Law Enforcement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Law Enforcement - Essay Example Problem solving teams or quality circles 2. Self managed work teams 3.Cross functioning teams and lastly, 4. Virtual teams. (Robbins 2003, P.259). In the context of legal enforcement, the problem solving team would typically comprise of around 8 - 10 agents or officers, who would be required to crack cases and bring action for prosecution of alleged offenders and criminals. The team would be mostly within the force, and they would share methods, information and evidences, by which the guilty could be brought to the process of law. The main difficulties and drawbacks would be their inaccessibility to evidences and information from outside organization, and also their inability to get all concerned people totally involved in the case-cracking ventures. Next, it is the self-managed work teams which are independent teams which not only solve problems but also take up full responsibilities for their outcomes. They are fully involved in their works from conceptualization of their work processes till the achievement of final results. This team is fully at liberty to choose their own teams, and therefore, there is a greater degree of autonomy and transparency in their operations. However, this team is limited by the absence of functionaries from other departments and functions to participate and contribute in this team building. The third type of work teams are called cross functional teams which are ind

Story from the bible 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Story from the bible 2 - Essay Example the teachings of the Old Testament in which women were often considered to be the root of evil on earth and were therefore condemned to a life of inequality in eternal servitude to the men whom she’d wronged. Although this has long been accepted as the historic custom, there is little evidence in the Bible that Jesus felt this was an appropriate behavior. When one reads through the gospels carefully, one can find numerous instances in which women were considered to be inferior to men, but that Jesus broke the customs and laws concerning how they were to be treated. Throughout the gospels, Jesus can be seen to act in direct opposition to the way in which men were expected to treat women as he deliberately moved against Old Testament law to embrace women as equal human beings engaged in the process of life. In his actions and words, Jesus can be seen to take a revolutionary approach toward women as he consistently treated women as real people of equal value to men. In the gospels alone, there is a lot of evidence that women were not considered equal to men. The idea that they were considered marginal individuals is discussed in the Women’s Bible Commentary in a number of areas but Jesus recognized them anyway. In Mark 5: 25-34, for instance, a woman who has â€Å"had a discharge of blood for twelve years† without finding any successful treatment believes that if she can just touch Jesus’ clothes she will be healed of her illness. She is correct in her belief as she sneaks up behind him and the instant her hand touches his robe, her body is healed but she is doubly-marginal because she is a woman and because she is bleeding, but Jesus turns and speaks with her and blesses her anyway. Another form of a double-marginal woman was a woman who was also a foreigner. There are at least two places where Jesus went directly against custom by speaking with these women directly. In John 4:7-5:30, he takes time to speak with a woman from Samaria. Unlike the woman

A Strategic Analysis Of Tesco

A Strategic Analysis Of Tesco This report is set out in order to evaluate the marketing strategy adopted by Tesco along with how they gain a competitive position internationally through globalisation. Under the findings of this report the approach which will be evaluated will be related to Porters competitive positioning. This will be used to show how Tesco gain a competitive advantage over their rivals such as Asda using the generic strategy. The five force framework will also be investigated to anaylse the competition it faces and finally how Tesco segments there market, identifying the gaps available to develop. In order to write this report a collection of different sources were used. These sources included books, journal articles, media articles, websites, Tescos annual reports and information from Tescos website. The information gained from these sources helped to discover how Tesco manages to gain the competitive advantage in their industry. It has also helped to focus the importance of successful competitive positioning with models from Porter to establish the position in the minds of the consumer. 1.0 Introduction This report includes a theoretical model which will reflect the practice of Tesco in relation to strategic analysis. It will look at the competitive positioning approach and the models/concepts used by Porter to gain a competitive advantage over Tescos rivals. By doing this it will show what other companies in the industry would need to do in order to take over the competitive advantage that Tesco have. Strategy is based on the long term of a business and is the direction and scope of the organisation. It aims to achieve advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences (Johnson et al, 2008). There are generally three different levels of strategies associated with organisations. The top level is known as the corporate level strategy which is alarmed with the overall purpose and extent of the organisation. The second is the business level strategy which looks at particular markets and how to compete successfully in them and the third level is the operational strategies which look at how the organisation delivers successfully (Johnson et al, 2008). 