Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Survey of International Business Major Assignment

Management Issues Faced by Mia Foster Mia Foster is relatively new in her position as the chief executive of Levendary Cafà ©. However, she finds herself under an immense pressure from various departments within the firm. The senior managers at the firm’s parent firm are putting a lot of pressure on her to get full control of the operations in China. Peter Steele, the chief franchise officer is mad about the operation strategies employed by the management of this firm in its branch in China (Bartlett Arar, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Survey of International Business Major Assignment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More He insists that Foster must find a way to stop the operations strategies in China, and make that management embrace the strategies used in the parent firm back in the United States. Nick White, the chief operating officer, believes that the Louis Chen, the manager in charge of opera tions in China, is just a difficult individual to deal with. He also registers his dissatisfaction with the way the Chinese branch of this firm is run. Louis Chen on the other hand, strongly believes that the American markets are different from the markets in China. As such, the management strategies that work well in China may not be very successful. He also believes that he has freedom to employ his own strategies because that was part of the original agreement when he was assigned this task about 12 months ago (Bartlett Arar, 2011). He insists that he was given 18 months to ensure that Levendary Cafà © is operational in China. This was to be achieved using strategies considered appropriate in this country. He had over five months to employ his strategies and ensure that Levendary Cafà © had strongly established itself in this country. Moreover, Chen considered the pressure from the head office in the US misplaced because he had managed to set up twenty-three outlets for this f irm in this country within that short period. He therefore, believed that he deserved a praise other than the demonization he believed was coming from the head office. Mia Foster is found in the middle of this pressure. Upon talking on phone and through video conferencing with Mr. Chen, she realizes that Chen is an inflexible man who likes working with his own style, and does not appreciate being corrected. She confirms the fact that the approach taken by Chen in Managing the Chinese operations is very different from the approach used in the home country. However, she also notes with pleasure, that within the period Chen has been the head of the Chinese operations, this firm has opened a record of 23 outlets. This good achievement should be appreciated. However, she fears that the approach taken in China would make the Chinese branch appear completely different from that in the United States. She has to find a solution as the leader in this organization.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Analysis of the Management Issues Mia Foster Faces Mia Foster has to come up with an appropriate management model that will satisfy the senior managers at the head office, and the management unit in China. PEST Model can be appropriate in managing this case. This theory would help the management understand the external environment of this firm in its China branch. Although the top management of this firm in the United States are justified in their resentment towards Chen’s single handed approach to management, they should appreciate the fact that Chinese external environment is different from that in the United States. Their policies should be guided by this fact (Onkelinx, Sleuwaegen, 2008). Mia Foster must put into consideration the fact that the political environment in China is different from that in the United States. The economy of a country also has an inf luence on management approach of a firm within a particular period (Fernandez Rainey, 2006). Although China is the second largest economy after the United States’ economy, the living standards of the Chinese and their lifestyle are very different from that of Americans. This should be taken into consideration when making the final decision. Mia Foster should be aware of the social factors that define buyer behaviour in China, and how this differs from that in the United States (Guenette, 2008). This would help determine the right path that the management would take in managing the issues arising from the branch in China. Mia Foster must realize that the social structure in China is different from what it is in the United States. An analysis should be done to determine the influence of technology on the buyer behaviour and to this industry in general, both in the United States and China. It would be important to determine if the policies implemented by Chen was as a result of the technological differences or similarities. Vettoretti, Munro and Emerson (2012) say that technological factors of a place may have an influence on the management practices that are applied. The top management of this firm should not ignore this fact. Analysis of the Future Prospects of the Marketplace in China The management of Levendary Cafe has to get it right on how to manage the Chinese operations. According to chief operating officer, Mr Nick White, Levendary Cafe has exploited the local market in the United States, and the growth of this firm heavily relies on its ability to capture the market in China.