8 things you dont have to do in your 20s

8 things you dont have to do in your 20s Most twentysomethings are constantly surrounded by the perfection presented on social media. Everyone seems to have the wildest nights out, the sweetest vacations, a beautiful family, and the most fulfilling job. It’s enough to make anyone feel lacking. But online life is not the same as real life- it paints a sanitized picture of the messiness of the twentysomething experience. Afraid that if you don’t have it â€Å"all figured out† yet? Don’t be. Here are a bunch of things you don’t even need to worry about until much later in your life and your career.1. Travel the worldSure, you’re supposed to have started your own successful company and figured out how to work remotely while traveling the world, all within 5 years of graduation. But travel costs money- and lots of it. Jetsetting off to Europe isn’t something most people in their 20s can do. If your buddies are able to, they’re very lucky. It’s completely normal if yo u need to spend all you make on, you know, rent and food.  If travel is a priority for you, you’ll make it happen one day. Don’t worry that you’re not there yet.2. Find your dream jobNobody really wants anything but their dream job, but most of us have to start somewhere- and that somewhere is usually the bottom rung of the ladder. If you’re still not where you want to end up, don’t fret. You still have most of your career ahead of you. And keep in mind that things will likely change once you have more world experience: what was once your dream career might not still be your dream career next year.3. Draft a long-term planIt’s helpful to always have a few thoughts as to your 5-, 10-, and 25-year plans. But please don’t set these in stone or feel that if you deviate from your track, you’re doomed to fail. You don’t have to have your career laid out or know where you’re going to settle down and buy a house in a go od school district. There is plenty of time for that.4. Start your own businessWe all hear so much chatter about entrepreneurship and striking out on your own in the new economy, but it’s okay if you don’t have a plan yet- or even if you would rather not be your own boss. If the thought appeals to you, keep weighing it in your mind, but don’t worry that you don’t yet have the answer.5. Figure out your future work/life balanceAs long as you’re taking care of yourself and have a reasonable work/life balance now, then it’s okay if you’re not sure how that will end up looking once you settle down and have kids and a family and move to your forever home and, yes, maybe, travel the world. You’ll figure that out when you get there.6. Determine your true passionYou’ve really only just started out. Your 20s should be a time of exploration! If you’re still figuring out what you really want to be when you grow up- as long as you’re thinking about it seriously- then it’s fine not to have the answers yet.7. Save a huge amount for retirementOf course, you should have a handle on your current budget, paying for your necessities, and socking at least a little bit away in savings. But don’t worry if your entire future and financial security isn’t mapped out perfectly. These things take time, and so much can change in the next five to ten years. Relax and focus on making smart financial decisions now so you’ll be in a good place for the future.8.  Establish the perfect lifeThere’s still time to learn how to cook gourmet dinners and buy a vacation home in the Hamptons. There’s still time to take up new hobbies and start a family. Keep dreaming about what you want the most and go after it. But don’t worry that you don’t have it all yet. You’re still very young!

Jacksonian revolution essays

Jacksonian revolution essays As a person and as a president Andrew Jackson was looked upon in different ways. There are many people that have a high regard for him during his presidency, while others scorn him as a president. He is portrayed as an intimidating, energetic, aggressive and compelling person. Several people are under the impression that Andrew Jackson was responsible for the creation of the Democratic Party, however, this article expels this idea and informs the reader the actual story. John C. Calhoun and Martin Van Buren banned together to form an alliance with one another as well as with several politicians from the south. A political organization that revolved around the presidential candidacy of Jackson was created by this group of southern politicians. This political organization became acknowledged as the Democratic Party. From knowing this, it is evident that Andrew Jackson was not the creator of this party; rather, it was the group of politicians that admired Jackson that were responsible. The members of the Democratic Party practice the same principles as Jackson. They opposed the idea of a strong central government, as well as, a broad interpretation of the Constitution. The idea of the federal government sponsoring public works was greatly opposed by the Democrats. They argued that internal improvements could inflate the power of the central government and jeopardize liberty. During his presidency, Andrew Jackson used his powers in numerous amounts of ways. Jackson vetoed many bills that came across him, this exemplifying a way in which he used his power. Jackson vetoed congressional legislation more times then all the other presidents combined. Another example of how he used his power was he favored majority rules. He announced to Congress The majority is to govern. This belief was mostly due to the fact that he was devoted to a strict dedication to democracy. Jackson p ...

Snowboarding down a ski slope in Colorado Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Snowboarding down a ski slope in Colorado - Essay Example However, it never turned unattractive or unpractical. After undergoing the 3- year- old training program at the Copper Mountain Ski and Ride School, I decided last weekend that I should venture myself on a major snowboarding trip. What a wonderful experience it was! As I was half-way through my journey, downwards the chaste curves and virgin slopes in the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley in Southwest Colorado, I felt I had missed a lot all these years. A possessive feeling gripped me that the snows should become my permanent home. strong feeling that, in an aerial view, it would pose the picture of a heavenly cone gifted to the Earth. I wanted to ask someone how he felt about it but people were away at some distance enjoying themselves in the snows. I gave up the idea and stopped for a while to explore the environs and feel its beauty. I could see innumerable slops and icy curves spread over a vast horizon of snows. Overwhelmed by its unending beauty, I sat down and pondered: why should God create this much beauty in this lonely place Why are the minds of people not as beautiful as the beauty of these snows Thinking that God must be having a reason for this kind of set up, I had casually spread my right hand down, leaning back.

