Analyzing a Job

Determining When to Create a Job All businesses in one form or another come across situations where the need arises for more personnel to occupy certain positions. This can arise out of the natural process of employee retirement, company expansion, employee termination and other such instances where a position opens up that requires a person to fill it.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Analyzing a Job specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are instances though where a position is created not out of availability due to the aforementioned factors previously mentioned but rather through necessity. In such situations complications arise in businesses where additional manpower is apparently needed yet there is no definable position that was previously created for it. Defining how and when the need arises is thus a necessity of any competent manager/HR staffer since it is in their best interests to ensure that the compa ny continues to function as efficiently as possible. In determining the necessity in creating a new job position several questions need to be asked, namely: Is there a lack of efficiency in the work place as a result of accumulated tasked being subject to a single individual? Would efficiency increase if someone were to be hired to accommodate these extra tasks? Will the current budget of the company allow the hiring of new personnel? What standards will be required for this particular position? It is only when such questions have been answered that it can be determined whether it is in the company’s best interests to create a new job position and fill it with a person capable of doing the job. Strategies in Outlining a Position’s details In creating an effective position outline what would be needed is to first define the skills and experience needed for a particular position and then define what responsibilities the position entails. What must be understood is that several studies examining the responses ordinary job seekers have when examining a job posting is that they see the responsibilities a position entails and usually have the following response â€Å"hey, I know I can do these responsibilities†, this results in them developing the notion that they can do the job based on the responsibilities and as such even though their skills and experience don’t match those listed in the job posting they still apply anyway. This results in two distinct problems:Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A heavier workload for the recruiter in charge of looking for the right candidate for the position wherein he/she has to wade through a literal mountain of applications all from people who think they can do the job. A waste of time for the person applying since it is unlikely they will be hired if their skills and experience donâ€℠¢t match what is required in the job posting. It is due to this that when creating a job outline it is important to first place the required skills and experience needed for a position so as to discourage would be applicants from applying assuming they have what it takes but in reality lack the necessary skills and experience to actually do the job properly. What would the duties be? For this particular position (Executive Administrative Assistant / Executive Support) the duties would be to play the role of an assistant in the various aspects of the business that the manager/executive would otherwise be too busy to do. This would come in the form of creating appointments, managing works schedules, ordering products when needed, creating effective time keeping records, inputting personnel data, contacting clients and a variety of other responsibilities as required by the company. Performance Requirements While the job of an Executive Administrative Assistant is not what one would co nsider highly integral to the company the fact remains that due to the nature of dealing with clients, highly confidential company material, assisting the manager and examining various personnel records such a position would thus need a person to be deadline oriented, capable of receiving commands/ assignments on a moments notice, be available to assist even on weekends and thus quite literally assist in nearly every single aspect of a manager’s daily job. While such a workload will not tax a person’s academic experience it still does require a considerable degree of attentiveness and an inherent desire to help. Thus performance requirements for this job will usually entail a person that is already experience in this particular type of job, is well versed with office protocol and is willing to forgo personal time in order to help the company meet tight deadlines. Necessity for Pre-existing Knowledge and Skills Based on the type of work this particular position entails pre-existing knowledge of software systems such as MS-Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Any further knowledge of particular software applications can be gained through experience on the job itself. Re-Written Job Posting Executive Administrative Assistant / Executive Support (Job, 2011)Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Analyzing a Job specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Required Skills and Experience Years Administrative Skills experience in creating travel and expense reports, time sheets, power point presentations and various administrative functions (Job, 2011). Ability to meet tight deadlines Excellent oral and written communications skills Superb Organizational Skills Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint Ability to independently create effective and poignant business correspondence Position Responsibilities Provide telephone support to the Director and staff Manage Director’s O utlook Calendar Book hotel/flight/car rental reservations for Director Make travel and relocation arrangements for various members of the staff Process expense vouchers and supplier bills Schedule meetings and conferences Track timesheets for Director direct reporting Managers Use Excel for tracking metrics and maintain management personnel files Update Monthly Contact List Monthly Organization Charts Input absence for management associate team in AMTS System Miscellaneous activities in the form of ordering flowers, food etc In the re-written job description all references to propriety bases systems have been removed since in all likelihood different systems would be utilized by other companies. Also, for the job of an executive assistant a more general description is used for the various responsibilities for the position. What is notable though is that in this new job posting the required skills and experience are listed on the top rather than in the bottom of the list. This is to immediately connote the importance of this particular set of requirements to ensure that people won’t get the idea that they can apply for the job based on their assumption that they can do it. Overall the job posting is somewhat more simplified however it does go directly to the point of what is needed for the position and what experience and skills are necessary. Reference Job, Search. (2011). Executive administrative assistant / executive support. Retrieved from http://www.jobsearchusa.org/ This essay on Analyzing a Job was written and submitted by user Taraji Whitfield to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

