PRINCIPALS OF MARKETING ? DUE FRIDAY, SEPT 19,2014 @ 4PM (TOTAL 5 PAGES)

Text: Perreault, W. Cannon, J., and McCarthy, E. (2010). Essentials of Marketing (12th Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin

Read chapters 10-12 in the text.

Prepare and submit a 4-page Topic Paper on addressing the distribution strategies of wholesalers and retailers, and the impact that ethical and social responsibility decisions have on marketing. A minimum of two other sources will be used apart from the text.

CITE PROPERLY IN THE TEXT WHERE YOU USE THE AUTHORS WORDS OR IDEA.

On a separate 1 page (not part of the topic paper) answer the following question (300 words)
Conceive of a product that does not currently exist in the marketplace. What are the viable distribution channels through which this product can be successfully marketed?

1. Using the economic concepts you have learned from the notes and the appropriate text chapters, fully explain what market structure exists for countries that are suppliers of oil in the global economy and how this is helping to cause high oil prices. Give a DETAILED answer, showing your understanding of the economic concepts involved.

2. Suppose you are an economist as the United States and Canada enter World War II in the 1940s. As both governments gear up their economies to produce war material to fight the war, the governments ask you as economists to FULLY explain how the demand for AND supply of consumer goods will be impacted and what role, if any, the governments should play in dealing with the wars impact on the demand for and supply of consumer goods. Again, be DETAILED in your answer showing your understanding of the economic concepts involved.

3. FULLY EXPLAIN WHY the GLOBAL DEMAND FOR OIL has

RISEN SO DRAMATICALLY OVER THE LAST 2 TO 3 YEARS,

RESULTING IN HIGH OIL PRICES, ESPECIALLY FOR GASOLINE.

ALSO, FULLY EXPLAIN HOW countries or governments of countries that are

adversely impacted by these high prices can, OVER TIME (WHAT WE IN

ECONOMICS CALL THE LONG RUN) REDUCE THE DEMAND BY ITS

CITIZENS FOR OIL, ESPECIALLY GASOLINE. Be sure to give a

DETAILED ANSWER, showing your understanding of the economic

concepts involved.

4. The US economy is now going into a recession. Based upon your knowledge of

Demand and Supply from both the notes and the text, FULLY ANSWER the

Following questions using the concepts of Demand and Supply:

A. FULLY EXPLAIN what is happening to consumer demand in the US economy

and (most importantly) why it is happening.

B. FULLY EXPLAIN what is happening to the production of goods(i.e. supply of consumer goods) and(most importantly) why this is happening.

C. FULLY EXPLAIN how the Federal Governments Economic Stimulus package

(detail what this Economic Stimulus package is) is theoretically suppose to impact the

demand for and supply of consumer goods.

D. FULLY EXPLAIN how the lowering of interest rates by the Federal Reserve

(the central bank of the United States) is theoretically suppose to impact the demand

for and supply of consumer goods

instruction

- Political and legal environment (P/L system, trends,
risks ) in Australia
Social and cultural analysis (Hofstedes 5D model, high-low context, cultural differences and potential
Challenges) comparing both Canada and Australia?
Industrial opportunity and challenges in Australia?
What are the opportunities in the country for maple leaf food? Why?
- What are the opportunities in the maple leaf food industry in Australia? Why?
What are the challenges and risks in the country? Why?
What are the Political, cultural, monetary, competitive risks etc involved in taking maple leaf foods to Australia .
What are the weaknesses and strengths of maple leaf food?
Apa style for refrences

There are faxes for this order.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to research and analyze the prospect for a new product - the Sonic 1000 PDA. Through this exercise, students will experience the plight of the contemporary marketing manager, who spends much time researching and planning to create or refresh a new product. Another purpose of this assignment is to expose individuals to the environment of locating and synthesizing market planning information. The third purpose of this exercise is to help students better understand the critical role of virtual groups in the field of marketing. This analysis builds on concepts covered in the text. In addition, external research is required to develop the analysis.

Outcome

Each individual shall submit one analysis, by the date determined in the Course Chart, including and following the required format below. Keep in mind, the objective is not to create a marketing plan; rather, the objective is to reply to each element in the format below. The analysis shall be 10 pages in length, double-spaced in Microsoft Word, and appropriately cited and referenced according to APA.


Directions

The context of the assignment is that each individual has been hired by Sonic (a fictitious company) to perform an analysis for the Sonic 1000 PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The outcome is not a marketing plan, but rather an analysis of the issues that preface the preparation of a marketing plan. Thus, each individual shall write a paper, following the exact format below. Each element of the format represents a salient question in the process of marketing analysis.

First, each member should review the sample marketing plan for Sonic in the text's appendix for context (attached as Sonic_PDA_Source_Material.pdf). It is safe to assume that significant changes are occurring in the PDA market - that is, that much of the analysis presented in the sample marketing plan is factual yet out of date. Feel free to update, contemporize, and use any information in the sample marketing plan, if it seems appropriate and fitting for answering the questions below. Assume Sonic is a start-up company.

Note: Please don't let the length of the format alarm you. It's very detailed and application friendly.

Expectations

1. Full narrative explanations are expected for each of the questions/sections below. Include the headings and questions in the written analysis. My advice is to insert the format below into a Word document and write to the outline.
2. The textbook pdf files will provide a context for understanding and responding to each question. Each major heading below coincides with a chapter in the textbook. However external research, in addition to the text, is required.

Required Format for the Marketing Management Analysis
(note: include the headings and questions below in the analysis)

Issues Analysis (answer the following questions in the paper)

All numbered prompts will need to be 2.5 pages in length totaling 10 pages.


1. Which of Porter's generic competitive strategies would you recommend that Sonic following in formulating overall strategy? Why? (Reference chapter 2 pdf and reference 1 additional source)

2. What are Sonic's target market(s)? Explain (Reference chapter 2 pdf and reference 1 additional source)
a. What specific needs does the Sonic PDA address for each target market?