2.0 Findings 2.1 History of Tesco Tesco began when Jack Cohen first opened a market stall in the East end of London in 1919 and since then began trading in 1924. This shows that Tesco has been serving customers in the UK for the best part of a century. Today, they class themselves as much more of a weekly shop as they have introduced new services, products and ways to shop all driven by their Every Little Helps philosophy (Tesco, 2008). In the last decade Tesco has grown their business to become the worlds third largest grocery retailer by determining an excellent level of service wherever they operate. They have a strategy for growth which is based in five parts. These include core UK business, non food, international, retail services and the community (Tesco, 2008). Tescos market share is still growing just short of 7% although that is not as fast as it was. This is because at present the economy is in a recession and so customers are changing their habits (Leahy, 2008). According to the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), the UK food industry group predicts that Tesco will grow at a faster rate than Carrefour in the coming four years. Tescos growth will be spurred by international expansion in markets such as China, the US and India (Hall, 2008). This means that Tesco who are currently the UKs biggest retailer will leapfrog Carrefour by 2012 to become the second largest retailer in the world after Wal ­Mart (Hall, 2008). Within the UK, Tesco employ over 280,000 employees and have over 2,100 stores. Tesco stores have four different formats (See Appendix 1). These are the express stores which sell a range of up to 7000 products with the first express store opening in 1994. The metro store first opened in 1992 bringing the convenience of Tesco to town and city centre locations. The Tesco superstores began in 1970s and in recent years these stores have been introduced to a number of new non ­food ranges such as DVDs and books. Finally the Extra stores have been operating from 1997 and offer the widest range of food and non ­food lines. These products range from electrical equipment to homewares, clothing, health and beauty and seasonal items such as garden furniture. Along with food and non ­food products in different stores, Tesco also offers retailing services (See appendix 2). Tesco Personal Finance (TPF) has the choice of 26 products within their successful market. These range from their savings accounts and credit cards to car and travel insurances. Tescos strategy for growth (see appendix 3) has been well established and consistent which has allowed them to expand into new markets. The rationale for the strategy is to broaden the scope of the business to enable it to deliver strong sustainable long term growth (Tesco Strategy, 2008). 2.2 Competitive Positioning Competitive positioning emphasizes the importance of the environment and provides useful tools for analysing the business in the context of its industry (Campbell et al, 2002 p.298) Competitive positioning is the degree of difference in choice of product or service against the competitor (Lynch, 2003). The competitive positioning approach used by Porter, argues that the position of an organisation is successful if it places itself towards the environment (Campbell, 2002). Positioning within any organisation is achieved through the minds of the consumer and this is what enables businesses to gain a competitive advantage over their rivals (Darling, 2001). A strategic fit is used between an organisation and the environment which again is a way to gain competitive advantage. This is based on Porters Generic Strategy Framework (See appendix 4) (Campbell et al, 2002). 2.3 Identification and application of the models, concepts and theories used in competitive positioning within Tesco 2.3.1 Porters Five Forces The five forces framework (see appendix 5) was developed by Porter and is used in most industries to analyse competition, as it is of value to most organisations providing a useful starting point for strategic analysis (Campbell et al, 2002). Porter suggests that it is the structural characteristics of an industry (the five forces) that determine the relative success or failure of a firm (Jenkins Ambrosini, 2002 p.124). The five forces framework is complex in that different industries could be emerging, maturing or declining and Porter is able to recognise that his competitive strategies would need to vary accordingly (Jenkins Ambrosini, 2002). He believes that competition in an industry is rooted in its underlying economic structure (Jenkins Ambrosini, 2002 p. 29). Johnson et al, 2008 define the five forces as:â‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The threat of entry into an industryâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The threat of substitutes in the industrys products or servicesâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The power of buyers of the industrys products or servicesâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The power of suppliers into the industryâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The extent of rivalry between competitors in the industry For more information on the five forces see table one. A criticism of the five force framework is that Porter implies all competitors within an industry are equal. However, this is not always true as it could be the size of the industry which is causing the threat. Also the macro ­ environment must be regularly reviewed due to the continuous movement as the five forces cannot be applied in isolation (Campbell et al, 2002). 