Banks and Other Financial Institutions Speech or Presentation

Banks and Other Financial Institutions - Speech or Presentation Example The insurance company AIG’s main services include General Insurance which include insurance for fire, marine, motor vehicles and miscellaneous things. They also provide health insurance, claim payments. The bank and insurance company are similar in the form that both provide customer benefits in terms of securing their money where banks can be used for saving money while the insurance company can be used to make health treatments secured, property and other valuable items secured through insurance. Both types of financial institution are also huge benefit to the economy as the world economy relies heavily on these institutions. Both firms differ in terms of the different types of services that they offer such as banks can be used for saving money and then earning interest on them whereas in a financial institution lease payments are made to insure something. Financial institutions of today are huge and are everywhere and the world economy cannot survive without them as most of the money is given out through them and the business rely on these firms hugely. The savings and loans crisis could have been avoided if there was not overregulation in the industry by the government. The high regulation prevented different firms from experimenting with different ways to adapt to changing market trends. Neither owners nor depositors had anything to lose, and both groups encouraged escalating risk-taking as a result. The disaster could have been avoided if there was more consideration on the part of the owners of these

Control being over business by government Essay Example for Free

Control being over business by government Essay What are the arguments for and against, greater control being exercised over business by government? How do these arguments differ between the countries of the group members? We would like to start the answer by an example of USA when they were heavily involved in the industrialization and expansion. People of all different occupations were involved in some part of the industrial revolution. However there was a debate over the government intervening in the building of infrastructure. Chief Justice John Marshall made many landmark court decisions which played a role in defining the business climate that developed during the industrial revolution and strengthened the central governments control over the business. Thus finally the government was involved in the early stages of the industrial revolution. The governments decision of this era laid the ground work of the future U.S. growth of the nation. Without these pro-business decisions, the United states would not have made the change from being agriculturally dependent to the industrialized nation it is today. [www.historyteacher.net/USProjects/myessay21.htm] Hence it sounds better in some situation and it doesnt in some. For example in China, local governments stand passively by as private firms aggressively reject long-standing official right because the government officials in south China are increasingly anxious to shed their responsibility for economic management. Also they fear the risks and dangers associated with the more complete market system that has emerged during the 1990s. As a result, Chinas southern provinces have already begun the process of separating government from business, while, in the north, leading officials emphasize the slogan separate government from enterprises but, fearing slow growth, practice the opposite. [www.pitt.edu/~tgrawski/paper98/china.html] To what extent do you think a change of government in a) UK would affect the business community? b) the countries of group members? It can have a great impact on businesses in UK or in other countries like India, China etc. For example: Regulatory systems can be improved to provide faster access to exploration land and clarification of aboriginal disputes, taxes such as corporate taxes, income taxes etc can be reduced, Business leaders can hope for a complete overhaul of the resource-rich provinces economic structure, Economic growth can be affected by change in government, it is expected that the new government can come up with creative solutions on how to reduce government indebtedness during its term, the new government will aim to solve deficit of balance of payments by boosting production through attracting direct foreign investments, also new government can change the manufacturing scenario in the country like instead of importing products, they can plan to manufacture in their own land which will indirectly reduce the unemployment in the manufacturing field. Also it can provide grant to those regions in which unemployment is high. [http://www.rba.hr/web/pdf/rrr/rba-rrr-012-2003-12-18.pdf] What are the implications of privatising a public sector business organisations? With privatization programs still active in several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing debate on effects on economic development. To address such issues the representatives of privatization agencies of different nations established the African Privatization Network (APN) in November 1995. APN aims at promoting the concept of privatization and encouraging its implementation in African countries by sharing legislation and other relevant documentation; studying the nature and scope of privatization in each country according to its special circumstances and needs; and monitoring the process of privatization in Africa, identifying problems and obstacles and offering advice where required. The positive view of privatization suggests that it went ahead, in spite of domestic opposition, because politicians and bureaucrats perceived real benefits to themselves and their supporters. They could influence the sales to their own benefit, while, on the other hand, a more focused public sector improved service delivery. A well functioning private sector is essential for increasing economic growth and thus reducing poverty. Yet international development institutions recommend sophisticated policies to improve the business environment that governments in developing countries cannot successfully implement. The result is often a worsening of private sector performance. The promotion, support, financing, marketing and management of small and medium sized enterprises and industries is the core business of any privatisation programme. [ http://www.developmentgateway.org/node/130679/]

