Marketing Plan for for Herborist Cosmetic Company, China

Contents i Executive summary3 ii List of Chart/ Figure4 1. 0 Situation analysis5 1. 1 Company and products background5 1. 1. 1 Company introduction5 1. 1. 2 Products introduction5 1. 2 Industry introduction6 1. 2. 1 Market size and share6 1. 2. 2 Developing trends7 1. 3 Macro-environmental analysis8 1. 3. 1 Political and legal environment8 1. 3. 2 Economic environment9 1. 3. 3 Sociocultural environment9 1. 3. 4 Technological environment10 1. 4 Competitive analysis10 1. 5 Customer analysis11 1. 6 Distribution channels analysis11 2. 0 SWOT analysis12 2. 1 Strengths12 2. 1. 1 Good organic cosmetics brand image12 2. 1. Clear marketing position13 2. 1. 3 Strong parent company13 2. 2 Weakness13 2. 2. 1 Capital not strong as many international cosmetic companies13 2. 2. 2 Lack of brand awareness14 2. 2. 3 Huge room of improvement in operations management14 2. 3 Opportunity14 2. 3. 1 Potential consumption capacity14 2. 3. 2 2008 Olympic Games attract western to traditional Chinese elements ( ‘Chinese wind’)15 2. 4 Threat15 2. 4. 1 Tough competition15 2. 4. 216 2. 4. 3 Investment risk (ROI and cash flow)16 2. 4. 4 Economic crisis17 3. 0 Objectives17 3. 1 Corporate objective17 3. 2 Marketing objectives17 4. 0 Marketing strategy18 4. 1 Target market18 4. Positioning strategy18 4. 3 Marketing mix19 4. 3. 1 Product strategy19 4. 3. 2 Pricing strategy21 4. 3. 3 Promotion strategy22 4. 3. 4 Place strategy24 5. 0 Budget for the next three years27 6. 0 Projected profit and loss statement28 7. 0 Action program29 8. 0 Control & feedback29 8. 1 Sales analysis29 8. 2 Market share analysis30 8. 3 Profitability by product30 8. 4 Efficiency on advertising, sales promotion analysis30 8. 5 Sales-force efficiency31 9. 0 Reference32 i Executive summary The marketing plan is aimed to outline a systematic marketing strategy for Herborist Cosmetic Company, which is specialized in herbal cosmetics.This marketing plan will firstly carry out a deliberate analysis on the market share , size, macro environment, distribution channel, competitor, customer and SWOT analysis for Herborist in Chinese cosmetic market. And then, based on the analysis, it will state the corporate and marketing objectives of Herborist and then give proper marketing strategy recommendations for Herborist. On one hand the recommendations will include the aspect of market segmentation combined with targeting consumer statement as well as positioning strategy.On the other hand, the recommendations will also include the suggestions on marketing mix such as the product strategies, pricing strategies, distribution strategies and promotion strategies. ii List of Chart/ Figure Figure 1 Market share and growth of different cosmetics sub-sectors, 2009†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 Figure 2 Skin care brands: share of total sales, 2008-09†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 10 Chart 1 Marketing budget chart for year 2011 to 2013†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦27 Chart 2 Projected profit and loss statement (2011 — 2013)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 28 Chart 3 Implementation schedule†¦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‚¬ ¦29 1. Situation analysis 1. 1 Company and products background 1. 1. 1 Company introduction Shanghai Herborist Co. , Ltd. launched in 1998, as a subsidiary of the leading cosmetic producer Shanghai Jahwa United Co. , Ltd, is independently operated (Herborist official website 2010). As its great focus on using indigenous Chinese herbs in its natural beauty-care products, it has won population to a certain extent in the domestic cosmetic market of skin care aspect and was awarded with the title of â€Å"Shanghai famous brand† in 2005(Herborist official website 2010).And till the year 2008, Herborist has launched in Europ ean market through cooperation with Sephora, which is a leading cosmetics retailers owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy Group (Sephora official website 2010). 1. 1. 2 Products introduction The personal care products of Herborist personal are born based on the concept of combination of both modern biotechnology and traditional herbal medicine.Under the emphasis of the balance between traditional Chinese medicine theory and the high-tech means of modern technology, these products in Herborist can effectively recuperate skin, body and spirit to achieve the original beauty and make the users' skin as newly born (Herborist official website 2010). Herborist's products focus on not only the care of face and body but also the internal part, which always insist the concept of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into the latest fruits of modern biotechnology.Take its star product ‘Tai Chi Mud’ for example, it shows the last-for-ever Chinese aesthetic of balance via the comp atibility of Yin and Yang. And at the same time, due to the opening of Herborist Spa since the year 2002, Herborist cooperate the oil from herbal essence and herbal water therapy to offer women with holistic care, which also shows its concepts of balance beauty and health on the basis of Chinese traditional herbal medicine (Herborist official website 2010). 1. 2 Industry introduction 1. 2. Market size and share According to the research from Li and Fung (2009), it shows that the cosmetics market of China has enjoyed a continuous growth over recent years and China has become the second largest cosmetics market in Asia nowadays. And meanwhile, Chinese consumers' increasing purchasing power and more and more Chinese women's participation in the workforce have strengthened growth in the cosmetics market. Li and Fung (2009) also showed the data that retail value of China’s cosmetics has grown by 26. % and even reached ? 48. 83 billion CNY in 2008 from the National Bureau of Statis tics (NBS). Meanwhile, from Figure 1(Li & Fung 2009), we can see the skin care products have taken up a big market share even to 26. 3% of Chinese cosmetic market. And meanwhile the major market share of skin care products still dominated by some famous foreign brands such as P&G, Shieido, L'Oreal and some local low-end price brands such as Dabao and Longliqi(Li & Fung 2009).As the up-rising star of the cosmetic brand, Herborist’s market share is about 0. 3% out of the total market share till the first quarter of the year 2010 (Herborist official website 2010). Figure 1 Market share and growth of different cosmetics sub-sectors, 2009 Source: Access Asia 1. 2. 2 Developing trends On the basis of the survey from AMA Communication Services (2010), there is a trend of growing health awareness among Chinese consumers due to the development of China's economy.That's why Chinese consumers prefer cosmetic products using natural ingredients than chemical products, especially the ones with strong attachment to Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM), which is an essential part of Chinese culture. Due to this special preference of Chinese consumers, there is a trend that more and more players, not only domestic but also foreign ones, begin to position their cosmetic products with mild chemical formulae as well as herbal and natural ingredients (Li & Fung 2009).P, for instance, added herbal ingredients such as Shouwu and Ginseng to its nourishing shampoos series of Chinese market. Lux of Unilever also launched its shampoos series with the addition of Chinese herbal ingredients including Danggui, Gingko and Bai Hao Yinzhen in Chinese market. Under this trend, Herborist Co. , Ltd has launched series of natural beauty care products with the ingredients of herbs since the year of 1998, and now enjoys a good popularity of nature beauty care brand (Herborist official website 2010). . 3 Macro-environmental analysis Macro-environment is the outside factors including political, economic, sociocultural, technological and legal forces, which influence the survival of the organization (Elliott, Rundle-Thiele & Waller 2010). 1. 3. 1 Political and legal environment In China, central government still encourages the domestic product's growth, which is some kind of guarantee for the development of domestic cosmetic companies, such as Herborist Co. Ltd (Ting 2009). While, at the same time, with the implementation of some tight regulations on cosmetic products such as the Hygiene Standard for Cosmetics (2007 Edition) and the Hygiene Standard for Cosmetics Manufacturers (2007 edition), Chinese government and consumers pay more and more attention to the safety of cosmetic products, especially after the Japan-based SK-II was tested and found to contain some unapproved substances in Chinese counter (Li & Fung 2009).For instance the total number of prohibited and restricted substances used in cosmetics is higher at 1,286, and there is also strict limitation on the use of certain ingredients contained in preservatives, sunscreen agent, coloring agent and hair dye agent. This also puts Herborist on alert to focus on their products safety. 1. 3. 2 Economic environment The economic conditions in China offer Herborist Co. , Ltd not only opportunities but also risks. China is the second large cosmetic market in Asia and the total retail sales of cosmetics in China is about ? 48. 3 billion CNY in 2008, which shows the great potential consumption power for cosmetic players both global and local, including Herborist(Li & Fung 2009). While the tax rate for the skin care products in China is about 8% to 30% or so on and to comply with the World Trade Organization agreements, the import tariffs of cosmetic products has been gradually reduced over the past few years, which bring great pressure for Herborist to face not only the expensive product tax but also the hyper competition from products of foreign players due to the relatively cheaper price compared to t he previous after the reduction of import tariffs. . 3. 3 Sociocultural environment There is a special preference on natural ingredients specially the addition of herbal material in skin care products, due to the Chinese Traditional Medicine therapy is the essence of Chinese culture (AMA Communication Services 2010). As for Herborist, this preference on natural ingredients skin care products of Chinese consumers is a great advantage. 1. 3. 4 Technological environment The increased usage of the internet in China is the result from the development of technology, which results in the popularity of expansion the online platform for product sale for most cosmetic companies.Under this situation, Herborist has also set up online platforms to show its products in order to reach more young customers (Herborist official website 2010). 1. 4 Competitive analysis As shown in figure 2 (Li & Fung 2009), the top 10 skin care brands accounted for nearly 80% sales in 2009 of Chinese market, in which the foreign players take up a large share in the mid-high and high-end segments such as P&G, L’Oreal and Shiseido. For Herborist these foreign brands including Olay, L’Oreal, Aupres, Yue-Sai, Avon, Shiseido and so on which also have the orientation on mid and mid-high segments are the powerful opponents.Figure 2 Skin care brands: share of total sales, 2008-09 2009 2008 BrandCompany nameShare of total sales (%) OlayProcter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd 29. 71 AupresShiseido Liyuan Cosmetics Co Ltd 18. 94 L’OrealL’Oreal China11. 83 LancomeL’Oreal China7. 60 ShiseidoShiseido Liyuan Cosmetics Co Ltd 3. 47 Yue-SaiL’Oreal China2. 52 DeBonLG Household & Health Care Ltd 1. 32 TJOYNanjing Jianong Chemical Co. Ltd1. 11 DabaoBeijing San Lu Factory0. 61 Pond’sUnilever China Ltd 0. 61 Others22. 29 BrandCompany nameShare of total sales (%) OlayProcter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd 34. 0 AupresShiseido Liyuan Cosmetics Co Ltd 13. 91 L’OrealL’Ore al China8. 36 DabaoBeijing San Lu Factory 5. 74 LongliqiJiangsu Longliqi Group Co Ltd 3. 61 TJOYNanjing Jianong Chemical Co. Ltd 2. 58 Yue-SaiL’Oreal China2. 33 AvonAvon (China) Co Ltd 1. 36 MininurseL’Oreal China1. 08 Pond’sUnilever China Ltd 1. 01 Others25. 82 1. 5 Customer analysis According to the research carried out by AMA Communication Services (2010), the average monthly expenditure on beauty and skin care products of female white collar consumers in Shanghai, Beijing reached 1,000 RMB (about 150 USD).And in other secondary cities of China, there is also large consumption capacity on skin care products. According to the data from Herborist official website (2010), there are at least 270,000 consumers as its members and near 90,000 core member, who contributes nearly 45% consumption of Herborist’s products. Moreover, most of the core members of Herborist are the ones who switch from using international high-end skin care products to Herboristâ€⠄¢s products and they have great brand loyalty to Herborist.Meanwhile these core members are also have great influence on motivating other consumers choosing Herborist’s products. 1. 6 Distribution channels analysis There are diverse distribution channels for Herborist to deliver its products to domestic consumers such as opening counters in China’s major department stores and professional stores and setting up specialty stores to sell its products (Herborist official website 2010). For instance, Herborist has already opened nearly 450 specialty stores until 2008, 70% of them are franchises. 