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Survey of International Business Major Assignment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The future prospect of the Chinese market is very bright. Working solely and without the directions of the much-experienced managers, Mr Chen was able to establish 23 stores in barely one year. The stores have been confirmed to be operational and only needs some little improvement, especially on the layout, to match those in the United States. This means that the market has a potential to sustain the plans for expansion of this firm. However, the management should take into consideration that there are some challenges in this market that may interfere with its normal operations in China. These challenges should be approached with skills and intelligence from the top management (Sligo, 2006). Mia Foster should consider using some elements of SWOT analysis in this new market. Managing the Challenges in the New Market Mia Foster should work with the other managers and management unit of this firm in China in order to counter the challenges that threaten to derail the brighter future of this firm. In this management approach, Foster should consider analyzing the Chinese branch by understanding strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats (Government Office of Sout h West, 2007). Using SWOT analysis would help this management determine the best approach to take in handling the weaknesses and threats faced by the firm, while making the best out of its strengths and the opportunities available in the market. Foster- working closely with Mr. Chen and other employees in China- should understand some of the strengths that this branch in China has against its strong competitors. Strengths are some of the unique factors that a firm has over other competing firms (Iles Cranfield, 2004). Chen and his team have proven to be capable of creating new outlets for this firm at an average of two outlets per month. This is a unique capability which should be considered as a strength that this firm has over other competing firms in this market. Louis Chen and his go-getter approach of management should be considered as strength of this firm in acquiring more market share in this country. However, there is a weakness that should be addressed collectively. The i dea of Chen running the Chinese branch of this firm as an individual property is a weakness. Chen should realize that this is a firm with many members and with clear values and policies to follow. He should therefore, consider working as a team with other members. The fact that the Chinese outlets are not up to standards when compared to the Unites States’ outlets is another weakness that should be given enough attention.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Mia Foster and the entire management team should be quick in identifying some of the opportunities in the Chinese market that can be used to make Levendary Cafà © stronger in this market. One such opportunity is the huge population in China. China is the most populous nation in the world. Trading in this country will give this firm an opportunity to tap from the massive population. However, attention and care should be taken when dealing with some of the threats that this firm faces in this market. The biggest threat comes from the competitors such as the McDonalds. These competitors are keen to ensure that they gain and protect their market share. This is a threat to Levendary’s effort to increase its market share in this country. The Approach Mia Foster Should Adopt When Meeting Louis Chen According to Ying (2006), managers should always be in a position to understand their junior employees in order to make them act in a desirable manner. In her mind, Foster appreciates th e fact that there are three types of leaders, which are the enterprising people, the local baron, and the professional managers. These three leaders are best suited for different stages of the development of a new firm. She also appreciates that Louis Chen had evolved from an enterprising person to a local baron. In her mind, she is wondering how he could transform to become a professional manager. She must be able to determine how to approach Mr. Chen with the ideas that were given by the managers in the head office when they meet. To help in defining the best approach to take when they meet, the following theories may help Foster make a sensible judgment. Mia Foster should develop a positive attitude towards Chan in order to make the discussion fruitful. She needs to consider Chen as an employee with the capacity to work and achieve goals of this firm with a lot of ease. According to McGregor’s theory X Mia Foster can consider Louis Chen as an individual who cannot deliver without close supervision (O’Neill, 