Netflix and Blockbuster Battle for Market Leadership

Netflix and Blockbuster Battle for Market Leadership Introduction Organizations have from time to time; carry out a thorough evaluation of their practices so as to be able to gain insight in ways of streamlining their organizational processes and improvement of revenue and high profit making potential. Both the internal and external aspects are analyzed and it must also be a wide-ranging and all inclusive activity so as to be able to gain proper strategic approach. The model of corporation management examination is derived from the unpredictable economic settings in which companies function.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Netflix and Blockbuster Battle for Market Leadership specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Investors usually want assurance in a corporation’s wellbeing before they engage in investing in public owned companies, this shows that they want to be provided with reports showing the businesses strength, comprehend how a business bounced back fro m a plunge in returns or whether its cash flow is hampered by its clientele who dont meet their obligations. Reports and analysis done to investigate all this always give potential investors with specifics they require to make knowledgeable choices. With precise tabulations of inward bound returns and reliable evaluation of market tests, company analysis has turned out to be nearly requisite to many market-watchers. To a certain extent business owners and top management opt to use company analysis to assess procedures and boost their companies practices and revenue earnings, instead of refusing to go along with change and resolving for business as usual. Key Focuses Case study 1: Netflix Netflix being one of the world’s largest online providers of movie rentals serves over ten million clients/ subscribers who have access to more than 100,000 DVD titles plus a variety of over five thousand selections that its subscribers can view instantly in real time on their computers. Netf lix has transformed the way movies are rented by delivering them directly to their clients. With todays demanding way of life, and clients demanding extra value and control, its no doubt that Netflix has turned out to be the most favored online source of home entertainment. Netflix has since then developed to be the world’s leading online movie rental provider with it being named the top internet movie retail site for client contentment in 10 out of 11 reviews since 2005 carried out by ForeSee Results. In the same year Fast Company declared it the winner of its yearly Customers First Award. Among other achievements of Netflix include, Retail Innovator of the Year(2007), number one online retailer by Nielsen Online(December 2007), Netflix Player ranked top 10 device of the year by time magazine(December 2008), and 2010 number one e-commerce corporation by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. NetFlix.com, Inc. was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. Netflix manages an online-based limitless movie rental service for digital video disc (DVD) formatted movies. The DVD has made available a new technology for storing and playing movies with image and sound quality exceeding that of traditional videocassettes.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A DVD is same in size to an audio compact disc and is capable of storing an entire film, as well as added material such as subtitles in different languages, additional shorter videos about the making of the film or other related subject matter, and information about the actors, director, and producers. With its high quality and additional features, the new DVD technology provided an attractive alternative to traditional videocassettes for the home video market. A key aspect of the Netflix business model is the â€Å"Marquee Queue† concept. The â€Å"Marquee Queue† allow subscribers to rent several movies at once for viewing. This is simply a subscriber’s queue where a list of all the movies that the subscriber had selected, but which had not yet been sent to the subscriber is presented. After logging on to the Netflix Web site, a new subscriber browses the virtual aisles and select movies that he or she desires to watch. These movies are then used to build the subscriber’s queue. The website makes it easy for subscribers to edit the queue, such that the list can be arranged in the desired order. The company then ships the DVDs at the top of the queue to subscribers. Netflix is plagued with technological concerns as far as its ability to move to offering online video from DVDs, this leads to a loss in subscribers. Netflix still has indications of a cash flow Achilles heel as compared to its competitors (Blockbuster, Comcast). They also experience high cost on product acquisition. It experiences competition from about every part of the entertainment industry from cable, digital, and satellite services, including the pay-per-view option and movie channels such as HBO, and Showtime. Due to this an extensive choice of substitutes is offered as a result from the diverse competition. (Marks, 2005). Case study 2: Blockbuster Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation is an adjustable company that notices prospects and is conscious of the challenges that come with every business venture. In so doing it has to be conscious of forthcoming corporations that provide same kind of services for example Hollywood Video. Blockbuster has seized the opening to spread out their services from providing just movies to offering new movies and video games. A main element of Blockbuster’s products is made up of video games. Blockbuster has expanded its operations to include products such as the console games which have further increased its market share by the acquisition of American Satellite and Video Inc. â€Å"American Sat ellite operates Rhino Video Games, which is a games retail chain. Rhino Video buys, sells, and trades video games. Rhino has 40 retail stores in the