2. SWOT analysis For Herborist, to have a better business performance, it is crucial to be able to understand the current opportunities in the market place, the major threat it may faced at the present as well as in the future, the strengths that Herborist owns compared with other competitors and the weakness which may affect its performance and future development (Elliott, Rundle- Thiele & Waller 2010). The SWOT analysis for Herborist will be implemented in the following, which will indentify the internal strengths, weakness, the external opportunities and threats related to Herborist. . 1 Strengths 2. 1. 1 Good organic cosmetics brand image Since the year of 1998, Herborist has begun to distinguish itself via intergrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into the latest fruits of modern biotechnology. And till now, it has already built a good image of organic cosmetics. The philosophy via Yin-Yang balance to enable skin, body and spirit to reach idea harmony and radiate natural, individualized and healthy beauty, has welcomed by a great many Chinese consumers(Herborist official website 2010). . 1. 2 Clear marketing position Herborist has posited itself as organic skin care brand and oriented itself targeted at middle and high income female white collar consumers, which attracts more than 270,000 consumers as its members and near 90,000 core members (Herborist of ficial website 2010). 2. 1. 3 Strong parent company The parent company of Herborist is Shanghai Jahwa United Co. , Ltd, a leading Chinese domestic cosmetics producer, which is good at integrating R&D, production, distribution and service.And meanwhile, Shanghai Jahwa has planed to invest ? 170 million to enhance the market share of Herborist, which can facilitate the development and maturity of Herborist(Herborist official website 2010). 2. 2 Weakness 2. 2. 1 Capital not strong as many international cosmetic companies Although Herborist has the support from Shanghai Jahwa, the capital of it is still not strong as some international cosmetic companies, which limits its spending on research and development (Whiteman & Krug 2008). . 2. 2 Lack of brand awareness Although Herborist has gain a reputation of healthy and organic skin care brand, it still lack brand awareness among several Chinese consumers, due to the limited investment in advertising. For instance, Herborist only promotes its products in print advertisement while ignoring other channels such TV ads, radio ads and so on (Chinairn 2009). 2. 2. 3 Huge room of improvement in operations management Operations management is another weak part for Herborist.It is reported that poor logistics management has led to long lead-time, high inventory as well as capital tie-up which place heavy burden on the future development of Herborist (Chinairn 2009). 2. 3 Opportunity 2. 3. 1 Potential consumption capacity In September 2006, the products of SK-II was tested and found to contain some unapproved substances in Chinese counter, followed by other world famous cosmetic brand including Clinique, Lancome, Dior and Estee Lauder whose cosmetic products were said to have prohibited substances (Ting, C. 2009).Due to these incidents, more and more Chinese consumers began to choose some organic and herbal skin care products, which is a great opportunity for Herborist to meet. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NB S), the consumption power on cosmetic products will reach at ? 60 billion CNY in 2010, in which skin care products will take up nearly 30% of the total number, which for Herborist is really good new chance (Li & Fung 2009). 2. 3. 2 2008 Olympic Games attract western to traditional Chinese elements (‘Chinese wind’) Because of the 2008 Olympic Games, all the attention was focused on China which brought a Chinese wind.In skin care aspect, not only the Chinese consumers began to switch to choose herbal and organic products but also the foreign consumers show great interest in the skin care products with traditional Chinese medicine inside (AMA Communication Services 2010). As organic cosmetic brand specialized in herbal cosmetics, Herborist has developed under the concept of intergrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into the latest fruits of modern biotechnology, which made Herborist become one of the most popular domestic organic cosmetic brands in Chinese market under the ‘Chinese wind’(Simon 2009). 2. 4 Threat 2. . 1 Tough competition For Herborist, the biggest threat is the tough competition mostly from international players. Chinese skin care market is almost occupied by international cosmetics giants including L’Oreal, P&G, Estee Lauder Shiseido and so on (Li & Fung 2009). And because of the excellent brand building and management capability, massive advertising efforts as well as leading research and development capability, the products from multinational cosmetics corporations stand for quality, reliability and reputation in hearts of Chinese consumers compared with the local brands (Li & Fung 2009).For Herborist, to beat these international cosmetics giants and win more customers from them are really a big challenge. 2. 4. 2 Image of ‘made in China’ The tag of ‘made in china’ often stands for cheap price while poor quality, which also exits in skin care products (Wharton n. d). Just like the forei gn brands stands for quality, reliability and reputation, the Chinese made skin care products for foreign customers means poor in quality and even the same for some Chinese consumers.For Herborist, this kind of phenomenon is a great threat to both expand the domestic market share and especially position itself for the international markets. 2. 4. 3 Investment risk (ROI and cash flow) From the official website of Herborist (2010), the company has planed to invest ? 170 million to enhance the market share. Although it is good news for Herborist’s future development, it has to consider the issue on the period of return on investment (ROI).Herborist has the experience of too long time ROI, for instance, Herborist began to make profit after it came into the domestic cosmetic market seven years (Herborist official website 2010). If the return on this time’s ? 170 million investment still last too long, Herborist has to face the risk of cash flow problem, which may result in big financial dilemma for Herborist. 2. 4. 4 Economic crisis Due to the economic crisis in the recent year, the purchasing power is reduced and preference is inclined to relatively cheap products which for Herborist oriented on middle to high cosmetic products is a kind of pressure (Li & Fung 2009). . 0 Objectives 3. 1 Corporate objective Corporate objective for Herborist is to become a world class enterprise with the capability of innovation and creativity to not only continuously introduce high quality new products to meet the needs of the consumers but also maintain good quality products under the concept of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into the latest fruits of modern biotechnology (Herborist official website 2010). 3. 2 Marketing objectives The marketing objectives for Herborist include two parts.On the one hand, Herborist plans to expand its cover of domestic distribution channels to 170 main cities and enlarge the retail terminals from 700 to 1,200. On the other h and, Herborist plans to expand its market outside the China mainland market via the cooperation with Sephora (Herborist official website 2010). Herborist aims to achieve ? 1. 35 billion of sales revenue in the end of 2014 and increase the revenue as well as Compound Average Growth Rate (CAGR) to 21. 98% within the next five years (Herborist official website 2010). . 0 Marketing strategy The following is the market strategy for Herborist including the targeted market, position as well as marketing mix strategies, which is based on the above analysis. 4. 1 Target market As the organic cosmetic company, Herborist is specialized in herbal cosmetics. In the full of furious competition cosmetic market of China, the primary consumer target for Herborist is middle to upper income white collar females who prefer natural, mild but effective skin care products.The secondary consumer target is college female students, who look for mild products to maintain their young and fresh skins. This segm ent is focused on these female college students who prefer buying international cosmetic brand while have pressures on the pricing part. According to the survey that there is an increasing rate on the purchasing capability of female college or university students towards middle to high end cosmetic products, which is an important segment for Herborist to focus(AMA Communication Services). . 2 Positioning strategy Herborist will position itself as the middle to high end cosmetic products which focuses on the balance between traditional Chinese medicine theories adherence to Chinese elements of Tai chi, lotus, green and the high-tech means of modern technology to continuously introduce high quality new products to meet the needs of the consumers on their skin care. 4. Marketing mix Marketing mix describes these different elements such as price, product, promotion, place, people, and process and so on that marketers need to consider (Elliott, Rundle-Thiele, & Waller 2010), which is ess ential for Herborist to consider in its marketing process to achieve better performance. The following will analyze four areas of marketing mix including the aspects of price, product, promotion, and place for Herborist’s marketing process. 4. 3. Product strategy Product is defined as a good, service or idea offered to the market for exchange, which plays a vital role in the marketing process, which is the means for companies to satisfy the functional, social and psychological needs, wants and demands of customers (Elliott, Rundle-Thiele, & Waller 2010). For Herborist, it is important to emphasize the importance of the product strategy. 4. 3. 1. 1 Product diversification strategy Palmer (2009) advocated the importance of product diversification strategy, which is also proper for Herborist.Products all have their lifecycles and especially the skin care products have the relatively short lifecycle (Kotler& Armstrong 2008), so it is important for Herborist to focus on the produc t innovation and providing a wider product portfolio to meet the market requirements under deliberate market analysis. Moreover, besides the innovation on skin care products, Herborist is recommended to enhance its R&D capacity on color cosmetics, hair care, and men’s cosmetics to perfect it products range of cosmetic products.Only under these activities can Herborist meet Chinese customers’ consumption concept of pursuit for practical, fresh, beautiful as well as top quality. 4. 3. 1. 2 Establishing strong brand loyalty Kotler and Armstrong (2008) believe the importance of establishment of brand loyalty. For Herborist, besides the already built membership system, it is also recommended to apply for the ISO9001 quality system certification, which can enhance the customers’ confidence of Herborist to improve customers’ favorable attitude and purchasing behavior towards Herborist’s products. 4. 3. 1. Maintenance its orientation As the organic cosmeti c brand, it’s important for Herborist to maintain its advantage on herbal cosmetics. To search the future development, it’s so essential for Herborist to maintain its image of Chinese characteristics. Only depending on this distinctiveness, can Herborist have more chances to become world famous cosmetic brand just like the road of the body shop and Shiseido does. 4. 3. 1. 4 Developing the packing and design of products One of the important means for gaining more market share is to have a distinct product design and packing (Elliot, Rundle-Thiele & Waller 2010).For Herborist, it is essential to focus more on packaging design to attract more consumers with high quality packaging materials for different products series and give people impression of domestic goods while foreign quality. For instance, the introduction of Chinese elements can be adopted in the product designing and packing such as Chinese painting, lotus and so on are all very Chinese style and give people a n impression of elegance and fresh, which is fit for Herborist’s image of herbal cosmetics. 4. 3. 2 Pricing strategy The price of products setting has great influence on companies’ rofit and marketing process, as the competitive environment changes, companies are recommended to consider when to initiate prices change and when to respond to them (Kotler &Armstrong 2008). For Herborist, it is important to consider proper pricing strategy to respond to the fluctuant marketing environment. 4. 3. 2. 1 Prestige pricing strategy To maintain the image of middle to high end cosmetic brand and accelerate the pace of advance to the high-end market, Herborist is recommended to adopt prestige pricing strategy (Kotler & Armstrong 2008), which requires Herborist to introduce its new products as a relatively middle to high price.For instance, with the gift box priced at ? 500 CNY, New Tai Chi Mud Mask ? 380 CNY and so on, Herborist has set a relatively good image of middle to high end cosmetic brand which shows the image of prestige, quality and exclusively to Chinese consumers who often hold the opinion that high price means high quality(Whiteman & Krug 2008). 4. 3. 2. 