2.3.2 Application of Porters Five Force Framework in Tesco Porters five force framework is used within Tesco in order to examine the external factors impacting upon their company. In relation to the threat of entry into an industry, Tesco along with rivals such as Asda, Sainsburys and other supermarkets put up extensive barriers to entry within their industry (Research Papers, 2007). An example of what Tesco accomplish within the market of certain products means that a new supermarket would not be able to find a cheap, reliable supplier. This would mean that Tesco has the advantage of buying in bulk giving them economies of scale (321 Books, 2007). The power of the buyer in Tesco can force down the price of products, as if buyers want products they know they can get cheaper in another supermarket it is more than likely that the buyer will move to the other supermarket. This means that supermarkets have a disciplined approach to setting the price of their products. Supermarkets destroying each other over profits are prevented due to the discipline used within Tesco (Research Papers, 2007). Tesco uses the power of the supplier to their own advantage. However, the price of products are demanded by the supplier otherwise the retailer will not be delivered the goods to sell (Research Papers, 2007). This would create poor customer service and a bad relationship with the suppliers. With Tesco being a larger supermarket, it has an advantage over smaller shopkeepers as they can dictate the price they are prepared to pay the supplier, as if they do not agree to this they will lose business in the long run (321 Books, 2007). Tesco has a very high competitive rivalry in food retail with competitors such as Asda, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Waitrose. All these competitors compete on price, products and promotions periodically (321 Books, 2007). The five force analysis is also complemented with another technique know as a SWOT analysis which is used to create synergy. A SWOT analysis of Tesco can be found in appendix 6. In order to gain new sales opportunities the major retailers in the UK such as Tesco must expand their product categories which is causing intense rivalry between the UK supermarkets (Hackney Birtwistle, 2006). There is also rivalry with competitors over the operation of online facilities, although Tesco has been proven to be the most successful in implementing their strategy. Due to this it means Tesco can sustain a competitive advantage. Sustaining a competitive advantage can be gained in three different ways which is shown in appendix 7 (Hackney Birtwistle, 2006). 2.3.3 Porters Generic Strategy Porters generic strategy framework is used to gain a competitive advantage and is the oldest approach based on an outside ­in approach. It is known as this as it examines the environment and then decides how to achieve a strategically desirable position (Campbell et al, 2002). However due to the recession the economy is in at present, the question relating to Porters generic strategy is it possible that Tesco can afford to look into the environment? (McNeilly, 2008) Generic strategies are used to attain above average performances within an industry in order to gain a competitive advantage. The generic strategies contain cost leadership, differentiation, cost focus and differentiation focus and can be found in appendix 4 (De Wit Meyer, 2004). Porter has argued that businesses should not get stuck in the middle so must choose either a differentiation or cost leadership strategy (Campbell et al, 2002). Competitive advantage within the broad segments of an industry include the cost leadership and differentiation strategies whereas the narrow segments of an industry aim to gain a cost advantage and include cost focus and differentiation focus. However, different industries will vary widely meaning the generic strategies must relate to that particular industry (De Wit Meyer, 2004). The Tesco generic strategy which is used will have to be cost leadership unless they can successfully differentiate their line of clothing so that they can begin to charge a premium price (Johnson et al, 2007). A critique of Porters generic strategies by Bowman is that he believes competitive advantage should be more effective within an organisation than its competitors in order to provide customers with want they want or need. Due to this criticism Bowman developed the strategy clock (see appendix 8) (Johnson et al, 2008). Positioning and competitive advantage can be gained using the strategy clock as it makes managers aware of how changing requirements of their markets and choices can be made (Johnson et al, 2008). In relation to the strategy clock developed by Bowman, Tesco adopts the hybrid strategy as it accepts elements of both cost leadership and differentiation (Campbell et al, 2002). A hybrid strategy seeks simultaneously to achieve differentiation and a price lower than that of competitors (Johnson et al, 2008, p.230). However, it could be argued that the price of products used by Tesco should not need to be lowered if differentiation can be achieved. The reason behind this is, Tesco should be able to obtain their prices at least equal to competitors such as Asda and Morrisons if not higher due to them being market leader (Johnson et al, 2008) Johnson et al, 2008 believe that Hybrid strategies can be advantageous for a number of reasons as detailed below: v Tesco is achieving a high standard of market share in the UK. This is due to the grater volumes being achieved over their competitors, meaning their margins could still be superior due to the low ­cost base they have. v Hybrid strategies can be used as an entry strategy in the market where there are established competitors. Tesco adopts this strategy when developing their global strategy. It allows them to target competitors and enter the market in different geographical areas with superior products at low prices. This enables them to get established and gain customer loyalty. 2.4 Identification of market segmentation A market segment is a group of customers who have similar needs that are different from customer needs in other parts of the market (Johnson et al, 2008, p.77). The advantages of market segmentation are shown in appendix 9. Typical bases for segmentation of markets are: v Demographic variables which include difference of age, stages of the family life cycle, gender, income, occupation, education, race and religion. v Geographic variables such as difference by country, region, type of housing/neighbourhood v Psychographic variables which exploit the lifestyle, personality or intelligence differences between people v Behavioural variables such as attitudes to brand loyalty, frequency of use, consumption occasion (Campbell et al, 2002, p.95). Tesco appeal to all customers as the products they sell attracts customers from low incomes to those who are more affluent (McNeilly, 2008). Their product choice is increasing in diversity which ranges from healthy living