Ethnic Views Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Ethnic Views - Essay Example Settling in a different context would also result to cultural conflict where the dominant group isolates the minorities due to ethnic and other differences. In this text two incidences; the myth of the Latin women and the American dreamer will be explored to portray how cultural conflicts occur and lead to stereotyping. Fredrickson, M. George put forward four models of ethnic relations and how they are embraced as well as their effects on the affected parties. In this case one-way simulation, a model that tries to forcefully integrate the immigrants into the new ways of the native people in America will be analyzed in the two narratives above and the specific cases outlined to relate the cases occurrences with the model as postulated by Fredrickson. The American dreamer The American Dreamer is a narrative of an Indian woman; specifically from the Bengali speaking tribe who went to study in Canada in the 50s only to be met with harsh racial sentiments and highly contrasting cultural p erspectives that makes her to forget her real identity in a confused racial conflict situation. The hierarchical classification society that she was used to was replaced by a contradicting westernized lifestyle that encompasses virtually everything that her cultural background describes as social norms. The westernized ways of life such as 5 minutes wedding in a lawyer’s office was the climax of departure from a well structured cultural that the writer has abandoned and tries to fit in to a different cultural perspective that is not welcoming. This makes the writer and her family to move to the United States, where she becomes a committed immigrant from being detached onlookers that she had been reduced to. The writer later becomes an advocate of integration among cultures and critically discourages the idea of cultural retentions, a view that did not go well with many scholars and especially those of Indian origin who blames her for leaving her culture, and advocating agains t those cultural lines in America. The writer describes America as having a good bill of rights meaning, that there were chances of equal treatment among the cultures with increased advocacy. Analysis From the story above, Fredrickson model of one way assimilation is evident in both the Canadian and the US platforms though on a lesser extent on the latter. One way assimilation recognizes that humans are equal in treatment and rights, but on terms that strictly specify that the native or dominant culture; in this case the American culture is more superior, pure and has to remain unchanged by the immigrants or new cultures from outside the American culture (Frederickson, 635). This was observed when in 1994 when the Florida Lake country School board announces it policy that required that all middle class teachers to instruct their students that American culture, meaning the European-American culture was â€Å"inherently superior†to other foreign or historic cultures. The case of some of Indian born academics in the US campuses appointing themselves as the guardians of the purity of ethnic cultures also portrays a case of one way assimilation, and this explains their disgust with the writer’s efforts. The myth of the Latin woman This case is a case of stereotyping and culture a conflict between a student of the Hispanic origin and the English culture in Britain. The student is humiliated and undergoes psychological torture as the English speakers isolate her due to her Hispanic looks and view her
Affirmitive Action initiatives Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Affirmitive Action initiatives - Coursework Example s owing to the fact that the US has become increasingly dominated by people from the Asian and Mexican decent that have dominated the work force in the past. This has made it increasingly difficult for companies to make out the individuals that qualify for affirmative action. This being said, I think that biracial individuals should be counted for Affirmative Action initiatives based on their lineage and simply not by looking at the color of their skin. This is because looking at the skin color can be deceiving. Secondly, it is important to look at the social status of the individuals. Some biracial individuals are well-off and may not be in need of the affirmative action. Biracial individuals should also be counted based on where they come from (Korgen, 1999). This is because some of them live in highly marginalized areas and are in dire need of the affirmative action within the work place. Finally, affirmative action should be based on the academic background of the individuals. Some biracial individuals are well educated and may not require Affirmative
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Power and control as related to the movie The Book of Eli Research Paper
Power and control as related to the movie The Book of Eli - Research Paper Example In wide strokes, the film likewise takes after a Western plot: the man with no name, a more peculiar, comes into town, executes the scalawags, and leaves. Be that as it may The Book of Eli, dissimilar to most hostile to religious Westerns, insists the force of God and investigates how religion could be utilized for great or sick. Eli is the model of the positive force of religion. Soon after the war, Eli heard a voice, probably Gods, controlling him to discover the last duplicate of the Bible in presence, covered under rubble. The voice let him know to take the Bible west and let him know he might be secured from anybody and anything (The Book of Eli). This insurance is outlined throughout every battle scene in the film. In the initial two, groups of hooligans debilitate Eli with blades and clubs as recently witnessed in Nigeria where dozens were killed because of struggle over power (NBC). Eli tries to defuse the circumstances, conversing with them and battling if all else fails. Be that as it may when he battles, he is unstoppable, moving with economy and effortlessness, uniquely in contrast to the blundering scalawags. This sign is clear to his adversaries: as the boss lowlife, Carnegie, notes: "Nobody can deal with themselves as you do. In the later two battles, the scoundrels strike him with weapons. But their shots bafflingly miss, while Eli shoots with destructive precision. The lowlifes face off regarding this. The hooligans propose that "hes secured by one means or another in that he cant be touched." Carnegie negates them. "Hes simply a man. Put a projectile in him and hell go down." Late in the film, Carnegie tests this, shooting Eli, and abandoning him for dead. However Eli survives, climbing again to keep strolling west, demonstrating Carnegie off (The Holy Bible). Where Eli is intrigued by peace, staying away
Monday, July 22, 2019
The Sense in Organisational Learning, Knowing and Sense making Essay Example for Free
The Sense in Organisational Learning, Knowing and Sense making Essay Experience in Learning            Learning is the acquisition of knowledge, ideas, concepts, experience and any other kind of element that can be acquired. Learning is the retention of knowledge. It is also a skill such as using tools, creating crafts or simply driving a car. Learning involves practice. Practice is a way of retaining learning. But most of all, learning is a change in behaviour.            As far as I could remember, I learned to walk, speak and do many types of activities in the house by the acquisition of these knowledge and experiences. Either I would learn by following and mimicking gestures that the elder people would show me or I would engage into the experience of the concept. For example, I learned not to run fast down the stairs because one time that I did, I fell three flights and bumped my head. I learned how to remember the names of many relatives by repeatedly seeing them in family gatherings. Conversing with these people required me to utter their names and so that helped me remember their names and how I was related to them.            As I entered formal learning, other tools where available for me to increase knowledge and experience. Reading books was a way to learn how to know things. Before operating machines such as household appliances or laboratory machines, it is imperative to read instruction manuals so that I could transform myself into someone who did not know how to operate the machine into someone who knew how. And therefore there was a definite change in behaviour because of this. Learning things on your own is different when learning inside an organization. Experience in Participating in an Organization            There are two general kinds of participants in an organization or in a group endeavour. One can either be an active or a passive participant. Active participation involves doing different roles at different times depending on the need of the organization. In group discussions for example, one can be an initiator, regulator, informer, supporter or an evaluator. All these roles must be found in the whole group embodied by its participants in order for the group to develop and evolve its visions.            