Pran Marketing Plan of Pran Apple Milk Shake - 3658 Words

Pran Marketing Plan of Pran Apple Milk Shake 1.0 Report Background Marketing of any product is an art. In this current world marketing is stands with a very important role for launching a new product. Marketing a product is becoming very difficult and definitely so tuft. Because in launching a product, first of all the main problem is the competitors of that particular product. If the functions of marketing are right than the product can be marketed successfully. In the current world 85% of new product failed to build its image. Because definitely there is some mistakes happened in the marketing process. So it is so difficult to identify the fault of launching a new product. If any company wants to survive, it has to differentiate†¦show more content†¦So a lot of companies are coming here. But the others beverage companies are failed to target the right market and reach them. Sometimes they failed to give them the appropriate massage. So we have selected our target customer group and make our marketing strategy. Here we have discussed our t arget group and marketing plan. In the market the apple milk shake is very new product. Particularly in our country we have limited milk shake and lots of dirking juice and so one. But we do not have any milk shake like this. It can also be consider as a drinking juice. Though it is a very new product but it has a big demand in the market. Because those drinks have no neutrality and all of them are made of different chimerical. Those drinks are made with chemical and the flavor of that particular food item. When the customer will get the knowledge about the product, which is cent percent natural and the juice/ milk shake contain the originality and the flavor; the customer will go for it. I believe in reality, and we want to serve the nation. We are spoiling our environment and we serve the nation almost the dusty thing. We do not have any right to do this ridicules thing with our people. That’s why I want to contribute myself as a responsible business man and do something good for this country. 3.1 Segmentation Target Customer The strategy of segmentation allows us to

Binge Drinking on Americas Campuses - 2308 Words

Binge Drinking on America s Campuses On any Friday or Saturday night, the average college student is usually drinking, dancing and out having fun. They typically party with friends at fraternity parties, bars, and clubs; and unfortunately most of these students are underage, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or Binge Drinking. Binge drinking results in several detrimental outcomes, some are even fatal. Today this type of drinking is rampant on educational campuses everywhere. Large and small, urban and rural educational institutions are not left unaffected by this growing trend to binge drink. Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more drinks, in a row, on at least one occasion (NCADI). Several surveys†¦show more content†¦If a ball lands in a cup, the team whose cup has the ball must drink the beer in the cup. The team who gets their opponents to finish all the cups of beer in front of them first wins, and plays until they lose to other opponents. The losers must drink all of their cups and in addition must drink all the cups left over from the winning team. There is also the ever-popular Keg Stand. The Keg Stand is extremely popular at parties and happens just about every time there is a keg at a party. The Keg Stand occurs when a person is picked up by his/her legs and has them put above his/her head, so that they are in a handstand position above the keg. The hose of the keg is then placed in his/her mouth, then he/she must drink for as long as he/she can, while the crowd around the keg counts off how long he/she drinks. There is also the Shotgun and/or BeerBong. These are both ways of drinking beer in a very fast manner. The Shotgun happens when a beer is turned on its side; a hole is then poked near the bottom of the can and opened to a little bit bigger than the size of a nickel. The drinker then puts his/her mouth on the hole and sucks till it is very tight. Finally, the beer is turned right side up, the top is opened, and the beer is shot down the drinker s mouth and throat hence the name Shotgun. The BeerBong is another party favorite and is similar to theShow MoreRelated Binge Drinking on America’s Campuses Essay2458 Words   |  10 PagesBinge drinking is rampant on today’s colleges and university campuses. Binge drinking is defined as, five or more drinks for a man at any one time, four or more drinks for a woman (Thompson, J.J. 63). A recent survey revealed that almost half of college students engage in binge drinking, and half of those who binge drink do so regularly (M cCormick, John; Kalb, Claudia 89). It is not the half that drinks responsibly that needs programs targeting them; it is the other half of students that engageRead More Binge Drinking On Americas Campuses Essay2203 Words   |  9 PagesBinge Drinking on Americas Campuses On any Friday or Saturday night, the average college student is usually drinking, dancing and out having fun. They typically party with friends at fraternity parties, bars, and clubs; and unfortunately most of these students are underage, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or Binge Drinking. Binge drinking results in several detrimental outcomes, some are even fatal. Today this type of drinking is rampant on educational campuses everywhere. Large andRead MoreCause Effect of Binge Drinking Essay1247 Words   |  5 Pagesunplanned sexual activity all have in common? They are all frequent results of binge drinking by college students. On a typical Friday or Saturday night you can find the average college student out drinking and having fun. Normally partying with friends at a party, bar, or club; most of these college students are underage consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, or as its better known, â€Å"binge drinking.†The term binge drinking is defined as the consumpt ion of five or more drinks in a row by men and fourRead MoreThe Use Of Drugs And Alcohol On College Campuses873 Words   |  4 Pageson college campuses has always been a problem but the drastic increase in the amount of college students binge drinking and abusing prescription and illegal drugs from the early 90’s till now is becoming more alarming and has to be acted upon. American colleges have had a problem with alcohol abuse since the first colleges were created, but until recently college drinking has been ignored, and tolerated, although it is proven to have negative effects not only on the students drinking but also onRead MoreEssay Alcohol626 Words   |  3 Pagesthe rise, and underage drinking rates are soaring. Whether for the better or for the worse, alcohol is a driving factor in Americas economy and society, which makes it very important that everyone is educated about this drug. Since alcohol is a legal drug, it is one of the most widely used and most accepted drugs available. Whether used for social reasons, as an answer to problems, or as a casual everyday drink, its use is prevalent all over the US. Decisions about drinking begin at a very youngRead MoreThe Drinking Age Should Be Legal974 Words   |  4 PagesThe Drinking Age For many reasons, the drinking age has been set at twenty-one years old, but has the time come to lower the drinking age? Many argue that the drinking age needs to be lowered back to eighteen for many reasons; however, studies and statistics show that lowering the drinking age is harmful and even deadly. Some people believe that binge drinking can be solved by lowering the drinking age, but lowering the drinking age is not the solution to binge drinking. Many teenagers spend theirRead MoreBinge Drinking4668 Words   |  19 PagesDecember 05, 2011 Binge Drinking Among College Students and Consequences Audience-(Student Fraternity and College Administrators) Binge drinking is a problem that has continued to have a toll on the lives of college students despite efforts by the government and school administrators to curb the trend. Many studies have been conducted to reveal the facts behind binge drinking in colleges and campuses. It is clear that for the problem of binge drinking in colleges to be resolved, it mustRead MoreDrinking At College Is Becoming An Epidemic1491 Words   |  6 PagesDrinking in College is becoming an Epidemic In Beth McMurtrie’s article on The Chronicle of Higher Education website, the senior writer began to answer one of America’s biggest questions. The question â€Å"Why College’s Haven’t Stopped Binge Drinking† (McMurtrie) has been a major topic for a couple of decades now. Doctors Aaron White and Ralph Hingson answered question in a slightly more statistical way using lots of graphs and numbers. Jenna Johnson, staff writer from the Washington Post thinks parentsRead MoreShould We Put Guns On Our Campuses?954 Words   |  4 Pagesresponsible for this massacre. This has every school in America asking the question, should we put guns on our campuses? No, you shouldn t though it sounds like a great idea now you must think about the future impact in would have on the student population. College campuses are having an especially hard with this considering the age group in which their student body lies. If this law was passed campuses around America would have to face the fact that student would be able to carry around dangerous weaponsRead MoreEssay on Arguments for and against Lowering the Drinking Age1909 Words   |  8 PagesThe controversy on the proper drinking age is one that has been repeatedly discussed and researched over the years. Its common to hear the argument â€Å"If someone is old enough to take a bullet for their country, they should be allowed to drink alcohol.† But is that enough justification? Some would say no. â€Å"According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) it is estimated that in 2004 there were more than 1,700 student deaths, 599,000 injuries, and 696,000 assaults annually