products, free from products, special healthy kids snacks, organic products and fair ­trade products (Tesco, 2008). This means they segment successfully which is shown in their profits (McNeilly, 2008). For Tesco customer segmentation see appendix 10. Due to segmentation, Tesco have recently identified a few gaps in the market which has enabled them to react to these particular markets before competitors notice them. The first gap they identified was the music download service which will have a major impact on Apples position as it will allow people to legally purchase and download (Beaumont Warman, 2008). Tesco digital is there new venture and plans to play Apple at its own game (Beaumont Warman, 2008). Another area were Tesco has identified a gap in the market is with cheese. The Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) have added a range of four different cheeses to their portfolio which they have launched in 650 Tesco stores. These are known as the 1st grade range and include mild, mature, Ploughmans vintage and red Leicester. These cheeses are aimed at a gap in the market between everyday brands and niche offerings (The Grocer, 2008). 2.5 Globalisation According to Lasserre, 2007 Globalisation is the phenomenon of the transition of industries whose competitive structure changes progressively from multinational to global. Industries such as telecommunications, processed food, personal care and retail are in the process of globalisation. It is also associated with consistency of products and practices alongside a high level of co ­ordination and integration of activities in Tesco value chain (Lasserre, 2007). See appendix 11 for this. According to Inkpen Ramaswamy, 2006 p.14 global companies must understand customers from the perspective of both domestic and international standards and must have the ability to learn in multiple locations far from the home base. The models which will be analysed to explain the basis of global strategy are Porters global generic strategies, Yips driver framework and Porters Diamond theory. 2.5.1 Porters global generic strategy When looking at globalisation, Porter adapts his generic strategy framework to global conditions. This model suggests five strategy alternatives what a business can use when operating internationally as shown in appendix 12. These five alternatives are positioned either with the extent to which the business is globalised or by the scope of the competitors within the industry (Campbell et al, 2002). In relation to Porters global strategy he considers that competitive advantage results from the global scope of an organisations activities and the effectiveness with which it coordinates them (Campbell et al, 2002, p.268). He also argues that configuration of value ­adding activities and coordination of value ­adding activities is what global competitive advantage depends upon (Campbell et al, 2002). Tesco has demonstrated that their value ­adding activities of allowing customers to shop for all of their needs under the one roof, has enabled them to gain a global competitive advantage effectively. 2.5.2 Yips Globalisation driver framework Yips Globalisation driver framework develops the concept of total global strategy and is much more useful than Porters global generic strategy framework as it evaluates both the overall degree of globalisation within an industry along with demonstrating the features of an industry which are more or less global naturally (Campbell et al, 2002). Yip also believes that his framework helps identify areas of an industry which are global and aspects of the industry which differ locally. Managers of businesses which are global should create their global strategy on the basis of the analysis made for the globalisation drivers (Campbell et al, 2002). 2.5.3 Porters Diamond Theory Sustainable competitive advantage is needed in any business international strategy. When entering into a foreign market/country a business will be at a disadvantage so must have competitive advantages in order to overcome this issue (Johnson et al, 2008). This can be done as Tesco has been successful in many different markets such as Europe, Asia and the US. For a list of countries which Tesco operate in and the year they first opened in that particular country see Table 2. Porters Diamond theory explains how some businesses such as Tesco have a sustained competitive advantage in their industry when their competitors have not been as successful (Johnson et al, 2008) Tesco have more than ten years experience overseas due to their international strategy which contains six elements. These are to be flexible, act local, maintain focus, use multi ­ formats, develop capability and build brands. This is the reason behind how they are able to sustain a competitive advantage and are the third largest supermarket worldwide (Tesco, 2008). Appendix 14 shows the determinants of national advantages using Porters Diamond theory. 3.0 Conclusion Recommendations From the findings of this report, there is evidence to suggest that Porters strategies are relevant in todays grocery industry in relation to competitive positioning. These strategies which Porter uses relate to all types of industries and they help businesses to gain a competitive advantage as in the case of Tesco. By having these strategies in place it has allowed Tesco to gain this competitive advantage in the UK and overseas making them the third largest grocery retailer in the world. These strategies have been used successfully for over twenty years and will continue to be successful in the future. At present the economy is in a recession, meaning that people are spending less and changing their behaviour and habits when it comes to shopping. However, Tesco try to assure their customers that they are about value so there is no need for them to shop anywhere else. Growth is what Tesco believe in and even though the economy is in a recession they have planned and prepared long ­term to expand and invest in the UK and internationally which will create up to 30,000 jobs. In recent recessions Tesco continued to invest which they believe is one of the best things they