2012). When Foster takes this approach of management, she will need to put up a system where Chen and all other senior staff members in China would be closely monitored. Alternatively, she can consider the argument that Chen and his team of employees in China are individuals who are self-motivated and can deliver good result when given room to work under very minimal supervision (Gleave Donald, 2011). This would mean that inasmuch as Chen would have to give regular reports on his operative actions, he will still have a room to make his own judgment on various issues when running this branch. Mia Foster should consider Chen and his team as people who understands the local environment and can deliver the expected result in this market. However, she must also take into consideration the expectation of the top management back in the United States. Peter Steele registered his dissatisfaction with the management approach of Chen, while Nick Whit e clearly stated that managing Chen was a task he considered beyond him. As the chief executive, she is looked upon by these top managers to transform Chen to a manageable officer who will take instruction from his seniors in the head office. In this scenario, Mia Foster should consider ensure that they understand the needs for employees in China and the market forces when making decision (Dogwood Alliance 2008). Mia Foster should be keen to ensure that Louis Chen is not demoralized after their meeting. As an employee, he is just as important as the productivity of the firm in China, which is the ultimate goal of investing in this country (Card Krueger, 1994). Inasmuch as the management would want maximum productivity at the plant in China, it is important to ensure that employees (and specifically Louis Chen who is the manager of the Chinese Branch) feel that their efforts are appreciated. Mia Foster should approach Mr. Louis Chen with the team management spirit. She should inform Mr. Chen that she, as the chief executive of this firm, and the entire team of management, appreciates the hard work put by Mr. Chen and his entire team of employees. However, there is need to encourage team spirit in the production process. The main aim of the firm establishing a branch in China is to expand its operation. Mia Foster should inform Mr. Chen that the top management appreciates the approach that Mr. Chen has applied in bringing this firm to its current position in China. With this level of success, Foster should inform Mr. Chen that there would be a need to work as a team. This would mean that although Chen would still enjoy the freedom given to him when signing the contract, he will need to work closely with the top management. Mia should have in mind the fact that China has a very different cultural structure from that in the United States. She should appreciate the need to act differently when managing this new branch in China. All this should be reflected in her discussion. However, she should emphasize the need to ensure that the China branch operates under the guidelines of the parent firm in the United States. Mia Foster should inform Louis Chen that whenever he feels that there is need to implement a new policy within this country, he should communicate to his superior in order to share this information. This will bring Chen to manageable levels, while still allowing the freedom to exploit his talents and the knowledge of the local market. This way, she will satisfy the needs of other top managers back in the US in a way that Mr. Chen would consider sensible. References Bartlett, C., Arar, H. (2011). Levendary Cafà ©: The China. Harvard Business School, 10(24), 1-13. Card, D., Krueger, B. (1994). Minimum Wages and Employment: A Case Study of the Fast-Food Industry in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The JEL Journal, 84(4), 1-67. Retrieved from http://davidcard.berkeley.edu/papers/njmin-aer.pdf Dogwood Alliance. (2008). Fast Food Industry Packaging Report. No Free Refills, 5(11), 1-7. Retrieved from http://www.nofreerefills.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/NoFreeRefillsReport.pdf Fernandez, S. Rainey, H. (2006). Managing Successful Organizational Change in the Public Sector: Theory to Practice. Public Administration Review, 66(2), 168–176. Retrieved from http://glennschool.osu.edu/faculty/brown/home/810/Class%20Materials/fernandez%20and%20rainey.pdf Gleave, S., Donald, K. (2011). Financial Services: China’s Capital Markets the changing landscape. KPMG, 12(4), 1-40. Retrieved from http://www.kpmg.com/cn/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Documents/China-Capital-Markets-FTSE-201106.pdf Government Office of South West. (2007). Resource Efficiency and Corporate Responsibility: How to Manage Change in an organization. Retrieved from http://www.oursouthwest.com/SusBus/mggchange.pdf Guenette, L. (2008). The McDonaldization of China. National Committee on United States-China Relations, 7(9), 1-97. Retri eved from http://www.ncuscr.org/files/Guenette_1.pdf Iles, V. Cranfield, S. (2004). Managing Change in the NHS: Developing Change Management Skills: A Resource for Health Care Professionals And Managers. Retrieved