Myers-Briggs assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Myers-Briggs assignment - Essay Example The first two letters are E and I. They are meant to measure if a person is more of an extravert (tend to focus on the outer world of people and things), or an introvert (tend to focus on the inner world or ideas and impressions). The next two letters are S and N. The letter S refers to sensing (people who tend to focus on the present and the concrete information gained from their senses), while the letter N refers to iNtuition (people who tend to focus on the future, with a particular view toward patterns and possibilities). Next are the letter T and F. T refers to Thinking (people who tend to base their decisions on logic and an objective analysis of cause and effect), while F refers to feeling (people who tend to base their decisions primarily on values and on a subjective evaluation of person-centered concerns). Finally, the report generates either a J or a P. J refers to Judgement (people who tend to like a planned and organized approach to life and prefer to have things settled . They are more likely to schedule their activities and they prefer the ‘destination’ as opposed to the ‘journey’). The letter P refers to Perception (people who tend to be flexible and spontaneous in their approach to life. They are not as likely to schedule their activities, as they prefer to keep their options open). The Myers-Briggs assessment was first utilized in 1943 and has become the instrument of choice for countless organizations around the world in helping their people better understand themselves. The assessment was actually developed by a mother daughter team of Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. Their goal was to take their research on personality type theory and turn that it into a tool that could prove useful is helping describe the various temperaments that people have. Interestingly enough, Carl Jung was a heavy influence on the work of both ladies that were responsible for the

World of Business. Delta airlines and Northwest airlines Merger, Essay

World of Business. Delta airlines and Northwest airlines Merger, Eastman Kodak Bankruptcy,Digitalization, Kodak Reorganization - Essay Example The merger which was approximately $3.1 billion is expected to restructure the US airline industry and will use the Delta name in its operations with its headquarters situated in Atlanta. This huge merger between the third largest Delta and the fifth largest Northwest airlines will help in creating a global giant with more than 700 jets, 6400 daily flights, almost $35 billion revenue yearly and the new company’s value of almost $17.7 billion, far above their current market value. The merger will also have approximately 75000 employees globally with no hub closures expected and a 1.25 delta share for each of the Northwest airlines shareholders in addition to the seniority protection of the frontline employees for both airlines via fair and equitable seniority integration. The merger of the Delta and the Northwest airlines was also facilitated by the fact that they have very few overlapping routes which may interfere with their operations since Delta had most routes in Europe an d Latin America while Northwest concentrated its business in Asia (Fedor Web). This major merger in the airline industry will further marry the Delta’s route networks in Europe and Latin America with the Northwest’s Asia networks and further create more routes thus widening its networks. This giant merger is expected to initiate significant and plausible efficiencies that will undoubtedly make the US and world’s customers’ gain greatly from savings on expenses for airport operations, technology and suppliers as well as heightening competition in the carrier industry. The merger was aimed at benefiting the two parties involved by making them more efficient in service provision and their respective operations. The merger was also intended to increase international presence and the ability to fund long term investments in the airline industry as well as offsetting the higher fuel prices which has fundamentally affected the financial viability of the airline operations. The merger will not lay off any employee but will tend to raise the salaries of all the employees for both airlines and further reduce their previous pay cuts that existed before the merger (Fleming Web). The merger of Delta and Northwest airlines is intended to provide a better solution of meeting the stakeholders’ objectives. The merger is expected to help the financiers, employees and passengers achieve their main intentions since it will allow the new company to make profits that will be used in increasing the dividends, raising workers pay, and satisfying their clients respectively. A stable and continuous profit will be maintained by the company to sustain its operations hence improving the various stakeholders’ aims. Other benefits that may be accrued are creating a global US carrier that intensively competes with other foreign airlines as well as enabling their customers from across the world get access to a global route system that will allow them to travel anywhere just by using same company’s facilities (Fleming Web). Increase of destinations greatly helps in adding further schedule options and extra opportunities to make more money while redeeming frequent flyer miles thus making a more financially stable airline company with a vast opportunity of growing and expanding. All the customers from both the airlines will benefit from each other’s greater services and strengths to various destinations as well as easing the integration risk due to their complementary networks and common membership in the Sky Team alliance. Although this merger was initially opposed by the Northwest’s airline due to the anticipation of job loss, there was a great

