Online Shoe Company Business Strategy

Online Shoe Company Business Strategy INTRODUCTION The business strategy game is an online, PC-Based game in which you run the world wide athletic footwear market in confronting each other competition against other markets companies run by different group of students into different industry. But this paper only focus on the industry 10 where 12 different companies named Air Nike, Dolce and Banana, IMF vs WTO, Fabulous Foots, Galpha, BAD BOYZ III, Legs supreme, CHU WUB CHU WUB, KVincci, , E-XIE, HA-N Ltd., and Just walk are included. In my industry BAD BOYZ III includes five members (Virayudh Baram, Saif Ur Rehman, Ying Zhao, Maliha Hasin and Imran Shahzad) are responsible for managing all aspects of the companys operation. Every company tried to use their best technique and execute well planned strategies for their company specially considering against the strategies of competitor companies, delivers good bottom-line results (Net Revenue, Earning per share (EPS), the return on equity (ROE), stock price, credit rating and image rating ) and builds shareholder value. This paper is divided in three main sections. First section describe the strategy adopted by BAD BOYZ III Company with the help of Michael Porter â€Å"Five Forces† theory, second section describes the external analysis of company using PESTLE analysis and at end the BAD BOYZ III company analysis from year 11 to year 17 will be discussed with each year progress diagrams shown in Appendix. BUSINESS STRATEGY IMPORTANCE The business strategy game is real time practice business environment. In this game our role is as Manager who responsible to use productive and efficient strategies for company production and profit. In strategic management the role and effect of top managers on company performance and importance of this relationship how may be affected by companys strategy is always recognize as critical issues (Hambrick and Mason (1984), Gupta and Govindarajan (1984), Gunz and Jalland (1996)). Business strategy is influenced by top management team of any firm (Hambrick and Mason, 1984). MICHAEL PORTER (1985) BASIC STRATEGY MODEL Michael Porter (1985) describes market Industry constitution and arrangement within the market is key factor for establishment of competitive strategy. Competitive advantages of any company against other competitors can be described by the â€Å"Five Forces† diagram shows the main idea of Porters theory of competitive advantage. This theory helps companies to know about the rules and regulation of competition in market. Porter argues, The ultimate aim of competitive strategy is to cope with and, ideally, to change those rules in the firms behavior (1985, p. 4).† According to Porter five forces find out company prosperity and profitability. Micheal Porter (1985) five forces are given below: Threat of substitutes Threat of new entrants Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Competition among existing companies Porters 5 Forces Elements of Industry Structure In strategy implementation, competitive advantages, utilizing new production, new inputs for Foot Wear industry Porters Value Chain and Activity Mapping ideas give us useful information to applying these all activities. The value chain activities help BAD BOYZ III Company for examining all activities related to company performance and interaction such as (e.g. development, marketing, sales, operations, etc.) as a potential source of advantage. In year 12 company situation was little bit down and we were losing market shares in such situation we adopted the value chain activities of Porter. These activities help company existing and potential sources of differentiation e.g. products, associated services. The reason to choose this strategy ‘low cost and value chain system was helpful to underline the competitive advantages that cannot come from production side but anywhere from value chain. It also helps us to fit into value chains like suppliers, buyers and channels. PESTLE ANALYSIS PESTLE analysis is usually used to measure the organizations external factors like position, potential and direction for a business or organization. PESTLE is an acronym for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors. BAD BOYZ III Company PESTLE analysis is measured below: Political Factors Political factors illustrate that how and to what extent government intervenes in the investment. The main politics factors are trade barriers, tax policy, trade policies, labor law, export tariffs and environmental law. As concern to BAD BOYZ III Company not much influenced by these factors as all four regions North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe are associated with WTO. Economical Factors Economic factors show how business operate and what of decision would be make, these factors include economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. In the success and development of BAD BOYZ III company exchange rate, affect the costs o exporting products and the supply and price o imported product in an economy, plays a major role. From year 11 to year 17 company maintained a steady exchange rate. Even though company made some mistakes but due to healthy exchange rate company never fall badly. Social Factors These factors show cultural effects, health and safety aspects, people their age, population and growth rate, age and careers approaches. BAD BOYZ III Company participated in charity an as well Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and also providing complete health and safety environment. Technology Factors Technology factors are ecological and environment aspects like Research and development (R D), technology usage rate and automation, determine barriers to entry, low productive manufacturing level and impact on outsourcing decisions. BAD BOYZ III knows the importance of technology and benefits in business environment. Company all private label capacity stocks in Latin America and Asia Specific was up to date because these technology shifts can affect costs, quality, and lead to innovation. Environment Factors In environment major factors are weather, climate and variation in climate include weather, climate, and change. These factors can be analyzed as company insurance, farming and tourism. Up to date with weather inform company operation according to weather and products they offer to their customers. Legal factors Legal factors determine company legal boundary, discrimination law, consumer law, antitrust law, employment law, and health and safety law. These are average fixed value of any country and companies cannot across these boundaries. ANALYSIS OF BAD BOYZ III COMPANY FROM YEARS 11 TO 17 A complete and in depth analysis of BAD BOYZ III company is given below: Year 11 In the begging of year 11, BAD BOYZ III has total production plant capacity 6,000,000 to complete the requirements of production only for two regions North America and Asia Pacific. BAD BOYZ III Company has also managed to fulfill the production requirements of remaining regions Latin America, Europe-Africa. In the start of year 11 the demand in North America and Asia Pacific is not much high as compared to present production. So our company decided to sell 200,000 production in North America and 800,000 in Asia Pacific. BAD BOYS III adopt strategies free shipping, model offer and attractive price and advertisement in internet segment and in whole sale garment we offer rebate and model with delivery time guaranteed and advertisement to compete in competitive market. With these strategies we got good market share in internet segment but the market share in whole sale was not