Fashion Accessory trading business

Fashion Accessories Ltd is one of the crucial high-quality supplier & importers in UK. This company has been offering reasonable priced costume jewellery, accessories and fashion scarves in UK and other European countries such as France, Sweden, Spain and etc. And they also covers with over 650 clients and 20 years of experience in providing a wide-range of fashion items to meet the requirements of major retailers and their suppliers. They also have accounts with many of the famous branded chain store companies, as well as wholesalers and various other established firms.2. Presenting problem This study was concerned mainly in finding out the effect of Information Technology on B2B system in the supply chain extension management of trading business after 1990’s. To facilitate achieving the broad objects as cited above, this study aims to attain following specific operational objective ? To clarify the specific the factors that will boost business to business which subsequently triggered intense changes in the scope and impact of supply chain management on trading business after 1990's.? To discuss about the Information Technology that will further enhance business to business system. ? To identify the products offered by B2B responsible for boosting developments in the scope and impact of supply chain management on trading business after 1990's. ? To extend our understanding of the additional management cost as well as implementation problems with the introduction of B2B system. 3. Preparatory Work – TargetIn a country like UK the need for economic development is urgent; hence, it becomes imperative to extend present day knowledge on developing technological methodologies like introduction of B2B system which is one of the widely used platforms using Internet technology to bring down costs and speed up processes logistics for trading business. Likewise, the researcher believed that the findings of this study will help reduce the variation in produc t price as well as information, and markets will become more integrated.Furthermore, the baseline data gathered from the result of this study shall serve as guide of other researchers in their quest for additional knowledge specially those interested in the fields of Information Technology and Business Management 4. Outcome, Actors and Data Spotlight ? Outcome Tell something about the framework and the methods your going to use ? Actors The following persons who will be benefited with this study are: ? IT manager. This will lead them to know what has happened in the previous trends of business using B2B and the flows of GDP of UK.? Businessmen. They will be enlightened to determine if UK has a high credit risk or a good for investment. And facilitate them in the real world market standing of the UK country. ? UK people. This will guide them in determining the GDP and economic growth trends of their country. ? Future researcher. This will lead them to conduct new study relating B2B t o another factors or indicators. This will also guide them to think of another meaningful study. ? Data spotlight To answer the specific problems of this study the following hypotheses were formulated: 1.Information Technology did not enhance business to business system. 2. There were no products or services offered by B2B that were responsible for boosting developments in the scope and impact of supply chain management on trading business after 1990's. 3. There were no additional management cost as well as implementation problems with the introduction of B2B system. 5. Preparatory Work – Constraints What are the difficulties that you encounter in this study How are you going to get access 6. The Research Question The investigator was directed to answer the following questions:1. What specifically were the factors that boosted business to business which subsequently triggered intense changes in the scope and impact of supply chain management on trading business after 1990's? 2. Will Information Technology further enhance business to business system? 3. Were the products offered by B2B responsible for boosting developments in the scope and impact of supply chain management on trading business after 1990's? 4. Were there additional management cost as well as implementation problems with the introduction of B2B system? 7.Breakdown of Tasks The researcher collected the data from the different corrected thesis dissertation, journals, magazines and books. Microsoft Excel and SPSS program were used for the presentation proper of the events that is reflected in the informational data. a. Preparation of the Mind This is introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Sales representatives in business-to-business initially jeered at the idea of using direct marketing system as selling strategy for industrial customers. It was considered to be of low level company selling scheme for mass markets (Sullivan 1990, 2).Nevertheless, the stratagem was employed by Fortu ne 500 companies (Sullivan 1990, 2). This inter-dynamic selling scheme involves trade team and varied merchandizing methods such as mail and telemarketing which was likewise employed by Dictaphone (Sullivan 1990, 2). Other ways were the member-to-member mode, trading-up, and cross selling (Sullivan 1990, 372). Trading-up and cross selling incorporated advertising, direct marketing, and personal selling thus cutting the cost of the previously one-on-one scheme (Sullivan 1990, 372). †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. (more) b. Problem Scenario Expansion c. Preparation of the Domaind. Practical Access to Tools From the informational data that will be intended to gather the researcher decide to use SPSS program to compute the elasticity of the variables and to identify if the predictors of the study are good. And the multiple regression model will be used in this study. The chart and other basic computations will be done through Microsoft excel for better presentation of the study. e. Pract ical Access to Skills The researcher needs the following tutorial for SPSS usage, International access program list, and trends of the international GDP and the economic growth.To overcome this needs the researcher review some literature and studies using SPSS program, recall the past lessons in economics and ask the library for the list of international access list . f. Practical Documentation g. Research Thinking This study used a descriptive quantitative and qualitative research. This study was concerned mainly in finding out the effect of Information Technology on B2B system in the supply chain extension management of trading business after 1990’s. h. Primary DataThe selected research methodology is a descriptive archival, quantitative and interview. The interview will help for the construction of the entire impact on B2B in the real world. Secondary research is to read a number of literature and studies relevant to the present study in different public and private librar ies. The literature studies will be scrutinized to determine if there is some bearing to the study and would be analyzed to gain a broader perspective of the problem issue.The strategy in this study is the rational perspective, where the data analysis and the final recommendations follow the sequential gathering of information. i. Research Method/Problem Solving Approach ? Research Methodology The main objective of this study is to ? Research Approach The research approach that develops the methodology explained below is based on descriptive qualitative and quantitative research method. j. Data Locations k. Data Collection Protocol Presentation of the data and the computation †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. l. Primary Data Processing ? Preprocessing? Outcome Processing 8. Outline of Literature Review For a firm to deliver maximum value to its customers, it must receive maximum value from all its suppliers in the supply chain. Commercial firms are increasingly concluding that, working alone, they ca nnot have the lowest costs, best quality, or shortest cycle times in their industries if their suppliers do not support them (Lewis, 1995, p. 5). For example, Intel concluded that it could not improve the quality of its products if it did not improve â€Å"the quality of its suppliers (Morgan, 1990).Sun concluded that it could not be more responsive to its customers unless its suppliers were more responsive (Carbone, 1996). Many firms report that implementing best PSM practices has delivered large savings and significant performance improvements. (Moore, Baldwin, Camm, and Cook 2002, 4- 5) Once firms recognize the strategic importance of purchasing to improving their performance and profit as well as integrating their supply chains, they typically change their PSM practices to improve their competitiveness.5 Through our recent strategic sourcing and contracting research, we have learned how innovative commercial firms purchase goods and services. What we have observed appears to be the beginning of a revolution in PSM practices. 6 For example, Bensaou (1999) notes that in the automotive sector, all three U. S. manufacturers and most of their European competitors have launched programs to decrease their level of vertical integration, reduce their total number of direct suppliers, and move toward publicly declared strategic partnerships.7 In the aerospace sector, manufacturers are making strategic efforts to consolidate their supply base and forge stronger relationships with remaining suppliers (Stundza, 1999). For example, Boeing consolidated and standardized its supply contracts and plans to reduce its number of suppliers from 3,100 to 2,700 (Stundza, 2000b). Bowman (1998) notes that within the last year in the logistics industry shippers are increasingly bidding at the corporate level.More of them are making decisions by committee, whittling down their international provider base to a bare minimum. For example, he notes that about 40 percent of the global ac counts of APL Ltd. , a worldwide logistics provider, had some type of logistics council or centralized body for purchasing, strategizing, and decision making. 8 To set the stage for PSM change, innovative customers are conducting comprehensive, corporate-wide spend analyses 9 to better understand their primary sources of expenditures and to then target their PSM improvement initiatives (e.g. , quality, speed, or cost effectiveness) on those goods and services that represent their largest and most strategic expenditures (see Owens et al. , 1998, and Laseter, 1998). 10 Customers are also stratifying their supply base by effect on results and level of strategic risk and then matching the specific management approach and type of relationship formed with particular suppliers to (Moore, Baldwin, Camm, and Cook 2002, 6 – 7)The truth of the matter is that the chains grew because they introduced a method of retail distribution for which there was a definite need and which the old whol esaler-retailer system failed to supply. To what extent the old system was inherently deficient and to what extent its shortcomings could be and have been corrected must be discussed now, not for the sake of stressing the imperfections of a competitive system but in order to contrast certain features of the chain-store system.The ideal distribution system would bridge the gap between production and consumption with maximum efficiency at minimum cost. Without any question, the outstanding inherent defect of the old wholesaler-retailer system lay in the fact that, under it, the wholesale function and the retail function are performed by separate, independent factors, whereas, under the chain-store system, the two functions are, to a major extent, combined.In no sense does the chain-store system eliminate the wholesale function: it still has to be performed, but, whereas under the old system the wholesaler exercised no control over his retail outlets nor did the retailer have any contr ol over his sources of supply, under the chain-store system both functions are performed by the same organization and the control is unified. That this basic difference between the two systems has been partly nullified by the development of voluntary chains of various kinds is true.But the fact remains that such organizations did not come prominently into the picture until the chains had established themselves on a firm basis. When the chains were making their greatest strides, the old wholesaler-retailer set-up provided their principal competition. Reduced to its simplest terms, the main result of the essential difference between the two systems lies in the fact that under the old plan it is necessary for the wholesaler to sell to the retailer before the merchandise can find its way into consumption.Under the chain-store system, this intervening selling process, with all its disadvantages, is obviated. (Lebhar 1963, 87- 88) â€Å"In 1981, standards for shipping containers were ado pted; these facilitated the extension of the UPC into the emerging supply chain processes then appearing in both manufacturing and retailing industries. One of the reasons that the UPC had to spread grew out of the fact that not all goods sold in grocery stores were food; they included health and beauty aids, household cleaners, and so forth, which came from other industries.To take full advantage of the technology, the Grocery Industry wanted others to adopt the symbol as well. During the 1980s and 1990s, that was what happened. † (Cortada 2004, 299) a. Keywords ? GDP = the growth development project is one of the most important factors in determining the standing of the country in terms of their economic inflation. ? e-buisness = is one of the most popular business internet market the products here are quite fast in the presentation to the client or so called the customer. ? Probability of UK GDP = this is something to do with the computation of the GDP of UK.This will revea l the trends of the UK if the economic inflation will fall or ascent. ? Linear regression= is the model that will suit in some computation for economic studies. This will also lead the person to identify the trends of the business to the market place. b. Basic Definitions and Terms The following terms were formulated for more understanding: ? Business to business (B2B) = It refers to the business situation and ? Inflation = This means that †¦.. ? Information technology = This refers to †¦.. c. Primary Sources d. Map out Important Areas e. Originality f. Review Conclusion