Global Marketing In Contrast With Local Marketing Marketing Essay

Global Marketing In Contrast With Local Marketing Marketing Essay This report analyse the concept of global marketing in contrast with local marketing, examined with the help of different scholars of all time. It has also been advocated that a new concept of glocal marketing has now prevail in the global scenario to comprehend different markets of the world. There are certain issues and challenges companies face when going global which has been explained with the help of contextual determinants of international marketing explained by the renowned theorist of marketing called Porter and Kotler. The determinants are political stability, government policy, ideology driven economy, fear of colonialism, marketing transfer issues, and lack of infrastructure, north-south dichotomy, east-west dichotomy, and product life cycles. There are certain entry modes or global marketing strategies through which companies can do international and global business, like exporting, licensing, franchising, joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries. However, the greater the investment the more would be the control and risk. It has been also analysed that franchising appeared to be the most successful means of doing business internationally, which has also been advocated by the case study of McDonalds. The 4Ps of marketing which has been the basis of many marketing plans previously, has now become 7Ps of marketing, that is, product, price, place, promotion, people, process and physicals, the case of McDonalds operating in Saudia Arabia has been analysed according to that. Hence, it has been concluded that companies that are going global cannot treat the whole world as one homogenous market as there are many different cultures, circumstances and characteristics in the world. Therefore the concept of glocal marketing is more feasible to be adopted when going global. INTRODUCTION Global marketing, the most profound change is the orientation of the company toward markets and associated planning activities. At this stage, companies treat the world, including their home market, as one market. Market segmentation decisions are no longer focused on national borders. Instead, market segments are defined by the income levels, usage patterns, or other factors that often span countries and regions. (Cateora and Graham, 2005:312) Keegan (1989:11) mentions two motives for the globalisation of marketing activities. One is to take advantage of opportunities for growth and expansion, and the other is survival. Companies that fail to pursue global opportunities will eventually lose their domestic markets, since they may be pushed aside by stronger and more competitive global competitors. Dahinger and Muhlbacher (1991:5) state that a global approach allows companies to achieve a concentration and coordination of marketing activities, which stimulates the companies effort for globalisation. Sevesson (2002:574-583) extracted from Lamont (1996), he argues that global marketing expresses initiatives to find new markets, segments, niches; the development of buying and selling opportunities; and of marketing across international boundaries. The globalisation of marketing activities includes specific tasks such as the organisation of worldwide efforts, the research of domestic and foreign markets, the finding of new partn ers, the purchasing of comprehensive support services and the managing of the cost of international transactions (Sevesson, 2002:574-583). Johansson (2000:6) describes global marketing as the integration that can involve standardised products, uniform packaging, identical brand names, synchronised product introductions, similar advertising messages or coordinated sales campaigns across markets in several countries. This report undergoes with the issues, challenges and strategy of global marketing along with the international marketing mix of McDonalds, followed by some recommendations to end with. METHODOLOGY An exploratory form of research has been carried out and the data has been collected from the secondary sources, that is, through journals, articles and books. However, the analysis has been done in a vivid, analytical and logical way. LITERATURE REVIEW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLOBAL AND LOCAL MARKETING: Keegan and Green (2000:2) state that one difference between regular marketing and global marketing is the scope of activities. Another difference is that global marketing involves an understanding of concept and strategies that should be applied in conjunction with universal marketing issues to ensure a global marketing success. Whereas, local and domestic marketing strive exclusively to maximise adaptation, tailoring, differences, concentration, independence, flexibility and separation of marketing activities within market frontiers. A local or domestic related marketing strategy recognises the necessity to consider locally-related issues in the performance of marketing activities in the market place. An international marketing strategy is the widening of local or domestic marketing strategy that is applicable beyond the home markets frontiers while global marketing strategy refers to marketing activities towards a wide selection of foreign markets (Sevensson, 2002:574-583). Johansson (2000:2-6) states that there are four factors that influence companies to strive towards the globalisation of marketing, namely the categories of market, competition, cost and government. These factors are often referred to as the four major globalisation drivers. Originally, Yip (1989:23-63) discusses and classifies the globalisation drivers thus: Market drivers consisting of homogenous needs, global customers, global channels and transferable marketing; Cost drivers categorized as economies of scale and scope, learning and experience, sourcing efficiencies, favourable logistics, differences in country cost and skills, and product development costs; Competitive drivers consisting of the interdependence between countries and the competitors that globalise or might globalise; Government drivers classified as favourable trade policies, compatible technical standards and common marketing regulations. Usually, most marketing activities have to be adapted to local conditions, characteristics and circumstances in the market place. Therefore, it is not suitable to apply a global marketing strategy, since locally related issues of the marketing activities normally have to be taken into consideration in the market place. Daft (2000:2) states that: we must remember we do not do business in markets; we do business in societies..in our future, we will succeed because we will also understand and appeal to local differences. The twenty-first century demands nothing less Therefore, the concept of glocal marketing is introduced to be a compromise, which in part reflects the aspirations of a pure global marketing strategy, while the necessity of locally related issues of marketing activities is simultaneously recognised (Svensson, 2002:574-583). For example, McDonald modifies its traditional Big Mac in India, where it is known as the Maharaja Mac. This burger features two mutton patties because most Indians consider cows sacred and dont eat beef (Cateora and Graham, 2005:56-178). Similarly, the McDonalds restaurants which are operating in the Muslim countries use halal meat. In the same way, McDonalds standardises its processes, logo, most of its advertising, store decor and layouts whenever and wherever possible. However, you will find wine on the menu in France and beer in Germany, a Filipino-style spicy burger in Manila and pork burgers in Thailand-all to accommodate local tastes and customs. The point is, being global is a mindset, a way of looking at the market (Cateora and Graham, 