White Paper on Pros and Cons of Positioning and Expanding the Essay

White Paper on Pros and Cons of Positioning and Expanding the Company's Strategy and Operational Direction in the Global Markets - Essay Example Creating brand equity is the initial step for a company to develop acceptability from foreign markets. Brand positioning should also be done strategically to determine the target market for the products and services offered by the company. Finally, this paper provides different approaches and strategies that can serve as a reference for the planning of a company’s mode of entry. White Paper on Pros and Cons of Positioning and Expanding the Company's Strategy and Operational Direction in the Global Markets Introduction Most multinational companies have been operating in the global market for decades, with combined sales that accounts for a quarter of the entire global economy. According to Kotler, Keller and Burton (2009), Altria and its subsidiary Philip Morris operates to over 160 countries with a total size comparable to the economy of New Zealand, the company’s exports in 2006 took part in the GDP Growth of the US comprising a quarter of the entire market.... A company gets its initial exposure to the international business when they start to establish foreign trade to partner countries for purchasing or selling raw materials, goods, or services. The transactions are relatively simple in cases where the flow of cash is only in one direction, for instance, an importer paying a foreign supplier. For this case, the primary need is foreign exchange services and finance services without the need of having a bank account in the country where the trade partner is located. However, as the company expands its international business, the need to establish an operation in a foreign country becomes inevitable. This property acquisition may range from having a simple sales office to a highly complex operation such as putting up a manufacturing facility. In this line, where international operations handle making and receiving payments in a foreign currency, an effective international treasury management is important (Deroo, 2011). The drawback of such operations is that offshore trade activities are not visible to corporate treasury making it difficult to determine the company’s cash position, control over foreign exchange exposures, and manage its working capital globally. There is also a deficiency for safety and security associated with preventing fraudulent activities as well as the occurrence of some unwanted degree of bank risks (Deroo, 2011). In order to increase the chances of thriving in the global market several steps should be undergone by the company. A strategic brand management process is important for a good quality product or service. Its most important goal is to develop an intense customer loyalty. The process has four main steps, namely; identifying and

Assignment 1 is Thesis Critique and Assignment 2 Article Critique Essay

Assignment 1 is Thesis Critique and Assignment 2 Article Critique - Essay Example The study is important in that it contributes to the creation of more theoretical knowledge in the field of study, through creating a clear understanding of alcoholism and the factors that contributes to such a practice. In contributing to the theoretical knowledge, the study differentiates the normal contributory factors to alcoholism, to display the particular ones that are related to individuals with parental responsibilities (Kalekye, 2010). Additionally, the study contributes to more knowledge in the field of study by providing new methodologies, policies, and practices applicable in controlling this practice. The study suggests how rehabilitation, counseling, and family support can be applied to help such individuals overcome the addiction and take up the parental responsibilities. However, the study lacks well-defined research variables. Sampling Techniques and Sample The samples for use in the study were obtained from the central province of Kenya, arguably since it is the mo st affected of all the regions. Random sampling was used to identify the households from which individuals will be sampled. Stratified and systematic sampling techniques were used to identify the particular individuals who will be investigated from such households (Kalekye, 2010). Thus, a sample of 1054 households, consisting of 3172 individuals with parental responsibilities was applied for the study, running between 2008 and 2010. In consideration of the whole Kenyan population, and in regard to the diversity of the Kenyan communities, some of which consider alcoholism as a taboo, then this sample is not representative of the total population, and thus the findings may not be reliable to give the actual situation Design, Procedure, Instrumentation The study has effectively referred to previous studies undertaken in this field. A pilot study was also undertaken in 2008 (Kalekye, 2010). The study also analyzed references, by undertaking a literature review, such as reviewing the UNE SCO report of 2009 and the NACADA of 2010. Such evaluation was the basis of formation of the research hypothesis, which postulated that, there is a high rate of parental alcoholism and alcohol abuse in central Kenya region, more than in any other part of the country (Kalekye, 2010). Another hypothesis was that the children and spouses of alcoholics are more likely to be involved in alcohol and other drugs abuse (Kalekye, 2010). The study has stated its problem, objectives, and hypothesis in a clear and understandable manner. Both Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were applied under the study. Questionnaires and interview guide were applied as the data collection instruments, which were more appropriate for the study. The rationale of applying such instruments is that it would take less time to administer and collect information, while also affording an opportunity to apply observation, which gives the real picture of the situation However, the sample considered was not suff icient to give reliable basis of the findings on the study. The procedure of the study is well defined; where the study first embarked on a pilot study in 2008. This was followed by developing and refining interview questions as well questionnaires. Then, the questions and questionnaires were administered and