2 Product bundle pricing The price of Herborist’s products is almost at the same level with the international middle to high end cosmetic products especially the Shiseido.To strengthen its position of middle to high end cosmetic brand, it isn’t recommended for Herborist to discount its products too much and too often, because there is a deep rooted concept among Chinese consumers that cheap means low quality. While to attract consumers, it is necessary to offer discount. So it is recommended for Herborist to adopt product bundle pricing, which means combining several products together and offering the bundle at a reduced price (Kotler & Armstrong 2008), which can help Herborist improve profit via motivating more buying power. . 3. 3 Promotion strategy Promotion is the creation and m aintenance of communication with target markets, which makes potential consumers, partners and society aware of. Deliberate designed promotion strategy can help Herborist make consumers aware of and interested in its products and effectively and efficiently communicate its message about the products to the market place (Elliott, Rundle-Thiele& Waller2010,). The promotion strategy for Herborist is as below. 4. 3. 3. Outstanding special features Because China's consumers are almost pragmatists, if we only use some abstract and vague slogan and general propaganda tactics, it is difficult to persuade consumers to buy the products. The professional TCM report plus practical description in advertisement is recommended to highlight the effect of Herborist’s products to strengthen the confidence of consumers’ brand loyalty. And meanwhile, it is also recommended for Herborist to offer some free trial to consumers to get more feedback after they used, which can also help Herbori st promote its products. . 3. 3. 2 Advertising and brand ambassador Based on the survey from Solomon (2009), celebrities and beauty experts have huge influences on cosmetic purchases in Chinese market, which results in consumers relying on trial and error from celebrities and beauty experts rather than spending too much money on their own cosmetic trials. Due to this special scenario, finding a proper brand ambassador is recommended for Herborist to attract more customers via the convincing power from celebrities.The proper brand ambassador can help Herborist reach the needs of more consumers and strengthen its healthy and fresh image as herbal cosmetics and enhance its brand cognition. At the same time, it is also wise for Herborist to strengthen its propaganda coverage via ads on the newspapers, magazine as well as in public places such posting large poster in bus station, MTR station and other public places to attract more attention, which can largely incent consumers’ des ire to purchase Herborist’s products.Furthermore, sponsoring TV and radio programs on healthy life and beauty can also help Herborist to portray the image of advocating healthy, natural brand. 4. 3. 3. 3 Perfect customer relation management (CRM) Palmer (2009) claimed that it is so crucial for companies to develop good customer relationships because good quality alone may be insufficient for a company to gain competitive advantages in increasingly competitive markets, while good customer relation management can supplement a firm’s competitive advantage.For Herborist, it is necessary to improve the pre sales and after sales service. For instance, before purchasing products from Herborist, it is necessary to give proper and professional suggestions and guidance, which is an important part of brand building. Furthermore, providing professional beauty care lectures for consumers, free skin analysis under the help of professional skin analytical instrument as well as provid ing customers with improved return protection to enhance the reputation and the customers’ sense of belonging are all good approaches. 4. 3. Place strategy Herborist has already built a diverse distribution channels to deliver its cosmetic products to consumers, such as opening counters in China’s major department stores, professional stores and setting up specialty stores to sell its products (Herborist official website 2010). To become a world class Chinese cosmetic enterprise, Herborist is recommended to expand and strengthen its distribution channel. 4. 3. 4. 1 Open counter in big chain supermarkets Big chain supermarkets in China are important sales channels for lower-priced cosmetics products in a long history.While due to the launching of middle–range brands of broadening products such as Mininurse, Garnier and Maybelline in these retail chains by L’Oreal, P and other cosmetic giants, big chain Supermarkets in China have become new channels for mid dle price cosmetic brand to reach a wider audience (Li & Fung 2009). These foreign-owned hypermarkets and supermarkets such as Carrefour and Wal-mart as well as locals such as Lianhua , Hualian as well as Trust mart are often the initial choices.For Herborist, it is also recommended to open counters to launch its middle price range products in these hypermarkets and supermarkets just like L’Oreal, P and other leading cosmetic companies do, which can help Herborist to reach its secondary consumer target of college female students and other consumers who are searching for middle price cosmetic products in supermarkets and hypermarkets. 4. 3. 4. 2 Online sales Online sales may just represent a small share in overall cosmetics sales, but we can’t ignore its potential.And on the basis of the data got from the China Internet Network Information Centre, in the first half of 2007 there are more than 70% of the 162 million Internet population aged under 30 (Li & Fung 2009), for Herborist it is a powerful channel to reach parts of its primary and secondary consumers such as the young female white collar and college students. Although Herborist has set up online platforms to show its products, it hasn’t begun its online sales.To capture the huge potential, Herborist is recommended to launch online sales on its online platform, just like other successful cosmetics players have done, including DHC from Japan, SaSa and Sephora (Li & Fung 2009). For launching online sales, it can help Herborist to save more cost in hiring stores. For instance, some professional software for online sales such as Integrated Distribution System adopted by P have the distinctiveness of quick, effective, low cost, low risk, which is recommended for Herborist to adopt (AMA Communication Services 2010). . 3. 4. 3 Choosing proper agent The failure of Herborist in Hong Kong market is as below (Herborist official website 2010). At first, Herborist directly copied the sales model o f the mainland market, which can’t localize itself it the Hong Kong market. Secondly, Herborist invest too much to build its sales channel, which largely increased its sales cost. Thirdly, the strong resistance to the new brand such as Herborist in the Hong Kong market, which cost Herborist too much to enhance its brand cognitive.For Herborist, it is more suitable to find proper local agent to facilitate it expand in the market outside mainland China. For instance, it is recommended for Herborist to relaunch its products in Hong Kong market via the cooperation with SaSa. As a Hong Kong-based cosmetics retailing and beauty services provider, SaSa has already built well sales network and is experienced in solving the problems on new brand cognitive as well as has a good image of cosmetics retailing and beauty services provider (Li & Fung 2009), which can facilitate Herborist successfully come into the Hong Kong market. . 3. 4. 4 Pharmacies As a organic cosmetic brand and specia lized in herbal cosmetics, Herborist is recommended to launched its products in pharmacies just as these successful cosmeceutical brands do, including French Eau Thermale Avene, Vichy and La Roche-Posay, Japan’s Kanebo, Freeplus and Shiseido Ferzea and so on.As the research from AMA Communication Services (2010) showing, the skin care products in pharmacies to Chinese consumers means mild, soft, effective and professional, that’s why most of the Chinese cosmetic consumers have begun to switch their choices to cosmetic products in pharmacies, especially after the Japan-based SK-II was tested and found to contain some unapproved substances in Chinese counter. For Herborist, pharmacies are recommended distribution channels to gain more potential consumers. 5. Budget for the next three years The Chart below outlines the following three years budgets of Herborist on sales, promotions, distribution, and other related areas from 2011 to 2013. Chart 1 Marketing budget chart fo r year 2011 to 2013 Items Budget for 2011Budget for 2012Budget for 2013 Advertisement ? 30,000? 40,000? 50,000 Sale force training and stimulation? 5,000? 5,000? 5,000 Distribution channel expansion? 3,000? 4,000? 5,000 Distribution channel maintenance? 2,000? 2,500? 3,000 Website maintenance? 2,000? 2,000? 2,000 Website improvement ? 0,000? 8,000? 8,000 Public relations? 4,000? 4,000? 3,000 R? 20,000? 22,000? 25,000 Total? 76,000? 87,500? 101,000 In thousands (CNY) 6. 0 Projected profit and loss statement The chart below is the d profit and loss statement forecast of Herborist for year 2011 to 2013 Chart 2 Projected profit and loss statement (2011 — 2013) Subjects Time ? Thousands (CNY)Total ? Thousands (CNY) 201120122013201120122013 Total sales revenue ? 1,200,624 ? 107,052 ? 1,093,572? 1,253,049 ? 120,493 ? 1,132,556? 1,367,446 ? 35,240 ? 1,232,206 Advertisement &Promotion? 30,000? 40,000? 50,000 Sale force training and stimulation? 5,000? 5,000? 5,000 Distribution channel expansion? 3,000? 4,000? 5,000 Distribution channel maintenance? 2,000? 2,500? 3,000 Website maintenance? 2,000? 2,000? 2,000 Website improvement? 10,000? 8,000? 8,000 Public relations? 4,000? 4,000? 3,000 R&D? 20,000? 22,000? 25,000 Tax ? 21,052? 21,961? 23,997 Other expenses? 10,000? 11,032? 10,243 Total expenses Profit In thousands (CNY) 7. Action program Herborist will implement series of activities to facilitate itself achieve its business objectives in from the year 2011. Chart 3 Implementation schedule Subject123456789101112Total ? (CNY) 76,000,000 Sale force training and stimulation 5,000,000 Modification and improvement on website. 12,000,000 Integrated propagandas campaign on targeting consumers via on print, radio, TV, internet means 4,000,000 sales promotion with the continuing of the multimedia advertising campaign. 30,000,000 Research and development on products 0,000,000 Deliberate research to expand its distribution channels and maintenance 2,000,000 Expansion of its business to more locations. 3,000,000 8. 0 Control & feedback 8. 1 Sales analysis Herborist is planning to strengthen the systems for sale analysis, due to the timely data on sales is curial for the whole marketing plan. Furthermore, the sales analysis is recommended to be implemented monthly, which can facilitate Herborist to develop contingency plans to address the fast moving environmental changes, especially the customers’ needs (Kotler & Armstrong 2008). . 2 Market share analysis Under the stage of expansion, the market share analysis is necessary for Herborist to conduct which is recommended to be done quarterly in order to watch the market closely. 8. 3 Profitability by product To facilitate R&D programs of Herborist, the profitability by products analysis can be done yearly and used as reference to help Herborist decide its future investment on products’ modification and innovation which can bring better profit for the company. . 4 Efficiency on advert ising, sales promotion analysis To analyze the efficiency of advisements and sales promotion quarterly for Herborist quarterly is essential, which can make Herborist have a clearly picture of the effectiveness its promotion strategy and facilitate the modification and better orientation of the advertising and sales promotion campaign more effectively in the following quarter. 8. Sales-force efficiency The sales force efficiency should be measured both on the bases of the sale volume that they have brought to the company, and the potential capability of staffs in the sale force, which help Herborist best position its sale forces to win more income. 9. 0 Reference AMA Communication Services 2010, High-end cosmetics trends in China, greenbook. org, viewed 11 July 2010, Chinairn 2009, (Successful case study on domestic cosmetic industry), chinairn. om, viewed 12 July 2010, Elliott, G. , Rundle-Thiele, S & Waller, D. 2010, Marketing, John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, Australia, Herboris t official website 2010, Company profile, herborist. com. cn, viewed 11 July 2010, Kotler, P. & Armstrong, G. 2008, Principles of marketing, 12th edn, Pearson Education International, New Jersey, Li & Fung 2009, Latest developments of China’s cosmetics market, Li & Fung Research Centre, viewed 11 July 2010, Palmer, A. 009, Introduction to marketing theory and practice, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, New York, Sephora official website 2010, Sephora stories, sephora. com, viewed 11 July 2010, Simon 2009, Herborist: A successful Chinese cosmetics brand, enovate 2010, viewed 13 July 2010, Solomon, J. 2009, Skincare companies dominating the cosmetic market in China, seekingalpha. com, viewed 14 July 2010, Ting, C. 2009, China’s homegrown makeup gains popularity, Beijing kswchina. om inc. , viewed 12 July 2010, Wharton n. d. , Special report: New challenge for made in China, electronic version, Boston Consulting Group, Whiteman, G. & Krug, B. 2008, Beauty and the beast: C onsumer stakeholders demand action in China, vol. 1, Journal of International Business Ethics, Xia XH. 2010, (Suggestions on strategic branding for Herborist), China's science and technology research center of citation index evaluation, viewed 14 July 2010,