2005:56-178). Thus, glocal marketing make every effort on the way to optimise the steadiness as well as the harmony of the focal organisations marketing conduct on functioning, tactical, and strategic points in terms of standardisation in opposition to adaptation, homogenisation in opposition to tailoring, similarity in opposition to dissimilarity, focus in opposition to dispersion, reliance in opposition to autonomy, synchronisation in opposition to suppleness and integration in opposition to division. THE GLOBAL MARKETING STRATEGIES: There are certain global marketing strategies which can be opted by the organisations in order to prevail in the global scenario. But, before making any choice, the analysis of the market is a vital issue which includes market characteristics (such as potential sales, strategic importance, cultural differences and country restrictions), companys capabilities and characteristics. There are numerous examples of organisations who have simply either imitated other companies or came up with extremely new strategy to enter into the global scenario. The decision of going global mainly depends upon companys capabilities and the market characteristics in order to make an effort to develop a market or to maintain its position permanently. There are different ways which can be adopted by the companies in order to do global marketing, likely, exporting, contractual agreements, strategic alliances and direct foreign investments. Some modes of entering the market are more risk aversive but constit ute more control as well. Firms that are beginning to internationalize and multinational companies that are expanding in nations outside their home base are both faced with the challenge of choosing the best structural arrangement. Four major alternatives are exporting, licensing, joint ventures, and wholly-owned subsidiaries (Osland, Taylor and Zoe, 2001:153-261). EXPORTING: Exporting can be either direct or indirect. With direct exporting the company sells to a customer in another country (Cateora and Graham, 2005:312-528). Exporting differs from the other modes in that a companys final or intermediate product is manufactured outside the target country and subsequently transferred to it. Indirect exporting uses intermediaries who are located in the companys home country and who take responsibility to ship and market the products. With direct exporting the producer firm does not use home country middlemen, although it may utilize target country intermediaries. This is the most common approach employed by companies taking their first international step because the risks of financial loss can be minimised. The Internet is becoming increasingly important as foreign market entry method. Initially, internet marketing focused on domestic sales, but later on a concept of international internet marketing was developed when companies got orders from other countri es. Today lots of companies are entering into the circle of making their own websites, which indeed has created a competitive advantage overall. Such firms can be called accidental exporters (Michael and Ilkka, 2003:224). Apart from that there are different intermediaries which serve as a major change agent to encourage companies towards exports. Like, chambers of commerce and other business associations that interact with firms locally that can frequently heighten international marketing interests. Similarly, Government efforts both on the national or local level can also serve as a major change agent. In the same way, there are other governmental entities that are actively encouraging firms to participate in the international market. In addition to it, there are many Export Management Companies operating in the domestic markets that specialise in performing international marketing services. They either take the title to the goods or operate internationally on their own account, or they perform services as agents (Cateora and Graham, 2005:398-528) and (Michael and Ilkka, 2003: 224). Another major intermediary is the trading company. The concept was originated by the European trading houses such as the Fuggers and was soon formalised by the monarchs. Today, the most famous trading companies are the sogoshosha of Japan. These general trading companies play a unique role in world commerce by importing, exporting, countertrading, investing and manufacturing. Because of their vast size, they can benefit from economies of scale and perform their operations at very low profit margins (Michael and Ilkka, 2003:224-245). CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS: Contractual Agreements are long-term, non-equity associations between a company and another in a foreign market. Contractual agreements generally involve the transfer of technology, processes, trademarks or human skills. In short, they serve as a means of transfer of knowledge rather than equity (Cateora and Graham, 2005:434-450). Licensing is non-equity, contractual mode with one or more local partner firms. A company transfers to a foreign organization the right to use some or all of the following property: patents, trademarks, company name, technology, and/or business methods. The licensee pays an initial fee and/or percentage of sales to the licensor (Osland, Taylor and Zoe, 2001:153-261). The advantages of licensing are more apparent when capital is scarce, import restrictions forbid other means of entry, a country is sensitive to foreign ownership, or it is necessary to protect patents and trademarks against cancellation for non-use (Cateora and Graham, 2005:434-450). Franchising is a rapidly growing form of licensing in which the franchisor provides a standard package of products, systems and management services, whereas the franchisee provides market knowledge, capital and personal involvement in management. The combination of skills permits flexibility in dealing with local market conditions and yet provides the parent firm with a reasonable degree of control (Cateora and Graham, 2005:434-450). The emblematic reasons in support of the international growth of franchise systems are market potential, financial increase as well as the saturation of domestic markets. Apart from all the compensation of franchising it has a number of disadvantages as well likely, the affirmation of assets from the franchisee point of view. An added apprehension is the level of standardisation seeing as the adjustments are essential in several conditions like McDonalds has developed non-beef burgers to cater the customers in India since cows are treated as sacred in th eir culture. To encourage better organised and more successful growth many companies turn to the master franchising system, wherein foreign partners are selected and awarded the rights to a large territory in which they in turn can sub franchise. As a result, the franchiser gains market expertise and an effective screening mechanism for new franchises, without incurring costly mistakes (Michael and Ilkka, 2003:224-272). Despite provisional setbacks at some stage in the worldwide economic slump right after the twirl of the millennium, franchising is still expected to be the greatest growing market way in strategy. For instance, McDonalds first store in Moscow had seven hundred seating arrangements and twenty seven cash registers. Joint Ventures is differentiated from other types of strategic alliances or collaborative relationships, in that a joint venture is a partnership of two or more participating companies that join forces to create a separate legal entry. McGraw-Hill explained that there are four factors associated with joint ventures which are appended below: Joint ventures are established, separate, legal entities. They acknowledge intent by the partners to share in the management of the joint ventures. They are partnerships between legally incorporated entities such as companies, chartered organisations, or governments and not between individuals. Equity positions are held by each of the partners. Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Wholly-owned operations are subsidiaries in another nation in which the parent company has full ownership and sole responsibility for the management of the operation (Osland, Taylor and Zoe, 2001:153-261). These global marketing strategies may be differentiated according to three characteristics of the modes that have been identified (Woodcock, 1994:253-274): 1 quantity of resource commitment required; 2 amount of control; 3 level of technology risk. Resource commitments are the dedicated assets that cannot be employed for other uses without incurring costs. Resources may be intangible, such as managerial skills, or tangible, such as machines and money. The amount of required resources varies dramatically with the entry mode, ranging from almost none with indirect exporting, to minimal training costs in licensing, to extensive investments in facilities and human resources in wholly-owned subsidiaries (Osland, Taylor and Zoe, 2001:153-261). Control is the ability and willingness of a firm to influence decisions, systems, and methods in foreign markets. In a franchise type of licensing agreement, control over the operations is granted to the franchisee in exchange for some type of payment and for the promise to abide by the terms of the contract. Thus, the licensor has little direct control. In a joint venture control is shared formally according to level of ownership, as when equity ownership over 50 percent gives one of the partners the largest number of directors on the board. However, informal control mechanisms may also be exerted as when one partner possesses and uses knowledge and information that the other lacks. Wholly-owned subsidiaries are attractive to many companies because this mode enables the MNC to exert the most control in decision-making. Technology risk is a third parameter of decision-making. This concept can be defined as the potential that a firms applied knowledge (tangible and/or intangible) will be unintentionally transferred to a local firm. In a licensing agreement, the risk of the licensee reproducing and using the licensors technology in the future is fairly high. Joint venture partners may also learn and acquire unspecified elements of the other firms technology in the context of their partnership. Technology risk is probably lowest in a wholly-owned subsidiary, since the operations are under the control of only one firm (Osland, Taylor and Zoe, 2001:153-261). Resource commitment, control, and technology risk are highly correlated. For example, as implied above, increased control leads to lower technology risk. Yet, control also requires increased resource commitment. Some researchers have argued that the entry mode decision consists mainly of determining the levels of resource commitment, control, and technology risk that the international entrant desires or can accept. Since each mode has a certain level of each factor, the entry decision can seem clear cut (Osland, Taylor and Zoe, 2001:153-261). In practice, the entry mode decision is highly complex. Besides the previously discussed qualities of each mode, there are a host of target market factors and within company factors that may affect decision making. Certain antecedent conditions affect whether to use, say, a high control mode or a method that requires few resources (Osland, Taylor and Zoe, 2001:153-261). MARKETING MIX STRATEGIES: Standardization proponent argued that the world and the people living in it have similar wants and needs as it has become one homogenous market due to the intervention of international media specifically the television broadcasting, which has ultimately change the whole global scenario and made it to stand on common characteristics, circumstances, needs and wants. Champions of localization argue that the proponents of standardisation had based their theory on faulty assumption, that it says the world has become a homogenous market, which is not true as the standardisation proponents have overlooked the cultural differences between the countries which ultimately play a vital role in consumer behaviour regardless of the fact of expansion of media globally. The study of Vignali (2001:97-111) extracted some work of Ohmae (1989) which states that: Large companies must become more global if they hope to compete. They must change from companies that treat their foreign operations as secondary, to companies that view the entire world as a single borderless market. Similarly, Vignali (2001:97-111) also extracted Czinkota and Ronnenken (1995) who believed that: Altering and adjusting the marketing mix determinants are essential and vital to suit local tastes, meet special needs and consumers non-identical requirements. The debate between these two school of thoughts are still on but most of the scholars advocates regional segmentation strategy that the practice of market segmentation in domestic markets is a clear indicator of the ineffectiveness of treating the whole world as a homogeneous market, as significant tool when entering global. Regional market segmentation examines homogeneous segments, those with similar demand functions, across world markets. Assessing the similarities and differences between consumers across markets, this strategy achieves the advantages of both standardization and localization (Vignali 2001:97-111). FINDINGS ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF GLOBAL MARKETING There are certain contextual determinants Porter (1986) and Kotler (1991) which are the issues and challenges organisations face that ultimately shape the marketing practices between countries (Sheth and Parvartiyar, 2001. 16-29). CONTEXTUAL DETERMINANTS OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING In view of the fact that there are huge literatures in black and white on these determinants, consequently rather than going into detail few points would be discussed which results as a challenge or create issues for the organisations when going global. The first four determinants (political stability, government policy, ideology-driven economy, and fear of colonialism) are more responsible for the prescription of multi domestic marketing practices; therefore, there exists more anecdotal and trade literature and less academic research on them. This includes such managerial decisions as selection of countries with which to do business and specific entry strategies. Most of this has required the understanding and utilization of what has been recently referred to as the fifth P of marketing (politics and public relations). Unfortunately, there is very little theoretical foundation underlying these determinants, partly because international marketing has not borrowed constructs and theories from the social sciences, including political science. Instead it has relied on the framework provided in international business literature, wherein barriers to conducting international business have received considerable attention. However, much of it is based on simply the environmental and policy differences across countries and its consequential impact on the choice of market entry modes and operating strategies (Sheth and Parvartiyar, 2001:16-29). The next three determinants (marketing transfer issues, lack of infrastructure, and North-South dichotomy) need a little more description. Marketing transfer issues relate to the operational challenges of product, price, distribution, and promotion adjustments across national boundaries due to divergence in support and core value chain activities including materials, people, processes and facilities. Its purpose is to understand what market factors, including consumer differences and unavailability of marketing