Marketing Plan Final Paper - 4426 Words

MKT/421 April 8, 2013 Ken Metz Marketing Plan: Final Paper and Presentation Fisher Price produced a new product to teach children how to tie shoes. In this paper, there is information about who Fisher Price is a description of the new product, their marketing mix method and a SWOTT analysis of the product. Fisher-Price, Inc. was founded in 1930 and is based in East Aurora, New York. It all started out when Herman Fisher, Irving Price, and Helen Schelle created the toy company and brought 16 wooden toys to The International Toy Fair in New York City. Those first toys became very popular and became the hallmarks of Fisher Price. As of 1993, Fisher Price operates as a subsidiary of the organization Mattel Inc., the worldwide leader in†¦show more content†¦Every toy that has been made must pass through the Play Lab process. The results that are analyzed from the Play Lab play a crucial role in the expansion and redesign of the toys. Another market research strategy is meeting with parent in focus group-like settings. They also conduct at home research testing. Fisher-Price compensates the parents for individual parent talk sessions and for in-home testing of their products. When the at-home products are returned a survey must be filled out about the product that was tested (Pisan i, 2006). Product testing, quality assurance, and research and development are important when considering how to market The Talking Shoe. The company must understand whom they are designing the product for and how to reach that audience effectively, because without targeted marketing it is very easy to burn capital without gaining sales. Marketing can help create ideas for product usage in the consumer mind, as well as increase consumer interest, loyalty and spending. TV, digital, print and radio advertising have the most reach and cost the most money. The Talking Shoe must educate the parents to encourage them to purchase the product. Because the aim of the product is to lessen frustration for children and making teaching easier for parents, an educational visual approach, printed visual image of use, and digital combination would be the most effective methods of message delivery. When launching a new product, a company needsShow MoreRelatedFinal Marketing Plan Paper5951 Words   |   24 PagesFinal Marketing Plan Paper Surgey Perez, Adrine Jason, Shirtiar Beasley, Gena Brooks University of Phoenix Introduction As consumers, we are very accustomed to finding products where we need them, when we need them at the price we are willing to pay. This has become such an automatic part of the buying process that we seldom give much thought to how all of this occurs. To put it simply, all of this occurs because of marketing. A great deal of thought has been given to your preferencesRead MoreMarketing Plan: Final Paper6530 Words   |  27 PagesMarketing is essential for every business, be it a small household business or a large multinational group. All businesses depend on marketing in one way or the other. Setting of goals according to entrepreneur’s visions marks the starting o f the plan. It is better to do proper research and documentation before launching a product in the market or else the results will not be according to one’s thinking. Raymond Morose is the owner of Pet Palace and has been running this business for the last 44Read MoreMkt 421 Final Exam Answers1681 Words   |  7 PagesMKT 421 Final Exam – Assignment [pic] Questions  to  MKT 421 Final Exam Answers  are as follow: 1. Compared with other approaches to business, the marketing concept is distinct in that it: †¢ Produces new products and services. †¢ Focuses on satisfying customers needs. †¢ Focuses on sales. †¢ Creates a broad assortment of products. 2. The sales analysis of a product revealed that profits were highest when it was initially introduced into the market withRead MoreMarketing and Market Research1746 Words   |  7 Pages |Marketing Research | Copyright  © 2010, 2008, 2005, 2002, 2001 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course covers basic research methodology applied to marketing issues. Students study methods and techniques for collection, analysis, and interpretation of primary and secondary data for customer and business marketing. Policies Faculty and students/learnersRead MoreMarketing Plan Assignment One1131 Words   |  5 PagesASSIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS FOR MARKETING PLAN ASSIGNMENT Dr. M. Wayne Alexander Marketing 310 Principles of Marketing Date MARKETING PLAN ASSIGNMENT CHOOSE AN ORGANIZATION Retail organizations include Kmart, Wal-Mart, Target, Marshall Fields, Gap, sun Mart, etc. Wholesale organizations include SuperValu. Not-for-profit and nonprofit organizations include Dakota Clinic and Innovis Health, Prairie Public Television, and UnitedRead MoreMkt 571 Complete Course Mkt 571 Week 1 Marketing Environment Simulation and Summarymkt 571 Week 2 Vals Surveymkt 571 Week 2 New Product Launch Marketing Plan, Part I Mkt 571 Week 3 Segmentation and Target Market Paper1325 Words   |  6 PagesCourse Click below link for Answer http://workbank247.com/q/mkt-571-week-1-to-week-6-complete-course-mkt571-co/10439 http://workbank247.com/q/mkt-571-week-1-to-week-6-complete-course-mkt571-co/10439 MKT 571 Week 1 Marketing Environment Simulation and Summary Complete the Marketing Environment Simulation and Summary in MyMarketingLab. Save your results report from the simulation to your computer. Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment. MKT 571 Week 2 VALS Survey Take theRead MoreMkt 571 Week 1 Mkt 571 Week 11245 Words   |  5 Pages or visit www.workbank247.com http://workbank247.com/q/mkt-571-week-1-to-week-6-complete-course-mkt571-co/10439 http://workbank247.com/q/mkt-571-week-1-to-week-6-complete-course-mkt571-co/10439 MKT 571 Week 1 Marketing Environment Simulation and Summary Complete  the Marketing Environment Simulation and Summary in MyMarketingLab. Save  your results report from the simulation to your computer. Click  the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment. MKT 571 Week 2 VALS Survey Take  theRead MoreMkt421 Marketing Mix Paper1370 Words   |  6 PagesMarketing Mix Paper Brian Morales MKT 421 October 15, 2012 Kim Houseman Marketing Mix Paper Nowadays, for a company to be successful in the business world one must have a good marketing plan to be successful. One way to accomplish a successful business plan is to use something known as the marketing mix or the four P’s of marketing. These four P’s of marketing are known as the product, place, price, and promotion. If one uses these four P’s one will notice that each of these cover their ownRead MorePharmaSim Project1019 Words   |  5 Pagesshare in an increasingly competitive and changing environment. Certain measurements are introduced to weight the success and progress of the objectives such as feedbacks from customers and retailers, keeping tracks on our marketing report and purchasing and analyzing the marketing research reports. With increasing budget Allstar has, high market share in cold category and leadership in this market are promised. Limitations on product line as Allstar does not manufacture any drugs in the area of coughRead MoreMarketing Audit Approach - Ikea1571 Words   |  7 PagesMarketing Audit Approach - IKEA Marketing Audit Overview â€Å"What is a marketing audit? Quite simply, it is a detailed analysis of the elements that constitute or influence a company’s efforts to profitably market its products- today and in future when both market and products may undergo radical change† ( John, Alexander, Theodore, 1969). The marketing audit helps to understand the fundamentals of a company’s marketing planning process. Auditing is not only conducted not only at the planning

Global Warming Position Paper - 1388 Words

Contemporary Social Issues 9 December 2011 Global Warming: True or False? When one encounters the concept and idea of global warming, we inquire a wide range of opinions, facts, assumptions, and philosophies. As the general population of the world, the idea of our temperature of our earth may seem meaningless to some. Although, to others global warming is a growing epidemic that is defined as the possibility of our planet becoming too warm and becoming very dangerous for human existence. So when our population is faced to deal with the concept of a possible ending of the human race, people are subjected to panic and fret. Studies do indeed show that our planet is getting warmer, but is this due to global warming entirely? Our great†¦show more content†¦Meanings that the relationship between the two would not be significant or at least not as much as some claim them to be. Another supporting fact of this idea is the â€Å"Medieval Warm Period.