Ikea Invades America Essay

Founded in 1943 by a poor Swedish farmer named Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA is now one of the largest furniture retailers in the world. From its inception, Kamprad wanted to create cheap, quality furniture that everyone could afford. That formula led to IKEA’s early success in Sweden and has carried over until today. To its customers, IKEA is not just a store but a way of life, which may be evident through the cult-like following the company has achieved. When talking about the four P’s of marketing (product, price, place, promotion), there are few companies in the world that have mastered this concept better than IKEA. IKEA has been able to recognize the demands of its shoppers and create compelling products that meet those demands at a reasonable price. Its products are sold at unique stores that serve strategically important, geographic markets. This paper examines the factors that have made IKEA such a big success and offers some recommendations for future growth in the United States. Today, IKEA has over 240 stores in 35 countries and has revenues of over $26 billion. Its revenues double every 5-6 years and the company is now expanding to growing markets like China, Japan, and Brazil. The future of IKEA looks brighter than ever. For a brief snapshot of IKEA’s current sales around the world see Appendix 1. In 1985, IKEA decided to invade America. Faced with this early failure, IKEA retooled its furniture to fit American tastes. IKEA soon became the fastest growing furniture retailer and the 14th largest furniture retailer overall in the United States. IKEA executives needed to find a balance of how to create new furniture offerings without losing its unique design and corporate soul. By examining IKEA’s marketing strategy and answering a series of four questions, we have developed recommendations (see Appendix 2) that we think will lead to IKEA’s continued growth and success. 1) What are some of the ways that furniture retailers have sought to overcome these purchase obstacles? : a) identifying a product that consumers like, b) visualizing the product in the consumer’s home, and c) getting the product in the consumer’s home? In furniture sales, there are two general strategies: the low-end and the high-end. The low-end offers cheap, utilitarian furniture that is dreary looking. Cheap furniture is marketed to people such as college students who have a small budget. The cheap furniture is also displayed in poorly lit showrooms that offer little to no customer service. High-end furniture stores compete on quality and service. The high-end offers a large selection in each style and sub-style of furniture, which results in the showroom having a large inventory. The broad, variety strategy virtually guarantees that a customer’s preferred style will be available. The high-end stores also have high touch sales associates to help customers with product selection and furniture measurement. Sales associates are trained to educate their customers; such as explaining the life spans of different materials. They also reassure customers that their furniture will last a life time. Visualizing a piece of furniture in a person’s home can be very difficult. The high-end furniture stores have beautiful showrooms that are elaborately decorated to help the customer visualize where they can place new furniture or how they can redecorate their home. High-end stores also offer interior design services. Most retailers offer credit to make high-end furniture more affordable. All retailers offer home delivery, sometimes free, to make the transition as painless as possible for the customer. As an added bonus, retailers offer to assemble the furniture in the customer’s home. Sometimes, delivering the furniture also involves rearranging furniture, as well as removing and discarding old furniture. Providing these services makes the purchase of new furniture an easy and worry-free process. 2) Explain IKEA’s reverse positioning strategy. IKEA created a matrix used to prioritize product lineup and price. (See Appendix 3) Primarily the matrix is used to set a target retail price and select a product style. With the matrix system, IKEA is able to identify product line opportunities and gaps; creating a well rounded store. IKEA has avoided the image of the low end furniture store by displaying furniture in brightly lit showrooms. These showrooms help customers envision how the furniture interacts with the allotted space. Plus color coordinated cards provide design tips and information kiosks are on hand to help customers. All of these features reinforce IKEA’s self service ethos without making the customer feel abandoned. In IKEA’s case, the firm rejected the standard business models for both high-end and low-end furniture stores. IKEA’s furniture is composed of cheaper parts that are not visible and are not under high stress through use and a higher quality material is used for the visible parts or parts under high stress. This gives IKEA’s furniture a higher end look while keeping their costs low. IKEA’s reverse positioning kept prices low, while eliminating many services thought essential to a higher-end store. The company replaced them with unique services for its category: a bright, inviting showroom, furniture that was attractively designed, a child care center, a restaurant serving Swedish meatballs, and brightly colored house wares and clever toys. As a result, IKEA successfully avoided the feel of the low-end retailers, and customers â€Å"find the IKEA shopping experience to be immensely appealing (Moon, â€Å"IKEA Invades America,† 5). 3) What are some of the various product/service attributes that IKEA has chosen to withhold from its customers? IKEA seems to incorporate a hybrid strategy focusing on both cost and differentiation. IKEA attempts to price in the low to midrange category. IKEA does not build its furniture to last a lifetime, which in-fact flows well with its ad campaigns focused on letting go of the semimetal value Americans often place on furniture. IKEA products are known for falling apart after a few years; however, its customers are typically satisfied with the look, functionality, and affordability of IKEA products (Moon, 2004, p. 5). Its focus is on cost-efficiency, so the company uses higher-quality materials on visible surfaces and lower-quality materials elsewhere. High-end stores compete on quality and â€Å"high touch† experience and selection. Nearly all types of furniture stores offer delivery services. However, IKEA successfully eliminated many of these attributes. IKEA products are designed to be transported unassembled in flat boxes, which keeps shipping costs low and prevents IKEA from having to deliver/assemble furniture for customers (Moon, 2004, p. ). Customers are responsible for transportation of their furniture and assembly of their furniture. Although this step may seem like its decreasing the consumer experience/perceived product value; it’s actually keeping the customer involvement level high. Moreover, the competitive pricing offered at IKEA is attributed to letting customer build their own furniture, which keeps costs to a minimum. Formerly, IKEA only produced a few different designs; however, this has changed in recent years. In order to be consistent with IKEA’s self-service ethos and to keep costs low, the ratio of sales assistants to customers is kept low. The low number of sales associates can have a negative effect on the consumer experience. To handle furniture questions, customers are provided with product descriptions and measuring tape so they can make their own measurements. 4) What are some of the areas that IKEA has managed to achieve cost efficiency by implementing a number of firm-specific operation processes? A number of cost effective operating processes have been implemented by IKEA. In furniture design, IKEA engineers often select cheaper/low quality materials for less visible areas that experience minimal stress and expensive materials for visible areas that undergo stress. This aids IKEA in producing durable, good-quality products at low costs. IKEA has worked with over 1,800 suppliers in over 50 countries and often uses suppliers from developing countries. To keep costs down, IKEA usually purchases in bulk and often orders various components of a given product from different suppliers. IKEA is strict with employees about waste; it enforces minimal travel budgets and requires them to save electricity. IKEA keeps a small staff in stores and provides self-serve trolleys to aid consumers in loading their vehicles. Typical furniture retailers require a larger staff and/or incur shipping costs for delivery of their bulky, already assembled products. Flat packaging allows IKEA customers to transport their purchases home and eliminates the expense of home delivery. IKEA’s flat packaging strategy is another firm specific operating process. The strategy was inspired by an employee who, in 1955, removed the legs off a table to fit it into a customer’s car. This strategy requires designers to keep in mind the amount of space their products take up in their unassembled form. Flat packaging also helps prevent damage to the products during the shipping process. IKEA will often redesign their products multiple times to achieve space optimization and reduce shipping costs. Space optimization typically lowers prices for consumers; however, it may lengthen the assembly process. IKEA should continue to incorporate cost cutting activities across the board so long as the consumer experience remains positive.