institutions, would pose difficulties to the multinational firm in transferring its successful international marketing programs to other countries (Sheth and Parvartiyar, 2001:16-29). The lack of infrastructure refers to inadequate availability of transportation, communications, physical, financial, natural, and human resources, especially in emerging markets. This lack of infrastructure impacts the adjustment process for the marketing mix as well as the implementation of the marketing program in foreign countries. Finally, the North-South dichotomy refers to the have and have-not countries of the world and is a direct reflection of the traditional economic development theories and their importance to international marketing practices. Academic research related to these three determinants is moderately rich and seems to be grounded in the theories of economic development, logistics and public policy (Sheth and Parvartiyar, 2001:16-29). Finally, most of the academic research in international marketing has been focused on the last two determinants: East-West dichotomy and product life cycles. The first refers to the cultural differences between nations at both a macro and a micro level of understanding and explanation. The second refers to the birth and death theories of product life cycles as they move across national boundaries (Sheth and Parvartiyar, 2001:16-29). Likely, McDonald is on different PLC in the US and Japan (Vignali, 2001:103). THE MARKETING MIX:CASE OF MCDONALDS The concept of marketing mix, the 4Ps, the product, the price, the promotion and the place has been formulated by McCarthy (1975) as extracted by Vignali (2001:97-111) and for many years the marketing plans of enormous companies have been established according to this concept but in 1996 Fifield and Gilligan added- process, physical and people as major aspects of marketing mix and make it to 7Ps of marketing which includes the following: (Vignali 2001:97-111) Product- features, quality and quantity. Place- location and number of outlets. Price- strategy, determinants and levels. Promotion- advertising, sales promotion and public relations. People- quantity, quality, training and promotion. Process- blueprinting, automation and control procedures. Physical- cleanliness, decor and ambience of the service. The following case study of McDonalds advocates that how it has achieved a competitive advantage in the market of Saudia Arabia and how it has implemented its international marketing mix. The marketing mix of McDonalds will be examined according to the above mentioned 7Ps. OVERVIEW OF MCDONALDS: McDonalds was founded in 1937 by the two brothers called Richard McDonald and Maurice McDonald in Pasadena, California. They introduced for the first time the drive-in restaurant techniques. Later on, Ray Kroc after seeing an opportunity in this business offered a McDonalds franchise for $950. In 1961, the McDonalds brothers sold it for $2.7 million. In 1967, the first international venture of McDonalds took place in Canada. Right after that, George Cohon after buying the licence of McDonalds opened his first restaurant in 1968 and ended up in building a network of 640 restaurants. Franchising has been the key of international success for McDonalds. McDonalds now operating in more than 100 countries with over 20,000 restaurants of which most of them are franchises (Vignali, 2001:97-111). In 1993, Riyadh International Catering Corporation (RICC) acquired the McDonalds franchise by which the 100% Saudi company owns and operates all McDonalds restaurants in the Central, Eastern and Northern regions of the Kingdom. Since establishing the first restaurant in Al Riyadh, RICC (McDonalds KSA) has been an active player in the local community and a solid supporter of its economy; sourcing around 80% of its supplies from local and regional suppliers in the Arab world. Recognizing the strength of the Saudi manpower, and translating its commitment towards the local community, RICC strived hard to increase the number of Saudi employees in its workforce. Today, the company is proud that around 25% of its employees are Saudi nationals (www.mcdonaldsarabia.com/index). PRODUCT: McDonalds is among those organisations which has successfully implemented both the global and local marketing strategy in terms of their products. That is, by keeping standardised procedures in producing their products all over the world, while only changing or adapting the contents of the products according to the countries in which it is operating. Irrespective of variations and recent additions, the structure of the McDonalds menu remains essentially uniforms the world over: main course burger/sandwich, fries and drink, however, the contents of the burger may vary according to the scenarios in which they are operating. The thin and elongated fries cut from russet potatoes is the signature feature of McDonalds which is consumed all over the world irrespective of any religious belief or political views (Vignali, 2001:97-111). The main aim of McDonalds is to create products which has standardised or uniformed taste all over the world, but there are times when McDonalds also adapted and changed its items because of religious laws, customs and rituals (Vignali, 2001:97-111). For instance, McDonalds operating in Saudia Arabia has adjusted their menus according to the local religious laws and customs. Like, McArabi Chicken Burger has been introduced, which suits the tastes of the people living in Saudia Arabia. In addition to it, McDonalds KSA, as well as McDonalds across all the Middle East countries served only 100% pure Halal prime cut beef and 100% pure Halal chicken from chicken breast meat with no additives and no fillers. McDonalds also serves the highest quality fries that are Halal and cooked only in 100% vegetable oil without any additives or flavours. Moreover, the Halal certificates which prevail in their market for McDonalds are called Braslo Beef, Braslo Chicken and Lamb Weston Fries (www.mcdonal dsarabia.com/index). Quality, since McDonalds has prevailed in every market with a similar aim that is the standardisation of its procedures, therefore, to maintain that regular inspections takes place either announced or unannounced in order to check the procedures according to different dimensions including the right quantity of contents to be used. This is a global practice of McDonalds which it has remarkably maintained all over the world and over a number of years (Vignali, 2001:97-111). Similarly, in Saudia Arabia it has launched the Open Door program as part of its initiatives that aim at educating customers about its food quality. The program offers the public the opportunity to tour McDonalds kitchen and take a close look at the high quality, safety and cleanliness measures that are implemented while preparing McDonalds food with an aim of High Quality Is Our Standard (www.mcdonaldsarabia.com/index). Nutrition, all McDonalds meals are rich with the various nutrients needed by your body including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, mineralsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. In addition, McDonalds Happy Meals provide a great nutrient package for kids. The meals are an excellent or good source of nine or more nutrients, depending on which Happy Meal combination you choose. These include: Protein, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper. The nutrient values available on our tray liners and on our nutrition booklets are transparently provided to assist our customers with their selections at McDonalds restaurants in Saudia Arabia. (www.mcdonaldsarabia.com/index) Products Calories Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g) Beefburger 254 9 31 13 Cheeseburger 299 13 31 16 Quarter Pounder with Cheese 530 30 38 28 Big Mac 500 26 42 26 McRoyale 540 31 <