Another insight I gathered from participating in organizations is that one can learn fully if one keeps an open mind and heart. Each participant has his unique person moulded from a definitive history. Each person has his own ideas and learning style. If participants do not cooperate in the organizations, it will be harder to achieve objectives. Sometimes, participating in an organization requires one to compromise some comfort zones. There will be moments when a co-participants’ idea does not match your own. Sometimes, this will be cause of conflict. However, after the exchange and debate on the idea, conflict is soon resolved. Even at times when breakdown of the organization occurs, this will also signify that the conflict was resolved.            I cannot be half part of an organization. Participation in an organization must be whole for it to be worthwhile. Being a part of an organization means adhering to its vision, mission and goals. If a person cannot embrace the organization’s objectives, then his participation will be futile. From what I observed, when organizations have members that are half believers of the organization’s goals, their participation in the organization are half done as well. Their motivations to act on the organization’s needs are also superficial and the tendency to protect one’s self interest over the group’s interest is stronger. Four Learning Theories            Learning whether it involves an individual or a group is possible. Four theories of learning guide many teachers, managers and leaders into helping their constituents acquire knowledge and experience. The behaviourists, cognitive, humanist and situational orientation of learning are four theories that have been developed in the field of learning. The Behaviourist theory developed by practitioners of psychology believes that a person learns according to how the environment gives it instructions. Experimental procedures have been used to study behaviour in this discourse.            The Cognitive orientation does not believe so. Scholars of the cognitive theory believe that the individual learns due to its mental abilities. The process of knowing or â€Å"cognition†was the one leading the act of learning therefore learning relied much on an individual’s thinking capacity. The Humanist approach followed a certain process of growth patterned from human growth. Learning for these theorists involves a person’s evolution of needs that Maslow and Rogers have defined. The Situational orientation in learning relies on the involvement of a person to different community events and practices. Through individual’s participation to these frameworks, learning is experienced and thereby achieved. The Organization’s capability of learning, sensing and knowing            The individuals that constitute the organization bring all their learning abilities into the organization thereby helping the organization achieve goals. When organizations are able to achieve their goals, learning, sense making and knowledge achieved is not only claimed by each participant in the organization but the organization as a single entity as well.            Organizational knowing creates three kinds of knowledge. Tacit knowledge is found the experience and expertise of participants. Explicit knowledge is visualized as rules and routines that participants undergo. Cultural knowledge can be found in the organization’s assumptions, beliefs and values. The ‘corporate culture’ idiom has been coined due to the effort to package cultural knowledge of the organization so that it can be taught to employees. New knowledge is achieved by sharing and integrating these three types of knowledge. With new knowledge, the organization has the capacity to act on decisions that help the organization transform their potentials. Although new alternatives are achieved, new uncertainties are also acquired but essential to the organization’s ability to form new knowledge is the capacity of the organization to evolve facing challenges of its industry and ever changing environment. â€Å"The central argument is that any organization is the way it runs through the processes of organizing This means that we must define organization in terms of organizing. Organizing consists of the resolving of equivocality in an enacted environment by means of interlocked behaviors embedded in conditionally related processes. To summarize these components in a less terse manner, organizing is directed toward information processing in general, and more specifically, toward removing equivocality from informational inputs.†(Weick 1979:90-91)            Besides knowledge making, the organization also goes through the process of sense making. If decision making leads to decisions, sense making leads to the sense of the organizations’ existence of its decisions thereby breaking all kinds of elements that leads to ambiguity and confusion in the organizations’ processes. Sense making is essentially answering Weick’s question, â€Å"How can I know what I think until I see what I say?†. â€Å"In dealing with organizational issues, sense making requires us to look for explanations and answers in terms of how people see things rather than rather than structures or systems. Sense making suggests that organizational issues strategies, breakdowns, change, goals, plans, tasks, teams, and so on are not things that one can find out in the world or that exist in the organization. Rather, their source is peoples way of thinking.†(Universiteit Twente, 2004)            Sense making is a better tool in arriving at information for use in the workplace. Studies have proved that sense making has been successful in understanding deaf culture, in reflective thinking in the nursing practice, has been experienced in media education in classrooms with students, and proven beneficial for hard discourses such as sexism, racism and the like.            While Weick emphasize sense making in the retroactive context, Gioia and Mehra deemed the importance of prospective sense making as well. These two approaches further cement the invaluability of sense making in organizations. Each time that participants work towards a common goal, they are compelled to gather past knowledge, experience and facts, make sense out of it collaboratively to learn a new tool that will help the organization achieve their prospects that they envision in the future. Conceptualization of the future in organizations therefore is facilitated by sense making.            In this light, sense making further becomes a strategic tool that helps organizations articulate their common visions which can be called prospective ‘sense-giving’ while the tools that helps organizations decipher differences in actions so the that their selection may work well for their group can be termed as retrospective â€Å"sense-discovering†. Furthermore, the notion of sense making being partly deliberate and part emergent makes it a powerful tool for organization management, leadership and organizational learning. At best, sense making is an on-going process much like what learning is. There is no limit to learning. The fact that man has yet to use 97% of his brain capacity, that there is much need for compassion in the world tells many scholars that there is much sense in the notion of sense-making. Summary            Learning is the ability that sets man apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. Although there is learning in other animal species, organizational learning has captured man’s ability to prove himself as an intelligent animal in the social context. When a person enters and organization, he sets himself as a member of a whole. As a participant of the whole, the individual synergizes his learning capacities, styles and objectives with other members of the whole. Learning of the individual found in the whole is made possible only if the organization is able to learn first.            With the learning tools of sense making, the organization is able to form new knowledge. The knowledge formed has characteristics not found in individual learning. The knowledge formed from sense making in organizations hold both retrospective and prospective senses of the organization as a whole. Elements that form this knowledge is derived from the collective behaviour, cognition, experience and growth patterns of each individual making the collective acquire its own behaviour, experience, growth pattern and intelligence.            