from http://www.nhsemployers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Managing_change_in_the_NHS_developing_change_management_skills_aw_030309.pdf O’Neill, M. (2012). Managing Workplace Change: A People-Based Perspective. Knoll Workplace Research. Retrieved from http://www.cbi-nc.com/white-papers/WP_ManagingChange.pdf Onkelinx, J., Sleuwaegen, L. (2008). Internationalization of SMEs. Flanders District of Creativity, 3(11), 1-92. Retrieved from http://www.flandersdc.be/download/nl/20085481/file/flandersdc_internationalization_of_sme_s.pdf Sligo, F. (2006). Managing Change. New Zealand General Management Handbook. CCH New Zealand: Auckland. Retrieved from http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/fms/Colleges/College%20of%20Business/Communication%20and%20Journalism/Staff/Staff%20research%2 0files/FSligo/Managing%20Change.pdf Vettoretti, R., Munro, S., Emerson, E. (2012). Shopping China: The Retail Growth Opportunity, 3(1), 1116-1134. Retrieved from https://www.wewear.org/assets/1/7/Shopping_China_Webinar_Full_Presentation_111612.pdf Ying, B. (2006).Chinese Food Industry and Market Report. The Reporter, Retrieved from https://www.google.com/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=9sqi=2ved=0CG4QFjAIurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lifs.se%2F_media%2Fen%2Fpdf%2Fchinesefoodindustryandmarket.pdfei=Yn6LUdOCKYeUhQfr34DICAusg=AFQjCNHkMQJi0JN3dMK9qRAG3jgGPA_sUAsig2=kfBQdS2OEmM6T7Rzwoz9kw This essay on Survey of International Business Major Assignment was written and submitted by user Byron Kennedy to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Kingship Essays

Kingship Essays Kingship Essay Kingship Essay Essay Topic: Literature To be a good king, God must pick you. In Elizabethan times, everyone believed that to be a king, you had to be blessed by the Right of Kings which comes from God. The Elizabethans followed many orders, this being one of them. The murder of a king is far worse than any other kind of crime as you destroy Gods order ad also the structure of society. Confusion now hath made his master piece. Most sacrilegious murder hath broken ope The Lords anointed temple. The kings were measured on how great they were, this makes it possible for us to compare Duncan, Macbeth and Malcolm. This is the test, which Malcolm provides in Act 4 Scene 3. This play was written for King James 1 in memory of King Edward. King Edward has powers unlimited and could cure these qualities were supposed to be inherited by the next kings to come. I believe that Malcolm had these skills (as portrayed in Act 4 Scene 3). He also was witty and sharp to think of a test for Macduff. Duncan was a righteous king he was picked by God, and whoever he picked next would be righteous too. This was Malcolm, not Macbeth. The public would have agreed with Malcolm taking the throne and not Macbeth as God had picked Duncan, and then he picked Malcolm. Another good point about Duncan and then Malcolm to become king was that everyone like them as they were worthy of becoming kings. Malcolm was worthy, until after Duncans death, he fled. This turned the public against him, but it was Macbeths fault. In that way, Duncan and Malcolm were very much alike; but they were also different from one another in other ways. Duncan was a bad decision maker, as at the start of the play, we realise that Duncan has been tricked and deceived by the Thane of Cawdor, No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive Our bosom interest. Go pronounce his present death, And with former title greet Macbeth. This shows that Duncan was a bit gullible, and also too loyal and trusting. He made a bad decision in making Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, as the power went to his head and he became greedy and selfish. This is the main way that Malcolm and his father were different. Malcolm was much wiser than his father and used tests; like in Act 4 Scene 3 with Macduff to test peoples loyalty and to see if they were genuine or not. This worked greatly in his and his countrys favour. King Edward is mentioned in the play in Act 4 Scene 3, but we dont actually get to see him. He represents all the good things that the king is supposed to have e.g. his powers to cure, Justice, verity, temprance, stableness etc. These are the qualities that Malcolm had they symbolised that he was gong to make a great and glorious king one day, just like Edward who sets a wonderful example for Malcolm. In comparison to Macbeth, we clearly see that Malcolm is meant to be a king, and not Macbeth. Macbeth created the worse crime possible he killed the king. This shows that he has committed crimes against God and the society in his day. As God picks the future kings (as he did with Duncan and Malcolm through Duncan), as a king, you must give thanks to God, but Macbeth didnt. Malcolm would make a good king, as he possessed the qualities of thankfulness and graciousness that every king needed. Malcolm would make a fantastic king, as he had the right to the throne, given by God, and he worshipped God, for that reason. He also was a pure man and had never told a lie, (Act 4 Scene 3), The taints and blames I