Magnatism & The Things We Think We Know About It! :: essays research papers

Magnatism & the Things We THINK We Know About It! Magnatism is a wonderous natural phenomanon. Since days before scientific discoveries were even written down the world has been playing with the theories of magnatism. In these three labs we delt with some of the same ideas which have pondered over for long before any of us were around. In these conclusions we will take a look at these ideas and find out what exactly we have learned. To understand the results of the lab we must first go over the facts about magnatism on the atomic level that we have discovered. The way magnatism works is this: magnatism is all based on the simple principle of electrons and there behavior. Electrons move around the atom in a specific path. As they do this they are also rotating on there own axis. This movement causes an attraction or repultion from the electrons that are unpaird. They are moving in two directions though causing a negative and positive charge. In the case of magnatism though we find that these elements have a lot of unpaired electrons, in the case of iron, Fe, there are four. What happens then in the case of a natural magnet the unpaired electrons line up or the magnet in a specific mannor. That is all the atoms with unpaired electrons moving in a direction which causes a certain charge are lined up on one side and all the atoms with the opposite charge move to the other side. The atoms then start to cancel each other out as they approach the center of the magnet. This all happens at the currie point where these atoms are free to move and then when cooled and the metel becomes solid the atoms can no longer move (barely) causing a "permanent" magnet (as in the diagram on the next page). This same principle can be applied to a piece of metal that has been sitting next to a magnatized piece of metel in that over the long time they are togather the very slow moving atoms in the metal situate in the same fassion also creating a magnet. Now that we know the basics lets begin with the experiments. Part one of the lab started us on our journey. In this part we took an apparatus with wire wrapped around it put a compass in the middle of the wire wraps. The setup was arranged so that the wraps were running parralel with the magnetic field of the earth, that is they were north-south. With this setup we

Cache Level 3 Childcare and Education

It important to build a good relationship with parents, an easy way to do this is to make sure you have good communication with them. For example make sure that you talk them in the appropriate language for example using their manners for example please and thank you. Therefore if you have good commutation skills and good body language when working with parents they are more likely to trust you when looking after their children. Children who can sense that their main carer has a good elationship with the childcare setting are more likely to be happy being left in the setting.According to Maskell (2010) â€Å"This links into the theorist bowlby (1950) who believed in his findings about secure and attachment†. Other ways that you can build relationships with a child's parent is that you could have regular contact with them e. g. parent-teacher interview. For example if the child was not feeling well at nursery you would know that they may want to be left alone to sleep or to pla y quietly. It is also important when building a relationship with parents that you understand what they think is best for their child. As a childcare practitioner you may think that it would be better for the child to learn though playing.Cooperation – The children see the benefits of people working together and cooperating with each other Consistency – All team members adopt the same approach to the task of caring for children and working with their families Encouragement – Members of the team stimulate, motivate, praise, encourage and upport each other Respect – Team membership satisfies the need to belong and to be respected and to have aims confirmed and shared by others

Writing Acrostic Poems Valentines Poetry Lesson

Writing Acrostic Poems Valentines Poetry Lesson Are you in need of a quick Valentines Day poetry lesson plan to share with your students? Consider practicing acrostic poetry with them. To begin, follow these steps. First you must start by modeling the format of acrostic poems with your students. Work together to write a collective acrostic poem on the whiteboard. You can start out simple and use a students name. As a class brainstorm words and/or phrases that correlate with how the students feel about the name you are using for the example. For instance, lets say that you use the name Sara. Students may say words like sweet, awesome, rad, etc.Give your students a Valentines-related word list so that they can write their own acrostic poem. Consider the words: love, February, heart, friends, appreciate, chocolate, red, hero, and happy. Discuss the meaning of these words and the importance of expressing their appreciation to loved ones on the Valentines Day holiday.Next, give your students time to write their acrostic poems. Circulate and offer guidance as needed. Be sure to offer students suggestions if they ask.If you have time, allow the students to illustrate their poems. This project makes a great bulletin board display for February, especially if you do it a few weeks ahead of time! Suggest that your students give their acrostic poems to family members as Valentines Day gifts. Valentines Acrostic Poem Sample #1 Here is a sample of just using the word Valentine from a teacher. V - Very important to me A - Always smiling at me L - Love and adoration is what I feel E - Every day I love you N - Never make me frown T - Too many reasons to count I - I hope were always together N - Now and forever E - Each and every moment with you is special Sample #2 Here is a sample of using the word February from a student in fourth grade. F - feels very cold E - every single day B - because its winter time in every single way R - red means love U - underneath the warm sun A - always dreaming of the warmer months R -ready to celebrate Valentines day Y - Yes, I love Valentines Day even though its cold outside Sample  #3 Here is a sample acrostic poem using the word love from a second grade student. L - laughing O -oh how I love to laugh V - valentines day is about love E - every day I wish it was Valentines Day Sample #4 Here is a sample poem by a fifth grade student using the word grandma. G - Grandma is special and kind and sweet R - rad like a biker and someone you want to meet A - awesome N - not to mention cool D - daring and sweet, she always M - makes me laugh A - and that just cant be beat Sample #5 Here is a sample poem written by a fifth grader for her best friend. In this poem she used the name of her friend. A - A is for awesome and for someone I want to be N - N is for nice, because shes like my family D - D is for dedicated, because she is always by my side R - R is for radiant, I will always have her pride E - E is for generic, shes always on the go A - A is for angelic, she always seems to glow.