Literature revie of success factors of ecommerce in fashion Article

Literature revie of success factors of ecommerce in fashion - Article Example IMRG, the leading industry body for global e-Retailing has been keeping an eye on e-business figures for quite some time now. For instance year 2000 figures from IMRG indicate that online revenues for fashion goods grew at 30 percent, while in 2005 an estimated 24 million people spent over 1.6 billion online in 2005. According to e-bay, the pioneering e-retailing site on the net, a piece of clothing sells every 7seconds on their site (Morrell, 2006) and Topshop’s website is believed to be its second largest outlet after its oxford street flag shop store (Dudley, 2005). This goes on to show that e-retailing for fashion products is becoming a ‘fashion trend’ now, having been identified as the fastest growing online sector in the UK presenting 9 per cent of all online British retailing (Ashworth et al). In 2004, retail fashion market in the UK amounted to 37 billion in (Mintel) whereas the total value for the book retail market in the same year was a mere 3.62billion (Mintel). This is indeed quite an encouraging sign for the fashion industry. Internet also allows live conferencing and academic exchange amongst the designers and fashion retailer. Such interactive session also help in breeding interest amongst more buyers and sellers. Issues now being discussed include relating to consumer behaviour, enhancing the displays, academic exchanges. Such discussion help in persuading the average consumer to go for online clothing purchase (Kim) and examinations of cross channel shopping behaviour involving fashion purchases via the catalogue and online (Lu). Some such work is also focused upon the components of fashion web consumer perceptions of these (Kim). Virtual e-tailers: These are the virtual fashion apparel stores on the net, offering a range of cloths and fashion accessories to the consumer. In fact, on account of the growing popularity, these

Exemplar approach Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Exemplar approach - Essay Example The results of the approach depend on the categorization which is done based on the concept categorization. When compared to the other approaches, exemplar approach can be applied to any sort of psychological illusions and problems. The category is classified based on the psychological approaches and this is done to ensure that they are classified in a proper manner. Concepts and categories form the major part of the exemplar approach. The cognitive and psychological functions require concepts and categories. This is one of the striking differences between exemplar approach and other psychological approaches. These are essential to determine the psychological functions and activities of a person. Concepts are considered as the representations and activities based on the mental representations. The use of these concepts is more in exemplar approach due to the varied psychological aspects used in it. Concepts indicate the ideas and ideologies pertaining to a particular idea. These repr esentations include understanding; thinking and even the memory power are included in the classification of concept. Since these are the direct interpretation from one’s mind, they are given more importance. Concepts are classified into three major types namely classification, prototype and exemplar approach. ... (Shan, 2005). These categories are classified and described using several approaches like prototype approach, definitional approach and exemplar approach. In terms of exemplar approach, category is described as the principle that helps to point out the knowledge that has been classified using the concepts. (Braisby, 2005). Category is a collection of properties or items that are similar in nature or by their property. The similar objects possess things that have common properties. The words and properties that are used to define an object are also considered as concepts since they directly deal with the ideas of the people. Exemplar- A Unique Approach Exemplar approach stands out due to its unique approach and easy methodology that is used in dealing with psychological problems. There are certain differences that make exemplar the most sought after method. The major problems with classical approach and prototype approach are eradicated in this approach. Classical approach generally h as problem with defining attributes for a particular category, where as exemplar approach easily generates the required attributes. Classical approach uses fuzzy concept, but exemplar approach uses well defined objects to determine the mental representations. Prototype approach also lacks in certain aspects but exemplar approach scores over them in almost all the aspects. Prototype approach implements abstract concept and this act as a disadvantage while deriving categories. In case of exemplar approach, concrete concept is used since it deals with physical presence. A definite and predefined structure is not followed either in prototype or classical approach. Exemplar approach makes use of predefined steps

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS (Strategic Management) Essay

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS (Strategic Management) - Essay Example On the external assessment, aspects such as the political environment of the host nation are very important to be assessed. This is because hostile political landscape is very unforgiving to the economic progress, which can delay the breakeven point once investment has been made on the global market. Additionally, economic nationalism is another component that needs to be examined. According to Greenfield (2003), strong economic nationalism in the host nation will result in a strong affinity on the homemade products than those of the foreigners hence this will result in rejection or poor entourage to the host nation as the global market. With assessment, host nation that embrace economic nationalism should be avoided. The internal assessment, on the other hand, is also a component that needs a consideration when it comes to making inroad to the global market. The firm resource strength to make it in the global market is a key component. The strength of firm is encapsulated on a host of factors that include the economic capacity of a country, the political status, the local taxation the source of capital to make the inroads to global market and business factors. These will determine the success of making it into the global market (Benli,

Business Taxation. See uploaded guidlines Essay

Business Taxation. See uploaded guidlines - Essay Example Research and development (R&D) tax credits are a company tax relief which can either reduce a company’s tax bill or, for some small or medium sized companies, provide a cash sum’. Through a different definition it is noticed that ‘Research and development tax credits are a company tax relief which can either reduce a company’s tax bill or, for some small or medium sized companies, provide a cash sum; the R&D tax credit works by allowing companies to deduct up to 150% of qualifying expenditure on R&D activities when calculating their profit for tax purposes’ (The Small Business Portal, 2006). It should be noticed that the above scheme can lead to the benefits stated above only if specific terms and requirements are met (as it will be explained below). The benefits offered by this scheme to firms across the country can be differentiated. Specifically for small businesses it is noticed by the UK HM Revenue and Customs that the particular scheme can lead to a reduction of the tax bill up to a percentage of 15%. On the other hand, it is also supported that ‘some SME companies not in profit can surrender their R&D tax losses for cash (in the form of a payable credit) of up to 24p per  £1 of actual expenditure within specified categories’ (UK, HM Revenue and Customs, Small Businesses). The level of the benefit can reach up to a 100% of capital allowances for small firms that make a relevant capital expenditure. In order to understand the benefits offered for small businesses in UK under the particular scheme it is necessary to refer primarily to the definition of R&D scheme at least regarding its general characteristics. In this context, it is noticed that ‘broadly, in order to qualify, activities must be creative or innovative work in the fields of science or technology and undertaken with a view to the extension of knowledge and breaking new ground, whether that be through resolving some uncertainty or creating a new or substantially improved

Investigate and asses the lives and work of the two Caribbean Essay

Investigate and asses the lives and work of the two Caribbean personalities who, in your opinion, made the greatest contribution to the development of thier own - Essay Example In 1975 he won this countrys lone medal Silver in the 100 metres at the Pan American Games in Mexico City, Mexico. The following year history was created when he won Trinidad and Tobagos first Gold Medal in the 100 metres at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada. [Regis, 1999] In 1975, Crawford was added to the team of American coach Bob Parks, who prepared Crawford excellently for the 100 m and 200 m events at the Montreal Olympics, running only a few races during the season. The tactics paid off, as Crawford won the 100 m, narrowly in front of Don Quarrie of Jamaica, winning Trinidad and Tobagos first Olympic gold medal. He had also qualified for the 200 m final, but pulled out due to an injury. Hasely Crawford ´s last success was a bronze medal in the 1978 Commonwealth Games (100 m). He did also participate in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, the most participations for an Olympian of Trinidad and Tobago but didnt reach to a final again. In the year 2000 he was named the Trinidad & Tobago Athlete of the Millennium.Crawford is a national hero in his home country, Crawford has appeared on postage stamps and has an airplane and a sports stadium named after him. Hasely Crawford’s remarkable achievement are not only restricted to his sports field but also as a person who contributed a lot to his society and people through his social work. His social work as the Head Community Relation at National Gas Company at Trinidad and Tobago is outstanding. He has done a great job in maintaining relationships from different institutions and invested a great deal to enhance the cohesive work environment. [Bow on World Stage Can Put Marvin with His Nations Greats, 2006] Crawford was specially invited to attend the Athens Games by the World Olympians Association, a body of which he is the Trinidad and Tobago president. Crawford’s contribution as an athlete is quite worthy in a sense that Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee appointed him as

Creating a Plan for Positive Influence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Creating a Plan for Positive Influence - Essay Example The researcher states that to complete a one – year project, the team should plan systematically and strategically how to finish the assigned task. The members of the team must exert satisfactory effort to the project as they work as a team. However, in a group, the individual members tend to contribute less effort in a project. Given this, the focus of this essay shall mainly delve at creating a plan for positive influence that would increase the motivation, satisfaction, and performance among individual members of the team. In doing so, specifically, this essay aims at answering three points. First, it aims to identify the specific differences in attitudes, emotions, personalities, and values among the individual members of the team. Second, it targets to address how such identified differences influence behavior. Last, it intends to create a plan that would address such differences to influence positively the whole team. This plan created in the essay is of significance to the entire team because it can assist in effectively managing the team through identifying and addressing the particular differences. This will aid to build a high – performance project centered on the team’s motivation and productivity. Hierarchy and differences in role exist for the purpose of attaining a shared goal. Likewise, it is important for each member to realize his or her significance to the team. Teamwork is an important key for influencing positively the members of the team to perform their best.