The Medieval Civilization

The greater part of medieval civilization was a time of simplicity and little cultural development. Feudalism was the structure that governed medieval society and came to represent this time period. The church became the universal symbol of medieval unity. Toward the end of the medieval period, however, town life and large-scale trade and commerce were revived. Great changes took place in the church fostering a new era and change. Feudalism was a system of government that provided the structure for the political, social, and economic aspects of medieval civilization. It consisted of contracts between members of the nobility and less powerful nobles who served as their vassals. Economically it was a contract between the serfs who farmed that land and the nobles who owned it. Feudalism was very complex and confusing in some ways, but it could also be looked at as very simple. It was constructed in a pyramid or chess board-like form. Kings were at the top although they did not have much power, lords and vassals followed the king and had control of the lesser nobles. The serfs were at the base of the pyramid. A manor, otherwise known as the lord†s estate, was where everyone lived and worked. In exchange for a place to live, food, and mainly protection, the serfs farmed the land. Agriculture was the foundation of feudalism, where land and food was used to barter for other items. There were different taxes and positions of distinct people on the manor. This illustrates the complexity of feudal life during the medieval ages. If you look at it as what the duties were of each specific class you see the simplicity of feudalism. Each member of medieval society had its own particular tasks to perform. The serfs preformed the most labor-intensive tasks and often did the same thing everyday. The knights protected the manor and the lords were responsible for taking care of everyone on their manor. The feudal system could be compared to a modern corporation. The serfs could be looked at as the workers, the lords as management, the knights to the security, and the king would be the CEO of the company. Feudalism was complex in its organization and simple it its implementation. During most of the medieval time period the church was the center of society and was the law of the land. The church regulated business practices, had the power to tax, controlled all people through the power of excommunication and had influence on the aesthetic aspects of life. The church exemplified both the simplicity and complexity of medieval life. Monks led a very simple life. Their days were spent working hard, studying, and praying. The church wanted to make life simpler by standardizing the rite, calendar, and monastic rule. It was more complex then simple however. The church held a great deal of power that was often in conflict with the monarch. The head of the church, the pope, spent much of his time in Rome while attempting to govern the rest of Europe. It was difficult to govern such a large geographical area while residing in a city that was not centrally located. In A. D. 1377, Pope Gregory XI left Avignon and returned to Rome. This was known as the great schism and it developed great entanglement in the popes† standing in medieval society. The crusades, while increasing the status of the pope, also increased the power of the monarchs over the nobles. Feudalism was broken down and the power the church was illustrated in the crusades. Certain aspects of the church tried to simplify life while other things only made it more complex. Population growth contributed to the migration of people from the manor to the town, which was the base of complexity in the later stage of the Middle Ages. A self-sufficient manor sometimes was the beginning of a town where people came to form a complex web of commerce and trade. Products were bought with money rather then used to barter for other necessities such as in the earlier stage of the Middle Ages. As the towns grew the people became dissatisfied with being ruled by the nobles and church. They wanted to govern and tax themselves, and eventually they began to do these things without the consent of the church or nobles. To better protect themselves the townspeople often joined together with people from other towns to form leagues. These leagues would band together to protect one another and promote trade. The people organized themselves even further with forming merchant and craft guilds. The guilds controlled the making and sale of particular products. Feudal lords as well as the church was concerned with the formation of towns. Townspeople were able to increase their wealth through the sale and manufacturing of goods, while the lords only produced what was needed for their manor. The serfs began to move away from the manor because they realized that they could have a better life if they lived in the towns. By forming autonomous towns, people created complex relationships between themselves and the monarchs and churches. This was the development of a more complex form of economic subsistence known as capitalism. Medieval civilization was a time of change in many different ways, both simple and complex. Feudalism was organized in a quite clear way yet the structure in which it was carried out and the roles played in it were confusing. The church†s power was very perplexing in that it had the power to run the government and economy. The way that the church wanted to standardize certain things was easy to understand. Towns were complex in their organization and in the way they divided the power among the common people and the nobles and church. Medieval society that was once based on faith became rooted in scholasticism. Many new ideas brought up through the medieval civilization forced the society to be both simple and complex in many aspects.

Relationship between organizational culture and performance Essay

The topic of the link between organizational culture and performance have drawn considerable interest from both academics and practitioners because this theme can help managers design suitable strategies and goals to increase level of performance as well as providing competitive advantage to firms. Among numerous studies discussing about this subject, I found two journals that contains valuable data for interpreting the close relationship between them: â€Å"Impact of Organizational Culture on Employee Performance† of Awadh and Saad (2013) and Rose et al. (2008)’s â€Å"Organizational Culture as a Root of Performance Improvement†. Both journals stated a hypothesis that there is a transparent link between them and a good organizational culture may positively influence its performance. While the former journal focused on indentifying and measuring strong relationship between performance and organizational culture in general, the latter examined this relation in spe cific case among American, Japanese, European and Malaysian multinational companies operating in Malaysia by obtaining necessary data from self-administered questionnaires designed for respondents of high technology industry. Sixteen items adapted from Rajendar and Jun Ma’s (2005) work were used to assess the organizational culture on seven-point scale which represents the agreement of respondents. This secondary research paper which is used as a report of my understanding after reading these two journals will focus on general useful information about organizational culture, performance and their mutual influences. Discussion of findings Organizational culture Since culture plays a significant role in how the employees and managers work in the firm, the organizational culture is one of the most popular and controversial concepts in the fields of management and organizational theory (Ogbonna and Harris, 2000). Awadh and Saad (2013) defined organizational culture as a combination of shared complex social phenomena such as values, beliefs, communications and explanations guiding employees’ behaviors. This definition is widely agreed by many other researchers such as Ehtesham et al. (2011) who stated that each organization has a unique culture. valuable source of competitive advantage and Lunenburg (2011) who explained more clearly about four major functions of organizational culture: â€Å"gives members a sense of identity, increases their commitment, reinforces organizational values, and serves as a control mechanism for shaping behavior†. The culture of an organization can do its functions and transfer its messages to employees by four common ways: stories, rituals, material symbols and language (Robbins and Coulter, 2009). Rose et al. (2008) not only supported Awadh and Saad for their basic understanding about the culture of an organization but also chose the same three perspectives about organizational culture’s dimensions to include in their research: Hofstede’s (1980), Schwartz’s (1994) and Trompanaars’s (1993). Hofstede’s four dimensions including individualism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity are considered to be the initial idea for all other’s theory. These dimensions were identified through the value’s comparison among 53 national subsidiaries’ employees and managers of IBM Corporation. In 1998, he worked together with Bond to detect the fifth dimension called â€Å"long-term versus short-term orientation†. Schwartz based on Hofstede’s study to build a model containing only two kinds of dimension: conservatism versus autonomy (affective and intellectual) and self-enhancement (hierarchy and mastery) in 19 94. Similarly, in 1993, Trompanaars brought a model of seven dimensions which can be a good supported for Hofstede’s model: five under the broad heading of relationship  with  people  communitarians, neutral versus emotional, specific versus diffuse and achievement versus ascription), attitudes to time and attitudes to the environment. These three perspectives of culture dimensions seem to be quite different from seven dimensions of nature culture I have learnt at my university: innovation and risk taking, attention to detail, outcome orientation, people orientation, team orientation, aggressive and stability (Robbins and Coulter, 2009). However, all of these views to look into culture dimensions are helpful for presenting effective relationship between distinctive sets of norms and values in different ways. Moreover, the authors of the two journals also share the same understanding about a strong culture. They both agreed that a strong culture should include integrated and effective set of values and beliefs from policies, procedures and objectives designed by top manager which can influence upon employees’ behaviors, may bring about a high degree of organization performance and sustainability, and cannot be imitated because of its unique quality. In addition, Awadh and Saad (2013) also mentioned two more levels of culture: sub culture 2 (organization segments with different culture on the basis of geographical areas, job requirements and department goals) and weak culture (the loosely knit organization culture that seems to be more innovative and can help the organization remain its superior performance since it is able to adapt the changes in environmental conditions). 2. Performance and its closely knit relationship with organizational culture Awadh and Saad (2013) defined performance as the degree of an achievement after fulfilling the organizational mission at workplace which may become the measurement of transactional, efficiency and effectiveness towards organization goals. Rose et al. (2008) thought that performance is a broader indicator that may contain productivity, quality and consistency. According to Rose et al. (2008), performance measures can be comprised of results, behaviors (criterion-based) and relative (normative) measures, education and training concepts and instruments, including management development and leadership training for building necessary skills and attitude of performance management. Both journals mentioned about the traditional performance measurement basing on strategic performance system which includes both financial and non-financial measures and means that we should also consider about intangible asset. Using this method leads to competitiveness which can help in enhancing competitive advantage based upon effective pressures (Rose et al., 2008). Awadh and Saad (2013) mentioned about four casual relationships between performance management and culture: growth, customers, internal business process and financial reward management system. They said that learning about these four relations can help focusing on cooperative tools of an organization to improve communication and receive feedback which may enhance the performance management. Awadh and Saad (2013) also defined three contributions of culture to performance: forceful management, nature and scope of culture based upon theoretical point of view and competitive advantage attained through strong association and establishment of culture. These findings showed two main inferences: culture and performance are interrelated, and superior and imitable relationship with competitors may result in a sustainable competitive advantage. Awadh ad Saad (2013) explained the process that culture may influence performance in six main facets: the strong culture enable efficient management of work force employees, the net profit enhances performance of employees, the common path of making perfect use of resources helps organization positively develop, the culture provides competitive edge, employee commitment and group efficiency improve performance upon organization sustainability and the nature and power of organization culture influence upon sustainability and effective of  organization. All of these findings might help practitioners and academics to manage the value of culture based upon degree of performance. The survey carried out by Rose et al. (2008) revealed that American and European multinational companies, those have higher mean scores in organizational performance, were performing well in all four dimensions compared to Japanese and Malaysian multinational companies: high scores in individualism, low power distance, low uncertainty avoidance and femininity. The findings of their study were reported that the organizations which pay attention to the cultures are more successful. They explained that focusing on cultures provides better financial returns which are significantly correlated to the cultural strength and healthier employee attitudes, the prerequisites to financial and market performance advancement. They also reported that industry moderates the link between corporate culture and performance. These results have advanced understanding of the determi nants and performance effects of corporate culture. Although the two journals seem to have a limitation of a small sample since researching in a wider population is impossible which makes it hard to draw any certain conclusion, Rose et al. (2008)’s research still had a certain strength since they could be able to approach managers and executives from 240 different multinational companies to collect the necessary data. The results of two studies brought about valuable recommendations for employees to try their best in perceiving the organizational culture and top managers to motivate their workers in achieving the company’s objectives by providing a precise guideline and direction. Moreover, the most important thing is that both journals greatly contributed closely knit arguments to prove that there exists a clear link between a strong culture and good organizational performance. REFERENCES Awadh, A.M. Sadd, A.M. 2013. Impact of Organizational Culture on Employee Performance. International Review of Management and Business Research, 2. Ehtesham, U.M. Muhammad , T. M. Muhammad, S.A. 2011. Relationship between Organizational Culture and Performance Management Practices: A Case of University in Pakistan. Journal of Competitiveness. Hofstede, G. 1980. Culture’s Consequences: International Difference in Work Related Value, London, Sage Publication. Hofstede, G. Bond, M. H. 1998. The Confucius Connection: from Cultural Roots to Economic Growth, Organ Dyn, 5-21. Lunenburg, F. C. 2011. Organizational Culture-Performance Relationships: Views of Excellence and Theory Z. National Forum of Educational Administration and Supervision Journal, 29. Ogbonna, H. Harris, L.C. 2000. Leadership style, organizational culture and performance: empirical evidence from UK companies. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 766-788. Rose, R.C. Kumar, N. Abdullah, H. Ling, G.E. 2008. Organizational Culture as a Root of Performance Improvement: Research and Recommendations. Contemporary Management Research, 4, 43-56. Robbins, S.P. Coulter, M. 2009. Organizational culture and environment. Management. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Schwartz, S.H. 1994. Beyond Individualism/ Collectivism: New Cultural Dimensions of Values. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication. Trompanaar, F. 1993. Riding the Waves of Culture. London: Economist Books.