laid upon myself, For strangers to my nature. I am yet Unknown to woman, never was forsworn. He also has many good qualities that a normal man would not have; But I have none. The king becoming graces, As justice, verity, temprance, stableness, Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude, As these are the king becoming graces, every king must possess them. Duncan possessed them and now Malcolm possesses them. All these qualities show that Malcolm has the great potential to be king and is on the peoples side being picked by God. He was like his father, who was a brilliant king and who everyone adored, only better. Therefore, in conclusion, according to all the evidence that I have presented, I think that Malcolm would make a great monarch. He has all the skills and necessary qualities to be a good ruler. Comparing him to the two past kings. He is better than both of them and would lead Scotland to victory after what Macbeth had done to it.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

With reference to ONE country, discuss the ways that particular Essay

With reference to ONE country, discuss the ways that particular landscapes can come to symbolise national identity - Essay Example to its present view depending upon the predominance of particular nations and communities which were considered ‘literate’ and had the means and material to document their comprehension. The dominance of religion, race and its assertion on the human populations are still having far reaching consequences despite all the scientific progress. Ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, Inca, China and India have their own peculiarities associated with the geographical features of their particular regions. However the most visible effect on the world has been that of European dominance, particularly the English colonial era and its impact in influencing the mindset of the people who were subject to colonial rule. The Earth without its living mass is a very cruel and inhospitable territory. It is just a small speck in the vast magnanimity of the limitless universe. Visualized from a perspective of an alien, one cannot but wonder how life has evolved on this planet. There is a continuous struggle for existence between the forces of nature and the living things, be it plant or animal. Man being the supposedly most intelligent living form on this planet has modified nature in a manner suitable for the sustenance of its own species. Plants, animals, water and land have been tamed and manipulated by mankind to serve its own survival. However as a corollary the Earth has also imparted its own colour on mankind depending upon locale, resources and material and given rise to particular and distinct communities. The cultural identity thus owes much to mother earth. Mankind has further elaborated itself into the form of countries or nations which have come to symbolize the manner, in which people live, behave and work. This has lead to our present perspective of the world wherein we can clearly demarcate the national identities of people and come to expect particular behaviour patterns from people belonging to a nation. The longitude and latitude, water and mineral

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Bsc in Management Studies - Business Environment-Coursework- Coursework

Bsc in Management Studies - Business Environment- - Firstgrade - Coursework Example Report also discussed as to how Intel captured the personal computer processor market and completely revolutionized it. However, the emerging trends on mobile computing suggest that the Intel may be lagging behind in this segment of the business. Extensive competition in the chip business for the smart phones and tablet computers has resulted into the vanishing of Intel’s traditional competitive advantage in the market. Trends suggest that the manufacturing of personal computers- a segment where Intel is market leader despite the fact that it’s getting tough competition from AMD- is shrinking. This reduction into the personal computer manufacturing therefore could result into the loss of market share for Intel. The final section of the report discusses some of the strategic approaches which Intel can take to overcome the challenges posed by external environment. Introduction External business environment plays a key role in shaping the current and future strategies of a firm. Learning organizations therefore always attempt to understand and explore their business environment and subsequently adjust and develop their business strategies in such a manner which can offer them competitive advantage in that business environment. ... (Kew, & Stredwick, 2005, p14). Intel is the leading semiconductor chip maker in the world and is based in California, US. Intel works in an industry where technology rapidly changes and the overall pace of change is quite rapid. Such an environment therefore requires the firms like Intel to continue to develop and invest heavily in research and development. Further, the trends are shifting towards mobile computing and more and more new products are being introduced in the market almost providing the same functionalities