Media and Moral Panic Free Essays

Media is the main revenue of mass communication. The media plays a variety of roles in society; its main responsibility is that of providing information. As constant consumers and users of this information the relevance to the majority of members in the wider community inclusive of teachers and students is critical. We will write a custom essay sample on Media and Moral Panic or any similar topic only for you Order Now The media positions us as the audience to take a particular viewpoint of a topic, issue or problem that is evident in our society. To what extent though does this role as information provider influence moral panic? Moral panic refers to the exaggerated social response to media coverage of a sporadic episode that consequently turns it into a widespread issue and causes colossal concern in society (Cohen, 1987). The media has a tendency to manipulate people by amplifying the facts and truths and using multiple camera techniques to surround a group/individual and outcast them in society, thus labeling them the ‘other’. Othering’ is closely linked to discrimination as it consists of the â€Å"objectification of another person or group† which puts aside and ignores the complexity and subjectivity of the individual/s. Teachers and students must construct their own knowledge about media coverage and understand that at times the media amplifies issues of concern by stereotyping and excluding particular members of society. A certain structure exists in society, if groups/individuals step outsid e of the boundaries, society categorises them as ‘others’ and excludes them from the majority. After this occurrence there are two options that exist; to either accept the exclusion or conform to societal norms and return to the inclusion. It is vital to understand the effect that bullying, discrimination and the mass media have on these groups/individuals and realise that some students in your classroom may fall under these categories. Therefore it is in our power as teachers, to inform and position students to be critically literate consumers of the media, to ensure they are able to bestow a critical perspective towards texts. Due to the fact that the media plays a massive role in students’ everyday lives in the 21st century it is vital that educators engage students in pedagogical experiences that teach them to become critically literate readers. Students could start by developing an understanding of the indicators of moral panic which are: 1. Concern – the issue is at a sensitive level and affects one’s feelings on a personal level. 2. Hostility – increased level of antagonism towards those involved in the threat or panic. 3. Consensus – a general agreement among society that a threat actually exists. . Disproportionality – the problem is exaggerated and amplified to create public concern. 5. Volatility – erupts suddenly and almost as quickly then subsides or disappears. (Goode Ben-Yehuda, 1994). Developing an understanding of these indicators gives students a solid foundation to be able to critically analyse the texts they observe and hear to make an inf ormed decision about the information they are receiving. Students must also have an understanding of the indicators of Disproportionality so they are able to critically analyse the texts they are viewing. They must be able to identify when figures are exaggerated, figures are fabricated altogether, where there are other harmful conditions in society but they are not getting mass coverage and the changes over time (Critcher, 2006). It can have a detrimental effect in students understanding if they are not presented the tools to be critical readers of texts. In conclusion, it is completely important and relevant to teachers and their students to have a critical understanding of the relationship between the media and moral panic because†¦. How to cite Media and Moral Panic, Essay examples