according to wish. At the end of year 11 our companys progress was good in contrast with other market companies with 7th position out of the 12. BAD BOYZ III company overall progress was good in footwear industry with revenue $266583000, net profit $ 30224000 with credit rating A-. Year 11 complete detail of BAD BOYZ III competitive strengths and weakness and development can be seen from appendix-1. Year 12 In year 12 BAD BOYZ III company co-managers made some changing in their management and business strategy to get maximum profit from footwear industry market. As the result of year 11 and market competitive approach we decided to sell our products with high and standard quality. As the result of new strategy, quality of product, profit was good and also helped to get high position. In internet segment our competitive strength was marketing, celebrity appeal, S/Q rating and model offer but with some weakness like retail price and shipping charges was some kind of not good factor in competitive market. In whole sale market our S/Q rating, rebate offer and retailer supports were our competitive strength points while the competitive weakness were wholesale price and retail outlets. At the end of year 12 because of some weaknesses in whole sale market and internet segment, company overall progress and position of BAD BOYZ II was down 10 out of 12 with revenue 201395000, net profit 8,587,000, EPS 0.86 and credit rating â€Å"c†. The complete description of BAD BOYZ III company year 12 weaknesses, strengths and overall progress is shown on appendix -2. Year 13 Year 12 result forced the BAD BOYZ III management to seriously take the notice of company performance that is going down. After a long discussion among BAD BOYZ III company co-manager we concluded that we should re-evaluate the company strategy and offer high quality products with low price that strategy lead to ‘low cost and increase market shares described by Portal(1985) five forces theory which is focus on high quality with low price. To achieve maximum profit and top position in footwear market we also considered about the private label segments. Year 13 is the year of thinking for us as the result of year 12 that make us to re-think our all strategies and policies that makes impact on our competitive strategies. With adoption of new strategy our competitive strengths retail price, advertising and model significantly increased but still some weaknesses are shipping charges and retail outlet are there. Because of change in strategy and improvement in retail segment, at end of year 13 Company received very good response in private label segment and got satisfaction results in other segments like revenue $ 393,872,000 that is double of last year 12, net profit was $ 31,854,000 with the ratio of earning per share equal to 3.19. These out comes caused companys rank improvement like was 8th out of 12th. In appendix-3 the BAD BOYZ III Companys year 13 overall progress including strength and weaknesses has shown. Year 14 Year 13 results increase our confidence and courage to getting more effective and efficient in the market and also lead us to understand the purchasing behavior of consumers. In year 14 we continued our last used strategy high quality with cheap price to attract more and more customers. It can only be achieved with high production as amount of consumers increased compared last year. To complete this target we need high amount money thats why BAD BOYZ III Company took a long term loan $ 248,000,000 from the bank. That loan enabled us to fulfill the production plant capacity 4600,000 per year in North America. To get high profit and maximize the sale production we seriously focus on private label that enables BAD BOYZ III competitive strengths increased as compare to the year 13 and sufficient reduction in weaknesses like internet segment and wholesale segment. End of the year 14 BAD BOYZ III Company almost received 100% response and overall progress was getting better with revenue $577,496,000 and net profit $41612, 000. In private label segment company done well and sell all pairs in private label segment caused the market share of private label segment increased such as 76.6% in North America, 52.0 % in Asia-pacific and 62.9% in Latin America as contrast to other market shares. This year increase in private label segment and overall progress helped BAD BOYZ III Company to improve its position like 6th out of 12th. For over all progress see Appendix-4. Year 15 Year 15 was little bit thinking year for BAD BOYZ III management team as the competition and consumers increasing unexpectedly. So our management decided to fix with no cost leadership and customer purchasing behaviors strategy by following Porter (1985) five forces and considering more on North Americas private label segment. The main reason to focus on North America was company high expenditure in this region because of more consumers and demands. Company wanted to get 100% feedback from that region as last year our management bought new plant capacity for it. Increased in demand and production caused the increase in BAD BOYZ III competitive strengths as compare to previous year such as ‘celebrity appeal but weakness remained same as ‘model availability. End of the year 15th brought good news in market share as BAD BOYZ III achieved all market share from North America in private label segment as compared to other regions but with some sad news as company lost his market share in rest of regions. The total revenue was $ 530,284,000 and net profit $ 55474,000 which is somewhat increased as contrast to year 14. In BAD BOYZ III company success story another success was stock prize $ 102.49 and company also offered amount 10,135,000 dividend this year. The company rank was getting better and better as was 5 out of 12. In Appendix-5 year 15 overall progress is shown. Year 16 In year 16, BAD BOYZ III Company decided to remain fixed with same strategy as in year 15 company sold almost all products. To achieve this target company decided to increase the production and plants in different segments especially in North America and Asia Pacific to produce more revenue. Company was getting satisfaction feedback from North America, so company decided to build more plant capacity in North America as well in Asia Pacific region. BAD BOYZ III Company purchased 1500 plant capacity and build 500 in North America and also considering Asia Pacific purchased 800 plants capacity in that region. In year 16th the companys competitive strengths were celebrity appeal and advertising same as last year and company also tried to get rid of the weakness related to company production and profit. Company decided to sell quantity of 500 stocks in the price of $ 96.72 as stock price was really high. At the end of the year 16th the BAD Company revenue was $ 537,898,000 that is little bit high as contrast the previous year and net profit was $30,721,000. As company was getting almost 100% market share in private label from North America caused BOYZ III market share strong position in foot wear market. Appendix-6 represents the Year 16 over all progress. Year 17 Year 17 was decision year for BAD BOYZ III management because company management decided to buy new plant in North America with capacity of 1,900,000 pairs per year. This decision is made on behalf of the year 16 results as consumers increase unexpectedly. Company also reduced the 50% prices of pairs to sell more and more products in all regions to accomplish this strategy and apply these prices we need more and more stocks. Company decided to purchase new 3135 stocks with the price of 57.73 per share. These share