Effects of Social Media and ROI for Small Businesses Research Paper

Effects of Social Media and ROI for Small Businesses - Research Paper Example So if there were one term that could be used to grasp the ubiquity of social media, it would be ‘instant dissemination’. Going by this versatility of social media, the way people research, access and purchase products and services around the world is fast changing (Cass, 2007, p. 11). Hence, as expected and would be deemed to be commonsensical, businesses, whether big or small simply could not expect to thrive and survive competition if they do not customize their approach in consonance with these pressing consumer trends and practices (Cass, 2007, p. 9). Especially in case of the small businesses, which have fewer resources to spend on infrastructure, consumer education, communication, and marketing and after sales service, social media offers a range of salubrious opportunities and possibilities. However, it does need to be mentioned that the positive advantages facilitated by the social media to the small businesses are qualified and subject to an array of initiatives , choices, precautions, objectives and constraints. Before delving on the effect of small media on small businesses, it is imperative to gauge the extent to which the small businesses are turning to social media for accomplishing a range of objectives and activities. As per a report published in Forbes, nearly 54 percent of the small and midsize businesses do actively ascribe to social media to advance their scope and this figure is expected to soar every year (Diana, 2010). What is even more impressive is that the engagement of small businesses with social media is not lethargic and intermittent, but rather happens to be really prompt and regular, considering the fact that nearly 35 percent of them have been found to be posting regular inputs and updates on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn (Diana, 2010). Indeed, social media must be doing something good to these small businesses as 60 percent of them have acknowledged that social media has positive ly and propitiously influenced their business prospects (Diana, 2010). In a British study focusing on 269 small and midsize businesses, 46 percent accounted that an active engagement with social media has enhanced their brand awareness and 36 percent agreed that they have been able to grab much new business owing to social media (Diana, 2010). However, one simply cannot trust the positivity of social media for small businesses by merely considering only those who succeeded. As could be considered to be a commonsensical premise, there must be many small businesses which must have failed to considerably benefit from social media owing to a variety of mistakes and flaws in their strategy. As already mentioned that small businesses are marked by limited resources, they could only benefit from social media if they could use it to leverage business in a cost effective way and assure a favorable return on investment. In that context it would be pragmatic to delve on the varied benefits tha t social media offers to small businesses and how the small businesses could glean these benefits while assuring an optimal return on investment. One salient advantage of social media to the small businesses is that it could be easily used to reach a diverse and widely scattered customer base as social media as compared to the conventional media has a larger reach and a higher sharing potential (Coleman, 2012). One direct and immediate advantage of soci

Marketing plan stage2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing plan stage2 - Assignment Example The company should introduce new products in the market and modify existing less popular items according to taste and preference patterns of contemporary consumers. The success of the current marketing plan should be reviewed and determined with the help of several assessment means such as, market share analysis, target customers sales, budgeting and customers’ feedback (Stryker, 1998). The research paper elaborates on an appropriate marketing plan for Pepsi Company. The company operates in a highly competitive industry. With the help of a marketing plan, the company can improve brand position within the industry. However, marketing strategies of the company cannot be formulated without a precise analysis about financial status of PepsiCo (Kotler, 2008). The following financial analysis is based on data collected from financial review of the company in stage one marketing plan. From the trend line above, it can be claimed that scale of business operations of PepsiCo had significantly fallen after the financial crisis (Kotler, 2008). Even so, company’s business has achieved high growth rates 2011 onwards. PepsiCo operates within the beverage industry. Over time, the global beverage industry has adapted to several changes, due to shifts in taste and preference patterns of consumers. The extent of market rivalry experienced by firms within this industry is high, where the biggest rival of PepsiCo is Coca-Cola. Both these firms adopt competitive pricing strategies in business. The products of these firms are sold at reasonable prices so as to capture a wide range of potential customers from different income strata. Hence, it can be claimed that firms within the beverage industry faces monopolistic competitive pressure as they sell qualitatively differentiated products (Kotler, 2008). As in a typical monopolistic industry, each firm functions as a profit

The General Ulysses Grants Union Research Paper

The General Ulysses Grants Union - Research Paper Example Further, the African Americans’ contributions made a huge impact on the lives of all African Americans starting from 1861 until today’s 21st century. The war focused on the possibility of forcing the Southern states’ white Americans to free their slaves. Many African American soldiers received their share of the Medal of Honor. The African Americans were granted freedom after the war. The African American slaves were happily discharged from their Southern White masters. The present-day beneficiaries include Singer Mariah Carrey, President Obama, and L.A Lakers’ basketball star Kobe Bryant. Â  Furthermore, there are many unanswered queries to be researched. One of the questions is: what would have happened if the Confederate leaders had won the Civil War? Second, do the current African American residents of the United States feel they are on equal status as the White Americans? Third, another research should answer the question: Do the African Americans have better fighting abilities compared to the White Americans during the American Civil War compared to the white Americans? Â  The slavery issued triggered the American Civil war. The Republican Party’s President Abraham Lincoln spearheaded the political party’s ideology that all men should be treated equally, espousing the emancipation of the African American slaves. The Northern states espoused freeing the slaves. The Southern States opposed the freeing of the slaves. Both sides of the war used African Americans to help their causes. The General Ulysses Grant led the northern states’ Union army. General Robert Lee led the Southern states’ Confederate army. Both sides of the war experimented using African American soldiers and civilians in their war campaign.

A Study on Food Safety Knowledge and Practices amongst the Domestic Essay

A Study on Food Safety Knowledge and Practices amongst the Domestic Female Food-Handlers in Medway, UK - Essay Example This essay stresses that though in an industrially developed country, like the United Kingdom, majority of the people are food-secured, food-related health problems are associated with two major factors: first, health risks stem from their domestic food-handling practices which essentially infringe food safety and second, the health problems are associated with nutritional risks. Both these food-related pathologies, together, pressure high on the health in the European countries as well as in the United Kingdom. This paper makes a conclusion that food preparation is one of the most critical stages in keeping the foods nutritious and safe to eat. In most cases, cross-contamination of foods with raw meat is the most common way of transferring salmonella, campylobacter and Escherichia coli with other foods found in the kitchen. For this reason, hand and food hygiene must be observed in order to prevent possible cross-contamination with raw meat. Based on the primary research findings, not all women in Medway, UK have sufficient knowledge with regards to the common techniques used in food handling, food preparation, and food storage. Since not all women in Medway, UK are highly skilled in managing contaminated foods, this study concludes that there is a strong need to deliver necessary health teaching intervention to help these women increase their ability to prepare foods that are safe for human consumption.

