Riordan Manufacturing Recommendations

History of Riordan Manufacturing Riordan Manufacturer is a global producer of plastics. They operate in four locations, three in the United States and one plant in the People’s Republic of China. Riordan’s United States’ plastic products include beverage containers produced in Atlanta, Georgia and custom plastic parts in Pontiac, Michigan. The Hangzhou, China plant produces plastic fan parts and corporate headquarters is in San Jose, California, (Apollo Group, 2006).Riordan Manufacturing is looking to update their Sales and Marketing Department with the newest and latest software recommendations. The following is a summary of the history, current set up of the department and a recommendation of the upgrade. Riordan is attempting to consolidate customer information to deliver more to the customer. Riordan Manufacturing has a combined sales and marketing system, which include many databases, paper files, and microfiche. The sales and marketing systems are obsolete based on today’s standards of integrated information management.The information available to consolidate into a CRM includes Sales history; Previous marketing research files, marketing plans, and design awards; Sales records; Production files; Statements of profit and loss by item and group; Marketing budget, activities in marketing communications and expenditures marketing research. Marketing Research, Marketing Plans, and Design Awards The marketing department wants to build a database of past knowledge. Plans and results from past research studies stored in the marketing department.In the lobby, a showcase displaying the various design awards earned by the marketing department. The company is looking at the possibility to hire a student part-time to scan the documents. The Riordan has 20 major customers, including government contracts, and 12 minor customers. Using a variety of tools, each member of the sales team maintains customer records. The various types of record kee ping is paper and pencil, Act software, a hybrid. The firm is evaluating a new integrated CSM system to help the new selling team that will soon be in operation.The goal for the marketing budget is to reach the $50 million revenue mark. This is a collaboration effort by Dr. Riordan and the executive team, which incorporates input of line managers closest to the day-to-day operations. The two objectives that Riordan hoped to achieved is increasing sales force promotions to increase sales to existing customers, price discounts, and customer user group services and, implementing public relations, trade shows, brand development, and sales force promotions to expand sales to new customers. Recommendations for Sales and MarketingIt is recommended that Riordan update or upgrade the current system to a more user friendly, up-to-date, and efficient system that will allow an effective process of keeping historical, sales and marketing records for future planning. To assist the Marketing and S ales departments in keeping up with the daily intake of information a list of the following software could be implemented: * Oracle – Sells applications that leverage Oracle's database technology to provide CRM systems * SAP – CRM application part of SAP Business Suite * Microsoft – Microsoft Dynamics CRM.A modular system, which can purchase different components based on specific needs. Expands into an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (Microsoft, 2010). * Sage – SalesLogix CRM done by a popular accounting systems producer (Sage, 2010). * SalesForce CRM – A software as a service/Cloud computing-based system. (Apollo Group, 2003, 2004, 2006) Human Resources Information SystemsRiordan’s HRIS system was set up in 1992, part of the financial systems that keep track of employee information, rate of pay, exemptions, date of hire, seniority based on date of hire, which is difficult and different than the hire date, manager’s name, de partment information, and non-exempt vacation time. Managers submit a form for changes to the employee information and then entered by the payroll clerk into the system. Microsoft Excel is used to keep records on training and development. Recruiters maintain information for each open position within Riordan.All resumes are filed in a central location and Excel is used to track application status. A third-party manages the Worker’s compensation and keeps records at that location, not Riordan. Each manager keeps employee information for that department, which there is no central location for keeping these files. Managers are responsible for tracking all FMLA absences and any ADA recommendations. Excel spreadsheets are used for the compensation manager for job analyses, surveys on salary and compensation decisions on individuals.Specialists in the employee relation department keep track of complaints, harassment complaints, grievances, and all other employee relation information and, are then filed and locked in the employee relation department. Recommendations for Human Resources Information Systems Riordan has a diverse set of needs spread over four locations, one of which is an international factory that is located in China. This will require the HCM software to be flexible to handle different culture and regulatory environments.Also the system will have to be able to capture information form a diverse set of archival media. This is not limited to digital information but vast amounts of paper files will need to be integrated into the system. System that are complex will have specialized technical skills to deploy, customize, and maintain its operations. As well as experts to provide training for our personal. Ultimately careful consideration must be given to the existing processes and the final results of the project.Because HCRM service are going to be provided company wide careful consideration as to the capabilities of the program to adapt to differe nt culture mores and holidays is a must Also, the services that are provided to employees need to be available in the local languages of the countries that they reside. To accomplish this provider of the software must be fluent in both countries of operation. They should also have an established presence in both countries to provide service in and by local professionals.Riordan has a long history of data for its operations many of the records are stored in paper files and legacy office products that are rapidly nearing their production life. As such in order to pull historical data for strategic planning the system will need to collect data form a wide range of active and archival sources. Providers who have a long history will often have experience with these both with their own products and that of their competitors. As a manufacturing company of plastic parts and bottles there is a fair chance that the company will not have the skills required for such an undertaking.So the provi der must be established in the market to have spawned a large pool of expert professionals that have used its solution. This will help in negotiating service and training contracts. Therefore, we recommend that we open negotiations with a few of the larger information technologies companies that provide these services. To that end we would suggest IBM as a well known systems integrator with extensive Business Intensiveness Product lines with offices in both countries (IBM, 2010). Second, is SAP this company has a well known product line and is also an international company (SAP, 2010).Others that may be of interest are Oracle and Microsoft. Research and Development Riordan manufacturing research and development department tests new products, evaluates new chemicals, polymers, and dyes used in the manufacturing process. The research and development is currently working on the production of a pyramid bottle project and a CardiCare Valve proof-of-concept. Only a small amount of raw mat erials and components needed to build proof-of-concept models with new product development.Because the research and development department deals with small amounts of raw materials orders are shipped by truck and received at the main entrance. Logistics The operations and logistics systems at Riordan is a company quickly moving from a small research company working in polymers to a company that manufactures and distributes polymer products nationally and internationally. Whereas Riordan’s past operations and logistics systems have served them in the past, there is evidence that it is time to upgrades these systems.The current procedures for inventory operations consist of raw materials received by the area supervisor, physically comparing shipping documents to a scheduled orders receiving report, unloading the material, handing the log to the receiving clerk. The inventory clerk must manually enter the information to the system. During the manufacturing process, the inventory clerk enters the information of raw materials into the system to track the inventory. Recommendations for Operations and Logistics A recommendation that Riordan could implement in to their operations and logistic system would be from Operations Concepts, Inc.The Warehouse Management System/Transportation Management System. Logistics System provides an assessment of detailed logistics operations, study of logistic processes, detailed functional specification development, solicit system vendors, system demonstration, proposal, and presentation reviews. OCI also assists in vendor selection, exporting and clean up of data, development of host interface, configuration and detailed design rules application, project management software, and training and post Go-Live support.OCI assists with a detailed review of operations, activities, processes, data coverage of various functional areas including inspection, receiving, put away, picking, replenishment, shipping, transfers, and inventory m anagement. OCI Project Management Services support clients in implementing and improving changes in environmental workplace. OCI professional handle various environments within a workplace such as union, non-union, government, military, regulated industries, and bioscience industries.The operation and logistics systems at Riordan must be upgraded to ensure consistent customer service across all manufacturing plants in the United States and China. A review of the existing operation and logistic system currently deployed at Riordan require a software system and vendor that will automate most of the current processes and provide expertise. By implementing the recommended operation and logistic system, Riordan will be able to meet its customer’s expectations, delivery, and time schedules. Riordan Legal IssuesThe potential legal issues that Riordan Manufacturing management needs to be aware of are the implications on design, manufacturing, the supply chain, and distribution of the ir product. Another potential legal issue that Riordan Manufacturing needs to be aware of is ethical issues in the workplace. Riordan Manufacturing is a global business its management needs to consider the wide ranges of issues, including acceptable working conditions, minimum wage levels, product safety issues, and environmental protection.Riordan Manufacturing should consider developing a legal strategies plan, which is a fundamental part of a business formation and strategic operation (Nickels W. G. , McHugh J. M. , McHugh, S. M. , 2005). Incorporating legal planning into the business planning process would allow them to plan strategies for operations to minimize risks arising from legal and regulatory sources (Nickels W. G. , McHugh J. M. , McHugh, S. M. , 2005). Ultimately, the additional planning would protect their organization better.Potential legal issues for Riordan Manufacturing can include a multiple of subjects because of Riordan's position as a manufacturer and researc h and developer of plastics with sites in various states as well as China. These issues can cover the basic areas like wrongful lawsuits, to tax laws as well and human resources issues. However, other areas not normally thought of require looking at and this is why the Riordan legal team needs to be vigilant in keeping up-to-date in a multiple of areas. One of the major areas of legal issues that Riordan must invest in is that of patents.Patenting Riordan's property is imperative because not only does it protect Riordan's property â€Å"from making, using, selling or even importing an invention for a period of 20 years from the filing date of the first patent application† (Gilcrest, 2008, Patent Strategies in Times of Economic Downturn, para. 3 ), but it protects income that can be made by license income royalties. However, the process of patenting an innovation of Riordan can be time-consuming as well as costly, and with this, Riordan's legal team needs to be well up-to-date in patent laws.With a manufacturer partner in China and items sold in both countries, it will be important for the legal team to be up-to-date in the patent laws in both countries. Another area that Riordan's legal team must be up-to-date is that of the changing laws throughout the country and the individual states. California for instance is introducing a new bill that would ban non-compostable and non-recyclable food service packaging; this includes plastic containers for beverages. Riordan's legal team needs to be aware of the changing laws in any state and country Riordan is to do business in and make sure the company’s products ill continue to be compliant. Recommendations for Riordan Legal Issues Riordan Manufacturing’s legal matters are the responsibility of Lowell Bradford, Chief Legal Counsel. Mr. Bradford uses his knowledge and experience, or the advice from attorneys at Litteral and Finkel to answer legal questions from department heads. The law firm of Lit teral and Finkel is on a monthly retainer to ensure prompt responses to legal questions. Each month, Riordan pays legal fees and excess charges against the retainer fee.Litteral and Finkel have an international network of offices providing legal services in all areas of the law for Riordan. Aquiring offices internationally, they can provide immediate legal services anywhere in the world. Riordan Board of Directors is responsible for governing and managing the business affairs of Riordan for the benefit of its shareholders. Board members must be knowledgeable about the industry, have financial experience, be available to participate, and be able to serve at the level of a Board member of Riordan.The Board is responsible for selecting new members recommended by the Nomination Committee. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chairman of the Board go through an election process by the Board. Riordan's operations and size determines the membership of the Board. Board performance is d etermined by using a self-assessment with the assistance of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee an auditing committee presents performance and effectiveness of the Board activities. A Board member may resign or be removed when there is a conflict of interest.Based on the best interest of the company, the Board may accept or reject the resignation request. Board members must attend at least three quarters of annual Board meetings and should report their absences to the Board Secretary. The Chairman of the Board establishes the agenda based on the requests of other Board members or the CEO. The board secretary will distribute agenda items, reports, presentation, and information three days before the Board meeting. The Board is required to have a minimum three committees for the life of the Company. The committees are Executive, Auditing, and Nominating.The Board can create new committees and select committee members based on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Boa rd and with the approval of the Board. The frequency of committee meetings, duration, and agenda will be the responsibility of the Committee Chairman. The Board is responsible for operations and financial activities. Riordan Board of Directors designates the authority to operate the company through its designated senior managers. If it is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, the Board has the right to remove senior management (Riordan Mfg.Legal – Overview, 2003, 2004, 2006). References Apollo Group, I, (2003, 2004, 2006).University of Phoenix Business Material. Retrieved April 5, 2010, from Riordan Manufacturing: https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/Riordan/RioMfgHome002. htm University of Phoenix. (2010). Riordan Manufacturing Inc. [Computer Software]. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, Simulation, BSA502 website. SAP (2010) SAP Worldwide Sites.Retrieved May 11, 2010 from http://www. sap. com/contactsap/countries/index. px IBM ( 2010)New Intelligence, Why data matters—and what you can do with it Retrieved Ma7 11, 2010 from: http://www. ibm. com/smarterplanet/us/en/business_analytics/ideas/index. html? sa_campaign=message/leaf1/corp/smarterplanet/intelligence Apollo Group, . (2008).