† This period of time was hundreds of years ago, where the temperature was recorded to be one of the highest on record. Now during this time the average temperature measured more than three degrees higher than it is today. But going back to the Carbon Dioxide idea, how is this possible. Obviously hundreds of years ago, factories did not exist, fossil fuels were not being burned, and the population level was not even close to what it is now. So the carbon levels were almost nonexistent, so this poses the question of why was there a major rise in temperature. Another era which did not match the idea was during the early 1930’s it began. During this time, large Co2 emissions began because of massive industrialization and a large amount of factories. The Co2 levels were sky rocketing and set record heights. Although, temperatures were on the decline. The temperature was on the steady decline for almost four decades after that. Obviously the Carbon level affecting the temperature idea is a little off or not fully proven. Another idea that is not publicized as much as I personally believe it should be is the idea of constant climate changing throughout the earth’s existence. It is understandable to say that this is a veryShow MoreRelatedGlobal Warming Position Paper985 Words   |  4 Pages Although some believe that Global Warming has been created due to manmade pollutants, I believe that Global Warming is a natural process that has been accelerated due to the excess emissions of pollutants from nature and manmade devices into the atmosphere. The world has been said to be on a cycle of global warming and cooling, this process can neither be stopped nor prevented, but it can be accelerated with the addition of non-natural emissions from automobiles and factories; because thisRead MoreThe Debate On Global Warming1239 Words   |  5 Pagescontroversy concerning global warming. The controversy takes the form of public debate that centers on five issues (Mazo 30). The first issue is whethe r or not global warming is occurring. The second issue is whether global warming is real and extent it has occurred in the recent decades. The third question relates to the causes of global warming. The fourth question centers on the effects of global warming. The fifth question is whether any action needs to be taken to contain global warming. The author concursRead MoreGlobal Warming: Fact or Fiction1089 Words   |  5 PagesGlobal Warming: Fact or Fiction Lower Capstone – Unit 3 Independent Project Rozlynn Mundy American InterContinental University Online July 4, 2010 Title: Global Warming: Fact or Fiction Abstract Introduction I. Overview of Global Warming A. Signs of global warming a. Support b. Skepticism II. Effects of Global Warming A. Contributors to global a. Manmade b. Natural Summary Abstract The information found in this paper is designed to raiseRead MoreEnvironmental Risk Perception Paper1324 Words   |  6 Pages Environmental Risk Perception Paper Justin Yates Environmental Psychology June 17, 2014 Gerry Lloyd Environmental Risk Perception Paper As the earth continues to age, there are many harmful and lasting direct consequences that the earth and the human nature have endured. The earth as well as humans has to digest all the pollution, deforestation, changes in the environment, and the epic fails of humans trying to better the human life through technology and manyRead MorePros and Cons: Global Warming Essay917 Words   |  4 PagesAlleged Global Warming has been a hot topic and been widely reported in the American media since the 1970s. In March 2014, TED, a nonprofit committed to expanding ideas with short talks, gave a powerful presentation of the alleged current consequences of Global Warming in Gavin Schmidt’s (2014) talk: The emergent patterns of climate change. His claims are stark and he implores his audience to take the grave predictions of Global Warming seriously and not just write it off as insignificant. WhileRead MoreThe Global Warming And Climate Change924 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Glo bal Warming and Climate Change† The Global Warming and Climate Change has been a subject of debate for over many years nows. A lot of people are undereducated or misinformed by what is going on. This position paper should clear some myths and hoaxs of Global warming and climate change. In a paper punlished by Nature they provide one possible examination: For the vast majority of Americans, the weather is simply becoming more pleasant. Over the past four decades the temperature in the winterRead MoreReview of The Great Global Warming Swindle1281 Words   |  6 Pages The Great Global Warming Swindle has been the most widely watched documentary critical of the scientific consensus that climate change is due to anthropogenic activities. Aired in 2007 in the United Kingdom, the documentary claimed to debunk the â€Å"myth† of manmade global climate change, exposing it as a vast conspiracy designed to gain funding for research and push an environmental agenda that is especially harmful to the developing wor ld. Directed by British producer Martin Durkin, the documentaryRead MoreIs It Global Warming Or Climate Change?1660 Words   |  7 PagesArnold English Composition 122 October 25, 2015 Is It Global Warming or Climate Change; or is it Power and Control? It is a fact that climate change is occurring and humans as the main contributing factor is at the heart of the Global Warming debate. Still, is the debate truly about protecting our planet from human-activity climate change, or is the natural cycle of the Earth being used as a ruse to â€Å"promote† climate change to determine global policy measures and defeat Capitalism? Whether humanRead MoreCritique Nigel Dowers Perspective Of Ethical Development And Globalization1722 Words   |  7 Pagesgrowth. So globalization is the engine of development.† For this paper, I will use Dower’s definition of globalization as it includes development, while simultaneously critiquing his lack of thoroughness. Although Dower mentions goods and services, he fails to include what those goods often include - natural resources. The depletion of natural resources, especially trees, is one contributor to climate change and global warming. In this paper, I will critique Nigel Dowerâ₠¬â„¢s perspective of ethical developmentRead MoreFight For The Last Slice930 Words   |  4 Pagesforest resources. The last slice of veggie pizza represents a serious environment situation in the world, which raise the consumers awareness of environment protection. The words in the bottom left corner below the red logo We make pizza not global warming and 100% recycled boxes try to show that Pizza Love is an eco-friendly restaurant, and is really focus on the environment situation. However, this is just a greenwashing of this pizza restaurant. Greenwashing is considered as the act of

Taking Down The Confederate Flag - 1286 Words

Taking Down the Confederate Flag The American South. An area full of rich history and the home to some of the nation’s largest conflicts throughout history, such as the civil war and the civil rights movement. Southerners have always been proud of their heritage despite its rocky parts and display it for all to see with a 150 year old flag. This is proving to be problematic, though, as the Confederate flag they are all so proud of, is really only 50 years old and has been associated with ideals of white supremacy and racism. Some Southerners and other Americans choose to not believe the truth about the flag, others were never taught the truth. However, it is incredibly important in forming an opinion on the flag, and to whether or not the flag must be removed from state buildings. And the truth is, due to its historical affiliation to racist whites in the South, white supremacy groups, and recent events such as the Charleston Shooting, the Confederate rebel flag should not be flown on state buildings as it is not culturally sensitive to African American people who have been targeted by these people. The confederate battle flag is much different than the rebel flag that is known today, the battle flag went through three distinct phases and the rebel flag was none of them. The first flag of the Confederate army was adopted in spring of 1861, and it had seven stars to represent the seven states that seceded from the Union. ByShow MoreRelatedTaking Down The Confederate Flag1577 Words   |  7 Pages1011/Kemp September 9, 2015 FA1 Debate Draft Taking down the Confederate Flag The confederate flag, a topic that has been the center of controversy for many years now, is an emblem of southern pride and heritage to some, while to some it is purely a symbol of hate and racism. After the shootings in South Carolina, it is clear that the flag should be taken down. Since it represents white supremacy and inequality and not Southern pride. The confederate flag, one of the most controversial image of theRead MoreThe Confederate Flag As A Symbol Of American History1427 Words   |  6 PagesThe Confederate Flag Recently there has been a big debate over the nation for the flying confederate flag.Is the confederate flag a true symbol of â€Å"Heritage or Hate†? Many states in America’s south had the confederate flag as a part of their state flag, but this has been changed over the past few months. The confederate flag has been known and flown for many battles over the past century and a half, which was ever since thebeginning of the Civil War in 1861. Some people today see this flag as aRead MoreThe Confederate Flag As A Symbol Of American History1352 Words   |  6 PagesThe Confederate Flag Is the confederate flag a true symbol of â€Å"Heritage or Hate†? Recently there has been a big debate over the nation for the flying confederate flag. Many states in America’s south had the confederate flag as a part of their state flag, but this has been changed over the past few months. This confederate flag has been known and flown for many battles over the past century and a half, which was ever since the start of the Civil War in 1861. Some people today see this flag as a symbolRead MoreConfederate Flag Is America s Swastika1512 Words   |  7 PagesConfederate Flag In The Hill, a top U.S. political magazine, in June 2015, Contributor H. A. Goodman wrote, â€Å"The Confederate flag is indeed America s swastika.