Computers Essay Example For Students

Computers Essay Computers Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd. Today, with home computers andmodems becoming faster and cheaper, the home front is on the break of a newfrontier of on line information and data processing. The Internet, the ARPANET(Advanced Research Programs Agency Network) spinoff is a channel ofuninterrupted information interchange. It allows people to connect to largecomputer databases that can store valuable information on goods and services. The Internet is quickly becoming a tool for vast data interchange for more thantwenty million Americans. New tools are allowing Internet presence an easiertask.As did the gold miners set out to California on carriages to staketheir claim in the gold rush, business and entrepreneurs are rushing to staketheir claim on the information superhighway through Gopher sites, World-Wide Websites, and electronic mailing lists. This article explains how businesses andentrepreneurs are setting up information services on the Internet that allowsusers to browse through picture catalogues, specification lists, and up to theminute reports. But we will ask how much memory does it have what other things can it do? And ever since machin g more and more in our lives there is that faint whisper of a question, what will we do, if they get smarter than we areA thorough overview of the generational evolution of the computer complete with pictures of circuitry pertinent to each generation

200 Powerful Words to Use Instead of Good [Infographic]

Do you find yourself using the word â€Å"good† to describe just about anything? Good weather, good movies, good essay writing service, good music, good life, good this, good that†¦ Surely, it’s convenient and time-efficient to use one word over and over again, but is it really what a good research paper writer would do? We bet it isn’t. That’s why we’ve put together this handy infographic containing 200 different words for â€Å"good† to help you make your speech and writing more powerful and impactful. By the way, if you ever need help with that, just drop us a line "do my assignment" and we'll get it done for you quickly and easily. Don’t wrack your brain looking for other words for â€Å"good†Ã¢â‚¬â€just choose the one you like from our infographic!

Free Essays on ALD

What is Adrenoleukodystrophy? Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare, genetic disorder characterized by the breakdown or loss of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells in the brain and progressive dysfunction of the adrenal gland. ALD is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that cause damage to the myelin sheath, the fatty covering which acts as an insulator on nerve fibers in the brain. There are several forms of ALD. Onset of the classic childhood form, which is the most severe and affects only boys, may occur between ages 4 and 10. Features of this form may include visual loss, learning disabilities, seizures, dysarthria (poorly articulated speech), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), deafness, disturbances of gait and coordination, fatigue, intermittent vomiting, melanoderma (increased skin pigmentation), and progressive dementia. The most common symptoms are usually behavioral changes such as abnormal withdrawal or aggression, poor memory, and poor school performance. In the milder adult-onset form, which typically begins between ages 21 and 35, symptoms may include leg stiffness, progressive spastic paraparesis (stiffness, weakness and/or paralysis) of the lower extremities, and ataxia. Although adult-onset ALD progresses more slowly than the classic childhood form, it can also result in deterioration of brain function. Another form of ALD is occasionally seen in women who are carriers of the disorder. Symptoms are mild and may include spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs, ataxia, hypertonia (excessive muscle tone), mild peripheral neuropathy, and urinary problems. Neonatal ALD affects both male and female newborns. Symptoms may include mental retardation, facial abnormalities, seizures, retinal degeneration, hypotonia (low muscle tone), heptomegaly (enlarged liver), and adrenal dysfunction. This form is usually quickly progressive. Is there any treatment? Treatment fo... Free Essays on ALD Free Essays on ALD What is Adrenoleukodystrophy? Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare, genetic disorder characterized by the breakdown or loss of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells in the brain and progressive dysfunction of the adrenal gland. ALD is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that cause damage to the myelin sheath, the fatty covering which acts as an insulator on nerve fibers in the brain. There are several forms of ALD. Onset of the classic childhood form, which is the most severe and affects only boys, may occur between ages 4 and 10. Features of this form may include visual loss, learning disabilities, seizures, dysarthria (poorly articulated speech), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), deafness, disturbances of gait and coordination, fatigue, intermittent vomiting, melanoderma (increased skin pigmentation), and progressive dementia. The most common symptoms are usually behavioral changes such as abnormal withdrawal or aggression, poor memory, and poor school performance. In the milder adult-onset form, which typically begins between ages 21 and 35, symptoms may include leg stiffness, progressive spastic paraparesis (stiffness, weakness and/or paralysis) of the lower extremities, and ataxia. Although adult-onset ALD progresses more slowly than the classic childhood form, it can also result in deterioration of brain function. Another form of ALD is occasionally seen in women who are carriers of the disorder. Symptoms are mild and may include spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs, ataxia, hypertonia (excessive muscle tone), mild peripheral neuropathy, and urinary problems. Neonatal ALD affects both male and female newborns. Symptoms may include mental retardation, facial abnormalities, seizures, retinal degeneration, hypotonia (low muscle tone), heptomegaly (enlarged liver), and adrenal dysfunction. This form is usually quickly progressive. Is there any treatment? Treatment fo...