Free Essays on Town and Country Lovers

Social and Racial Boundaries Between â€Å"Lovers† The social and racial boundaries in South Africa are clearly portrayed in Nadine Gordimer’s short story â€Å"Town and Country Lovers†. There are two characters in the story that come from completely different backgrounds. They become lovers and are found out by the police. Gordimer illustrates the differenced between the two lovers and how their society reacts to them. Dr. Franz-Josef von Leinsdorf is a well-educated man from Austria. Gordimer describes him as being a â€Å"geologist absorbed in his work† (1854). He is a well-cultured man who enjoys â€Å"an occasional skiing trip, listening to music, [and] reading poetry† (1855). Leinsdorf’s work has taken him to many different places, including Peru, New Zealand, the United States, and South Africa. â€Å"He has no interest in the politics of the countries he works in† (1855), or of becoming a permanent resident in South Africa. Dr. Franz-Josef von Leinsdorf â€Å"[accepts the] social distinctions between people but [doesn’t] think they should be legally imposed† (1861). The girl in the story is young and black. She comes from a poor family and is of low class, so low that she does not even have a name in the story. The girl works in a supermarket where she assisted Dr. Leinsdorf in purchasing razor blades, and later did all his shopping for him. â€Å"She was one of nine children of a female laundry worker. She had left school in Standard Three (Eighth Grade) because there was no money at home for gym clothes or a school blazer. She had worked as a machinist in a factory and a cashier in a supermarket† (1861). The young girl followed Dr. Leinsdorf’s habits, learning how to make real coffee, not â€Å"synthetic flavoring† (1857); how to cook; and she learned how to type Dr. Leinsdorf’s notes. These two manage to come together as lovers and friends, but still the differences between them a prevalent. When they are caught, n... Free Essays on Town and Country Lovers Free Essays on Town and Country Lovers Social and Racial Boundaries Between â€Å"Lovers† The social and racial boundaries in South Africa are clearly portrayed in Nadine Gordimer’s short story â€Å"Town and Country Lovers†. There are two characters in the story that come from completely different backgrounds. They become lovers and are found out by the police. Gordimer illustrates the differenced between the two lovers and how their society reacts to them. Dr. Franz-Josef von Leinsdorf is a well-educated man from Austria. Gordimer describes him as being a â€Å"geologist absorbed in his work† (1854). He is a well-cultured man who enjoys â€Å"an occasional skiing trip, listening to music, [and] reading poetry† (1855). Leinsdorf’s work has taken him to many different places, including Peru, New Zealand, the United States, and South Africa. â€Å"He has no interest in the politics of the countries he works in† (1855), or of becoming a permanent resident in South Africa. Dr. Franz-Josef von Leinsdorf â€Å"[accepts the] social distinctions between people but [doesn’t] think they should be legally imposed† (1861). The girl in the story is young and black. She comes from a poor family and is of low class, so low that she does not even have a name in the story. The girl works in a supermarket where she assisted Dr. Leinsdorf in purchasing razor blades, and later did all his shopping for him. â€Å"She was one of nine children of a female laundry worker. She had left school in Standard Three (Eighth Grade) because there was no money at home for gym clothes or a school blazer. She had worked as a machinist in a factory and a cashier in a supermarket† (1861). The young girl followed Dr. Leinsdorf’s habits, learning how to make real coffee, not â€Å"synthetic flavoring† (1857); how to cook; and she learned how to type Dr. Leinsdorf’s notes. These two manage to come together as lovers and friends, but still the differences between them a prevalent. When they are caught, n...

Financial Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Analysis - Essay Example Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are used by the reporting entities to prepare their financial statements for a common user. These accounting standards provide a general pattern and policies to furnish financial information in such a manner that a person with little financial knowledge can easily grasp the information content presented under those financial statements. If the financial statement of Morson Inc and Kforce Inc are taken into consideration, both of them are formatted in an unconventional pattern. Both of the firms have prepared their financial statements to fulfil the requirements of a particular user group as the financial statements show a pattern which is quite inconsistent with other generalized patterns. If income statements of both the companies are taken into account, then it can be noticed that the conventional â€Å"step-method† is not completely followed. The other major discrepancy that can be observed is that finance cost is shown separately, however, in the conventional format it is displayed after operating results and before the tax expenses. In a generalized pattern, no term like â€Å"equity earning† is used but this term is used in both the financial statements. Overall, the accounting heads under the income statement are displaced for its intended users and do not provide general results. As far as is balance sheets of both the companies are concerned, their accounting heads used in the balance sheets are quite different from that of a generalized balance sheet such that an ordinary balance sheet is split into two categories which are assets and the equity & liabilities. However, the existing balance sheets are not constructed in that manner as they have been categorized into â€Å"operating and financing†. In these balance sheets, net

Folic acid food fortification is associated with a decline in Essay

Folic acid food fortification is associated with a decline in neuroblastoma - Essay Example Neuroblastoma is one of the most common cancers affecting children today, forming 8%-10% of the total seen from birth through age 14 years.   It affects one in every 6,000 to 7,000 children in North America (Nutra ingredients.com, 2003). It is a disease in which cancer cells are found in certain nerve cells within the body. Neuroblastoma typically begins in the abdominal area either in the adrenal gland (located just above the kidney) or around the spinal cord in the neck, chest, or pelvis (Pressinger & Sinclair, N.D.). Studies show that folic acid food fortification has more than halved the incidence in Canada of the deadly childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Chemically Folic acid has the molecular formula C19H19N7O6 with a molecular weight of 441.40. The scientific name of folic acid is N-[p-[2-Amino-4-hydroxy-6-pteridinyl) methyl] amino] benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid. It is a complex organic compound present in liver, yeast, and natural sources; it also may be prepared synthetically (RxList, 2004). Metabolically, folic acid is converted to coenzyme forms required in numerous one-carbon transfer reactions involved in the synthesis, interconversion and modification of nucleotides, amino acids and other essential structural and regulatory compounds (Bailey, et al, 2003). As an essential cofactor for the de novo biosynthesis of purines and thymidylate, folate plays an important role in DNA synthesis, stability and integrity, and repair, aberrations of which have been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis. Folate may also modulate DNA methylation, which is an important epigenetic determinant in gene expression, maintenance of DNA integrity and stability, chromosomal modifications, and the development of mutations. (Kim, 2004). Daily ingestion of 400  µg of folic acid alone during the preconception period reduced a womans risk of having a fetus or infant with a neural-tube defect. The