Marketing Plan For Tui Travel Plc Tourism Essay

Marketing Plan For Tui Travel Plc Tourism Essay This section resumes the marketing opportunities, strategy and financial objectives for senior manager who are in charge with the approval of the marketing plan. TUI Travel PLC is looking to extend its already integrated operations by opening a sightseeing division. The pilot will be executed in the UK, as London is one of the major destinations for overseas travellers. The company will be able to compete with the sightseeing at local level and the pilot out of London tour, which provides the same attractions as the three already established sightseeing tour operators. The product will be offered to all our customers, orientated principally to families and empty nesters. The primary marketing objective is in line with the corporate policies of integrating and offering customers a customised service suitable to their needs. 2 BUSINESS OVERVIEW TUI AG is considered the leading integrated tourism provider in Europe, it is divided in three sectors: TUI Travel PLC, TUI Hotels Resorts and the Cruise brands Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten and TUI Cruises. TUI Travel PLC was formed in 2007 by the merge of First Choice PLC and the Tourism Division of TUI AG. The company operates in four sectors: Mainstream, Specialist and Emerging Markets, Activity and Destination and Accommodation. According to Interbrand, the success of TUI AG as a corporation is the message embedded in its mission statement Putting a smile on peoples faces, along with their corporate culture of excellency aim to provide customers with an unforgettable experience during their holidays, while reinforcing sustainability in all its destinations. TUI Travel PLC possesses the strengths inherent from being part of a major corporation including brand awareness, comprehensive services, leading domestic player. The key opportunities come from the joint ventures and the growth in hotel industry. Its principal weakness is dependence in the European market; also face the threats of competition from low cost carriers and slowdown in the markets economy. Strengths Brand Awareness: TUI Travel PLC operates principally through First Choice and Thompson, both have a reputation for servicing the leisure travel customer, providing differentiated and flexible options to meet changes in demand. Comprehensive Services Having a broad range of services, the companys operations cover the whole tourism segments and the diverse stages of a holiday: from retail, tour operating, flying and accommodation up to additional services at the destination. The company owns a network of travel agencies with active presence in more than 15 markets in Europe, as well as a fleet of aircraft through TUI Fly. TUI Hotels provides hotel accommodation to its various destinations. Additionally, the company offers luxury and premium class cruise liners through its Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten joint venture. Leading domestic player The company supplies travel services for over 30 million customers from 27 source markets. It also provides airline services with a fleet of more than 146 aircraft and 350 retail shops in Europe. Additionally, TUI Hotels Resorts is considered the leading hotelier in Europe with around 243 hotels with approximately 154,000 beds in 28 countries. The major brands of hotels include Riu, Grupotel, Iberotel, Robinson, Grecotel, Magic Life, and Dorfhotel. Weaknesses Dependence on Europe TUI AG is greatly dependant on Europe for its income generation, around 79% of its revenues. High focus of operations in a single region increase the companys chances to more diverse risk exposure such as local factors i.e.: lower demand, severe weather conditions, labor strikes, change in regional laws and economic conditions, thus constraining the ability for growth. Opportunities Joint venture agreements In March 2009, TUI Travel and Air Berlin come into a long-term strategic partnership for their German sector flight segment, based on a cross ownership where TUI Travel, through a subsidiary, will have an interest of 19.9% in Air Berlin. Growing global hotels and motels industry The worldwide hotels and motels sector has observed a major growth in recent years. The industry performance is anticipated to recover further. With well-built geographic presence in hotel industry, TUI Hotel Motel is well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity head on. Treats Economic slowdown in Europe Since the companys revenues rely on the general economic conditions of the region and the economic position of Europe is projected to be weak after the recent chaos in financial markets and consumer attitude, it could reduce the demand for the companys products and services. Competition from low cost airlines Whereas traditional airlines are encountering rigorous challenges such as elimination of routes and reducing staff, the low cost sector carry on expanding at a incredible rate, trends show that the low cost carriers are becoming leading players on a considerable number of intra-European short -haul point-to-point routes. Strong competition from low cost airlines could negatively influence the companys operations. 3 MARKET OVERVIEW Although the tourism industry had a steady growth over the last few years, it is evident that it is not immune to the effects of economic and health alerts. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of visits to the UK fell in 2008 for the first time since 2001, overseas residents made 31.9 million visits to the UK in 2008 compared with 32.8 million in 2007, a fall of 2.7 per cent. Despite the decline in the number of visits, spending on trips to the UK reached record levels during 2008; overseas residents coming to the UK spent a total of  £16.3 billion, an increase of 2.3 per cent on the 2007 figure (published 16th July 2009)  [1]   However the same office, has reported that in the three months to February 2010, compared with the previous three months, the seasonally adjusted results from the international Passenger Survey showed that: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Overseas residents visits to the UK increased by 2 per cent to 7.5 million. Figures for the most recent months are provisional and subject to revision in light of (a) more accurate data on passenger figures becoming available at the end of each quarter (published 15th April 2010)  [2]   Although the figures above only represent the winter trends, gives an indication of improvement in the market. TUI Travel PLC, could see such indication as an opportunity to get stronghold in the market in the future. 3.1 CUSTOMER INFORMATION The company uses a policy based on its brand identification, for example First Choice is aimed primarily to families, while Thompson has characterised its segment target to be oriented to couples and seniors. Both segments assumed to have additional disposable income. 3.2 SERVICE INFORMATION As previously stated, the company offers an integrated range of tourist services, personalised according to customers demands and needs. Thus, in order to integrate further its operations the aim of this project is to highlight the relevance of a sightseeing venture to facilitate the overseas customers visiting UK for example. 4 OBJECTIVES The key objectives for the UK sightseeing division under TUI Travel PLC are: Further integration of services provide to overseas customers. Continue with the differentiation policies in all products offers. Aim to carry 50% of UK visitors from its various brands to different sightseeing attractions during the first year of operations. The carrying rates are to rise on 20% on yearly basis thereafter. 5 STRATEGY The UK Sightseeing division will provided customers with a friendly, personalised experience while using professionals guides to accompany groups in their trips to the historic and most relevant sights. 5.1 PRODUCT Initially the products will encompass the following products: London tourist sights: Panoramic of London, Photo stop at Buckingham Palace, Photo stop at Saint Paul Cathedral, Lunch in a traditional English pub, cruise for the river Thames and entrance to the London Eye. Outside London: Entrance to the Windsor Castle, Roman Bath with walking tour of the historic town, Lunch in a traditional English pub in Salisbury and entrance to Stonehenge. Customers will be pick-up from their hotels at a pre-determine time in order to ensure that all passenger are present at time of departure. At the meeting point customers will be introduce to their guide for the day and will be taken to the vehicles designated for the chosen tour. 5.2 PRICE Considering that there is three more sightseeing tour operators in the UK, the prices should be in line with similar products offers by the competitors in order to maintain the demand for the products. However, since the business unit will be part of a package holiday, TUI Travel will surely achieve a higher level of economies of scale when contracting the services of suppliers involved on the operational side of the tours. 5.3 PLACE PROMOTION Stores: The Company have to its disposition over 650 retail shops around UK, which will give them a competitive advantage over its competitors, as the three major sightseeing operators only serve London through their call centres. Website: First Choice and Thompson both enjoy large websites, which are characterised for being user friendly and easy to navigate, thus any customer interested in additional services will be able to find the combination of products suitable to their needs. Search engines optimization: To improve the discovery of the websites, UK sightseeing division will ensure that links are built within key Internet search engines sites, as well as key word register to the main domains (i.e. holidays, short breaks, all inclusive, etc) Advertising: Once the operational site of the UK sightseeing division is up and running, TUI Travel will make the announcement through its major website, as well as to link the release news on the websites for all its subsidiaries within the group, to ensure that customers booking holidays in advance are aware of the new available services. Public Relations: Prior to the opening the company will invite representatives from its hotel portfolio to enjoy the tours offered and request feedback on their views as to evaluate the services in offer. The company will arrange for a formal launch of its new division, inviting relevant press representatives from major newspapers as well as tourism specialised magazines. Promotion: High quality brochure is to be promoted and make available in all hotels belonging to the group for display (concierge desk for example) available to all customer staying at the hotels. 5.4 PEOPLE Appropriate staff is essential for a service to be perceived and recognised by its customer. The difference between customer retention or not is mostly attributed to the way services and management customer techniques are delivered by a company. Staff must have the suitable interpersonal skills, attitude, and service knowledge to give the service that consumers are paying for.  [3]   TUI is very supportive when it comes to training and ongoing development and believes it is vital that people are given opportunities to learn throughout their career. The company has its own dedicated in-house Learning and Development team and there are many opportunities for development such as workshops on a variety of topics, one-to-one coaching, e-learning and where appropriate, TUI support their staff to undertake professional and vocational qualifications relevant to their role. All staff has regular one-to-one reviews with their managers to support their ongoing development and explore further opportunities for training and development.  [4]   5.5 PROCESSES Relates to the systems used to aid a company to deliver the service. The company will ensure that time tables are kept in order to avoid delays on the running of the tours. Make certain that customers place their lunch order in time during the morning tour, as to ascertain that lunch meal will be served according to schedule. Any complains or recommendation should be dealt promptly to maintain customer confidence. 5.6 PHISICAL EVIDENCE The physical evidence is an important element of the service mix, customers evaluate their perceptions based on their view of the service provided, having an impact on the organisations perceptual plan of the overall service.  [5]   Primary the company will aim to close the gap between customer expectations and company perception of the customer needs. 6 BUDGETS Item Date Cost Measure of success Website adjustment 30 May  £2500 Number of hits per month 3000 Payment to search engines adv to increase exposure 15 June  £13000 All subsidiaries sites carrying links Brochure 01 June  £10000 Deliver to all hotels in the group Advertising in specialised magazines 01 June  £10000 Monthly slot secure for 6 months Site hosting costs 15 June  £8000 Google, Mozila secure feature on first page Launching Night 15 June  £5000 300 people attendance  £35,500 7 ACTION PLAN Action May June July Aug Improvement of website 07 Logo design align with TUI Travel 15 Link website into Sub- websites 20 Advert in magazines 27 Invite reps from news papers and mag 01 Launch night 15 Brochure delivery 10 Complimentary tours 01 First customer running tour 10 Measure of passengers on tours 10 Evaluation of results/correctives if needed 15 8 Evaluation of Results During this face of the project, the aim is to evaluate the overall performance of the tours operational and tactical side. TUI Travel subsidiaries websites (First Choice and Thompson) have the capability of allowing customers to publish live comments on their experience. A team will be assigned to evaluate and quantify the comments in order to assess the performance of tours, and implement correctives if necessary. 9 Conclusion Where TUI Travel to implement the above plan, it will improve further their policy of differentiation and facilitate customer choices at the time of browsing for a package holiday with London as a destination. The assumption is that the new business unit will be implemented as a pilot project to evaluate its feasibility and acceptance from customers in general, local and overseas travellers. TUI AG, continue to endorse its mission statement even in the light of lost of revenue in the case of natural disasters; like the one recently experience due to the Volcanic ash from Island which closed European airspace for over a week. TUI Travel PLC, announced on the 21st April that they were implementing their crisis plans, which included provision of welfare to customers in resorts and commencing the repatriation action as soon as possible. Their plan contemplate repatriation through coaches, ferries and owned cruises and according to their estimation all of its customers will be back in England by Friday 23rd April. Measures implemented as above, form milestone for brand recognition and undoubtedly give customer peace of mind, as they are confident that their travel company cares about them and will do whatever takes to ensure a safe return home. Individual Critical Reflection of Learning Outcomes During the course of the subject Marketing Management, I came to realise that marketing is a complex theme. The models and other techniques studied where made easy to understand by the tutor and the evaluation of it through practical examples facilitate the assimilation of the material. Personally I feel that the simulation done through the Marketing Game software was critical for the understanding in how marketing a product affects the whole of an organisation, and how the decisions made in terms of cost/investment can have both, positive or negative outcomes. Another skill that was put to the test relates to communication, as in some cases we were grouped in teams to solve/discuss material regarding the subject matter. Regarding the assignment I found it quite difficult to tackle as, first English is my second language and 2nd although I have presented written works before they were in my mother tongue and oriented to practical experiences rather than research itself. As a next step, I will work through future assignments with more time in order to share my queries with my tutor, as to ensure that I have understood the approach to be evaluated with the written work.

Humbert the Pedophile Essay -- Essays Papers

Humbert the Pedophile Lolita, the novel by Vladimir Nabokov, tells the story of Humbert Humbert, who is a perfect example of a pedophile. Although the character Humbert Humbert describes his feelings toward the twelve year old Lolita as love, in actuality, it is obsessive lust. Nabokov does an excellent job displaying the characteristics of pedophilia through this character. Reading Lolita makes us conscious of the need to be more aware that pedophilia is alive and well in our society today. In developing this point, I will examine pedophilia and its clinical characteristics as they relate to Humbert Humbert and our society. While America sits smugly in front of it's televisions and computers, somewhere a pedophile fantasizes about fondling and holding a beautiful child in his arms. According to David Finkelhor's research in A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse(43), pedophiles are adults, both male and female, who have a sexual preference toward prepubescent children (generally aged 13 or younger). It is important to realize that pedophilia does not always include child sexual abuse. The pedophile must act upon his desires before it is considered sexual abuse. Humbert, in fact, does act upon his urges by looking, fantasizing, and actually holding Lolita on his lap. In Aristos Bouius's essay, Pedophilia Versus Abuse, it is suggested that a real pedophile loves children and doesn't want to hurt them in any way, but rather wants a relationship with the child which can be an enjoyable and loving experience on both sides. Pedophiles often take on a parental role toward the child, and the child, craving love and attention, accepts the touching, holding or even the act of sex. Most likely, the child has never experienced "normal" par... ... 