Compare the ways philosophers, Machiavelli and Hobbes, DESCRIBE OR Essay

Compare the ways philosophers, Machiavelli and Hobbes, DESCRIBE OR JUSTIFY POLITICS-AS-VIOLENCE - Essay Example With freedom man considers politics as his highest responsibility for his society stressing the significance of moral values and standards. With a variety of activities afforded by a new found freedom under shifting historical conditions, man starts behaving in morally questionable and dazzling explosion of human vice. Stressfully, political philosophy has provided answers to these behaviors as an approach to correct erring human behavior. However such means does not effect a certain change in a short period of time. Recognizing the increasing scope, intensity and sophistication of vices and crimes brought about by globalization, politics has approached violence as an aggressive means to attain a certain stature and the fastest solution to achieve political power and agenda that tends specifically recruit others to form a stronger criminal group. Government systems have learned to adapt to the controversial theories of Hobbes and Machiavelli who propagate violence to justify the swif t solutions to the critical problems faced by a society. Such theories have a purposeful goal to control errant behavior; however veiled attempts to use such for one’s own political gain and selfish reassurance for maintenance of power would leave the society and the common populace struggling under a stringent dictatorial rule. Both Hobbes and Machiavelli have equated politics seemingly dependent on violence-based solutions to any socio-political situation encountered. Man and society’s struggle for survival, maneuvering for position and fighting over spoils (Lerner, 1950:11) has produced certain livid situations that call for the action of the one in power. In Machiavelli’s The Prince, proposes that stability was paramount and the government or ruler could achieve such balance should be tyrannical. Intensely singing praises to a character of power is depicted to his well-emphasized Prince. Machiavelli astoundingly adhered

Individual Reflection on Marketing Simulation Game Assignment - 1

Individual Reflection on Marketing Simulation Game - Assignment Example My part included taking care of the marketing plan to be able to evaluate and understand the market in which the company operates as well as its competitiveness in the industry. In this project, our main aim for my part of the project was to help us in assessing and understanding the competitiveness of MYPHONE Company. In addition, the simulation was also aimed at creating awareness about various resources such as finances, research and development, sales, as well as the costs for carrying out different marketing activities that were required by the company. The experience and the knowledge that were achieved from this simulation were intended to be used in sound decision making for the betterment of the growth of the company as far as its marketing sector is concerned. The simulation will also help to add more knowledge in the world of marketing in this company, which have not been realized. I was able to achieve the goals that this simulation intended to find out. This is because; the simulation looked both the internal and the external assessment of the company. Such analyses are very important in finding out which internal or external factors are responsible for the companys growth or barring the company from growing in the market. Such analyses were very helpful in unravelling what marketing strategies should be applied by the company to combat its unfavorable environmental factors and how the favorable factors can be turned into opportunities that can be exploited. MYPHONE was found to operate in a very competitive market. At least from the weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats of the company, it is easy to know the level of competitiveness of the company when compared to its competitors. It was easy to know the weaknesses of the company in order to make corresponding decisions and strategies that could be used to change the weaknesses into strengths. The strengths of the

Assessment of The Current Economic Situation in the US Essay

Assessment of The Current Economic Situation in the US - Essay Example This essay offers a brief informative review of the developments in the US economy after the financial crisis of 2008. The United States economy growth rate has declined considerably, after the economic crisis. The number of unemployed persons remains high. The slowing economic growth remains a concern due to the negative impacts it has had on the GDP. United States is considered to have the most technologically advanced economy with an approximated GDP of about $48, 000. The private sector dominates the economic sector with the government purchasing most of its goods and services from the private sector. One of the major disasters facing United States is the high level of unemployment, which is attributable to the 2008-2009 economic recessions. The economic recession is considered to be the worst economic crisis after the great depression. About 8.3% people remain unemployed within the U.S. The number increased after the 2008 recession as most companies tried to reduce their workforce as an attempt to counteract the inflation. In the attempt to offset the increased unemployment, the federal government enacted the American Jobs Act. The Act aimed at creating ways to prevent the slowed economic growth The United States financial sector remains fragile with increasing budget deficits. The gross domestic product remains delicate. Attempts to cut down on financial spending affected the revenues negatively. The slowed economic growth has the disadvantage of subsequent increase in unemployment but diminished possibility of inflation.

Discuss the impact of the fall of oil prices on GDP growth rate and Essay

Discuss the impact of the fall of oil prices on GDP growth rate and fiscal policy in Qatar - Essay Example However, the impact of the falling prices of oil on the GDP growth rate and fiscal policy of Qatar has been minimal due to the conservative budgeting system used in Qatar. Â  The price of oil is one of the critical influencers of the GDP growth rate and Fiscal policy of in many of the oil rich Middle Eastern countries. In Qatar, oil currently accounts for up to 70% of the government revenues. The fall in oil prices in late 2014 was the most significant in the last thirty years. Out of the last major drops in the last three decades, the fall in 1984 was the most similar to the one in 2014. Before the oil drop in 1980’s the 1970’s were coupled with major technological developments which shifted ever reliance on oil as a source of fuel. The drop in price was 61% within six months (Erbil, 2011, p. 12). According to many experts, a fall in oil drop prices is caused by change in demand and supply of the commodity, changes in OPEC objectives, geopolitical concerns in oil producing areas and appreciation in the US dollar. On the other hand, the growth of non oil sector was experienced by 6.3% and is expected to grow to about 7% this year (Berument, 2014, p. 149). The fall in prices has caused contractionary fiscal policy measures. Fiscal break even prices go to a maximum of $184 and a minimum of $50 (Lopez-Murphy & Villafuerte, 2010, p. 20). This pressure has made Qatar to make changes in its fiscal policy. In the last three decades oil prices have not remained constant but the drops in those years have not been as significant as the one in 2014. However there have been other five major drops since 1984 which led to a thirty per cent fall in oil prices. The fall in 2013 coincided with global economic recession, change in OPEC policy and an increase in oil supply. Major oil prices occurred between 1985 and 1986, 1990 and 2001, 1997 and

United For Israel Essay Example for Free

United For Israel Essay Unity of Israel is needed today more than ever. All the inhabitants of Israel should come together at this moment and show solidarity in the wake of the external problems that are posed to this holy nation. Zionism as described in the holy books used by Christians and Jews has to be fulfilled. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1947 after the dreaded Holocaust was the initial stage in the fulfillment of the prophetic Zion. The Holocaust carried out by the Nazi was a traumatic experience to the Jews and the Christians alike. Israel at the moment is faced by numerous threats from the enemies who have surrounded it. Unity in Israel is a necessity for us to face the impending danger that can be associated to the Holocaust during the Second World War (Merkley, para 1). Following the decision by the United Nations to establish a Jewish State in November of 1947, the world generally agreed that justice had been done to the Jewish people. Thus diligent friends of the Zion agreed that the creation of Israel as a just move was relative one. At the same time, the continued occupation of various territories by Israel at present can be defended in terms of justice with some claiming that some people have suffered injustices due to the Israel occupation. The historical relationship between the churches and Israel has been influenced by their 1948-49 Israel’s Independence war whereby most church leaders had to rework the moral arithmetic finding ‘justice’ in the claims advanced by the Arab Palestinians and little ‘justice’ in the Israel’s position on the matter (Merkley, para 3). However, conservative Christians have remained consistent in supporting the claims advanced by Israel. This has been driven by the notion that Christina Zionists have prioritized the case for the Restoration of the Jews as ordained by the scriptures and therefore resisting any such activities amounted to sinning (Merkley, para 6). In the current world, the World Council of Churches remains to be among the most formidable organizations that reprimand the activities of Israel in the Middle East. Christian Zionists in Israel and around the world should not be swayed by this rhetoric and support the course taken by Israel. This letter was meant to convince the Christians to come and join the ranks of the Zionists spearheaded by the Jews. This is not in the best interest of the Jewish state alone but must be looked at in terms of that tiny piece of land is the battleground for the survival of Jews and Christians alike and for the one God who bestowed that land to the Jewish people as the fountain from which would flow the morality, the willingness to fight the forces of evil in the name of that one God (Weisman, para 5). The Zionist movement is faced with various threats and these forces of evils shall rule by the sword if left unchecked. Christians need to join in the battle for the security of Israel which also expands to include the security of Christianity itself. It must be noted that if left unchecked, the evil forces shall destroy the Jewish people and the Christians will also be destroyed (Weisman, para 5). The alliance between the Christians and the Jews is not something to negotiate about now as there is no time for the negotiations. Zionists and those supporting the movement must unite to defeat the anti-Zionist tendencies that are witnessed in the world today. Israel is the epicenter of all this and that collaboration between the Christians and Jews is a necessity. Surrounded by enemies from virtually all directions, the Zion state faces eminent threat from its adversaries (Weisman, para 5). I appreciate the differences that have existed between the Jews and the Christians but this should not be our weakness in this crucial moment. Our perception about the messiah and his second coming must not be the wedge to separate us. I know that Fundamental Christians talk of the Jewish conversion before the Second Coming of Messiah. I know that they hold the belief that those Jews who would have not been converted before the end of the world would perish in a Holocaust during the Battle of Armageddon (Robinson, para 16). These views should not divide us as we believe in the same God and we have to defend the prophetic Zion as inscribed in our Holy Scriptures. Conclusion: I conclude this letter to my friends, the Christians with a call to unite. We have a task at hand that calls us to come out in defense of God’s promise. Unity at this moment in time is more important than ever, and we shall be judged harshly by history if we let this moment pass and our divisions cost us the right to fulfill what the scriptures had prophesized. Zionism has come to pass and right now we are on track towards this fulfillment. There are various challenges as of now but this generation of Jews and Christians have to come together to accomplish what was started after the end of the Second World war through the creation of the Jewish State. Work Cited: Merkley, Paul, C. Christian Attitudes towards the State of Israel: A Birds-Eye View. 2003. Retrieved on 24th July 2010 from; http://christianactionforisrael. org/attitudes. html Robinson, B. A. Christian Zionism: Christian Support For The State Of Israel: The Politics And Theology Of Armageddon. Retrieved on 24th July 2010 from; http://www. religioustolerance. org/chr_isra. htm. Weisman, Inez. Christians and Jews in Common Cause. 2010. Retrieved on 24th July 2010 from; http://christianactionforisrael. org/commoncause. html