3. Positioning (Reference chapter 10 pdf and reference 1 additional source)
a. In a sentence or two, what is an appropriate positioning statement for the Sonic 1000 PDA? Explain the statement.

4. Product and Branding (Reference chapters 9 and 12 pdfs and reference 1 additional source)
a. What brand elements would be most useful for differentiating the Sonic brand from competing brands?

There are faxes for this order.

THIS IS MY CASE, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTIONS: ALSO I WILL SEND ATTACHMENT TO HELP ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS
What does a competitive strength assessment reveal about Apple's computer business as compared to the leaders in personal computer industry? Use the methodology in Table 4.2 to support your answer.
Does it appear that the company's competitive positions in the media players and smartphones are stronger or weaker than its position in computers? Table 4.1 is in Chapter 4, page 65; Table 4.2 is the SWOT analysis, page 71.
What is your assessment of Apple Computer's financial performance the past three years? (Use the financial ratios in Table 4.1 on pages 94-96 of the text as a guide in doing your financial analysis.)
What recommendations would you make to allow Apple to strengthen its position in its most important markets? What steps should it take to ensure that the iPad becomes a success in the marketplace and a major contributor to the company's overall performance?

Case Assignment ;

External Competitiveness & Internal Equity in an Effective Compensation Program

The ability to create a successful market-based compensation program is contingent on a number of key variables. Yet none is more important than gaining a clear understanding of what it takes to have a compensation program that is externally competitive, while at the same time internally equitable.

In this assignment?

Discuss what is meant by a market-based compensation program.

Explain how an organization can balance external competitiveness with internal equity to achieve a successful market-based compensation program. Be specific.

Illustrate with actual examples of employers achieving this balance. Also, provide examples of organizations failing to achieve one or both and illustrate what might result.

Bring in at least 5 library sources to help strengthen and support your discussion.


Assignment Expectations ;

Your paper should demonstrate critical thinking and analysis of the relevant issues and HRM actions, drawing upon all of the required background readings and relevant sources from your prior courses and your own library search. Use website information sparingly (reputable websites only).

Prepare a paper that is professionally presented (including a cover page, a "List of References," and a strong introduction and conclusion).

Proofread your paper carefully for grammar, spelling and word-usage errors.

Address all aspects of the assignment as stated.

Provide private-sector employer examples of HRM programs, systems, processes and/or procedures as you address the above assignment requirements. Provide names of the employers. Use different employer examples in your case paper than those used in your SLP paper.

Limit your web search and focus instead on your library search. Bring in information from the background readings as well to help add depth and validity to your discussion.

Give authors credit for their work. Cite sources of borrowed information in the body of your paper as footnotes, numbered end notes or APA style of referencing.

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you:
1. Read the ?UMUC Haircuts Case Study? & review ?Walmart Example.?
2. Review the process you identified in stage one and your instructor?s feedback.







Overview of Business Process Analysis for UMUC Hair Cuts
For your Stage 1assignment for the Case Study, you identified a strategy for competitive advantage and a business process that you would improve through the application of technology.
In Stage 2, it is time to implement your strategy for a competitive advantage for UMUC Haircuts. You will do this by strategically developing the business process that you have identified that needs improvement. The success of your competitive advantage is going to be dependent on how well you improve the business process you selected in Stage 1.
In a large company, business and IT would work together to develop and implement the business process. In this case study, you are the consultant that will plan and implement your proposed technology solution keeping in mind the business process that you are improving and the technology you will use to guarantee success and give UMUC Haircuts a competitive advantage.
For this stage of the case study you will explain the process you selected for improvement, identify and explain a technology solution to improve the process, describe the solution components, explain how the technology solution will improve the process, and how it support the Strategy for Competitive Advantage. You will provide two models, or diagrams, that demonstrate the steps in the business process as it exists today (AS IS model) and the steps in the business process as it will exist after the technology solution is implemented (TO BE model).

Resources:
Stage One Notes: Strategy for Competitive Advantage
Business Process to Improve

Solution Components:
The table below identifies the Information Technology components and Business resources that will be needed to implement the solution for the business process you have identified.
Information Technology Component or Business Resource
Descriptions of Needs to implement the new IT solution

Hardware,
Software, Telecommunications
& Facilities hardware - devices that perform the input, storage, processing, and output functions. Include the major, important hardware components needed to implement your proposed solution.
software ? identify the type of application software to be used; if you are proposing to use a software package, provide the name of it.
telecommunications ? identify what kind of telecommunications will be needed for the solution, including local connectivity and internet access, if appropriate, and whether it will be used for data, voice and/or video.
facilities - what facilities will be needed to house the equipment and support staff; state whether the hardware be housed at UMUC Haircuts or at another facility.
IT Skills & Services Includes technical knowledge needed to implement the solution including application knowledge, social media skills, technology background
Business/Managerial Resources
Includes vendor and outsourcer relationship skills, market responsiveness, IS-business partnerships, IS planning, and management skills.


Business Process Model:
A process model is a diagram of the steps in a process. Your models should be professionally created using Word, Excel, or PowerPoint diagramming features. All steps in each process should be shown and labeled. You can use arrow shapes to demonstrate the flow of the process. You may think that your solution will create a new process for UMUC Haircuts and that there is no ?current process.? However, all of the processes are being done one way or another without technology and you should draw a model of how the process is being done today.
Be sure to refer to the reading in the Course Content for Week 2 ?Flowcharting ? Mastering the Details.? It demonstrates the use of the standard icons for steps and decision points in a process.


Tools for Creating the Models:

Flowcharting
http://web.archive.org/web/20130718234318/http://www.hci.com.au/Hcisite2/toolkit/flowchar.htm

Excel Charting
http://web.archive.org/web/20130619031235/http://www.breezetree.com/articles/how-to-flow-chart-in-excel.htm

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/flowchart-simple-layout-TC001018440.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exFFCCr66LI
[closed captions are ok, but the demo is self-explanatory]

Word
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hNGkxoM_ak
[closed captions & transcripts are not helpful, but demos are self-explanatory]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkN0dekcsmw
[closed captions are in German, but demo is helpful]
PowerPoint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRplZxP6RFg
[closed caption, but demo is self-explanatory]

Modeling the Business Process Example: If a grocery store had a need to reduce expenses and improve customer satisfaction, a process needing improvement might be improving the inventory process to ensure availability of products for customers as well as to reduce cost related to spoiled inventory. The model could include the steps necessary to record inventory information, update inventory when merchandise is sold, place orders for additional inventory from suppliers, etc.