† In the same way the Jewish community sees the swastika as a painful reminder of the Holocaust, the African-American community perceives the flag as a reminder of slavery and racial discrimination. The Confederate flag, a relic of the devastating Civil War, has become one of the most controversial and contentious icons in American historyRead MoreThe Confederate Flag And Its Controversy1335 Words   |  6 Pages In my paper I will be discussing the Confederate Flag and its controversy in history and in todays views. The Confederate flag has been a negative symbol in American society since the 1800’s. It has been only recently that the Confederate flag has been brought back to life as a contemporary issue. In recent times the flag has been used as a motivation for racial strikes and other rebellious acts bring the issues of the flag and the controversy behind it back to life. The major questions I seek toRead MoreThe Confederate Flag And The Flag1124 Words   |  5 PagesHeritage By; Stefen Bellucci The Confederate flag started out as this good thing by symbolizing an American history that made us who we are today. The confederate flag was the flag that united the 11 confederate states. The 11 states were South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky and Missouri. While these 11 states might have been pro-slavery, it was their flag that united them and held them together. But now these days, the flag has been stained and a group ofRead MoreAlabama s Confederate Flag Controversy1089 Words   |  5 PagesAlabama’s Confederate Flag Controversy The outlining issue here is the Confederate Flag and its perception amongst the Alabama population. Debating on whether the flag should be taken down in respect to citizen who are offended because of its close relation to the history of slavery in America. The opposing side felt that it is a part of southern/the south’s history, pride and should be honored. Also, the opposing side feels that with other issues happening in the community; this debate is not somethingRead MoreHistorical Heritage And Regional Identity1732 Words   |  7 Pagescontinue flying the state flag was put to a vote. The Associated Student Body voted to remove the flag from any and all buildings on campus; the chancellor ultimately decided that the Associated Student Body was right in this decision. The appropriateness of the Confederate flag has become a major point of dispute in this country. In the state of Mississippi, however, the argument is complicated by the fact that the state flag itself inc orporates the Confederate flag into its design. Those whoRead MoreAdvantages Of The Confederate Flag1056 Words   |  5 PagesThe Confederate Flag Debate in Today’s Society The confederate flag has always been a symbol that has caused much controversy. It has been called a symbol of pride, also a symbol of hate. Many people wonder why it is still seen in today’s society or why it causes so much tension if it is just a flag to some. The flag has â€Å"bisected the country for a long time† (Kozlowska, 2014). It is a definite border between some citizens and a huge social problem. It has caused issues for decades and still carriesRead MoreThe Confederate Flag Is A Flag Of Hate1163 Words   |  5 Pages Is the Confederate flag really a flag of hate? Contrary to popular belief, the Confederate flag does not stand for racism, it stands for freedom. It stands for the men who lost their lives fighting for a doomed country, white and black. It stands for not letting others push you around and control you. I stands for the â€Å"bad side† in the Civil War. It is the proof that despite the fact that we boast about being stubborn, we are ign orant to the fact that all we do is follow the crowd. It represents

Conceptions of the Soul Essay - 1161 Words

Plato (in Phaedo) and Aristotle (in De Anima) present two fundamentally different conceptions of the soul. Through an analysis of their frameworks and genre, and whether their methods are plausible, it can be concluded that Aristotles formulation of the soul is more compelling than that of Plato. According to Plato, the body and the soul are separate entities. The soul is capable of existing before life of the body and after death of the body and it is constant, unchanging and non-physical (invisible). The soul resembles what is divine, immortal, and always remaining true to itself. The body, however, resembles what is human, mortal, and destructible. The body is changing and never able to maintain its true identity (Plato, 80b).†¦show more content†¦Soul is defined by Aristotle as not separable from the body (Aristotle, 413a), and neither without body nor a kind of body, but belong[ing] to the body, and for this reason is present in the body (Aristotle, 414a). Aristotle has a consistent integration of his investigations with the basic principles of his philosophical system. Aristotle begins The Nature of the Soul with an objective to define the soul (Aristotle, 412a). He then formulates an answer to that question using his ideas of substance, form, matter, ac tuality, and potentiality. The form/matter characteristic proves particularly useful to Aristotle, as it allows him to describe the living organism as an inseparable complex of soul (form) and body (matter) (Aristotle, 414a). Additionally, Aristotle also integrates his account of soul with his theory of the four causes in arguing that the soul is the source of movement (the efficient cause), the end (the final cause), and the essence (the formal cause) of the whole living body (Aristotle, 415b). The physical body is simply the material cause of the organism and thus, the soul is the actuality of a natural body having life potentially within it (Aristotle, 412a). Aristotles conceptions of the soul are embodied in an introspective structure approached through scientific and empirical methods. Aristotle believed that knowledge of the attributes contributes a great deal to theShow MoreRelatedPlatos Views on Life after Death1388 Words   |  6 Pagesof the soul. Plat always viewed the soul as an entity that was distinct from the physical body. Moreover, while the physical body was destined to die, the soul was enduring, interminable, and destined to go on somewhere in some state of being. In just what sort of way the soul would endure was a matter of question, in which at various points in his career as a writer Plato offered different accounts. Yet the most consistent part of this conception of the authors was the fact that the soul was everlastingRead MoreDiscussion of D.Z. Phillips Conception of Immortality Essay1087 Words   |  5 PagesDiscussion of D.Z. Phillips Conception of Immortality In his book Death and Immortality, D Z Phillips starts by asking the question: does belief in immortality rest on a mistake? The first two chapters are negative in the sense that they examine traditional philosophical, as well as common sense, conceptions of what immortality means. Phillips argues that philosophical analyses centred on the notion of immortality have generally been constructed around certain essentialRead MoreAugustine’s Conception of Sin in Confessions 1700 Words   |  7 PagesIn this paper I will write about Augustine and his thoughts and ideas on sin in the Confessions, where sin originates and whether or not I believe that Augustine’s conception of sin has a place in modern society. From all of this I will conclude that through Augustines work and findings, Augustine’s conception of the human person and their human actions are somewhat relevant today, due to the fact Augustine set a standard for what human nature is, known as the ability to desire, think and do, yetRead MoreThe Utility Of Myth : Plato s Metaphysics1624 Words   |  7 Pagesthe surface of our faculties. To do this, Plato believes we must let our ability to reason override our baser, desires, so as to reach our maximum potential to the benefit of ourselves and the those who come after. Plato s conception of psychology—â€Å"from Greek psyche meaning soul or m ind and logos, meaning word, discourse, or reason† is directly tied to his notions of death and the afterlife. In this paper I wish to argue, as with his teacher Socrates, Plato’s views are layered and highly subjectiveRead MoreAbortion Is Not The Murder Of An Infant1507 Words   |  7 Pagessaid to be a live soul in a body that lacks sensation when it is not formed in flesh and so is not endowed with sense.† He was sure that abortion was not considered a murder or homicide. â€Å"The soul can exist only in a fully formed body,† another word to say that is a life doesn t begin until the fifth or the sixth month of fetal development. However, not all Roman Catholic agree with these statements. â€Å"Some theologist taught that hominization (the point at which a fetus acquires a soul and becomes aRead MoreThe Transition from Mythology to Philosophy Essay638 Words   |  3 Pagesthemes are truth, God, the human soul, the meaning of history, the state, sin , and salvation. For Augustine, the individual human being is a body-soul composite, but in keeping with his Neo-Platonism; there is an asymmetry between soul and body. As a spiritual entity, the soul is superior to the body, and it is the province of the soul to rule the body [e.g. De Animae Quantitate 13.22; De Genesi contra Manicheos II.11]. This presents a positive conception of the soul-body relation, one that clearlyRead MorePhilosophy Paper721 Words   |  3 Pageswasn’t so happy with the conditions in Athens. This book is focused on the conception of justice and what it is to be just. This theory has been presented differently by each of the characters in the book, which are Cephalus, Polymarchus, Thrasymachus, and Glaucon. However, Socrates is the one who is given a challenge: to prove that justice is good and desirable. The book starts off with Cephalus giving his own conception of justice, which he believes to be â€Å"justice is nothing more than honoringRead MoreWe Must Define X As X1319 Words   |  6 Pagescriterion holds for this teleportation. Let’s assume we accept the soul criterion, which states that X at t1 is identical to Y at t2 if Y has the same soul as X. This belief has a lot of issues stemming from the fact that the soul is an immaterial thing. We don’t have a formal definition for souls and how they relate to the body, which makes answering the question of whether Y has the same soul as X extremely hard. Let us define the soul as a separate entity from the body, attached to the body in a wayRead MoreWhat Is Self Or If There Even Is A Self?861 Words   |  4 Pagesdefine what is self or if there even is a self, Hume asserts personal identity is a mere illusion and instead the self is a classification of the process of our mutable parts. On the other hand, in Descartes’ dissertation he defines self as a â€Å"rational soul† (pg33) or an essence unique to humans, held constant in the container of the human body. Hume’s and Descartes’ definition of self therefore is an all or nothing assumption; either the self is nonexistent dependent on the presence of an infinite constantRead MoreEssay on The Nature of Socratic Philosophy516 Words   |  3 Pagesof philosophy, as viewed by Socrates, is centred around the wellness of the soul, virtue being defined as knowledge and the pursuit of truth through the questioning of beliefs. Socrates heavily subscribed to a dualistic view of the body and the soul.He saw the body, or the flesh as something engaging in vacant pleasures and of no value to the betterment of an individual. Instead, Socrates focused himself on the soul, by nature being divine and therefore deserving of the most attention. Socrates:

Free Finance Essay LSE TMX Merger Free Essays

string(28) " the synergies of a merger\." EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This case study seeks to analyse the intended merger between London Stock Exchange Plc and TMX Group, Inc, the operators of London and Canada’s largest stock exchanges respectively. The intended merger is offering TMX Group’s shareholders 2.9963 shares in the newly created entity, for every TMX share owned. We will write a custom essay sample on Free Finance Essay: LSE TMX Merger or any similar topic only for you Order Now The aim of the merger is supposedly to create synergies and shareholder wealth for all shareholders involved. On close inspection of the figures, and with the aid of financial theories, this study found that TMX’s shareholders stand to gain much more than LSE shareholders (35% compared to 10%) in the integration within the new company. Furthermore, synergies such as improved global market share and cost savings have been found to be achievable as a result of the merger, however forecasts for revenue improvements would take careful planning and implementation. The LSE-TMX merger is therefore recommended, given the consolidation of the industry, and the need to achieve scale in order to compete effectively. 1 INTRODUCTION Mergers and Acquisitions between stock exchanges have been widespread globally, due mostly to the need to achieve scale and reduce costs through synergies (Guardian.co.uk, 2011). One of these proposed mergers has between the London Stock Exchange Group Plc and TMX, operator of Canada’s largest stock exchange. They have been in merger discussions recently that would see a new corporate entity formed; wherein LSE would own 55%, and TMX shareholders would own 45%, with the LSE CEO Xavier Rolet being the top boss in the newly formed organisation. This supposed merger is recommended as an ideal move for LSE, given the competitive environment in which it operates, and the need to continuously expand globally after its acquisition of Borsa Italiana (Italian stock exchange). However, it has sparked criticisms and controversy on the Canadian front, as a number of parties, including the government and several top organisations have stated that a merger between both entities would reduce the status of Canada as a financial capital, and could subsequently result in Canadian firms opting to list in London and not Canada. FT.com (2011) describes Canadian authorities as â€Å"tricky† when it comes to foreign investments, as they could block bids by multinationals if it is perceived not to be in line with the national interest. Such as was seen in 2010, when the Canadian minister for Industry blocked a ?26bn takeover of a fertilizer group by an American mining group BHP Billiton. This case study seeks to review whether mergers and acquisition increase shareholder wealth for both parties, and the sort of synergies that can be expected from such a relationship. 2 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS The diagrams below show a snapshot of the change LSE and TMX before the merger. Diagram 1 and 2 show the revenue growth in LSE and TMX Plc respectively. Both companies have witnessed steady growth over the past four years. 3 WHY MERGERS AND ACQUISTIONS ARE INTERESTING Breedon and Fornasari (2000) notes that the main aim of mergers in organisations today is for companies to achieve global competitiveness, reduce costs, diversify and possibly improve growth and revenue by branching out into other sectors. Mergers are particularly rampant in highly competitive industries, where firms may be seen to be highly competitively or very fragmented and joining forces together with other players would assist organisations in achieving critical mass necessary to compete effectively. With particular reference to shareholder wealth creation and synergies, several organisations attribute synergies and increasing profit as the core reason why they are merging. For instance cost reductions when duplicate processes and roles are eliminated would assist in improving net profit (Devos et al, 2009). Furthermore, the now increased size of the joint company could be leveraged while negotiating contracts, and be used in achieving economies of scale (Salama et al, 2003). Salama et al further note that mergers allegedly offer the opportunity for new customers in new markets, improved marketing, product development, access to distribution channels and cross selling. It would also help improve market leadership, maintain current positioning and can inspire vertical integration. Even though these assertions are indeed interesting, the most interesting fact about mergers and acquisitions is the argument that down the line, most mergers fail to achieve the profit expectations, shareholder wealth and synergies they initially sought (Salama et al, 2003). This failure could be readily observed in the high price often offered in acquisitions, the substantial, albeit unmet promises given on employee retention, synergies and revenue growth, and the significant costs involved in concluding a merger and synergising operations. This area is therefore very important as a study of what actually makes mergers successful could assist us in analysing the LSE and TMX ongoing merger negotiations and draw recommendations on how they can improve shareholder wealth and achieve synergies. 4 RELEVANT STUDIES Several studies have been published on merger synergies, and the value created afterwards. Stahal and Mendenhall (2005) theorized that one of the major rationales for mergers and acquisitions is the need for businesses to synergize their activities with that of a target company, which is strategically positioned to provide an increase in value. Therefore companies aspire to merge horizontally with competitors in the same industry or vertically with suppliers/buyers in order to synergize their operational processes in a bid to develop a coherent operational strategy that takes advantage of all elements of the business process, eliminates additional cost through redundancy and generates new revenue streams, thus promoting growth. Christofferson et al (2004), in what they described as the winner’s cause argued, â€Å"when companies merge, most of the shareholder value is likely to go to the target. Indeed, on average, the buyer pays the seller all of the value generated by a merger, in the form of a premium of from 10 to 35 percent of the target company’s preannouncement market value.† A complimentary study conducted by Gomes et al (2007), found that the winner’s cause in this sense mostly materialises as a result of an overestimation of the synergies of a merger. You read "Free Finance Essay: LSE TMX Merger" in category "Best finance essays" These synergies are usually as a result of economies of scale and scope sought, new markets, leveraging of capabilities, and greater opportunities for the combined company. Furthermore, Soderberg and Vaara (2003) argued that most acquirers usually have little information about the target company, especially when it comes to the human capital they are acquiring, which often leads to integration issues once the merger is completed. However, Chatterjee (2007), in his study of 264 larger mergers, found that the average synergy gains were 10.03% of the combined equity of both merged firms. Most of which came from tax savings (1.63%) and operational synergies (8.38%). Most of these operational gains were however due to â€Å"cutbacks in investment expenditures rather than by increased operating profits†. In conclusion, Holland and Salama (2010) noted â€Å"careful and well-planned integration strategies are responsible for sustainable learning occurring, leading to desirable synergies between firms engaged in a merger process†. 5 TESTING MERGER THEORY 5.1 SYNERGIES The main objective given for the LSE and TMX merger is to create synergies, in a deal that would create the largest exchange globally in terms of the number of companies listed (6,700), and would also create an exchange where mining companies would be most concentrated. Furthermore, the combined companies are targeting an annual cost savings of ?35m by the second year after the merger, and a revenue growth of ?35m and ?100m in the third and fifth year respectively. Even though the revenue growth cannot be easily ascertained, the synergies can be readily verified. If they do merge, according to Breedon and Fornasari (2000) they would objectively increase in size, have the largest listing of mining companies, and be the world’s largest stock exchange based on the number of listed companies. Furthermore, it is indeed realistic that they can achieve cost savings in the second year, due possibly to cost cutting processes as illustrated by Chatterjee (2007). However, revenue growth in the third and fifth year cannot be easily ascertained, and the likelihood of that happening, may be slim. According to Gomes et al (2007), even though cost reduction and market size synergies are indeed achievable in mergers due to the objective and easy manner in which they can be achieved following a deal, those centered on revenue growth are usually more difficult to achieve, and often result from very optimistic synergy expectations pre-merger. 