like a computer but they are more mobile and light in nature. These trends therefore suggest that the semiconductor chip manufacturing industry may go through a radical shift. How these factors can affect Intel in future and how Intel should respond to them is what will be discussed in this report. This report will focus on identifying key priority issues faced by Intel and how these issues can affect Intel in short term. Intel Corporation Intel Corporation started it s operations in 1968 from California, US as a computer chip manufacturer. It mainly manufacturers the microprocessors used in most of the personal computers however, it also manufactures motherboards for the personal computers, network interfaces, portable flash memory chips, integrated circuits and other technologies which are used in the communication technology. (Argyris, 1999) Intel started to manufacture memory chips initially however; it shifted its focus during 1981 when it started to produce computer microprocessors. Intel is therefore also credited with the invention of silicon based microprocessor which has completely revolutionized the personal computer industry by offering it the speed and accuracy to perform complex tasks at relative ease. Intel’s

Thursday, January 30, 2020

morality of capital punishment Essay Example for Free

morality of capital punishment Essay 1) How would Kant reason with the morality of capital punishment? Describe how deontological ethics would determine whether it is morally permissible Kant is an advocate of the idea that the morality of an action is to be determined not by the extent of the pleasure or pain an act produces. Consider for example the imposition of capital punishment. According to Kant, if the utility of imposing capital punishment will be our guide then we will be doing a serious crime against humanity. Justice will not be served if we will subject to capital punishment a convict simply because we aim to deter crime, incapacitate the criminal and protect the society. Instead, capital punishment should be imposed because the person is guilty. It must be stressed that Kant upheld the right of the state to impose capital punishment against those proven guilty of committing heinous crimes. He however argued that the sole criterion and standard should be his guilt and that the punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed. That reason for this is that when a person commits a crime against another it is as if he is telling the whole world that he wants to be treated the same way. According to Kant, â€Å"If you slander another, you slander yourself; if you steal from another, you steal from yourself; if you strike another, you strike yourself; if you kill another, you kill yourself. (Immanuel Kant, the Right of Punishing) This is the principle otherwise known as the right of retaliation or Jus Talionis. This is actually a restatement of Kant’s Deontological Ethics known as the Categorical Imperative. This is the principle that morality is based on pure reason which is in the nature of an absolute command. Kant states that: â€Å"Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. † (Garth Kemerling) If a person decides to do something to another then he does this thinking that the same should be a universal law. In effect murderers are saying that this is how people should be treated, including himself. Thus, if a person commits murder then he must also die. There is no other substitute for such a heinous crime except capital punishment. It is only by taking away the life of the person who committed the crime of murder that justice will be restored. 2. How would Mill determine if capitol punishment is morally justified? Describe how Utilitarian Ethics would determine whether capitol punishment is morally permissible Mill, on the other hand, argued that state-sanctioned punishment is justified because of its utility. There is only one standard in determining the morality for the imposition of capital punishment – that is its consequence. If capital punishment will most likely produce the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness then the punishment is justified. But if there are other options that would produce a greater balance of happiness over unhappiness, then that option should be chosen and the imposition of capital punishment is unjustified. In simpler terms, the idea is that if we weigh the positive effects of capital punishment as against its negative effects and the positive effects outweighs the negative ones then it has to be imposed. This theory somewhat looks forward and determines the positive impact of the act to the society. According to Mill, capital punishment is the most humane punishment possible for someone who has committed a heinous crime. A quick and painless death is always better than working in hard labor while in prison for the rest of the life of the convict, to wit: â€Å"What comparison can there really be, in point of severity, between consigning a man to the short pang of a rapid death, and immuring him in a living tomb, there to linger out what may be a long life in the hardest and most monotonous toil, without any of its