prices were higher than the average market shares and company still focusing on North America private label segment with 90.5% share. As mentioned above year 17 was decision year for BAD BOYZ III to make another major decision in market. For this purpose we make a commission to discuss all aspects of Footwear Company including stocks and competitive environment. In this commission we included that we should offer 4000 pair at price of $ 40, was doubled as compare to last year, in North America private label region. That decision is made on two reasons: From the last few years company was getting required feedback from North America. There were no strong competitors in North America. At the end of year 17th the decisions made and strategies applied resulted in excellent outcomes. In North America private label company sold 3546 pairs out of 4,000 at double price $40. BAD BOYZ III company revenue was 690,317,000 and net profit was 107,491,000 increased highly up to 300%. These successful factors boost company rank to top three positions like was 3rd out of 12. The other big achievement was in region of Earning per Share (EPS) that was $14.33 helped to come in 76th position from all over the world in footwear industry. APPENDIXES Appendix-1 Year 11th BAD BOYZ III Annual Summary Report Appendix-2 Year 12th BAD BOYZ III Annual Summary Report Year 12th BAD BOYZ III Annual Summary Report Revenue Net Profit Earnings Per Share Stock Price Return On Equity Image Rating Credit Rating $201,395,000 $8,587,000 $0.86 $21.07 4.60% 61 C North America Internet Segment: Wholesale Segment: Private Label Segment Actual Industry Average Actual Industry Average Actual Market Demand Price $75.30 $68.57 $62.66 $52.47 MAX $47.47 Model Offered 200 168 200 192 Advertising $15,000,000 $6,959,000 $15,000,000 $6,879,000 Celebrity Appeal 100 23 100 21 S/Q Rating 6 5 6 5 4 Market Share 10.0% 9.1% 6.6% 8.3% 0.0% 100.0% Europe Africa Internet Segment: Wholesale Segment: Private Label Segment Actual Industry Average Actual Industry Average Actual Market Demand Price $75.30 $69.52 $62.80 $53.32 MAX $48.32 Model Offered 200 166 200 192 Advertising $15,000,000 $6,771,000 $15,000,000 $6,771,000 Celebrity Appeal 70 18 70 18 S/Q Rating 6 5 6 5 4 Market Share 9.4% 8.3% 7.2% 8.3% 0.0% 100.0% Asia Pacific Internet Segment: Wholesale Segment: Private Label Segment Actual Industry Average Actual Industry Average Actual Market Demand Price $75.30 $68.57 $95.53 $51.88 MAX $46.88 Model Offered 2 Online Shoe Company Business Strategy Online Shoe Company Business Strategy INTRODUCTION The business strategy game is an online, PC-Based game in which you run the world wide athletic footwear market in confronting each other competition against other markets companies run by different group of students into different industry. But this paper only focus on the industry 10 where 12 different companies named Air Nike, Dolce and Banana, IMF vs WTO, Fabulous Foots, Galpha, BAD BOYZ III, Legs supreme, CHU WUB CHU WUB, KVincci, , E-XIE, HA-N Ltd., and Just walk are included. In my industry BAD BOYZ III includes five members (Virayudh Baram, Saif Ur Rehman, Ying Zhao, Maliha Hasin and Imran Shahzad) are responsible for managing all aspects of the companys operation. Every company tried to use their best technique and execute well planned strategies for their company specially considering against the strategies of competitor companies, delivers good bottom-line results (Net Revenue, Earning per share (EPS), the return on equity (ROE), stock price, credit rating and image rating ) and builds shareholder value. This paper is divided in three main sections. First section describe the strategy adopted by BAD BOYZ III Company with the help of Michael Porter â€Å"Five Forces† theory, second section describes the external analysis of company using PESTLE analysis and at end the BAD BOYZ III company analysis from year 11 to year 17 will be discussed with each year progress diagrams shown in Appendix. BUSINESS STRATEGY IMPORTANCE The business strategy game is real time practice business environment. In this game our role is as Manager who responsible to use productive and efficient strategies for company production and profit. In strategic management the role and effect of top managers on company performance and importance of this relationship how may be affected by companys strategy is always recognize as critical issues (Hambrick and Mason (1984), Gupta and Govindarajan (1984), Gunz and Jalland (1996)). Business strategy is influenced by top management team of any firm (Hambrick and Mason, 1984). MICHAEL PORTER (1985) BASIC STRATEGY MODEL Michael Porter (1985) describes market Industry constitution and arrangement within the market is key factor for establishment of competitive strategy. Competitive advantages of any company against other competitors can be described by the â€Å"Five Forces† diagram shows the main idea of Porters theory of competitive advantage. This theory helps companies to know about the rules and regulation of competition in market. Porter argues, The ultimate aim of competitive strategy is to cope with and, ideally, to change those rules in the firms behavior (1985, p. 4).† According to Porter five forces find out company prosperity and profitability. Micheal Porter (1985) five forces are given below: Threat of substitutes Threat of new entrants Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Competition among existing companies Porters 5 Forces Elements of Industry Structure In strategy implementation, competitive advantages, utilizing new production, new inputs for Foot Wear industry Porters Value Chain and Activity Mapping ideas give us useful information to applying these all activities. The value chain activities help BAD BOYZ III Company for examining all activities related to company performance and interaction such as (e.g. development, marketing, sales, operations, etc.) as a potential source of advantage. In year 12 company situation was little bit down and we were losing market shares in such situation we adopted the value chain activities of Porter. These activities help company existing and potential sources of differentiation e.g. products, associated services. The reason to choose this strategy ‘low cost and value chain system was helpful to underline the competitive advantages that cannot come from production side but anywhere from value chain. It also helps us to fit into value chains like suppliers, buyers and channels. PESTLE ANALYSIS PESTLE analysis is usually used to measure the organizations external factors like position, potential and direction for a business or organization. PESTLE is an acronym for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors. BAD BOYZ III Company PESTLE analysis is measured below: Political Factors Political factors illustrate that how and to what extent government intervenes in the investment. The main politics factors are trade barriers, tax policy, trade policies, labor law, export tariffs and environmental law. As concern to BAD BOYZ III Company not much influenced by these factors as all four regions North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe are associated with WTO. Economical Factors Economic factors show how business operate and what of decision would be make, these factors include economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. In the success and development of BAD BOYZ III company exchange rate, affect the costs o exporting products and the supply and price o imported product in an economy, plays a major role. From year 11 to year 17 company maintained a steady exchange rate. Even though company made some