5.2 SHAREHOLDER VALUE The LSE and TMX merger is supposed to have a combined value of ?5 billion (including debt), and would be jointly headquartered in London and Toronto. LSE is offering TMX shareholders 2.9963 ordinary shares for every common share they have, and based on Diagram 4, that would result in them owning 45% of the combined company. However, in what way does this actually increase the value of shareholders in both companies? Diagram 3: Pre and post merger valuation calculation. Source: FT.com (2011) The diagram above shows the calculation of the pre and post merger valuation of both companies. Based on the market valuation of both companies on 9th of February 2011, when the merger was announced, they had a collective market cap of ?4.2bn. However, by offering TMX shareholders 2.9963 shares for every share held, they would own 45% of a ?5bn combined entity, which takes up their valuation to ?2.25 billion from ?1.70, thus representing a 35% increase on their current shares; whilst LSE shareholders only gain 10%. Even though shareholders in both companies would increase their wealth as a result of the merger of both companies, TMX shareholders stand to gain a lot more than LSE shareholders. These findings contradict that of Salama et al (2003), who stated that the only shareholders that gain considerably from acquisitions are the target companies. In this situation, both companies stand to gain, just that the target gains a lot more. An explanation for this can be found from Chatterjee (2007), who stated that most mergers have to include a premium valuation for the targets to accept, and the substantial increase in valuation within the new entity could be regarded as a premium payment for the acquisition to take place. It can thus be said that LSE has paid a premium in order to acquire TMX, which has resulted in increased shareholder wealth for TMX shareholders. 5.3 INCREASING BARGAINING POWER AND EFFICIENCIES In an effort to determine the status of past mergers, Salama et al (2003) reported that up to 60% of acquisitions fail, and this failure is mostly represented in their inability to achieve cost reduction or revenue growth objectives, or in the general lack of integration between both parties. However, Buono and Bowdith (1989) in contradiction noted that horizontal mergers do benefit organisations, even in situations where cost savings and revenue growth is difficult. They further noted that this benefit is usually in the form of market share growth and operational efficiencies that are crucial in multinational businesses seeking to establish critical mass in an increasingly global industry. FT.com (2011) notes that the most stock exchanges are often chosen for listing based on their market value and popularity amongst investors. Therefore a stock market with a larger market share has more chance of attracting lists, than others. By joining forces with TMX, LSE would be able to gain a larger market share of the global stock exchange industry, thus being able to attract more listings, trading and revenue. Without this, it faces the fear of being taken over by larger players. Therefore, in light of these findings, the merger between LSE and TMX is therefore crucial in order for it to remain competitive and useful in the global stock exchange market. Diagram 4: Market share of leading stock exchanges. Source: FT.com (2011) 6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This study has considered the LSE and TMX findings in light of academic theories, and analyzed existing information with the aim of testing various theories. The major reason given for the merger, which is supposedly to achieve synergies, seems very achievable given the operations of both companies. By creating a multinational entity, the new entity would automatically become the largest exchange for mining companies, and would house the highest number of listed companies. This synergy is also well connected with the theory on bargaining power and efficiencies, as a larger LSE-TMX would attract more companies to list, help reduce overall costs, and improve efficiencies. The manner and success rate of achieving these however depends highly on the careful planning and execution that goes into integrating both companies (Buono and Bowditch, 1989). If these were not done appropriately, then even though LSE-TMX would still be a large multinational stock exchange, by nature of its merger, it may not uphold its competitiveness or be able to the sort of efficiencies envisioned. Finally, the merger does seem to create wealth for both shareholders, but the TMX shareholders stand to gain a lot more, mostly due to the premium being included in the price. This is therefore not a â€Å"merger between equals† (FT.com, 2011), but an acquisition of TMX by LSE, in a diplomatic manner aimed at appeasing Canadian authorities. 7 REFERENCES Breedon, F and F Fornasari (2000) FX impact of cross-border MA., Lehman Brothers, Global Economics Research Series, April Buono, A.F., Bowditch, J.L. (1989), The Human Side of Mergers and Acquisitions, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA Chatterjee, S. (2007) Why is synergy so difficult in mergers of related businesses?, Strategy Leadership, Vol. 35 (2), pp.46 – 52 Christofferson, S, McNish, R, Sias, D (2004), ‘Where mergers go wrong’, McKinsey Quarterly, 2, pp. 92-99, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 8 April 2011. Devos, E, Kadapakkam, P, and Krishnamurthy, S. (2009) ‘How Do Mergers Create ValueA Comparison of Taxes, Market Power, and Efficiency Improvements as Explanations for Synergies’, Review of Financial Studies, 22, 3, pp. 1179-1211, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 8 April 2011. FT.com (2011) LSE and Canada’s TMX agree merger, www.ft.com, [accessed: 03/04/11] Gomes, E., Donnelly, T., Morris, D., Collis, C. (2007), â€Å"Improving merger process management skills over time: a comparison between the acquisition processes of Jaguar and of Land Rover by Ford†, The Irish Journal of Management, Vol. 28 pp.31-58. Google Finance (2011) TMX Group, Inc. financials, London Stock Exchange Plc. Financials, http://www.google.co.uk/finance?q=TSE:Xfstype=ii, [accessed: 03/04/11] Guardian.co.uk (2011) TMX-LSE merger: a timeline of takeover battles, www.guardian.co.uk/business, [accessed: 03/04/11] Salama, A., Holland, W., and Vinten, G. (2003), Challenges and opportunities in mergers and acquisitions: three international case studies: Deutsche Bank-Bankers Trust; British Petroleum-Amoco; Ford-Volvo, Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 27 pp.313-21. Soderberg, A. M., and Vaara, E. (2003), Merging across Borders: People, Cultures and Politics, Copenhagen Business School Press, Copenhagen Stahal, G.K., Mendenhall, M.E. (2005), Mergers and Acquistions: Managing Culture and Human Resources, Stanford University Press, Stanford How to cite Free Finance Essay: LSE TMX Merger, Essays

Canterbury Tales By Chaucer (3517 words) Essay Example For Students

Canterbury Tales By Chaucer (3517 words) Essay Canterbury Tales By ChaucerBy far Chaucers most popular work, although he might have preferred to havebeen remembered by Troilus and Criseyde, the Canterbury Tales was unfinished athis death. No less than fifty-six surviving manuscripts contain, or oncecontained, the full text. More than twenty others contain some parts or anindividual tale. The work begins with a General Prologue in which the narratorarrives at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, and meets other pilgrims there, whom hedescribes. In the second part of the General Prologue the inn-keeper proposesthat each of the pilgrims tell stories along the road to Canterbury, two each onthe way there, two more on the return journey, and that the best story earn thewinner a free supper. Since there are some thirty pilgrims, this would havegiven a collection of well over a hundred tales, but in fact there are onlytwenty-four tales, and some of these are incomplete. Between tales, and at timeseven during a tale, the pilgrimage framework is introduced with some kind ofexchange, often acrimonious, between pilgrims. In a number of cases, there is alonger Prologue before a tale begins, the Wife of Baths Prologue and thePardoners Prologue being the most remarkable examples of this. At Chaucersdeath, the various sections of the Canterbury Tales that he was preparing hadnot been brought together in a linked whole. His friends seem to have tried asbest they could to prepare a coherent edition of what was there, adding somemore linkages when they thought it necessary. The resulting manuscriptstherefore offer slight differences in the order of tales, and in some of theframework links. The tales are usually found in linked groups known asFragments. The customary grouping and ordering of the tales is as follows (thecommonly accepted abbreviation for each Tale is noted in parentheses): FragmentI (A) Â Â Â General Prologue (GP), Knight (KnT),Miller (MilT), Reeve (RvT), Cook (CkT). Fragment II (B1) Â Â Â Mano f Law (MLT) Fragment III (D) Â Â Â Wife ofBath (WBT), Friar (FrT), Summoner (SumT). Fragment IV (E) Â Â Â Clerk(ClT), Merchant (MerT). Fragment V (F) Â Â Â Squire(SqT), Franklin (FranT). Fragment VI (C) Â Â Â Physician(PhyT), Pardoner (PardT). Fragment VII (B2) Â Â Â Shipman(ShipT), Prioress (PrT), Chaucer: Sir Thopas (Thop), Melibee (Mel), Monk (MkT),Nuns Priest (NPT). Fragment VIII (G) Â Â Â SecondNun SNT), Canons Yeoman (CYT). Fragment IX (H) Â Â Â Manciple(MancT). Fragment X (I) Â Â Â Parson (ParsT). There is great variety in different manuscripts but I and II, VI and VII, IX andX are almost always found in that order while the tales in IV and V are oftenspread around separately. Modern editions are usually based on one of twomanuscripts, both written by the same scribe: the Hengwrt Manuscript and theEllesmere Manuscript. The former, in the National Library of Wales, is theoldest of all, probably copied directly from Chaucers own disordered papers,but it lacks the Canons Yeomans Tale and the final pages have been lost. Thelatter, now preserved in California, is more complete, and beautifully producedwith illustrations of the different pilgrims beside their Tales, but it showsthe work of an editor who has removed some of the roughness from Chaucerslines. Chaucer offers in the Tales a great variety of literary forms, narrativesof different kinds as well as other texts. The pilgrimage framework enricheseach tale by setting it in relationship with others, but it would be a mistaketo identify the narratorial voice of each tale too strongly with the individualpilgrim who is supposed to be telling it. After the General Prologue, the Talesfollow. The following is a brief outline of the different tales in the orderfound in the Riverside Chaucer, the