Reflecting on my own learning capacities including development of my own senses, I can prepare myself as I become a part of an organization. Many people enter organizations thinking that they are social institutions fully inorganic. With further understanding of sense making, I have become fully aware that organizations are alive because not only do they reproduce (forming other sub organizations, become global organizations and multinationals), react to stimulus (such as currency fluctuations, technological breakthroughs), grows (such as increase in revenue, increase in employees), they also essentially learn, produce knowledge and ultimately try to make sense in this world. References: Argyris, C. and Schon, D. (1978) Organizational Learning: a theory of action perspective, Addison-Wesley, Reading MA. Brookfield, S. (1987) Developing Critical Thinkers: Challenging Adults to Explore Alternative Ways of Thinking and Acting, Open University Press, Milton Keynes. Burke, P. (2000) A Social History of Knowledge, Polity Press, Cambridge. Choo, Chun Wei (2006) The Knowing Organization: How organizations use information to construct meaning, create knowledge and make decisions, Oxford Uni. Press, Oxford. Dimitrov, V., Kuhn, L. and Woog, R. (2002) Complexity Thinking: A Catalyst for Creativity, School of Social Ecology and Lifelong Learning, UWS Printery. Easterby-Smith, M., Burgoyne, J. and Araujo, L. (1999) (Eds.). Organizational Learning and the Learning Organization: developments in theory and practice, London, Sage. Field, L. and Ford, B. (1995) Managing Organizational Learning: From Rhetoric to Reality, Longman, Melbourne. Fitzgerald, A. and Teal, G. (2003) Organizational Learning and Development Reader, Mc Graw-Hill, North Ryde. Fineman, S., Sims D.and Gabriel, Y. (2006) Organizing and Organizations, SAGE Pub., London. Flood, R.L. (1999) Rethinking the fifth discipline: Learning with the unknowable. Routledge, New York. Foley, G. (Ed) (1995) Understanding adult education and training, Allen Unwin, St Leonards, NSW Glassop, L. and Waddell, D. (2005) Managing the Family Business, Heidelberg Press, Heidelberg, Victoria. Harvard Business Review (2001) Organizational Learning. McGraw-Hill, New York. Lassey, P. (1998) Developing a Learning Organization, Kogan Page, London. Nonaka, I. (1991) The Knowledge Creating Company, Harvard Business School Press, Boston. Pearn, M., Roderick, C., Mulrooney, C. (1995) Learning organizations in practice. McGraw-Hill, London. Polanyi, M. (1962) Personal Knowing; Towards a Post-Critical Philosophy, University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Senge, P. (1992) Fifth Discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization, Random House, Milsons Point. Senge, P., Kleiner, A., Roberts, C., Ross, R., Smith, B. (1994). The fifth discipline fieldbook: Strategies and tools for building a learning organization, Double Bay Dell Publishing, New York. Senge, P. (1999) The dance of change: the challenges of sustaining momentum in learning organizations, Random House, Milsons Point. Shaw, P. (2002) Changing the Conversations in Organizations London: Routledge. Stacey, R., Griffin, D. and Shaw, P. (2000) Complexity and Management, London: Routledge. Stacey, R. (1996) Complexity and Creativity in Organizations, San Francisco: Berret-Koehler. Summers, J. and Smith, B. (2004) Communication Skills Handbook, Wiley and Sons, Milton, Qld. Wenger, E. (1998) Communities of Practice; Learning, Meaning and Identity, Cambridge University Press, N.Y. Weick, Karl E. 1979. The Social Psychology of Organizing. 2nd ed. Random House: New York. Weick, K. L. (1995) Sensemaking in Organizations, SAGE Pub., London Universiteit Twente. 2004. Sense Making. [http://www.tcw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Organizational%20Communication/Sensemaking.doc/]
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Vinamilk Marketing Analysis
Vinamilk Marketing Analysis This report aims to analyse how the strategic operational process and management contributed to the business vision of Vinamilk ¹ which is becoming the leading milk products manufacturer in Vietnam. First of all, by identifying precisely customers expectations of company products, the operations performance objectives will be determined in order to make the process of producing and delivering products could be processed efficiently. These objectives are aiming for the final purpose of the whole process is providing products in a way that maximise customers satisfaction. Secondly, the performance objectives identified in the previous part will then be translated into significant action which is designing the manufacturing process. Put simply, manufacturing process of the company will be designed appropriate for what the company is trying to achieve. The chosen process design also needs to match with the characteristics of an output resources and it is manifested through lay-out. Finally, some recommendations will be provided in order to overcome the shortcomings that the company has been facing in managing its production and delivery process 1.1 Background of company Vinamilk company established in 1976 as the Southern Coffee-Dairy Company, then renamed to United Enterprises of Milk Coffee Cookies and Candies I in 1978 and finally Vietnam Dairy Company was formally established in 1993. In 2003, follows its IPO to the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, the company legally changed its name to Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (VINAMILK). The company is a state owned enterprise in which the government owns about 50.01 % of the shares and the rest of the shares are currently active trading at the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.The principal activities of Vinamilk are manufacturing and distributing products derived from milk such as fresh-milk, condensed milk, powdered milk, yogurts, ice-cream, cheese and others drinks such as fruit juice and soya milk. According to Euromonitor, it has been the number dairy player in Vietnam for the three years ending 31 December 2007.From its equitization in November 2003 to now, the sales of Vinamilk have experienced an average growth rate of 21%/year. In 2009, total sales of Vinamilk have reached a record of over VND 10,000 billion and its profit also has got the highest amount ever before.Vinamilks main competitors and Dutch Lady Vietnam, a division of Friesland Foods, Nestlà © Vietnam, Abbott, Mead Johnson, Friso and Nutifood Customer Basically, when any company decides to enter a market, identifying its target markets is the very important thing needed to do. By doing so, a company will define precisely the groups of particular customers it wants to serve and therefore could get right products or services to a right person or company. In order to target the market, a company would firstly segment its market into smaller segments, each segment is a group of purchasers with the same set of needs and buyer behavior Back to Vinamilk, by breaking up its market based on analysing demographic and geographic variables, it can be seen that Vinamilks goal is to satisfy all customers from kids to elder in any occupation. Especially, the group of kids under 14-years-old is considered the target market that Vinamilk wants to come forwards. In the present time, Vinamilks segment in rural areas and small towns has been weak, thus, this segment will also become the target market which Vinamilk want to focus more in the early fu ture. With the products which is directly refers to the health of customers as Vinamilks products, quality always is the issue that the customers care the most. Products need to match with the requirement for hygienic and safety food and the ingredients need to be ensured their orginal resources. Otherwise, different customers will have different taste and different preferences, but generally their preference always change, they could also willing to try a new product, new flavor or even the same products with a new layout design. In addition, one of the most important element when choosing a product is price, a product with good quality and acceptable price in comparison with other products will be regarded as a sucessful product. These three elements mentioned above are the requirements of customers to Vinamilk products. After packaging, products are delivered to consumers through two distribution channels: Traditional channel Distributors à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ’ Outlets à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ’ Consumers Modern trade Supermarkets / Metro à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ’ Consumers The distributors, supermakets and outlets are regarded as the internal customers of the company in the supply chain. Delivering products on time is considered the most important thing in which the company needs to concern. If the delivery process because of some reasons are delayed, it will lead to many problems, in which might directly influence to their businesses. CONSUMERS 3.0 Operations INPUT RESOURCES TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OUTPUT RESOURCES Figure 1.1 Operations through-put process (Source: Slack et al.2009) Transformed Resources Raw materials Main ingredients for products derived from milk: imported milk power, fresh milk from domestic farms. for other products: fruit juice, soya beanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Others ingredients: sugar, Transforming Resources Facilities Process technology International standard assembly line Modern manufacturing facilities Staff Group of skilled engineers who control mechanical systems Raw materials quality analysis Processing raw materials Final quality testing processing Packaging Finished products Analyze the 4VS High volume Vinamilk products are produced at 9 factories with the high capactiy approximately of 570.406 tonnes per annum and distributed to all provinces of the country. The manufacturing processes are taken systematically from processing raw materials to packaging finished goods. In each process, a team of staff as engineers and workers will directly specialize in tasks related to this process. Their tasks are repeated and systemized in the standard procedures, therefore it is often worth developing specialized technology that gives higher processing efficiencies ( Slack, et al). Low variety The product portfolio of Vinamilk is diversified with over 200 different types of products however except fruit juice and soya milk, all products are derived from the main resource is milk( www.vinamilk.com.vn). Raw materials are gone through the similar processing stages, could have some different preparation in the next stages, but it doesnt impact much on the standardization systems. Low availability (Rowbotham et al) With the stable and predictable demand from customer for dairy products, Vinamilk is always actively the way it produces and distributes products to market through maintaining the stability of milk material sources. Although ice-cream products are products have the seasonal charateristic, with the demand of it in the summer time higher than other season, its changing demand doesnt impact much on the general production situation of the company. Low visibility The way Vinamilk analyses its customerss behaviour basically depends on salespersons who are committed to understand the consumers preferences in their regular contact with customers across different outlets. Performance Objectives The objective of the production management is to produce goods and services of Right Quality and Quantity at the Right time and Right manufacturing cost (Kumar Suresh,2009) Quality Quality means doing things right, trying to satisfy customers by providing goods and services which are fit for their purpose. The quality advantage in manufacturing and service operations can be achieved through a skilled workforce, adequate technology and effective communication of quality standards and job specifications.(Rowbotham,2007) Being the company operating in the food branch, quality is regarded as the first important objective that Vinamilk needs to care for. All Vinamilk products are produced by the modern system machines and closely controlled by the International Quality Control Standards of ISO 9001: 2000 and HACCP certified by the world leading corporations. These productss quality are also ensured to fully announce as stipulated by the Laws under the direct and indirect supervision of competent authorities. With such the control process and strict supervision of competent authorities, released Vinamilk products are qualified with food quality, hygiene and safety standards in accordance with the published standards. Additional, the stability of milk material sources is extremely important as it helps Vinamilk maintains and increases the productivity. As a result, Vinamilk have established stable relationships with suppliers and have committed to purchase high quality fresh milk at the highest price. Th e companys factories, which are located in strategic locations near farms of milk cows, enable the company to maintain and improve these relationships with suppliers. Speed An extensive distribution network located nationwide with 201 distributors and over 141,000 outlets in 64 provinces and continued being expanded over time allows Vinamilk to bring its core products to consumers in a fast and effective way. In addition, Vinamilk has a range of modern factories located along the country that helps to reduce transportation expenses as well as to make a way the companys products are distributed to customers becomes easier and more convenience. Furthermore, the company has two transport enterprises, one is located in suburbs of Hanoi specialised in distributing products for Southern, and one is the main distributor for Northern, which is placed at Ho Chi Minh stuburb. Flexibility Flexibility means being able to change what you do to respond to changes in customer requirements in terms of the products and services design, volume, mix and delivery times. This can be achieved through dependable suppliers, mobility of multi-skilled labour, and versatile equipment, etc. The product portfolio of Vinamilk is so diversified and successfully satisfies the increasing various demands of consumers. The company owns 3 core brands, in which Vinamilk and Dielac are two key brands and Vfresh is a new one but it offers a great potential for development. Vinamilk products are divided into 6 groups and each group also consists of specific brands for specific customers. For instance, group of powered milk: Diealac Alpha for kids. Dielac Pedia for children with poor appetite and malnutrition. Dielac Mama for pregnant and breast feeding woman. Group of liquid milk: For Adults ( 100% Fresh Milk, UHT Milk Flex) For kids ( UHT Milk kid) Vinamilk has continuously introduced to the market its new products to meet the diversified demands of consumers, including Vinamilk Aloe Vera Yogurt Milk with rich source of vitamin A and E, Dielac Diecerna, Vinamilk Slimming Milk, orange smoothies, etc.. Cost With the manufacturing milk products like Vinamilk, milk materials sources being one of the main bought -in items which has a great influence to the price of products. The fluctuations of input resources may be due to many causes, however in general the increase of input resources will lead to the increase of finished products. In order to stabilize the price of products, Vinamilk has established stable relationships with suppliers and till now approximately 60% milk material has been bought from domestic sources. Vinamilks factories are located near farms of milk cows, enable the company to maintain and improve these relationships with suppliers as well as help the company to limit the costs incurred from delivering milk material. Dependability Dependability means the ability of a firm to deliver a product for customers with the exact time promised. Customers might judge the dependability of an operation only after the product and service has been delivered. For instance, one supermarket is the distributor of Vinamilk, the delay of delivering products is shown clearly in the way the supermarkets sheves have been being empty for a long time. This trouble has the huge impact to the business situation of the supermarket while its customers can not find the product they need, and so on. The delay of delivering products to customers may be caused by many reasons in which the most important reason is the quality of manufacturing process. One stage in the process goes wrong, will lead to a whole manufacturing get troubles. If the company does not do well to perform dependability, the delivery is always late, therefore the company itself will lose the goodwill of customers. As a milk company, Vinamilk considers quality is the top target, therefore, its processes have been designed as a error-free process in which some unpredictable errors that may affects the quality of finished products will be minimized. Vinamilk is one of the companies that apply the HACCP approach in manufacturing process. The HACCP approach is a scientific system for food safety assurance (Nguyen et al.,2004). Its main purpose is to provide a system whereby food businesses can control quality and safety throughout the entire food operation.