Southeast, including Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina† (Leon, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Netflix and Blockbuster Battle for Market Leadership specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Expansion and Acquisition of Stores Locations Blockbuster seized the opportunity to expand to different countries and will continue to spread to other countries. Blockbuster has greatly expanded internationally and is currently in 27 countries across North America, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Blockbuster went from 1500 stores in 1990 to over 8000 stores worldwide in 2002; this expansion is the key to Blockbuster’s success. They have used this expansion to penetrate the market and capture market share. In 2001, Blockbuster’s worldwide revenues surpassed $5 billion, and 20 percent of that was generated outside the U.S. Blockbuster will continue to expand as it is doing in Central America to capture more and more market share (Lamb McDaniel 2005), Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation is an adaptive company that sees opportunity and is aware of the challenges. New ideas are important on topics such as how to compete with internet video rental companies and how to capture the video game rental market. Entering into new countries has been a main focus as well. Blockbuster has also used its three main revenue producers to compete in the vastly growing industry. Blockbuster has also had to keep up with many technological threats. Investments have been down so strategic alliances have been formed to strengthen the company. Online movie rentals and sales have proven to be a necessity considering all the recent technological advances. With all of these things in mind Blockbuster has m ade many adaptations since the case and should be able to remain competitive in the industry. (Haag Phillips, 2005). Key Findings A thorough examination of strategies, resources, and fund raising procedures for up-and-coming growth and middle-market corporations is mandatory for any intended growth to be achieved or realized. This paper has examined both Netflix and blockbuster and provides wide-ranging and convenient recommendations on appreciating and applying the basics of corporate finance to upcoming and middle-market corporations. Haag Phillips ( 2005) notes â€Å"by means of utilizing empirical data and real company case studies to demonstrate resource structures and investment approaches, the recommendations provide an in depth argument of the numerous grant mechanisms.† These can range from conventional bank credits and asset-based funding to diverse types of private equity and other innovative resolution which may include a variety of financial support sources, th eir projected rates of returns and the deal terms. (Haag Phillips, 2005)Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Geoff (2006) notes â€Å"a company analysis gives information about performance and prospects. business graph image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com thisth This investigations, or corporate analyses, refer to dealings undertaken for a comprehensive evaluation to gain a thoughtful realization of a companys precedent performance and potential prospects.† A systematic scrutiny will center on all facets of the corporate body, as well as the administration structure and know-how, assets and resources, growth forecasts, productivity and insubstantial aspects such as goodwill and the product image. Geoff (2006) notes â€Å"results of the analysis are used in reaching business decisions by external parties, such as whether or not to invest in or go into a partnership with the analyzed company.† By and large corporate excellence of a business can be assessed by examining the company’s core elements, purpose, objectives and procedures. For example, a company may prod uce products of flawless quality but have a scandalous customer service record. As such, a total company evaluation may be broken down into minor, related evaluations to look into the various parts of the company. When all the reports from the different analysis are implemented as one, a full size representation of the company’s well being is fashioned. (Geoff, 2006). Strategies for company growth recommended Company analyses often begin from top management or administration team and trickle down to subordinate ranks of the corporation. Together with every segment of the company in the scrutiny procedure make available a well-formed appraisal of the company. This examination possibly will necessitate use of departmental plans or strategies. In trade, administration analysis characteristically centers on procedures, business culture or economic performance. Operational evaluation comprises how a business carries out its responsibilities, business culture, relates to business p hilosophies and practices, and economic assessments are the returns obtained from business functions. (Gamble Arthur, 2004) Companies should find ways of expanding their geographical cover of potential market bases by setting up new stores in new areas, and also through promotion of diverse brand of products that create an appeal and attract potential clientele and retain clients they once upon a time were not able to get in touch with. Corporations intending to grow should carry out frequent analyses of the foremost industry they form a part of; this helps them get a comprehensive grasp on what is required, for example both Netflix should have a sense of the type of movies and services Blockbuster is offering to its clients so as to come up with better services and vice versa. Divide the strategies formulated after carrying out the analysis into specific groups; for example market strategies, people strategies, products and services, administration and organization and finally fi nance. These helps the company be able to implement the strategies and plans fully and realize their objectives. Hire and recruit with high energy levels and good health so as to have maximum employee output Examine the company’s potentiality in terms of resources and finances, before embarking on growth. Another important