Electricity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Electricity - Assignment Example Franklin's key contribution to the understanding of electricity was his discovery that lightning shared similar characteristics as the electricity that was found in rubbed amber by the ancient Greeks. Franklin's work was situated at around 1752, whereas the work of the ancient Greeks extend way back into the early history of western civilization, to the time of the flowering of Ancient Greek literature and philosophy (The Electricity Forum, 2012). Meanwhile, work on the early modern history of electricity exists that date back to 1769, testifying to the jump starting of the science of electricity generation not too long after Franklin's work with lightning (Priestley, 1769; Tom Henry's Code Electrical Classes Inc., 2012). Volta and Galvani would advance the understanding of electricity even further, by giving to the world the understanding of how electricity works in the context of Galvani's experiment with frogs. Volta's understanding of the way electric current is made from Galvani 's frog experiments would drive the field forward. Volta understood that when two metal conductors contact water/moisture in frog bodies, electricity was generated. This insight paved the way for the creation of the first modern batteries, in 1792. Moreover, another important derivation of Volta's work on electricity is that of the ability of electricity to travel through conductor wires (The Electricity Forum, 2012): In this way, a new kind of electricity was discovered, electricity that flowed steadily like a current of water instead of discharging itself in a single spark or shock. Volta showed that electricity could be made to travel from one place to another by wire, thereby making an important contribution to the science of electricity. The unit of electrical potential, the Volt, is named after Volta (The Electricity Forum, 2012) On the other hand, whereas Volta demonstrated electricity transfer by wire, the development of large-scale transmission of electricity is credited to Michael Faraday. Faraday inverted the hypothesis that electricity is able to generate magnetism, and posited that magnetism could also bring about the generation of electricity, a hypothesis that was proven to be correct from his own experimental setups. The answer to Faraday's problem of generating electricity with the use of magnets lay in setting the magnets into motion. He was able to then show that magnetic fields in motion set into play the dynamics of electricity generation in this fashion. Four decades from that work by Faraday, on the other hand, Thomas Edison would set in motion the experiments that would bring about the production of the electric DC generator on a scale that could be considered practical. It was with DC electricity that Edison first lit up his experimental transmission and lighting infrastructure in New York and in his lab. On the other hand, while the Edison setup was functional, DC current faced many criticisms of its shortcomings, which led to AC elec tricity being developed and eyed as a more suitable mode of electricity generation and transmission on large scales (The Electricity Forum, 2012). The work of Edison deserves special mention for the vast number of peripheral

Management Accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Management Accounting - Assignment Example The information is used to analyse the influence of the company’s undertakings on key accounts such as costs and profits. Therefore, it is fair to mention that the costing systems facilitate decision-making by providing critical information suitable for operation analysis. The common types of costing systems are the activity based costing and the absorption costing system. The paper will provide a profit and loss statement prepared using both the ABC and absorption costing system. In addition, a discussion will be included to explain to Riptide Plc’s manager that the ABC system provides extra information suitable for decision-making. Let us determine the absorption rate for the two departments (machine and assembly department). The absorption rate for machine department = (overhead allocated to machine department/ machine hours) = (504,000/420,000) = $ 1.2/ machine hour. Therefore, the overhead cost per product is as below. The absorption rate for the assembly department = (overhead allocated to assembly department/ direct labour hours) = (437,000/530,000) = $ 0.8245/ labour hour. Therefore, the overhead cost per product is below. Profit statements have been prepared using the ABC system and the absorption costing system. In the process of making the profit statements, the costs incurred by Riptide plc when producing the three products have also been identified based on the two costing systems. Based Table F below, the cost per unit under the ABC system for product XYI, YZT and ABW are  £ 39.25,  £ 92.025 and  £ 73.583. Under absorption costing, product XYI and YTZ cost more than the same products’ costs under the ABC system. However, product ABW cost more under the ABC than it costs under absorption system. Therefore, the differences in the cost of the products under the two costing systems are summarized in Table F below. Based on Table G below,