1970. 2) Briggs, Freda. From Victim to Offender. Australia, Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd. 1995 3) Finkelhor, David. A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse. Newbury Park, Sage Publications Inc. 1986. 4) Ferguson, Donna. The Assault on America's Children. Newport Beach, CA., Harbor House Publishers, Inc. 1994. 5) Bouius, Aristo J. Pedophilia Versus Abuse. Simplex. 1996. Http://www. Simplex.nl/users/aristos/engels.htm 6) Medinger, Alan P DSM-IV and Pedophilia: What Did the APA Do? 1995 Http://www.messiah.eduthpages/facstaff/chase/h/articles/regene ra/dsm.htm 7) Medinger, Alan P. Pedophilia No Longer a Disorder Psychiatric Association Decides. 1994. Http://www.messiah.eduthpages.facstaff/chase/h/articles/regene ra/dsm.htm 8) Pedophilia Symptoms Mental Health Net and CMHC Systems, 1995- 1997. Http://www/cmhc.com/disorders/sx63.htm Humbert the Pedophile Essay -- Essays Papers Humbert the Pedophile Lolita, the novel by Vladimir Nabokov, tells the story of Humbert Humbert, who is a perfect example of a pedophile. Although the character Humbert Humbert describes his feelings toward the twelve year old Lolita as love, in actuality, it is obsessive lust. Nabokov does an excellent job displaying the characteristics of pedophilia through this character. Reading Lolita makes us conscious of the need to be more aware that pedophilia is alive and well in our society today. In developing this point, I will examine pedophilia and its clinical characteristics as they relate to Humbert Humbert and our society. While America sits smugly in front of it's televisions and computers, somewhere a pedophile fantasizes about fondling and holding a beautiful child in his arms. According to David Finkelhor's research in A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse(43), pedophiles are adults, both male and female, who have a sexual preference toward prepubescent children (generally aged 13 or younger). It is important to realize that pedophilia does not always include child sexual abuse. The pedophile must act upon his desires before it is considered sexual abuse. Humbert, in fact, does act upon his urges by looking, fantasizing, and actually holding Lolita on his lap. In Aristos Bouius's essay, Pedophilia Versus Abuse, it is suggested that a real pedophile loves children and doesn't want to hurt them in any way, but rather wants a relationship with the child which can be an enjoyable and loving experience on both sides. Pedophiles often take on a parental role toward the child, and the child, craving love and attention, accepts the touching, holding or even the act of sex. Most likely, the child has never experienced "normal" par... ... 1970. 2) Briggs, Freda. From Victim to Offender. Australia, Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd. 1995 3) Finkelhor, David. A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse. Newbury Park, Sage Publications Inc. 1986. 4) Ferguson, Donna. The Assault on America's Children. Newport Beach, CA., Harbor House Publishers, Inc. 1994. 5) Bouius, Aristo J. Pedophilia Versus Abuse. Simplex. 1996. Http://www. Simplex.nl/users/aristos/engels.htm 6) Medinger, Alan P DSM-IV and Pedophilia: What Did the APA Do? 1995 Http://www.messiah.eduthpages/facstaff/chase/h/articles/regene ra/dsm.htm 7) Medinger, Alan P. Pedophilia No Longer a Disorder Psychiatric Association Decides. 1994. Http://www.messiah.eduthpages.facstaff/chase/h/articles/regene ra/dsm.htm 8) Pedophilia Symptoms Mental Health Net and CMHC Systems, 1995- 1997. Http://www/cmhc.com/disorders/sx63.htm

3m Optical

3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship MST550 – Capstone Professor Jack Raiton HBSP Case #395-017 Discussion Questions 1. What practices make 3M such an innovative company? 2. What is Any Wong’s role as the OS Unit’s general manager? How effective has he been? 3. What is Paul Guehler’s role as division vicepresident? How effective has he been? 4. What should Andy Wong do with the computer screen AFE? If he gets the AFE, should Guehler fund it? Case Outline †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ The Situation Background of 3M Corporation Internal Context at 3M Corporation Background of Optical Systems (OS) The Product is Born The Product is Reborn Wong’s Options Guehler’s Options Wong’s Role/Effectiveness Guehler’s Role/Effectiveness Desimone’s Role The Situation The 3M Corporation’s Optical Systems (OS) business unit needs to decide if they should proceed wi th the deployment of a new computer privacy screen despite two previous marketing failures. Background of 3M Corporation 100 Years of Innovation Highly Diversified Global Company †¢ â€Å"High-Tech†: Spends twice the U. S. Industry Average on R&D (6-7% of sales) †¢ Strong emphasis on new products and technologies †¢ Fosters individual’s innovation within the workforce (â€Å"15% rule†) Internal Context at 3M Corporation †¢ Respect for the individual – â€Å"Stimulate ordinary people to produce extraordinary performance† †¢ Supportive policies/practices – 15% bootleg rule – â€Å"Make a little, sell a little† †¢ High standards, stretch objectives – 10% sales growth, 20% PBT, 27% ROCE – 30% sales from new products Internal Context at 3M Corporation†¦cont. †¢ Acceptance of â€Å"well-intentioned failure† †¢ Share/leverage resources – â€Å"Technology