Amendment Right

Many American citizens take their civil liberties for granted. Many do not realize how valuable their rights and privileges under the United States Constitution really are, until they begin to be taken away. The Fourth Amendment, essentially the right to privacy, is slowly being stripped from the American citizen. The use of TEMPEST, or sophisticated eavesdropping technology to intercept information, including telephone monitoring and video surveillance, is unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that people have the right to privacy in their person, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and that people should not be violated, and no warrants issued, unless there is probable cause. (â€Å"U. S. Constitution: Fourth Amendment†, 2009) The Fourth Amendment clearly outlines that the American citizen has a right to privacy from the government. This i ncludes privacy not only in their homes, but out in public.For instance, anyone can observe another in public, such as walking down the street. However, when law enforcement officials begin to observe regular citizens in their everyday routine, such as going to work, going to the grocery store, picking up their children from school, and the like, that citizen's right to privacy has been violated. To understand how sophisticated eavesdropping technology to intercept information is a violation of the Fourth Amendment, one must realize how it works.TEMPEST is a code name for studies and investigations of compromising emanations. Compromising emanations are unintentional signals that can send information to a remote source. For instance, computers, telephones, and video surveillance cameras release interference into their surrounding environment. This interference creates signals that bear some relationship to what was originally caught. Essentially, TEMPEST equipment can remotely mirro r what is being done on another device. This is, in its purest form, eavesdropping.(Pike, 2000) In the case of Kyllo versus the United States, which was argued on February 20, 2001 and decided on June 11, 2001, is an example of the violation of the Fourth Amendment. Law enforcement was suspicious that marijuana was being grown in petitioner Kyllo's home in a triplex, and therefore, used thermal imaging devices to detect unusual heat sources, perhaps from heat lamps necessary for growing marijuana. Scanning the outside of the house, the agents detected hot spots coming from Kyllo's garage.The agents obtained a search warrant, and did indeed find marijuana plants. The evidence was then seized from Kyllo's home. The Ninth Circuit Court decided that the thermal imaging was not in violation of the Fourth Amendment because Kyllo had shown no attempt to conceal the heat coming from his home, and even if he had, law enforcement agents were still in the clear because the thermal imaging did not expose any intimate details of Kyllo's life. However, law enforcement used devices that were not in general, public use.They used these devices to â€Å"explore details of a private home that would previously have been unknowable without physical intrusion. † On these grounds, Kyllo decided to appeal, holding fast to the claim that the surveillance was a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Ultimately, the Court decided that the use of the thermal imaging device to obtain information was a violation of Kyllo's right to privacy under the Fourth Amendment. The Court rejected law enforcement's argument that the thermal imaging must be upheld because it detected only heat from the exterior of the house.Law enforcement's argument was rejected because it left the homeowner to the mercy of technology. Law enforcement's argument that the thermal imaging must be upheld because it did not detect intimate details was also rejected because all details concerning a home are intimate det ails. (â€Å"Kyllo v. United States†, 2001) Technology has advanced to the point that the public should be aware of possible videotaping and other types of eavesdropping. For example, hidden cameras scanned the faces of all of the Super Bowl attendees as they entered the stadium in January of 2001.The pictures were then compared with local, state, and FBI files of known criminals and terrorists. The attendees had no idea they were being watched. The federal government, in addition to local law enforcement, is beginning to strip away Americans' right to privacy. On September 11, 2001, the attacks on the World Trade Centers exposed the vulnerability of America to terrorism. In response, Congress quickly passed the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act is supposed to provide important national security measures, such as the removal of a statute on limitations for terrorism offenses.However, it also increased the government's ability to conduct unwarranted surveillance on innocent individ uals without making sure that abuses of power were limited. These examples illustrate the tension between preserving national security and preventing unwarranted government infringement on civil liberties. This infringement is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. (Chandler, 2006) In the months following the attacks on September 11, 2001, everyone was quick to point out a possible terrorist.People paid attention to what others said, and how they said it, and individuals paid more attention to what they were saying to others. For instance, it was within the realm of possibility that a man in a grocery store, having a casual conversation with someone else, mentions his disagreement with the United States government. Surprised by the FBI at his home a few hours later, he is informed that the individual he had the conversation with at the grocery store believed that his disagreement with the United States government was grounds for informing federal law enforcement of possible terrorist actions.Not only did scenarios such as this happen, but the government monitored telephone conversations. The law was that telephone conversations can be monitored by law enforcement or by the telephone company. The telephone company can monitor conversations for a number of reasons, including to provide service, inspect the telephone system, monitor the quality of the service, or to protect against service theft or harassment. However, law enforcement can only listen in on telephone conversations with â€Å"probable cause.† (â€Å"Wiretapping/Eavesdropping†, 1993) In other words, if one is known to be a hit man, law enforcement can eavesdrop on that individual's telephone conversations not only to find out if he will go through with committing murder, but also to find out who else is involved. Law enforcement must obtain a court order to eavesdrop on others telephone conversations. However, after September 11th, it was rumored that the federal government monitored all telephone conversations for key words such as bomb, terrorist, etc.The Bush administration repeatedly insisted that the only telephone conversations they eavesdropped on without court orders were those who were suspected of being linked to al Qaida or other terrorist groups. It is true, however, that after September 11th, the Bush administration made efforts to collect vast amounts of information about Americans' travel, tax and medical records, e-mails, and credit card purchases. (Landay, 2008) This was all done under the guise of the Patriot Act, which essentially made the Fourth Amendment null and void.In addition to listening in on telephone conversations, the United States watches the American public through surveillance cameras. Thousands of cameras, both public and private, dot parks and city streets. Once an individual is out in public, the Courts deem those individuals as no longer having any privacy, at least while they are in public. Most people are not aware that they a re being watched. If they do know, they do not control what their images are being used for. Most cameras are mounted in trees, on streetlight and traffic poles, on public buildings, on subway platforms, and installed in buses and subway cars.These cameras are everywhere, and there are more that cannot be seen. Police officials refuse to tell the public about where the other cameras are because they claim that information would â€Å"undermine law enforcement's effectiveness. One of the major problems with hidden cameras in public areas is that cameras penetrate deeper than anyone staring at an individual. If another person is staring at someone, all that person has to do is stare back to discourage the intrusion. However, one cannot stare back at a camera if they do not know where it is. Even if they did know where it was, the eye of the camera would not stop staring.People behave differently when they think they are alone, and even if one does know about the cameras, the cameras then do not fix the problem. Hidden cameras serve as â€Å"super cops. † These cameras can zoom in to single out a particular individual or to read a letter someone is holding, and can see in the dark due to infrared technology. In the past, police could not do this without probable cause and obtaining a search warrant. In addition to these benefits to law enforcement, cameras can be put in places where a human being could not possibly be, such as perched high atop the side of a building.These cameras were originally touted as tools to aid in the catching of terrorists and violent criminals, and to prevent serious crimes. The cameras have not done this. The only criminals these cameras have caught are minor offenders such as petty thieves and concert-ticket scalpers. For example, in Washington D. C. , New York City, and San Diego, cameras that were originally meant to catch serious offenders now only catch red-light runners, speeders, and others who park illegally. The proble m is this: The faces of random people on the street are being compared with those of criminals.All of this is being done with no probable cause. Law enforcement targets ethnic and racial minorities, and that coupled with false-positive matches means that innocent people will be arrested for no apparent reason. Even though the Supreme Court has never tried a case where someone claimed the Fourth Amendment was violated because of public surveillance, the Court would most likely find that electronic monitoring of public areas is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Technology is beginning to take over American society.Each intrusion into Americans' privacy is being introduced as a tool to weed out the harmful individuals. Drug testing and EZ Passes are good examples. At first, drug testing was only used for high security jobs, and now students in extracurricular activities at school are subject to them. EZ Passes were introduced in order to lessen traffic congestion, and now they a re being used to issue tickets to speeders. Every tool introduced as being â€Å"important† and â€Å"helpful† in the fight against crime is now being used to trap innocent citizens, citizens who at first thought these tools were a good idea.Sociologist Gary Marx explains, â€Å"Once the new surveillance systems become institutionalized and taken for granted in a democratic society, they can be used against those with the ‘wrong' political beliefs; against racial, ethnic, or religious minorities; and against those with lifestyles that offend the majority. † No one will use public areas if they believe or know they are being watched. The author believes that spaces that are accessible, not defensive, will be used more. The more people use these areas, the safer they will be.There are more good people than bad in the world, therefore, the chances of someone getting attacked in a group of people are extremely slim. Video surveillance creates insecurity, not a sense of safety. Congress has not yet addressed video surveillance. Hawaii and California have laws to limit video surveillance, and a handful of states have heightened protection of the right to privacy written into their state constitutions. However, even though video surveillance is more intrusive than telephone monitoring, there is currently no federal legislation to govern video surveillance. (Smithsimon, 2003)In conclusion, the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is being violated in today's society due to telephone monitoring and video surveillance. Telephone monitoring and video surveillance have secretly crept upon the average American. Most do not give a second thought, or even know, about these types of violations of privacy. Perhaps the average American is aware of the possibility, but tries not to think about such a disturbing and chilling thought. If the average American citizen knew that someone was watching them as they went about their daily business , feelings of paranoia and possibly fear would begin to take root.America would not feel free any longer. This can be likened to driving at the speed limit when a police officer is driving within close proximity. One is on his/her best behavior, however, when the police officer can no longer be seen, that same person that was on their best behavior just moments before, resumes their fast, reckless ways. However, there is no escape from the cameras that could possibly be watching each and every American. It is amazing how much Americans take for granted, including the civil liberties, the rights and privileges, that the American holds so dear.– (1993). Wiretapping/Eavesdropping on Telephone Conversations: Is There Cause for Concern? Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Privacy Rights. http://www. privacyrights. org/fs/fs9-wrtp. htm – (2001). Kyllo v. United States. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Find Law. http://caselaw. lp. findlaw. com/scripts/getcase. pl? navby=CASE&court=US&v ol=533&page=27 – (2009). U. S. Constitution: Fourth Amendment. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Find Law. http://caselaw. lp. findlaw. com/data/constitution/amendment04/ – Chandler, S. A. (Fall 2006). Collateral Damage?The Impact of National Security Crises on the Fourth Amendment Protection against Unreasonable Searches. University of Pittsburgh Law Review. 68(1), 217-41. – Landay, Jonathan S. (2008). Did U. S. Government Snoop on Americans' Phone Calls? Retrieved May 18, 2009, from McClatchy Newspapers. http://www. mcclatchydc. com/257/story/53703. html – Pike, John. (2000). TEMPEST. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Intelligence Resource Program. http://www. fas. org/irp/program/security/tempest. htm – Smithsimon, M. (Winter 2003). Private Lives, Public Spaces: The Surveillance State. Dissent. 50(1), 43-9.