Socialnetworkingsecurity Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8750 words

Socialnetworkingsecurity - Dissertation Example Instead, many organizations either prohibit social media use altogether, or have no policy at all regarding social media use. These two approaches are unsatisfactory. According to the global socioeconomic trend, people and organizations that do not adopt social media are left behind and fail to reap the significant benefits. Therefore, social media could be branded a necessary evil. We allow social media use without any policies or guidelines, therefore exposing ourselves to security threats. This paper basically explores the security risks associated with social networking to individuals and organizations, and the possible technical and administrative safety measures. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION, STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM, SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS, PREMISE, DEFINITIONS, LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS Introduction Social networking sites popularity has greatly increased. No one can argue the usefulness of sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. They are used for professional networking an d job searches, as a means of increasing sales revenue, as an information tool regarding safety and other issues or as a way to reconnect with friends. Evidently, emails have lost their position as the main internet-based communication tools due to the explosion of other social networking options, interaction and collaboration (Freeman, 2004). According to a report by The Wall Street Journal in 2009, there are more social networking accounts than Webmail account. Nowadays, users rely more on blogs, tweets and social networking posts to supplement their exchange of personal and professional information. We live in a period where our identity online seem to overshadow our actual identity, as well as key personal and financial systems, thus posing major security risks that are associated with them. Over the years, security risks on process, people and application have been identified by researchers and hackers (Abraham, 2012). This study’s main purpose is to provide an overview of the main security issues or risks pertaining to social networking. Statement of the Problem Why should access to personal data be limited, and what are the security risks arising from social networking? Situational Analysis In an effort to employ a more strict process for carrying out a situational analysis on social media, the study will employ SWOT model. To commence, we begin by listening, which serves as the market research, content, location and tone of the discussions found in social media. From the listening activities, one will gain insight as follows: Talent: On the basis of listening activities, what skills are necessary in order to take part in social media? Technological talent is required thus as a result of luck of this, participation is highly restricted in the realm of social media (Abraham, 2012). Time: Knowledge regarding the time required will be necessary to dedicate to our social media endeavors is critical. The main aim being the influence to other aspects o f the business as time shifts to activities in social media. Through listening, one is able to acquire some degree for the timeframe faced in terms of being involved (Abraham, 2012). Capital: Through listening, one is able to determine the span covered by online discussion, thus giving a suggestion to what is necessary to become engaged. Obviously, there is a cost involved when it comes to training employees on participating in social media, which has to be considered - this is regarded as the

Management Accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Management Accounting - Assignment Example The information is used to analyse the influence of the company’s undertakings on key accounts such as costs and profits. Therefore, it is fair to mention that the costing systems facilitate decision-making by providing critical information suitable for operation analysis. The common types of costing systems are the activity based costing and the absorption costing system. The paper will provide a profit and loss statement prepared using both the ABC and absorption costing system. In addition, a discussion will be included to explain to Riptide Plc’s manager that the ABC system provides extra information suitable for decision-making. Let us determine the absorption rate for the two departments (machine and assembly department). The absorption rate for machine department = (overhead allocated to machine department/ machine hours) = (504,000/420,000) = $ 1.2/ machine hour. Therefore, the overhead cost per product is as below. The absorption rate for the assembly department = (overhead allocated to assembly department/ direct labour hours) = (437,000/530,000) = $ 0.8245/ labour hour. Therefore, the overhead cost per product is below. Profit statements have been prepared using the ABC system and the absorption costing system. In the process of making the profit statements, the costs incurred by Riptide plc when producing the three products have also been identified based on the two costing systems. Based Table F below, the cost per unit under the ABC system for product XYI, YZT and ABW are  £ 39.25,  £ 92.025 and  £ 73.583. Under absorption costing, product XYI and YTZ cost more than the same products’ costs under the ABC system. However, product ABW cost more under the ABC than it costs under absorption system. Therefore, the differences in the cost of the products under the two costing systems are summarized in Table F below. Based on Table G below,