Managing Global Hospitality Issues, Hospitality Management Essay

Managing Global Hospitality Issues, Hospitality Management - Essay Example This report stresses that strategic HRM suggests that human resource management practices of Thistle Euston are most effective when coordinated with strategic goals of organisations. Moreover the main proposes that ready linkage among the business strategy and the policy towards employees are key, in spirit they fit HRM with the strategic objectives of the Thistle Euston. The aim of strategic HRM is to ensure that the culture, styles and structure of the Thistle Euston and the quality and commitment of its employees contribute fully to the business objectives. This paper makes a conclusion that the development of various technologies over the last decade has had a significant effect on the way Thistle Euston hotels are booked, as well as the facilities that are provided within hotels, such as broadband Internet and digital TV. According to the Mintel Report, internet penetration appears to be far from slowing, reaching 57% of the UK population in April 2004, with broadband and interactive digital TV having both reached 19%. Many of the larger hotel groups are thus investing heavily in their online booking systems as well as providing Internet access within their hotels. Thus, customers have the opportunity to retain their home-from-home comforts, or in the case of business guests, office-from-office facilities and amenities. While hoteliers have held occupancy relatively steady during the downturn by cutting rates in the past, the recently strengthening demand indicates that rates can now be raised.

I-35 Bridge report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

I-35 Bridge report - Research Paper Example Finally, the report also focuses on the rehabilitation â€Å"of the I-35W Bridge† and practices that have been adopted in the construction and maintenance of bridges. It shows how various organizations in fire and emergence, law enforcement and environmental monitoring, can reduce the impact of a possible tragedy like that of the collapse of I-35W Bridge to cause minimal loss of lives and property. Table of contents 1. Introduction 2. I-35W bridge maintenance and construction 3. Emergency Assistance after the Collapsed Bridge 4. Impact â€Å"of the I-35W Bridge Collapse on the Current Practices† 5. Conclusion 1) Introduction The 35W Mississippi River Bridge maintained by state of Minnesota, collapsed on the evening of 1st of August 2007, killing thirteen people and injuring another 121 people. Unfortunately, there were approximately 120 vehicles during the collapse estimated to be carrying 160 people. This collapse was unexpected and the immediate task at that moment, w as to rescue the people in the bridge, some of whom had fallen into the water and others trapped in their vehicles. To add insult to injury, some of the vehicles had caught fire making firefighting to be the first priority action. All local officials from the state after training together, worked together in stopping the fire, rescuing people in the water and rushing all the injured to hospitals. Definitely, this event was a test of their ability to successful tackle such a tragedy. However, there were many challenges and hindrances due to the steep river banks, difficulty of access due to the already collapsed bridge and other constant risks (Rabins et al 188). 2) I-35W Bridge Maintenance and Construction I-35W Bridge across the Mississippi River was official opened to traffic in the year 1967. According to Rabins et al, the bridge had a capacity of up to 140,000 daily vehicles on traffic between the Washington Avenue and the University Avenue, and was inspected every year from the year 1993 (236). The bridge was rated at 4 on a scale of 0 to 9 showing that, it was fit for transportation although there was need for monitoring and repair. Despite the bridge being rated as deficient, it did not definitely imply that it would collapse at any time, but there was a need for maintenance. According to the book â€Å"Bridge management systems for transportation agency decision making† the resolution made was to invest more resource in bridge maintenance to prevent such occurrences in the future. 3) Emergency Assistance after the Collapsed Bridge The U.S Fire Administration says that, there was a chaotic event after the responders arrived at the scene of the collapsed bridge (24). The collapsed structure brought various casualties such as people trapped in their vehicle and in the bridge debris; the injured and the dead people at the scene; the fire from some vehicles and water rescue situations. In addition to that, these respondents were not sure of the cause of the tragedy. They did not know whether it was a terror attack or an infrastructure failure. There was greater risk of a secondary collapse of the bridge, which could worsen the tragedy and paralyze rescue operations. As a result of these risks, the first priority was the fire department to stop the fire. At the same time, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was responsible of rescuing

Training and development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Training and development - Essay Example However, to achieve supremacy within the related domains, training and development should be allotted the best possible resources and time. The systems approach (model) towards training and development is significantly drawn up because it pinpoints how its four different phases of needs assessment, program design, implementation and evaluation are shaped up within the reins of an organization. These are for the eventual basis of the employees themselves, because there is a great deal of importance on how the employees would be able to give in their best time and again. Within the needs assessment, the analysis of the organization is done so as to find out where the employees are lacking and what the organization can provide to them as a result of the same. Then on, the task analysis is looked upon at with a greater concentration because this deems significance for finding out what kind of need the employees have within their fore. When the task analysis gets completed, the organizati on moves on to the next phase of needs assessment which is the personnel analysis where each and every employee who requires training and development is determined with regards to his professional strengths and weaknesses.