?
Assignment: UMUC Haircuts Stage 2: Create a document that includes:
I. Introduction:
At the top of your paper, show the strategy for competitive advantage that you will focus on and the business process you will improve, using the following format:

Strategy for Competitive Advantage: xxxxxxx (just name the strategy)
Business Process to Improve: xxxxxxxxx (just name the process)

II. Business Process Explanation:
Identify and explain your business process in detail. Explain how a technology solution could improve the process as it exists today. (Do not identify the specific IT solution, but discuss how a solution involving some aspect of technology could improve the process to help reach a competitive advantage.)
III. Proposed Technology Solution:
? Identify in detail a specific technology solution to improve the business process.
? Using information from your readings, discuss the specific solution, the type of solution it is, and why you chose this solution.
? The proposed IT solution should focus on improving the chosen business process
and should be appropriate to UMUC Haircuts.

(Do not discuss how it will improve the specific process yet).

IV. Solution Components
? Copy the Solutions Components table above and insert the Descriptions that apply to your proposed solution.

V. How the Technology Solution will Improve the Process:
Explain how the specific technology solution you chose will improve the business process.

VI. Support for Strategy for Competitive Advantage:
Use course resources and outside research to identify how your specific proposed solution will support the strategy for competitive advantage identified in Stage 1. (Your resources should include more than vendor resources.)
VII. Model the Processes:
Create two clearly titled and labeled diagrams that demonstrate:
? the steps in the business process as it exists today (Model 1: AS IS), and
? the steps in the business process as it will exist after the technology solution is applied (Model 2: TO BE).

VIII. References:
Provide at least one external resource in your paper. An external resource is a resource other than those provided in the class or text book. Incorporate a properly formatted APA citation in the text of your document. Then, place an APA style resource on a reference page at the end of your document.


Additional Instructions:

Formatting: Stage Two Business Process Analysis & Technology Solution Proposal submission.

For academic writing, the writer is expected to write in the third person. In third person, the writer avoids the pronouns I, we, my, and our. The third person is used to make the writing more objective by taking the individual, the ?self,? out of the writing. This method is very helpful for academic writing, a form in which facts, not opinion, drive the tone of the text. Writing in the third person allows the writer to come across as unbiased and thus more informed.

? Submit one document that includes your paper and the models.
? Write a short concise paper: 2-3 double spaced pages of text
? Use at least one external resources with APA formatted citation and reference
? Include a title page and a reference page.
? Models should be professionally formatted in Word, PowerPoint or Excel, and inserted as part of your WORD document.
? Compare your work to the rubric to be sure you have met content and quality criteria.
? Submit your paper as a Word document, or a document that can be read in Word.
? Your submission should include your last name first in the filename: Lastname_firstname_Stage _2

Model Notes:
? The process that you model must be the one you identified in your Stage 1 (or the one suggested by the instructor) and it needs to be appropriate to UMUC Haircuts.
? Give each model the appropriate title
? Break your model down into sequential steps in your diagram.
? Include and label all the major steps in the process.
? Cut and paste your models at the end of your paper in your Word Document.
The "right" and "wrong" answers have to do with whether or not you correctly incorporated the course vocabulary and concepts from the textbook to support your choices, and that you address all parts of the assignment. The specific solution you select for an IT solution is not as important as that it makes sense in light of the course content.
Note: Be sure to read the instructions for the remaining projects in this case study (Stages 3-5) to get an understanding of the future projects that build on the solution. You want to propose a solution that can be used throughout the case study assignments.

This essay is for a graduate certificate admission in competitive intelligence which is under the information systems department within the business school. I am currently pursing a master of science in information systems in the same university and willing to apply for the certificate program as well. My bachelor degree was in the field of information systems-informaton technology. Currently, I maintain more than 3.7/4.0 in my graduate studies. My short term goals is to graduate with an honor degree in information systems and get the competitive intelligence certificate degree and get employed in one of the 500 fortune companies around the world. My long term goals is to become a Chief Information Technology. In addition, I want to develop strong analytical skills and strategic decision-making techniques from this certificate program that will allow me to get a very good job.


Background about the graduate certificate that can help you in writing the admission essay:

"Competitive intelligence (CI) is a systematic and ethical program for gathering, analyzing, and managing external information that can affect an organization's plans, decisions, and operations. Basic areas where CI professionals work include the following: competitive intelligence or analysis; market planning, research, or analysis; strategic planning; information center or services; business development; product planning; R&D; financial planning; and counterintelligence.Students in the Competitive Intelligence certificate apply leading-edge decision-making, analytical, and knowledge management techniques, strategies, tools, and methodologies for enhancing organizational intelligence. The "professional of tomorrow" will need to possess these knowledge areas and skill sets to be competitive in the marketplace.

In this admission essay I want you to answer the following questions in two pages:

1. What are your learning needs?

2. What are the skills and competencies that you would like to develop?


3. What are your short and long term goals?

4. How will a certificate from the university will enable you to meet the needs and goals that you have identified?


Please make sure the essay is well addressed and written in high quality standards. In addition please make sure not to include any misspellings or grammatical errors. Please write the admission essay in a way that is easy to read, exciting, and appealing to the reader. If you have any further questions please tell me.


Thank You

The paper must be double spaced with a 12 point font (preferably Times New Roman or Arial). Use APA style guidelines. At least 3 sources must be used--the companys website and Wikipedia cannot be used as references. The companys quarterly or annual filings with the SEC (10-Q and 10-K, respectively) must be used as one reference.