The Greeks and gods Essay Example for Free

The Greeks and gods Essay The Greeks looked at their gods with attributes they only wished they could attain. They developed stories of extraordinary people that were the offspring of immortals such as Nymphs or gods like Hermes or Zeus. Most of these stories consisted of labors, quests, or bloody wars, where the heroes were at the epicenter of the tale. What made these heroes so great was not just the fact they had godly attributes or completed monumental tasks, but endured more tragedy or more bliss than any common Greek would undergo. One tale commonly told was that of a demigod named Achilles. His mother Thetis was a Sea Nymph, and his father was Peleus, was the king of the Myrmidons. Most stories of Achilles revolved around war, where either his gift was at his greatest or worst. Every Greek sought him for battle so his skills would tip the balance to their favor. No myth exemplified this more than that of the ten-year Trojan War. An excerpt from a translation written by Apollodorus that accounts this time state, â€Å"He also took Lesbos and Phocaea, then Colophon, and Smyrna, and Clazomenae, and Cyme; and afterwards Aegialus and Tenos, the so-called Hundred Cities; then, in order, Adramytium and Side; then Endium, and Linaeum, and Colone. He took also Hypoplacian Thebes and Lyrnessus, and further Antandrus, and many other cities. † (Frazer) By many accounts, you could argue that Achilles was the dealer of death and that he relished in every moment of his adventures. By his own words, this was not the case. For example, in the textbook the Classical Mythology it states, â€Å"The now dead Achilles laments, I should prefer as a slave to serve another man, even if he had no property and little to live on, than to rule all those dead who have done with life (Morford, Lenardon, Sham, 2011). Another hero that many spoke of during that day an age was Odysseus. He was a descendant of Hermes who became king of Ithaca. The real stories of Odysseus that Greeks and many others embrace were of the Trojan War and Homers poem the Odyssey. Some Greeks would argue Odysseus came second only to Achilles as a hero due the trials he endured. Odysseus’s story began at the start of the Trojan War where he stood and fought for ten years. After nine years of failure, Odysseus was enlightened by Athena to trick the Trojans and capture its city. He erected a symbol, he knew only the Trojans would accept and embrace. He hid the strongest Greeks inside a giant wooden horse who laid and waited until nightfall. Once inside impenetrable walls the Greeks were able to sake the city. Once war was all but over, Odysseus  sailed for home. â€Å"Come then, do as I say, let us all be won over; let us run away with our ships to the beloved land of our fathers since no longer now shall we capture Troy of the wide ways. † (Lattimore, 1999) During this voyage, he encountered a man eating Cyclops named Polyphemus who he ended up blinding to escape. Unbeknownst to him Polyphemus was the son of Poseidon, god of the sea, who became enraged. The consequences of these actions did not lead him home to his kingdom and beloved wife, but astray for another ten years of wars and adventures. The one hero that endured more pain and suffering than any other was Heracles. He was the bastard son of the god Zeus and a beautiful Greek woman named Alcmena. Hera, the wife of Zeus, always showed distain for Zeus’s infidelities, yet took a close personal interest in Heracles. There are several instances where she intervened to cause him great tragedy. First, she tried to stop his birth. This was only overcome by tricking Ilithyia, the goddess of birth, who Hera had sent. Months after that Hera sent serpents to his cradle, but he grabbed them by the neck shacking them as if they were just one of his toys. The next obstacle came when he was a man after he was to wed the King Creon’s daughter, Megara. Seeing that Heracles had found his piece of happiness with his new wife and daughters Hera drove Heracles mad. In his fit of rage, he killed them. Overwhelmed with grief Heracles searched for a way of redemption. He came across the King of Tiryns, Eurystheus, who told him the only way he could cleanse his soul was to endure 12 impossible labors. One of his labours was to kill the Nemian lion, which was ironic. â€Å"The Nemeian Lion whom Hera, the queenly wife of Zeus, trained up and settled among the hills of Nemeia, to be a plague to mankind. There he preyed upon the tribes of the indwelling