Quality Of Service At The Zappos Company

Quality Of Service At The Zappos Company The proceeding paper investigates Zappos.com (Zappos), originally an e-tailing shoe company, which later adopted further merchandise lines. The company was founded in 1999 by Nick Swinmurn with its headquarters currently based in Henderson, Nevada, USA. With a revenue of $840 million in 2007 and a 1500+ employee staff Zappos.com has grown to the largest online shoe store in the world. In July 2009 Amazon.com acquired Zappos.com for the reported amount of $1.2 billion. Currently, the CEO is Tony Hsieh. The company is known for its customer centric business model and its unique corporate culture. In this paper Zappos.com is analyzed via papers and published articles with which various problems addressed are answered. The intention of this paper is to analyze how Zappos.com has leveraged its HR practices to build strategic effectiveness in the past and how can it build its future competitive strength on it. First, Zappos.coms business model is analyzed, second the companies supportive HR practices, third the role of leadership on the development of HR practices, fourth the implications for HR practices caused by the takeover of Amazon.com are addressed and finally challenges and recommendations to support the future business functioning at Zappos.com are addressed. A framework is developed to which parts of the analysis can be linked in order to say to which extent findings influence committed HR practices, the corporate culture and the loyalty business model of Zappos.com. The purpose of this paper is just to analyze the company and to accumulate knowledge. Zappos Business Model A good initial business model starts off with an idea of a good customer value proposition. When in 1999, Nick Swinmurn, walked through a mall in San Francisco, looking for a pair of shoes in his size, his preferred color and style, his unsuccessful search proposed an opportunity to satisfy currently unmet customer needs. When starting to analyze what features have enabled Zappos to build its strong brand position as well as its impressive growth through the past few years (from 2003 to 2007 annual revenue increases 623.7 percent) its good customer value proposition is essentially only a small part in its effective business model. A comprehensive study of Zappos business model will be composed of 4 integral parts (Figure 1). Following the (1) customer value proposition (CVP), the structure of Zappos business model, consisting of (2) the profit formula and the importance of (3) key processes and (4) key resources will be linked to Michael Porters (1985) value chain model in order to enable a detailed analysis on how the e-retailer has become so successful. Figure 1 Business Model One evident potential customer value proposition of Zappos is the offering of an extensive online selection of mainly footwear and a few other extended product lines. Surprisingly this is not how the company defines itself. Calling itself a service company that just happens to sell shoes, handbags and related items (Morris, 2008) more value is placed on providing a high-touch customer service aimed at engendering a customer long-term relationship (OReiley, 2009). Zappos has been a customer centric company since its startup in 1999. The retailer focuses on providing highest service quality, leading to customer satisfaction and consequent customer retention, what essentially can be described as a loyalty business model (http://bx.businessweek.com/zapposcom/). Repeat customers represent 75% of any days gross sales and word of mouth advertising has brought growth to Zappos in overwhelming numbers (Morris, 2008). Zappos first of the ten core values puts the CVP in clear terms: Deliver [a] WOW [customer experience] through service (Zappos.com). How Zappos excels in delivering that CVP will be addressed in the subsequent analysis. Zappos CVP is supported by a profit formula, which establishes how the company wants to earn money. That formula is linked to the products value chain. The primary activities (key processes) have a direct impact on the formula while being supported by support activities (key resources), all driven by the customer value proposition with the objective to deliver value to the customer and be profitable. Nurturing a successful value creation and delivery, Zappos profit model is directly influenced by: Inbound logistics with its link to the supply chain of Zappos offered merchandise (wholesale prices, distribution etc.); Operations which correspond to the cost structure of Zappos vertically integrated warehouse and inventory operations in Kentucky; and Outbound logistics including free shipping both ways, surprise upgrades to overnight shipping (Whitehorn, 2009). Moving further through the primary activities of Zappos value chain, the subsequent function of marketing sales is declared to be comparatively tenuous as current CEO Tony Hsieh explains: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦[we] put that money into the customer experience instead (Whitehorn, 2009). Key processes also include a firms metrics and measurements, which Zappos sets based on customer satisfaction indicators, rather than number of order taken (Morris, 2008). Service is a primary value chain activity that deserves some detailed inspection at this point. Being a significant contributor to the cost structure with items like 365-day return policy or a call center staff working 24/7, Service represents the most intense link between Zappos CVP and its profit model and most significantly enables the implementation of its loyalty business model. Service represents how Zappos creates value for its customers (CVP) and most importantly it defines how the company creates value for itself (profit formula); (Johnson, Christensen Kagermann, 2008). Identifying Service as the primary source of value and profit suggests the examination of how the support activities (key resources) are allocated to contribute to Zappos competitive strength. Not only the primary activities, but also Zappos support activities underpin deliver[ing] the Zappos experience to [its] customers (OReiley, 2009). Key resources like procurement channels, technology, equipment and people are illustrated in the value chain as support activities. While careful procurement activities ensure a certain standard of product quality to the customer, its technology, equipment and firm infrastructure are also aligned with Zappos delivery of great customer service (e.g. in-house developed information technology, fast storing and shipping system) (Masha, 2009). Nevertheless, the most essential and valuable key resource of Zappos customer service is its Human Resource Management (HRM). Strategic Human Resource Management, which is the HRMs role is supporting a certain business model and strategy (Wright et all., 2001) plays a crucial role in Zappos effectiveness in the past. How HRM as a key resource and support activity is employed by Zappos to foster its loyalty business model is the next level of analysis. Zappos Supportive HRM Practices Zappos customer centricity leads the company since its startup in 1999. This is embedded in its company culture. Zappos employees live, breathe and operate through ten core values. These particular values create a positive environment in which employees excel to the maximum of their abilities and still have the freedom to express and implement their own initiatives.The company culture creates an environment in which customers receive more than they expect. Nurturing this environment is done through committed human resource practices (article on ccomm hr practices. Zappos Human Resource Management plays a vital role in fostering the initial driver of the thriving environment: company culture. Committed HRM practices reach from recruiting the right employees to rewarding and helping to create