Computer Is Derived From The Latin Term Computer Science Essay

Computer Is Derived From The Latin Term Computer Science Essay The word Computer is derived from the Latin term computare which means to calculate. THAKUR computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with information. A computer is electronic device that does not do any work by itself but works under the instruction given by user. A computer is the combination of Hardware and Software. A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data provided by user and process them which can be stored, retrieved at the time of necessity. (GCF LearnFree.org, 2013) Hardware is the physical component that can be touched, be it a digital watch, calculator, cellular phone, laptop, desktop computer or any other item that can hold intangible information (Starr, 2013). It is the part of computer that actually does the work according to the instructions provided to them. Moreover, it provides platform for software to operate on it. Hardware is a comprehensive term for all the physical parts of the computer, as distinguished from the data it contains or operates on (Open Projects, 2013). Fig1.1: Intel D975XBX Motherboard (Apoptosis, 2005) Simpson (n.d.) defines software as a general term for information thats recorded onto some kind of medium. Software refers to programs or applications that need to be installed into a computer or hardware in order to perform certain tasks. It is a set of codes that gives instructions to the hardware. In other term software is a set of programs, procedures, algorithms and its documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system. Fig1.2: Computer Software Computer cannot operate or perform any task by its own will; it needs someone to perform any task. That someone is called user of the computer. Thus we can concluded like this Computer System = Hardware + Software + User Task 1: Identify major role of computer system in bank. (1.1) (P1) Duhaime.org (2013) defines bank as a corporation empowered to deal with cash, domestic and foreign, and to receive the deposits of money and to loan those monies to third-parties. A bank is a financial organization where people can deposit their money for safety, withdraw money and take loan to start a new project. In 1899, the United States Supreme Court defines bank as an institution, usually incorporated with power to issue its promissory notes intended to circulate as money or to receive the money of others on general deposit, to form a joint fund that shall be used by the institution, for its own benefit, for one or more of the purposes of making temporary loans and discounts; of dealing in notes, foreign and domestic bill or exchange, coin, bullion, credits, and the remission of money; or with both these powers and with the privileges in addition to these basic powers of receiving special deposits and making collections for the holders of negotiable paper, if the institutions s ees fit to engage in such business.(duhaime.org, 2013) As bank involved in monitory transactions of public to the public security of public property is essential part of banking. Richardson (2013) says computer help bank personnel operate more efficiently and effectively and help to track transactions, help process other customer information as well. In fact computer saves time and money which aid to generate profits to the banks. Banking would be dangerous field to work in without computers, people would go to the bank carrying large sum of money and leave the Bank on next day just to finish counting the money manually but computers have made it possible that one can simply walk to the ATM and withdraw the money without necessarily waiting in a long cue to get served by the teller, getting around clients details is far much more improved than before. The major roles of computer system in banking sector are Customer Information Products Reports and Profits Transactions a nd Goals Credit Applications Delinquency Miscellaneous Customer Information The most important component of bank is to keep its customer information safely. These information is used to stay in touch with customers and notify them of any changes in bank policy. Computer stores all the information of customer which can be used in different banking functions such as Customers account number provides bank employees the ability to access customer information efficiently (Richardson, 2013) Products The number of products and services provided or taken by a customer is also stored in computers. Bank personnel periodically offer new products and services to its customers. Without the use of computers, it would be difficult to keep track of this information (Richardson, 2013) Reports and Profits With the help of computer, banks can analyse aging reports and track the customers who have had checks returned due to nonsufficient funds. This report can be used by the sales associates to call these customers and offer them a product called overdraft protection, which prevents a customer from over drafting their account. Computers help bank personnel generate income by targeting certain customers for sales activity (Richardson, 2013). Transactions and Goals Richardson (2013) computer helps bank personnel to keep a record of all transactions for the day which can be summarized at the end of the month or year. When customers make deposits and withdrawals, cash checks, open checking accounts or apply for mortgage loans, a computer stores and track all the information. After tabulating all the information branch manager or head of bank can see if the branch hits its goals and objectives. Credit Applications A bank can use computers for new loan applications and credit card applications; ChexSystems verification; and opening new accounts such as checking, saving or certificate of deposit accounts (Richardson, 2013). Delinquency Computers can be used to track customers who are delinquent on their loan and credit card payments. Computers can generate separate reports for customers according to age and can contact the customer for resolution, which helps keep delinquency under control. Miscellaneous Computer can keep a record of all communications that a bank employee may have with a bank customer including collection activity. A bank can also use a computer to see which safety deposit boxes are available and they can keep a record of customers who have safety deposit boxes. Task 2 Discuss and compare the different types of computer systems available in the market and recommend types of computers and softwares applicable for above environment and justify your recommendation. (1.3)(D1) Business Dictionary (2013) defines computer system as interconnected computers that share a central storage system and various peripheral devices such as a printers, scanners, or routers; each can operate independently but has the ability to communicate with other external devices and computers. A computer system is contemporary usage refers to a desktop system including computer itself along with peripheral devices such as CPU, monitor, speaker, keyboard, mouse, Wi-Fi adapter, Bluetooth adapter, modem, printer, scanner etc. Computer systems can be categorized according to their processing speed and power. Computer System Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe Supercomputer Notebook Tablet PC Laptop Netbooks Desktop Handheld Devices Minitower Full tower Fig 2.1 Types of computer system on the basis of speed and power Computer system also can be categorised according to work it has to perform. Computer System Entry Level Business Class Gaming System Workstations and servers Fig 2.2: Types of computer system on the basis of work. 2.1 Types of computer system on the basis of speed and power Computers can be classified based on their principles of operation or on their configuration. Configuration means their size, speed of doing computation and storage capacity (Computer Basics for beginners, 2013). On the basis of configuration computer can be classified as follows: 2.1.1 Microcomputer According to Wong (n.d.) a microcomputer is a computer that can perform all of its input, process, output and storage activities by itself. These are commonly called as personal computers. Microcomputer can be further divided into different types based on the size of CPU and major and minor components. Notebook A notebook computer is a battery or AC powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can be easily transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings (Rouse, 2007). Notebook computer is a small mobile computer, which usually weighs 2-18 pounds depending on size, materials used to make it. Laptop A laptop computer is a battery or AC powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as airplanes, in libraries etc (Rouse, 2007). It typically weighs less than 5 pounds and is 3 inch or less in thickness. It is more expensive than desktop computers and has same capabilities as of desktops. Desktop Desktop computers are the most popular computer systems because these are easy to use and more affordable. These are also known as personal computers or PC. This computer can be placed on flat smooth table for convenience and comfort when in use (Rastogi, 2009). Fig 2.2: Commodore Amiga 1000 desktop. (Obsolete technology website, 2012) Minitower These are recent modification on the system unit whereby the system unit is made to stand erect on its own and placed beside the monitor unlike desktop whicl lies flan on tables and monitors placed on it. Fig 2.3: HP Pavilion XT978 mini-tower computer( Sushi, 2013) Full tower These computers are closely related to the mini tower except that they are a bit higher and wider in physical size than the mini tower. Fig 2.4: Full tower PC (BuildIT, 2010) 2.1.2 Minicomputer Mini computers are lower to mainframe computers in terms of speed and storage capacity. They are also less expensive than mainframe computers. Typically minicomputers have been stand-alone computers sold to small and mid-size businesses for general business application and to large enterprises for department-level operations (Rouse, 2005). It is further subdivided into: Table PC A tablet allows users to compute without the added bulk of a keyboard and mouse. These are similar to PDAs and have touch screens but they are larger and contain more operating power and storage (Ilyas, 2013). It generally has pen like stylus and accept handwritten input directly on the screen. They have keyboard on the screen through which input can be provided. Netbooks Netbooks are then newest form of minicomputer. They run on OS and can perform all tasks that a laptop computer perform. Most of the netbooks lacks optical drive, Bluetooth, PC cards however external optical derive can be connected via the USB port (Ilyas, 2013). Handheld devices These are also known as Personal digital assistants (PDAs), which are small enough to fit comfortably in the users hand or pocket. They can easily communicate with other computers including desktop, by cables and wireless technology (Ilyas, 2013). 2.1.3 Mainframe computer Mainframe computer can process data at very high speeds i.e. hundreds of million instructions per second and they are also quite expensive (Computer basics for beginners, 2009). These are larger than micro and minicomputer in term of size and faster in term of data processing speed. It uses its power to execute many programs concurrently and in some ways they are more powerful than super computer because of they support simultaneous programs (Gandon, n.d.) 2.1.4 Super computer Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently available. These are very expensive and most power computer and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. It channels all its power to execute few programs as fast as possible (Gandon, n.d.). It can process billions of instructions per second and are used where intensive numerical computations such as stock analysis, weather forecasting are to be done. 2.2 Types of computer system on the basis of work With the rise in computer technology, computer is being used in different purpose nowadays. On the basis of work or task that computer should perform or assigned to do computer system extremely vary. A simple desktop computer system may not efficient for gaming purpose or vice versa. On the basis of work computer can be classified into. 2.2.1 Entry Level computer Entry level computer system is the most common systems for home and general use. This system is powerful enough to perform basic task like to run office package, simple photo edition or watching movies or surfing Internet (White, 2005). System Requirement for Entry Level Computer System Computer Processor Intel Pentium IV or Celeron running at 2GHz or better, or AMD Athlon, Duron or Semphon running at 1.5 GHz or better. System Memory (RAM) 256 MB of DDR RAM or better. Hard Disk Storage 40 GB or higher. Optical Storage. CDRW/DVDRW Monitor CRT USB Ports 2.0 standard at least 4 ports. Video At least 32 Mb-often uses system memory Audio Should be included along with speakers Network Adapter Should be included (for Internet) Table 2.1: System Requirement for entry level computer system. (White, 2005) 2.2.2 Business class