(Applying quality function deployment in food safety manage ment, British Food Journal Vol. 112 No. 6, 2010 pp. 624-639). ( Source: Slack et al.2007) Figure 1.2 Polar diagram for Vinamilk 3.0 Process design The whole point of process design is to make sure that the performance of the process is appropriate for what the operation is trying to achieve(Slack et al,2007). Therefore, it can be said that operations process design is an translation of performance objectives. A question here is What type of process design currently adopted in Vinamilk? Generally, the basic process for all products in Vinamilk is the same. Raw materials are tested, processed, contained, then containers are filled, capped, labelled and packed. Inspections are carried out at appropriate stages.Therefore, an idea to adopt batch process can be given. In a batch environment, the basic machinery is fixed in place, but it is used on different batches of different products( Rowbotham et al,2009). For instance, raw milk and other main raw materials all need to pump into the preventation silo from which the milk will undergo the sterilization process. (http://www.dairyvietnam.org.vn/). In this example, sterilizing machine is fixed machine, it can be used to sterilizing say, a batch of whatever yohurt, freshmilk or powered milk. After sterilizing, raw milk is undergone four more processes such as homogenising, spliting a certain amount of butter from milk, final processing and packaging. Some appropriate adjustment of parameters can be carried out in order to produce different type of products. Like for whole milk products and low fat products, butter will be added until it reaches the level of fat at 3.25 percent and 1 percent, respectively in the processing. Read phonetically However, because of the high volume characteristic of output resources, the production processes have been conducted repetitive, thus, it could be said that the whole manufacturing process of Vinamilk is also a mass process. Basically, flowlines are inflexible because of the design just allows to produce a particular product at a particular rate of output. Therefore, if demand for the product changes, capacity cannot be easily increased and reducing output simply reduces utilization and may result in very little cost saving. An idea of the process design that mixed between batch process and mass process applied in Vinamilk is called group technology will overcome drawbacks of batch and mass process individually. Group Technology (GT) is the analysis and comparisons of items to group them into families with similar characteristics (Kumar Suresh, 2009).Rowbotham et al., 2007 has the explanation of group technology as belows: Group technology can be seen as an attempt to obtain some of the cost benefits of flowlines in a batch environment.A company manufacturing 200 different products will often find that these products fall into families based upon their manufacturing characteristics, and a group of perhaps ten products could require very similar processing in terms of machinery, process sequence and operation times. While the demand for each product individually will not be great enough to justify dedicated plant and labour, the output for the whole group may be great enough to justify setting up dedicated facilities. The group technology organization rarely leads to fully fledged flowlines and is more likely to lead to small manufacturing cells containing the necessary plant and labour for that group of products. Set-up and control are easier and transport is reduced compared with batch operations. Compared with both batch and flow operations, workers can see the context of their work within the overal l scheme since group technology cells are usually small enough so that all process stages are visible from every point. The process design is expressed through layout which is simply understood as the physical arrangement of production facilities used in production. The basic aim of a group technology layout is to identify families of components that require similar of satisfying all the requirements of the machines are grouped into cells. (Kumar Suresh, 2009). Vinamilk could consider a group technology organization based upon the five groups of products identified: Group of powdered milk and infant cereals Group of condensed milk Group of liquid milk Group of yogurt, ice-cream and cheeses Group of fruit juice, soy-bean milk, purified water It means that five cells layout are designed and each of them is capable of satisfying all the requirements of the component family assigned to it. In another word, all the components assigned to a cell are almost processed within that cell itself. Like the cell of powdered milk and infant cereals has the process line which comprises sterilizing, drying, additional micronutrients, mix, containing and packaging process. The cost of transportation and equipments are minimized in group technology layout. Furthermore, group technology is help to reduces production planning time for jobs as well as set-up time. 4.0 Conclusion In conclusion, this report gives an illustration of how important operations management has contributed to the success of Vinamilk in Vietnam market. First, Vinamilk understands what is important for its customers includes: high quality, stable cost, a wide range of products and reliable delivery. Seconds, the way it produces and delievers its products is right for the market. Thereby Vinamilk can indentify the order- winning and qualifying objectives is price and quality, range of products, respectively. The internal performance objectives are also determined as cost, quality and speed. 5.0 Recommendation At the present time, the manufacturing process of Vinamilk is being proceed well which is reflected in the ways Vinamilk have applied the lastest technology in manufacturing and packaging for all factories. Vinamilk is also the only company in Vietnam which possesses the system of machines that uses the eject-deciccation technology by Niro Denmmark, a world leading company in industrial desiccation technology. The company should maintain and promote the results achieved in the future
HSBC Formerly Named The Hong Kong Banking Marketing Essay
HSBC Formerly Named The Hong Kong Banking Marketing Essay 1. Introduction HSBC formerly named the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited was established 1865. With assets of US $1,502 billion, HSBCs international network comprises over 9,500 offices in 76 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the America, the Middle East and Africa. This paper examines HSBCs International Business Strategy with particular emphasis on North America and the US. Firstly, the relevant literature on International Business is reviewed and a comparison between the literature and HSBC is presented. Secondly, HSBCs business environment is looked at; analysing such factors as industry competitiveness. Next, HSBCs International business strategy is critically evaluated and finally, a conclusion along with recommendations is provided. 2. Literature Review The rapid globalization of business in the last two decades has prompted an increasing number of firms to develop strategies to enter and expand into markets outside their locations (Osland et al. 2001:153). Reliability on solely domestic markets is therefore a reliable source for competitive advantage (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Firms must therefore develop strategies of Internationalisation in overseas markets. According to Johanson and Wiedersheim-Paul (1975:306) the term international refers to the activities implemented abroad or attitude of the firm towards foreign activities. Relevant studies on the banking industry and HSBC will be examined below. According to Hoskisson et al., 2000; strategies are moderated by the characteristics of the particular context in which firms operate. In particular, institutions-the rules of the game-in the host economy also shape firm strategies such as foreign market entry (Peng, 2003; Wright et al., 2005). In a broad sense, macro-level institutions affect transaction costs (North, 1990). However, traditional transaction costs research (exemplified by Williamson, 1985) focuses on micro-analytical aspects such as opportunism and bounded rationality. This consequently raises questions on macro-level institutions, such as country-level legal and regulatory frameworks, influence transaction costs have been relatively unexplored, remaining largely as background. However, a new movement in research posits that institutions are far more than ancillary elements, and that institutions directly influence what resources a firm has at its disposal as it strives to develop and launch strategy. An analysis of theory developed specifically out of changes to global markets shows little development of the standard theories of market segmentation, differentiated pricing and appropriate distribution channels which underpinned local and domestic marketing theory. However, the literature over the past five years has shown a particular set of theoretical models specific to global marketing. Hollensen (2007) discusses the Uppsala International Model demonstrating a sequential pattern of entry into international markets with an increasing commitment to overseas markets as the international experience of the firm grows (Johanson and Vahlne, 1977). Hollensen (2007) contrasts this with a traditional approach of what is termed as the Penrosian tradition which is based on economy of scale and a cost-led approach working from the firms core competencies. Dunning (1998) suggests a similar Ownership-Location-internalisation (OLI) framework identifying an ownership advantage of establishing overseas production facilities, a locational advantage which builds a logistics network around the overseas production and, finally, an internalisation advantage where it must be economical for a firm to utilise the previous two advantages rather than sell them to a foreign firm (Hollensen 2007). Similarly, the standardisation-localisation model focuses on specific choices related to internatio nal market entry and the identification of risk mitigation factors salient to international marketing. Baker, M (1993) recognises the risk mitigation inherent in internationalisation, protecting the firm from adverse fluctuations in the national economic cycle. Hollensen (2007) concurs, outlining the ownership, operating and transfer risk in being attached purely to domestic markets. All of the literature is strong on identifying the risks of domestic-based marketing; however there is scant coverage of the specific risks of internationalisation. 