and strong strategy is to think of globalization. Relating particular products with global events like the world cup can give the world a product it can share in entirely. One should use one of the following techniques in sales. Sales staff – add the time they spend on sales, increase their human resource and their knowledge, skills; communicate with sales representatives, distributors; improve customers information of whats on hand. Evaluate peoples remuneration to ensure that all have equal packages and also that the people feel that the remuneration and compensation is awarded without bias. People should be educated in order to understand the bene fits of a company’s benefit package. Constant specialized training and skill enhancement for employees to upgrade their job output. Examine the companys association with existing and possible clients, its familiarity of varying needs and opportunities in the marketplace, the way it classifies and contacts its regulars, service quality and speed of products being offered, marketing, advertising, and the selling and management skills its possesses. Managers should monitor and utilize resources efficiently for the company’s growth by encompassing the highest quality of know-how and accounting and budgeting systems. In the process they should also be able to establish what can be done to develop precision and relevance of accounting so performance information is accessible in real time. (Andrà ©, 2007). Conclusion Businesses may opt for an outside company to carry out a company analysis for them. This option provides an objective opinion of the company and managers are p rovided with innovative ideas from an outside source without biasness, looking to make changes that will offer significant company returns and realization of objectives. The function of performance examination is to determine whether a company is carrying on well, this information is very vital in attracting investors and also identify areas that call for upgrading. Proper run companies carry out internal analysis on a frequent basis, to be able to keep in touch with changes influencing the company’s performance. Managers come with findings of the evaluation and table them before stakeholders at annual general meetings, with a purpose of catching the attention of potential business prospects. Companies that carry out regular analysis are more in touch with the diverse background issues touching the business and are more vibrant and receptive to market forces. Competition is good for business as the more quality varieties of a certain product in the market are available then, product demand is also high. Reference List Andrà ©, R. (2007). Organizational Behavior: An Introduction to Your Life in Organizations. New York, NY: Prentice Hall. Gamble, J. Arthur, T. (2004) Essentials of Strategic Management: The Quest for Competitive Advantage. New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Geoff, F. (2006). Marketing Fundermentals:CIM Coursebook. London: oxford publishers. Haag, S. Phillips, A. (2005), Business Driven Technology., New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Hitt, I. Hoskisson, P. (2009). Strategic management: competitiveness and globalization : concepts cases, edn 8, New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Lamb, C., McDaniel, C. (2005), Marketing. New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Leon, C. (2009). Essentials of Marketing. New York, NY: Cengage Learning, 2009. Marks, K. (2005). The handbook of financing growth: strategies and capital structure. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

How to Perform the Instant Fire Chemistry Demonstration

How to Perform the Instant Fire Chemistry Demonstration Heres a simple fire chemistry demonstration that produces instant fire without using matches or any other type of flame. Potassium chlorate and ordinary table sugar are combined. When a drop of sulfuric acid is added, a reaction is catalyzed which produces heat, an amazing bright/tall purple flame, and a lot of smoke. Instant Fire Materials Potassium chloratePowdered (confectioners) sugar or table sugar (sucrose)Sulfuric acidSmall glass jar or  test tube Procedure Mix  equal parts potassium chlorate and table sugar (sucrose) in a small glass jar or test tube. Choose a container you dont value, as the demonstration will probably cause it to shatter.Place the mixture in a fume hood and equip lab safety gear (which you should be wearing anyway). To initiate the reaction, carefully add a drop or two of sulfuric acid to the powdered mixture. The mixture will burst into a tall purple flame, accompanied by heat and a lot of smoke.How it works: potassium chlorate (KClO3) is a powerful oxidizer, used in matches and fireworks. Sucrose is an easy-to-oxidize energy source. When sulfuric acid is introduced, potassium chlorate decomposes to produce oxygen:2KClO3(s) heat - 2KCl(s) 3O2(g)The sugar burns in the presence of oxygen. The flame is purple from the heating of the potassium (similar to a flame test). Tips Perform this demonstration in a fume hood, as a considerable quantity of smoke will be produced. Alternatively, perform this demonstration outdoors.Granulated table sugar is preferable to powdered sugar which is, in turn, preferable to reagent grade sucrose. The powdered sugar is capable of smothering the fire, while the granules of the reagent-grade sucrose may be too large to support a ​good reaction.Follow proper safety precautions. Do not store the potassium chlorate and sugar mixture, as it can react spontaneously. Use care when removing the potassium chlorate from its container, to avoid sparking, which can ignite the container. Wear the usual protective gear when performing this reaction (goggles, lab coat, etc.).The Dancing Gummi Bear is a variation on this demonstration. Here, a small quantity of potassium chlorate is carefully heated in a large test tube, clamped to a ring stand over a flame, until it has melted. A Gummi Bear candy is added to the container, resultin g in a vigorous reaction. The bear dances amidst bright purple flames.