have done and will continue to invest during this economic recession. Ref erence s Johnson et al (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy, eight edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited Tesco (2008). Tesco PLC [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/ Leahy, T. (2008). Tesco Interim Results, 2008 ­2009: Full Interview [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/results/r2008/sirterry_interview090 8/ Hall, J (2008). Tesco to be world number two by 2012 [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/tsco/3691672/tesco ­to ­ be ­wor Campbell et al, (2002). Business Strategy: An introduction, Second Edition, Oxford, Elsevier Butterworth ­Heinemenn Lynch, R (2003). Corporate Strategy, third edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited Darling, J. (2001). Successful competitive positioning: the key for entry into the European consumer market, European Business Review, 13, (4), pp.209 ­ 220 Jenkins Ambrosini (2002). Strategic Management: A multi ­perspective approach, Hampshire, Palgrave Research Papers (2007). Porters Five Forces on Tesco. [Internet] Available from: http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Porters ­5 ­Forces ­Tesco/108949 321 Books (2007). Porters Five Forces at Tesco PLC. [Internet] Available from: http://www.321books.co.uk/catalog/tesco/porters ­five ­forces.htm Hackney Birtwistle (2006). The UK grocery business: towards a sustainable model for virtual markets, International Journal of Retail Distribution Management, 34, (4/5), pp.354 ­368 McNeilly, A (2008). Globalisation and the multinational Lecture Notes [24.11.08] De Wit Meyer (2004). Strategy process, content, context, third edition, London, Thomson Beaumont Warman (2008). Can Tesco topple iTunes? [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/3357071/can ­tesco ­ topple ­itunes The Grocer (2008). DFB 1st Grade targets gap in cheese market [Internet] Available from: http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articlesID=195740 Lassere, P (2007). Global Strategic Management, second edition, Hampshire, Palgrave Inkpen Ramaswamy (2006). Global Strategy, New York, Oxford University Press Inc Morris, T (2004). Tesco: a case study in supermarket excellence, New Zealand, Corolis Research Business Teacher (2008). Tesco Swot Analysis, [Internet] Available from: http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business ­resources/swot ­analysis ­ database/tesco ­swot ­analysis/ Bib liog rap hic Ref erencing Beaumont Warman (2008). Can Tesco topple iTunes? [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/3357071/can ­tesco ­ topple ­itunes Business Teacher (2008). Tesco Swot Analysis, [Internet] Available from: http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business ­resources/swot ­analysis ­ database/tesco ­swot ­analysis/ Campbell et al, (2002). Business Strategy: An introduction, Second Edition, Oxford, Elsevier Butterworth ­Heinemenn Darling, J. (2001). Successful competitive positioning: the key for entry into the European consumer market, European Business Review, 13, (4), pp.209 ­ 220 De Wit Meyer (2004). Strategy process, content, context, third edition, London, Thomson Hackney Birtwistle (2006). The UK grocery business: towards a sustainable model for virtual markets, International Journal of Retail Distribution Management, 34, (4/5), pp.354 ­368 Hall, J (2008). Tesco to be world number two by 2012 [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/tsco/3691672/tesco ­to ­ be ­wor Inkpen Ramaswamy (2006). Global Strategy, New York, Oxford University Press Inc Jenkins Ambrosini (2002). Strategic Management: A multi ­perspective approach, Hampshire, Palgrave Johnson et al (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy, eight edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited Lassere, P (2007). Global Strategic Management, second edition, Hampshire, Palgrave Leahy, T. (2008). Tesco Interim Results, 2008 ­2009: Full Interview [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/results/r2008/sirterry_interview090 8/ Lynch, R (2003). Corporate Strategy, third edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited McNeilly, A (2008). Globalisation and the multinational Lecture Notes [24.11.08] Morris, T (2004). Tesco: a case study in supermarket excellence, New Zealand, Corolis Research Research Papers (2007). Porters Five Forces on Tesco. [Internet] Available from: http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Porters ­5 ­Forces ­Tesco/108949 Tesco (2008). Tesco PLC [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/ The Grocer (2008). DFB 1st Grade targets gap in cheese market [Internet] Available from: http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articlesID=195740 321 Books (2007). Porters Five Forces at Tesco PLC. [Internet] Available from: http://www.321books.co.uk/catalog/tesco/porters ­five ­forces.htm Appendix 4 Competitive Advantage Differentiation Broad Cost Leadership Differentiation Asda Waitrose Tesco Competitive Scope Sainsburys Cost Focus Differentiation Focus MS Delicatessens Narrow The Generic Strategy Framework. De Wit Meyer, 2004 p. 262 Appendix 5 The Five Forces Framework Potential entrants Suppliers Threat of entry Competitive Rivalry Bargaining Power Bargaining Power Buyers Threat of substitutes Substitutes Johnson et al, 2008 p.60 Appendix 6 SWOT analysis of Tesco Strengths: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Tesco within the global market place won retailer of the year award 2008. this can drive advantage towards future growth and sustainability à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Although global retail sales are declining, Tesco Group have gained sales of 13% in the UK and 26% growth internationally à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ As Tesco look to expand they have reserved funds of credit available Weaknesses: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduced profit margins can be the case of Tescos position as a price leader in the UK à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Tesco Finance profit levels were caused through bad debt, credit card arrears and household insurance claims. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Due to current economy at present, Tesco will suffer due to the cost of living and lower disposable income Opportunities: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Statistics show that economies of scale can be gained through buying power, which is why Tesco are the third largest global grocer à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Due to the acquisition in Asia there is opportunity for further growth internationally à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Further growth and development will be made with Technology Threats: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The credit crunch has affected the UK and American markets so Tesco will focus on lower priced products à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Wal ­Mart who are world leaders put persistent threats of takeover on Tesco à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Products areas may need to be evaluated due to changes in consumer buying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ profit margins may be affected by the rise in raw materials Business Teacher (2008). Tesco Swot Analysis, [Internet] Available from: http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business ­resources/swot ­analysis ­ database/tesco ­swot ­analysis/ Appendix 7 Sustaining competitive advantage Price ­Based strategies à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Accept reduced margin à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Win a price war à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduce Costs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Focus on specific segments Differentiation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Create difficulties of imitation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Achieve imperfect mobility (of resources/competences) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reinvest margin Sustaining Competitive Advantage Lock ­in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Achieve size/market dominance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ First ­mover advantage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reinforcement à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rigorous enforcement Johnson et al, 2008. p. 225 Appendix 8 The Strategy Clock: Competitive strategy options High Perceived product/service benefits Low Price 2. Hybrid 3. Differentiation 4. Focused Differentiation 5. 6. 1. No Frills 7. Strategies destined 8. for ultimate failure Low Low High Price Needs/risks 1. No frills Likely to be segment specific 2. Low Price Risk of price war and low margins; need to be cost leader 3. Hybrid Low cost base and reinvestment in low price and differentiation 4. Differentiation a) Without price premium Perceived added value by user, yielding market share benefits b) With price premium Perceive added value sufficient to bear price premium 5. Focused differentiation Perceived added value to a particular segment, warranting price premium 6. Increased price Higher margins if competitors do not follow; risk of losing market share 7. Increased price/ low value Only feasible in monopoly situation 8. Low value/ standard price Loss of market share Appendix 9 Target market selection Differentiation Market Segmentation Tailored marketing mix Opportunities and threats Jobber, 2004 p, 275 Appendix Firm Infrastructure Support Activities Human Resource M

Mark Twain :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Samuel Clemens was born and grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. This was the home of his later characters Tom Sawer and Huck Finn. In these books he incorporated such features that really existed in Hannibal; features such as Holidays Hill, Bear Creek and Lover’s Leap. Clemens described the residents of Hannibal as happy and content with the lives they led in their small town.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his late teens, Clemens left Hannibal on a riverboat to become a printer in St. Louis. He moved up in the ranks of printing and moved to New York and eventually to Washington D.C. Clemens remembered how much fun he had had on the riverboat and how glorious it must have been to be a pilot. He soon decided to move to New Orleans to become a pilot. On the boat, he often heard things like ‘Mark the twain, two fathoms deep’. He liked how the words â€Å"Mark Twain† sounded and in one of his first books, ‘Life on the Mississippi’ about his four years piloting the Spread Eagle along the twisting river, he decided to use the name Mark Twain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mark Twain stopped piloting the riverboat in 1861, at the start of the Civil War, to join the Union. He went to war for two weeks and left immediately after being involved in the shooting of a civilian. He said he knew retreating better than it’s inventor did.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He soon decided to travel 1,700 miles from the Missouri Territory , to the Nevada Territory. He passed through Overland City, Horseshoe City, and many large and small cities in between.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clemens commented that Salt Lake City was healthy. He said that the city had one doctor who was arrested once a week for lack of work. Virginia City was very lively from all of the gold and silver found near. He commented that the saloons, courts and prisons were busy and there was a whiskey mill every fifteen steps.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inspired by the vein of silver as wide as a New York City street under Virginia City, Twain decided to go prospecting. Many people went prospecting crazy but Twain thought it must have skipped over him. After not finding any silver, he wrote a book called Roughing It.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clemens soon went to San Francisco and took a job at the San Francisco Times. From them he got the title of â€Å"The Most Wild Humorist of the Pacific Slope†.