mistakes but due to healthy exchange rate company never fall badly. Social Factors These factors show cultural effects, health and safety aspects, people their age, population and growth rate, age and careers approaches. BAD BOYZ III Company participated in charity an as well Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and also providing complete health and safety environment. Technology Factors Technology factors are ecological and environment aspects like Research and development (R D), technology usage rate and automation, determine barriers to entry, low productive manufacturing level and impact on outsourcing decisions. BAD BOYZ III knows the importance of technology and benefits in business environment. Company all private label capacity stocks in Latin America and Asia Specific was up to date because these technology shifts can affect costs, quality, and lead to innovation. Environment Factors In environment major factors are weather, climate and variation in climate include weather, climate, and change. These factors can be analyzed as company insurance, farming and tourism. Up to date with weather inform company operation according to weather and products they offer to their customers. Legal factors Legal factors determine company legal boundary, discrimination law, consumer law, antitrust law, employment law, and health and safety law. These are average fixed value of any country and companies cannot across these boundaries. ANALYSIS OF BAD BOYZ III COMPANY FROM YEARS 11 TO 17 A complete and in depth analysis of BAD BOYZ III company is given below: Year 11 In the begging of year 11, BAD BOYZ III has total production plant capacity 6,000,000 to complete the requirements of production only for two regions North America and Asia Pacific. BAD BOYZ III Company has also managed to fulfill the production requirements of remaining regions Latin America, Europe-Africa. In the start of year 11 the demand in North America and Asia Pacific is not much high as compared to present production. So our company decided to sell 200,000 production in North America and 800,000 in Asia Pacific. BAD BOYS III adopt strategies free shipping, model offer and attractive price and advertisement in internet segment and in whole sale garment we offer rebate and model with delivery time guaranteed and advertisement to compete in competitive market. With these strategies we got good market share in internet segment but the market share in whole sale was not according to wish. At the end of year 11 our companys progress was good in contrast with other market companies with 7th position out of the 12. BAD BOYZ III company overall progress was good in footwear industry with revenue $266583000, net profit $ 30224000 with credit rating A-. Year 11 complete detail of BAD BOYZ III competitive strengths and weakness and development can be seen from appendix-1. Year 12 In year 12 BAD BOYZ III company co-managers made some changing in their management and business strategy to get maximum profit from footwear industry market. As the result of year 11 and market competitive approach we decided to sell our products with high and standard quality. As the result of new strategy, quality of product, profit was good and also helped to get high position. In internet segment our competitive strength was marketing, celebrity appeal, S/Q rating and model offer but with some weakness like retail price and shipping charges was some kind of not good factor in competitive market. In whole sale market our S/Q rating, rebate offer and retailer supports were our competitive strength points while the competitive weakness were wholesale price and retail outlets. At the end of year 12 because of some weaknesses in whole sale market and internet segment, company overall progress and position of BAD BOYZ II was down 10 out of 12 with revenue 201395000, net profit 8,587,000, EPS 0.86 and credit rating â€Å"c†. The complete description of BAD BOYZ III company year 12 weaknesses, strengths and overall progress is shown on appendix -2. Year 13 Year 12 result forced the BAD BOYZ III management to seriously take the notice of company performance that is going down. After a long discussion among BAD BOYZ III company co-manager we concluded that we should re-evaluate the company strategy and offer high quality products with low price that strategy lead to ‘low cost and increase market shares described by Portal(1985) five forces theory which is focus on high quality with low price. To achieve maximum profit and top position in footwear market we also considered about the private label segments. Year 13 is the year of thinking for us as the result of year 12 that make us to re-think our all strategies and policies that makes impact on our competitive strategies. With adoption of new strategy our competitive strengths retail price, advertising and model significantly increased but still some weaknesses are shipping charges and retail outlet are there. Because of change in strategy and improvement in retail segment, at end of year 13 Company received very good response in private label segment and got satisfaction results in other segments like revenue $ 393,872,000 that is double of last year 12, net profit was $ 31,854,000 with the ratio of earning per share equal to 3.19. These out comes caused companys rank improvement like was 8th out of 12th. In appendix-3 the BAD BOYZ III Companys year 13 overall progress including strength and weaknesses has shown. Year 14 Year 13 results increase our confidence and courage to getting more effective and efficient in the market and also lead us to understand the purchasing behavior of consumers. In year 14 we continued our last used strategy high quality with cheap price to attract more and more customers. It can only be achieved with high production as amount of consumers increased compared last year. To complete this target we need high amount money thats why BAD BOYZ III Company took a long term loan $ 248,000,000 from the bank. That loan enabled us to fulfill the production plant capacity 4600,000 per year in North America. To get high profit and maximize the sale production we seriously focus on private label that enables BAD BOYZ III competitive strengths increased as compare to the year 13 and sufficient reduction in weaknesses like internet segment and wholesale segment. End of the year 14 BAD BOYZ III Company almost received 100% response and overall progress was getting better with revenue $577,496,000 and net profit $41612, 000. In private label segment company done well and sell all pairs in private label segment caused the market share of private label segment increased such as 76.6% in North America, 52.0 % in Asia-pacific and 62.9% in Latin America as contrast to other market shares. This year increase in private label segment and overall progress helped BAD BOYZ III Company to improve its position like 6th out of 12th. For over all progress see Appendix-4. Year 15 Year 15 was little bit thinking year for BAD BOYZ III management team as the competition and consumers increasing unexpectedly. So our management decided to fix with no cost leadership and customer purchasing behaviors strategy by following Porter (1985) five forces and considering more on North Americas private label segment. The main reason to focus on North America was company high expenditure in this region because of more consumers and demands. Company wanted to get 100% feedback from that region as last year our management bought new plant capacity for it. Increased in demand and production caused the increase in BAD BOYZ III competitive strengths as compare to previous year such as ‘celebrity