The Excellent Consuting Group Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Excellent Consuting Group - Coursework Example The revenue of product X5 was fairly stable but low, while that of X7 was extremely low but exceptionally stable for the year 2011 and would be low up to 2015. Profit Like the revenue performance, X5 and X6 products meet the profit threshold while X7 continue to make losses. It is below bar to a tune of -$31million dollars. Total Income The breakeven point for the three products is determined by the fixed costs, selling price and the number of units sold. The total sales in 2015 reduced compared to sales realized in 2015. Similarly, the total revenue reduced. Since the fixed and R&D costs remained constant, the average profitability reduced from 10% to 4%. X5 income The sales and revenue reduced in 2015 as compared to 2014 showing a great reduction from 3% to 1% profitability. The fixed and R&D costs remained high. X6 income The revenue and sales reduced by almost half in 2015 as compared to 2014. The profits also reduced from 16% to 10%. R&D costs were higher compared to the other p roducts. X7 income This product realized increased revenues since sales went up. In contrast to the other products, variable costs increased while the total profits went up. The product was making losses but well performing when compared to Product X5 and X6. Market Information Sales The sales for product X6 was exceptionally on the rise from the year 2011 and 2013 but gradually reduced from the 2013 to 2015. ... Product Performance X6 is highly performing in the market when compared to X5and X7. However, X5 is reducing in performance while X7 has stable performance. Market Report 2011 X5 Market Report The installed customer base of product X5 shows an increase from 2014 to 2015. The number of remaining customers has reduced while market saturation increased from 37% to 41%. First time customers reduced while repeat sales increased. X6 Market Report The installed customer base of product X6 shows an increase from 2014 to 2015. The number of remaining customers was exhausted while market saturation increased from 90% to 100%. First time customers reduced to zero while repeat sales increased. X7 Market Report The installed customer base of product X7 shows an increase from 2014 to 2015. The number of remaining customers has reduced while market saturation remained at 3%. First time customers and repeat sales increased. Proposed Alternative Strategy Suppose the prices of X5, X6 and X7 products a re set at price $400, $360 and $200 respectively. Also by apportioning the research and development (R&D) allocations as follows; X5(25%), X6(40%), and X7(30%). The cumulative profits for 2012 will be 192,479,522. The X5 is less expensive than other similar products in the market. X6 sales are in the growth phase of the product lifecycle. The majority of X6 customers have not yet purchased the product. The X5 compares more favorably with other tablets in the category. The cumulative profits for 2013 are 463,673, 489. The decisions for 2014 will be effective if X7 handheld is priced higher than competing products and is in the growth phase. There are many X7 customers remaining in the market. Most of the customers for the X7

Debating Globalisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 2

Debating Globalisation - Essay Example Stiglitz, in his 2002 book â€Å"Globalization and its Discontents,† argues that globalisation can be a â€Å"force of good,† but it has to be â€Å"radically rethought† (Stiglitz, 2002: ix-x), particularly after being mismanaged by three global institutions, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the WB, and the IMF, that made globalization a deceitful tool for the advancement of developed countries. This paper critically assesses his views on globalization. It argues that Stiglitz provides compelling evidence that globalization has failed, because the main international institutions that were supposed to manage it failed as well; however, he neglects social, cultural and religious factors that are important in making globalization work and his suggestions are not entirely workable. For the WTO, WB, and IMF, globalisation works, because it has economically integrated countries and enabled the â€Å"free flow† of goods, services, information, and capital all over the world. On the one hand, Stiglitz agrees, because he provides an economic perspective when he defines globalisation as â€Å"the removal of barriers to free trade and the closer integration of national economies† (2002: ix). ... He provides the examples of East Asian countries, which before the interventions from the IMF, were making globalisation work for them (Stiglitz, 2004: 203). They did this by exporting to other countries, closing the technological gap, and then ensuring that the fruits of globalisation were equitably distributed among their citizens (Stiglitz, 2004: 203). East Asian governments took an active role in managing the economy, which was far from the tenets of rapid liberalisation, privatisation, and deregulation of the IMF and WTO (Stiglitz, 2002, 2007). These governments managed the slow transition to deregulation and protected key industries. At the same time, they also provide safety nets for those who will be disadvantaged by free trade (Stiglitz, 2002, 2007). On the other hand, Stiglitz’s positive understanding of globalisation changed after serving the WB and the IMF. In an interview led by Stern (2006), Stiglitz remembers asserting to the WB that he will represent the intere sts of the developing countries and not the WB: â€Å"When I accepted the job, I said that I would do it only if I could be a spokesperson for the developing countries, not for the World Bank.† He believes that he took the job, because he would be free to express himself as an economist, and not as an advocate and public relations personnel of the WB. He underlines that his â€Å"effectiveness as a chief economist depended on people believing it was my analysis† (Stern, 2006). Within the organisation, however, Stiglitz gathers evidence that prove the contrary to the belief that the world is flat and that globalisation works. His analysis showed that