Marketing Reasearch Topshop Essay Example for Free

Marketing Reasearch Topshop Essay Many organisations use marketing research to contribute to the development of their businesses because Market research can improve marketing strategies. Market research gives you concrete feedback regarding the product or service. You can use the information from market studies in your marketing strategy to define your target market, position your product, and price it appropriately. TOPSHOP is one of the world’s most internationally recognized fashion design talent schemes its part of the Arcadia Group, which owns a number of other retail outlets, it seems to be the single biggest supporter of emerging design talent in the UK. Arcadia Group ones over than 500 stores in more than 30 markets, supporting franchisees. Retail is a popular market as many new designers and stores are always popping Using marketing research is the most common kind of research as you can determine your market how you need to brand your product. Also finding competitors can be very useful when selling similar products for example a very popular fashion necessity like leggings. These leather leggings are popular in London at the moment and many stores are selling them however as TOPSHOP is such a popular brand people would rather spend  £33 at TOPSHOP then  £12.99 at a more basic store even with the significant price difference. This shows the importance of market research and branding, TOPSHOP’s reputation and brand awareness allows them to sell product at a higher price than other market competitors. Both products are made from the same material 100% Polyurethane but TOPSHOPS modifies the basic shape by adding multiple seams and a metal zipper, this adds a more fashionable twist then other companies which then allow TOPSHOP’s marketing team to increase the price to beat competitors. Topshop is a British clothes retailer specialized in womens clothing and fashion accessories. Topshop started life in 1964 as Peter Robinsons Topshop. By the 1970s Topshop had the first stand-alone store which was opened in 1974 however in 1994 the brand began to grow and set up at 214 Oxford Store. TOPSHOP first had a reputation of being a tacky low price clothing outlet. As the brand started growing they created TOPSHOP ‘plus to appeal to a larger market and compete with potential market competitors, which has now earned the fame of now leading fashion retailer. This success is owed to market strategy made in 1994 by going upscale. TOPSHOP ‘plus products will arrive first in the market and will be of high quality and very low comparative price. TOPSHOP plus stock up to date fashion clothes and accessories before any of its competitors does in the market because of the brand status many sellers want to work with TOPSHOP as they have so much publicity and celebrity endorsement. The endorsement from the British super model Kate Moss acted to strengthen Top Shops image as being first class in fashion clothing additionally the collection arrived in stores, designed to capture the models unique sense of style, Kate Moss for Top shop was one of the most hotly anticipated high street collaborations. Over time, TOPSHOP will come to be known not only as just the fashion accessory provider but much rather a trend setter especially with its in-house designer brands and those exclusively introduced and introduced by fashion industry leaders. Due to its various marketing efforts, innovations in the business and exclusive services for its customers, it is now the biggest and the most differentiated name in the fashion industry especially when it comes to retailers in the field.

Nato in Afghanistan Essay Example for Free

Nato in Afghanistan Essay NATO’s (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) continued presence in Afghanistan will continue to foster the development of democratization, human rights and development, while effectively eliminating the Taliban from the region. The rise of the Taliban occured when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979, during the Cold War. The Soviets came into Afghanistan looking to expand their Communist empire. As a result of this Communist expansion in Afghanistan, the USA decided to take counter action against the Soviets, their Cold War enemy, by funding an opposition party. This opposition, called the Mujahedeen, was a religious group with the objective to fight off the change in their cultural country. When the Mujahedeen (now known as the Taliban) drove the Soviets out of Afghanistan, there was the opportunity for a group to take power in the country since the former government had been brought down. As the Taliban had the money and power, they took the opportunity to take control in the country. The Soviet Invasion had made such horrific living conditions to live in, that Afghanistan was known to be the top migrating country at the time. There were 5-10 million Afghans that fled to Iran and Pakistan to seek refuge, with an outstanding 670,000 to 2 million killed. The largest city Kabul, went from a mid-large population of 200,000 people to less than 25,000 people- followed by a month-long campaign of carpet combing and bulldozing by the Soviets and Afghan communist soldiers in 1987. The horror did not just end after the Soviets fled. Today there are an estimated 10-15 million landmines left scattered across the country side, some of which are still active today. It is estimated to take 4,300 years to remove all the land mines that were placed during the Soviet Invasion in Afghanistan, leaving the country as a current dangerous battle zone. When the Soviets left Afghanistan in 1989, Afghanistan was in a very bad position. All that was left was an almost empty government system, an armed terrorist group with high power, and a lack of resource development. During the Taliban rule (from 1989), young Afghan women were shot for attending school, assaulted for not wearing a burqa, and spat on by the ruling class. Although the USA had funded the Taliban during the Soviet Invasion, the outbreak by the Taliban has resulted in NATO choosing to step forward to spread fair a democracy in a needing nation. The current mission that NATO has in Afghanistan is a guide and structure build for developing a strong secular government system- rather than what some Afghan Taliban may refer to it as, â€Å"a destruction of Afghan sovereignty. † The Taliban, or as they call themselves, â€Å"The Warriors and Protectors of Islam,† want to keep Afghanistan as a traditional and pure country with no outside influences such as NATO. Harsh punishments from the Taliban are more often set on Afghan citizens to create bigger scare and public awareness, showing they have no tolerance for broken set rules (their rules that they bring into extremity from the Quran). Having a westernized organization like NATO in Afghanistan upsets the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Although Al Qaeda and the Taliban are different groups, this is an occasion where Al Qaeda and the Taliban agreed to fight together. The Taliban originally did not accept the Arabian group Al Qaeda to set up a base in Afghanistan, but these two different groups both had a common agreement on the abolishment of westernized influences. During this war against the USA, former leader of Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden, allied with the Taliban for a Jihad, which according to author Gohari, means, â€Å"A holy war against the Americans who are occupying the land of the two shrines,† and states that a US war on his country, Saudi Arabia, would soon cause an alliance of Muslims to be a US war on Muslims all over the globe. Now, the war has parted into two sides: the USA as part of NATO, versus the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Now one may be wondering what exactly drives the Taliban to act as they do, and the reason is their perspective on religion (Islam). They control governance very similar to a right wing, fascist party. There is a huge reliance on using the religion of Islam to maintain control of society, frequently taken to the extremity, and often at the expense and contradiction of Islamic thought, theory and belief. The Taliban were the elites of Afghanistan before NATO came in and controlled governance, punishing those who choose to disobey their rules and ideologies. The Afghans lived under the Taliban rule in Afghanistan long before the Soviets even fled. It is important to note that the Taliban is an embodiment of a male Afghan mindset, a force that has extreme traditional and religious views. Thus, all individuals with these extreme views are essentially having the same viewpoints of the Taliban. To author Fereshta, â€Å"The Taliban rule is the reason my grandmother cannot read. She explains that the reason behind her grandmother’s illiteracy was the extreme traditional mindset from men several years ago, that affected the treatment of women. During the ruling, as a force, the Taliban were able to strip women of even their basic rights, beyond just their education. Some examples of rules the Taliban have in place (the Taliban still control some sections of Afghanistan) include; pun ishments for: women walking in the street without a blood relative, women speaking loudly in public allowing strangers to hear their voice, and even the presence of a woman in the media. Men as well have been punished. It was almost essential to be purely part of the Islamic faith or they would face consequences. The Taliban has harsh rules set on women in particular, reasoning some support this NATO mission to take out this strongly fascist-like force. This is why NATO’s mission in Afghanistan is to create a secular government- where religion does not in any way affect the laws and rules of its citizens, and in the process destroying Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Evidently, it is vital for NATO to stay in Afghanistan. Without NATO’s involvement, the Taliban would re-establish their power within the first 24 hours of NATO’s leave. It is important to understand that it isn’t the strength of the twenty thousand Taliban in Afghanistan that is the problem, but it is the extremely weak ninety thousand Afghanistan military set to effectively fight terrorism off. In order to permanently stop the Taliban ruling in Afghanistan, the members of NATO need to put in effective effort into the mission, rather than planning to pull out an simply fund money. It is much more beneficial for the country of Afghanistan to have a strong NATO leader with them to assist and fully physically train its military, rather than NATO partially assisting and only providing temporary services. The foreign policies for members of NATO should not be to withdraw troops and make plans to leave by 2014, but to be efficient by deploying experienced troops and commanders, allowing the Afghan military to be better trained. The Afghanistan military knows that NATO is there to train them, and if NATO decides  to start taking away troops, then all efforts already placed to the Afghan military will go to waste as Afghan military cannot yet sustain itself. Members of NATO must be active in Afghanistan and remain dedicated in order to fully build the developed future of Afghanistan. It is also suggested that NATO controls Afghan cities and roads connecting them, to reduce the number of coalition troops who are killed by road side bombs, making the mission more efficient. NATO also needs to work on the control of the opium exports from Afghanistan. About 60% of the world’s illegal opium imports come from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to tax local farmers on these exports, resulting in illegally attained money from the black market. With NATO’s mission in place, a structure of democracy is slowly being built. They are interning the economic structure of Afghanistan by the creation of a free market, a boost in the economy, a structure of authority, and a major incline in social qualities (freedom of press and religion). The International Security Assistance force (ISAF) is also a force working in Afghanistan which along with NATO has passed several stages of the mission. In fact, NATO has taken the Taliban out of power, significantly helped the country with its increase in national security, education and healthcare, and has also assisted with the increase in media and free press, rising to seventy five TV stations and one million internet users. By allowing the people of Afghanistan to have a democratic voice and opinion, they can prevent a small group such as the Taliban from ruling the streets again. NATO’s disrespectful behaviour has also been another issue in Afghanistan. Many of the Afghan people are not pleased with NATO’s conducts. It is argued by some that NATO’s conduct hogs land, blocks roads, allows them to mistreat prisoners, and causes the deaths of innocent civilians. However, dealing with civilians is not easy for NATO. Distinguishing who is an ally, and who is in an enemy is not easy when fighting an intelligent group like the Taliban, who employ guerrilla warfare. This results in blame towards NATO for having detrimental behavior, and mistreating innocent civilians thought to be in disguise. However, NATO’s justification is that there have been 50+ cases of troops being killed by who appeared to be their own colleagues disguised in Afghan Army clothing, but were actually secret Taliban members. NATO states that  there have been several casualties during this mission, a lot of which NATO blames civilians for not following conduct rules and disobeying them for their safety. However, Afghan people still do have a valid reason to disrespect NATO soldiers. It would upset any Afghan knowing troops have been taking pictures of themselves posing beside dead Taliban fighters, and hearing reports that talk about soldiers urinating on dead corpses. If NATO wants to successfully complete its mission, then they need its members and soldiers to fully commit to the cause without disorderly conduct. It is important for NATO members to stay in Afghanistan right now in order to fully complete their mission, rather than pulling out in 2014. Afghanistan is now governed by a democratic government, which still needs more development in national security in order to sustain itself. Having NATO stay a few years more will insure the Afghanistan military and government can maintain their position, resulting in a socially and economically developing country. It is not just western influences that NATO is trying to place in Afghanistan. NATO is there taking out the Mujahedeen to create a stable economy, a democratic government system and an end to the ‘Religious Fascism’ currently controlling Afghanistan. In our modern day society, for a country to be stable, they must develop those three factors; a stable economy, a secure democratic government system, and a society where citizens can make their own choices. Having an organization like NATO in Afghanistan, will allow them to develop in areas they need in order to be a successful country. Works Cited FERESHTA. The Globe and Mail.   The Globe and Mail. N. p. , n. d. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. lt;http://www. theglobeandmail. com/commentary/who-are-the-taliban/article4188069/gt;. Gilles, Dorronsoro. Who Are the Taliban? -Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.   Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. N. p. , 22 Oct. 2009. Web. 01 Nov. 2012. lt;http://www. carnegieendowment. org/2009/10/22/who-are-taliban/161gt;. Gohari, M. J. The Taliban: Ascent to Power. Karachi: Oxford UP, 2000. Print. Herda, D. J. The Afghan Rebels: The War in Afghanistan. New York: F. Watts, 1990. Print. NATO and Afghanistan Questions and Answers. NATO Public Diplomacy Division, n. d. Web. 23 Oct. 2012. lt;http://www. nato. int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_publications/NATO_and_Afgh_LR_en. pdfgt;. NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.   Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. lt;http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/NATO_Training_Mission-Afghanistangt;. Ruth, Fremson. Taliban.    The New York Times. N. p. , 02 Nov. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. lt;http://topics. nytimes. com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/t/taliban/index. htmlgt;. Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979).   Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n. d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. lt;http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/1499983/Soviet-invasion-of-Afghanistangt;. Usman, Sharifi. AFP: Two NATO Troops Killed in Afghan Insider Attack.   Google News. N. p. , n. d. Web. 29 Oct. 2012. lt;http://www. google. om/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8SCT8_4WAeAYPgTp71tdQGSc9jg? docId=CNG. 6d1f4bcbd63425ddcfc84f92f4377f7d. 71gt;. Two Arguments for What to Do in Afghanistan TIME. Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews TIME. com. N. p. , n. d. Web. 2 Jan. 2013. lt;http://www. time. com/time/magazine/arti [ 1 ]. Soviet war in Afghanistan† Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ 2 ]. Soviet war in Afghanistan† Wikipedia , the free encyclopedia. [ 3 ]. Soviet war in Afghanistan† Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 4 ]. D. J. Herda The Afghan Rebels: The War in Afghanistan. New York: F. Watts, 1990. P. 47-59. Print. [ 5 ]. Sami, Ron Moreau, Yousafzai. Afghanistans Taliban Wish Al Qaeda Would Go Away.   The Daily Beast. Newsweek/Daily Beast, 13 Aug. 2012. Web. 02 Jan. 2013. [ 6 ]. M. J Gohari, the Taliban: Ascent to Power. Karachi: Oxford UP, 2000. P. 73-81. Print. [ 7 ]. FERESHTA. Who are the Taliban  The Globe and Mail. N. p. , n. d. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. . [ 8 ]. Two Arguments for What to Do in Afghanistan TIME.   Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News