Leadership order

NO. I differ with him since one should not assume a problem while hoping that solutions will be found after sometime. The partnership had grown from having 2 to 27 people in one town and has spread into three separate towns. The partnership being a law firm has increased the number of attorneys to 18 resulting into increased number of cases being handled by the firm, increased number of employees and increased number of clients. Hiring a General Manager-operations (G.M) was intended to assist in promotion of production in the company. Instead he was sending away clients without accepting the liabilities. Further efforts showed be put into place into retain them as well as bring back those who had already left. These clients have been with the company for a long time and the firm could not afford loose because of a mistake of one individual. This is because the firm was likely to face problems key among them being, loss of jobs for its employees as a result of reduced number of clients. Additionally, the company will not be able to run its day to day business since there will be reduced income. The partners should insist on meeting the clients and ask them to return to their firm since they knew their services. The partners should first deliberate on the issue of retaining the general manager because he was not result oriented. The G.M-operations overstepped is mark and instead of improving the customer relations, expanding the customer base as well as enhancing the relations with the local communities he severed both the customer and client relations. The top management team should move very fast and replace the general manager immediately so as to save the company. Power sharing is a very important aspect of leadership since, the problems facing the junior staff, decision-making and implementation is increased. De-concentration of power also promotes efficiency and effectiveness since the leaders involved will have few responsibilities to shoulder and thus they will perform their duties to the maximum for the advantage of the group. Leadership is not about directing and guiding people to do a particular task but is an issue where a group member influences the rest of the group to accomplish an objective. A leader should direct the organization towards greater cohesiveness and coherence (Schriesheim, Chester A. 221-228, Lewin, K, LIippit, R and White R.K. 271-301). The authority that a leader possesses should be directed to accomplishment of the groups’ goal. Good leadership should be one that makes the followers and the junior staff desire to achieve higher goals rather than to simply ride over the juniors. The manner and approach in which an individual provides direction, implement plans and motivate people normally defines the leadership style his/her leadership style. A General Manager-operations of a fast growing firm should be one not limited to a specific leadership style. He should however be ready to employ all styles depending on the situation. Â  Participatory/democratic leadership style which involves one or more members of the group in making decisions has been found to be very appropriate. This style should have worked very well since the G.M-operation was new in the legal firm as he had come from insurance company where he had worked for long. Instead of spending a lot of time of learning about the organization, its members and books of account he would have instead involved the longest serving employees in decision making. This style would allow members to own the decisions reached upon since the were part of their generation. This leadership style is so pronounced in individuals who are cooperative, dedicated and team players as well as solely motivated to achieve tangible results not for their benefit but that of the larger firm. However, since a formal organization is prone to have employees of different skills, personalities and temperaments, a leader should be well conversant with all leadership styles which include: authoritarian/autocratic, participative/democratic and delegative/free reign and be ready to use any of them alternately depending on the surrounding circumstance Although I have used all the leadership styles very successfully the most pronounced style that I posses is autocratic/authoritarian which I demonstrate without a lot of struggle .With this style I prefer being a leader of newly formed group member of whom giving directions and receiving advice is never a problem. I also prefer leading new team members since I derive a lot of pleasure in showing off my capacities. It also reduces deliberation time and decision making since the members are rarely consulted and decision making is top down. However, I will never prefer leading a group composed of highly skilled and knowledgeable members since they have a potential of critiquing my style. They may require participation in decision-making as well as delegation of duties. Additionally since I desire being recognized as a boss I will rather be a leader for an inexperienced group. References Schriesheim, Chester A. The Great High Consideration – High initiating structure Leadership myth: Evidence on its generalizability. The journal of social Psychology, April 1982, 116, pp 221-228 Mind tools: Leadership styles, using the right one for your situation. Accessed online on Lewin, K, LIippit, R and White R.K. Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally Created social climates. Journals of social psychology 1999, 10, 271-301

Respecting Elders

Respecting my elders, and everyone else, just comes natural to me, because when I was just a little girl, I was taught that I must always respect my elders, if I didn't, I'd get a slap on my face by my parents. As I grew up, I came to realize the true meaning of the phrase, â€Å"respect your elders,† and I agree fully with my mother's teachings. I not only respected my elders, but I respected everyone around me. When I had my children, I taught them the same way my parents taught me, on how to respect their elders, and why.I never had any problems teaching my children how to respect, not only their elders, but how to respect everyone. We need to keep up with the tradition of respect, because so many people are so ignorant with each other, I'd just turn away because I know if I stay and listen, I'll say something to these little devils for being so mean to anyone and everyone. My son, now has a son that is 11 years old, and if he is caught making fun of anyone, then he has his father to answer[pic] to, and is made to apologize to the person that he has made fun of, whether it be another child or a grownup.Respect is something that has slipped through the cracks of time, and I think it is time to bring it back into our youth. These young people today are so rude to everyone, not just their elders around them, that I'd like to smack them myself, and I don't even know them from Adam. It just makes