buy custom Costco Wholesale Corporation essay

buy custom Costco Wholesale Corporation essay Costco Wholesale Corporation is a warehouse club chain found in the United States of America. As of July 2011, the organization was the largest membership warehouse club in America. In 2007, Costco was the largest wine retailer in the world. The headquarters of the organization is Issaquah, Washington. The first warehouse of the organization was in Seattle. Costco has decentralized to the United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Mexico. James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman founded the organization in 1983. Today, Costco has approximately 142,000 employees, both full time and part-time. In September 2009, the company had 55 million members (Costco Wholesale n.p.). The companys main strategy is the provision of lowest prices in high quality merchandise. This strategy aims at selling large quantities of goods at low prices. Costcos main competitor is Sams Club. Other competitors are BJs Wholesale Club, 1-800 Contacts,ALDI Group, and Amazon.com. Costco deals in a wide variety of products that include candy, snacks, health as well as beauty aids. Others include tobacco, alcoholic beverages, cleaning and institutional supplies, and dry and fresh food. The company also has institutionally packaged food and tobacco. In addition, Costco Wholesale Corporation deals in pharmacy, optical, one-hour photo, food court, and hearing aids among other products. Currently, the company has 600 warehouses, which include a lot of warehouses in the U.S and Puerto Rico, 32 in Mexico, eight in Taiwan, three in Australia, and 22 in Britain. Porters five forces analysis is a framework for analyzing industries and business strategies. Michael E. Porter developed the approach in 1979. The approach uses industrial organization economics to come up with five forces of competitive intensity and, as a result, determine the attractiveness of the market. Three of Porters forces are about competition from external sources, (the macro environment) and the two others refer to internal threats (micro environment). The five projections consist of the forces that are close to the company and, as a result, can affect the service delivery of the company. Let us use Porters five forces analysis to understand Costcos competitive environment. There is the threat to new competition. This is the suggestion that markets that post high returns tend to attract new firms. This will lead to a big number of new entrants, a fact that will decrease the profitability of all companies in the industry. Thus, incumbents need to block the entry of new companiesso that they maintain realizing high profits. For instance, Costco has established customer loyalty to its brands (Roads 599). The company does not use multiple brands, where the item is the same (except under circumstances, when it is selling a house brand). Besides, the products have low prices as the company buys them in high volumes from vendors. As a result, customers remain loyal to the same brand (which costs relatively less). In addition, Costco has manywarehouses. Thus, new entrants in the market require a lot of capital so as tocompete. There is a wide distribution of the warehouses, a fact that fosters customer loyalty. Let us move on to the threat of substitute products. This is the suggestion that the availability of products other than the common products increases the likelihood of customers to try alternatives. Costcos competitors have used this approach to introduce different products to the market. For instance, Sams Club has established more warehouses than Costco. However, Costco still maintains a higher volume of sales than Sam's club. This is because Costco has countered the move of Sams club by maintaining a low cost (Costco Wholesale n.p.). The other force is the bargaining power of customers. This refers to the ability of the buyers or customers to pressurize the firm. This factor affects the buyers sensitivity to changes in price. Costco ensures that its buyers have a high bargaining power. The company has little to no switching costs. This means that becoming a member is easy. Besides, Costco has a high concentration of buyers (Roads 600). Moreover, the company sales products that are either similar or the same. This practice ensures that there is a guarantee of customer satisfaction. The other force is the bargaining power of suppliers. This means that suppliers of products to the firm can become a source of power over the firm. This is especially when product substitutes are few. In the case of Costco, suppliers have a low power (McGregor 5). There exists a strong relationship between Costco and the suppliers. The practice of buying large quantities at low costs serves as a winwin situation to both parties. The other force is the intensity of competitive rivalry. This is the main determinant of an industrys competitiveness. Costco has high competitive rivalry. The company can easily replicate its economies of scale or supply chain management (Roads 598). In addition, the battle for low costs results into low profit margins. These factors make the organization remain relevant in the market. Costco Wholesale Corporation has managed to maintain a lead in the warehouse industry. However, there are other players that are worthy notice. As already noted, the most significant competitor of Costco is Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. In fact, Sam's Club hasmore warehouses than Costco. The other significant players are BJs Wholesale Club, 