In writing the paper, you are a member of the management team writing a critical assessment for senior management. Therefore, lengthy historical descriptions of the company and academic filler (e.g., detailed discussion of Michael Porters Competitive Framework) are neither needed nor wanted.
__________________________________________________________
In todays business world of harsh competition and pricing battles to win market share we often see two companies, both with a viable product, battle it out for the all too precious market share. XM Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio are two such companies on the corporate battlefield. I will be comparing the companies, their products, pricing and how they market in the face of competition.


http://www.scinet.cc/articles/sirius-vs-xm/satellite-radio.html

http://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2007/07/31/xm-vs-sirius-this-is-serious.aspx

http://radio.about.com/od/satelliteradio/ss/blsatstepbystep.htm

http://www.xmsiriusreview.com/

Please follow every steps below which I required. If you might not able to work on my paper please let me know asap. thanks.
Market Category Analysis- Sony Ericsson cell-phone market.

The market category I choose (Sony Ericsson) to analyze should be the category or market segment within which the company is a competitor.
The desired outcome for this assignment is for your to learn as much as you can about your chosen market category to give you sufficient external knowledge of the global, external macro and micro environments that comprise the market for your company choice.

Step1: Category Overview
Provide a concise yet effective overview of the market environment for the category. This should include the following:
1. A brief review of the immediate history of the category, including:
a. A description of the nature and scope of the general product or service category.
b. The primary value proposition of the product or service to the customers in the market.
c. Recent significant volume and profit history & trends. (Metrics)
2. Competitive assessment with:
a. A description of the major competitors. (Metrics)
b. A discussion of the major competitive factors currently at work in the market category. (Metrics)
c. Compare and contrast the marketing strategies of the market share leaders in the category.
d. Discussion of outcomes for mix variations (Metrics)
3. Identification and analysis of the major drivers of change in the 2004/2005 market environment, e.g. globalization factors, technology, demographics, cultural, social and/or political factors, etc. (Metrics)

Step 2: Problem Definition
Define key strategic challenges facing category competitors today. This should be presented in the format of listing common opportunities and threats present in the market, with facts (Metrics) and/or inferences clearly cited and identified in support of each item.

Step 3: Alternative Courses of action
Freely list several possible strategic directions that could be pursued under the circumstances, being sure to define the general marketing mix in each case. Also, highlight any particular internal strengths required or weaknesses to overcome to effectively execute each alternative.
Step4: Evaluate Alternatives
Develop and critically evaluate each of the alternatives discussed in Step 3 by projecting the strategy in the current market situation and listing the likely outcomes as advantages or disadvantages.

Step 5: Review
On your own, nothing required in writing.

Step 6: Conclusions and indicated actions
Make conclusive statements about what you believe to be the key determining factors in the market situation. These would be the factors that have influenced you to decide on the best possible strategic direction to select from the alternatives identified in Step 3. Then explain the indicated actions to be taken.

Step7: Follow Up and Evaluation
Here, briefly describe the processes you would implement to measure and control the implementation of the chosen strategic course of action. This should include measurements, measuring process and responsible parties.

There are faxes for this order.

This order is regarded as 2nd part of my previous order (Order Number A1139019 (Order Number: 98664)), so please refer this order to Jowriter63. In addition, please inform Jowriter63 to supplement the section of "Literature Review" of my previous order and Jowriter63 should state the arguments (must quote not less than 20 different literature in this section) related to topics of competitive advantage, network, Trust & Customer Loyalty and Branding.

I've sent some literature to Jowriter63 for reference, should Jowriter63 requires more literature and please let me know in advance in order to meet the deadline.

Finally, please inform Jowriter63 to combine this order with my previous order as a whole and also please state all my provided references & his references in Bibliography.

After reading Chapters 5 & 6 in the Dess, Lumpkin, & Eisner textbook, answer the following question:



?Why is the concept of competitive advantage central to the study of strategic management?

This is a Competitive Intelligent Project in the subject of Smart Energy Grid. I will provide you with a complete document as an attachment, and I want you to add two more sections to it.

Requirements:
1- Add one page Executive Summary
2- Add one page Recommendations
3- Both sections must be at least 600 words when combined

If you have any further questions, please email me.

(The reference of company names is purely hypothetical and situational based. The Hypothetical Company I work for is called "Able Corporation")

Details:
The research Iconducted of the fiercely competitive U.S. PEPT industry has revealed two major participants, Smith & White Corporation (S&W), a very large and aggressive domestic manufacturer, and Makatume, a Japanese powerhouse.

Smith & White markets a full line of moderate quality professional and consumer tools. It also markets such products as lawn and garden, hobby tools, and kitchen appliances, all under the same brand name as its power tools. It is a multi-national conglomerate that has dominant shares in all the markets in which it operates. Its strength lies in a unified strategy across all its product lines, power tool and non-power tool, of building and maintaining brand equity through massive amounts of national media advertising. The leverage gained through strong brand equity compels retailers, particularly the Big Boxes, to stock many of the S&W's products because of high end-user demand.

This demand-pull marketing strategy also has the synergistic effects of obtaining relatively higher prices, advanced placement, co-op advertising, high profile self space, and cross promotion.

S&W does have some significant weaknesses. These include high costs due to old manufacturing plants located in high labor cost urban areas, market confusion between its professional and consumer tools, and negative feelings on the part of its distributors stemming from a perceived abuse of their dominant market position. It also doesn't have much of a presence in the fast growing cordless segment.

In addition, a major hidden weakness is S&W's huge size, which makes it unwieldy in reacting to market phenomena during periods of rapid change.

Makatume markets only professional tools, which are highly regarded by tradesmen for their quality, robustness, and durability. It controls over 50% of the Japanese market and has leveraged that position to become the second biggest player in the U.S. market. For the past several years their sales in the U.S. have been aided by favorable exchange rates, although many economists now forecast a reversal of this advantage over the next two years. Makatume has an extremely strong cost position due to its relatively new manufacturing plants in Japan.