appeal but weakness remained same as ‘model availability. End of the year 15th brought good news in market share as BAD BOYZ III achieved all market share from North America in private label segment as compared to other regions but with some sad news as company lost his market share in rest of regions. The total revenue was $ 530,284,000 and net profit $ 55474,000 which is somewhat increased as contrast to year 14. In BAD BOYZ III company success story another success was stock prize $ 102.49 and company also offered amount 10,135,000 dividend this year. The company rank was getting better and better as was 5 out of 12. In Appendix-5 year 15 overall progress is shown. Year 16 In year 16, BAD BOYZ III Company decided to remain fixed with same strategy as in year 15 company sold almost all products. To achieve this target company decided to increase the production and plants in different segments especially in North America and Asia Pacific to produce more revenue. Company was getting satisfaction feedback from North America, so company decided to build more plant capacity in North America as well in Asia Pacific region. BAD BOYZ III Company purchased 1500 plant capacity and build 500 in North America and also considering Asia Pacific purchased 800 plants capacity in that region. In year 16th the companys competitive strengths were celebrity appeal and advertising same as last year and company also tried to get rid of the weakness related to company production and profit. Company decided to sell quantity of 500 stocks in the price of $ 96.72 as stock price was really high. At the end of the year 16th the BAD Company revenue was $ 537,898,000 that is little bit high as contrast the previous year and net profit was $30,721,000. As company was getting almost 100% market share in private label from North America caused BOYZ III market share strong position in foot wear market. Appendix-6 represents the Year 16 over all progress. Year 17 Year 17 was decision year for BAD BOYZ III management because company management decided to buy new plant in North America with capacity of 1,900,000 pairs per year. This decision is made on behalf of the year 16 results as consumers increase unexpectedly. Company also reduced the 50% prices of pairs to sell more and more products in all regions to accomplish this strategy and apply these prices we need more and more stocks. Company decided to purchase new 3135 stocks with the price of 57.73 per share. These share prices were higher than the average market shares and company still focusing on North America private label segment with 90.5% share. As mentioned above year 17 was decision year for BAD BOYZ III to make another major decision in market. For this purpose we make a commission to discuss all aspects of Footwear Company including stocks and competitive environment. In this commission we included that we should offer 4000 pair at price of $ 40, was doubled as compare to last year, in North America private label region. That decision is made on two reasons: From the last few years company was getting required feedback from North America. There were no strong competitors in North America. At the end of year 17th the decisions made and strategies applied resulted in excellent outcomes. In North America private label company sold 3546 pairs out of 4,000 at double price $40. BAD BOYZ III company revenue was 690,317,000 and net profit was 107,491,000 increased highly up to 300%. These successful factors boost company rank to top three positions like was 3rd out of 12. The other big achievement was in region of Earning per Share (EPS) that was $14.33 helped to come in 76th position from all over the world in footwear industry. APPENDIXES Appendix-1 Year 11th BAD BOYZ III Annual Summary Report Appendix-2 Year 12th BAD BOYZ III Annual Summary Report Year 12th BAD BOYZ III Annual Summary Report Revenue Net Profit Earnings Per Share Stock Price Return On Equity Image Rating Credit Rating $201,395,000 $8,587,000 $0.86 $21.07 4.60% 61 C North America Internet Segment: Wholesale Segment: Private Label Segment Actual Industry Average Actual Industry Average Actual Market Demand Price $75.30 $68.57 $62.66 $52.47 MAX $47.47 Model Offered 200 168 200 192 Advertising $15,000,000 $6,959,000 $15,000,000 $6,879,000 Celebrity Appeal 100 23 100 21 S/Q Rating 6 5 6 5 4 Market Share 10.0% 9.1% 6.6% 8.3% 0.0% 100.0% Europe Africa Internet Segment: Wholesale Segment: Private Label Segment Actual Industry Average Actual Industry Average Actual Market Demand Price $75.30 $69.52 $62.80 $53.32 MAX $48.32 Model Offered 200 166 200 192 Advertising $15,000,000 $6,771,000 $15,000,000 $6,771,000 Celebrity Appeal 70 18 70 18 S/Q Rating 6 5 6 5 4 Market Share 9.4% 8.3% 7.2% 8.3% 0.0% 100.0% Asia Pacific Internet Segment: Wholesale Segment: Private Label Segment Actual Industry Average Actual Industry Average Actual Market Demand Price $75.30 $68.57 $95.53 $51.88 MAX $46.88 Model Offered 2

Home Schooling: Not For Everyone Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Arg

Home Schooling: Not For Everyone Home schooling is when a child is instructed outside of the public school system in a place such as the home. In the year 2002, 850,000 students were home schooled in the United States out of about 50,200,000 that were attending school at that time (Home Schooling Statistics, 1). The numbers of students being home schooled are expected to grow even more in the future (1). Home schooling laws vary from state to state. In New Jersey the home schooling laws state that children between the ages of 6 and 16 can be home schooled (Home Schooling in the United States A Legal Analysis, 1). There is no requirement for the number of days a student must attend if they are home schooled, unlike the public schools who have to have 180 days of school each year (1). The few required subjects that must be taught are history of the United States, civics, physical education, health, geography, history of New Jersey, citizenship and safety (1). Any of these subjects can be omitted fro m the curriculum if they interfere with religious or moral beliefs of the family (1). Perhaps the most influential reason for why a parent would take their child out of public education is their fear for the quality of their childà °s education. Due to teacher unions and contracts after several years of teaching a teacher receives tenure. At that time it is hard for a teacher to be fired despite their teaching qualifications and abilities. Home schooling a child would assure the parents that their child is receiving a proper education up to their standards. By home schooling their children the parents can control the education by selecting subject courses that follow their own curriculum. The reso... ... any prior teaching certification or experience, which means they may not be able to provide their child with an adequate education. Although home schooling may benefit some students, it is clearly not right for every student. Home schooling has its advantages and disadvantages and its success is not always guaranteed. In some respects home schooling may be cost efficient, but is it really worth it especially since it hampers a child's socialization process. Sources Cited Home Schooling in the United States A Legal Analysis. (2003, August). Home School Legal Defense Association. Retrieved November 19, 2004 from http://www. hslda.org/laws/?State=NJ Home Schooling Statistics. #1 Home Schooling Information and Software. Retrieved November 17, 2004 from http://www.home-schooling-information-software.com/ Home-Schooling-Statistics.html

How Does Dickens Present the Development of Pip’s Character?