Is Religion In Decline As A Major Institution Religion Essay

Is Religion In Decline As A Major Institution Religion Essay This paper will critically analyse and debate the question is religion in decline as a major social institution? I will be focusing my paper primarily on the United Kingdom (UK) but will touch on other Western countries. To begin, this paper will look at the definitions of religion as this in its self is surrounded by debate, and then it will go on to look at what is meant by secularisation. The main body of the paper will look at various perspectives, both for and against the idea that religion is in decline within the UK using not only the well documented thoughts of Sociologists but also using data that has been collated through various methods, such as the Census and British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA). Religion could also be thought of in various other situations, such as in football for example, a group of people come together in a belief of something. They perform rituals and sing the praises of what could be described as their common god their football team. However, for the purpose of this paper we will assume religion to be of the most commonly perceived form ie the belief and praying to god -regardless of the gods title ie God Allah etc. When we speak of the decline of religion in society we often hear the word secularisation being mentioned, Bryan Wilson (Religion in Secular Society, 1966), describes secularisation as the process whereby religious thinking, practices and institutions is becoming less prominent in society and its institutions less important and influential in the lives of individuals. Whilst Peter Berger in The Social Reality of Religion, 1969 puts an argument forward that it is The process by which sectors of society and culture are removed from the domination of religious institutions and symbols Wilson also stated that those who defined religion in substantive terms are more likely to be in agreement of the secularisation thesis, this is due to the fact that they can show that religious beliefs has declined as people accept other more rational explanations of the world due to factors such as post-modernity, the Industrial Revolution bringing about a greater understanding of the sciences and techn ology has also brought about a decline in the beliefs of a god within the minds of UK citizens, especially Christian UK citizens. Many Sociologists are in agreement that changes in society will directly impact on changes in religion. Going a step further, some sociologists have claimed that the continuing advancement of science will eventually mean a further weakening, or even complete disappearance of religion within our society. Berger (1967) states that with the rapid growth of technologies, media and sciences comes a decline of religion and a questioning of its place in society. He goes on to state that religion, in the past, has held the answers to our unanswerable questions and gave meaning to lives. Now that our questions are now answered by science and technology then the church and religion is no longer needed. This process is also referred to as the Rational Choice Theory (RTC) of Religion . Another supporter of the secularisation theory is Bruce (1995) whom argues that by measuring the size of the clergy is a direct indicator of the popularity of religion. At the start of the 1900s, there were over 45,000 clerics in Britain, this had declined to just over 34,000 100 years later in 2000. The clergy had decreased by almost twenty five percent, despite the fact that the population had all but doubled in size (Bruce 1995). Bruce also states that another pointer to secularisation is the rising divorce rate, coupled with fewer religious marriage ceremonies. In 1995 Bruce stated that 30 years ago church weddings used to make up 75% of all marriage ceremonies, but now this figure has fallen to less than half . When you add this statistic with the facts that there is an ever increasing divorce rate, cohabitation is becoming commonplace and the percentage of children being born outside of a marriage is at am all time high; it has to be seen that religion and its moral value sys tem exert little influence today (Bruce 1995). Durkheim stated A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practicesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them (Durkheim 1915: 62). He emphasised that religion brought people together, they shared a common belief and commitment to the same sacred symbol. It must be pointed out that Durkheim states that it is the coming together and bonding that is important not the reason of their togetherness. Durkheim argues that religion holds an essential social function There can be no society which does not feel the need of upholding and reaffirming at regular intervals the collective sentiments and collective ideas which make its unity and its personality (1915, 474-475) Although Durkheim was speaking here regarding religion we can see this happening in other ways in society, going back to the football match you could relate this statement back to the Emirates stadium, Anfield, Old Trafford and indeed any of the 100s of football grounds around the UK on any given Saturday between August and May! Webers The Protestant Ethic The Spirit of Capitalism shows us how Calvinists in the 16th and 17th century looked upon a persons success within business and savings was an indication that they were destined for salvation. We can relate this to the early beginnings of capitalism and a persons responsibility and prospects, with time the emphasis of religious beliefs was eroded as capitalism prospered. With this new society came increasing rationalisation, this lead to disenchantment and inevitably along with that came a decrease in religious belief systems and church attendance Anthon y Giddens (1997) wrote The three classical sociological theorists, Marx, Durkheim and Weber [all] thought that the significance of religion would decrease in modern times. Each believed that religion is in a fundamental sense an illusion. The advocates of different faiths may be wholly persuaded of the validity of the beliefs they hold and the rituals in which they participate, yet the very diversity of religions and their obvious connections to different types of society, the three thinkers held, make these claims inherently implausible. If we are to examine secularisation it is common sense to evaluate church attendance. According to the 1851 British Census just over 40% of the population attended church. By 1950 this had dipped to 20% and in 2000 we saw just 7.5 % of people stating that they attended church. Looking towards the future we could look at Sunday school attendance. Attendance had also dropped to an all time low in 1900 55% of children attended Sunday School in the year 2000 this figure plummeted below 4% this surely shows that religion is in decline, and at a very swift rate. The UK Census Data (2001) shows that 71.6% claim to be Christian, 2.7% Muslim, 1.0% Hindu, 0.6% Sikh, 0.5% Jewish, 0.3% Buddhist and 23.2% either have no religion or did not state one. However, if we compare the Census 2001 data with data available from Social Trends 30 (2000) cited in Moore (2001) suggest that while Christianity seems to be in decline other religions are not. Within the UK Islam had increased 380% from 130,000 people stating it as their religion in 1970 to 495,000. The UK has also seen a massive increase in Sikhism by 250% from 1970 to 1990. It must be pointed out that although undoubtedly these religions are on the increase by 100s of percent that the total number of individuals that say they are practising these religions is still quite a small percentage of the UK population. It also should be pointed out that although the Census data is usually accurate it is now almost 10 years old, and could be seen as outdated information. . An opposing view of secularisation argues that religious practices and participation have, in the past, been greatly overestimated and exaggerated. Martin (1967), has questioned the validity and reliability of past religious statistics. He argues that the demographic content is not valid and questions methods used for the collation of this data. Martin states that peoples religious belief systems and belonging to religious groups cannot be measured from statistics regarding religious practice. He goes on to state that although people may be religious they are choosing to express their belief in alternative ways. Martin also argued that some people attended Church for what the church can do for them in a non-religious capacity, for social motive, as opposed to holding strong religious beliefs. This mindset resulted in attendance of church numbers being inflated , Martin questions whether or not to interpret declining attendance to places of worship as evidence that points towards a lo ss of religious faith within society. Demaroth and Hammond (1969), also agree with this viewpoint and state that We should avoid the quick assumption that Church members are always highly religious in their personal beliefs and activities, or that Church non-members are otherwise non-religious.. Robert Bellah puts forward the argument that it is wrong to perceive that just because people do no longer attend church is vast numbers that region itself is in decline. Bellah states that people do not need to be a part of a large religious organisation in order to be religious, they can simply practice their beliefs in their own homes and lives and it is this that makes them religious, not the fact that they attend a church building. Luckmann (1967) calls this practice the Invisible Religion Luckmann states that when society goes through periods of vast change and development it is also expected that religious practices and systems will also evolve, and new forms shall emerge. It is fair to say that both Bellah and Luckmann agree that religion is simply transforming rather than declining. They argue that whilst group and public meetings of religion are in decline that personal practice is as strong as ever, but cannot be scientifically measured. A similar argument is put forward by Grace Davie (1995) she is in agreement with Bellah in that secularisation needs to be separated from belief and belonging. She argues the theory that in the UK religion is belief without belonging people believe, but feel they do not belong to the church, so they practice their religion in the privacy of their own homes. To conclude, it must be said that religion is in decline as a major social institution within the UK when referring to the Christian religions specifically Roman Catholics, Protestants and Methodists. These religious institutions have seen a rapid fall in church attendance- regardless of if people are practicing in their own homes or not. Within the UK religion, specifically Christianity, has seen a decrease, or disengagement, of power issues such as abortion and divorce used to be influenced greatly by the church today people do not look to the church for guidance on such issues but look more towards personal circumstance in order to reach decisions. With this in mind it can only be concluded that the major institution that we know as the church now holds less power, less cohesion and less importance within the UK today with traditions of religion and prayer being replaced by new technologies and a wish for an individual to succeed in personal issues such as employment, status and w ealth. The opposite could be argued for other religions such as Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism, although it could also be argued that these religions are only on the increase due to immigration into the UK in the past 10 years. I found very little factual data that could show a large number of UK born citizens joining such religions so it is my belief that the growth of these religions is primarily due to the fact that the beliefs and practices of these religions have been brought into the UK rather than developed within the UK. Ref Journal: Tony Fahey Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review, Vol. 83, No. 332 (Winter, 1994), pp. 367-375 (article consists of 9 pages) Published by: Irish Province of the Society of Jesus Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/30091534 Growth and Decline of Churchly Religion Ref Journal ; Malaise in the Sociology of Religion: A Prescription Richard K. Fenn Sociological Analysis, Vol. 46, No. 4 (Winter, 1985), pp. 401-414 (article consists of 14 pages) Published by: Oxford University Press Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3711156 Davie, G (1994) Religion in Britain since 1945. England,Blackwell Publishing Giddens,.A (2001) Sociology Introductory Readings , revised edition.: England, polity Hamilton, M (2001): The Sociology of Religion : England: Routlegde Luckmann, T (1963) The Invisible Religion: The Problem With Religion in Modern Society : England, Macmillan. British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA), viewed 08 April 2010, BOOK Bruce, S 1995, Religion in Modern Britain, Oxford, Oxford University Press. Census. Religion in Britain: Office for National Statistics, viewed 16 April 2010, www.curriculum-press.co.uk sociology fact sheet one viewed 28 March 2010.