1-800 Contacts,ALDI Group, and Amazon.com. Sme of these competitors (for instance, Amazon.com and 1-800 Contacts) specialize in online marketing of their products. However, apart from Sam's club, the most significant player is BJ's Wholesale Club. The three companies (Costco, Sam's andBJs Club) share a similar business model. This involves selling large volumes of merchandise, using low prices in membership-only warehouse clubs. Competition in the warehouse industry aims at retaining members and maximizing profits. Garretson,Fisher and Burton, give the following levels of competition (95). This level involves the needs or desires of consumers. The warehouse company should establish the potential desires and needs and seek to satisfy them. For instance, customers may need easily accessible warehouses. Costco takes into account this factor by ensuring that there are many retail locations that customers can easily access. On a similar note, Sam's Club has followed suit by establishing more retail locations than Costco. Another example is the use of cash, checks and/or credit cards for payments. This is an attempt to satisfy the needs of workers. This refers to the demands that the buyer wants. For instance, some customers may prefer online ordering of goods, rather than walking to warehouses. Companies like, Amazon.com, decided that online marketing was the best. Besides, Costco and the other leading warehouse companies also allow online ordering of goods (Garretson,Fisher and Burton 96). This refers to the competition based on brands. In this level, questions concern the brand name that the consumers prefer. Costco does not use multiple brands, where the item is the same (except under circumstances, when it is selling a house brand). This ensures thatcustomers remain loyal to a brand and, as a result, remain in the same firm. Customers are likely to buy a brand that they already know (McGregor 5). This one involves the consumer demand (type). This entails analyzing the products that consumers prefer. For instance, Costco offers high quality products at low prices.There is a significant reduction in consumer durable spending because people have deferred purchases like furniture and large appliances. In fact, purchases of apparel have reduced by 6 percent for women and 10 percent for men. There have been marginal increases for the apparel of children. This is crucial asthe product categories for the two types of products make up to 29 percent of Costco's business. Although Costco has only a three percent decline (Costco Wholesale n.p.), this is a worrying trend. Costco has decided to concentrate on other products that are recession proof, for instance, wines, snack foods, tobacco and health related products in order to make up ground to avoid the decline. If the economy continues to decline, there is the fear that the Costco Wholesale Corporation will lose its unrivaled economic stability. This means that the company should come up with other measures of guarding against the threat of economic meltdown. Demographics are another key issue that is facing Costco Wholesale Company. Demographics cause trouble for the company's business model of "a single size packaging" of large volumes of goods. The company pursues this practice in order to reduce handling and restocking of the goods (Costco Wholesale n.p.). This has the advantage of cutting down the expenditure of the organization. However, the world has an increase in the number of the aging population, single and divorced people as well as smaller families. This means that there will be few people who need thelarge sizes of goods that Costco offers. This might serve societies that have large families, for instance, in Africa. However, in the countries that Costco has warehouses, the prevalent trend is that of small families. McGregor established that the average American family consists of five members (6). This means that there is the fear that people might start to shop elsewhere as they no longer need the large volumes of goods th at Costco Wholesale Company offers. As a result, the company should explore the possibility of packaging goods in small packages. Pairing the problem of packaging with the concerns of reliable supplies of merchandise brings another significant issue. As it is seen in Porters five forces analysis, there are aggressive competitors that threaten the market share of Costco. Though the company has controlled much of this competition, there are signs that competitors and suppliers are gaining ground over Costco. For instance, Proctor and Gamble cited Sam's club as their preferred merchandiser (McGregor 5). This is because Sam's Club has more efficient logistics and inventory management systems than Costco Wholesale Corporation. Besides, Sam's club purchases ongoing supplies of Proctor and Gamble products in many sizes. Moreover, Sam's Club stocks a full inventory of P G products. This means that when there is a limited production of merchandise,Sams Club will become the preferred customer and the other corporations (in this case Costco) will have to wait or go without. Costco purchases stock of merchandise on the gre y marketwhenever it is possible. The company also handles only a single size of Proctor and Gamble products in sizes,which are not lucrative for Proctor and Gamble. Besides, Costco has few ongoing commitments for its products. This example shows that there are problems with merchandise policy of Costco. The company should move to seal this gap in order to prevent the competitors from having a cleavage. This is a chain of retail warehouse clubs, belonging to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. In 2008, estimates showed that Sam's Club served approximately 47 million members from the United States of America. Sam's Club holds the second position in sales volume of warehouse clubs. As already noted, the first one is Costco Wholesale Corporation. However,Sams has more retail locations (602) than Costco (600). Most of the time, Sam's Club sells its merchandise in bulk. It also sells the merchandise directly off pallets. The products that the club sells include jewelry, designer goods, crystal and collectibles, electronics, apparel, food and meats. In addition, most locations have pharmacy, photo, bakery, optical department, among others. A notable feature in most locations of Sam's Club is the availability of stands, at which employees prepare food products for customers to sample and purchase. The club has