belongs to company† Background of Optical Systems (OS) †¢ OS Track Record (1979-1990) – Formed in 1979 through consolidation of several 3M optical technologies – Experienced 11 year microlouver development effort with minimal products – Lost between 3 to 5 million dollars per year – â€Å"Technology in Search of a Market† †¢ OS Changes Focus (1991-1992) – In 1990 new top management appointed – Focus on applications for technology The Product is Born †¢ In late 1990, the OS Team launched the computer privacy screen †¢ Product used â€Å"microlouver† technology to offer privacy of screen information †¢ By early 1991 the OS Team saw poor market reaction due to the large number of sizes needed and high purchase price †¢ Product was modified and re-launched in late 1991 with minor changes, but to no avail The Product is Re-Born †¢ Through prior-product analysis, market research, and harnessing some of 3Ms other technologies, a 3rd generation was created and readied for market in 1992. It combined features of competitor’s such as anti-glare, anti-static and anti-radiation †¢ Was ready for decision on â€Å"Authority to Proceed† Wong’s Options Go †¢Learning from two previous launches †¢Met rigorous threephase process †¢Team closest to market, competition, technology (trust them, don’t second-guess) †¢Committed team (motivational imp act) †¢Last chance for OS †¢Wong must be the champion Postpone/Cancel †¢Poor market research †¢Poor product concept †¢Price too high †¢Unrealistic market share forecasts †¢Unrealistic risk assessment †¢Needs more data, further study Other Options †¢Self fund †¢Mentor’s support †¢Outsource Guehler’s Options Approve †¢ Project passed three-phase review – Shouldn’t second-guess now Reject/Send Back †¢ Recognize as â€Å"well intentional failure† †¢ Has other high-profile â€Å"Pacing Projects† †¢ Problems with product, price, marketing strategy †¢ Lacks internal support †¢ Cost relatively low ($750K) †¢ OS unit believes, committed †¢ Don’t want to kill OS unit – Big project in pipeline (Needs 30% new products) Wong’s Role/Effectiveness †¢ Attracting good people – Noirjean, Melby Developing/motivating his team, building unit’s capabilities †¢ Creating, pursuing growth opportunities †¢ Keeping management â€Å"in the boat† Guehler’s Role/Effectiveness †¢ Empower frontline manager to find/develop attractive opportunities †¢ Coach/nurture/support fron tline managers to develop confidence and capabilities †¢ Set standards/goals for and develop selfdiscipline among frontline †¢ Balance between discipline and support Desimone’s Role †¢ Sets, communicates, monitors standards and objectives †¢ Protects, reinforces norms and values – Respect for individual Primary focus on organizational context more than strategic content

Frank Lloyd Wright Essays - Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin

Frank Lloyd Wright Essays - Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin Frank Lloyd Wright Frank Lloyd Wright was born as Frank Lincoln Wright on June 8, 1867. He was born in Richland Center, which is in southern Wisconsin. His father, William Carey Wright, was a musician and a preacher. His mother, Anna Lloyd-Jones was a teacher. It is said that his mother placed pictures of great buildings in young Franks nursery as part of training him up from the earliest possible moment to be an architect. Wright spent some time growing up on a farm owned by his uncle, which was located near spring Green, Wisconsin. He was of Welch heritage, and was brought up in the Unitarian Religion. Wright briefly studied civil engineering at the university of Wisconsin in Madison, and then moved to Chicago to work at an architectural firm. In 1887, he was hired as a draftsman by the firm of Alder and Sullivan. At the time, the firm was designing Chicagos Auditorium Building. Wright eventually became the head draftsman, as well as the leader of the firms residential designs. After obtaining these responsibilities, Wright began to design and apply his own architectural ideas. In 1889, he married his first wife, Catherine Tobin. He also began designing houses, which was against his firms policy because they were required to follow the designs sent to them, not make their own. When his boss discovered this, Frank was fired. His house designs, however, were incredible. They showed the start of Wrights low, sheltering rooflines, the prominence of the central fireplace, and intricate geometric designs on both doors and windows. Wright started his own firm in 1893, working out of a studio that was built in onto his home in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago. Between 1893 and 1901, 49 buildings by Wright were built. During this period he began to develop his ideas, which would come together in his Prairie House concept. Into 1909, he developed and refined the prairie style, and founded this concept in architecture, and his art of this early productive period in his life is also considered as part of the arts and crafts movement, because many of his designs not only had plans for the structure of the house, but ideas of decorating the interior as well. This very productive phase in Wrights career ended in 1909, when he left his wife and five children to go to Germany. He was joined there by Mamah Borthwick Cheney, the wife of a former client and now his girlfriend. From 1912 to 1914, Wright and Cheney lived together at Taliesin, a home he designed near his uncles farm in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This ended when a crazed servant murdered Chaney and six others, also setting a fire that destroyed most of Taliesin. During the years 1914 to 1932, Wright rebuilt Taliesin, divorced his first wife, married and separated form another woman (partially due to the fact that he spent some time in jail), and met his third wife, Olgivanna Milanoff. His architectural designs during this period included the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, and many California homes. Few commissions were completed toward the end