standard edition. Fragment I The work beginswith a General Prologue in which the narrator (Chaucer?) arrives at the TabardInn in Southwark to set out on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St Thomas Becket atCanterbury, and meets other pilgrims there, whom he describes. In the secondpart of the General Prologue the inn-keeper proposes that each of the pilgrimstell stories along the road to Canterbury, two each on the way there, two moreon the return journey, and that the best story earn the winner a free supper. The Knights Tale: a romance, a condensed version of Boccaccios Teseida, set inancient Athens. It tells of the love of two cousins, Palamon and Arcite, for thebeautiful Emelye; the climax is a mock-battle, a tournament, the winner of whichwill win her; the gods Mars and Venus have both promised success to one of them. Arcite (servant of Mars) wins, but he dies of wounds after his horse has beenfrightened by a fury, and in the end Palamon (servant of Venus) marries Emelye. The tale explores the themes of determinism and freedom in ways reminiscent ofthe use of Boethius for the same purpose in Troilus and Criseyde. The MillersPrologue and Tale: a fabliau (coarse comic tale), about the cuckolding of Johnthe Carpenter by an Oxford student, Nicholas, boarding with him and his wifeAlison; Absolon, a young man from the local church, also tries to woo her, butis tricked into kissing her behind instead of her lips. Nicholas has deceivedJohn into believing that Noahs Flood is about to come again, so John is asleepin a tub hanging high in the roof, ready to float to safety. Meanwhile Alisonand Nicholas are in bed together. The climax of the tale is one of the finestcomic moments in literature, when Absolon burns Nicholass behind with a hotiron, Nicholas calls for water, John hears, thinks the flood has come, cuts therope holding his tub, and crashes to the floor, breaking an arm. Only Alisonescapes unscathed. The narrator offers no morality. The Reeves Prologue andTale: a fabliau about the cuckolding of a miller told by the Reeve (who is acarpenter, and very angry with the Miller for his tale); two Cambridge studentspunish a dishonest miller by having sex with his wife and daughter while asleepall in one room. Again, the end involves violence, as the miller discovers whathas happened but is struck on the head by his wife because his bald pate is allshe can see in the dark. The Cooks Prologue and Tale: only a short fragmentexists. Fragment II The Man of Laws Introduction, Prologue, Tale, and Epilogue:a religious romance about the Roman emperors christian daughter Constance, whogoes to Syria, floats to England, and finally returns to Rome after manyadventures. Fragment III The Wife of Baths Prologue and Tale: in her Prologue,the Wife of Bath tells the story of her five marriages, while contesting theanti-feminist attitudes found in books that she quotes; indirectly, she becomesthe proof of the truth of those books. Her Tale is a Breton Lay a bout a knightwho rapes a girl, is obliged as punishment to find out what women most desire,learns from an old hag that the answer is mastery over theirhusbands and then has to marry her. She is a loathly lady butsuddenly becomes beautiful when he gives her mastery over him after receiving along lesson on the nature of true nobility. The tale is related to the ideas theWife of Bath expresses in the Prologue, it is also a kind ofwish-fulfillment for a woman no longer quite young. (see below, forGowers version of the same story) The Friars Prologue and Tale: a comic taleabout a summoner (church lawyer) who goes to hell after an old woman curses himfrom her heart. The Summoners Prologue and Tale: a coarse joke told in revengeabout a friar who has to find a method of sharing a fart he has been givenequally among all his fellow-friars. Fragment IV The Clerks Prologue and Tale:a pathetic tale of popular origin, adapted by Chaucer from a French version ofPetrarchs Latin translation of a tal e in Boccaccios Decameron. The unlikelyand terrible story of the uncomplaining Griselda who is made to suffer appallingpain and humiliation by her husband Walter. Griselda is of very humble origin;Walter chooses her like God choosing Israel. Suddenly he turns against her,takes away her children, sends her back home, and years later demands that shehelp welcome the new bride he has decided to marry. Without resisting, sheobeys, and at last finds her rights and children restored to her by Walter whosays he was just testing her! The narrator cannot decide if she is a model wifefor anti-feminists or an image of humanity in the hands of an arbitrary destiny. Ethics In Journalism EssayThis was in turn reprinted three times, before William Thynne publishedChaucers Collected Works in 1532. In the Reformation period, Chaucersreputation as a precursor of the Reform movement was helped by the addition of apro-Reformation Plowmans Tale in a 1542 edition. In 1561, even Lydgates Siegeof Thebes was added. The edition by Thomas Speght in 1598 was the first to offera glossary; his text was revised in 1602 and this version was reprinted severaltimes over the next hundred years, although Chaucer was not really to the tasteof the Augustan readers. The first scholarly edition of the Canterbury Tales waspublished by Thomas Tyrwhitt in 1775. In the last year of his life (1700) JohnDryden wrote a major appreciation of Chaucer, based mainly on his knowledge ofthe General Prologue and certain tales which he had adapted into his own agesstyle: In the first place, as he is the father of English poetry, I hold him inthe same degree of veneration as the Grecia ns held Homer, or the Romans Virgil. He is a perpetual fountain of good sense; learned in all sciences; and,therefore, speaks properly on all subjects. As he knew what to say, so he knowsalso when to leave off; a continence which is practiced by few writers, andscarcely by any of the ancients, excepting Virgil and Horace Chaucer followedNature everywhere, but was never so bold to go beyond her. He must have beena man of a most wonderful comprehensive nature, because, as it has been trulyobserved of him, he has taken into the compass of his Canterbury Tales thevarious manners and humors (as we now call them) of the whole English nation inhis age. Not a single character has escaped him. there is such a variety ofgame springing up before me that I am distracted in my choice, and know notwhich to follow. Tis sufficient to say, according to the proverb, that here isGods plenty. Readingthe Canterbury Tales Each Tale is presented as a separate work which can beread and appreciated in its own right. There are many different classes ofTale ranging from the saints life (SNT) and the theological treatise (ParsT)through romance (KT) to the fabliau (MilT, RvT). By creating the Pilgrimageframework, Chaucer adds an extra dimension to each Tale by attributing it to amore or less distinctly characterized pilgrim. The question of the relationshipbetween each Tale and its fictional pilgrim-teller is much debated. Usually,once a Tale has begun, it continues to the end without further reference to thepilgrimage framework. The interruption of Chaucers Tale about Sir Thopas and ofthe Monks Tale about falls of princes by weary pilgrims, and of the Pardonersfinal salesmans speech by an angry Host, are powerful exceptions. Each Tale hasits own style, which is entirely determined by the kind of work it is, and is inno sense a dramatic style reflecting the individuality of the p roclaimednarrator. The Miller may be drunk, the narratorial voice of the Millers Tale isnot a drunken one. On the other hand, the Miller, we are told, is a churl(line 3182) and he tells a churlish kind of story in terms of morality andrespectability at least, no matter how brilliantly. The Knight is noble and hisTale is a romance of the kind associated with royal courts. There seems usuallyto be this kind of suitability of Tale to teller. However, it must be admittedthat a number of Tales were left by Chaucer without any introductory pilgrimagelink-passage, one sometimes being provided by editors in the 15th century, sothat the attribution of them to a particular pilgrim may not be Chaucers. TheShipmans Tale includes lines in which the pilgrim-narrator refers to himself asa woman. This may indicate that originally this tale about sex and money hadbeen given to the Wife of Bath and that after she was given another tale Chaucernever had time to remove those lines. After the General Pr ologue, the pilgrimscome into their own in brief link-passages which are in many cases full oftension as two or more of the rowdier pilgrims nearly come to blows. Alwayssomeone intervenes to restore order and the next Tale is introduced. Twopilgrims, the Wife of Bath and the Pardoner, are given a far more significantdevelopment. Each of them has a Prologue of considerable length in which theybecome, as it were, the subject of their own self-telling. Each of thesePrologues is rooted in traditions of satire but goes far beyond them inestablishing a composite portrayal of a dynamic individual in dramaticmonologue. The most important function of the pilgrimage framework, however, isthe question it leaves hovering over each of the Tales as it is told: Is thisTale the best Tale? The Hosts proposal of a contest invites the reader to judgeall the Tales but at the same time requires the reader to reflect on thecriteria by which the Tales are to be judged. What is the purpose oftale-telling, indeed of all discourse? Sentence or solas? Wisdom or pleasure?The value of a tale becomes more and more related to the value of life, and theParson is not simply a kill-joy when he declares: Thou getest fable noon ytooldfor me (you get no fable told by me) and instead offers a treatise on sin andsalvation. Chaucer leads the reader to the point where the ability of anyfictional tale to tell the truth is challenged, though not necessarily asradically denied as the Parson would wish. The Parson himself is a fictionalcharacter, after all, a part of a Tale. The reader is at each moment invited toread the Tales in such a way as not to eliminate any of these dimensions.