approximately 47 million members from the United States of America. It operates about 580 club s nationwide (Roads 599). There are approximately 100 locations in other countries like Brazil, China, and Mexico. Sam's Club earned revenue of $ 46.9 billion in the year of 2009. There are various options that can be used for payment in Sam's Club retail locations. These are Wal-Mart Credit Cards, MasterCard, debit cards, Wal-Mart's gift cards, Discover Card, cash or checks. Sam's club offers an aggressive competition to Costco's Warehouse Corporation because of the wide range of products it provides. In addition, the number of retail locations challenges the position of Costco as the largest warehouse club in America. Sam's Club had $44.4 billion in revenue in the year 2007. This was from 591of its warehouses. BJ Wholesale Club, Inc. is a warehouse club chain that operates on the East Coast of the U.S. and in the state of Ohio. The company began in 1984. In January 2010, there were 190 BJ's locations in the United States of America. The company has about 23, 500 employees. Its main competitors are Costco Wholesale Corporation and Sam's Club. BJ's has many benefits to its members. These involve "member pricing", which is a variety of "name-products" goods at discount wholesale prices, among other benefits. BJ's accepts various payment options, such as cash, check, debit cards, and EBT SNAP benefits. Among the main warehouse clubs, BJ's is the only one that regularly accepts Visa for payment. One should be a member at BJ's to enjoy the various benefits available to consumers and businesses. According to Roads (600), BJ's is the thirdcompany with the largest market share in the United States of America. However, its influence is not comparable to Costco or Sam's Club. In 2007, BJ's got $9.0 billion in revenue from 177 warehouses. Costco has a high membership fee, when compared to the other companies. However, Costco's membership fee includes other services such as car and home insurance. This gives Costco leverage of the other corporations. All the Costco stores allow cash, checks and credit cards. However, Costco only takes American Express credit cards. On the contrary, Sam's Club and BJ's accept MasterCard and Discover.Costco's packaging ensures that goods have a low unit price. The cheap prices, indicated by the other warehouses, are misleading as they do not consider the packaging.Costco has undertaken an extensive expansion program. The domestic overexpansion risks cannibalizing the market share of pre-existing stores. BJ's Wholesale Club and Sam's Club have more controlled expansion programs than Costco. In Costco, the average pay of a worker is remarkably high, when compared to the competitors. For instance, Costco pays $17 an hour, which is 42 percent higher than that of Sam's Club. Most of Costco's products are practical and frequently used goods that people need. Costco allows buying of these products in bulk at cheap prices. Besides, Costco's expansion enables accessibility of their warehouses by many customers. The corporation has racks of gift cards that can be obtained at discounted rates. These include Ruby's Diner, Disneyland, Wild Rivers, and so on. Costco's has a favorable return policy. The member can always return products that are unsatisfactory. However, for electronics, the deadline for returning is 90 days. Costco has an advantage over the rest of the companies given its low prices, high employee motivation (because of the good remuneration) and a comprehensive membership policy. However, the corporation needs to re-examine its weak areas. The differentiated branding, in addition to private label products, enables Costco to provide an upscale club experience to members. This allows Costcoto gain market share and, at the same time, increase sales per square foot (Costco Wholesale n.p.). Costco enters a market by selling membership to employed persons in leading companies. The company also sells membership to owners of small businesses. These practices help to capture the highest income population in discount retailing. Costco can increase its present base of 600 clubs in the world.From 2000 to 2008, the operating income of the company increased from $1.037 to $1.969. The company reduced its shares from 475.7 million to 444.3 million as stakeholder equity rose from 4,240 to 9,192. In the same period, membership rose from 17.1 to 56 million. Costco is the first company in the world to move from zero to $3.5 billion in a span of less than six years. In the fiscal year that ended on August 31, 2009, Costcos sales totaled $71.42 billion. This included $1.09 billion net profit. Buy custom Costco Wholesale Corporation essay

Kurdistan Workers Party Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Kurdistan Workers Party Paper - Essay Example Tom). While the network was not officially recognized as a unique entity until 1976, historically, this never stopped their activities any given time, it has held significant influence in the southern Philippines, where it established itself so strongly in the area solidifying its operation for long, therefore is largely a regional entity rather than a global movement. Throughout the 1980s, the SCU network received support from the United States, Pakistan, and other partner countries to support the Scandinavian campaign. From the 1990s through today, the SCU network has supported a variety of Scandinavian regimes and movements in an attempt to expand Protestant fundamentalist principals in the region where its effects still have seen to date. This shaped the entire history of the area. That the Swedish Chefs United is largely a proxy for Swedish interests in the Philippines. This duality of interests is at times confusing and reflects the complexities of the organization and its interests. Furthermore, the SCU network has limited political goals and has subordinated itself to other entities; instead seeking to maintain influence locally while supporting efforts to spread Crusades elsewhere. Their demands never had a powerful impact at any given time due lack of political will and power, therefore being in existence with no clear motive to drive the a gender The Swedish Chefs United, throughout its history, has served to recruit, train and fund militant groups in the region in support of expanding fundamentalist Lutheranrule. In this section I will further examine current US definitions of terrorism and depict that the SCU’s role as a geographically based vehicle for violence is almost indistinguishable from organizations like al Qaeda and the Pampered Chef because of their activities, goals and operations which are not clear but confusing. They