The Economics and Governance of Innovation and Institutions Essay

The Economics and Governance of Innovation and Institutions - Essay Example Innovations are associated with basic and radical transformations in an organization’s operations, and can be triggered by factors such as technological advancement, increased competition and quality standards among other aspects of the external environment. Through innovation, firms are able to capitalize on strengths and to take opportunity over competitors’ weaknesses. This paper discusses the reasons why innovation processes may exhibit different features in different industries. Definitions of Key Terms Innovation- a process of transforming an idea in to a product or service. This is forms the foundation of this paper Consumer decision making process- a process through which consumers make decisions on whether to buy a product or service. It affects acceptance of innovative products Product differentiation- production of distinct products allowing consumers a wide variety of products to choose from. It results from product innovation Features of Innovation in Diffe rent Industries Pavit (1984) established that innovation originates from the application of creative ideas to develop marketable products from the existing ones. ... Customer preferences change with time and therefore continuous assessment of the market is needed. Innovations targeted at consumer satisfaction depend on research that helps managers to determine market dynamics in terms of consumer preferences. Malerba & Orsenigo (1997) present a perspective of constant brand extension to maintain a firm’s performance. Brand extension is a significant strategy used by firms in marketing whereby the name of a popular brand in the market is used to market an innovative brand from the same company. The spin-off, which is the new product, is unlikely to be known by consumers on its own. The brand name under which it is sold may encourage consumers since they associate it with the quality of the original product. Brand extension raises a firm’s profitability since it deals with various products. The attitude of consumers towards a particular brand determines the success of the firm in extending it (Pavit, 1984). The higher the value attach ed to the brand, the more a firm is likely to succeed in its extension. Moreover, the satisfaction derived from both products matters since the more related the products are in terms of utility, the more consumers are likely to accept the extended brand. Brand extension also revitalizes the diminishing image of the original brand (Nelson, 1991). Consumers in most situations are attracted to an innovative firm whereby they are presented with creative products that they believe are an advancement of the old brand. The new products make the old brand to reappear or become more frequent than before in the market. With the understanding that the new product has an added value, they are likely to

Managing in a Strategic Business Context - Consultancy Report Essay

Managing in a Strategic Business Context - Consultancy Report - Essay Example (Katherine, 2002) When Mersey Trust intends on making severe changes in its provision, structure and any other aspects, it needs to consider the community; these are the main beneficiaries of decisions made by the trust. The NHS Trust under study has to put in mind that the number of patients is increasing and more needs to be done to reduce waiting times and quality of health care provided to these increasing numbers. They need to ensure that patients have been adequately catered for. (Katherine, 2002) Staff members need to be incorporated in any changes that the Trust intends on undertaking. It should be aware that changes in staff payments or employee conditions are to be kept at minimum in order to reduce friction and possible confrontations that have been seen in the past from similar NHS trusts. The Trust has to face conflicting roles. It has to fulfil its humanitarian aspect of helping out those who need assistance in terms of health care. In addition, it also has to deal with the fact that it still has to consider market forces during its commissioning activities. This can prove to be a rather daunting task. (Legge, 2004) The Trust has to include technological advancements in its administration. Technological advancement should also be incorporated in the organisation’s information system so that accountability and good governance are promoted. Mersey Care has to deal with the increased competition among providers that has arisen after a number of independent health Care service providers have been given the mandate to provide their services to patients. Also, there have been some treatment and diagnostic centres that have been commissioned. This means that the Trust needs to focus highly on commissioning activities. (Black, 2003) There are a number of partners that are involved in health care provision. These need to be incorporate into the management of the Trust. Policies within the

Managing small business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

Managing small business - Essay Example Mama Mancini’s is a small, family run business. It was started way back in 1913 when Arturo Mancini set up an Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago, serving genuine home made sauces. Over the years, the popularity of the restaurant’s Italian sauces encouraged Bruno, the third generation Mancini, to start up a separate business in the manufacture of sauces. Although this is a small family owned business, in the past five years the popularity of their sauces has spread and they have expanded their operations in the greater Chicago area, with their sales doubling over a five year period. Whereas the business was running at a loss five years ago, the break even point was reached during the third year. The company’s financial statement may be summarized as follows: The success of this small family owned business is largely due to good planning, the quality of their product and the identification of the niche market. To a great extent, the vision and planning of the owner Bruno Mancini has contributed to its success. This Paper focuses on the dynamics of owner-owned enterprises and the case of Mama Mancini’s was chosen because it is a typical example of a successful, family owned small business, which are cropping up in increasing numbers all over the world. What classifies Mama Mancini’s as a family owned business? A family owned business is classified as such when family members own and operate the operations of the business. While researchers have put forth many definitions of family owned small businesses, there is general agreement that family involvement in ownership and management classifies the enterprise as a family owned business (Handler, 1989). Small business form an important part of the American economy and studies have identified 75% of all businesses in the United States as being are family owned enterprises (Greenwald, 1993). Other relevant studies have shown that family

APP5Hinton,N-Environmental Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

APP5Hinton,N-Environmental - Essay Example Malaria, which is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium is transmitted through infected mosquito bites. The disease can be detrimental if it’s kept untreated till a stage that the blood supply to vital organs is disrupted (WHO, 2009). The World health Organization has released some alerting statistics with regard to the outspread of Malaria. Their reports estimate that on an average one child dies every second because of malaria. As per the records of 2006, there were 247 million cases of malaria of which one million accounted to death (WHO, 2009). The most of these cases were from the African lands. Another alarming reality is that almost half of the worlds’ population is at risk of malaria (WHO, 2009). Taking an account of the economic damage that the disease causes, it has been estimated that almost 1.3% slow down is caused in the economic growth of countries with high rates of malaria incurrence (WHO, 2009). Up to 40% of the total budget for public heath is With re gard to all these dangers, it becomes much important to control mosquitoes, which are the vectors of the disease (WHO, 2009). The role of DDT thus becomes of much relevance. The reasons that have been pointed out in favor of DDT being preferred over other 12 recommended insecticides are its longer residual efficacy, the spatial repellency and the irritant effect (WHO, 2007). Resultantly, rather than killing the mosquitoes, they are repelled to the outdoor surroundings (WHO, 2007) However, the use of DDT has been proved to have many long term health effects coupled with damages to the environment, wildlife and the ecology in totality. There are a number of scientifically relevant researches which have confirmed the irreversible damages caused by DDT. The hydrophobic nature of the chemical makes it strongly absorbed to the soil and the green environment. This can cause irreversible damage to the organic base and the structure of the

Media and Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media and Communication - Essay Example 210-212). Blog is also a kind of social networking site. According to Enzer (1994), Blog can be defined as a website or webpage manage by an individual or organization or group of people in which items are posted on a regular basis and displayed in a reverse chronological order. According to him the word blog is a short form of weblog. Maintaining a blog or adding any article or comments in any existing blog is knows as blogging. Articles or comments post in a blog known as blog posts, posts or entries. A person who is making these posts is the blogger. Generally a blog is consisting of text, hypertext, images, and links. According to Enzer, it is a more conventional way of documentation (Enzer, 1994). According to Rowse (2005), there are some features associated with any blog. These are archives and comments. Archives of any blog consist of old massages or post made by any individual on any blog. As the comments posted in blogs are arranged reverse chronological orders, so the older post goes to the archives. Comments are the feedback given by individuals about the particular blog or about the current topic which is under discussion (Rowse, 2005). Analysis of Blog: This work is all about analyzing a particular blog in respect of its context, style, designing, popularity and relevance to the society. The blog we are reviewing here is Golf’s Girl Diary. The blog Golf Girl’s Diary was one of the first blog associated with the sports of golf, owned by golfer Patrica Hannigan. She is from Danbury CT. It is unique in many ways. First of all it is associated with golf and owned by a women golfer. Secondly it is one of first independent golf blog managed by a lady golfer. So the curiosity about the topic of this blog is always on the higher side. In her blog, she has various comments and article associated with golf lifestyle as well as travel publication. She is also well known as she appeared on inside edition and Good Morning America. One main thing a ssociated with this blog is, after the Tiger Woods saga in Golf, she has become a go to voice in terms of female perspective in the sport of golf. The design of the blog is very attractive and eye catchy. Uses of different colors on the home page of this blog make it even more interesting. The home page consist of her info give us an overview of who is she, what she up to and also about the significance of this blog. Her blog gives us an overview of the book Little Tartan, which is written by her and dedicated to all the women who want to be a golfer but not able to be. The overview of the book also gives us a clear idea about her mindset, her ways to look forward to the life and how she takes the life. In her blog post there are links of almost all the golf player who are well known in this sport. On a way one can consider this blog as a small encyclopedia about modern day golf players. Apart from the details of the players there are few videos also which also interesting. Overall the arrangement and structure of the blog is very attractive. Now let’s discuss about her blogs. As she is a golf player it is obvious that her blogs also related to the sports itself. In her blog posts she has discussed every possible minute details, technical