Analyze a Retailer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analyze a Retailer - Research Paper Example After this acquisition the company grew gradually in size and operations and the refineries figure was increased to 16 by the end of 1997. Throughout the 80s and the 90s era, the company operated in diversified energy operations i.e. from the refining of petroleum products to the marketing of those products. Valero Energy Corporation produces and markets different products in the market. Their products range from gasoline to jet fuel. Besides these, the company also produces other specialty products such as Propane, Process oils, Asphalt, etc. The company operates in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean through its retail outlets. The company had been performing well in terms of profitability but in the year 2009, their profits had transformed into losses. The company had reported a loss of $58 million dollars which was a better profit figure of $761 million in 2008. This downfall would have been because of the global recession. The company aims to strengthen their position by transforming this loss figure into a profit figure and keeping in intact for further years to follow. (Annual Report,

An Analysis of six Infrastructure projects that take place in two Dissertation

An Analysis of six Infrastructure projects that take place in two countries - Dissertation Example Differences in organizational cultures between companies or disparities in professional cultures between consultants, contractors and clients may exist. This dissertation aims to address the impact of political and cultural differences in project management of cross national projects. Apart from identifying the political and cultural differences that affect project management, case studies of six infrastructure construction projects in two countries have been conducted. The research suggests that differences in professional cultures, politics and institutions affect the successful management of the projects. The results on how cultural disparities affect cross national projects can help project managers in the identification of potential areas of possible conflict in cross national projects apart from suggesting areas of future research. Keywords: culture, cultural differences, cross national, cross border, project management, politics, institutions Outline 1. INTRODUCTION†¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.3 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.7 2.1 Definitions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.7 2.2. ... RESEARCH OBJECTIVES†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦15 Search Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..15 4. LITERATURE REVIEW†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...17 4.1 . Institutional Theory........................................................................17 4.2 Relevance of the application of institutional theory to construction project management†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦18 4.3 Impact of culture and politics in the management and organization of cross national projects: a review of literature†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦18 4.4 Cultural Dimensions †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.20 4.4.1 Hofstede’s cultural variability†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...20 4.4.2 Schwartz’s Cultural Value Type†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦21 4.4.3 Trompenaars’ cultural diversity†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦,,,,†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦23 4.4.4 House and colleagues project GLOBE†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.24 4.5 Cross-National Cultural Differences†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.26 4.6 Cross-national Conflicts†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦.†¦ .27 4.7 Project Performance†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦...29 4.8 Cultural management of cross national projects†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.30 5. METHODOLOGY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.32 5.1 Approaches and methodologies in project management†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦32 5.2 Influences and difficulties in cross cultural collaboration†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦..34 5.2.1 Suitability of the Research Approach†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.34 5.2.2 Reliability and Relevance of Research finding†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦..35 5.3 Project Choice and

Task-Centred Anti-Discriminatory Practice in Social Work

Task-Centred Anti-Discriminatory Practice in Social Work Demonstrate your understanding of the main principles of TASK CENTRED PRACTICE. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the theory in its application to anti discriminatory practice. Introduction The International Federation of Social Work states that: â€Å"The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human  relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being.  Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the  points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and  social justice are fundamental to social work†[1]. The best kind of social work is that which places the client or service user at the centre of everything it does. This is a core principle of task based social work, rather than working with a set of preconceived ideas the social worker has to negotiate the legal framework within which she/he is obliged to operate in order to achieve the best results for the service user. Task based social work is therefore first and foremost ethical and anti-oppressive social work which takes as its foundation the Human Rights Act of 1998 that each person should be dealt with in terms of the concept of the inherent worth of the individual. This assignment will first give some definition of the role and responsibilities of the social worker. From within this framework it will then look at the main principles of task centred practice and will use imaginary scenarios to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the theory and its application to anti-discriminatory practice. Social Work People looking for a career as a social worker usually have more luck if they have had some experience of dealing with individuals in the community. This could involve work placements or being involved with voluntary work, both of which seen as good practice and background to engage in social work practice. Prior community involvement is seen as a valuable asset for anyone wishing to become a social worker. Social services is set against a background of voluntary charity work in the late nineteenth century and people who get involved in community work are seen to have the right kind of spirit, or an interest in social justice that is a valuable part of social work (Moore, 2002). Tasks and Roles Within the Legal Framework The social worker’s role is outlined by what was the personal social services. The overall aim of social workers is a concern with individuals and the care they may need. Under Government legislation and the Code of Practice, social workers have to act in accordance with the 1998 Human Rights Act, the 1990 NHS and Care in the Community Act (a result of the 1988 Griffiths Report), the Chronically Sick and Disabled Person’s Act of 1970 and the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. More recently social workers are legally required to be involved in partnership working with other agencies (ref) and this has been extended to include the service user/service provider relationship. There is, arguably, some truth in the fact that this takes what is at heart a charitable search for social justice and puts it on a par with businesses and at the mercy of market forces. The primary work behind task centred practice is the identification of social systems, what they might be and what they do. Thus the properly qualified social worker needs a good deal of sociological knowledge with regard to things like class, gender, race and religion. He/she would also need to be aware of Parson’s work on social systems and socialisation because this gives an insight into the boundaries from which a service user may be operating (Payne, 1991). Once social workers are aware of social systems and how they operate then it is possible to be able to define any imbalances within a working relationship (Payne ibid). This last is a necessary part of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice, however, we shall see that task centred practice can be a two edged sword for the social worker. Payne’s (1991) systems analysis is essential to task centred practice because it provides the social worker with a conceptual basis to start breaking a problem and its solution into manageable pieces.Task centred practice is based on the idea that people learn by doing and that when they have a success this then improves their performance (Hanvey, 1994). Task centred theory is further premised on the view that tasks are a series of steps that a professional would take in order to help a service user achieve a goal. This goal would need to take into account the rights and responsibilities of others as well as those of the service user. There are three key parts of task centred practice the first part of this process focuses on the problem or situation that the social worker is faced with, for example a young mother who has been hospitalised with mental health problems and now wishes to look after her child herself. In this situation the social worker would have to break the problem down for example what might the risks to the child be if it was left unsupervised with a mother from a difficult client group? The social worker would begin by looking at the whole picture and then focus on particular aspects of the situation that could be problematic. Added to this as the social worker investigates the problem further he/she may find the shape and scope of the problem changing (Hanvey, ibid). Thus the social worker has to establish certain parameters e.g. the urgency of the problem and the chances of failure or success as well as any support the service user may have. In the case of a young mother with mental health iss ues for example the following problem might occur: If the social worker needs to make a visit and the service user refuses to allow entry this could cause problems with regards to any future assessment, something which is required by the legal framework. According to the terms of the Community Care Act of 1990 (circular LAC (92) 12, any needs assessment would have to take into account that persons current living situation, any help or support from friends and relatives and what she herself hopes to gain from the assessment. Because of mental health needs this client would be entitled to a specific type of assessment.