of this period, but Wright did lectures to various architects, and published articles, including An Autobiography in 1932. Wrights output became more organized and individualized, with the help of numerous apprentices who assisted in design detail and site supervision. His most famous work, Fallingwater, was designed in 1936. He also began working on a project called Taliesin West in Arizona. The Taliesin Associated Architects, The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation are living legacies of what Mr. Wright founded in 1932. Few buildings were produced during the war years, but the G.I. Bill brought many new apprentices when the war ended. This post-war period to the end of his life was the most productive. He received 270 house commissions, and designed and built the price tower skyscraper, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Marin County Civic Center. Wright never retired; he passed away on April 9, 1959, at the age of 92 in Arizona. He was buried in the Graveyard at Unity Chapel at Taliesin in Wisconsin. In 1985, Olgivanna Wright passed away, and one of her wishes was to have Frank Lloyd Wrights remains cremated

Facebook Company

Facebook Company Introduction Facebook Corporation was established by the current chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. In its inception days, the Facebook Corporation membership was limited to Harvard students though it was later expanded to other institutions in the city of Boston (Veer, 2011, p.271). The company operates as a social networking site connecting users with friends who work, live and study around them.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Facebook Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More People use Facebook to keep up with others, upload photos, share videos and links as well as understand the situation about people they meet. Of all social networking sites Facebook has the widest regional coverage with over 700 million active users (Facebook Inc, 2011, p.36). PESTEL analysis Since the establishment of Facebook Inc, the company has been facing legal proceeding in regard to the use of the social networking idea. The company has been accused of interfering with the privacy of the users. This resulted in declining traffic in key markets until the company introduced powerful controls for sharing personal information. Although they claim to reinforce the law on users, case of hacking confidential information still affect the company’s business (Facebook, 2009, pp.1-11). Another political factor could be the copyright policies. Considering the scattered nature of Facebook users, most of them are not aware of these policies and end up violating them. The social network site is also affected by bans in certain countries. For instance, the company had been banned operating in China since 2009 (Facebook, 2011, p.36). Children welfare associations affect the company as a result of exposing detrimental materials to children. Indeed, the office of the New York Attorney General stepped up warnings against the company saying that Facebook might face a consumer fraud indict for misrepresenting how the site is safe for children. The growing of Asian and Latin America economies is an economic factor that has the highest leverage on the business. In fact, the company fiscal 2011 plan is to expand to the Asian countries such as China.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The company plans to launch in China and abide by the laws of the corporation by partnering with the Chinese search engine Baidu. These growing economies increase the income of the people and are able to access computers more. The rising literacy level especially in the developing nations is a factor influencing the business. The number of people who can use computers effectively is growing dramatically. For example, statistics indicate that 60% of the Indians are computer literate and 90% of them have daily access to the computer. This is the very reason why India has the highest number of people so cializing through Facebook and other social sites. The other economic factor is employment which is associated with internet accessibility. People working tend to have ample access to computers and are able to socialize more through the social sites. Facebook is ranked at the top when considering the preference of the working community to social networking sites. Like other internet sites, age demographic is the major influencing factor of Facebook business (Taylor et al., 2003, p.237). Youths tend to be the major users of the site when connecting with their peers. The minors are increasingly using Facebook to socialize posing risks to the business. In reality, the company has not devised effective measure to filter underage uses out of the site. Religion is also a factor that is affecting the company’s business especially in the Arab countries. Facebook has been unable to penetrate many of the Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan due to religion restrictions. In addition to these, gender and marital status could leverage the networking business. Males have been the dominant users of the social networking sites though females have picked the same pace. Unmarried individuals tend to use Facebook more than married individuals perhaps due to time limitations or benefits sort.