Mac vs Pc Essay Example for Free

Mac vs Pc Essay Americans have always had a choice when it comes to computers, but choose wisely not all computers are made the same. Mac and PC rivalry is on the same level as Pepsi vs. Coke. In today’s world, owning a computer is an essential part of life. Although there are numerous types of computers that you could own, there are two main types to consider, A Personal computer or MAC. Everyone has his or her own opinion on which is better. And there are many die-hard fans in each category. You either like it or love it. A lot of people choose personal computers because of how different Mac computers. Firstly we will consider software availability. The majority of computer users own personal computers, both for work and recreational use. Therefore, software companies find that it is far more profitable to develop software that is for use on a PC instead of a Mac You should choose your computer by doing your research and seeing what type of computer fits your life style and your family’s needs. Mac computers have been stereotyped as they type of computer that would be used by Artist and unemployed writers. Macs were not so popular with other people of the world. Now the Mac Company seems to be the fourth largest manufacturer in the world. The prices of Mac computers are a little higher. They range from $1,199.99 to $1,999.99. The price all depends on what size monitor and GB you decide on. Macs come with an Intel core i5 processor with 4 to 500 GB hard drives. They have built in internal speakers and web cam. For photos Mac computers use what is called I Photo. This is where you upload your pictures and have the ability to make picture folders and give them names. Example, (our wedding night). They have a feature call Front row, where you can view trailers of all the upcoming movies that will be coming out in theaters. This feature automatically updates its self, to keep you updated on the newest movies. Instead of a restore center Macs have a feature called the time machine, where you can literally go back in time to a time and place you were on your computer. Unlike Regular personal computers make has just one Large screen that has everything built into it. There is no computer tower, which is kind of nice. Everything you need is right on your computer monitor. You C.D drive are located on the side of the monitor and the USB imports are located in the back along with the on/off button. PC computers were also another stereotype. Many would say this would be they type of computer used by people who loved video games, video chatting, music mash-ups and other cool things. Pc computers were always the choice for people in America. And they definitely seem to be the cheaper choice of the two. PC computers range from about $400 to $800 and that includes a monitor and the tower. And in some cases the package deal comes with a printer. PC computers come with a 3 to 6 GB of memory. With PC computers you usually have to purchase speakers and web cams separately with could cost you between $ 30 and $40. PC computers have a photo gallery where you can up load your pictures to share with family and friends. They also have a backup database so you don’t lose any of your data. Personal computers come with a computer monitor and a tower. The tower is where one would put the C.D ROMs and plug in USB cables. All in all, I found that Mac computers are the most expensive computers. They are well worth the money. I recently bought a Mac computer and I love all the features that come with it. I love the build in web cam. This makes it easier to Skype with my sister, who is away at college. Finding the right computer takes time and effort. Take the time to research computers and find the right one for you.