computer Business class computer system is common in business such as Departmental Store, Banking Sector and Governmental Organizations etc. It is slightly more powerful than Entry level computer system because of its higher hardware configurations. System Requirement for Business class Computer System Computer Processor Intel Pentium IV or Celeron running at 2GHz or better, or AMD Athlon, Duron or Semphon running at 1.5 GHz or better. System Memory (RAM) 512 MB of error correcting code (ECC) DDR RAM or better. Hard Disk Storage 40 Gb or higher. Optical Storage. CDRW/DVDRW Monitor CRT USB Ports 2.0 standard at least 4 ports. Video At least 32 Mb-often uses system memory Audio Should be included along with speakers Network Adapter Should be included (for Internet) Table 2.1: System Requirement for Business class computer system (White, 2005) 2.2.3 Gaming computer Unlike Entry level computer system and Business class computer system; these are specially built for Gaming purpose. These computer system are highly hardware configured to match any gaming software requirements like NFS, Delta Force, Dota, CS(Counter Strike) etc. System Requirement for Gaming Computer System Computer Processor Intel Pentium IV or Celeron running at 3GHz or better, or AMD Athlon, Duron or Semphon running at 2.2 GHz or better. System Memory (RAM) 2GB of DDR RAM or better. Hard Disk Storage 520 Gb or higher. Optical Storage. CDRW/DVDRW Monitor 17 incd LCD USB Ports 2.0 standard at least 4 ports. Video At least 128 MB DDR RAM video adapter with Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and heat sink Audio 5.1 Dolby Network Adapter Should be included (for Internet) Table 2.3: System Requirement for Gaming Computer System (White, 2005) 2.2.4 Workstation and Server. Workstation and servers are specially designed to store important data and information at single computer so that every concerned people can access them when needed. The number of clients that access Server or Workstation at a time depends upon the purpose it is kept for. For e.g. a multinational company like Nokia may have higher Workstation hardware configuration than that of local banking system. System Requirement for Workstations and servers Computer System Computer Processor Intel Pentium 4, Intel Xenon, AMD64, AMD64FX, AMD Opteron. System may support multiple processors System Memory (RAM) 256 MB to 8 GB of DDR RAM or better. Hard Disk Storage 1TB Optical Storage. Task Specific Monitor 17 inch CRT USB Ports 2.0 standard at least 6 ports. Video Task specific Audio Task specific Network Adapter High end Network Adapter Table 2.4: System requirement for Workstations and servers. (White, 2005) 2.3 Software Computer Hope (2013) defines software as a collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer or have the computer perform specific tasks for them. Software is non-tangible part of computer which is set of collection of codes and instructions to be executed according to the user choice to communicate with computer and perform users desired task when necessary. Software provides life to the computer without it computer would have been useless machine for us. 2.3.1 Types of Software Different types of computer software are available in the global market which is used to simplify the operations and applications of computer programs. Computer software enables the computer system to perform in accordance with the given task. Computer Software System Software Programming software Application Software Operating System Malware Adware User interface Utility Programs Drivers Fig 2.5: Types of computer software. 2.3.1.1 System Software System software is that software which gives life to the computer hardware such as operating system. These are the primary software which is to be installed before any other software could be installed. These are of following types Operating System An Operating System (OS) is a software program or set of programs that mediate access between physical devices and application programs e.g Unix, Windows XP etc. An Operating System is a computer program that manages the resources of a computer (Balton, 2013) Characteristics of OS (Hitachi ID Systems Inc, 2013): Whether multiple programs can run on it simultaneously: Multi-tasking Whether it can take advantage of multiple processors: multi-processing Whether multiple users can run programs on it simultaneously: multi-user Whether it can reliably prevent application programs from directly accessing hardware devices: protected Whether it has built-in support for graphics. Whether it has built-in support for networks. User interface (UI) User interface simply means by which user and computer system interact by use of input devices and software. UI refers to the parts of a computer and its software that user sees, hear, touch or talk to which allow user and computer to communicate with each other (IBM, 2013) Utility Programs Utility programs are those programs which carry out routine functions. Utility programs are designed to do one or perhaps two task very well and nothing else (Teach-ICT, 2013). Some of the well-known utility programs of Windows Operating system are Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter, file compressor etc. Utility programs help in maintaining system in well condition. Drivers Driver software are very small programs that tells the computer how is should communicate with a connected peripheral devices. For Windows users, in most cases, drivers come with Windows or can be found by going to Windows Update in Control Panel and checking for updates (Microsoft, 2013). For e.g. user has to install printer driver software if he has to use printer for printing purpose, same is the case for scanner and in some cases even for speakers. 2.3.1.2 Programming software This is one of the most commonly known and popularly used types of computer software by programmers. These software include text editors, compilers, debuggers and interpreters; compiler translate source code written in a programming language (C, C++, C#, Java, .NET etc) into the language which a computer understands (mostly binary form), compilers generate objects which are combine and converted into executable programs through linkers, debuggers check code for bugs and debug it and finally interpreters execute programs (Oak, 2013) 2.3.1.3 Malware Malware refers to any malicious software (Spyware, Viruses, Worms, Trojan horses, scareware) and is a broader category of software that are a threat to computer security (Oak, 2013). These are self-replicating software which transfers from one computer to another without the knowledge of user or by user actions through plug and play devices (Flash drives). Malware are specially designed by hackers to get important information from victim without the knowledge of victim or just to destroy victims data. 2.3.1.4 Application software These are the most popular form of software among general users. It enables the end users to accomplish certain specific tasks (Oak, 2013). Some of the well-known application software are Microsoft office, Adobe Photoshop, MP3/video player etc. It process data for the user. Science reference (2008) defines application software as subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly to a task that the user wishes to perform. 2.3.1.5 Adware Adware is web-based computer software with the means of which advertisements are played and downloaded to a computer (Oak, 2013). This are specially designed by programmers for companies to generate revenue by extracting user information like the websites he visits frequently and the pages he likes. For e.g: Adware is more popular in YouTube videos where ads are displayed on the sides of playing video. Beside the mentioned software types, software also can be categorise according to their licensing. Types of software according to their licensing (Oak, 2013) are listed below: Custom software Off-the-shelf software Free Software Open Source software Closed Source software Proprietary Software Shareware and Retail Software Original Equipment Manufacturer Software( Albarracin, 2008) Crippleware( Albarracin, 2008) Demo Software( Albarracin, 2008) Public Domain Software( Albarracin, 2008) 2.4 Computer System for Banking Sector Bank is the financial institution which deals with money. Duhaime.org (2013) in 1992 Justice Atkin wrote The bank undertakes to receive money and to collect bills for its customers account. The proceeds so received are not to be held in trust for the customer, but the bank borrows the proceed and undertakes to repay them. The promise to repay is to repay at the branch of the bank where the account is kept, and during banking hours. It includes a promise to repay any part of the amount due against the written order of the customer addressed to the bank at the branchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Bankers never do make a payment to a customer in respect of a current account except upon demand. Since bank deals with monetary transaction everyday customer information, flow of money, transaction information all should be updated regularly and should be secured. For this I recommend following computer system. Hardware Requirement for Banking System Computer Client Computer Computer Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 4 running at 2 GHz or higher. System memory (RAM) 2GB of DDR RAM or higher. Hard Disk Storage 520 GB Optical Storage Task specific. Monitor 17 inch LCD or LED. USB ports 2.0 standard at least 4 ports. Audio Task specific. Network Adapter Must include with Hi-speed Internet Server Computer Computer Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 4 Quad Duo running at least at 2 GHz or faster System memory (RAM) 8 GB of DDR RAM or higher. Hard Disk Storage 1 TB at least with 150 GB of database space. Optical Storage DVD RW Monitor Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution USB prots 2.0 standard at least 6 ports. Audio Not recommended Network Adapter Must include with Hi-speed Internet Table 2.5: Hardware Requirement for Banking Client-Server Computer System Software Requirement for Banking System Client Computer Operating System Software At least Windows XP sp3 or Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Bitdefender Antivirus plus Antivirus or any other popular antivirus Application Software Microsoft Office Package 2007, Tally and other software according to task specific. Database Software Sql Server Express or Oracle Express Server Computer Operating System At least Windows Server 2003, Recommended Windows Server 2008 or windows server later version or Linux Server OS Database software Sql Server Express or Oracle Express Table 2.6: Software Requirement for Banking Client-Server Computer System 2.4.1 Client A client is a piece of computer hardware or software that accesses a service mad available by a server. According to Brain (2011) the machines that are used to connect to server (service providers) are clients. A client is a part of Client/Server Computing who sends request for some service among various service provided by server for its functioning. A client uses small portion of service provided by server. A client can insert, update, delete or search data stored in server database according to need. The client request a service to be performed, service might be to run an application, query a database, print a document, or even perform a backup or recovery procedure (Scomptec, 2005) In banking sector a client may be Cashier, Accountant, CEO, Manger, Branch Head etc. and each one of them may seek different service at the time and service is provided by server. Even though the job of these employee in bank varies with each other they all need almost same hardware and software system configuration computer for their job with some extra peripherals for some staffs. All client computer should have minimum above software and hardware configuration for fast, safe and proper banking functioning. 2.4.2 Server A server is a computer hardware system dedicated to run one or more services to serve the needs of the users of other computers on a network. In client/server model, sometimes server is also called as daemon (Rouse, 2008). Server once activated waits for client request and once request is done by client it provides services requested by client. A server might provide multiple services for same client like HTTP, FTP etc or only one service at a time like either HTTP or FTP. In banking sector a server computer might be one of the Personal computers of CEO or any other staff or bank may install one separate computer for server purpose. As number of client depends upon the size of organization the hardware requirement may vary with little exceptions. For e.g the number of client of Nabil Bank may is more less than that of client of Standard Chartered Bank so it is more likely that server of Nabil Bank is less powerful than that of Standard Chartered Bank. Server computer is installed in accordance with the number of possible clients at the time. In overall, for all bank a server computer with above hardware and software configuration is sufficient. Task 3 Draw and explain basic block diagram of computer system with its all hardware software components. (1.2)(M2)

