External analysis first begins with an assessment of the macroeconomic conditions of both domestic and international firms. In our current economic environment domestically signals are mixed in regards to recovery or depression. Year over year, the unemployment rate has remained stagnant at historically high levels. This is important because employment rates have a direct correlation to economic prosperity and its subsequent rate of inflation. At 9.1% nearly 1 out of every 11 Americans are without work (1). This figure does not include individuals who are underemployed or working only part-time. When added these two criteria, the unemployment rate soars to above 16%. This doesn't bode well for the macroeconomic environment of the United States as nearly 70% of GDP comes from consumer spending. If consumers are without work, they subsequently will not spend as much to help bolster the economy. Consequently, more jobs can potentially be lost as more companies postpone hiring as demand for their products abate. Further aiding in the vicissitudes of consumer spending are the historically low housing prices which again have a direct correlation to economic prosperity. As this paper is being written, home prices have fallen to dangerously levels. Foreclosures are still occurring at a somewhat rapid pace although slower than its highs in 2009-2010. With home prices so low, many home owners are paying mortgages that are worth more than the house itself. The government has attempted to intervene in this market through the use of various tax breaks and assistance methods but to no avail. In essence, the government intervention has only shifted the demand for housing up, but has done little in absolute terms for the housing market. For example, individuals who intended to purchase a house anyway would, to take advantage of government tax breaks, move their home purchase up to coincide with the initial tax break. In aggregate to new homes were purchased, instead the purchase was simply moved earlier in the year. The housing market has...
As we mentioned earlier, this consumer spending comprises over 70% of all United States GDP. If consumers are fearful, then may not be willing to spend as much, thus directly affecting business performance. (PLEASE REFER TO THE APPENDIX FOR MORE DETAILED GRAPHS REGADING THE HOUSING MARKET)
This could bring a flood of new competitors to the market. Verizon is working with other wireless providers to gain preferential access to new wavelengths. Previous auctions, including the 2007 auction of the 700 MHz spectrum that Verizon won, came with open-access rules. Verizon is battling the FCC with regards to the regulator's desire for openness rules on all bandwidth, something Verizon considers a threat to be actively combated
Amazon.com A Strategic Assessment of Amazons' e-Strategies Amazon's remarkable ascent as one of the top online global retailers can be attributed to the foresight they had in creating a comprehensive distributed order management, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM) and e-commerce series of systems. The many other e-commerce sites that rose quickly with massive infusions of venture capital just as quick exited the market, flaming out due to a lack
Amazon Strategic Plan What began as a web-based retailing book sales site company in 1995 with revenues of $511,000, has grown into "the world's largest online retailer and one of the nation's biggest book sellers (New York Times. May 20, 2011), and is considered "one of the iconic companies of the Internet era" (New York Times. May 20, 2011). The company has blossomed not only because of the vision of founder
Educational Assessment Methods and Standards Participants Scoring Key Letter to Principal Principal's Questionnaire Teacher's Questionnaire Raw Data It is widely known that testing and assessment have become critical components and indicators for success in today's educational system. This process is widely considered as a feasible means to improve student success and achievement as well as educational outcomes and future potential in educational pursuits and the workforce for millions of students with widely varying levels of skill and
E-Marketing Strategies at Apple Orchestrating rapid new product development cycles that in many cases deliver products and services that create new markets, while at the same ensuring the continual strengthening and fidelity of a global brand is a daunting strategic challenge. Incorporating the most effective approaches to Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategies today across a spectrum of established and emerging e-marketing channels must be managed with goals in mind first,
Entrepreneurship Introduction The company selected is Dar Almanthour for Fragrance. The company was established in the year 2000 by the owner, Mr. Therar AlTararwa. The key products retailed by the company comprise of Bakhour, perfumes, scents, perfume oil and designed boxes for formal events. It started off with his friend at work wanting to sell his own made up fragrance and offered Mr. Therar AlTararwa to sell these fragrances to his family
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now