an environment that allows for the company culture to continue and strive. HRM is strategically placed in Zappos (SHRM) and people related elements create the core competency of the firm (Wright et al.: Human resources and the resource based view of the firm (2001).) The people management practices are created around the core values and in this way make the most of the human, social and organizational capital. The environment in the company allows for easy creation, integration and transfer of ideas. All employees are constantly in a changing environment due to the type of products they sell and therefore they too become dynamic which leads to their core competency of providing excellent service (Wright et al.: Human resources and the resource based view of the firm (2001).) As a starting point the company only hires people who are both technically and culturally fit (A perfect organizational fit, Samantha Whitehorne.) This is such an important point that Zappos.com fires employees who although technically fit do not fit into their culture. A lot of time and money is invested in the recruitment process, the reason being that employees have a vital role in the success of the loyalty business model. Furthermore, every new employee, regardless of their position in the firm will go through a four week training period in which they learn about the company and how it functions. Normally this involves being part of the call centre to really understand what customers want and need. The underlining message throughout all human resource processes is that the company lives and breathes customer service and everyone is put into this way of thinking. Rewards too play a dominant role in establishing the company culture. They create a positive environment in which employees are encouraged to share ideas on all levels of the company; in addition employees are not afraid to take risks because they are encouraged to take these through the rewards. Rewards can be companywide, departmental and individually driven. A lot of time and money is put into the rewards, which vary from being very simple to big and elaborate. This however is seen as an investment because it improves employee satisfaction and motivation and increases the overall profits of the company. The different forms of celebrations create a positive and constructive environment without putting the employees in a stressful, competitive environment. Many of the rewards are created by the departments and individuals themselves. However Human Resources is still involved in the bigger picture. Ensuring that company goals and progress are shared amongst all employees, creating financing and merchandising rewards appropriate to the customer orientated business model and to ensure that employees feel free to try out new, innovative means of doing business and therefore being rewarded for results and not punished for mistakes. Both the resource based view and the transaction cost theory can be seen in how Zappos functions and remains competitive by heavily supporting there loyalty business model with human resource practices(Masters, JK. Miles, G.: Predicting the Use of External Labour Arrangements: A Test of the Transaction Cost Perspective (2002).) For example call centres are kept inhouse; it is a valuable asset which is frequently used by consumers and requires attentive and dedicated employees. There is continual development of the employee as the company is aware of dynamic capabilities. Every single individual is held accountable for the company culture, it is not only restricted to human resources or top management. Initiatives can be brought forward from any position in the company. The companys culture was established from day one but the human resources department along with all recruited employees is responsible to keep the inspiring, highly motivated, free spirited environment running with its main goal to provide the customer value proposition of exceptional service. With the emphasis of all individuals sustaining Zappos unique environment, an interesting question concerns the role of leadership and managerial influence at the e-retailer, which triggers the following discussion. Role of Leadership on Zappos HRM Zappos.com is one of the leading companies in its industry and since its startup it has seen an enormous amount of growth. From February 2010 on, Zappos.com is expected to grow 30% in the next 12 months. A challenge for Zappos.com is to be able to fulfill new positions that are the result of the growth of the company with skilled and suitable managers. This implicates that especially in this time of growth individual leaders have to be acquired which fit and understand Zappos.com unusual culture. The basis of this culture is founded by the initial owners and persons who joined the company from its early start. The characteristics and vision of the CEO and the manner he positions himself towards the employees still influences the committed HR practices and the corporate culture. Besides defining leadership as the guidance of individual managers and the characteristics of the CEO it can also be seen as the leading role of Zappos.com in its industry. Zappos.com has accounted on all thes e three levels of leadership throughout the company in the development of its HR practices. First, to attract individual leaders and to have a long-term relationship with them, different measurements are integrated into HR practices. Already in the recruitment phase the hiring is rather unconventional. Possible future employees are invited to events outside the office, for instance team building events and happy hours in order to hire them based on different events rather than one job interview. After acquiring an employee, regardless their position, an extensive 4 week customer training follows which contains various courses coordinated by the training, leadership and development department. Zappos.com recognizes leadership potential in every one of its employees, regardless their position. Employees are encouraged and taught to represent the companies culture in everything what they do and say and to be accountable for themselves, actually this one of the key fundamentals. To make sure a long term relationship is also expected from the employees side and that they are com mitted to the company and their work, 3000 dollar walk away money is offered to them after the training program. When looking at the framework (exhibit) acquiring individual leaders mostly influence committed HR practices, since recruitment has to make sure people are hired that fit into the culture. Second, the vision at the manner of working of Zappos.coms initial founders has a major influence on both the committed HR practices and the corporate culture. Todays CEO Tony Hsieh has agreed on an annual base salary of $36.000 in 2009 with which he signals a culture of motivation instead of extrinsic rewards. This stimulates employees to work from intrinsic motivation and HR practices concerning rewards might not be the most important asset for employees. How CEO Tony Hsieh influences the corporate culture of Zappos.com for instance is the way he wrote an open and honest letter to all the employees ensuring their perks would remain the same after Amazons takeover. The positioning of the companies leader towards the employees inspire the corporate culture because by showing honesty and transparency, an open corporate environment is stimulated. When looking at the framework one can say that the CEOs vision on the corporate culture influences HR practices committed. Third, to maintain the leading position of Zappos.com in a fast changing market due to technological and fashion market changes, more HR practices have been developed. Especially the core values are a tool to develop a culture and a mindset to maintain this position. Zappos.coms fourth core value is to be adventurous, creative and