people, and was as a king over Tretos and Apesas and Nemeia. Nevertheless, the force of strong Heracles subdued him (Evelyn-White, 1914). After completing the 12 labours, Heracles enjoyed many adventures. He saved Olympus from the Gigantes and assisted in conquering Troy. For a moment, life for him was peaceful until Hera drove him mad again. During that fit of rage, he threw his closest friend Iphitus over a wall to his death. After this tragedy, Heracles knew he would have to cleanse his soul again. Queen Omphale offered him a choice. A task that would require him to endure one of the worst shames a man could. Her proposal was for him to wear women’s clothing and conduct the tasks as one of her female servants. For the next three years, Heracles completed his servitude in shame without ever being honored for any of his previous glories. In conclusion, all these heroes had godly attributes which enabled them to complete monumental tasks, but at the same time endure more tragedy or bliss than any common Greek would undergo. Achilles was a great warrior but found no peace with what he had accomplished in his life. Heracles also endured much strife and ended up dying a gruesome fate. On the other hand, Odysseus left his home, endured many obstacles, but returned from twenty years of servitude with rejoices from all of Greece. One common fact remains, despite each hero’s fate no Greek would endure so much, but could look to these myths as a testament to great achievements or failures. References: Frazer, J. G. (1921) Apollodorus, Epitome 3. 33. Retrieved from http://www. theoi. com/Text/ApollodorusE. html Morford, M,Lenardon, R, Sham, M, (2011) Greek Mytholodgy 9th Ed. Oxford University Press Lattimore, R (1999). The Odyssey of Homer. New York, NY: Harper Perennial Modern Classics. Evelyn-White, H. The Theogony of Hesiod. (1914). Retrieved from http://www. sacred-texts. com/cla/hesiod/theogony. htm

A Brief Background On Nestle Marketing Essay

A Brief Background On Nestle Marketing Essay In the 1860s Henri Nestlà ©, a pharmacist, developed a food for babies who were unable to breastfeed. His first success was a premature infant who could not tolerate his mothers milk or any of the usual substitutes. People quickly recognized the value of the new product, after Nestlà ©s new formula saved the childs life, and soon, Farine Lactà ©e Henri Nestlà © was being sold in much of Europe. In 1905 Nestlà © merged with the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. By the early 1900s, the company was operating factories in the United States, Britain, Germany and Spain. World War I created new demand for dairy products in the form of government contracts. By the end of the war, Nestlà ©s production had more than doubled. After the war Government contracts dried up and consumers switched back to fresh milk. However, Nestlà ©s management responded quickly, streamlining operations and reducing debt. The 1920s saw Nestlà ©s first expansion into new products, with chocolate the Companys second most important activity Nestlà © felt the effects of World War II immediately. Profits dropped from $20 million in 1938 to $6 million in 1939. Factories were established in developing countries, particularly Latin America. Ironically, the war helped with the introduction of the Companys newest product, Nescafà ©, which was a staple drink of the US military. Nestlà ©s production and sales rose in the wartime economy. 1944-1975 The end of World War II was the beginning of a dynamic phase for Nestlà ©. Growth accelerated and companies were acquired. In 1947 came the merger with Maggi seasonings and soups. Crosse Blackwell followed in 1960, as did Findus (1963), Libbys (1971) and Stouffers (1973). Diversification came with a shareholding in LOrà ©al in 1974. 1975-1981 Nestlà ©s growth in the developing world partially offset a slowdown in the Companys traditional markets. Nestlà © made its second venture outside the food industry by acquiring Alcon Laboratories Inc.. 1981-1995 Nestlà © divested a number of businesses1980 / 1984. In 1984, Nestlà ©s improved bottom line allowed the Company to launch a new round of acquisitions, the most important being American food giant Carnation. 1996-2002 The first half of the 1990s proved to be favorable for Nestlà ©: trade barriers crumbled and world markets developed into more or less integrated trading areas. Since 1996 there have been acquisitions including San Pellegrino (1997), Spillers Petfoods (1998) and Ralston Purina (2002). There were two major acquisitions in North America, both in 2002: in July, Nestlà © merged its U.S. ice cream business into Dreyers, and in August, a USD 2.6bn acquisition was announced of Chef America, Inc. 2003 + The year 2003 started well with the acquisition of  Mà ¶venpick Ice Cream, enhancing  Nestlà ©s position as one of the world market leaders in this product category.   In 2006, Jenny Craig and Uncle Tobys were added to the Nestlà © portfolio and 2007 saw  Novartis Medical Nutrition, Gerber and Henniez join the Company.   