The novel Great Expectations follows the story of a young boy, Pip, who realizes his identity as he strives to be above his social class, and shows the development and changes in his character. Pip's personality traits change through interaction with other people in the course of this story. Although Pip was brought up in a harsh and poor background, with a punishing sister, who had brought him up â€Å"by hand†, he was gentle and kind. However, after his encounter with Miss Havisham and Estella, his perception of the world is drastically altered, and along with this so does his character.The reader first sees how sympathetic Pip is when he meets the escaped convict, Magwitch, in the graveyard. Dickens creates a sense of pathos through Pip’s description of Magwitch â€Å"he hugged his shuddering body in both his arms†, which shows that he is in a terrible state and about to literally fall apart. Here Magwitch is portrayed as vulnerable, injured and not very menac ing. This novel is narrated by Pip; therefore it is Pip that is describing Magwitch in a pitiful state. Consequently, Pip does not see Magwitch as a threat; instead he feels sorry for him and is sympathetic.Pip is very brave, as he faced the convict, Magwitch, who was several times his size and many more times as strong, despite being so young. He was even able to talk to him politely, â€Å"If you would kindly please to let me keep upright, sir, perhaps I shouldn’t be sick, and perhaps I could attend more†. Also, instead of fleeing at once, Pip had wished Magwitch goodnight. This takes a certain amount of courage, and also shows that Pip is well-mannered. Furthermore, Pip is curious about Magwitch and cares about him, as he did not run away as soon as he was freed, â€Å"I stopped to look after him†.This shows that Pip was concerned about Magwitch’s wellbeing, as if he was truly scared of Magwitch and was just going to go home to carry out his errand, he would have run straight home. Staying and watching after Magwitch portrays that Pip has a good heart and has a gentle character. Dickens also demonstrates Pip’s capacity for compassion when he returns to Magwitch of his own free will with food, water and a file, when he could have reported him the police. Pip did not bring Magwitch food and water just because he was threatened to do so, but because he wanted to do this.The reader can see this as Pip brings good food and brandy to Magwitch, â€Å"some bread, some rind of cheese, about half a jar of mincemeat†¦ some brandy†¦ a beautiful round compact pork pie†, and not just simple bread and water. This shows that Pip is generous and considerate, willing to risk being discovered by Mrs Joe that he had stolen a pork pie, just for the convict. Pip and Magwitch share an interesting relationship here, where Pip is the loving, nurturing superior, despite the fact that he is younger than Magwitch.This event shows tha t Pip is tender, nurturing, and has a matured character. The turning point in Pip’s life comes after his first visit to Satis house, when he meets Miss Havisham and Estella. After this visit, he is greatly influenced by them and starts to treat himself and his family very differently. Estella, whom Pip falls in love with at once, has a profound effect on Pip, as he soon starts to despise himself and detest the way he acts and looks, â€Å"I had never thought of being ashamed of my hands before; but I began to consider them a very indifferent pair.Her contempt for me was so strong, that it became infectious, and I caught it. † Estella, who is the ‘tool for revenge’ of Miss Havisham, is the character which causes Pip to start hating himself and wish he was more like Estella than the person he is now. Therefore, Pip has become more self-critical of himself, as he disapproves of his own appearance and behaviour. Pip’s desire for advancement largely over shadows his basic goodness. Not only is Pip changing his attitude towards himself, but also towards his family and friends.He echoes Estella’s words precisely when he is evaluating Joe one day, â€Å"how common Estella would consider Joe, a mere blacksmith: how thick his boots, and how coarse his hands. † This further enforces how Pip aspires to be like Estella, as he is trying to speak like her and share the same views. Also, Joe is a father-figure to Pip, as he tries to protect Pip from his wife's angry outbursts, â€Å"Joe and I being fellow-sufferers, and having confidences as such, Joe imparted a confidence to me†. However, now Pip is looking down on Joe, who was a friend, a brother and a father to him.As well as disapproving Joe, Pip even blames him to an extent for his behaviours, â€Å"I determined to ask Joe why he had ever taught me to call those picture-cards, Jacks, which ought to be called knaves. I wished Joe had been rather more genteelly brought up, and then I should have been so too. † This is quite rude and disrespectful, as Joe had always been kind to Pip. It is not Joe’s fault to have been born into a poor, lower class family and for Pip to blame Joe in such a way is very unfair. Therefore Pip is starting to become ungrateful and snobbish, even to his nearest and dearest. Pip is ashamed now f the life he leads and with whom he leads it with, as he mentions several times that he is â€Å"ashamed of home†. Initially, Pip had many wonderful images of home, â€Å"I had believed in the front door, as a mysterious portal of the Temple of State whose solemn opening was attended with a sacrifice of roast fowls†¦ I had believed in the forge as the glowing road to manhood and independence. † However, he follows this by saying how embarrassed and unhappy he is of his home when he says, â€Å"Now, it was all coarse and common, and I would not have had Miss Havisham and Estella see it on any account . This shows that Miss Havisham and Estella have changed his perception of his quality of life, from believing that he lived in a wonderful world, to believing that he led a worthless life. Pip has changed from being content with living a simple life, to being constantly desiring to improve his status and impressing Estella. As a character, Pip has developed from being a humble, kind boy with an innate goodness about him, into a young man who falls madly in love with Estella, to such an extent where he would do anything to win her over and that it blinds him from everything else.He disapproves of his family and hurts those around him, including himself. As a character, however, Pip’s hopes of a higher position in society often leads him to perceive the world rather narrowly, thinking that by thinking and acting like an upper class individual would automatically make him accepted in those ranks. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that Pip at heart is a very generous and sy mpathetic young man, with an inborn moral nature.