The Main Purpose of The Assignment

Question: What is the main purpose ofThe main purpose of the assignment. Answer: The main purpose of the assignment is to conduct strategic management analysis on Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is one of the technology companies that designs, produces as well as sell goods of Mobile phone industries and Computer. Apple Inc. is differentiating by its product brand-perception as well as identification. From the last couple of years, Apple considers as cult-brand thank iLife, QuickTime and iMac Lines. This particular company has short-term goals as well as increased sales for launching iPad. Apple mainly aims at reaching the number one leader in the upcoming financial year. Apple Inc. has included wide variety of features that are exclusive as well as well-known in the recent world. It is considered that Apple Inc Products has several appealing features like iMac, iPhone as well as iPad. Apple products represents revolutionary era for reaching next developmental era for technology advancement. Apple Inc. was successful in attracting potential customers in given way or other. High advanced technology, sense of luxury as well as simplicity and design as the main features of Apple Inc products. Apple products provide comfort as well as convenience to the potential customer base. The selected company for this assignment is Apple Inc because it is unique, simple as well as comfortable picture. Apple has successfully shaped its marketplace over existence. Apple motto is Think Differently. Introduction This study deals with strategic management of Apple Inc with relevant facts from recent market scenario. Apple Inc is an American international association that is situated at California in the middle of Silicon Valley (Apple 2016). Apple Inc. focuses on conniving as well as developing personal computer and other related software goods and electronic goods like MP3 players and iPods. Main products of Apple Inc. are iMac, iPhone as well as iPod and other latest advanced products. This particular company was founded in the year 1976 and leading the way for innovation of new products and encountered difficulties at the same time. Apple Inc. produces first ever-successful individual processor (Ward and Peppard 2016). Apple has been forefront for innovating new products as well as struggled hard in maintaining hold on marketplace share in manufactured goods line. At later stage, Apple Inc. transformed its picture from creative mainframe manufacturer to full-fledged consumer electronic com pany. Some financial facts of Apple Company are sales at $13.95 billion in the year 2005. Apple iPods model controls over 70% of hard drive in the MP3 player market (Apple 2016). This particular company enjoy principal market divide up especially in phone marketplace. Apple Inc. unveils its first phone on 9th of January 2007. Strategic Purpose Assessing Strategic purpose of the organization Mission Apple plan Macs is the excellent personal computer in the planet down with other OS X, iWork as well as iLife and expert software. Apple occupies the topmost position in the digital music rebellion by means of iPods and iTunes online stockpile (Rothaermel 2015). Vision Statement of Apple Man is the creator of change in this world. As such he should be above systems and structures, and not subordinate to them. Explanation of Apple vision Apples live this idea with the advancement of technology as it develops customers as well as business. It mainly struggle innovative ways for making customers masters of the product at the time of purchase Apple does not believe in simply making vision statement. Rather, it lives by ensure its workers for understanding the idea as well as strives best in reaching at the same time (Rosenbaum-Elliott et al. 2015). It place system in position for enabling soft client communication. Apple has place objectives for moving forward inside continuous form in making better financial as well as operational structures in applied strategies. Values Apple values include qualities, standards as well as customs and other principles for success of employees in an organization (Apple 2016). Some of the values governing Apple business conduct are as follows: Innovation or Vision Positive Social Contribution Aggressiveness or Achievement Empathy for customers or users Individual Reward Team Spirit Individual Performance Good Management Quality or Excellence Critically examine relationship and compatibility between strategic statement and functional objectives of Apple On critical analysis, it is noticed that Apple Inc has positive relationship between strategic statement and its functional objectives in the most appropriate way. External Analysis PESTEL Analysis Political Factors As affirmed by Morschett, Schramm-Klein and Zentes (2015), Apple Inc. obtains 52% of its commerce exterior US in the year 2007. Apple Inc. faced problems due to bad international relations and lead to wars as well as terrorism largely. Apple Inc. produces wide variety of part and goods outside US like Ireland, Korea as well as Czech Republic and Cork. Due to bad following relation between US and additional world, it leads to terrible outcome for Apple Inc. Economic Factors According to Lee (2016), worldwide financial crisis has enormous impact in the operations of Apple Inc. Inflation rates are high and there is rise of unemployment. Apple Inc. products falls under luxury products as well as customers started spending less on them. There were continuous fluctuations in US Dollar prices and leads to bad impact on Apple Inc. products. Therefore, Apple Inc. had to purchase itself foreign currencies as well as economic effects on company were minimized largely. At the end, revenue of Apple Inc. increased largely in the global market. Social Factors Apple Inc. has major two factors like quality as well as designs of the products. Globalization plays major role in favor of Apple products. It was hard for the world to imagine life without gadgets (Lasserre 2012). Therefore, Apple products marked huge presence especially in international market. Purchasing power of individuals rises in certain markets in and across the world in case of luxury products like iPhone, iPad and iPods. Technological Factors Apple Inc. invests mainly in manufactured goods explore as well as developmental field. Apple products are given highest priority and have innovative products ranking. With the advancement of technology, markets are becoming more gigantic for added competition and direct technological change at the same time (Ketchen, Ireland and Baker 2013). It concerns directly with product life cycle and takes advantage in introducing newer products in global markets. Legal Factors Nokia has file lawsuits alongside Apple Inc. They claimed breach of 13 extra; patent like iPhone, iPad and iPod handle. In China, Apple Inc, fights huge battle intended for getting its rights to iPad brand. Threats and opportunities in gaining competitive advantage Threats of Apple Inc Apple Inc. competitors include companies like Dell, HP as well as Toshiba and Sony. One of the threats involves customers who start downloading music free of charge in its place of purchase at iTunes. Merchandise expensiveness considers as risk to products and acts for substitute at lower prices (Apple 2016). Long permanent depression proves to be threat to goods. Windows 7 software gains more marketplace presence following vista flop. Technology is change every single day and this proves major threat to Apple Inc. Opportunities of Apple Inc Opportunities affect present and future condition of a particular business organization. Apple Inc. opportunities introduce additional PC virus on which Apple Inc capitalizes lying on certain way. Other opening of Apple Inc. has grown at rapid pace as well as open front for new markets and purchase authority of common person. Online sales of an organization are increasing as well as rise in past few years (Hubbard, Rice and Galvin 2014). Products like iPhone aims at creating fresh set of probable clientele and targets youthful people who are crazy for fresh knowledge widget. Apple capabilities for competitive advantage Apple has unique capabilities in gaining competitive advantage for having threshold capabilities. Unique resources are those resources that are critically underpinning completive advantage over other in imitating other products (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson 2012). Core competencies are those activities as well as process through which resources deployed in achieving competitive advantage for future analysis purpose. Porters five forces analysis of Apple Inc. Porter Five force Model is one of the influential tools that appreciate the core of authority in commerce and corporation. Figure: Porters five-force model (Source: Created by Author) Bargaining power of suppliers Apple Inc. has few suppliers who have the benefit to use their benefits. This particular company has pressure from music labels in case of increase costs. Apple Inc. has high cash reserves as well as lock in suppliers. Bargaining power of buyers In case of Apple fanatics, Apple Inc. has low bargaining power. General buyers of Apple Inc. have high bargaining power. Threat of substitute products Apple Inc. has high threat from substitute products. E-book readers include kindle, Nook as well as Fire. There is group of alternate model all through the handset like PC, Tablet Industry. Substitutes inside Apples goods variety from making choice of the customers difficult as far as possible Threat of new