Immigration, visa, I 20, I94, staying in status, ICE, SEVP, SEVIS Essay

Immigration, visa, I 20, I94, staying in status, ICE, SEVP, SEVIS - Essay Example The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is one of the bodies that ensure the security of the nation by making sure all those who enter the nation will not endanger the country in any aspect, in any form or manner. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State to monitor non-immigrant students. To further this role, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is used to store information about the arrival and departure of non-immigrant students, exchange visitors and their dependents. Studying in the United States is both a privilege and an opportunity however, one has to stay within the rules and regulations contained in the contract, where an individual binds himself with the country as a visitor. The most important of which is staying in status. Before the student’s visa expires, he should leave the country as agreed upon otherwise, the student will definitely suffer a great loss. Such record will affect one’s further applications for travel to the country in the

Traditional versus Online Shopping Essay Example for Free

Traditional versus Online Shopping Essay Through the innovations of technology, human activities changed. Technology has indeed influenced the daily lives of men. Impossible things were made possible. Complicated and tiresome jobs were made easy through technological gadgets and internet. Convenience and efficiency are indeed the end purpose of these technological innovations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One aspect of life that is significantly influenced by internet is shopping or purchasing. In shopping people can now choose between traditional and online shopping. Traditional shopping is the usual way people buy their items which is in supermarket or stores, while online shopping is done through internet. Meanwhile, traditional shopping is also referred as brick-and-mortar store (Olsen, 228) Both serves a purpose of catering the needs of buyers and at the same time profit from the transaction. In addition, both kinds of shopping offers advantage and disadvantage to the buyers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are some similarities of the brick-and-mortal and online stores. As to availability, buyers can buy at any time of the day and night. Due to competition some stores open and serves 24/7, even during holidays. Shopping online can also be done at any time by simply browsing through the website.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, they differ in many ways. As to physical location, a space, store or warehouse is very important for traditional shopping, while online store do not need such space (Olsen, 235). For the buyers convenience, online shopping offers more than traditional shopping. In traditional shopping, the buyer need to go to supermarkets or stores, while in online shopping, the buyer just need to go to the URL or marketing site of the seller. Moreover, as to availability, some stores are open only within opening hours, while online shopping is available at anytime and anywhere (Olsen, 235). Besides online shopping do not require transportation to the advantage of the customer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In traditional shopping, the buyer can see, hold, try, and test the items while online shopping only offers the buyer to see and read the description of the product (Olsen, 235). The products will directly be presented to brick-and-mortar store while it is done indirectly in online shopping. In addition to online shopping, customers are able to easily browse the types of the products, compare the features and prize to others, and check its availability (Grewal, 5). Thus, searching is made easier, convenient, and effective. Moreover, time and effort of the customer is saved in online shopping.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As to product information, the buyer needs the service of a staff to answer his queries. However, in online shopping, any additional information or inquiries is available on page or by hypertext links (Olsen, 235). Payment method also differs. In traditional shopping, payment is done manually and can the products are paid in cash, check, credit card or store card (Olsen, 235). In online shopping, the transaction is done automatically and is paid through a credit card (Olsen, 235).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In delivering the product, the buyer in traditional shopping usually gets the product at the time he purchases it. In online shopping, the customer has to wait for days before he would really enjoy the product he bought. For impatient people, online shopping is not suited for them (Olsen, 235). Sometimes, in online shopping, the customer receives a copy or similar to the description he required. Furthermore, online shopping can be stressful because the customer pays additional fees such as shipping and bank charges.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In a customer and seller relationship, traditional shopping is more beneficial. In online shopping, the merchants cannot be seen by the merchants (Philosophe.com, n. pag.). Customers cannot wander in stores, and they only have access to the presentations in the website (Philosophe.com, n. pag.). On the other hand, in traditional shopping, the customers can build relationship with the staff of the store and trust that the products they choose are quality guaranteed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In ascertaining the type of shopping needs, it is important to weigh the benefits to be gained. It is also essential to consider the practicality of each type of shopping. These are merely alternatives but the buyer has his freedom to purchase the way he wants. Works cited Grewal, Dhruv, Iyer, Gopalkrishnan. R., Levy, Michael. â€Å"Internet retailing: enablers, limiters and market consequences.†Ã‚   Journal of Business Research 57 (2002): 703-713. Olsen, Kai, A. The Internet, the Web, and Ebusiness: Formalizing Applications for the Real World. Scarecrow Press, 2005. â€Å"Online vs Traditional Shopping.† Philosphe.com. 5 July 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     http://www.philosophe.com/commerce/traditional.html