Nestlà © is the worlds leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness company. We are committed to increasing the nutritional value of our products while improving the taste. We  achieve this through our  brands and with initiatives like the Nutritional Compass. Since Henri Nestlà © developed the first milk food for infants in 1867, and saved the life of a neighbours child, the Nestlà © Company has aimed to build a business as the worlds leading nutrition, health and wellness company  based on sound human values and principles. The Nestlà © Corporate Business Principles are at the basis of our companys culture. We have built our business on the fundamental principle that to have long-term success for our shareholders, we not only have to comply with all applicable legal requirements and ensure that all our activities are sustainable, but additionally we have to create significant value for society. At Nestlà © we call this Creating Shared Value. Our  Corporate Business Principles will continue to evolve and adapt to a changing world, our basic foundation is unchanged from the time of the origins of our Company, and reflects the basic ideas of fairness, honesty, and a general concern for people. Nestlà © is committed to the following Business Principles in all countries, taking into account local legislation, cultural and religious practices: Nestlà ©s business objective is to manufacture and market the Companys products in such a way as to create value that can be sustained over the long term for shareholders, employees, consumers, and business partners. Nestlà © does not favour short-term profit at the expense of successful long-term business development. Nestlà © recognizes that its consumers have a sincere and legitimate interest in the behaviour, beliefs and actions of the Company behind brands in which they place their trust, and that without its consumers the Company would not exist. Nestlà © believes that, as a general rule, legislation is the most effective safeguard of responsible conduct, although in certain areas, additional guidance to staff in the form of voluntary business principles is beneficial in order to ensure that the highest standards are met throughout the organization. Nestlà © is conscious of the fact that the success of a corporation is a reflection of the professionalism, conduct and the responsible attitude of its management and employees. Therefore recruitment of the right people and ongoing training and development are crucial. Nestlà © continues to maintain its commitment to follow and respect all applicable local laws in each of its markets. The Nestlà © Corporate Business Principles The ten principles of business operations Consumers; 1 Nutrition, Health and Wellness 2 Quality assurance and product safety 3 Consumer communication Human rights and labour practices 4 Human rights in our business activities Our people 5 Leadership and personal responsibility 6 Safety and health at work Suppliers and customers 7 Supplier and customer relations 8 Agriculture and rural development The environment 9 Environmental sustainability 10 Water Consumers Nutrition, Health and Wellness Our core aim is to enhance the quality of consumers lives every day, everywhere by offering tastier and healthier food and beverage choices and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. We express this via our corporate proposition Good Food, Good Life. Quality assurance and product safety Everywhere in the world, the Nestlà © name represents a promise to the consumer that the product is safe and of high standard. Consumer communication We are committed to responsible, reliable consumer communication that empowers consumers to exercise their right to informed choice andpromotes healthier diets. We respect consumer privacy. Human rights in our business activities We fully support the United Nations Global Compacts(UNGC) guiding principles on human rights and labour andaim to provide an example of good human rights and labourpractices throughout our business activities. Leadership and personal responsibility Our success is based on our people. We treat each other with respect and dignity and expect everyone to promote a sense of personal responsibility. We recruit competent and motivated people who respect our values, provide equal opportunities for their development and advancement, protect their privacy and do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. Safety and health at work We are committed to preventing accidents, injuries and illness related to work,and to protect employees, contractors and others involved along the value chain. Supplier and customer relations We require our suppliers, agents, subcontractors and their employees to demonstrate honesty, integrity and fairness, and to adhere to our non-negotiable standards. In the same way, we are committed towards our own customers. Agriculture and rural development We contribute to improvements in agricultural production, the social and economic status of farmers, rural communities and in production systems to make them more environmentally sustainable. Environmental sustainability We commit ourselves to environmentally sustainable business practices. At all stages of the product life cycle we strive to use natural resources efficiently, favour