entrants In this case, new entrants threats includes manufacturers of phones like Pc and existing competitors in developing new products to match Apple. Rivalry amongst sellers Apple Inc. faces very high rivalry amongst sellers. Apple is in multiple industries with multiple competitors as well as has fierce battle. Internal Analysis Strategic Capabilities VRIO Framework of Apple Inc Resources and Competencies Value Rarity Imitability Organization Competitive Advantage Simplicity Yes No Yes Yes Parity Software Yes No No No Parity Brand Name Yes Yes Yes Yes Sustained Hardware Yes No No Yes Temporary Identification of strategic capabilities Unique design capability Apple came with exclusive user line design in way of bearing in mind screen, touch pad as well as series and other improved functionality in goods. Apple exceptional plan includes products like iPod, iMac as well as iPhone. Analyzing business functions of Apple Innovation capability Apple mainly focuses on competitive strategy in terms of innovation activities due to competitive pressure. It mainly combines technological knowledge with new idea for selling online music at the same time. Apple came out with revolutionary iPod music player as well as iTunes in the entire music industry. Apple aims at continuing with designing of innovative products like easy for using desktop computers. Addition to that, it includes products like iPhone and iPad for maintaining reputation with customers. Apple invests little time for research as well as development in comparison with other competitors. Apple spends around 3.7 percent of its total revenue on research and developmental activities (Harrison and John 2013). Founder and CEO of Apple named, as Steve Job does not believe that innovation has anything to do with spending lot of money in research and development. It mainly depends upon the knowledge of people working for the business organization. He believes that focusing on existing products as well as services considers as one of the core competitive strategy of Apple Inc. Innovation of new product design evolves with exceptional elegant easy for using in case of customer experience. Basis of Competitive Strategy Apple Inc is taking 93% of the profits in Smartphone industry in the recent world. Apple Inc. is the only company that makes money from smart phones. In each of the quarter, analysts look at the profit state of smart phone companies. Apple records 93% of industry profits. Apple is the leader in the smart phone industry in comparison with its competitors. Apple sold more than 74.5 million iPhones in the last quarter. It generates $12.6 to $13.5 billion profits (Dobbin and Baum 2014). Apple has strong brand name as well as highly recognized in the individual computer industry and consumer electronic industry. This particular company product strategy is to create innovative product design as well as connection with existing customer base. Apple brand personality focus mainly on simplicity as well as removal of complexity from lives of people. It gives rise to people driven products for high quality services. Popular innovative creation of Apple includes iMac, iPod, and OS X operating system. Figure: Smartphone brands for the year 2011 and 2012 sales (Source: Carroll, Primo and Richter 2016) Apple brand value arrives at $21143 billion in the year 2010 and fastest growing in and around the world. This particular brand considers as symbol for technological modernity as well as uses for competing with high competitive market (Barney and Hesterly 2015). Apple Inc. has powerful brand image considers as unique competence for gaining competitive advantage by gaining customer loyalty. Strategic choice and Strategy Evaluation Ansoff Matrix Penetration Penetration comes under matrix for existing products in existing market. In this matrix, Apple Inc. sells more Apple products to existing customer base. Attracting clientele from competitors with innovative as well as better features at inferior prices and increased services For instance, iPhone- Apple releases new as well as upgrade description of iPhone for each 12 months. New facilities comprise improved camera, better sharper screen as well as closer processor and faster internet connections. Product Development Product Development comes under the matrix new products in existing market. Apple Inc. aims at rising new goods for clientele who are already loyal to the brand. This mainly entails added product expansion costs as well as eliminated cost of new customers acquisition at the same time. For instance, iPod Shuffle- Apple free iPod mix up especially for the accessible iPod clientele as an optional device intended for going anywhere. This product was designed because of small wearable as well as rugged for the times in place of fragile iPod or iPhone. Market Development Market Development comes under the matrix with existing products in new market. Apple Inc. introduces existing products as well as services for complete original market or section. This includes new area as well as state and demographic collection. For instance, iPod Touch- This particular product is the replica of iPhone. iPod Touch does not have call making facilities and do not have cell phone carriers controlling over iPhone. Diversification Diversification means new products in new markets. Apple Inc. enters new market with complete new offerings. This mainly entails significant costs as well as risk for extreme rewarding analysis. For instance, iTunes- At the time of launching iTunes and iPod, Apple Inc. targets diverse collection of customers from accessible client base especially to computer enthusiast. It mainly entered into music industry in dangerous as well as gainful way (Al-Aali and Teece 2013). Selecting options from Ansoff Matrix and assessing level of: Suitability- Apple Inc. has suitable products that help the company in sustaining in the global marketplace as well as fighting against with competitors. Acceptability- Apple Inc. has acceptability power and open for innovation activities as far as possible. Feasibility- Apple Inc. has certain feasible options and produces products according to the potential customer base. Apple products are premium-based and status symbol products (Barney and Hesterly 2014). People are ready to pay any price for the purchase of the Apple products. Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion At the end of the study, it is completed that planned management study at Apple Inc is never easy to compete with other competitors. It requires lot of investment for research as well as development activities and proactive in competing with other competitors of industry. Apple Inc. is working hard in retaining the topmost position from the last couple of years. This particular company needs drastic change at the same time. They should not wait for populace for buying their goods when they are on trade. Apple Inc. should rather focus mainly on customer support as well as improve in areas that have problems previously. Recommendations From the above analysis, it is required in conducting detailed investigation on the overall strategic issues faced by Apple Inc. Strategic issues of Apple Cloud Services Internet Services Social Apple outside acquisitions Apple Inc. is advisable to make most of their strength by way of using product differentiation strategies. This company should make use of its brand name as well as image for retaining the market leader position as far as possible. Apple Inc should make use of manufacturing attributes in hardware as well as software for future analysis purpose. This company should address in diversified markets. Apple Inc should find ways in reducing the weakness and attainment of future goals and objectives. Apple operating performance affects greatly by economic as well as political uncertainty in United States. Another weakness that should be addressed by Apple Inc is research and development costs higher than its closest competitors do. Apple Inc should capitalize its opportunities by taking advantage of its operating system as well as pursuit in music industry. Apple Inc. should manage with their threats by competing with its closest competitors in terms of design, manufacturing as well as sales in aggressive terms. This particular company should check on Microsoft dominance and competitor copying programs at the same time. Addition to that, Apple Inc. should manage with software piracy and increased global competition at the same time. Approach 1 It is advisable to Apple for opening six computer retail stores. Apple has recently opened stores in United States having peripheral as well as accessories for computers. It adds hardware for generating awareness as well as usage in established locations. It will help in increased product accessibility for accessories and increased awareness on Apple products. There is 2 percent increased in the after that 2 years by sales council in case of processor hardware. Approach 2 It is advisable in the direction of contract music spokesperson for attracting upcoming generation who attends high school as well as college. It should invoke sense of style as well as connecting apple with certain characteristic and unforgettable top 10 hit. This will help in staying in the minds of customers and aware great influences on future purchase decisions. It should contract one music representative estimating $ 6 million. Approach 3 It is recommended toward Apple Inc. intended for adding more features in the present products for better Wintel compatibility. 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