2.1 The Strategy of International Business Firms operating in the global marketplace are required to balance concerns for globalisation (economic integration) with national responsiveness (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Globalisation is defined by Rugman Collinson (2006:454) as the production and distribution of products and services of a homogenous type and quality on a worldwide basis. National responsiveness is defined by Rugman Collinson (2006) as the ability to understand different customer requirements in different countries and responding to those local demands by providing the required products and services. Globalisation strategy advocates claim that human needs are homogeneous in every country supporting product standardisation within world markets (Levitt 1983 cited in Schlie and Yip, 2000). Some authors however argue that the globalisation strategy fails to address customer needs in national markets (Rugman Collinson, 2006). In order to analyse the distinction between integration and national responsiveness Figure 1 (Adapted from Bartlett and Ghoshal) will be used. Fig. 1 Source: Bartlett and Ghoshal, 1989, in Rugman and Hodgetts, 2001, p.335. As highlighted above, quadrant 1 represents high economic integration and low national responsiveness. This is a global strategy used by firms to achieve economies of scale (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Quadrant 4 represents high national responsiveness but low economic integration. This is a national responsiveness strategy used to customize products/services to local demand(Rugman Hodgetts, 2001). Quadrant 3 meanwhile, represents both high economic integration and national responsiveness. Quadrant 3 is the most demanding of all and is also where many successful transnational firms operate (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Finally, quadrant 2 is where the need for national responsiveness and economic integration is low. The banking industry uses a combination of mergers, acquisitions, subsidy and Greenfield strategies. However, economic integration is counterbalanced by national responsiveness in terms of how each strategy is designed and implemented (Rugman Collinson, 2006) given that consumer needs may differ from region to region indicates that a product or service introduced in one part of the world is usually rejected by consumers in other parts of the world (Rugman Hodgetts, 2001). HSBC provides a good example in relation to the notions mentioned above. Although, HSBCs international network comprises over 9,500 offices in 76 countries, its entry into the US began as a weak and poor performer. Peek et al. (1999) found that US subsidiaries of foreign banks generally perform poorly due to acquisition of unsuccessful US banks in conjunction with the inability to improve performance sufficiently. Taking this into consideration, HSBC pursued a localisation strategy in different regions of the worl d which is similar to Barclays use of integration in tandem with national responsiveness. 3. The International Business Environment of HSBC In order to understand HSBCs International Strategy, the companys business environment is going to be examined using Porters five Forces because as Sandler (2007:3) points out many of the problems and opportunities affecting a single firm may be associated with broader based systemic issues impacting an entire industry. Secondly, HSBCs business environment is going to be studied using pestle analysis. 3.1 Porters Five Forces Theory Porters 5 Forces theory demonstrates the influences of the five competitive forces which are used to define the characteristics of the target market (Crum 1998, p.307). The main competitive forcers include Porters 5 Forces theory demonstrates the influences of the industry competitiveness (Rugman Collinson, 2006) (See Appendix 1). 3.1.1 Level of Competition (Rivalry) Competition in the banking industry is extremely fierce and HSBC is in strong competition with other major banks, such as Barclays and Lloyds TSB. In an environment of strong competition, banks will find themselves involved in intense price competition. HSBC can avoid price competition by differentiating themselves from the competition as expressed by Porter (1985). HSBC also has competition online debit, insurance and mortgage companies that offer competitive prices. 3.1.2 Threat of Substitutes The threat of substitutes for HSBC is low because money cannot be replaced. However HSBC do have enormous competition from other banks and mortgage lenders and if customers are not happy with the prices and services they are receiving from their bank, they can easily move to a competitor. 3.1.3 Threat of New Entrants The threat of new entrants is extremely high, and not only from banks. Companies such as Sainsburys and Virgin also sell financial products. Ind Bjerke (2007) believe that brand loyalty is an important marketing factor, and HSBC certainly has this advantage. Customers may want a personal service, so the threat of small bank operators whom offer an intimate experience may be favoured over a large bank, such as HSBC (McDonald 2007). HSBC have been operating for many years and therefore has a lot of knowledge and customers can trust them. A new entrant would not have this advantage; especially in many of the countries that HSBC operates such as China, where trust is imperative to the culture (Brett et al 2006). Bargaining Power of Buyers Bargaining power of buyers is extremely high as customers can switch to a rival company with lower rates and offers such as free mobile phone insurance. The customer has the choice of going to a wide array of high street branches and therefore has great power which can affect the market share of HSBC. HSBC need to ensure that they offer something more than the other competing banks, such as holiday insurance. 3.1.5 Bargaining Power of Suppliers Bargaining power of suppliers with regards to HSBC is twofold. Firstly HSBC rely on its customers (suppliers) to bring in its product (money), therefore the bargaining power of suppliers is very high. Secondly, the suppliers are not a threat to HSBC because it is unlikely that they will open their own bank, so the bargaining power of suppliers here is very low. Table 1. Summary of Porters Five Forces Analysis Force Intensity Level of Competition High Threat of substitutes High Threats of New Entrants Low Bargaining power of buyers Very High Bargaining power of suppliers High Pestle Analysis Political Obtaining funding from the money markets has become more costly for HSBC as a result of uncertainty in financial markets and shortage of funds caused by the global credit crisis (BBC 2008). Because HSBC has branches all over the world, they must comply with changes in legislation with regards to their countries of ownership. An example of this was in 2006 when Vietnamese regulations proposed to increase the foreign ownership cap from 10 per cent. As a result of this new regulation, HSBCs FDI rose by 55 per cent (HSBC 2007). HSBC are also affected by political instability. This occurred in Thailand in 2006 when the political crisis had a negative impact on consumption patterns and the number of people taking out loans dropped, oil prices and interest rates increased. Due to all these issues, HSBC only reported a 4% growth in the Thai economy, far less than the other Asian banks (HSBC 2006). Other wars and conflicts in HSBC operating countries will have a direct negative impact on the company. 