me so mad to see how some of the elderly are treated today, and I don't know what to do about it, but is sure makes me sick. For our young children to respect anyone they have to be taught right from the start, when they are growing up.It's not something that can be taught after they are grown up, because they have never learned the meaning of the word respect. It so sad, that in today's society, you see some of the things that are going on with everybody, not only our elderly, but anyone around them. There is no respect in this world today and that's just so sad. I treat everyone with respect, even though I know they don't respect me most of the time, but that's OK, I feel better when I respect others, even if they don't. Created on: May 02, 2008 Our elders have gone through a lot in their lifetime.I think it is important to respect our elders because they have experienced life and gone through a lot more than we have. I think history has shown that we are a successful, rich country. I don't think we would have the freedom and the respect from other countries if it weren't for our elders and their sacrifice to get us where we are today. I respect my grandfather because he was captured and taken to a concentration camp during World War II. My grandfather escaped from a camp, ran into the woods and went into hiding for a year.My grandfather is one of the lucky Jews that survived because he had the will to live. Why shouldn't he be respected? I respect my parents because they are the ones that brought me in this world and have taken care of me until I was able to take care of myself. I personally have a lot of respect for my parents because they did a lot for me over the years. I wouldn't have the education without them. They got me where I am today and I am sure it wasn't easy[pic] for them. I believe they deserve thanks for everything they have done for me and thus deserve my respect.The idea of the importance of respecting our elders raised many questions in my mind. Do most even know what respect is? Wikipedia defines respect as taking into consideration the views and desires of others and incorporating it into your decisions and being truthful to people. Why shouldn't we respect anyone? I think everyone should be respected unless given a reason not to be. When you meet someone for the first time are you disrespectful? No. Why should you be? I think everyone deserves a chance and once you get to know the person you can decide based on your own values whether or not you should respect them.I have a lot of younger cous ins that respect me because I am older and know more about life than they do. I don't think elders should be singled out and immediately respected because they are older. Why shouldn't respect go both ways? I think my friends respect me because I respect them. I think it is important to understand what respect is and understand what your elders have gone through to get where we are today. I think everyone deserves the same amount of respect unless given a reason to be disrespected. Quotes: â€Å"In Western Civilization, our elders are books. â€Å"The Elders were closer to the Maker of All Things and should be deferred to whenever they made their will known. † 2 paragraphs The elderly have lived long lives. They are so important in our lives because of this. The longer that one has lived, the more of a life they have to share with others. The elderly have much to contribute to this world. Most already have contributed while others will soon be contributing their best as time goes by. Even the elderly are still learning. It has been said that you learn something new every day, and that is just why even the elderly are still learning.They have much wisdom to share with the world, even if they have just learned it themselves. Learning It really does not matter what your age is. Everyone every day is learning. We learn from both the young and from the old. The young are so precious, and they often inspire us even in the simplest ways. They really have not experienced much yet in the way of living, but they sure can bring up things that we have never even thought of before. They can teach us all sorts of behaviors and help us to change our attitudes in our lives.The elderly, however, are so important in our daily lives, because we can learn much from their actual experiences. They have lived long lives, and have experienced many things worth sharing with us that can help us to improve our daily lives. We can even learn things through the elderly that will h elp us to get along with others much easier, get over things more quickly, respect others, and even enjoy looking at things in a more positive manner. Trials The elderly are so important in our lives, because they have gone through many trials.The longer that anyone has lived, the more trials that they have gone through in their lives. It is hard to accept trials in our lives, but they do exist. The elderly are more than willing to share their past experiences with us. They are actually happy to do this. The elderly have learned where they may have gone wrong in life along with things that they are very proud of the choices that they have made. Spending time with the elderly is one of the best and most exciting things that you can do these days. They can help us with many aspects in our own lives.The elderly can even help us to avoid many trials in our lives through their many words of wisdom. Sharing Elderly people in our lives are so important, because they enjoy sharing with us. Elderly people sincerely enjoy sharing all sorts of things in their lives. As people age, sharing becomes more and more important to them. As you age, you realize that you have gone through numerous experiences of all kinds that are worthy of helping others to get through their experiences. As the elderly share more and more, they enjoy it more and more.It is always a great feeling to know that your simple words can be helping others. The elderly also have many items along with valuable treasures that they enjoy sharing. As they grow older, they no longer have the need for many things in their lives. They love having the opportunity of passing these precious things in their lives onto others and sharing their joy along with their stories. Loving The elderly people in our lives are so important to us, because they are very loving people. Elderly people are very loving, caring, and thankful people.As we age, we all learn to enjoy the better things in life. Better things, as in more im portant things and things that really matter. Elderly people normally grow more loving and caring as they age. They grow more thankful of even the simplest things. Elderly grow to appreciate life much more than anything. Elderly people are so precious and enjoyable. Many of the elderly are also quite funny. Look at the elderly people in your life, and listen to them. This will surely bring you a new healthy and positive look on life.