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Facebook Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Technological factors affecting Facebook business include mobile growth. Nearly 35% of the total Facebookers access the social site from a mobile device. This trend has even moved the mobile market for products like Apple’s iPad and iPhone. New software technologies have enabled the company to add new features on their site which are attracting more consumers (Kwon, 2010, p.257). In terms of these features, the chat option is the biggest attraction to the site followed by the sharing option. Advancement in space techno logy is also expanding the market for the business. Many remote areas have accessibility to information technology through the use of space equipment. Furthermore, connectivity speed has improved very much and people can socialize fast and effectively. Some new technologies such as third-party medial plug-ins have expanded the use of Facebook credits thus enhancing e-commerce. Besides, technology allows for business transactions to be conducted through Facebook site and therefore attract a new segment of consumers. Undeniably, technological advancement is the key enabler of Facebook business. TOWS analysis SWOT Matrix Strengths Global popularity Easy user interface Wide applications Weaknesses Advertisement effectiveness Frequent litigations and lawsuits Opportunities Rising internet usage Need of social engagement Threats Customer privacy issues Intense competition Regulations by various countries TOWSÂ  Alternative Matrix External opportunities (O) Rising internet usage Need of social engagement External threats (T) Customer privacy issues Intense competition Regulations by various countries Internal strengths (S) Global popularity Easy user interface Wide applications SO Use the wide applications to meet the needs for social engagement Use global popularity to attract the increasing number of users ST Utilize the wide applications to counteract customer privacy issues Utilize mergers to counteract regulations Use the easy interface to differentiate in the completion Internal weaknesses (W) Advertisement effectiveness Frequent litigations and lawsuits WO Strengthen objectives to curbthe effect of advertising effectiveness Enforce laws to avoid frequent litigations and lawsuits WT Maintain customer privacy toavoid lawsuits and litigations Differentiate in the competition and enhance competitive advantage Weaknesses and threats (WT) A company with great weaknesses has to route to a survival strategy (Stokes Wilson, 2010, p.225). Faceboo k should consider the option of joint operation with Baidu and other search engines in difficult markets. Another alternative would be to withdraw from the challenging markets altogether.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More But, the challenges of the company must not have to route to a survival strategy due to the company’s strengths. Consequently, better strategy would be to attempt to develop weaknesses into strengths. Weaknesses and opportunities (WO) The rising internet usage has resulted in using more the social network sites. Yet Facebook essentially follows a one-model policy which presents a problem if other designs of site features become obsolete. The company has to introduce new features to reach a wider spectrum of users. This will allow using the same site for a range of needs ranging from business to dating. Strengths and threats (ST) One of the biggest threats to Facebook is the customer privacy issues. There has been continued criticism that the company does not offer the standard confidentiality demanded in a social networking environment. The company should reduce such issues using the many applications available that can ensure maximum confidentiality. Another strategy for avo iding competitive pressure is to differentiate the site through easy user interface. Strengths and opportunities (SO) Generally, Facebook can build on their strengths by taking the advantage of the opportunities. The company’s strength in global coverage and popularity becomes evident. This strength can enable the company to develop a consumer relationship that attracts regulatory restricted environments. Eventually, the strength will enable the company to open operation in China and Arab countries. Thus Facebook can benefit from considerable concessions offered by the governments to attract the company. Conclusions Facebook Company is certainly operating in a tricky environment due to the changing nature of communication and networking environment. The environment is tricky because there in increasing preference for social networks yet the technology responsible cannot meet the intrinsic demand of the consumers. Policies regulating social medial works have requirements beyon d the ability of technology. This attracts other groups of interests while regulations in some countries cannot be fully satisfied. However, the growing economy and advancement in technology promise a brighter future for the company. If Facebook can exploit the opportunity of rising usage of the internet through its global coverage, there is a chance of attracting policy makers in other countries and maybe adjust regulations. There is a chance to develop the weaknesses into new strengths once the company is better positioned in the market. Since the market of social media environment is quite demanding, Facebook must focus on its core resources and competencies. In this case, integration of features and ease of use are distinctive resources that can enable effective differentiation in the competition. When combined with the threshold resource of regional coverage, the competencies can leverage the brand name in the face of consumers as well as policy makers. It is therefore recommen ded that the company should: Use the status updates to provide targeted adverts Focus on monetization to improve valuations Provide local advertising based on customer location Enable controlled application Improve in storage and archival Engage in mergers with search engines Solve the problem of privacy References Facebok Inc. 2009. Facebook law enforcement guidelines. Web. Facebook Inc 2011. Private Company financial report. Web. Kwon, O. Wen, Y. 2010. An empirical study of the factors affecting social network service use. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(2), pp.254-263. Stokes, D. Wilson, N. 2010. Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Florence, KY: Cengage Learning EMEA. Taylor, W. J., Zhu, G. X., Dekkers, J. Marshall, S. 2003. Socio-economic factors affecting home internet usage patterns in Central Queensland. Information Science Journal, 6, pp.233-244.