the use of sustainably-managed renewable resources, and target zero waste. Water We are committed to the sustainable use of water and continuous improvement in water management. We recognise that the world faces a growing water challenge and that responsible management of the worlds resources by all water users is an absolute necessity. Commitment of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer Peter Brabeck-Letmathe Chairman of the Board We believe in the importance of a strong compliance culture that is fully embedded in our business. The Corporate Business Principles and the supporting documents reflect this commitment and thus protect the trust of our consumers and other stakeholders in the Nestlà © brand. Our internal rules not only require strict compliance with the law, they guide our actions even if the law is more lenient or where there is no applicable law at all. For Nestlà ©, upholding compliance goes beyond keeping checklists. It requires steadfast principles that apply across the whole Company, providing clear guidance to our people. As the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Nestlà ©, we are committed to making sure that our entire Company is managed according to these principles and require adherence to them from all our employees around the world. We are also committed to continuous improvement and are open to external engagement regarding any area of our Corporate Business Principles. The Nestlà © Corporate Business Principles are at the basis of our companys culture, which has developed over the span of 140 years. Since Henri Nestlà © first developed his successful infant cereal Farine Lactà ©e, we have built our business on the fundamental principle that to have long-term success for our shareholders, we not only have to comply with all applicable legal requirements and ensure that all our activities are sustainable, but additionally we have to create significant value for society. At Nestlà © we call this Creating Shared Value. Although our Nestlà © Corporate Business Principles were first published as an integrated document in 1998, most had already been established in individual form many years before. While the Business Principles are firmly established, they also continue to evolve and adapt to a changing world. For instance, Nestlà © incorporated all ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact soon after their creation and continues to implem ent them today. This latest revision differs from the previous two versions in that it establishes Creating Shared Value as Nestlà ©s fundamental business principle. In addition, each principle is specifically linked to on-line copies of more detailed principles, policies, Standards and guidelines. This has allowed the statement of each principle to be more succinct, while providing more detailed implementing measures related to each one on the worldwide web. Also, for the first time, a map of the principles and an overview of related company measures is included at the start of the document. We believe in the importance of a strong compliance culture that is fully embedded in our business. The Corporate Business Principles and the supporting documents reflect this commitment and thus protect the trust of our consumers and other stakeholders in the Nestlà © brand. Our internal rules not only require strict compliance with the law, they guide our actions even if the law is more lenient or where there is no applicable law at all. For Nestlà ©, upholding compliance goes beyond keeping checklists. It requires steadfast principles that apply across the whole Company, providing clear guidance to our people. As the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Nestlà ©, we are committed to making sure that our entire Company is managed according to these principles and require adherence to them from all our employees around the world. We are also committed to continuous improvement and are open to external engagement regarding any area of our Corporate Business Principles. MISSION STATEMENT At Nestle we believe that research can help us make better food so that people live a better life Marketing and sales Nestle is one of the worlds largest global food companies.    It has over 500 factories in 76 countries, and sells its products in 193 nations.    Only 1% of sales and 3% of employees are located in its home country, Switzerland.    Having reached the limits of growth and profitable penetration in most Western markets, Nestle turned its attention to emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America for growth.    Many of these countries are relatively poor, but the economies are growing quickly.    Thus a consumer base capable of buying many Nestle products will develop over the next couple of decades. Nestle tries to enter emerging markets ahead of competitors, and build a substantial position in basic foodstuffs.    As income levels rise, the company progressively moves from these niches into more upscale items.    It very much focuses on developing local goods for local markets, however, and places relatively less emphasis on its global brands in emerging markets.    