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu A Modern Martial Art Form History Essay

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu A Modern Martial Art Form History Essay Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the Gentle Art, is a relatively modern martial art. Its roots however stretch all the way back to the days of the samurai. How, you ask, did this system of fighting make its way to the other side of the world? It all began with the founding of Judo, the precursor to Jiu Jitsu, in the 1880s. Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, had studied many ancient Japanese forms and techniques. In his new style he used only the most effective techniques from the indigenous Japanese arts; he called his creation Kodokan Judo. The difference between Kanos new style and the ancient styles was that it could also be used as self defense, because non-cooperative free training was highly emphasized. This new form of training not only prepared the body, but also the mind and it changed the martial arts world as a whole. It was Judo that began the wave on other styles relying more on effectiveness and free-sparring, than on flashy techniques that do not actually work. In the late 1800s, Kanos Judo was put to the test at the Tokyo Police Tournament. There he fought many opponents and won all but two matches, which were declared a draw. His style was indeed the most effective of the time considering Jigoro Kano was smaller and weaker than the other practitioners. Judo remained undefeated for many years, until a master from a Japanese school teaching ancient fighting styles finally won. The loss came due to Kanos lack of experience at fighting on the ground, which was the opponents focus in training. After this loss, the weakness of Judo was exposed, as new schools began challenging the Kodokan Judo and winning on the ground. From this moment on, ground fighting was trained extensively at the Kodokan. A few years after ground fighting was implemented at the Kodokan, Esai Maeda began training at the school. He excelled far past his fellow students and went down in history as one of the greatest practitioners of Judo, or Judoka, in the world. He remained undefeated in his fighting career in Japan. In 1904 Professor Kano sent Maeda to the United States to help spread Judo. Throughout his travels, Maeda fought countless opponents; some say he even had over a thousand matches. He is credited as having a spotless record, with zero losses. All over the world, this new Judo was catching on, as the style proved more effective than others. At his retirement, Maeda was literally a human encyclopedia of Judo, and he wanted to share his knowledge. In the early 1900s Maeda decided to move to Brazil with the wave of Japanese immigrants going there. He settled in Rio de Janeiro and established a Judo school there. One of his first students was the now famous, Carlos Gracie. Gracie excelled just as Maeda had years ago and eventually became the best student. Carlos eventually went on to open his own school. Throughout the years, Gracie and his brothers continued to teach and perfect their Judo. The youngest of the brothers, Helio, was not allowed to train because he was very weak and constantly ill. He took notes and gave tips on how to make moves more effective and helped his brothers develop their own style. In 1928 Carlos Gracie and his brothers cannot teach a lesson at their school, so youngest brother Helio fills in for them. Even with his weak and frail body, he was able to maneuver and control his students. He had finally perfected the art of Judo; this new form of Judo became known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu, or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The brothers were amazed at young Helios incredible technique. What made him so good was that he used his opponents weight and force against them. He was a smart man and used his knowledge in physics to help him by incorporating levers and momentum into his newly developed style. In 1931 the professional boxer, Antonio Portugal, was defeated by Helio, proving that with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a smaller and less athletic person could beat a larger and more athletic one. His goal was to provide anyone of any size the techniques in which you could defend yourself against any one of any size. This was only the first of countless victories that the Gracie family would see. In the 1940s Helio challenged Joe Louis, the professional