3.2.2 Economic The credit crunch has seen many major banks tighten their lending criteria in order to reduce the number of credit write-offs. Barclays recently wrote off  £1.67billion, Lloyds TSB  £1.26billion and HSBC  £943million (Hosking 2008). HSBCs profit before tax in 2007 was  £4,081million, and the bank reported a strong start to 2008 despite the global financial crisis. In the first quarter of 2008, HSBCs profit was ahead of the equivalent period last year (HSBC 2008). Compared to other major banks, including Barclays and Lloyds TSB, HSBC is doing well in the face of the crisis. Changes in foreign exchange rates affect HSBC and new frameworks, similar to one introduced in 2007 by the International Monetary Fund causes instability for HSBC (BBC 2007). Consumer perceptions at the emerging economic downturn has people concerned about their spending patterns and less likely to take out loans and spend what they have. Many banks have been withdrawing mortgage offers, however HSBC are now offering competitive rates (Budworth 2008). Due to their differentiation strategy, consumers are attracted to their mortgages. Social A report published in the Independent newspaper highlighted the fact that the number of people going to University increases each year, hence people are becoming better educated (Hilpern 2008). The range of services that HSBC offers to university students has increased over the years, however there have been recent campaigns against HSBC from Student Unions with regards to interest free overdrafts students receive upon leaving University (Coughlan 2007). Housing trends greatly affect HSBC and the current economic crisis has meant that major banks, including Barclays and Lloyds TSB have been urged to cut interest rates (Murchie 2008). Technological The Internet has consolidated itself as a very powerful platform that has changed the way businesses operate (Pieter 2007). People now have access to their finances easily, in any location and for 24 hours. There is vast room for improvement of M-Banking (mobile banking). People are so dependent upon mobile phones and have easier access to their mobile than a computer. The GLT (Global Technology Centre) within HSBC are responsible for new technological advances and operate throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Environmental With growing environmental pressures, HSBC has become the worlds first major bank to become carbon neutral. HSBCs commitment to change ensures that they provide environmentally responsible advice to lenders and have become involved in a variety of initiatives, including the introduction of renewable energy technology, water and waste reduction programmes and employee engagement (HSBC 2007). Consumers have the option to go green with HSBC and reduce the impact on the environment by saving paper and energy. Customers will receive email statements instead of paper statements, there are no cheque or paying-in books and the customer will be contacted by telephone instead of post (HSBC 2008). Legal HSBC must comply with a wide array of laws and regulations, including consumer protection. Consumer complaints have been paramount in the media lately regarding high bank charges for overdraft limits. The High Court has now ruled that bank charges are to be assessed under consumer protection law. It is now up to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to decide the fairness of bank charges. Because of this new legislation, consumers have received millions of pounds back from these charges (Pollock 2008). HSBC has to comply with data security measures set by the Financial Services Authority after HSBC admitted to losing a disk that contained the personal details of 370,000 customers in March 2008 (Booth et al 2008). 4. EVALUATION OF HSBCS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGY 4.1 HSBCs Entry into North America HSBC began its growth in North America by acquiring failed and weak banks. In effect, shareholders lacking a comparative advantage relative to HSBC, with respect to owning and governing given banks or branches (Lichtenberg and Siegel, 1987), sold them to HSBC. Generally, growth through acquisition is difficult to execute as it is vulnerable to problems of over-reach due to managerial hubris (Roll, 1986; Baradwaj et al., 1992 Seth et al., 2000). One cannot arrive at strong conclusions from studies of the profitability of subsidiaries. Banks transfer profit across borders (Demirgà ¼Ãƒ §-Kunt Huizinga, 2001), and foreign banks may prefer to book some business from their headquarters (Peek Rosengren, 2000). One may surmise that HSBC initially chose to acquire weak banks as much out of necessity as design. For any given size, a profitable bank will cost more than an unprofitable one, so in order to achieve diversification goals, HSBC needed to acquire large banks. Now that HSBC is one of the worlds largest banks, whether one measures by market capitalization or total assets, it has more flexibility. Banking concentration is apparent in many developed countries (Marquez Molyneux, 2002). In response, policymakers within these countries have restricted banks from further domestic mergers and acquisitions. Some recent failed attempts in Canada are a case in point (Tickell, 2000). Growth opportunities therefore arise through cross border growth. Interestingly, each of the owners of the largest subsidiaries of foreign banks in the US is disproportionately often the largest bank in its home country (Tschoegl, 2002 2004). Strategy viability assessment is the classic area of determining how a foreign firm competes against local facing lower cultural issues (Zaheer, 1995). One issue then is whether having operations in contiguous countries represents a competitive advantage. Tschoegl (1987) Dufey Yeung (1993) have argued that, where markets are well developed and competitive, there is no reason to expect foreign banks to be better than local banks at retail banking. At the same time th ere is evidence for the existence of a liability of foreignness vis-à -vis the foreign banks host-country competitors (Parkhe Miller, 2002). Of course, there is also evidence that suggests that, the liability is minimal (Nachum, 2003) or wanes over time (Zaheer Moskowitz, 1996). However, these last two studies examine the liability in the context of corporate and wholesale banking markets. The liability may be more salient in the retail markets, where national differences between the home and host market are likely to be more profound. Claessens et al. (2001), Demirgà ¼Ãƒ §-Kunt Huizinga (1999) found that foreign banks tend to have higher margins and profits than domestic banks in developing countries, but that the opposite holds in industrial countries. Similarly, Dopico Wilcox (2002) found that foreign banks have a greater share in under-banked markets and a smaller presence in mature markets. This implies there must not be a high expectancy for coss-border mergers in commercial banking within developed regions. One can specu late that on the production side, differences in products across markets and privacy laws appear to be limiting parents ability to consolidate processing. As far as depositors are concerned, there seems to be little value to having an account with a bank that operates in other countries, especially now that travelers can draw cash from networked ATMs. HSBC has a service for wealthy individuals-HSBC Premier-that provides cross border advantages as transfer of an individuals credit rating when they relocate, and some other services. However, these facilities are not available to ordinary accounts. The literature on trade flows is instructive here; the evidence on NAFTA has shown that borders have a substantial damping effect on trade flows (McCallum, 1995). In North America, HSBC is even poorly positioned to take advantage of cross-border retail banking that is currently drawing attention: remittance flows from Mexican workers in the US. Although HSBC now has a strong presence in Mexi co, it has almost no offices in California or other US states with large populations of Mexican immigrants. By contrast, Bank of America, the largest bank in California and in many other US states in 2002, bought a 25 percent stake in Santander-Serfin, Santanders subsidiary, which has amalgamated Mexicos oldest and third largest bank. If there is reason to believe that, HSBC benefits from cross-border demand or production effects, what is left as a source of advantage? One candidate is what Kindleberger (1969) called surplus managerial resources. When a bank such as HSBC can no longer grow at home, it may find itself with a management team that is underemployed in terms of the demands on its time. The bank may then choose to grow abroad when it can combine these surplus resources with what Berger et al. (2000) call a global advantage. As Nachum et al. (2001) point out, the competitiveness of firms depends on the kind of assets that firms can transfer internally from country to country, but are difficult to transfer from one firm to another, even within a country. Still, it is, extremely difficult to measure an intangible asset as subtle and hard to define as better management (Denrell, 2004), especially when, recent events have shown, stock market performance or accounting measures are of doubtful reliability. 