Makatume's greatest product strength is in the fast growing cordless segment. It controls a dominant 70% market share of the professional cordless market. Makatume's early entry into this segment, is both a blessing and a curse. By entering the market early, Makatume has been able to obtain its dominant market share, but it is now locked in to lower voltages due to wide acceptance of its interchangeable battery system. As the technology of battery efficiency progresses, Makatume is faced with a dilemma: Does it introduce its own higher voltages, thus legitimizing that market for others to enter, or does it wait until it has to respond to being outflanked by its competitors when and if they introduce their higher voltages?

The rest of the market is made up of several domestic and foreign niche competitors, none of which has greater than a 5% share of the total market. A phenomenon to watch, however, is the growing strength of Far East imports from China, which are beginning to make their impact on consumer tools because of their low price and good value. The yuan is the relevant currency affecting Chinese imports.

We can often better see ourselves when reflected through the perspectives of others. In this exercise you are to take the vantage point of the industry leaders, S&W and Makatume. This has the advantage of helping to anticipate competitive positioning that may effect the successful execution of Able's strategy.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Based on the narrative above, please answer the following questions from the perspective of being their Director of Strategic Planning and Analysis. (For real world situations always keep in mind that the status and plans of competitors can almost never be known except through an analysis of their actions, and even then almost never with certainty. Dealing with imperfect information is one of the essential aspects of the economic problem.)

How would you address each company's weakness?
If you were Makatume, what would you do about higher voltages?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

According to the following article, about 77% of luxury advertisers are expected to increase their investments in online marketing in 2012: http://www.marketingprofs.com/charts/2012/8806/luxury-brands-boosting-online-marketing-spend#ixzz28gVdyP98

In addition, Manta's Small Business Survey found that 78% of surveyed online small business achieved at least 25% of their new business leads via online and social channels in 2012.

Read more: http://www.marketingprofs.com/charts/2012/8966/9-in-10-online-small-businesses-network-online-8-in-10-gain-new-business#ixzz28gWpw1hh

What do you think of the effectiveness of online marketing? How could the firms use online marketing channels to gain competitive advantages?

Note: Please check the Discussion grading rubrics to better understand the requirements for Discussions.

Topic: Competitive Strategies

Choose an industry in which two or more companies has historically competed to maintain a significant share of the marketplace. These could include: Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, Apple and Microsoft, GM and Ford Motor Company, or any other well-known pair of competitors.

Write a paper in which you:
1. Determine how each corporate culture differs from the other.
2. Analyze three (3) ways that each unique culture has benefited by the others competition.
3. Speculate how each would continue to thrive if its current corporate culture would need to change in the near future. Be sure to state what change(s) you are speculating on and what led you to identify that possibility.

I need to see the number of the question first then the answer.
The text Book is Marketing Management a strategic decesion making approach (Mullins,Walker,Boyd and Larreche)www.mhhe.com/mullins05.

Questions: Chapters 8 & 9.
1. Identify the basic target market selection strategies.

2. Distinguish between market segmentation, target marketing, and product positioning.

3. Why has market segmentation become the dominant approach to strategy in recent years?

4. What are the primary analytical tools useful for positioning decision-making?

5. Identify Michael Porter's three generic strategies. As a Marketing Manager, how can you use this information

6. What is meant by physical positioning? What are its strengths? Limitations?

Topic

You are required to choose a company (or a division of a company) and to value it using a variety of recognised valuation methods i.e. net asset value method, price earnings ratio method, discounted cash flow method.

Your valuation should include a comparison of the company?s value to another competitor and to the sector as a whole, justifying (where possible) why there are differences between your valuation for the company and the competitor/sector.

In your answer clearly highlight the strengths/weaknesses of each method used.

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below are some questions that we asked the instructor about regard the paper (may help you in understanding the requirment of the project)

1. Does the company [or division of a company] have to be a listed company on a known stock exchange?

No it does not have to be listed on a Stock Exchange.

2. Do adjustments need to be derived / calculated or is it enough to state the relevant theory around what should / shouldn?t be adjusted?

As you are attempting to arrive at a valuation then some attempt should me made to calculate the necessary adjustments. Where the information is incomplete then make this clear, also make your assumptions clear.

3. How do you value a company against a sector?

You can look at, for example, sector PE multiples, market capitalisation, yield - basically by using the sector average.

4. In doing comparisons, do we compare many companies or just one in the same industry? Do we then have to apply valuation to the other companies?

With the word constraint I think that you are better off looking at one other company and apply a similar basis of valuation for meaningful comparison. You will probably not go into detail adjusting the other company?s figures as you have already done this on your company/division and it will not add extra value to your project analysis. If you can adjust the figures without too much difficulty, then do so.

5. To conclude if the value is a fair one or not, what comparison should we use - i.e. we need to compare the numbers we come up with from valuation method to what?

This is at the heart of valuation!! Taking into account the range of figures that you have produced, you will probably be more confident when suggesting an area, or range, where the value lies. I am more interested in the process and analysis rather than whether I think the figure is right or not.

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If you are using the anuual report to calculate the ratios please make sure to include it in the cited resources.

Thanks

The IS Business Foundation: In this section of your paper, describe the proposed information systems structure in terms of people resources, hardware resources, software resources, data resources, and network resources. Your discussion should include a thorough and clear discussion of how a particular IS supports each business process and how each fits into your organization's overall strategy. An appropriate number of Critical Success Factors (usually 3-5 per process) for the IS-supported business process should be clearly articulated and tied to the specific IS. The relationship between these CSFs and your organization's overall mission statement should also be clearly stipulated. You may list your business processes and supporting information resources in table format.

***I will be providing an example of the format***
***I need two Scholarly References***
***The body should be written as a Business Project Proposal for a new small organization you are about to start. Information Systems is an integral component of your new venture.***
***The name of the company is "Towing It" it is an aviation banner towing company attempting to incorporate IT to start up and be competitive with similar companies.***
There are faxes for this order.

Update the current work done included with more information, please not erase just expand with the latest information.