Development And Implementation Of Business Strategy Marketing Essay

Development And Implementation Of Business Strategy Marketing Essay The purpose of this paper is to critically discuss the strategic methods Bavarian Motor Works (BMW Group) applied to become one of the major leading automobile brand today. With reference of BMW automobiles Case Study by Mr. Valeriano Lencioni, I will further examine what happened with the company, what are the different business strategy approaches the company could use to overpower the high competition in the automobile industry, and what is in the future for the company. Like any other business companies, BMW went through rough time when they continuously keep on losing their market share and with the presence of tight competition, everything would have been unsuccessful. With the use of business strategies, BMW was able to determine what went wrong and what they could do to survive the pressure in the industry. Organisations in a similar environment are not identical but have different capabilities. BMW has strategic advantages that sets them apart from its competitors. BMWs resources and competences developed over years for the company to survive and grow. Every company needs a foundation to continuously keep up with its changing environment and with competition. Presently, BMW is a multi-billion company that manufactures several of the best-known cars in the market. BMW has gone way far ahead from its competitors even with the pressure from competition and still manage to survive and even growing and expanding globally. What are these business strategies BMW applied all these years to get there on top? How did the company even manage to be one of the biggest car manufacturers in the present time knowing the company went bankrupt in the year 1961? What is happening in the automobile industry and what is the position of BMW in the competition? Will it still manage to survive in the future? What are the challenges in store for the company for the next 10 years? BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND MAIN TRENDS IN 2004 The global car market started decline in 2003, led by the drop in the market in North America and Western Europe. Other regions of the world led by East Asia are seeing further car market expansion in 2003. In 2004, projections for livelier economic growth strengthen the continuation of car market growth in Western Europe and North America. Although how laws can get stricter and how badly it can affect the companies earnings, it also develop new technologies and markets. Another major external factor affecting the current situation of BMW is that industry structure is becoming more intense. BMW is a business which could face problems in the future if it doesnt take into consideration strategic alliances. Although, the problem was that the economy in North America and Western Europe has been affected by the overcapacity in the automobile industry. It became a global economic instability as consumers from the said part of the world decided to reduce spending on non essential goods. There was lower car demand and so, sales was automatically affected. The automobile industry is becoming more and more competitive, with 6 major groups which have recently formed. Car manufacturing presently is largely affected by external social and environmental pressures, which influence both current production practices and the development of future products and technologies. Environmental standards are mostly set by government regulation and even associations within the automobile industry. These acts aim to as anti-emission laws get stricter every year, and companies look to double or triple their fuel efficiency, alternative technologies are being developed to replace the traditional gasoline engines, and have started to hit the market. Increased fuel-economy and decreasing vehicle weight are gradual changes that slowly improve automobile performance; disruptive technologies include new fuel sources such as electricity, solar energy, and fuel cells. Please refer to Appendix III: UK car production in Year 2003. Within the automobile industry, it had too many difficulties and the players in this field have experienced the troubles of surviving. The change is needed as equity prices drops and geopolitical tensions arised, including the related threat to oil prices, all having a negative impact on the economy. Increasing the safety standards for automobiles also mean that nowadays cars take longer time to be developed and manufacturers should now focus on pre-marketing activities, making cars look more desirable to consumers due to their safety. Competitive forces determine the market power of competitors, the kind of competition they engage in, the factors that give some of them a competitive advantage, and the attractiveness of that market compared to others. BMW GROUP Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW) or Bavarian Motor Works is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1917. The BMW Group is now one of the ten largest car manufacturers in the world and, with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands, possesses three of the strongest premium brands in the car industry. The group also has a strong market position in the motorcycle sector and operates a successful financial services business. The company aims to generate profitable growth and above-average returns by focusing on the premium segments of the international automobile markets. With this in mind, a wide-ranging product and market offensive was initiated in 2001, which has resulted in the BMW Group expanding its product range considerably and strengthening its worldwide market position. The companys brand is extremely strong and is associated with high performance, engineering excellence and innovation. Indeed, the BMW brand is often cited as on e of the best in the world, and the company continues to launch a stream of innovative products as part of its battle with German peer Mercedes to be the worlds largest luxury car maker. II. PESTEL Analysis for BMW; its impact and how these influenced its strategy Organisations, such as BMW, need to look into the macro environment in which they exist, as these factors will have an impact and influence upon their industry. The macro environment is broken up into six main categories forming the PESTEL analysis. Automobile manufacturers must identify and select the issues which are most important to their industry in order to conduct a valid external analysis. Political/ Legal Factors Trade barriers and restrictions, import tariffs and tax policies are critical factors to consider especially for global manufacturers as they can influence the pricing levels of their products in each market and affect the profitability of a company. Also, Environmental protection laws regarding the CO2 emissions; In 2007 the European Commission proposed binding rules to cut CO2 emissions on new cars to 130 gms/km and it shows Porsche whose cars have highest CO2 output fell 2% as a result and average BMW emissions drop to 170g/km. With the threat of legislation looming BMW has shown that even premium car makers can seriously reduce CO2, stated by Jos Dings, Transport and Environment Director. Please refer to Appendix IV: CO2 Emissions by Car Brand Economic Factors The overall economic health of the car industry will have a great effect on each of the industry players. Interest rates, exchange rates and the level of unemployment can also depress demand. Most importantly the level of consumers disposable income is a critical issue particularly for manufacturers such as BMW and Jaguar, who compete in the luxury car market, as an economic downturn can seriously damage sales and revenues. Socio-cultural Factors This is an important factor to consider especially with regard to the luxury car market such as BMW. The particular lifestyles of consumers determine which strategy the organisation should pursue in order to capture the needs of its market effectively. Levels of education also affect the industry, as a highly skilled labour force is required in order to produce high performance and excellently engineered cars. Other factors are the Population demographics, Income distribution, Social mobility, Attitudes to work and leisure and Environmental concern of the market. Technological With many organisations competing with one another innovation and technological developments can help differentiate the companys product. Years ago the level of technology that was available, limited and restricted the models and designs car manufacturers could produce. Nowadays, technology has significantly moved on and companies can deliver more and more to their customers resulting in fierce competition amongst industry players to stay ahead of the market and be the best. By incorporating the latest technology advancements, car producers can lead the market in this field and achieve a competitive advantage. Environmental Although not a major driving force, manufacturers must be aware of the advantages in producing cleaner cars as there is now greater emphasis on protecting the environment. BMW have taken this into consideration and launched their Hybrid model. The result is a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent compared with a comparable BMW running on a combustion engine alone or it could be driven by electric power only, on the combustion engine alone, or with a combination of both power units. III. BMWs competitive advantage According to Mr Lencioni, the car market was already full of good quality cars and consumers found very few ways to distinguish between many of the available brands and models. Quality was no longer an issue in the industry since most models were well built and reliable. Design and Brand Appeal became the distinguishing elements and customers choice factors. Companies that had given attention to the look of their automobiles, even this strategy can only make small gains, rather than losing market share. With this realisation, Design became the biggest factor in the fight for market share, as this feature grabbed customers attention. And with this action, automobile companies had to hire the most talented car designers which leads to massive costs for the company as well as the car prices. Pursuing quality and appeal in design was putting pressure on companies resources, so was brand building and management. It had become clear that a brand identity was one of the most effective ways to be more competitive in an industry where more and more products came to the market. BMW brand which is the circular blue and white logo represents an aircraft propeller. As company grew, the emblem evolved as the white and blue colours of the flag of Bavaria. The logo has made it easier for people to remember and has given the company more recognition. The BMW logo represents power, stylish and elegance, thus making BMW much more competitive in the market. Please refer to Appendix V: BMW logo. Apart from brand and design, BMW has able to survive through developing strong customer knowledge, special levels of service and access to distribution channels. Another method we could clearly understand the competitive advantage of BMW is through its strength of five forces. Please refer to Appendix VI: The Five Forces that Shape Industry Competition. Threat of new entrants Analyse shows that threat for new entrants is low mainly due to huge capital and cutting-edge technology. Car industry is highly depended on their suppliers, because of advancement of technology and materials needed to build car. Even though all firms produce cars, no two firms are totally different and no two firms are exactly the same. Strategic group maps display different competitive positions that rival firms occupy. Based on Information contained in perceptual map it is easy to notice that more and more firms are going into all sort of alliances which help to offer more and more cheap cars. Additionally, there are many substitutes, but these decrease if the special features of material increase. Bargaining power of suppliers and buyers Overall suppliers are weak because they are spread all over the world and cannot easily integrate forward, however more and more companies move into close partnerships with suppliers, even by acquiring them in order to reduce costs and exclusivity. The buyer concentration ratio and information availability is high as well as ratio of firms producing cars, on the other hand the power of buyers is weak due to low demand for non-consumer goods- automobile, high switching costs and low ability to backward integrate. The threats of substitutes are moderately strong because there are many different and less expensive transportation facilities. On the other hand, intense rivalry is strong because the major players are dominant in the market by nearly same technology and manufacturing processes, suppliers relationship and distribution systems. The ease of differentiating cars and price based competition. BMW is looking at entering into alliances, joint ventures, partnerships as it is the safest way of securing a market share, product attractiveness and competitive prices. In a decision to purchase a BMW product or that of the competitor, an individual will be influenced by a group of people that he or she wants to join; people in a certain social class or in a certain income level. There are also three factors that affect the buyer behaviour that a marketer must consider; they are social, personal and psychological. It will therefore be highlighted how these factors affect the consumer behaviour and in turn how the consumer behaviour affects the buying decisions. Competitive rivalry within industry BMWs attractive product variations were a very good source of strength. BMW is having a repetition of building a driving machine that respond really good and enjoyably to their drivers commands whilst also providing the safety, style, quality, reliability, and durability that help make long term ownership. On the other hand BMWs factories are measured very supple and most dynamic in Germany utilising the latest technology in each phase of its value chain. All the above strengths and many others has places BMW in a good position with respect to the main strong competitors in terms of performance, features, dealer networks , foreign markets, for example Lexus, Mercedes-Benz or Cadillac where rivalry among these competitors increases when they compete globally in US car market, Europe and Eastern Europe and South-east Asia, but BMW strong brand is more costly to be switched especially for quality conscious customers which makes strong competitors. Please refer to Appendix VII: Global ve hicle production and financial performance 2005-2006. Threat of substitute products The global marketplace is in jeopardy by lower car demand in North America and Western Europe, both comparatively established car markets that have been badly impacted by high-energy prices and very less consumer response. The global automotive market is extremely competitive. Many large businesses operate on a worldwide scale. Competitors are constantly trying to find new technologies and markets to increase global market share. Recent years have seen globalisation and consolidation strategies increase by competitors resulting in competition intensifying. BMW faces strong competition worldwide in the luxury saloon market. Traditional competition, which has always been strong from Mercedes and Audi, has intensified with the emergence of Lexus as a major player, along came Fords new model, Lincoln. IV. The future challenges for BMW BMW has modernised model almost after every few months that might shift emphasis on getting a new model to market rather than focusing on issues that may develop with existing models, issues such as software, and mechanical problems. Reflecting this possibility, BMW stock shares have dropped 41% in year 2002 as it was relying too heavily on one model, the 1 Series to uphold its high edge. BMW also earning profits due to the strong sales of the loaded models of the Mini but need to diversify, or in other words not keep all their eggs in one basket. Although this can also be identified as strength it can also be a true weakness. Strong competition with the major players that BMW needs to look out for, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and even Cadillac. As an example, the Lexus RX300 SUV rivals the BMW X5; the Mercedes E-Class still outsells the BMW 5 Series worldwide; Audi 3, 6 and 8 Series compete directly with BMWs 3, 5 and 7 Series; Cadillac which has a whole new generation of models, leaving buyers with strong power in building preferences. The 1 series may weaken the BMW trademark with comparison to 7 Series buyers, the 1 Series models may be viewed as cheaper cars with less quality. It could also be viewed as a tactic for BMW to obtain higher sales volumes. V. The Global Business Environment A combination of strategic models and frameworks will be used to critically evaluate the competitive landscape of the car industry in order to identify the prevailing conditions in the wider environment and the dynamics of the industry that can ultimately impact and influence HONDA and BMW car manufacturers. Car industry represents oligopolistic type of market with differentiated product features, unrestricted but hard to force entry barriers, strong competition and few dominant firms that hold most of market share. Governments rely on the car sector as well as related suppliers and services in terms of employment, taxation, GDP and balance of payments. Demand fluctuations are appearing between country markets. Increase in taxations of production which represents significant government revenue. In 1980 there were thirty car manufactures, by 2000 this had fallen to thirteen where smaller manufactures (Saab, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, and Volvo) were bought by larger companies (General Motors, BMW, Ford) Changing the upstream supply chain as component suppliers split into layers and become total solution providers. Full cell technology will replace safety as the number one technology issue. The volume of traffic in many cities around the world is forcing governments to consider a range of road pricing, congestion charging, and car and petrol taxation measures to encourage more use of public transport, potentially reducing demand for cars. High competition encourages manufacturers to locate plants in low-wage countries (Hungary, Brazil, Romania) generating job loss and resentment in traditional car manufacturing countries (Britain, America) Global demand has also emerged extensively. Please refer to Appendix VIII: Development in global demand in from the year 2004 to 2012. VI. Development and implementation of Business Strategy The automotive industry is always seeing new legislation appearing on matters such as safety and the environment. For example legislation on end of life of vehicles changed practices of many car manufacturers in 2002 and 2003 regarding materials used in car manufacture and other factors. BMW successful competitive strategies are grounded on the brand representation of BMW as a constructive and powerful; BMW reflects typically style, high value, up-to-date manufacturing and good performance to an object audience. Customer Feelings BMW is perceived as Quality Company and therefore seen as producing quality products. As a result, it is accepted among customers that BMW might charge higher prices. The BMW Group stays in fifth place amongst the worlds car manufacturers. Based on the external challenges, opportunities and potential future trends in the industry BMW should consider technological innovations looking at government policies concerning environmental issues. BMW should consider product innovation to reduce toxic emissions and to develop more efficient engines such as full cell technology which will replace standard car engines. BMW should consider all opportunities and take advantage of its strengths. Looking at the macro environment BMW should carefully examine world sales of cars, customers behaviour and shift in economy such as interest rates. For BMW to stay ahead in terms of competition and remain gaining market share, the company should understand the increasing weight in the global automotive market in developing countries and emerging markets. Collaboration between companies should be maximised in order for BMW to remain competitive and create strong links with suppliers due to soaring prices for steel, aluminium, precious metals and plastic. Cross boarder alliances and mergers should be considered by BMW in order to draw near to the Asian car manufacturers. BMW has noted that sales of its 7-Series model are up in the US, the product has been met with less enthusiasm in Europe. As Germany remains the companys most important market, this may be classed as a risk. A commonly held view is the radical restyling of the 7-Series has failed to excite the traditional BMW driver. This may be especially worrying given the releases of the new 5- and 6-Series models, as they are believed to have undergone restyling as well. If the designs prove to be too innovative or radical, the companys short-term growth could be seriously impacted. The risks associated with the introduction of a number of new models into an underperforming segment are only likely to increase the threat of failure within the segment. Competitive Strategy fitting with the Maturing Automotive industry Looking on the Automotive Industry in general we can see that it is in a maturing life cycle, where nearly all potential buyers are already users of the industry products, demand consists mainly of replacement, with growth totally depends on the competing firms abilities to attract new buyers and convince existing buyers to upgrade their usage, also the critical success factor (CSF) is mainly the cost efficiency. Throughout the firms Industry Life Cycles (ILC) many challenges faces the BMW corporate managers that needs to tailor BMW strategy , these changes on the strategy called the Strategy Fit , essentially managers will depend on certain input factors which are weighted when choosing the best strategy to fit the current ILC, these factors that affects managers decisions in choosing the company strategy depends on the industry life cycle phase introduction, growth, mature, decline, focusing on maturing and growth ILC phases as they are related to the selected companies. Maturing i ndustries challenges are mainly the slow growth in demand which generates more head to head competition, buyer become more sophisticated more familiar with competing brands with hard bargaining due to repeated purchases, for BMW more focus is on service and price combination competition, challenge of innovating new product feature of find further use of the product current features to keep attracting buyers attention. VII. BMW Strategic Effectiveness in the Market BMW took good steps in driving the costs down by focusing on the design and production, it activates Operation activity in the value chain, although the shared component is a good idea for cost reduction, but also BMW high different in the prices of its product series could be an important factor in customer perception to the concept of the product features and design, perhaps focusing more on other cost reduction areas and avoid disturbance to customer perception can be a recommended option . Based on the research it is possible to distinguish customers who follow standard patterns; buying affordable but comfortable medium size cars, are those aged between 20 and 40 years old, regardless of the sex but dependant on income and household status. These clients tend to have more urbanised and settled lifestyle. On the other hand those at middle age, male with high income and preferences tend to pay fortunes regardless comfort, fuel usage or environment issues. With regards to a variety of car models it is impossible to aim at mass market just with standard type of car. More applicable is a differentiated marketing strategy like those developed by GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler which target clients at high and low income and offers cars with separate marketing and mixed variables. This strategy favours merger and acquisitions to overcome mobility barriers and gain presence also in luxury car segment. Strategic success for BMW in maturing industries by introducing a wide selection of features in the products, enhancing the industry value chain for example increase use of advanced technology, integrate the suppliers by internet to streamline various value chain activities, drive down unit cost, developing more economical product design, increasing sales to present customers using promotions or more services, acquiring rival firms at bargain price, expanding internationally, adapting core competency according to customer requirements and expectations and pushing it towards distinctive competency where the firm better then rivals . As part of BMW strategy tailoring by developing more economical product design, and focusing more on the technology innovation that reduces the cost in the overall value chain, for example BMW has been using new technology called RoDip-3, it is a new method for pre-treatment of the electro coating vehicle bodies that provides many enhancements and reduce cost to this process as explained by Christoph Klocke from BMW group. The first of these new pre-treatment and electro coating plants to be installed anywhere in the world is now operating in BMW group. Being one of the market leaders, BMW was very successful in adapting its Sales strategy with customer new needs and new preferences, BMW offered the BMW financial service to facilitate the customer financial payments utilising the Internet technology and many payments facilities. VIII. Conclusion In order for BMW to compete effectively within their industry, they must first identify which issues are critical in achieving successful competitive strategies. Decisions concerning the direction and development of the company must take into consideration the whole range of external issues, which have been covered throughout this report. The significant factors affecting BMW have been raised and are summarised below. These issues are critical to BMWs success. Size of organisation There are many acquisitions and mergers between industry players and so a small sized companies such as BMW must understand their vulnerability have merged with other companies to fight off industry giants. Mass market organisations also need to achieve economies of scale to remain profitable, whereas for manufacturers in the luxury niche markets this is not as vital as they charge premium prices and achieve very high profit margins. Quality of resources High quality of resources can help companies achieve a competitive advantage over others. Quality is seen as a key success factors to becoming successful within the market. Technology and Innovation Customers are demanding newer products and developments in technology and innovation can achieve this. Using the latest technology will once again strengthen the companys competitive position in the marketplace. Strong Brand image BMW has and can continue to build up a strong brand image through high quality resources. This is essential in the automobile industry as it creates a unique position in the marketplace and builds up customer loyalty making it difficult for other competitors to steal market share. Differentiation This is the key to survival. Companies can either differentiate themselves on price or through their unique characteristics of their products. Differentiating themselves from competitors gives the company a strong competitive advantage as they offer customers something exclusive, which competitors do not already provide. IX. References Ahlstrom, J. and E. Sjostrom. (2005). CSOs and Business Partnerships: Strategies for interaction, Business Strategy and the Environment 14(4), 230240. Balogun, J., and G. Johnson. (2005) From intended strategies to unintended outcomes: The impact of change recipient sensemaking. Organisation Studies 26/11: 15731601. Blank, H. D. and Carty, C. M. (2005) The Eco-Efficiency Anomaly, Journal of Investing (in press) Chow I, Holbert N, Kelley L and Yu J, (2004), Business Strategy An Asia Pacific Focus, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall Clark, E. (2004) Power, action and constraint in strategic management: Explaining enterprise restructuring in the Czech republic. Organisation Studies 25/4: 607627. Coe, N.; Hess, M.;Yeung, H.W.-c.; Dicken, P.; and Henderson, J. (2004). Globalizing regional development: A global production networks perspective. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers 29:468-84. Floricel, S., and A. Langley (2004) Strategy as dynamic leverage. Conference of the European Group of Organisation Science, Ljubljana, May. Gereffi, G., Humphrey, J., and Sturgeon, T. (2004), The Governance of Global Value Chains, Review of International Political Economy, 12, 1, 78104. Gertler, M. S. (2004). Manufacturing culture: The institutional geography of industrial practice. New York: Oxford University Press. Gharib, M. and E. Wahlqvist (2004) A standardisation Story and its Paradox: Creating Credibility for the Business Social Compliance Initiative. Goetschalckx, Mark, Bernhard Fleischmann. (2005). Strategic network planning. H. Stadtler, C. Kilger, eds. Supply Chain Management and Advanced Planning, 3rd ed. Springer, BerlinHeidelberg, Germany, 117-137. Hart, S. L. and S. Sharma. (2004) Engaging Fringe Stakeholders for Competitive Imagination, Academy of Management Executive 18(1), 7-1. Holmstrom, J. and D. Robey. (2005). Understanding its Organizational Consequences: An Actor Network Theory Approach, in B. Czarniawska and T. Hernes (eds.), Actor Network Theory and Organizing (Copenhagen Business School Press, Copenhagen), pp. 165187. Jarzabkowski, P. (2004) Strategy as practice: recursiveness, adaptation, and practices-in-use. Organisation Studies 25/4: 529560. Johnson G, Scholes K and Whittington R (2008), Exploring Corporate Strategy Text and Cases, 8th Edition, FT Prentice Hall. Johnson G. Scholes K. and Whittington R. (2005) Strategic analysis of BMW Exploring Corporate Strategy. By signing this page I am stating that the work contained in this report is my own work and has not been plagiarised from other sources. I understand that my work will not be marked if more than 15% of the content is found to be plagiarised. Name: Date: Signature:

Psychoanalysis in Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment Essay -- Crime and

Analyzing the mind of a sociopath has been one of the most important tasks that psychoanalysts face today. The more they know and understand the complexities of the disturbed, the more they hope to find treatments and eventually a cure for the illness that they believe can cause the ultimate violent criminal. Perhaps Dostoevsky himself wanted to weigh in on the mind of the sociopath and the journey toward their violent lives. Due to his vivid description of Raskolnikov, Dostoevsky shows his readers first hand what a sociopath is like. First one must understand that there is no such affliction as sociopath. The technical name is antisocial personality disorder and there are certain criteria a person must meet in order to receive this diagnosis. It is reserved for the most violent criminal minds and therefore is taken very seriously by the psychiatric community. In order to be diagnosed, one must have been previously diagnosed as having a conduct disorder by the age of fifteen. This is what many refer to as the child version of antisocial personality disorder. â€Å"Along with depression and anxiety, the individual also exhibits an increase in antisocial behavior, aggression, destruction of property, and deceitfulness or theft† (Strickland). They may also act out against small er things that they can control, such as smaller siblings and/or animals. Once a person with conduct disorder turns eighteen and is considered to be a legal adult, they are re-evaluated and then diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. The Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology, 2nd Edition lists the criteria that psychologists use to base their diagnosis. They must meet three of the following. 1. fails to conform to social norms, as indicated... ...order, examining Raskolnikov’s actions and personality, and taking a closer look at arrogance, we can assert that Raskolnikov is simply an arrogant man; viewing himself as superior to society. Raskolnikov’s actions were done through purely selfish motives and the mentality that he should not be punished, because the paramount of his actions benefited society. This is the profile of a man that is arrogant and selfish, not the profile of an individual suffering from a mental illness. Works Cited Dostoevsky, Feodor. â€Å"Crime and Punishment†. A Norton Critical Edition 3rd Ed. Levinson, David. Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment Vol. III. Sage Publications. London, 2002. Merriam-Webster. â€Å"Merriam-Webster Online†. http://www.m-w.com. December 18, 2005. Strickland, Bonnie. The Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology 2nd Ed. Gale Group. Detroit, 2001.

College Athletes Should be Paid Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Essa

College sports are big business. For many universities, the athletic program serves as a cash-generating machine. Exploited athletes generate millions of dollars for the NCAA and their schools, and never see a dime. In terms of profit, if all ties with the university were eliminated, an athletic program acting as its own separate entity could compete with some fortune 500 companies. So, why do the vital pieces of the machine, the players, fail to receive any compensation for their performance? The answer lies in the money-hungry NCAA and their practice of hoarding all the revenue. College athletes should receive payment for their play to make their college experience more bearable because they create huge profits and have no other way to earn money during the year. Most college athletes are not wealthy and among the many rules imposed for these privileged individuals, they are not permitted to carry jobs, receive money, rewards, or any type of kickbacks from any sources other than family. The NCAA does not allow their athletes to hold jobs because the job issue has ramifications on recruiting. The NCAA believes some schools would have an unfair recruiting advantage over other schools. That one school could offer a recruit a better job opportunity than another. There is an issue that jobs in different locations would pay athletes different salaries. Life wouldn't be so hard for many of the student-athletes if they were permitted to hold jobs. But the NCAA does not permit scholarship players to be employed during the school year. During the summer, these athletes are forced to train, practice, and compete in order to keep their roster position. This leaves little time to earn money. The lifestyle of... ...e that over the past 23 years, the NCAA's total revenues have increased almost 8,000 percent and the NCAA's $1.7 billion contract with CBS for rights to the NCAA Tournament is bigger than any single professional sports deal, with any network. The non-profit in this case pertains to the athletes. Though a college education is important, the goal of college is to prepare yourself for your future profession. Many college athletes plan to join the professional ranks after college. However, some are forced to leave college early or even forgo college altogether because of their need for money. With giving student-athletes a small salary, such as the $5.40 an hour national minimum wage, more athletes would not have to miss their chance of a college experience. These people are not greedy; they are looking out for themselves. And they could use a little help.