Consumer behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Consumer behavior - Essay Example This implies that for a positive feedback from the consumer, a lot of emphasis has to be made in ensuring that all these factors put into consideration (Arnold, James, and Scherbet Oliver 1999 p.30 par.4). 3. Consumer behavior is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT thoughts. These factors are characterized by consumers’ dynamism, interactions, exchanges, and predictability. Consumer behavior must be constantly monitored by the marketer because it is usually dynamic and therefore it changes constantly resulting to short product life cycles (Arnold, James, and Scherbet 1999 p.35 par.1). 4. The marketer must constantly monitor consumer behavior because the consumer is: creating new strategies for the products. To keep in touch with this trend, innovation and value addition are of paramount importance in order for the companies to remain profitable and retain their market share. This is achieved by creating new products, newer versions of existing products, new brands and creating opportunities for increased cross holding (Wilcox, Rhoda V 2001 p.34 par.3). 5. To keep in step with shorter product life cycles, many companies are innovating constantly and creating superior value for customers and staying profitable by all of the following ways, EXCEPT constantly changing. Innovation and value addition are of paramount importance in order for the companies to remain profitable and retain their market share. This is achieved by creating new products, newer versions of existing products, new brands and creating opportunities for increased cross holding. (Wilcox, Rhoda V 2001 p.41 par.2). 6. The relationship between the elements involved in consumer behavior is BEST described as: interactive. This is due to the fact that consumer behavior is mainly interactive and profit maximization which is the primary role of marketing must be cognizant of this fact (Arnold, James, and Scherbet 1999 p. 45

MIDTERM EXAM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

MIDTERM EXAM - Essay Example Once the People have promised their submission to such rules and accept to be governed by these laws made by legislatures in such forms, legislature can never delegate (Rosenbloom, 2014). On the contrary, the Supreme Court has uncovered that nondelagation principle has no restriction on Congress seeking help of the coordinate branches of the government (Rosenbloom, 2014). In the  case the between Mistretta v. United States, 488 U.S. 361, 372 (1989). Elements of Intelligence Principle must accompany the delegation to coordinate branches to which the delegated unit need to conform. The standard of delegation is potential to leave the agency that regulation is delegated to with broad discretion (Rosenbloom, 2014). However, the challenge arises from the Congress delegating a power to an executive agency based on the existing checks on the agency’s discretion. An example is the caused between INS v. Chadha, 462 U.S. 919 (1983). The Supreme Court held that the Congress may not uphold a legislative veto over discretionary agency actions since it violates the Constitutional, legislative process of bicameral passage preceded by a presentment to the President. Therefore, the Congress had to follow a formal parliamentary procedure to scrutinize the discretion delegated to a particular agency. Justice Powel concurred that the ruling could be made on a narrower grounds since in case the Congress validates that a person fails to satis fy the reasons laid by the authority for permanent residence, it is deemed to have assumed a judicial role in violating the principle of separation of powers. Therefore, the concurrence by Justice Powel validates the role of the Judiciary in the determination of the agency’s discretion. Despite this validation, Chevron U.S.A, Inc., v. Natural Resource Defense Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984) rejected and limited the role of the Judiciary in

Environmental Factors for International Marketing

Environmental Factors for International Marketing A Key Challenge For International Marketers Is To Develop A Good Understanding Of The International Business Environment. Identify The Key Environmental Factors That Are Of Importance To The Success Of International Marketing And Discuss Their Impacts On International Marketing Decisions. 1. Introduction Due to technological advances and rapid economic growth, the level of world trade has increased considerably over the last four decades. Merchandise exports, for instance, grew from a value of $160 billion in 1963 to almost $16,000 billion in 2008 (WTO, 2009). Motivated by the many rewards and opportunities international exchange offers, more and more countries and companies have become largely involved in international marketing. However, the implications entailed in this â€Å"process of planning and conducting transactions across national borders† are rather different to those companies usually have to face when conducting domestic marketing (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007, p.4). Differences in cultures, economic conditions, and governmental systems amongst countries mean that the marketing activities of companies taking their operations outside national borders are affected by a new series of environmental factors. In order to be successful at international marketing, it is vit al that marketers attain a thorough understanding of these factors as they impact the international business environment and take them into account when carrying out decisions on marketing activities (Hollensen, 2007). Consequently, this essay aims to identify both these fundamental environmental factors and the effects they have on the international marketers decision making. The essay will firstly consider the factors that derive from culture, such as language and religion. Secondly, the economical elements that influence the international business environment will be examined. Finally, the essay will take into consideration legal and political factors. 