I need urgently an update of 30 pages + the previous pages of information following:
1) Update the information with recent information from Michael Porter (monopolies, clusters).
Please indicate where to send the articles and materials.
2) Also additional update information on the following topics: knowledge engineering in relationship with monopolies and business intelligence applied to monopolies.
3) An math equation must been shown to demonstrate the study purpose, also an example is needed.
4) Please update/refresh the information with latest information in the market.
If needed to rearranged the work done with the latest information.
5) Please update the following with the latest information:
a) What type of Economic Models is currently used to determine if a Monopoly exist. What type of Telecommunication Monopoly Economic Model is desire?. What type of analysis use, Multivariable Regression? What are the Input and Output Variables for analysis for each Economic Models.
b) From the Current Monopoly Economic Models, what are the constraints or limitations and failures. From the proposed Telecommunication Monopoly Economic Model what would be the difference for successful in term of input/output variables and comparison with other monopoly economic models.
c)Instead of submitting a question, If an economic model can be built for telecommunication sector. Would be better to focus in the current Monopoly Economic Models and to Optimize the limitations from the previous for the Telecommunication Monopoly Economic Model.
d) Type of Methodology to be use and the information resources.

There are faxes for this order.

I already sent you the assignment, guidance from my lecture and sample assignment from my friend, he got 70% mark of this subject in last semester. A mobile phone company that I will choose is APPLE iPHONE and the chosen market is the U.S ; I think this is easier for the writer and me because information about this company & American market is a lot and quite easy to research. As a return customer, my requirement are that all information that you quote must be from official source like: official website of Apple, books, ebooks, journal articles from Science Direct, etc, Database from euromonitor, keynote ... and articles from prestigious internet newspapers like: Bloomberg, Financial times, wall street journal, guardian, cnn, government's site, etc in order to quote data or update the news about the company but not every website on the internet!
Please write it in Undergraduate-last year level
And all papers must be origin from the professional writer not just paraphrase from other sources/assignments because it will be checked plagiarism by a software and I will use it as an instruction to rewrite my assignment !
Thanks for your helps!

?compare and analyze the three countries? Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand goals for their automotive industries, their approaches to developing a competitive auto industry, and results to date of the three countries, and develop clear specific recommendations for the future regarding automotive industry policies and programs for each country?s government based on your analysis and the ideas
?points to be addressed
?goals of each country?s auto strategy, short term vs. longer term orientation,
?methods used and how they relate to the concepts about how different countries have tried different ways at times to obtain competitive advantage and economic growth (e.g. India?s era of Swadeshi), results so far, and especially whether they are the right approaches for each country, the so called ?strategic fit?, and specific changes and additions you would recommend to the strategies of each. Do not do ?one size fits all!? Each country needs its own strategy.
?Be sure when you introduce ideas and concepts to show how they fits the facts of the particular country?s situation.
?A SWOT analysis, come to a conclusion! Don?t do a mindless type of SWOT analysis that just states the four sides of an argument. For example, we do not want see the kind of wishy-washy writing like: ?On one hand Thailand?s strengths in the automotive are ?, but on the other hand it?s weaknesses are? blah blah blah?? that does not come to an ?on-balance? clear conclusion on the path Thailand should now take and a plan for getting there.
?REMEMBER WE EXPECT YOU TO BE ?OPINIONATED? AND INTERESTING, NOT A SUMMARY OF WHAT IS ALREADY STATED, BUT AN INSIGHTFUL ANALYSIS USING CONCEPTS, AND THEN TO SUPPORT YOUR OPINIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WITH REASONS, FACTS, AND THE LOGICAL APPLICATION OF CONCEPTS.

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Situation Analysis

2.1 Market Summary
2.2 SWOT Analysis
2.3 Competition
2.4 Product (Service) Offering
2.5 Keys to Success
2.6 Critical Issues
3.0 Marketing Strategy

3.1 Mission
3.2 Marketing Objectives
3.3 Financial Objectives
3.4 Target Markets
3.5 Positioning
3.6 Strategies
3.7 Marketing Mix
3.8 Marketing Research

4.0 Controls

4.1 Implementation
4.2 Marketing Organization
4.3 Contingency Planning

5.0 Conclusion

This case analysis provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities to think critically and to employ their understanding of strategic management and leadership concepts, models, and best practices. ?. The length of the assignment will be no more that 2000 words plus appendixes. Refer to the Power's Case Analysis Handbook for further explanation on how to undertake a case analysis. Bullet format and succinctness is encouraged... it is about ?substance? rather than ?form?.


1. How strong are the competitive forces confronting Blue Nile and other online retail jewelers? Which one of the five competitive forces is the strongest? Do a five-forces analysis to support your answer.

2. What key factors will determine a company?s success in the online jewelry business in the next 3-5 years?

3. What is Blue Nile?s strategy? Which of the five generic competitive strategies discussed in Chapter 5 most closely fit the competitive approach that Blue Nile is taking? What type of competitive advantage is Blue Nile trying to achieve?

4. What do you like and dislike about Blue Nile?s business model?

5. What does a SWOT analysis of Blue Nile reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation?

6. What is your appraisal of Blue Nile?s financial performance based on the data in case Exhibit 5? How well is the company doing financially? Is there evidence that Blue Nile?s strategy is working?what is the story of the numbers in case Exhibit 4? Use the financial ratios in Table 4.1 of Chapter 4 as a guide in doing the calculations needed to arrive at an analysis-based answer to your assessment of Blue Nile?s recent financial performance.

7. Does Blue Nile have adequate competitive strength to go head-to-head against its rivals? Do a weighted competitive strength assessment using the methodology presented in Table 4.4 on p. 123 of Chapter 4 to support your answer. Has Blue Nile built a sustainable competitive advantage in the online retail jewelry business? Why or why not?