It also localizes its distribution and marketing strategy to the requirements of the local market.    When good opportunities are available, Nestle acquires local firms. Nestle is a very decentralized organization, with operating decisions pushed down to local units.    On top of this are both a SBU organization focused around food groups, and a regional organization that tries to help rationalize production and marketing among nearby countries.    Helping hold the organization together is a group of managers who rotate around the world on various assignments. During the year under review the company ach ieved sustainable profitable growth by capitalizing on the opportunity presented by a positive business environment. This became possible through successful marketing and sales strategies and focus on key initiatives. Innovation and renovation remained the key to development of new products. Because Nestle competes in a broad range of geographic areas as well as in a broad range of product categories, it faces competition from an equally broad range of companies. Some of its competitors are multinational organizations with similar product lines that cross regional bounds. These include Philip Morris, RJR Nabisco and Unilever. Other companies focus on a single product area in which Nestle competes. The result of this type of competition is that Nestle must compete vigorously across its international customer base. Since the product categories in which Nestle participates are no longer in the introductory or growth phase, there is increased price pressure, as well, which means that companies who do not focus on marketing and on competitive pricing can quickly lose large amounts of market share which can be difficult to recover. In some cases, smaller competitors have brought pressure on governments to help regulate the activities of Nestle; this is not different from compa nies in other countries. The acquisition of Source Perrier is a prime example of this. Although Nestle had acquired other companies in the past which had similar products to its own, the Source Perrier acquisition brought considerable critics. Nestle uses local brands in a wide range of local markets and focuses on trying to optimize ingredients and processing technology to local conditions. That is why, the company needs to be flexible and able to adapt rapidly to local demand and cultural differences. Doing business in different countries means different ethical standards, different business expectations, and different cultural norms. Nestle claims that it can reduce risks and concentrate its marketing resources by narrowing its initial market focus to just a few strategic brands. Its global strategy must be backed up with the necessary financial and human resources and knowledge management should be introduced to spread information throughout the company. Clearly, the entrance of a company into the global marketplace creates numerous challenges. Knowing that innovation and quality were key determinants, Nestle transferred these distinctive competencies to foreign markets. In Nigeria, for example, Nestle had to rethink i ts traditional distribution methods (operating a central warehouse), because the road system was poorly developed and there was much violence. This example shows, that the company was able to respond quickly to different local conditions. You are required to relate all your findings to Nestle. Task 1 You are required to compare alternative definitions of marketing. In your opinion what would be the appropriate definition for Nestle, justify your answer.(outcome 1.1) Definitions: alternative definitions including those of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the American Marketing Association, satisfying customers needs and wants, value and satisfaction, exchange relationships, the changing emphasis of marketing. Definition of marketing (4 is enough) a) which definition is more appropriate for Nestle. b) you can chooseyour own definition too. Task 2 Identify the main characteristics of a marketing oriented organization and how do u think Nestle fair in this. (outcome 1.2) Marketing concept: evolution of marketing, business orientations, societal issues and emergent philosophies, customer and competitor orientation, efficiency and effectiveness, limitations of the marketing concept. Main characteristic of a marketing oriented organization Link it to Nestle Task 3 Explain the various elements of the marketing concept. Relate your findings to Nestle (outcome 1.3) Marketing process overview: marketing audit, integrated marketing, environmental analysis, SWOT analysis, marketing objectives, constraints, options, plans to include target markets and marketing mix, scope of marketing. Marketing concept Relate to Nestle Task 4 You need to Identify and assess the benefits and costs of a marketing approach. Do you think Nestle has achieve this? Justify your answer. (outcome 1.4) Costs and benefits: benefits of building customer satisfaction, desired quality, service and customer care, relationship marketing, customer retention, customer profitability, costs of too narrow a marketing focus, total quality marketing. How to build