[2] A task centred approach involves looking at what the service user wants (in this case to have parental rights and control of her child), what the problems might be. If an earlier assessment has shown that family and friends would be able to offer little in the way of help and a young child is involved then the social worker has a duty to search for alternatives. If the mother’s care of the child is erratic and she is posing a problem for other people around then it would be the social worker’s duty to call in the medical officer of health who then has to obtain an order from the magistrates’ court. This would allow the social worker to gain entry and to assess the situation and the needs of the child, however, this could bring the social worker into a value conflict situation (this, I think is one of the problems with the task centred approach). Task centred social work means that once the social worker has defined the problem and the hoped for outcome, he/she then has to decide whether the outcome is really attainable and what the consequences might be if it were achieved. With the imagined scenario used here achieving what the client wants could involve the social worker in a variety of problematic situations. Ethically speaking the interests of the service user should take priority. However the social worker has a duty to bear in mind the BASW guidelines on ethical practice, Boulton (2003) has said of this: In exceptional circumstances where the priority of the service users interest is outweighed by the need to protect others or by legal requirements, make service users aware that their interests may be overridden (Boulton, 2003 p.10).[3] Where it has been estimated that a child may be at risk then a social worker has a duty of care under the 1989 Children’s Act. At the same time there is a requirement to act within a framework that is informed by the Human Rights Act of 1998 and the rights of the mother have to be taken into consideration. There is a dilemma here for the social worker because a wrong decision could result in harm occasioned either to the child or to the mother as a result of her own actions. In such circumstances a social worker is bound to make an assessment of risk, and also probable harm. If harm is occasioned then the social worker could be held to account. The (system we are in now is almost ready to treat every death as chargeable to someone’s account, every accident as caused by someone’s criminal negligence, every sickness a threatened prosecution. Whose fault? Is the first question (Douglas, 1992:15-16).[4] Clearly this situation needs a multi-agency approach including the social worker, his/her immediate superior, someone from the child protection scheme, the mother’s GP, the health visitor and the mother. Putting the child on the child protection register with regular reviews may help alleviate the situation and is in line with the requirements of the 1989 Children’s Act. This could therefore become a case where the service user’s rights will be overridden because the primary duty is to the child. This is where a social worker would be faced with a conflict of ethics and values which may lead to a practice situation where, as a practitioner, the social worker cannot be right. The final part of a task centred approach is to define just how long a social worker can give to a particular case and this is almost impossible to define, particularly in the imagined scenario above. A case like this could go on for years with different levels of professional involvement. Conclusion Task centred theory, I believe is a good starting point for social workers as it provides some sort of framework for dealing with some of the problems service users may present. While the theory is meant to support anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice, this relies on a thorough understanding of social systems and how they operate. On the other hand there are some situations where a social worker has to weigh the needs of one person against another and this can result in apparent oppression and neglect of a service user’s human rights. The fact of the matter is that there will always be cases where someone is the loser and this is a sad fact of social work experience. Bibliography http://www.gscc.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/30BC32F2-20B2-4D90-ABAB-3666D5BB44EB/0/Rolesandtasksconsultationpaper.pdf accessed 31st March 2007 Boulton, J 2003 Code of Ethics for Social Work available at http://www.basw.co.uk/articles.php?articleId=2page=14 Hanvey, C and Philpot, T. 1994 Practicing Social Work New York, Routledge Kemshall, 2002 Kemshall, H. 2002. Risk, Social Policy and Welfare Buckingham, Open University Press p.9 Payne, M. 1991 Modern Social Work Theory. A Critical Introduction, London: Macmillan. The Care Programme Approach Policy: towards integrated care programme approach and care management (2000) South London and Maudsley NHS Trust 1 [1] http://www.gscc.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/30BC32F2-20B2-4D90-ABAB-3666D5BB44EB/0/Rolesandtasksconsultationpaper.pdf accessed 31st March 2007 [2] The Care Programme Approach Policy: towards integrated care programme approach and care management (2000) South London and Maudsley NHS Trust [3] Boulton, J 2003 Code of Ethics for Social Work available at http://www.basw.co.uk/articles.php?articleId=2page=14 [4] Quoted in Kemshall, 2002 Kemshall, H. 2002. Risk, Social Policy and Welfare Buckingham, Open University Press p.9

An analyses on Mount Franklin Market Positioning Strategy Essay