2. Cultural Environment According to Hofstede (1980), culture is â€Å"the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another†. Given that culture affects consumers behaviour, understanding cultural dissimilarities is crucial for the success of international marketing (Usunier Lee, 2009). Hall (1976) states that there are high context cultures, such as the Japanese one, where the context is equally as important as the words used, and low context cultures, such as the North American one, where communication is often solely conveyed in words. Companies need to be aware of and adapt their marketing concepts to these differences as otherwise it can easily lead to misinterpretations in communication. They need to take into account the element of language which consists of a verbal (the words used and how they are spoken) and a non-verbal part (e.g. gestures and eye contact). The challenge for them is to attain both a thorough understanding of the language in terms of its technicality and the context in which it is used (Hollensen, 2007). In Japan, for example, IBM changed the classification number of its series 44 computer as the pronunciation for the word four is similar to the word death (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). A further important source of culture is religion. Marketers need to be aware of the differences between the main types of religion as well as the variations within them (Hollensen, 2007). In Hinduism, for example, peoples capacity of consumption is determined by their status. Companies need to take this into account when making planning their marketing strategy. Also, as the main holidays are linked to religion marketers need to consider when they take place when planning marketing programs. The exchange of Christmas gifts, for example, occurs on 6th December in the Netherlands, whereas in other countries they are opened on 24th or 25th December (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Also, companies need to take into account the values and attitudes of countries. The more these shared beliefs or group norms are embedded into the culture the more care companies have to take when implementing marketing activities (Blackwell et al., 2005). Societies that place a high value on tradition are more reluctant to change and may perceive foreign companies with scepticism (Hollensen, 2007). In Japan, for example, many bureaucrats feel that the consumption of foreign products is disloyal to their country (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Another element of culture is aesthetics which determines what people find appropriate and what not. This can differ considerably from one culture to another meaning that marketers need to be aware of them and adapt their marketing concepts accordingly (Usunier Lee, 2009). Henkels FA soap, for example, modified its advertisement spot for the North American market by having the model wear a bathing suit instead of being naked, as in the ad for the European market (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Furthermore, it is important that managers understand the different manners and customs of countries (Usunier Lee, 2009). General Foods orange juice Tang, for example, is marketed as a breakfast drink in the United States, whereas in France it is positioned as a refreshment as there is no habit in drinking orange juice at breakfast (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). There is also the element of education that needs to be taken into account. When designing products or services, for example, companies need to be aware of the level of intelligence of the consumer so they can adapt the complexity of the product or the service to the user (Hollensen, 2007). According to Dallas (1995), the best way for companies to overcome these cultural obstacles is to embrace the local culture. They need to take a localised approach by adjusting products to the markets, building relationships with locals and employing them. This allows marketers to gain information and experience at firsthand, attain an in-depth understanding of what influence consumer behaviour in the market, and cooperate efficiently with employees, the government, and other local partners (Usunier Lee, 2009). This would also allow companies to avoid accusations of cultural imperialism, which happens when marketing approaches are seen as too radical. McDonalds and Coca-Cola, for example, have been accused of forcing American standpoints into other cultures and consequently had to deal with boycotts from consumers (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). 3. Economic Environment International marketers equally need to be aware of economic factors when undertaking marketing decisions (Hollensen, 2007). Population figures provide a basic indication of the attractiveness of the market in terms of size and potential growth by looking at life expectancy, age distribution and population growth. They allow marketers to identify the segments and the geographical areas they should target (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Low population growth rates, for example, usually characterise highly economically developed countries with good disposal income (Bradley, 1999). Also, income levels need to be taken into account as they provide an indication of the purchasing power of the market and allow companies to adapt their marketing concepts accordingly (Hollensen, 2007). A packaged goods company, for example, brought out a more economic version of its product in countries that have lower income levels by using cheaper raw materials. Nonetheless, marketers should not greatly rely on this indicator as there are certain types of products that because of the high value they create for the consumer are not affected by income levels. In China, for example, due to being a good upgrade for bicycles and a cheap alternative for cars, sales of motorcycles are high in the country despite the fact that the price of the product represents a high proportion of salary (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Besides, marketers need to consider consumption pattern which allow them to identify the proportion of income that consumers spend on necessities, including food and rent, and consequently the proportion that is left to spend on less important areas of consumption, such as household goods and leisure (Bradley, 1999; Hollensen, 2007). Given that purchases in these areas can be cancelled or postponed unexpectedly, companies can determine the level of confidence in the market (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Another important economical element is inflation as it strongly