8. What strategic issues and problems does Blue Nile management need to address?

9. What recommendations would you make to Blue Nile management to strengthen the company?s competitive position and future strategic and financial performance?

we will be conducting a strategic analysis of The Coca-Cola Company. In order to be best prepared and perform well on the cases, it is highly recommended that you
complete the background readings and the SLP before writing to the case. For this case, you will be identifying the primary business strategy employed by The
Coca-Cola Company. You will also be providing a critical analysis evaluating that strategy in the context of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

we will concentrate our efforts on strategic alternatives at the corporate, business, and functional levels. Companies follow strategies at each of these levels,
as well as at the global level.
At the functional level, strategies are short-term in nature, and refer to such company functions as marketing, manufacturing, materials management, customer service,
and R&D.
At the business level, strategies are of medium range. They include the company's market positioning, geographic locations, and distribution channels.
At the corporate level, strategies are long-term, and include such options as horizontal and vertical integration, diversification, strategic alliances, and mergers
and acquisitions (M&A).

Competitive Advantage

In this module, we will focus on the strategic options available to companies at the business level. Companies select business strategies to obtain sustained competitive
advantage (SCA) against competitors. SCA's are advantages that cannot be easily copied or imitated by competitors. A few years ago, strategists talked in terms of
Porter's generic strategies (basically cost and differentiation). Today, we have four distinct strategies we use to analyze strategic options, although there are various
approaches to achieving these strategies employed by different firms. They are:

Cost leadership
Differentiation
Niche focus
Preemptive move (or first-mover advantage)
Cost leadership

Most people think of economies of scale when they think of low cost strategies. McDonalds and Wal-Mart notwithstanding, high volume is not the only way to achieve low
prices. Here are some other approaches to implementing a low cost strategy:
No frills. Southwest Airlines eschewed big airports and cut costs by flying in to smaller fields. Competitors such as Delta and American were too heavily invested in
the hub business model to change.
Product design. Masonite developed an alternative to expensive wood products by using sawdust and woodchips. Some telecommunications companies "bundle" products
offering cable/satellite TV, high speed internet and telephone service for one low price. Hershey's shrank the chocolate bar to keep from raising their low price.
Operational economies. Firms can save money by eliminating high costs in the value chain. Amazon was able to significantly cut costs by eliminating physical stores,
inventories, and cutting the 30% return rate of bookstores to just 3%.
Economies of Scale. With higher sales, fixed costs such as R&D, overhead, advertising, and even legal support, can be spread over a larger revenue base.
Experience. Costs decline at a predictable rate with a firms accumulated experience. Such declines are attributed to the learning curve, technological improvements,
and product redesign resulting in product and process efficiencies.
Here is another way of looking at low-cost strategies:
Algasae (n.d.) Promoting thought leadership...Customer focused low-cost strategy. Retrieved on August 15, 2011 from: http://www.alagse.com/strategy/s10.php
Differentiation Strategies
If a company positions itself as offering a product or service that is different from its competitors in a way that customers value, it is following a differentiation
strategy.
A successful differentiation strategy will create customer value that is perceived as such by the customer. Many so-called "new-and-improved" products have fallen
flat because the customer simply didn't care! In addition, a successful differentiation strategy will only build a sustained competitive advantage to the degree that
it is difficult to copy.

There are many ways to add value to any aspect of a business through differentiation:

Ingredients/components: Healthier, "greener", more lasting ingredients/materials. (Maytag, Healthy Choice frozen dinners)
Product offering: Better designed products (Blackberry touch screen, Dell 'ultra thin" notebooks)
Combining products: Two is better than 1! (Colgate 2 in 1 toothpaste with mouthwash)
Added services: Extra services beyond the basic purpose of the product or service (Concierge service with American Express Cards)
Breadth of Product Line: Extra convenience in dealing with fewer vendors. (Wal-Mart super stores offer one stop shopping, eliminating the need to go to multiple stores.)
Channel: Offering items or services through a medium or channel unavailable in that form anywhere else. (E-bay offers instant access to hundreds of individuals located
worldwide simultaneously - asynchronously.)
Design: Product or service is unique, e.g., bed-and-breakfasts offer a more ''homey" alternative to standardized hotel rooms.
In general, there are two ways to build SCA through differentiation strategies. Most of the methods of adding value mentioned above can be related to either quality or
brand recognition.

Quality Strategy. In this type of differentiation, a company tries to set it's product/service appart on the basis of superior quality It is probably the most widely
used method of attaining sustained competitive advantage. Usually, quality means superior performance, and a primium brand as opposed to discount or economy brands.
These top of the line offerings command a high price tag. However, quality does not always mean pricey. Both Mercedes and VW connote high quality German engineering.

Branding. Brands build SCA through customer familiarity, loyalty, and trust. Aspirin is aspirin, but Bayer continues to trive against low-priced generics due to the
power of the brand.

Blue Ocean: An Alternative Approach

A combination of low cost and differentiation strategies has created a buzz in the recent business press. Known as "Blue Ocean" strategy, it is an interesting new
idea that challenges the standard classifications of strategy.

The following is the official Blue Ocean website, Be sure to check out some of the links to view the tools and frameworks for Blue Ocean strategic planning:

Kim, W.C. and Mauborgne, R. (2009), What is BOS? Nine key points of Blue Ocean Strategy. Retrieved on August 15, 2011 from:
http://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/abo/what_is_bos.html

Niche Focus Strategies

Niche or Focus strategies are really variations of a cost or differentiation (or both!) strategy, only concentrating the company's efforts on a single or limited
product or market. By focusing its efforts, the firm is able to realize the following advantages:

Avoid distraction or dilution: All the firms efforts are directed toward a single end and competitive pressures are diminished. All company resources and capabilities
are matched to the market needs - creating a SCA (remember RBV?)
Maximize limited resources: When resources are tight, they will go father and create a greater impact when the target is limited.
Circumvent competitors resources and capabilities: By operating in a niche market, say, private-label manufacturing, a firm does not have to contend with the big
advertising and distribution capacities of the brand names. Competitive pressure are dimished overall as there are likely to be fewer competitors.
Establish a unique identity: Offering a narrow product line, or operating in a limited geographic area can confer a certain cachet. In-and-Out Burgers, for example
competes successfully with the huge fast food franchises by refusing to offer anything but hamburgers, made with the freshest site-prepared ingredients, in California,
Nevada and Arizona only.
There are basically three ways a firm can establish a focus strategy. It can concentrate on one of these approaches, or a combination.