Role Of Government Intervention In Environmental Issues :: essays research papers

Role of Government Intervention in Environmental Issues In environmental cases, a policy framework is sometimes more effective when there is less government intervention. As the level of government intervention diminishes, this allows more flexibility for corporations to achieve efficiency. Furthermore the traditional command and control approach has proven to be costly, bureaucratic and often inefficient. It is important to address the fact that there are numerous benefits that can be achieved for both policy makers and industries, if a policy framework is based on market forces. However it is important that there is a need for some government intervention, but should be as minimal as possible. I have chosen to examine the article from the New York Times entitled RU.S. Seeking Options of Pollution RulesS. Although pollution is detrimental to our environment, you have to take into account that it is almost impossible to entirely prevent pollution. This is scientifically impossible and it would have severely negative economic impact on the industries. So the core issue becomes the fact no matter what, there will always be pollution, as long as these industries exist. So we should focus on how we can minimize this and yet at the same time have an efficient market system? Furthermore, we should also focus on how we can accomplish this so that sustainable growth and development can take place. So there is definitely a need for some form of government intervention to enforce and monitor this. Reason being that there is always an element of equality that has to be enforced, when dealing with cases such as this. For instance, larger corporations may have an advantage over smaller corporation, since they have stronger influence on politicians and lobbyists. So the governmentUs role should be to ensure that all industries (regardless size and/or power) have equal opportunities to benefit from this type of approach. In another words, the government should simply be a RwatchdogS. Government should monitor so that the distribution and transaction of the permits are done in an appropriate manner. The case of Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Corporation is a classic example of tradable permit approach. Under this model corporations are able to buy, sell and trade permits that legally allows emission. Many economists have favored this approach because this also provides incentives for technical improvement. So the aggregate effect would be that most industries would try to maximize their profits by trying to come up with new techniques to reduce the level of emission. This in turn would allow them to reduce the cost that they would have to pay from polluting. Norm Miller also endorses this approach by

Treasure Island :: Treasure Island Essays

Treasure Island   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      Treasure Island is an epic adventure: a tale of pirates, treasure, and exploration of an unknown and mysterious island.   Throughout the course of the book, many lessons are learned that give the reader advice so he/she can better survive in the real world.   The literal Treasure Island itself represents the world in which we live, a world with many hazards and scattered rewards to be found.   The bookà ­s most important lesson to be learned though, is that a solid command of the language and knowing when to use it can make life much easier for a person.   Although this story takes place centuries before our time now, this useful lesson found in it can still be applied to our lives today.      This story is so realistic in its context of the time and its superb character dialogues, that it is very easy for the reader to be transported right in the middle of that age, and right in the company of sea-faring pirates.   The authorà ­s vivid descriptions of Jim, the main character and narrator, the many Pirates and other characters he comes across during his adventures are painstakingly detailed. You can see young Jim's eager and excited face when he finds out he is going on a treasure hunt.   You can also easily picture the rips and bloodstained rags of the pirates, and smell the foul alcohol on their breaths.   The description of the island itself is extremely detailed also, and it seems like the author was looking straight off a geographical map when he wrote the in-depth account of it.    However deep these descriptions of setting and character pull you into the plot, the dialogue the author places in the story is what makes the story more impressive and impossible to escape.   It is so captivating and original to us because we hardly ever hear it, and the phrases are very creative.   An example is this quote from Long John Silver: " But for two year before that, shiver my timbers! the man was starving. He begged, and he stole, and he cut throats, and starved at that, by the powers!"   The colorful language of the book even had me repeating phrases such as this one long after I had finished reading it.

Research Method : Regression Model on the GDP of Sri Lanka

In extension Of the production function, foreign financed capital (l), export (EX) and import (IM) are added into the model to determine their impact on the economic growth. Pawl's (2002) mentioned that the import is considered will affect the economic growth which are divided into intermediate and capital good imports. Flamboyancy's (as cited in Bait, 2013) include FED as the addition input to labor and domestic capital in production function since it's the main source of human capital and new technology for new developing country.As mentioned by Namely (as cited in Bait, 2013), exports are included in the production function as more input of macro are needed. The FED stock was excluded from the Gross Capital Formation as it included both domestic and foreign investment and to avoid double measurement (Bait, 201 3) The production function extended, assuming multiple-linear equation, an Ordinary Least Squared estimate which specified below: Where -? The estimated Gross Domestic Produ ct per capita growth (annual = The Investment in terms of Gross Fixed Capital formation (% of GAP). The Labor force in terms of total (person). The Export of goods and services (% of GAP). = The Import of goods and services (% of GAP). The Gross Capital Formation (% of GAP). = The error term of the regression. In the research done by Bass, Corroboratory and Regale (as cited in Turned, 201 2) studied the long-run and the short-run relationship between the investments with the gross domestic product (GAP). The result of their finding that there are positive long-run relationship between GAP and investment where their finding are consistent with findings obtained from Khan and Khan ND Mathematician (as cited in Turned, 2012).Allah, Zamia, Faro and Jived (as cited in Hussein, 2014) have conducted a research to check whether there is nun-directional or bidirectional causality between the export and economy growth and the result suggested that there is nun-directional causality between th e economic growth and export. In addition, findings by Mishear (201 1) there exist a positive impact on the increasing of real GAP with export in the case study of India which supported by Pharaoh (as cited in Mishear, 201 1) also found that export have positive and significant impact on economic growth.The increasing number of global labor workforce represent the opportunity to drive the economic growth and the increase in the gross domestic product (GAP) but it also represent many challenges (Wristwatch Institute, 2014). With the increase of number of labor in the labor workforce, the productivity level will reach optimum level at a certain point but after that point, the productivity level will decrease as the number keep increasing.As or the case of Sir Lankan, now with the government effort to achieve upper middle income country, the increasing of the labor workforce will bring positive impact to the economic growth of Sir Lankan. According to Pawl's (2002), imported intermedia te goods have a positively and significantly influence the GAP growth in the long run. The main export of Sir Lankan is mainly architecture goods which are mainly depends on the import of fertilizers and agriculture machines. Thus it is acceptable to said that import of intermediate goods will brings positive and significant effect on the economic growth of Sir Lankan.Based on the study by Imprimatur (2013) on effects of the gross capital formation on the GAP growth in India on agriculture sector found that higher level of gross capital formation in the agriculture sector as agriculture is the main backbone of the India economy was able to improve the overall GAP growth rate. This study can be apply to Sir Lankan as Sir Land's main economy are agriculture based economy. Thus, this shows positive relationship between the Gross Capital Formation (GIF) with the Gross Domestic Product (GAP).