customer satisfaction Desired quality are achieved Service and customer care Relationship marketing Customer retention Customer profitability Cost of 2 narrow and marketing focus Total quality marketing Relate this to Nestle Task 5 Identify and explain macro and micro environmental factors which influence marketing decisions. You need to do an analysis as to how Nestle is affected with micro and macro environment and how do they overcome the problems encountered. (outcome 1.5) Macro-environment: environmental scanning, political, legal, economic, socio-cultural, ecological and technological factors. What their news are? What happend? How they solve it? Task 6 Propose segmentation criteria to be used for two products in different markets. You are required to choose any two products of nestle and propose the segmentation appropriately. (outcome 1.6) Micro- environmental: stakeholders (organisations own employees, suppliers, customers, intermediaries, owners, financiers, local residents, pressure groups and competitors), direct and indirect competitors, Porters competitive forces. Segmentation: (e.g baby product/ health product) What is segmentation Why is it important? Relate it to Nestle What kind of market they are going to propose Task 7 Outline the factors which influence the choice of targeting strategy. As Nestle has wide range of products in many different countries you can choose any products and compare how the strategy differs in one country to another. (outcome 1.7) Buyer behaviour: dimensions of buyer behaviour, environmental influences, personal variables- demographics, sociological, physiological- motivation, perception and learning, social factors, physiological stimuli, attitudes, other lifestyle and lifecycle variables, consumer and organisational buying. What is marketing strategy all about? Why is it important? What is the benefit? Relate it to Nestle Task 8 You are required to explain how buyer behaviour affects marketing activities in two different buying situations. Relate your findings to Nestle. (outcome 1.8) Segmentation: process of market selection, macro and micro segmentation, bases for segmenting markets is geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural; multivariable segmentation and typologies, benefits of segmentation, evaluation of segments and targeting strategies, positioning, segmentation, evaluation of segments and targeting strategies, positioning, segmenting industrial markets, size, value, standards, industrial classification. What is buyer behaviour? Why doing buyer behaviour analysis? Relate it to Nestle

Fridgiaire Case Analysis :: Business Marketing Case Studies

Frigidaire Case Analysis Problems/Issues Introduction of the front loading washing machine was confronted with a number of problems/issues. Besides the obvious technology differences between the front loading and top loading machine the big difference for a consumer is the price. The advantages such as tumble wash, energy efficiency, space saver, and about 8,000 gallons of water saved a year are overshadowed by the high price. There were other perception problems technologically speaking, however these are all minor. The major problem is the price of one unit and the lack of price savings from this energy/water savings over time to compensate for this higher price point. Consumer interest did not significantly increase according to focus groups until the price came down to $599 from the target retail price of $799. Case Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kenmore in 1996 had 29% of washing machine marked share. The initial sales for the new front loading washing machine dropped below forecast mainly due to failure to get Sears Kenmore brand in the mix. The expected DOE regulations were delayed indefinitely, therefore decreasing the demand for energy efficient machines.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The management team wanted to provide incentives to consumers, dealers, and Frigidaire. The research showed that close personal attention would be key in gaining market share, as well as highlighting the advantages of the front loading washing machine over the top loading washing machine to not only consumers but to dealers. Alternatives   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Invest more money (allocation of resources) in research to get the price point of the top loader down to $599. This will set the company back a bit, however if more research and development can produce lower production costs this will increase market share significantly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Accelerate negotiations with Sears (sources of synergy) to take advantage of their section of the market. This will increase the front loading market share as well, based on the fact that Kenmore has the largest percentage in market share as of 1996.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Increase marketing efforts (sources of competitive advantage) to the target groups to stir up more interest in the advantages of the front loading washing machine. This will increase demand if you start a buzz about the advantages, focusing on all or one of them.