affects consumers buying habits and ability to buy. In markets with high inflation rates companies need to modify their product making it less expensive to produce so that they can lower their prices to respond to customer needs and sustain demand (Hollensen, 2007). In addition, marketers need to consider the availability and quality of local infrastructure. Transportation, communication, and energy networks have an important effect on the companys functions. They also provide an indication for the demand of industrial products and services (Bradley, 1999; Hollensen, 2007). The fact that two billion people live without electricity and that the access to a telephone is very limited in Asia, for example, informs industrial products and services companies that there are important marketing opportunities for them there (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Furthermore, companies need to consider regional economic integrations as they can create both opportunities and benefits, and threats and problems for them. The European Union, for example, provides many benefits to companies operating within Europe, such as economies of scale thanks to the large single market. For non-EU companies, however, this integration may create problems (Hollensen, 2007). With the aim of protecting European farmers, for example, the EU has now and again imposed restrictions on the inflow of certain agricultural goods from the U.S. (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). A thorough understanding of these factors allows companies to obtain a good assessment of the market and reduces the possibility of implementing marketing concepts that could have disastrous results (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). 4. Political And Legal Environment The political and legal environment of the companys home country, its host country and the general international environment also has important effects on the marketing activities of international companies (Hollensen, 2007). The politics and regulations of the companys home country can determine its opportunities outside national borders (Hollensen, 2007). One of the main types of regulation that international marketers need to be aware of are embargoes and sanctions which are used to distort the free flow of trade. They need to know where they are applicable and take them into account when planning marketing activities so that they do not breach them and face subsequent sanctions (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Governments also employ export and import control systems. Export controls prevent or delay companies from selling their products in certain countries whilst import controls are used to protect and stimulate the domestic market. Marketers need to take them into account so they know where the company can do business and where it can obtain its supply from. Finally, governments may induct special measures to ensure that their companies behave in a correct manner in the international business environme nt. One of the major areas concerned is boycott, which is when companies reject to conduct business with someone (Hollensen, 2007). The governments control in this area can force companies to decide whether to stop transactions and lose profit or to continue trading and pay charges. The Arab nations, for example, have blacklisted a number of companies who conduct business with Israel. In response, the United States imposed several laws to prevent U.S. companies from complying with the Arab boycott as it has political ties with Israel. Companies may lose out to firms whose home country does not employ such measures (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Nonetheless, according to Czinkota and Ronkainen (2007), it is best to avoid adopting inappropriate behaviour as it may lead to damages to the companys reputation, boycotts by consumers and cancellation of transactions. This might cost the company more money than it gained through adopting such behaviour. Companies are also affected by the legal and political environment of the host country. Marketers firstly need to determine the level of political risk, i.e. the likelihood of political changes that could adversely affect the company, by looking at the host countrys government, its political actions and its stability (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). U.S. companies, for example, who are a major target for terrorist attacks because of their home countrys actions and capitalistic image, need to particularly take into account the stability of the host country (Harvey, 1993). Marketers also need to be aware of the actions of the host countrys government. Price controls, for example, which are used by the government to respond to inflation, can put international companies into a difficult situation where it has to decide whether to stop their operations or to carry on in the hope that the controls will be changed and they can regain the sacrificed profits (Frank, 1984). Companies also need to be familiar with the laws of the host country and the restraints they place on their operations. In France, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, for example, there are laws that restrict imports of U.S. entertainment to protect and preserve their cultural industries (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). However there are also laws that are aimed at assisting companies with their international operations, e.g. subsidies (Hollensen, 2007). Shortages of regulations can also create problems for companies, e.g. the lack of intellectual property rights in China (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). Therefore, companies need to attain a good understanding of how the countrys legal and political systems work to reduce the impact of the problems they cause. By undertaking in-depth research on the countrys history, culture and political setting before entering it allows companies to avoid making investments that could have disastrous outcomes. An in-depth knowledge of the country would also allow the company to anti cipate, plan and adapt into the local community. Hiring locally, undertaking local charity work and joint ventures with local businesses show the government that the company cares about the local community and does not just see it as an object it can exploit. This reduces the amount of interference by the government giving the company more freedom in its operations (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007; Hollensen, 2007). Marketers must also consider the overall international business environment. Relations between countries and governments have important effects on the operations of international companies. The U.S. governments differences with South Africa, for example, forced U.S. companies to leave their operations in the country. Relations between home and host countries are governed by bilateral agreements, as well as by multilateral ones between sets of countries (Hollensen, 2007). Marketers need to continuously monitor the international political environment keeping up to date with political affairs so that they can anticipate changes and plan and modify their marketing strategy accordingly. In terms of the legal environment, managers need to be aware of certain laws and treaties which because of the respect they receive from many countries have a strong influence on the way companies operate (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2007). The World Trade Organization, for example, gives an outline on the behavi our that it finds acceptable from its member states (WTO, 2010). 5. Conclusion International marketers are faced with quite many and quite a range of factors in the international business environment that can have profound effects on their marketing activities. They need to be aware of the main sources of culture, such as religion, language, education, values and attitudes, aesthetics, and customs and manners. Given that they are embedded into societies and individuals it is necessary for companies to adapt their marketing activities to the market and not force a different standpoint on the consumer. International marketers also need to consider economical factors, such as population, income, inflation, economic integrations and infrastructure. They allow them to assess the attractiveness of the market and identify the segments and the geographical areas they should target. This reduces the risk of investing money in marketing activities in markets that are unprofitable. Finally, companies need to take into account the legal and political factors affecting the home country, the host country, as well as the overall international business environment. They need to be aware of the different governments, their political actions, their stability, and their relation with other countries, and constantly monitor them by keeping up to date with economic affairs around the world. This allows them to determine the level of political risk so that they can anticipate and plan for threats and take advantage of opportunities political changes offer them. 6. Bibliography Blackwell, R. D., Miniard, P. W. and Engel, J. F. (2000). Consumer Behaviour. London: Thomson-South Western Bradley, F. (1999). International Marketing Strategy. London: Prentice Hall. Czinkota, M.R. and Ronkainen, I.A. (2007). International Marketing. London: Thomson-South Western. Dallas, S. (15 May 1995). Rule no. 1: Dont diss the locals. Business Week [online]. Available from: http://www.businessweek.com/archives/1995/b342416.arc.htm [Accessed 10 February 2010]. Frank, V. H. (1984). Living with price control aboard. Harvard Business Review, Vol. 62, March-April, 137-142. Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Doubleday: Anchor Press. Harvey, M. G. (1993). A survey of corporate programs for managing terrorist threats. Journal of International Business Studies [online]. Vol. 24, No. 3, 465-478. Available from: JSTOR [Accessed 19 January 2010]. Hollensen, S. (2007). Global Marketing: A Decision-Oriented Approach. London: Prentice Hall. Usunier, J. C. (2009). Marketing Across Cultures. London: Prentice Hall. WTO (2009). International Trade Statistics 2009. WTO. Available from: http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/its2009_e/its2009_e.pdf [Accessed 19 January 2010]. WTO (2010). Understanding the WTO. WTO. Available from: http://www.wto.org [Accessed 10 February 2010]. Short Course in International Marketing Blunders : Marketing Mistakes Made by Companies that Should Have Known Better (3rd Edition)

Conrad’s Congo Journey :: Biography Biographies Essays

Conrad’s Congo Journey Joseph Conrad’s own experiences during his trip through the Congo helped him provide a foundation for the writing of Heart of Darkness. In 1890, Conrad took a job as a captain on the river steamer Kinshasa. Before Conrad took this job, he had worked for the French merchant navy as a way to escape Russian military service and also to escape the emotional troubles that had plagued him. Conrad had been in a financial crisis that was resolved with help from his uncle. After this series of events, Conrad joined the British merchant navy at the beckoning of his uncle and took the job as the captain of a steamboat in the Congo River. An important fact to remember is that Conrad was a young and inexperienced man when he was exposed to the harsh and dangerous life of a sailor. His experiences in the West Indies and especially in the Belgium Congo were eye opening and facilitated his strong outlooks that are reflected in the book Heart of Darkness. Conrad’s journey th rough the Belgian Congo gave him the experiences and knowledge to write about a place that most Europeans would never see in their lives. The diaries Conrad kept during his journey through the Congo gives detailed descriptions of the monotonous African landscape. Conrad wrote that the landscape of the African coast looked the same every single day.[1] This is reflected in Marlow’s narration of the jungle where shapes and forms cannot be made out clearly. The monotonous landscape differed from what Conrad had expected of this exotic location. When he was still a young kid, he had once boasted that he would someday journey to the heart of Africa. However, the actual journey was not at all what he expected it to be. Conrad was shocked at the men in the African colony. He was repulsed by the European colonizers because of the horrible treatment of the natives as well as the unlawful aggressive pursuit of loot. Conrad witnessed atrocities committed by the European colonizers, which helped to form his opinions on the colonization of Africa. In the novel, Conrad uses sarcasm to display his displeasure towar ds the European colonizers’ treatment of the natives. The Europeans in the book are called pilgrims and the natives are called cannibals, however the pilgrims are the ones who are much more willing to use force to resolve their problems.