open-minded, which means risk taking does not have to be avoided. Herewith Zappos.com creates a mindset throughout the entire company. Zappos.com also recognizes the importance of creating a culture of continuous learning via their fifth core value pursue growth and learning in which is stated every employee should constantly challenge and stretch themselves. Due to the focus of Zappos.com on leadership on different levels and integrating this into different HR practices Zappos.com is able to acquire and keep appropriate employees which goal is to grow and learn every day. Also due to these acknowledgements and integrating them into the development of HR practices, Hay Group ranked Zappos.com number 16 at the Top 20 Best Companies For Leadership in 2009. Acquisition by Amazon.com Clash of Cultures? Amazon bought Zappos.com for 850 million dollars. Zappos.com is remaining a seperate entity within the company and has assured employees and the general public that their culture and workplace environment will not change (week in news). Although the companies are both customer centric, the approaches used towards satisfying customers differs significantly. Amazon strives for customer convenience, low prices and large vareity of goods for the customer to choose from. On the otherhand Zappos.com aims for customer loyalty by providing a unique experience with personal contact opportunities between customer and employee (A new lace on life, Tim O ´Reiley.) In addition Zappos.com was a privately owned company and Amazon a public limited company. The ownership structure creates differences in the way that the companies operate and more specifically how human resource practices are placed within each company. It is necessary to analyse the differences and identify to what extent these may lead to potential sources of conflict between the human resource practices. At Zappos.com human resource management can be classified as a strategic partner (chapter 2.) The use of committed human resource practices creates the companies core comptency. As previously mentioned it defines, maintains and help grow the corporate culture. The ten core values create an environment in which employees work to the best of their abilities to satisfy customers. Shortly said the business model is dependent on HR practices. At Amazon HRM is not as dominant, it can be seen as a business partner (Amazon, HR Spectrum eNews.) It is necessary in the sense that it provides the company with strong human capital and it provides assistance to other departments, however it does not define how the company runs the business. We can seperate the two further by looking at the different levels of integration that exist between HR practices and the strategy process of a comapny. Zappos.com has an integrative linkage , there is constant interaction throughout all phases of the strategy process. Communication flows freely from all levels of the business.Every employee has the ability to initiate actions or improve certain aspects of the business. Consistent with the business partner role, Amazon has a two-way linkage. It considers human resources issues during strategy formulation such as ensuring the recruitment of highly skilled employees that fit yith their company strategy. However it is a less dominant role than what HR plays in Zappos.com. (chapter 2 from the book.) From these differences it is apparent that their could be a clash between the two practices. They have different levels of authority, in Zappos.com employees are given the freedom to take risks which affect the entire company. Amazon appear to be more constrained in this.Amazon focuses on efficiency whearas Zappos puts alot of emphasis on giving employees the space to express their creativity in a productive environment. Although Tony Hsieh has promised no change in the company ´s structure it will definitly have to consider the differences and how Amazon could impact the HR practices. Zappos Future Challenges Although the strategic approach of managing human resources has been distinguished as a driving force of Zappos severe competitive position, the planned acquisition by e-retailer giant, Amazon, put forward some potential challenges. The reviewed threat of HRM clash, is only one of the possible challenges in the future business functioning of Zappos. Directional Strategies are strategic typologies for classifying the ways different organizations seek to compete within an industry (Noa, 2008, p.86). With the approved acquisition by Amazon, Zappos continues to strive for growth and decides to pursue an external growth strategy, strengthen its market position through entering new businesses (other merchandise) (Noa, 2008, p.87). While growing, Zappos need to sustain its valuable corporate culture by managing the trade-off between changing human resource knowledge, skills and behavior needs and the upkeep of its successful organizational environment. Zappos will need to constantly educate and motivate its employees to engage inself-directed learning to cope with the new challenges when growing with the company (Noa, 2008, p.295). Growth it not the only challenge encountered in Zappos future business functioning. There is a necessity of appropriate recruitment, training, development and promotion to meet the changing HRM needs in an increasingly dynamic environment. What can be defined as challenge of sustainability describes the current economic changes, changes in demographics and expectations of the workforce, the growing importance of corporate citizenship and legal and ethical issues, has a key influence on the management of HR. Special regard has to be given to manage HR changing needs in companies as Zappos, in which it represents the main source of competitive advantage. Other challenges include the global and technological challenge, which include the HR impact from expanding into international markets and the importance of sophisticated technology in the workplace. Zappos growth strategy has already reaches out into another North American country: Canada (zappos.com). Simply reconstructing similar values and HR practices will not easily reproduce the same valuable organizational environment that exists in the retailers home-country operations. Understanding cultural differences, diverse backgrounds and attitudes is needed to establish a HRM that truly enables international success. Technological challenges emerge when employing technological innovation to leverage knowledge creation and sharing through the firm, which Zappos need to support by adequate and committed HR recruitment, training and motivational rewards. Conclusion The examination of Zappos past effectiveness and successful implementation of the loyality business model has been linked to an ambitious customer value proposition of best service, a strong profit formula and a strategic alignment of key processes as well as key resources. Most emphasis has been given to one specific key resource, namely the committed human resource practices, which serve as a support activity and a strategic element in Zappos loyalty business model and yield final competitive strength. While defining Zappos people, environment and culture as a primary source of competitive advantage, the significant role of leadership in the development of HR practices has been indicated. Concluding on how Zappos has build up a successful business model based on excellent customer service, loyalty and retention and how it continuous to operate effectively, the prior analysis has comprehensively identified one major contribution: strategic human resource management. The aligning of human resources practices and activities to the strategic objectives of high customer service quality, demand a development of committed HR practices, which generate a unique corporate culture and environment and ultimately enable Zappos remarkable competitive strength.