Conflict with Authority in A Midsummer Night’s Dream Essay -- Midsumme

Conflict with Authority in A Midsummer Night’s Dream Throughout A Midsummer Night’s Dream the theme of conflict with authority is apparent and is the cause of the problems that befall the characters. It also is used to set the mood of the play. The passage below spoken by Theseus in the opening of the play clearly states this theme. Be advised fair maid. To you your father should be as god- One that composed your beauties, yea, and one To whom you are but as a form in wax By him imprinted, and within his power To leave the figure or disfigure it - A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1.1.46-51) The first example of conflict with authority in the play is the premiere example and sets up the conflict for the rest of the play. This example that occurs during the play is in the opening scene of act 1. Here we see Theseus warning Hermia not to disobey her father and advising her that Egeus created her and can "discreate" her if he chooses. Hermia is reminded that Athenian law provides that a father shall have total control of his daughter’s life until the daughter is married. Even though Hermia does not want to marry Demetrius, the law says she has no choice and must conform to her father’s wishes. If Egeus’s authority hadn’t been the supreme authority, than Hermia and Lysander wouldn’t have had to flee Athens for their love. The other major example of conflict with authority is also partly responsible for the friction that occurs in the play. This example occurs in the fairy world between Oberon and Titania. Oberon, as king of the fairies, is the supreme authority in the fairy world. Therefore, by disobeying him, Titania is defying her supreme authority. Her disobedience causes the conflict in nature that is apparen... ... on the mood. Through Theseus’s speech to Hermia, Shakespeare introduces and establishes a central theme that is readily apparent throughout A Midsummer Night’s Dream and he also uses this theme to establish the central mood of the play. Theseus reveals the central theme of the play in the opening act, particularly in the lines being examined, and we see this theme throughout A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It occurs in three different situations and is carried on throughout the rest of the play. Shakespeare also uses this theme to create the mood of the play. In this way the passage spoken by Theseus becomes a pivotal point of the play. It serves as the introduction of the central theme of the play and also as the main device Shakespeare used to set of the mood. Shakespeare uses this passage as a starting point for the direction that the rest of the play will take.

Morning Walk Essay

I love to listen to the soft sounds of the wind blowing through the trees. I love to hear the far off sound of a horse whinny, or the sounds of birds singing gracefully in the trees. I love to look out the window and see the landscape, with all its greenery. My home is beautiful. Here in the country, just outside Strathmore, I live on a small acreage. It is there that I have many horses and other animals. Every day I get up early in the morning and run outside to go for a ride on my horse. While I saddle up my horse, the sun rises and everything awakens. Riding first thing in the morning is the best, because you can see things that you will never see during the majority of the day. One of my favorite things is the sunrise. The colours are magical and enchanting. I ride in the field across the road from us. There they have some small ponds and some sloughs. In the morning many ducks and geese come to feed them and their young, who follow along taking part in their first swimming lessons. Sometimes you can just sit there and actually watch eggs hatching, seeing new life grasp the world for the first time. You can see gophers awaken and coming up to take in their first fresh morning breath. Although they are thought of as a pest, they are beautiful in their own way. One morning, I was out riding when I came across to see two coyotes with two of their pups. The pups were just lolling around and the parents were hunting. I saw them from atop a hill. I didn’t want to get too close and scare them off. This was a special moment. It must have been the pups’ first time out of the den. They seemed so curious. They walked all over the field and became quite aware of their surroundings. The next morning I went out, they were there again. Today they were going to hunt, too. They saw a jackrabbit and they started on their way. After a few moments they seemed to have lost their track. They plopped down in the stubble and waited until the rabbit appeared again. This time they weren’t going to let it get away. They took off and seized the jack. They were so proud. They each carried one end of the jack, and let it dangle between them. They soon headed north toward their den. I wanted to follow, but I thought about how I wouldn’t want a stranger looking through the window when I am eating. So I left them alone and went home. Strathmore is a place that is simple, but has some of the greatest beauties. Strathmore isn’t just about the wildlife. Here there live great people and great friends. Strathmore has great surprises and great opportunities waiting for everyone.

Dependence of man on the environment Essay

Three experiments were conducted during week two. The first was to determine how many contaminates that we put into our water supply will reach our groundwater. The conclusion that I arrived at was, that there are still large remnants of contaminates in the groundwater supply after it has had a chance to be passed through soil. We emulated this affect by using smaller amounts of contaminates such as oil, vinegar and laundry detergent. Put them in a smaller amounts of water and then passed them though soil. Introduction In the introduction, I will list the problems with our world’s water sources. Contained in the articles written by: The Natural Resources Defense Council. Water. These sources go on to state problems that we are facing as a population with our water quality. Some of these problems are large amounts of water waste, the large cities that are going to face a climate change that will alter their dependence on water. They also note that dirty water is the worldâ€⠄¢s largest health risk and it continues to threaten the quality of life and the public health in the United States. The first problem is that people don’t know how important having clean water is until it’s no longer easily accessible for them. When people become more informed about the problems that we are facing and will face very soon as a society. We can take certain steps to try to prevent it and to ensure our quality of life not only stays the same, but improves. Little can be accomplished by one, but if we work together and try to  conserve and keep our water clean, it can last much longer. The objective of this experiment is relatively simple, to educate on how much we affect our environment by the actions we take and what we can do to improve our habits to ensure that our water supply will last much longer and have good quality. It also has the purpose to let people know that their actions don’t just affect them or only the people that they live around; it also affects the environment and the animals that inhabit it. During the experiment of the Water Quality and Contamination my hypothesis were; The Oil hypothesis was that if there is oil in the surface water then, I think when the water is passed through soil it will be able to filter out the oil before it reaches the groundwater. The hypothesis for the vinegar hypothesis was if there is vinegar in the surface water then, I think that when passed through soil it will still remai n in the groundwater. My laundry detergent hypothesis was if there is laundry detergent in the surface water then, when it is passed through soil it will still have traces of laundry detergent in the groundwater. The next experiment’s hypothesis was that using particular chemicals and methods of filtration, we should be able to remove most of the contaminates that are in the groundwater. This was the experiment that involved different methods of Water Treatment. The final experiment pertained to the drinking water quality and my hypothesis was that tap water will contain the most contaminates because of its path and unknown condition. The bottles of water are in a more sterile environment. The Dasani water is treated and Fiji comes from a natural spring. The treated water (Dasani) will have the least amount of contaminates. Materials and Methods The first experiment that was conducted used soil, different beakers, wooden stir sticks, vegetable oil, vinegar, liquid laundry detergent, water, cheesecloth and funnels. I poured water into each of the first 4 beakers, and then put vegetable oil, vinegar and laundry detergent in respectively. I stirred them with the wooden stir sticks and used the cheesecloth to line the funnel and put soil in and poured each of the different contaminates through, replacing the soil and cheesecloth each time. The second experiment involved beakers, soil, cylinders, sand, charcoal, gravel, wooden stir stick, alum, funnel, cheesecloth, bleach, stopwatch and water. I added  soil to a beaker and put water with the soil and mixed them with two beakers 15 times. I divvied some on the contaminated solution into a new beaker and added alum to it. I stirred the mixture with a wooden stick for 1-2 minutes and then let it sit for 15 minutes. I lined a funnel with cheesecloth and layered sand, charcoal and g ravel into the cheesecloth. I poured the clean tap water through the filter and repeated 4 times. I poured  ¾ of the contaminated water into the funnel and let it filter for 5 minutes. I annotated the smell and compared to the mixture in step 3. I added a few drops of bleach and stirred the combination for 1 minute. I then compared and annotated the now filtered water to the initial contaminated water. The final lab contained Dasani bottled water, Fiji bottled water, Ammonia test stripes, Chloride test strips, 4 in 1 test strip, phosphate test strips, iron test strips, beakers, marker, stopwatch, Parafilm, pipettes, foil packets of reducing powder and tap water. I labeled each of the beakers and poured Dasani, Fiji and tap water in each of the three beakers. I gathered the ammonia test strips and placed in the water and moved them up and down vigorously for 30 seconds each, I held each pad level for 30 seconds to get a reading. I did this 2 more times for each of the beakers. I then retrieved the chloride tes t strips and immersed the reaction zones in each of the three beakers one at a time for 1 second each. I shook off the excess liquid and determined what color the test strip was. I then used the 4 in 1 test strip and dipped in each of the beakers again, one at a time, for 5 seconds and wiggled back and forth. I briskly removed the excess water and waited 20 seconds to read the results. I then used the phosphate test strip by dipping in each of the beakers signally for 5 seconds and then removed and held horizontal for 45 seconds, leaving the excess water on the test strip and recorded the results. Finally, I used the Iron test strip and removed 70 ml of water from each beaker and tested 30 ml of each of the three beakers. I added one foil packet and covered with parafilm and shook the beaker for 15 seconds. I removed and dipped the test pad into the sample and moved it back and forth under the water for 5 seconds. I removed and shook the excess water off and tested and compared 10 seconds later.