heavyweight champion of boxing, to prove the superiority of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The boxer, who looked like a giant next to Gracie, declined and the two never fought. The two actually became friends and taught one another their techniques. Years later, at the peak of Helios fighting days, he fought Masahiko Kimura who was considered to be the best Japanese fighter at the time. Kimura outweighed Gracie by over eighty pounds, and was much stronger. Helio fought for over thirteen minutes before he was caught in a shoulder lock that broke his shoulder. Still, he did not give up and continued to fight, until his brother threw in the towel to prevent any serious injury. Kimura was so impressed with the performance of Helio and his modified style that he invited him to teach it at schools in Japan. The last of his memorable fights was the one against Waldemar Santana. Santana was 20 years younger and heavier than Gracie, he also studied at the Gracie Academy. The fight went on and on for about five hours, with Santana as the victor. Even though Helio lost, his style proved supreme. He was able to defend himself against a much younger and stronger assailant for hours at a time. It also proved to be effective in self defense, because the young challenger also knew the secrets of Jiu Jitsu, where an attacker on the street would probably not. In the early 1980s Rorion Gracie, Helios eldest son, moved to California to spread the familys Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He was not welcomed at martial arts schools with his unorthodox methods and unusual fighting style. This eventually led to him inviting martial artists of all styles from around the world for a match against him. The event came to be known as the Gracie Challenge. Gracies Jiu Jitsu proved more effective than every challengers martial art, including Kung Fu, wrestling, boxing, and karate. The challenge was made to prove that simple yet effective movements are crucial to self defense, rather than flashy and eye-catching techniques. The Gracie family finally got their big break in 1994 when Rorion Gracie began the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or the UFC. In this competition martial styles were put up against one another without any restrictions or weight classes. Royce Gracie, the youngest of Rorions brothers, was the first to compete. He ended up winning the entire competition, making opponents much larger than him submit. Once again, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu proved to be the most effective and realistic martial art. After the first few Ultimate Fighting Championships the popularity of Jiu Jitsu skyrocketed in the U.S.; everyone wanted to learn the art. Around this time many of the other Gracie family members began to move to the United States and Japan. Rickson Gracie, considered by many to have been the greatest fighter in the world, revolutionized the sport. He combined all of the techniques his elders taught him, with those from practitioners around the world. He became a complete athlete when he began developing his strength and agility, which, when added to Jiu Jitsu, only made it easier for him to win. He went on to defeat many of the greatest fighters in the world. He eventually retired when his son died, with a record of only wins. Rickson Gracie founded the Rickson Gracie International Jiu-Jitsu Association in 1996 in order to provide a thorough and complete system in which Jiu-Jitsu students, for the first time, are presented with clearly defined standards of progression relating to proper Belt Ranking and Testing. Through the Association, the traditional, technical and philosophical aspects of Jiu-Jitsu can be shared wit h students around the world. (rickson.com) Nowadays, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is everywhere, from various academies around the world, to police academies, and even the army. Throughout the years it has proved to be the most effective martial art as a whole. The ever-growing popularity of the UFC, and mixed martial arts in general, is associated with the boom in popularity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The championship has now reached its one hundred and fourteenth event. Every fighter currently fighting in the UFC, and any mixed martial arts tournament, has some knowledge of Jiu Jitsu, whether for defense or offense. So even though Brazilian Jiu Jitsu originated from Judo, it has many differences, such as those of body mechanics.