Venus Figurines as Early Human Sculptural Art

Venus Figurines as Early Human Sculptural Art A Venus figurine (with or without the capital V) is the name given to a type of figural art produced by humans between about 35,000 and 9,000 years ago. While the stereotypical Venus figurine is a small carved statue of a voluptuous female with large body parts and no head or face to speak of, those carvings are considered part of a larger cadre of portable art plaques and two- and three-dimensional carvings of men, children, and animals as well as women in all stages of life. Over 200 of these statuettes have been found, made of clay, ivory, bone, antler, or carved stone. They were all found at sites left behind by hunter-gatherer societies of the European and Asian late Pleistocene (or Upper Paleolithic) periods during the last gasp of the last Ice Age, the Gravettian, Solutrean, and Aurignacian periods. Their remarkable variety- and yet persistence- within this 25,000 year period continues to amaze researchers. The Venus and Modern Human Nature One of the reasons youre reading this may be because images of the physicality of women are an important part of modern human cultures. Whether your specific modern culture permits the exposure of the female form or not, the uninhibited depiction of women with large breasts and detailed genitals seen in the ancient art is nearly irresistible to all of us. Nowell and Chang (2014) compiled a list of modern-day attitudes reflected in the media (and scholarly literature). This list is derived from their study, and it includes five points that we should keep in mind when considering Venus figurines in general. Venus figurines were not necessarily made by men for menMen are not the only ones aroused by visual stimuliOnly some of the figurines are femaleThe figurines that are female have considerable variation in size and body shapeWe dont know that Paleolithic systems necessarily recognized only two gendersWe dont know that being unclothed was necessarily erotic in Paleolithic periods We simply cannot know for certain what was in the minds of Paleolithic people or who made the figurines and why. Consider the Context Nowell and Chang suggest instead that we should consider the figurines separately, within their archaeological context (burials, ritual pits, refuse areas, living areas, etc.), and compare them to other artwork rather than as a separate category of erotica or fertility art or ritual. The details that we seem to focus on- big breasts and explicit genitals- obscure the finer elements of the art for a lot of us. One notable exception is a paper by Soffer and colleagues (2002), who examined the evidence for the use of netted fabrics drawn as clothing features on the figurines. Another non-sex-charged study is by Canadian archaeologist Alison Tripp (2016), who looked at examples of Gravettian-era figurines and suggested similarities in the central Asian group indicate some kind social interaction among them. That interaction is also reflected in similarities in site layouts, lithic inventories, and material culture. The Oldest Venus The oldest Venus found to date was recovered from the Aurignacian levels of Hohle Fels in southwestern Germany, in the lowest-most Aurignacian layer, made between 35,000-40,000 cal BP. The Hohle Fels carved ivory art collection included four figurines: a horses head, a half-lion/half-human being, a water bird, and a woman. The female figurine was in six fragments, but when the fragments were reassembled they were revealed to be the nearly complete sculpture of a voluptuous woman (her left arm is missing) and in place of her head is a ring, enabling the object to be worn as a pendant. Function and Meaning Theories about the function of Venus figurines abound in the literature. Different scholars have argued that the figurines might have been used as emblems for membership in a goddess religion, teaching materials for children, votive images, good luck totems during childbirth, and even sex toys for men. The images themselves have also been interpreted in many ways. Different scholars suggest they were realistic images of what women looked like 30,000 years ago, or ancient ideals of beauty, or fertility symbols, or portrait images of specific priestesses or ancestors. Who Made Them? A statistical analysis of the waist to hip ratio for 29 of the figurines was conducted by Tripp and Schmidt (2013), who found that there was considerable regional variation. Magdalenian statuettes were much curvier than the others, but also more abstract. Tripp and Schmidt conclude that although it could be argued that Paleolithic males preferred heavier set and less curvy females, there is no evidence to identify the gender of the persons who made the objects or who used them. However, American art historian LeRoy McDermott has suggested that the figurines may have been self-portraits made by women, arguing that the body parts were exaggerated because if an artist dont have a mirror, her body is  distorted from her viewpoint. Venus Examples Russia: Malta, Avdeevo, New Avdeevo, Kostenki I, Kohtylevo, Zaraysk, Gagarino, EliseevichiFrance: Laussel, Brassempouy, Lespugue, Abri Murat, Gare de CouzeAustria: WillendorfSwitzerland: MonruzGermany: Hohle Fels, Gà ¶nnersdorf, MonreposItaly: Balzi Rossi, Barma GrandeCzech Republic: Dolni Vestonice, Moravany, PekrnaPoland: Wilczyce, Petrkovice, PavlovGreece: Avaritsa Sources Dixson AF, and Dixson BJ. 2011. Venus figurines of the European Paleolithic: Symbols of fertility or attractiveness? Journal of Anthropology 2011(Article ID 569120).McDermott L. 1996. Self-Representation in Upper Paleolithic Female Figurines. Current Anthropology 37(2):227-275.Nowell A, and Chang ML. 2014. Science, the Media, and Interpretations of Upper Paleolithic Figurines. American Anthropologist 116(3):562-577.Tripp A. 2016. A Cladistics Analysis Exploring Regional Patterning of the Anthropomorphic Figurines from the Gravettian. In: Mendoza Straffon L, editor. Cultural Phylogenetics: Concepts and Applications in Archaeology. Cham: Springer International Publishing. p 179-202.Tripp AJ, and Schmidt NE. 2013. Analyzing Fertility and Attraction in the Paleolithic: The Venus Figurines. Archaeology, Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia 41(2):54-60.Soffer O, Adovasio JM, and Hyland DC. 2000. The Venus Figurines: Textiles, basketry, gender, and status in the Upper Paleolithic. Current Anthropology 41(4):511-537.