Much Ado About Nothing Essay: Love Found and Conflict Resolved

Love Found and Conflict Resolved in Much Ado About Nothing      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Much Ado About Nothing is a lighthearted play that Shakespeare wrote between 1598 and 1600. It has been described as one of his "more mature romantic comedies" (Bevington, 216). This play focuses on two different relationships, formed by two pairs of lovers. The comparison between how people went about getting married back then and how they do it now is similar in some ways. Much Ado About Nothing portrays the manner in which people fall in love, the way they interact with each other and how they manage to get through the rough times without changing their love for one another. The two couples include the young ladies, who are cousins, Beatrice and Hero, and the gentlemen, Claudio and Benedick. There is a lot of obvious love between Hero and Claudio and he has come to claim her as his own. However, there is some bad blood that runs between Benedick and his Beatrice. Little do they know that they are made for each other.    Messina, Italy, a small province facing the Straits of Messina, in northeastern Sicily, at the estate of the governor of Messina, Leonato is where this play is set. "Don Pedro of Aragon and his men are returning from a series of wars; stopping to visit Leonato, where they make plans to spend the next month. Among the group are Don John (Don Pedro's bastard brother who once led an unsuccessful revolt against him), young Claudio, and Benedick. The young men are reacquainted with Leonato's beautiful daughter Hero, and his spirited niece Beatrice...and once again, the verbal sparks fly between Beatrice and Benedick. Yet Claudio's fascination with Hero is born out of love, not scorn" (http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/1743/ado.html)... ...d Beatrice decide to get married at the same time as Claudio and Hero. In the end, everyone is happy, as expected. Hero and Claudio get what they want, and so do the other two lovers. This is one of the more light-hearted of Shakespeare's plays. It has all the elements of fun, family responsibility, and love. The main problem, the conflict between Beatrice and Benedick, is resolved.    Works Cited Bevington, David. The Complete Works of Shakespeare. 4th ed. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1992. Halliday, F.E. A Shakespeare Comparison. New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1952. "An Analysis of Much Ado About Nothing." http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~babydoll/coursematerial/fall96/fallstudentwork/jbpublic_html/maana.html (16 April 2000). "Ye Olde Plot Summary: Much Ado About Nothing." http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/1743/ado.html (16 April 2000).