alleviations or rewardsdebarred from all pleasant sights and sounds, and cut off from all earthly hope, except a slight mitigation of bodily restraint, or a small improvement of diet. (John Stuart Mill) Capital Punishment is also beneficial for the society because it deters the commission of the crime not only by the convict himself but by other persons as well. It sends a clear message to would-be murderers that the state has a strong policy against crime. Although it may not be able to deter all hardened criminals, but it is capable of preventing persons other than criminals from committ ing crimes. Capital punishment will also provide a closure to the agony of the relatives of the victims and satisfy their grievance for their relative. Conclusion Both philosophers argue in favor of the morality of capital punishment. Their conclusions are the same only that their premises start from different end. For Kant, capital punishment should be allowed against those who commit heinous crimes simply because they are guilty. For Mill, capital punishment should be imposed because it is better for the convict and the society as well.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Marks Spenser in Turkey :: Marketing Strategy

Marks Spenser in Turkey For years, M&S’ marketing strategy was simple: produce high quality products under a famous brand name at affordable prices, and advertise the products in classical ways. However, in recent years this strategy collapsed and the company started to lose its competitiveness. M&S had to find solution to this problem to survive in both domestic and overseas marketing environment. It is known that franchising is one of the most important factors of future development of any company. Consequently it is essential for M&S to have a reliable franchisee as Fiba Holding to become successful in such a big marketing area as Turkey. First of all, franchising allows the company to achieve success in Turkey with minimal economic and political risks. Since opening of own outlet in Turkey requires an agreement with the government and careful research on local market conditions, it is to the advantage of M&S to have a local partner working under company’s brand name. And about 700 outlets in 34 countries is the best show of efficiency of franchising. In Turkey, the Fiba Holding is planning to increase the number of M&S outlets by the end of the 2002. The profit made in recent years encouraged the Fiba Holdng to expand as a M&S franchisee. In addition, a â€Å"M&S credit card† financial service is occured to be very attractive for their potential customers. Another factor making M&S brand name so popular are the cut prices and many types of promotions done by the company periodically. Since M&S has concentrated on middle class customers, the cut price and promotion strategy plays a significant role in increasing the local demand. Furthermore, M&S company tries to behave in such a way that inflation of Turkish currency has a very tiny effect on the prices changing.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Booker T Washington: Fighter for the Black Man

Booker T. Washington was a man beyond words. His perseverance and will to work were well known throughout the United States. He rose from slavery, delivering speech after speech expressing his views on how to uplift America's view of the Negro. He felt that knowledge was power, not just knowledge of â€Å"books†, but knowledge of agricultural and industrial trades. He felt that the Negro would rise to be an equal in American society through hard work. Washington founded a school on these principles, and it became the world's leader in agricultural and industrial education for the Negro. As the world watched him put his heart and soul into his school, Tuskegee Institute, he gained great respect from both the white and black communities. Many of the country's white leaders agreed with his principals, and so he had a great deal of support. Booker T. Washington was a great man. He put his own needs aside in order to build the reputation of an entire race. He didn't do it by accusing and putting blame on others, but instead through hard work. Booker T. Washington cleared the way for the black community to fully enter the American society. Washington was born into slavery on April 5, 1856, in Franklin County, Virginia, on a small tobacco plantation. His only true relative was his mother, Jane, who was the plantation's cook. His father was probably the white son of one of the neighbors, though it is not known for sure. Washington spent his childhood years on the plantation, but since he was so young he never had to do the heavy work. He did the small jobs, such as carrying water to the field hands and taking corn to the local mill for grinding. This hard work at an early age instilled in him the values he would teach for the rest of his life. When the Civil War ended in April of 1863, Washington and his mom were set free. Unlike most of the other slaves, Washington had somewhere to go. His step-father had escaped earlier, and had gotten a job in Malden, West Virginia, at a salt furnace. When the war ended, he sent for Washington and his mom. Life was tough in Malden. â€Å"Drinking, gambling, quarrels, fights, and shockingly immoral practices were frequent.