Educating Rita and the Devil Wears Prada Speech Into the World Essays

Educating Rita and the Devil Wears Prada Speech Into the World Essays Educating Rita and the Devil Wears Prada Speech Into the World Essay Educating Rita and the Devil Wears Prada Speech Into the World Essay The society we live in distorts our own unique desires and goals. When in a workplace or community it puts more pressure and expectation on individuals’ goals, warping them until a point where one identifies what they truly want and breaks the mould and expectations of society to do this. Examining texts such as ‘Educating Rita’ and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ in addition to my own personal experience will bring forth an understanding of how society affects growing up and transition into new phases of life into a larger world. The text ‘Educating Rita’ is set Britain in the 1970’s, where a woman’s role was to have a family and look after it by staying at home and in the kitchen. The feminist movement started to occur along with the introduction of the contraception pill. Society began trying to broaden the middle class and the general education of the population by having such educating programs such as ‘Open University’. Rita goes to Open University to get an education. When she tries to move forward towards what she desires she is always brought back by her family’s and societies expectation, which is them stressing to her that being lower class is enough to be content with. But desire to make her life better encourages her to emerge with an education. Initially Frank’s office is a barrier which is shown through the metaphor and motif of the door. The door is stuck and finally ‘swings open revealing Rita’. In the first scence she is exclaiming her stress. â€Å"I’m comin’ in, aren’t I? It’s that stupid bleedin’ handle on the door. You wanna get it fixed! The rhetorical question encourages reflection how frustrating and hard it is to enter shown through the exclamation mark. Rita is seen ‘standing in the doorway, holding a small can of oil’ because of her desire to be educated and help her transition into being educated. The oil for the door has the same meaning as education for Rita, the oil helps open the door and education assists Rita becoming educated. In act two Rita seems to have no trouble fitting in with her educated peers; she is now secured a position as a student which is shown when she ‘bursts through the door†. The word ‘bursts’ here has connotations of confidence and her eagerness to learn. She is breaking her social context whereas in scene one she was questioning herself. Rita always purchases new dresses to cheer her up, but now realises she is not content with it. She stresses to Frank that â€Å"It’s like me isn’t it? Buying new dresses all the time, isn’t it? † The rhetorical questions and repetition enhance reflection on her learning and aim to move out of the stereotype. ‘In new second hand clothes’ this is symbolic of the ease she has in the middle class and shows juxtaposition of new second hand clothes. This has highlighted how she has changed and matured into the middle class and doesn’t require materialistic needs like a dress to satisfy her depression. Rita in’ Educating Rita’ mirrors the same growth and change as Andrea in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. It is a 2006 film in times where individuals are controlled by the capitalist world and times where pleasing your boss was the only ambition. Andrea is easily manipulated to suit her social context and expectations of her boss. This is shown through the change in her values overtime highlighting her new appreciation for fashion which is negatively affecting her relationships with her friends. Andrea then grows enough to come to realisation that she is controlled by the materialistic needs of fashion influences by the industry. This is shown thought her confused and miserable facial expression emphasises by the close camera shot and how Andrea throws the phone into the fountain. The close shot highlights the facial expression of deep thought and encourages the viewers to reflect on Andrea’s thoughts and her throwing her phone away The phone is a symbol of Miranda’s power over Andrea but when she throws it into the fountain it emphasis Miranda’s loss of control. This is comparable to Rita’s emerging want for an education and to fit in with her educated peer at an attempt to have a better life. She begins at ‘Runway’ fashion magazine with humorous fashion when a colleague makes a rhetorical joke asking if she has to go to ‘some hideous skirt convention’. Here she begins her occupation as a joke echoed in her routine and representing the starting point of her physical transformation. Her new transformation is noticeable through changes in costume. She goes from wearing jeans and a plain top to wearing Gucci and Prada! This visually emphasises her rapid change into the fashion industry. This is much alike Rita purchases new clothes to fulfil her unhappiness and problems. Andrea uses clothes as he fulfilment when her relationship start to crumble and becomes manipulated into conform to her context of the fashion industry. My own experience was being caught doing graffiti. I was young teenager in year 7 associating with year 8’s. I was seeking social acceptance in my new school and by engaging in graffiti writing I was able to gain appreciation. After doing it for the first time and being caught by a teacher I could see it was the wrong decision; violence and other illegal activities all stem from graffiti writing. This is largely similar to the ‘Devil Wear Prada’ and ‘Educating Rita. Andrea, in the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ like me, experimented with conforming to a certain area of society for acceptance. But when are actions are made evident by another it is easily seen that certain decisions were wrong. It is also comparable to ‘Educating Rita’ as graffiti writers are perceived in society as of a lower-class just like Rita, I was stereotyped and it is hard to break a stereotype many teachers still stereotype me now, 5 years on! Though realization, growth and change can occur, corresponding to how Rita comes to desire and acquire a better education as means of growth and change ion her life. All individuals can have a change in perspective so as to thrive towards a positive growth in their life, a decision; a realisation just has to come first. Social pressures can overpower Andre’s, Rita’s and my ability to make our own decisions but as we mature expectations are unsuccessful. The theme of growth and change is unmistakable in the supplementary texts’ though how the women are trying to break the mould of society’s expectations in different ways much alike to my change and growth through experience. Rita is growing throughout the PLAY eventually breaking the mould. While on the other hand, Andrea comes to a quick change when Miranda reveals that she chooses occupation over her true relationships comparable to my sudden transformation. Both texts and my experience come to the identical conclusion when expectations are overcome to the better life chosen.

Problem Solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Problem Solution - Essay Example Put differently, the corporate culture was not conducive to the introduction of new improvements that could have helped with the overall quality and quantity of the plants output. This kind of an environment at the plant in turn produced the low morale of the workers there. The challenge is to find ways to motivate the employees without necessarily threatening them or their sense of security pertaining to their jobs, as proposed change is always perceived as a threat (Shook, 2010, p. 65). An important thing is to gain employees trust. 2. Section 4 (Possible Solutions) - the new combined management at the NUMMI plant made the right decisions regarding gaining employee trust so that there will be cooperation from the workers. In particular, it is vital to have the so-called â€Å"employee buy-in† wherein the workers are themselves convinced of the proposed solutions coming from management. However, not all of the proposed solutions came from the top only, the workers down below in production lines were also given new responsibilities together with the corresponding authority to detect problems with quality, if ever these defects come up, by allowing them to â€Å"stop the line† which is a novel or new idea for most of the previous workers at the old GM Fremont plant. In other words, they are now given the capability to manage their work. They are now empowered to check quality. Shook, J. (Winter 2010). How to change a culture: Lessons from NUMMI. MIT Sloan Management Review, 51(2), 62-68. Retrieved January 31, 2014 from

Trust and Customer Service Performance 312 wk 6 forum Assignment

Trust and Customer Service Performance 312 wk 6 forum - Assignment Example Reliability-based trust is based in the company’s discernments of a prospective partner’s real behavior and operating performance. It engrosses a notion that a partner is disposed to execute and capable of acting as promised. Efforts to create collaborative associations fail when supply chain partners cannot rely on their performance as promised. In simple terms, an organization that is alleged to be unable to act as guaranteed will be perceived as unreliable and thus not fit for the trust in the association. On the other hand, character-based trust is grounded on a company’s culture, philosophy and leadership. Principally, it originates from discernments that supply chain partners are interested in each other’s wellbeing and not work without putting into account the effect of their actions on the other partner. Character-based trust is critical in collaborative relationships because the partners in the relationship act in confidence that the other party will deliver up to anticipations because of the developed character of the association. In this case, the partners in a relationship do not feel susceptible to the deeds of one another. Needless to say, the partners believe that each will safeguard the other’s interest. For example, a manufacturer who shares ideas on new product launches with a merchant trusts that he or she will not give the idea to a