5. HSBCs International Business Strategy HSBC, a growth oriented company from earliest days decided to launch concrete strategies to attain market leadership in all sectors operated in. Though the company was amongst the leading players in areas such as consumer finance, personal financial services, commercial and corporate banking, it also wanted to establish its presence in areas such as investment banking, mortgage, insurance and credit card business. To strengthen its product portfolio and geographical reach, HSBC embarked on an aggressive acquisition strategy. The focus was on areas where it was either weak or did not have a presence. Simultaneously, the company launched an aggressive branding exercise to complement its growth strategy. The geographical reach of the bank could be estimated by its presence in the form of the subsidiaries and franchises. It can be said that HSBC uses the multinational strategy since it operates in a range of markets. According to Prahalad and Doz (1987), the prime consideration here is t he extent of pressures for global integration and extent of pressures for local responsiveness. In addition, Schlie and Yip (2000:343) argue, the key in global strategy is to find the best balance between local adaptation and global standardisation. In order to achieve the benefits of globalisation, businesses need to recognise when industry conditions provide the opportunity to use global strategy levers (Yip, 1992). Authors Morrison and Roth, Rugman Verbeke (see Schlie Yip, 2000) maintain that Regional Strategies offer such an optimal balance. In order to analyse the globalisation drivers of HSBC, the Yip Framework drivers for internationalisation was adapted from Yip, 1992. According to Campbell (2002), Yip identified four drivers (See Appendix 2) which determines the nature and extent of globalisation in an industry. Table 2. Globalisation drivers of HSBC Market Globalisation Drivers Global customers Global distribution channels Presence in lead countries Common customer needs Cost Globalisation Drivers Global scale economies Difference in exchange rates High product development costs Rapid change in Technology Government Globalisation Drivers Common marketing regulations Government owned customers (Subsidies) Host government concerns (Policies) Competitive Globalisation Drivers Competitors globalised Competitors from different continents 6. Strategies and Performances of Principal competitors 6.1 Branding and Diversification Brand development creates an identity for businesses which creates a competitive edge depending on its effectiveness (Montoya, 2002). The groups chairman stated commitment to making HSBC one of the worlds leading brands for customer experience (HSBC, 2007). In 1998, the Group adopted the HSBC brand and the hexagon symbol as a unified brand in all the markets where it operated which emphasized its global reach. HSBC adopted taglines such as Your world of financial services in 1999 to enable customer awareness on the range of financial services available for each customer. HSBC ensures that its understanding of varied markets and cultures are integrated into its brand through the tagline The worlds local bank developed in 2002. Similarly its competitors, Barclays uses a branding strategy which promises to deliver value through financial expertise the fluent in finance strapline (Brand republic, 2004) and Lloyds TSB on the other hand, develops a global strategy through the development of a strong brand image by reducing local customization and selectively satisfying common customer demands across markets (Osono et al., 2008:28). Diversification Strategy is the launching of new, retail-focused services, Link with enabling competitive advantage (Hitt, et. al., 2006), Although HSBCs core brand is strong, customer recognition may have saturated, therefore integrating both fresh brands into subsidiaries in tandem enables its growth through Merger and acquisitions providing a competitive advantage, enabling HSBC to play a central role in two of Europes biggest-ever merger and acquisition deals i.e. Mittal Steels hostile bid for Frances Arcelor and German utility company Eons offering for Spanish rival Endesa (Digital look.com 2009). 6.2 Technology use and strategy Through advances in technology, HSBC presents customers with a broad spectrum of financial services including personal financial services and investment banking, amongst others, to create competitive advantage through strategic alignment (competitive potential) (Venkatraman et. al., 1993). Similarly, Barclays and Lloyds TSB use strategic alignment (Service level) to ensure the effective use of IT resources and be responsive to the growing and fast-changing demands of the end-user population (Cio.co.uk, 2010). 6.3 Performance Evaluation It is argued that positive relationships between marketing spend, market share and marketing activities have an incremental impact on market share however this does not apply to the big four banks (Digital look.com, 2009). The graph below demonstrates decline of share prices for RBS and Lloyds in the last two years. Both banks have lost between 75% and 85% of its values in comparison to the past 2 years. Fig2: Market Shares Trends of the Top Major Banks In summary, the results demonstrate varied results for UK banks in 2009. HSBC for example, report significant improvements whereas others such as Barclays and Lloyds TSB demonstrate decline due to the impact of the global financial crisis. In addition, according to Digital look.com (2009), HSBCs success attaining the top of investors is as a result of the following: Largest bank in the UK with a well-capitalised balance sheet. Solid defensive stock with a stable and resilient earnings track record. Well-placed to benefit from the continued economic growth in emerging markets. Currently trading on attractive valuations with a forward P/E of 11.6 times and a dividend yield of 3.4%. HSBC demonstrates a lack of focus and development with regards to investment banking which has prevented HSBC becoming a major player in investment banking. Focus and development is essential for performance improvement due to continuous sub-prime mortgage fallout and credit tightness influences on the retail banking sector (Digital look.com, 2009). The last three years demonstrate the emergence of HSBC as an investment banking brand. 7. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that HSBC dominates the banking industry with record profits, however the bank has reported increasing debts and this will not be helped by the current credit crisis in the US and the UK. As consumers become increasingly aware of the rising cost of living they are likely to shop around for the best interest rates and they are likely to find this on the internet with online mortgage and debt companies. Although the introduction of online banking has proved popular among HSBC customers, the company should ensure that extra security measures are in place that will guarantee maximum security of consumer data. As HSBC is a multinational company and therefore people trust the brand and confidence that their finances are being well maintained, there are development opportunities for the future in destinations, such as Afghanistan and Brazil. 8. RECOMMENDATIONS In order to rectify the shortcomings in its international strategy, the author of this report recommends that consideration be given to the following: HSBC should seek to identify optimal investment packages and strategies HSBC should expand its products and services to suit the various markets and the times. HSBC should focus on driving growth of brands and improving performance by ensuring that their strategies create value and growth. HSBC can stay ahead in competition by offering better services for its customers such as exceptional customer service, environmentally friendly policies including the HSBC Communities Policy which aids developing countries. BIBLIOGRAPHY Amel, D., Barnes, C., Panetta, F., Salleo, C. (2004). Consolidation and efficiency in the financial sector: A review of the international evidence, Journal of Banking and Finance, Vol. 28, No. 10, pp. 2493-2519. Anand J, Delios A. 2002. Absolute and relative resources as determinants of international acquisitions. Strategic Management Journal 23(2): 119-134. Barney JB. 1991. Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management 17: 99-120 Baradwaj, B.G., Dubofsky, D., Fraser, D.R. (1992). Bidder Returns in Interstate and Intrastate Bank Acquisitions, Journal of Financial Services Research, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 261-73 Berger, A., DeYoung, R., Genay, H.Udell, G. (2000). Globalization of financial institutions: Evidence from cross-border banking performance, Brookings-Wharton Papers on Financial Service, Vol. 3 Brand Republic, 2004. [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/214994/sutherland-plays-wise-man-cynic-oldman-barclays/ [Accessed 4 April 2010]. Buckley PJ, Casson MC. 1976. The Future of the Multinational Enterprise. Macmillan: London, UK. Buckley PJ, Casson MC. 1998. Analyzing foreign market entry strategies: extending the internalization approach. Journal of International Business Studies 29: 539-562 Campbell, D., Stonehouse, G., Houston, B. 2002. Business strategy: an introduction CIO.CO.UK, 2010. HSBC: CIO 100. The UKs largest users of IT. [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.cio.co.uk/cio100/hsbc/4141/ [Accessed 4 April 2010]. Demirgà ¼Ãƒ §-Kunt, A.,Huizinga, H. (1999). Determinants of Commercial Bank Interest Margins and Profitability: Some International Evide
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