Focusing the product line. Firms that focus their product line often do so because they possess some expertise and special interest that often translates into technical
superiority. These products excite and electrify. Take Bose Corporation, for example. It manufactures a very small line of exceedingly high quality audio products that
are based on astonishing technology. If Bose broadened its offerings to all kinds of consumer electronics, it would run the risk of sliding into mediocrity with ho-hum
products.

Targeting market segments. This is essentially "snob-appeal", broadly defined. Gucci handbags target high-end fashionistas, Harley Davidson targets rebellious
non-conformists (at least in their own minds!), and Castrol motor oil, which is not even sold in service stations, targets independent male do-it-yourselfers.

Limited geographic area. We have already considered In and Out Burger, but many other products are conferred a kind of cachet because you can't get them just anywhere.
Other examples include small breweries (Shiner in Texas), coffee shops (independent and locally owned), or bakeries (Tim Horton donuts in Canada and the NE United States)

For another take on niche strategies, including some important caveats and warnings about potential pitfalls, read:

Iansiti, M. and Levien, R. (2004). Strategy for small fish. Harvard Business School Working Knowledge. Retrieved on August 15, 2011 from:
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/4331.html

Preemptive Strategy

By being the first entrant into a new market or business area, a firm can establish competencies or assets that competitors are not able to copy or develop on their own.
The first-mover advantage can create high switching costs for customers, erect high barriers to entrance for competitors, and tie up contracts with suppliers.
Thus, a pre-emptive strategy can confer SCA's from both internal and external sources.

Pre-emptive strategies are usually implemented in one of three ways:

Product opportunities. The first product offered in a new market can generate advantages in terms of dominant position that can be hard for competitors to later dislodge or
overcome. They can establish the "standard" for an industry, such as Intel did with microprocessors and Microsoft with operating systems. Of course, firms must continue
investment in improvements lest an upstart come up with a "better mousetrap".

Production systems. When a firm invents a better or more efficient production system that expands capacity, reduces cost and/or improves quality, they have created an SCA.

Customer advantages. First movers have an advantage with customers - creating brand loyalty and increasing switching costs. Customers become used to a familiar product or
brand and see no reason to switch. Some companies get customers to make ling term commitments - as in long contracts for the latest in i phone or blackberry technology.
Banks may vie to get first mover advantage in online banking because such systems involve substantial switching costs for customers who pay all their bills online.
Here is a brief, but good article discussing the first mover advantage in practice:

Liang, T., Czaplewski, A., Klein, G., & Jiang, J. (2009). Leveraging First-Mover Advantages in Internet-based Consumer Services. Communications of the ACM, 52(6), 146-148.
Retrieved on August 15, 2011 from:

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=27&hid=113&sid=18d89755-8d24-41a7-ad17-a051c85ff182%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bth&AN=40217630

Required Readings

Algasae (n.d.) Promoting thought leadership...Customer focused low-cost strategy. Retrieved on August 15, 2011from: http://www.alagse.com/strategy/s10.php

Kim, W.C. and Mauborgne, R. (2009), What is BOS? Nine key points of Blue Ocean Strategy. Retrieved on August 15, 2011 from:
http://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/abo/what_is_bos.html

Liang, T., Czaplewski, A., Klein, G., & Jiang, J. (2009). Leveraging First-Mover Advantages in Internet-based Consumer Services. Communications of the ACM, 52(6), 146-148.
Retrieved on August 15, 2011 from:

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=27&hid=113&sid=18d89755-8d24-41a7-ad17-a051c85ff182%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bth&AN=40217630

Iansiti, M. and Levien, R. (2004). Strategy for small fish. Harvard Business School Working Knowledge. Retrieved on August 15, 2011 from: http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/4331.html

Assignment

Step One: Which of the four strategies discussed in this module (see background materials) does The Coca-Cola Company follow? How do you know?
Step Two: Using the process you learned in the SLP, integrate this strategy with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats you identified.
This should give you some specific actions the company is taking relative to their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These actions are referred to as
"strategic choices." Do The Coca-Cola Company's strategic choices align with the firm's generic strategy? If not, what are the points of disconnect? You need to think
critically about this step, no company achieves perfect alignment of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats with its chosen strategy. It is your job to
uncover the discrepancies and problems.
Step Three: Identify any specific sustained competitive advantages conferred on The Coca-Cola Company by virtue of its strategic choices.
Step Three: In a 4-5 page paper:
1) Discuss the effectiveness of The Coca-Cola Company's strategy in the light of its internal strengths and weaknesses, and external threats and opportunities.

2) Has the company created any sustained competitive advantages?

3) Identify any unaddressed threats or missed opportunities.

4) What can The Coca-Cola Company do to build on its strengths and shore up its weaknesses by altering its strategic choices?

5) Complete the paper by commenting on how your view of The Coca-Cola Company's vision and mission has changed or has been reconfirmed by this process of strategic analysis. Would you make any suggestions to revise the strategy, mission or vision?

Step Four: Consider the Case as a formal business report that you are developing for the Board of Directors and CEO as The Coca-Cola Company's consultant. This is a
professional document. Follow the format below:
Executive summary: a synopsis of the main points, conclusions and recommendations made in the longer report. If you have never written an executive summary before, or
would like a refresher, check this website: http://www.highendfinance.com/CommercialLoans/Docs/07-4%20ES%20Guidelines.doc
Introduction: State the main purpose of the paper (thesis statement), what you hope to accomplish, and how you will go about doing it.
Main Body: The "meat" of the paper. Emphasize analysis, not just description. Delineate separate topics or sections with headings.
Conclusion: Summarize your paper in light of your thesis statement.