1. Introduction Water is the fountain of all life and is a prime need of the body. Over 60 percent of our body weight is made up of water. In Australia, most people are drinking tapped water directly at home, but while traveling or eating out in restaurants, buying bottled water has become one of the most popular choices This need has been well explored by some beverage producers, both local and overseas. So today there are various brands of drinking water in Australian market. Among them, Mount Franklin’ (start from 1994) has become Australia’s favourite water brand and the most recognized. This paper focuses on studying Mount Franklin’s marketing positioning strategy by using perceptual mapping method, in order to analyse a successful brand in drinking water industry and provide recommendations for a new brand that would like to enter into this market. 2. Marketing concepts a. Market positioning Positioning can be defined as ‘†¦ the act of designing the company’s offering so that it occupies a meaningful and distinct position in the target customer’s mind.’(Jobber & Fahy, 2009) It is the final and fatal stage of the process of target marketing strategy which involves designing product features and image which are distinguishing from competitors in the existing market for the purpose of appealing to the specific target market segment. It is combined marketing strategies that result in how the organisation wants a product or brand to be perceived by the market. Positioning is directly related to brand values, market demographics and the image of the product in the marketplace. b. Perceptual mapping Perceptual mapping is a diagrammatic technique used by asset marketers that attempts to visually display the perceptions of customers or potential customers. 3. Brands introducing a. Mount Franklin Owned by Coca-Cola Amatil, Mount Franklin took the leading position in Australian bottle water market in past decade, and accounted for 20%  off-trade volume sales in 2012. According to Coca-Cola’s market research, Mount Franklin water has a 99 percent brand awareness and 43 percent of females aged 25-39 say that Mount Franklin is their favourite brand. b. Mount Franklin’s market positioning strategy Mount Franklin represents and promotes an overall sense of wellbeing. Young female model Jennifer Hawkins as brand celebrity which promotes the healthy and fresh image of its product. Make the brand closely associated to the community; to this end Mount Franklin has established the Drink Positive, Think Positive, campaign. Moreover, the brand has enhanced this connection through its community partnerships with the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Make consumers feel the purchase of Mount Franklin as helping themselves and the environment by changing the package to â€Å"the easy-crush bottle† which is good for the environment as well as being similar to that of the original product. The new 600ml Mount Franklin Easy-Crush Bottle is made with 35% less plastic and has a carbon footprint which is 27% lighter than the previous bottle. Be of support to Australian economy by consuming Mount Franklin water as the local brand. c. Other brands in Australian market Along with the number one bands, there are hundreds of other drinking water brands in Australian market. Although hardly close to Mount Franklin’s leading position, some of them are making rational market share, including Pump (another drinking water brands owned by Coca-Cola), Evian, NU Pure, Mount Lofty, Coles bottled water, Woolworth bottled water, etc. 4. A perceptual map of drinking water market in Australia A perceptual map could be in two dimensions or multiple dimensions, depending on the attributes taken into consideration when analysing a target market. a. Quality As a necessity of life, quality of water is most critical attribute when people choose a bottled water. ‘Mount Franklin’ spring water is collected locally and bottled daily. It is filtered three times via micro filters, to eliminate any tiny particles naturally found in spring water. This ensures that every bottle of ‘Mount Franklin’ is of exceptional purity and quality. b. Price Drinking water, as a commercial product, its price ranks secondly important. Usually, consumers will compare the price accessible in marketplace when purchasing a product. Mount Franklin’s prices vary from store to store. In CCA vending machines the price for a 600mL bottle is $3.00, which comparably higher. c. Accessibility It is about how easily consumers could purchase a target product and make an important role in fast moving consumer goods industry including drinking water. Mount Franklin is found widely in supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines and other vendor services e.g. petrol stations and newsagents. d. Brand awareness Consumers are more likely to choose a well-known brand when the face more than one options. As mentioned before, Mount Franklin water has a 99 percent brand awareness in Australia. e. Design and packaging Stylish design in package may attract more attention, by printing Jennifer Hawkins’ image on light sparking water bottle wrap, it is thought to be fashionable by some young people to hold a bottle of that water. f. Perceptual Mapping Technically, it is hard to draw a perceptual map by taking all these attributes into consideration. Three of them will be demonstrated in the following diagram: g. Analyse on perceptual mapping Usually, brands with high awareness in public price higher on their products, meanwhile, high quality is required to maintain the positive image in consumers. As drinking product, consumers are more likely to make decisions rely on the brand awareness. Price is also an important attribute, so the products with reasonable price also make good sales. Big brands such as Coles and Woolworth can easily develop related ancillary products by using their brands influence. 