† Washington himself got a job in the salt furnace and often had to go to work at four in the morning. Washington longed for an education. A school for Negro's opened in Malden, but his step-father would not let him leave work to attend. Washington was so determined to get an education that he arranged with the teachers to give him classes at night. He was later allowed to attend in the morning, but would then work all afternoon and into the evening. Booker did not have a last name until he went to school. â€Å"When he realized that all of the other children at the school had a ‘second' name, and the teacher asked him his, he invented the name Washington.† A great influence on Washington was Viola Ruffner, the wife of the owner of the salt furnace. Washington became her house boy, where he learned the importance of cleanness and hard work, and pride in a job well done. He would use these principles for the rest of his life. â€Å"The lessons I learned in the home of Mrs. Ruffner were as valuable to me as any education I have ever gotten anywhere since,† he later commented. Booker heard of a big school for Negro's in Hampton, Virginia, and he decided to go there. In 1872, at the age of sixteen, he set out on the 400 mile journey to Hampton, traveling most of the way by foot. When he finally arrived, he was so ragged and dirty that he almost wasn't admitted, but he was so persistent that they finally caved in, and he was allowed to attend. He studied there for three years, working as a janitor to pay his board. At Hampton, Washington participated in the debating society, which helped him develop a talent for public speaking. He used this talent many times throughout the rest of his life. In 1875, he graduated with honors and returned to Malden, where he taught elementary school. Two years later he went to Wayland Seminary, in Washington, DC, where he studied for eight months. He then was asked to come back to Hampton to be an instructor. In May, 1881, the principal of Hampton received a letter from a group in Tuskegee, Alabama, asking for help in starting a school for Negro's there. They were expecting a white man, but when they got Washington, they were quite pleased with him. On July 4, 1881, at the age of twenty-five, Washington founded The Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. The State of Alabama had sent $2,000 for the teachers' salaries, but had sent no money for land, buildings, or equipment. The school opened with 30 students. Most of them had some prior education, but they did not appreciate household cleanness, which was so valued by Washington. He wanted on-campus dormitories so he could supervise and improve the students' living habits. The school found an abandoned farm nearby, but it had no buildings fit for living or teaching in. Washington and his students raised enough money for construction, and they built the first brick building. They also built a kiln to make bricks for future projects as well as to manufacture and sell to others. Tuskegee Institute and its facilities grew, and so did its courses in agricultural and engineering subjects. The Institute survived its early years only through the perseverance of Washington. In the second month of the school's first year, Olivia Davidson joined Washington as his assistant. She was also a graduate of Hampton and of a Massachusetts normal school. She was not only Washington's assistant but also a teacher at the school. She would later marry Washington. â€Å"No single individual did more toward laying the foundations of Tuskegee Institute so as to insure the successful work that has been done there than Olivia A. Davidson.† Washington believed in the â€Å"dignity of labor.† He emphasized the teaching of â€Å"practical skills,† like brickmaking, carpentry and dairying for the boys, and cooking and sewing for the girls. He believed thatNegro's must make economic progress, and learn how to make a living first. In order to raise funds for the school, Washington traveled all over the country, giving hundreds of speeches expressing his ideas and explaining his program at the school. He became known nationally because of these speeches, which led to many contributors such as Andrew Carnagie, John Rockefellar, and Collis Huntington. As for Tuskegee Institute, its success was beyond Washington's wildest dreams. At the time of Washington's death, 34 years after its founding, the school property included 2,345 acres and 107 buildings, with nearly 200 faculty members and more than 1,500 students. Tuskegee Institute had become the world's leader in agricultural and industrial education for the Negro. Booker's spirit and name live on long after his death. He is remembered and admired for his struggle for the black man. Tuskegee Institute still exists today and is quite well off, with over 3,250 students, about 5,000 acres, and an annual budget of $75 million. Booker T. Washington is a wonderful example that even if you came from nothing, you can accomplish great things if you try hard enough and are willing to make the sacrifice.