A Sense of Place in Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay -- Pride and Pr

A Sense of Place in Austen's Pride and Prejudice It is interesting to observe Dictionary.com's definition of the word "place" in relation to "person". Especially when it comes to Pride and Prejudice, where Austen has made great use of the objective correlative technique, in which many, if not all, of her settings considerably reflect the characteristics of their owners. She additionally employs several other techniques regarding the sense of place in her novel, which are important not only in the facilitation of numerous plot points, but also in establishing and understanding her characters and their relationships. So what are these techniques, and why are they so effective? To find the answers to such questions, we should look closely at Austen's methods of incorporating a sense of place into her novel. The technique of objective correlative is often used in establishing the qualities of a character by having them reflected in that character's surroundings. These can be material objects, belongings, or in Austen's case, locations. If we take a look at the setting of Rosings, we see that it is described as ostentatious, overwhelming, and, in comparison to Pemberley, the other grand country estate, rather garish: From the entrance hall, of which Mr. Collins pointed out, with a rapturous air, the fine proportion and finished ornaments, they followed the servants.... In spite of having been at St. James's, Sir William was so completely awed by the grandeur surrounding him, that he had but just courage enough to make a very low bow, and take his seat without saying a word; and his daughter, frightened almost out of her senses, sat on the edge of her chair, not knowing which way to look. (p. 121) S... ...m. Through usage of the objective correlative, readers can gain a great deal of insight into the characters themselves, and thus further enjoy the novel with an enhanced understanding of Austen's creations. She also establishes a sense of balance by having the more influential events of the story take place in the openness of the great outdoors, and those of less import occur within the boundaries of the inside. Additionally, Austen has her characters travel to various parts of Great Britain, which allows for correspondence in the form of letters (serving to facilitate the necessary delay of action) and for mistakes to be made. Austen has made great use of the sense of place in Pride and Prejudice, and her techniques coalesce to deepen the reader's understanding, to give a sense of balance, and to effectively enhance the enjoyment of a delightful story.

Mineral and Water Function

There are over 20 minerals you need to maintain a healthy diet. Some you may only need in small quantities, but major minerals require higher amounts such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). Minerals have many functions and are essential to the body structure and the regulatory process that maintain life. We consume minerals from animals and plants. The iron content of meat is predictable because the iron is part of a protein in muscle that gives the meat its red color. In other foods, minerals are present as contaminants; where a food is grown and how it is processed can affect its mineral content. † (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). Major sources of minerals are milk, eggs, meats, peas, fruits, cereals, whole grains, fish, and poultry. Water has numerous functions it performs in the body some of which include: moistening tissues, lubricating joints, regulating body temperature, protecting organs and tissues, helping prevent constipation, helping dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them accessible to the human body, lessening the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products, and carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells (â€Å"Mayo Clinic†, 2013). The depletion of water, dehydration, will have more rapid symptoms than any other nutrient deficiency in your body (Grosvenor & Smolin, Chapter 9, 2006). Body weight is about 60% water for the average adult. Water bathes the cells of the body and lubricates and cleanses internal and external body surfaces. â€Å"Watery tears lubricate the eyes and wash away dirt, synovial fluid lubricates the joints, and saliva lubricates the mouth, making it easier to chew and swallow food. Water resists compression so it cushions body compartments such as the joints and eyeballs against shock. The cushioning effect of water in the amniotic sac protects the fetus as it grows inside a pregnant woman. (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). Water is an excellent solvent; glucose, amino acids, minerals, and many other substances needed by body cells dissolve in water. The chemical reactions of metabolism that support life take place in water. (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). The general effects of dehydration are fatigue, muscle weakness, poor concentration, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, and decreased metabolism (â€Å"Functional Fitne ss Facts†, 2013). Mild to moderate dehydration can be treated easily and generally doesn’t cause permanent damage with preventable intake of water consumption. The consumption of water and minerals has great effects on everyday body functions. I have learn how cereal can be extremely beneficial for receiving nutrients we don’t normally get, especially me with my diet. If I implement cereal I will receive a lot of important nutrients. Secondly the many functions of water are important to our everyday expenditures. Sneezing, coughing, crying and cannot be done without water.