5. Conclusion As a critical strategy, positioning plays a significant role in making market decisions. As an efficient tool, perceptual mapping provides marketer a visual indication of consumers’ perception of how a brand or a product compares with its competitors. An important point should be mentioned here, the position of a brand is moveable rather than fixed. (which related another marketing process i.e. repositioning) By examining the positions regularly of their own and competitors, marketers may decide where and when necessary make a change to their position. 6. Recommendations As a new brand planning to enter into a specific market, it is an effective way of getting a related perceptual mapping to analyse the target market. It is also critical to position the brand in a reasonable way. Usually it is a wise choice for a new brand to start from the market with less competitors. Sometimes companies that are located in similar position in conceptual map might not competitors. Mount Franklin set a good example of positioning brands with social connection. 7. References David J. and John F. 2009, Foundations of marketing, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill higher Education,5: 120-122 Dong J. K., Woo G. K. and Jin S. H., A perceptual mapping mapping of online travel agencies and preference attributes. Tourist Management 28 (2007) 591-603 Liz H. and Terry O.2004, Foundation marketing, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall,6:167-169 Australia’s First Bottled Water Brand 2012, Mount Franklin, viewed 3 April 2014, http://mountfranklinwater.com.au/our-story/ Australian-bottled-water-market-led-by-Coca-Cola-s-Mount-Franklin, viewed 3 April,2014, http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/News/Food-and-Drink/Australian-bottled-water-market-led-by-Coca-Cola-s-Mount-Franklin/NI8553 Mount Franklin, Drink Positive, Think Positive, viewed 3 April 2014, http://prezi.com/yjdi190hvzko/copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-mount-franklin/

The Biggest Myth About Essay Topics about Nature Exposed

The Biggest Myth About Essay Topics about Nature Exposed The Thesis Your introduction should also incorporate a very clear thesis statement. Intensive farming has many advantages and disadvantages. Students often have a challenging time splitting up paragraphs. They should be allowed to pray in school. Children should be asked to read more. Kids ought to be able to vote. Teens ought to be able to pick their bedtime. They should be required to take parenting classes. The Most Popular Essay Topics about Nature Even a complete paragraph may not be sufficient to share the full sense. The duration of each part is predetermined by the kind of the paper. Needless to say, there's no law about paragraph length. You may also zoom out a little at the close of the paragraph and offer a concise conclusion. Year round school isn't a good idea. It's true, you don't need to research anything, but you need to produce a really irresistible paper that's accompanied by your teacher's gee-whizzes after every passage of reading. Students are accustomed to the simple fact which their professors give them with the assignment's topic. In most cases, they have to write a nature vs nurture paper in the form of a five-paragraph essay. There's hefty fine it's found that you mixed it. Thus, the proper hand gets now the youngster's dominant hand, which will ultimately influence different facets of her or his life later on. An excessive amount of money isn't a good thing. On the flip side, you could always be confident that there'll undoubtedly be a particular topic covering your own subject of interest. TV news program weather forecasts aren't accurate in any way. Also, it is going to be a very good notion to suggest the strategies to fight with global warming causes. Global warming is turning into a serious matter. Water pollution is going to be the world's biggest problem within the next decades. There's, obviously, a limit on the range of pages even our finest writers can produce with a pressing deadline, but generally, we can satisfy all the clients seeking urgent assistance. While you might not get the odds of attempting all of them, pick the field which interests you, choose any topic and get started writing. If you're going to succeed in the IELTS test you have to be using and exposing yourself to English everyday. Yearly driving tests ought to be mandatory for the initial five years after obtaining a license. If you wish to write a great nature vs nurture essay, you ought to take under consideration all its aspects. Thus, there are lots of possibilities to compose a great essay on nature. Everyone was blessed with the genuine love of God in the type of beautiful nature. Our God has made a lovely nature for the nutritious living of us. Rain forests have to be protected. Nature isn't restricted to the things that appear in it. It is the most important and integral part of the lives of everyone. It has been the most favourite topic of the works of many famous poets, writers, painters and artists. There's always an option to spell out an attractive landscape. Various new theories have emerged and the majority of them are intended to explain the way humans learn. As the very best nature vs nurture examples demonstrate, an outstanding introduction contributes to the total success of your essay significantly. While others incorporate uncontrollable elements like society and the environmental surroundings.