Assessing The Strategy Of Blue Ocean Commerce Essay

Assessing The Strategy Of Blue Ocean Commerce Essay The market set is divided into two categories which are called oceans: Blue Oceans and red oceans. Red oceans are the known market space as it exists today, with all the various industries. Competitive rules are defined and barriers are clear and accepted. Competition exists among players to gain a bigger share; the more players are on the market, the fewer prospects for profit and growth is existent. Cutthroat competition turns the red ocean bloody. Blue Oceans on the other hand represent the opposite they are the unknown market space with industries that are not existent today. Demand is not created by competitive rivalry, because the rules of the game are yet to be set. There is substantial opportunity for profitable growth because of the deep potential of market space that is not yet explored.  [2]   To be successful in economic performance most companies are laying the focus on competitive strategies, plenty of enthusiasm is spend on analyzing and outperforming rivals. Using the vocabulary of the authors their focus is on red ocean strategies. In the future this will not be enough to survive; in addition to swim in a red ocean companies need to create Blue Oceans.  [3]  The following image illustrates the major differences between red and Blue Oceans. Image 1: Comparison of Red Ocean with Blue Ocean strategy  [4]   Value Innovation The basis of the Blue Ocean Strategy is called Value Innovation. Competition is made irrelevant by creating value for both buyers and the company. Buyer value is created by the benefit and price that the company offers to the consumer; value to the company is created from the price and its cost structure therefore only if those two variables are aligned the strategy works. The innovation of a product/ service must create value for the market and eliminate features that are not valued by the current market. New and uncontested market space is made accessible by simultaneously differentiate and reducing costs. This strategy is contrary to common management strategies which propose that companies can either create value to customers at higher costs or create reasonable value at lower costs.  [5]  According to the authors Value Innovation is a strategy that embraces the entire system of a companys activities.  [6]  Image 2 illustrates Value Innovation. Image 2: Value Innovation  [7]   Analytical tools and framework There are three basic tools that will help companies to build a Blue Ocean Strategy. The strategy canvas The strategy canvas is a tool that helps to build a Blue Ocean Strategy. It highlights the current situation in the known market space and shows the offering level that buyers receive across several key competing factors. By illustrating these factors in a simple matrix a graphic description in form of a value curve is visible. This value curve shows a companys relative performance within its industrys factors of competition.  [8]  By illustrating the current situation of an industry the strategic focus can be shifted away from current competition to alternatives and noncustomers, a redefinition of the industry can be constructed.  [9]  Image 3 illustrates a strategy canvas with an example of an Airline. Image 3: Strategy Canvas  [10]   The four actions framework This tool uses four key questions to lead to a new value curve: Which of the factors that the industry takes for granted should be eliminated? Which factors should be reduced well below the industrys standard? Which factors should be raised well above the industrys standard? Which factors should be created that the industry has never offered?  [11]   The first two questions give an insight in how to reduce the cost structure in comparison to other players in the industry. Question 3 and 4 give insight into how to lift buyer value and create new demand.  [12]   The eliminate-reduce-raise-create-grid This tool is supplementary to the four actions framework. It gives companies the possibility to act on all four questions answered before to create new value. The four factors of what to eliminate, reduce, raise and create are put in a matrix and by that scrutinize every factor the industry competes on.  [13]   Formulating Blue Oceans strategies Reconstruct market boundaries In order to break away from the competition the first principle is to reconstruct market boundaries. The challenge is to find possibilities of Blue Ocean opportunities. During performing research across various industry sectors the authors found a basic approach to remaking market boundaries, the six path framework.  [14]  This framework is applicable in all kinds of industries and all are based on looking at data from a new perspective. These are the six paths: Path 1: Look across alternative industries Path 2: Look across strategic groups within industries Path 3: Look across the chain of buyers Path 4: Look across complimentary product and service offerings Path 5: Look across functional or emotional appeal to buyers Path 6: Look across time  [15]   By analyzing each of the single paths companies will be able to get an insight into how to open up Blue Oceans by rebuilding market realities and leave behind conventional boundaries of competition.  [16]   Focus on the big pictures, not the numbers The approach to the strategic planning process is based on drawing a strategy canvas, as it is explained in the section of analytical tools and framework of this document. A structured process for developing a strategy canvas has been developed, which is called the Visualizing Strategy.  [17]  As the name implies, this process uses visual stimulation with the purpose to unlock peoples creativity. The main focus here is laid on the big picture rather than on defined numbers and operational details.  [18]   Reach beyond existing demand To achieve a maximization of the size of the Blue Ocean you are creating the focus should be laid on two things: The analysis of non-customers and finding out strong similarities of what buyers value.  [19]  This is a reversed approach to common strategies, where the focus is on customers and customer differences. The three tiers of non customers The challenge is to find out who the non-customers are and get a deep understanding of them. The authors describe three tiers of non-customers that eventually can be transformed into customers. The first tier of non-customers is closest to your market and would stay and increase their frequency of purchases if a leap in value would be offered to them. These non-customers also referred to as soon-to-be.  [20]  The second tier of non-customers is further away from your market and aware of offerings in it but has consciously voted against them. These non-customers are also referred to as refusing.  [21]  The third tier of non-customers is farthest from your market and has never considered its offerings as an option. These non customers are also referred to as unexplored.  [22]   By analyzing each of the three tiers an understanding of the non-customers can be developed to attract them into your market and expand your Blue Ocean.  [23]   Get the strategic sequence right The fourth principle of Blue Ocean Strategy focuses on the challenge to build a sustainable business model that will make profit on your Blue Ocean idea. The idea here is to use sequences and key criteria within a sequence to reduce business model risk.  [24]  Each sequence has a key question that has to be asked. If answered with no the sequence has to be reshaped. If answered with yes one can move on to the next sequence. The four sequences are: Buyer utility: Is there exceptional buyer utility in your business idea? Price: Is your price easy accessible to the mass of buyers? Cost: Can you attain your cost target to profit at your strategic price? Adoption: What are the adoption hurdles in actualizing your business idea? Are you addressing them up front?  [25]   With this sequencing as a starting point further analyzing of strategic pricing, target costing and finally the profit model is developed.  [26]   Executing Blue Ocean Strategy Overcome key organizational hurdles The challenge to execute the strategy of Blue Oceans is significant, since there are changes made from the conventional way of doing things. The authors present four common hurdles in the execution: The cognitive-, political-, motivational- and resource hurdle. Dealing with those challenges in form of hurdles with tipping point leadership is the key to make Blue Ocean Strategy happen in action.  [27]   Build execution into strategy The sixth principle of the Blue Ocean Strategy is about building commitment and trust into the strategy from the start. The focus is laid on a fair process as a key variable that distinguishes successful Blue Ocean Strategy moves from those that failed.  [28]   Case analysis In this section, we intend to describe and analize two cases of innovative companies (Virgin Galactic and Petrobras) based on the Blue Ocean theory. Virgin Galactic Description of Virgin Galactic Virgin Galactic is a company which belongs to the Virgin Group. This group was founded 1970 by Sir Richard Branson and is one of the leading brand venture capital organizations of the world. The group has created more than 300 branded companies in a variety of different industries, employs around 50,000 people and generated revenue of approx. US$ 18 billion in the year 2009.  [29]  Based on them the success of this group derives from the power of the Virgin name, Richard Bransons personal reputation; our unrivalled network of friends, contacts and partners; the Virgin management style; the way talent is empowered to flourish within the group.  [30]   The Virgin Galactic company has the aim of making private space travel available to everyone by creating the worlds first commercial spaceline.  [31]  Virgin Galactic will create, own and operate spaceships, the SpaceShipTwo. To achieve this goal the Virgin Group uses it experiences in aviation, adventure and luxury travel combining with the technology developed by Burt Rutan. The company was founded in the year 2004 and is located in New Mexico. The SpaceShipOne became the first private spaceship with high altitude-flights in the year 2004. The successor of this technology, the SpaceShipTwo, has seats for two pilots and six passengers. Every passenger has to pay US$200.000 with a deposit ofUS$20,000. At the moment 340 passengers have registered for this service.  [32]  So far 450 people have ever been to space, the goal of Virgin Galactic is to take 1,000 people to space within the first year of commercial operation.  [33]  The first commercial flight shall start in the year 2012.  [34]   The mothership of the SpaceShipTwo, the WhiteKnightTwo, will take the SpaceShipTwo to a height of about 16km and then release it. At that point the rockets of the SpaceShipTwo will boost and bring it to a height of about 100km.  [35]  There it will fly for about five minutes in which the passengers have a magnificent view at the earth and can enjoy weightlessness. Afterwards the space ship will decrease the altitude and land at its base in New Texas. The first flying tests of the WhiteKnightTwo were executed successfully and the SpaceShipTwo completed the first manned glide flight in October 2010.  [36]   At current stage the company Blue Origin which is based close to Seattle is also working on a private space ship.  [37]   Analysis of Virgin Galactic The analysis will start by discussing the Value Innovation of Virgin Galactic. So far tourism in space was available for seven specific persons who paid in average US$ 25 million for staying about 14 days at the ISS.  [38]  The clear buyer benefit of Virgin Galactic is to make this tourism available for nearly everybody who can afford paying the US$200,000 which is less than 1% of the price so far. Moreover, these space trips also add value to Virgin Galactic as it will earn US$200,000 for every passenger having already 340 on the waiting list. Virgin Galactic clearly succeeded in creating a Value Innovation. In the following the strategy canvas for Virgin Galactic will be developed to see the value curve in comparison to its competitor the stay at the ISS.  [39]   As principal factors the following was defined: price, safety, request for personal attributes and easy preparation for the trip.  [40]  As seen in image one the Virgin Galactic company enables a much more comfortable and convenient stay as the previous tourism on the ISS. This is also based on the lower requirements a person has to fulfill to be able to execute this tourism and the lower time-investment. Image 4: Strategy Canvas of Virgin Galactic  [41]   Considering the four action framework Virgin Galactic reduced the costs by eliminated the factors that a stay in space has to be combined with a long duration and cost-intensive stay at the ISS and with cost-intensive rocket starts. Furthermore, they created the factor that nearly everybody would be able (from physical requirements  [42]  ) to go to space with a low time-investment and a comparably low amount of money. They increased the convenience of space-tourisms to a very high extent. In conclusion, they managed to dramatically reduce the costs while increasing the perceived value of the passengers which are interested in some minutes of weightlessness and seeing the earth from the space. Virgin Galactic also concentrated on the so called non-customers as the total number of customers was seven so far. They identified the implicit wish of most people to go to space once. Organizational hurdles The cognitive hurdle cannot be applied as Virgin Galactic did not start in a red ocean but directly entered the Blue Ocean with the start of the company. The hurdle resources will probably be not a big burden as the first flying tests went successful, customers on the waiting list already paid close to US$7 million as deposit and Sheikh Mansour invested US$280 million in this business.  [43]  Furthermore, the Virgin Group and the state of New Mexico are supporting this business. The motivation of the employees and managers is high which is also pushed by Richard Branson personal interest in the success of this company.  [44]  The political hurdle could be implemented by making new laws for required safety standards. But already in 2004 the US congress passed a law which allows passengers to fly into space with the understanding that these vehicles might not be as safe as regular airplanes. Furthermore, the governor of New Mexico supports this company  [45]  and the Virgin group has a high political power. In conclusion all the hurdles were passed successfully by Virgin Gallactic. Build execution into strategy From the beginning Richard Branson declared the vision of this company to make private space travel year 2004. Conclusion In final conclusion, Virgin Galactic entered a Blue Ocean from the beginning. It decreased the costs and made space travel available to everyone by creating the worlds first commercial spaceline. Virgin Galactic works towards this clear vision with having the first commercial flights very likely eight years after its foundation in the previous tourism in space and increased the value of it by leveraging especially the convenience for the customers. Moreover, it went beyond known customer space by offering this service for less than 1% of the costs so far. It managed the organizational hurdles and created a strong vision from the start. Although other companies as e.g. Blue Origin try to create space tourisms this ocean is deep blue so far for Virgin Galactic. Petrobras Description of Petrobras Petrobras was established on October 3, 1953 by the president of Brazil, Getà ºlio Vargas, to undertake oil sector activities in the country. In the early 1970s, the members of the Organization of the Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose the international prices substantially, triggering the so-called Oil Shock. As a result, the market was troubled and marked by uncertainty. In order to overcome the difficulties, the Brazilian government adopted economic measures in order to overcome the supply of oil. Some examples of these measures were the encouragement for use of ethanol as automotive fuel and prioritizing offshore exploration and production. With the measures, the government intended to reduce the dependency on importing a very expensive product and to create an industry to create jobs and exports. These tasks where given to Petrà ³leo Brasileiro (Petrobras) for being executed.  [46]   Producing ethanol for powering the nation 1975 marks the beginning of the production of Ethanol by Petrobras in Brazil aiming to drive the large-scale substitution of oil based vehicular fuels for biofuels. Substituting gasoline for ethanol (produced from sugarcane and manioc) led to 10 million fewer gasoline fuel cars running in Brazil, reducing the countrys dependence on imported oil.  [47]   Today Brazil is recognized as the world leader in the production of ethanol for industrial purposes, based on the most advanced agricultural technology for sugarcane cultivation in the world and to the amount of arable land available in the country. In 2010, the Brazilian ethanol produced by Petrobras was designated as one of the most advanced biofuels due to the 61% reduction of green house gas emissions.  [48]   Pioneering in deep waters In 1984 the company discovered one of the biggest reserve in deep water ever registered in the world. The Albacora field was discovered; proving the existence of giant fields nestled at great depth in Brazil. This marked the beginning in deepwater exploration for the company. By 1986 the company, which until then purchased technology, was faced with the challenge of producing oil at a depth of 400 meters. After surveying the market and finding out there was no technology available for this depth, the company decided to invest in developing new technologies. This was an extremely ambitious project, since, at the time, Petrobras had been exploring at depths of 150 meters and had plans for 1000 meters by 1990. This project turned out to be a great success and the company is currently the global leader in this area. By 2005, Petrobras sets the record of drilling depth with a sloped that reached 6915 meters beyond the bottom of the sea.  [49]   Petrobras achieves self sufficiency In 2006 Brazil became a self-sufficient country in oil and gas production. With an average of 1.9 million barrels per day, Brazil went on to exporting more oil and oil products than it imported. It was like a dream came true, only possible because of the technological efforts and dedication of the employees. Since this point, Petrobras is the most profitable company in the Brazilian economy, being recognized as the eighth biggest oil exploring company in the world.  [50]   In the upcoming years, Petrobras intends to invest in using and developing new renewable energy sources. The portfolio of new projects includes wind, solar and water energy sources and fuel hydrogen. The intention is to reduce even more the dependency on oil, delivering the necessary energy sources to Brazil in order to sustain the intended growth of the upcoming years. Analysis of Petrobas Petrobras success can be summed up in one word and that word is innovation. This company faced the challenge of turning one of the biggest countries in the Americas from a big consumer of imported oil to self sufficient in oil and gas production. This strategy was based on focusing on the big picture (producing its own oil and become an exporter of petroleum) rather than finding a temporary solution for importing oil in the 70s, when the biggest crisis of oil prices occurred. Value Innovation They broke away from the competition by reconstructing market boundaries. For each challenge they faced, they were able to create and develop the necessary technology that didnt exist in the market, becoming a leader in deepwater oil drilling. They reached beyond their existing demand by having more oil available than they need for their own consumption. They also created value to the country by reducing the amount of CO2 in 61% emitted by cars and public transportation thanks to the introduction to ethanol and biodiesel. Brazil became a more efficient country thanks to the use of their natural resources for powering the nation. By mixing ethanol with oil, Petrobras has managed to increase the value for customers by creating a reduction of oil prices  [51]  and by guaranteeing the oil supply they reduced the dependency on foreign companies. Strategy canvas We have decided to explain the differences between the two largest producers of Ethanol in the world, Brazil and U.S.A. As we have mentioned before, Petrobras is the only company responsible for the production and distribution of ethanol in Brazil. Image 5: Stragegy Canvas Petrobas  [52]   As we can see in the figure xx, Brazil is the second largest producer of Ethanol in the world (6,500 million gallons in 2009  [53]  ) behind the United States (10,900 million gallons in 2009  [54]  ). But, the total area used by Brazil for cultivating their sugar cane (3.6 million hectares  [55]  by 2006) is far less than the land used by the United States (10 million hectares  [56]  in 2006). This means that the productivity per hectare is superior in Brazil than in the United States. Another important thing to mention is that thanks to the mixture of Ethanol and oil in Brazil, green house gas reduction has been reduced considerably (89%  [57]  ), increasing the value the company gives to their customers. Organizational hurdles The hurdles are based on the theory mentioned in the first section of this project. During the oil crisis of the 70s, the company faced the challenge of completely changing the paradigm of production. In the cognitive hurdle, we can say that the employees understood completely the need of the company and were able to transform the company. In the second hurdle resources, we can say that the company successfully understood that they needed to invest a great amount of resources in RD in order to increase the efficiency of the production of ethanol and also to raise the drilling depth for oil extraction. Motivating employees on a thirty-year-old project has been an enormous challenge for the company. They have managed to succeed by achieving small goals each year, increasing the level of satisfaction and trust towards the leadership of the company. Finally, the political hurdle was managed correctly due to the implications of the transformation project, involving the government, the management and employees of the company. Build execution into strategy As we mentioned before, the strategy was clear from the beginning: Reduce the dependency of oil and turn the country into a self-sufficient country. The facts speak for themselves, the whole company aligned in order to achieve the goal and it is an example on how to implement the Blue Ocean strategy. Conclusion So, why can the strategy of Petrobras be considered a Blue Ocean strategy? First of all they focused on creating value for the country by reducing the amount of oil imported and gaining self-sufficiency. As a consequence, they were able to reduce considerably the prices of gasoline in Brazil and the dependency of external factors to develop the country. They achieved this goal by innovating in ways to reduce consumption of oil (alternative fuels like ethanol and biodiesel) and exploit the potential the country had in its coasts, regardless the technology available at the times. In the last twenty years, Petrobras has become a key player in the success of Brazil to achieve development. The upcoming years for this company look really bright, thanks to the investment they are doing on other alternative means to produce electricity (water, solar and wind), improve the efficiency of alternative fuels and by creating the necessary technology for increasing the depth for deepwater drilling for oil. Discussion In the following the degree of novelty of the Blue Ocean strategy and the general criticism about this theory will be discussed. Analyzing the degree of novelty in the Blue Ocean Strategy The book The Blue Ocean Strategy was first published in 2005 and according to the two authors based on more than 15 years of research in various dimensions of this business topic and 150 successful strategic moves spanning.  [58]   As we read above the Blue Ocean Strategy aims at creating new demand in an uncontested market space. This is done by reducing the factors of competition and offering new value to t