...Matthew Ramos Business Opportunities 1 III – Entrepreneurship Ms. MJ Ganaden 5 great products that failed in the market Sony Betamax The Betamax video recorder hit stores in 1975. A year later, Sony's rival released another video recorder -- the VHS. By early 1977, four other companies were selling VHS machines. Meanwhile, Sony chose not to license Betamax technology. Because the two formats were incompatible, consumers had to choose between the two. As Sony was the lone Betamax producer, you can guess which system they chose. McDonald's Arch Deluxe In an effort to class up the McDonald's brand, the company created the Arch Deluxe, a product marketed towards adults with more sophisticated palates. Just one problem -- people don't go to McDonald's for sophistication. McDonald's customers know what they want, and what they want is a classic and convenient burger. Needless to say, when the Arch Deluxe debuted in 1996, consumers weren't lovin' it. Bic Underwear Bic has built its brand on the convenience of disposable products. Disposable razors? Disposable lighters? Convenient and affordable. Disposable underwear? Just plain weird. Other than the disposability factor, consumers could not find a link between the underwear and Bic's other products. With out a unifying factor, people were just confused. In addition, the idea of buying intimate attire from a company that also produces pens apparently does not appeal to most women. Apple Newton Arguably...
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...Do you agree with the suggestion that English foreign policy achieved relative success in the period 1509-1525? A case can be made that that the English foreign policy was a failure because of Wolsey’s mishandlings of the finance. For example in source 1 it states that ‘greatest weakness lay in the realm of finance’. This shows us that Wolsey did not know what he was doing when it came to finance which would have helped English foreign policy. Wolsey mishandling of finance would have led to less to money to help Henry invade France and therefore make on this part of his foreign policy, which was to take over France and to redeem his title as king of France , a failure because he didn’t really take over the whole off France. The whole real parts that henry had taken over of France was Tournai and Therouanne, and these were of little significant to England which supports the idea that the foreign policy was a failure. We can also infer from another source which support the idea that English foreign policy was a failure. In source 3 it says ‘if he fortunate to win it’. This is referring to Henry to taking over France, and we can clearly see that the foreign policy was a failure because only luck could have helped Henry take over France. This all indicates that foreign policy was not a success owing it to Wolsey mishandling of finance which meant that Henry would not have sufficient amount of money to take over the whole of France. Once again in source 1 we can see that Wolsey had...
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...probably a bias one whilst source M disagrees with the statement by highlighting ‘troubles associated from the Amicable Grant’. In source N (which is featured in a book wrote about Henry VIII at the time in question) contradicts itself to make its point. “Failed to bring great gains to the country, but it did thrust the country into a major role which that its wealth and population scarcely justified...” this makes the reader think that this was worth it for the positives it brought. There were many successes of their (Henry and Wolsey’s) foreign policy. Wolsey was a successful peace broker, and the treaty of London in 1518 was a great example of him ability. This treaty in 1518 was an agreement of peace which seemed to put England in to the centre of diplomatic affairs in Europe (which was what Henry wanted). The treaty bound France, Spain, the Papacy, HRE and England against the Turkish. At the time it seemed like a great success as it seemed to signify the end of fear of England being isolated in Europe, however in the long term it failed despite the short term success. Another success was the foreign policies flexibility despite England and the King having such low income and money. This is shown in source N by “Failed to bring great gains to the country, but it did thrust the country into a major role which that its wealth and population scarcely justified and made hard to sustain.” This source also implies Wolsey’s aim was to serve the king and maintain Henry’s honour...
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...The works “Preventive War and Democratic Politics”, “Democratization and the Danger of War”, “Terrorism, the Use of Force, and International Law After 11 September”, and “Failed States: Fixing a Broken World” all describe and aim to formulate the motivations for modern wars between two states. By using historical precedents, each author makes assertions about war theory, leaving the reader with a framework to analyze conflicts occurring in the world today. While each entry makes a unique assumption, the content of arguments invariably overlaps. In my response I will examine each piece and the questions I was left with after contemplating the implications of their respective theories. In “Preventive War and Democratic Politics”, Levy first distinguishes preemptive wars from preventive wars, claiming that the former involves an immediate threat to a state’s safety while the latter is determined by the presence of a non-immediate threat—often an adversary “crossing a particular threshold of military power, leading to a stop-level power shift” (Levy, 7). He goes on to discuss that since the advent of nuclear military developments, the majority of wars have been preventive. This argument is logical because as the stakes are raised, states have the responsibility to their constituents to mitigate threats; citizens are much more willing to tolerate smaller skirmishes than risk the threat of an over-militarization of another state with different social and political values, beliefs...
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...continually enter into his stores. His company is a leading fashion and lifestyle design brand with over 5,000 employees, 13 factories and 500 exclusive retail stores in 46 countries worldwide. Since the beginning of his company, Armani has made sure to remain loyal to his Italian roots: “His success, many say, is what really put Milan on the map, and—along with the Fendis, Missonis, and Versaces—he is often crediting with having made the “Made In Italy” slogan synonymous with excellence in tailoring and design”. In 1978, Armani signed a licensing deal with Italian manufacturing mega-company Grupp Finanziario Tessile to produce and distribute all of his collections and has remained loyal to this day. But has his decision to rely solely on GFT failed in growing alongside the worldwide expansion of his business? America has seen a large decline in the amount of positions that are available in the manufacturing business. Most companies have made the decision to outsource their manufacturing needs to international countries based off of the fact that employees are paid much less than those employed here in the states. It also rids the company of various other expenses e.g. fixed assets, varying wages demands, etc. Exploring the pros and cons of manufacturing here in America, it’s hard to come to a final decision on what’s the right decision and what’s the wrong decision. I currently intern at Giorgio Armani in the Armani Junior department. I work alongside Brianna Busch, who...
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...2014). Sam Walton had a big dream to expand his operations and that is just what happened. They are now one of the biggest discount retailers across the globe according to (Walmart.HelpMe.com, 2014). There are 36 departments inside some of these departments include clothing, household, health and beauty, lawn and garden, jewelry, shoes and pharmacy according to (Walmart.HelpMe.com, 2014). Their marketing strategy has not failed yet. The one that they use is of great assistance to them. Walmart’s marketing strategy is to lower prices for a large variety of consumer goods according to (Kerin, Hartley, Berkowitz, & Rudelius, 2011). This strategy helps them deliver product to consumers at rock bottom prices. Walmart uses new technology such as radio frequency identification tags to make better quality of information about products according to (Kerin, Hartley, Berkowitz, & Rudelius, 2011). In retail stores such as Walmart there is competition for instance Walmart competes with Kmart and other retail stores by lowering prices and making their products more affordable to the consumer according to (Walmart.HelpMe.com, 2014). They...
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...aware of the risks associated with products being sold. Societies need assurance that the products being marketed are not harmful and that the products are completely true to what is being presented. “Marketing of defective, unsafe, and deceptive products has generated hundreds of product liability suits with increasing compensatory and punitive damages claimed and awarded.” (Boedecker and Morgan 1986; Morgan 1982) With product liability lawsuits on the rise, marketers understand the risks and consequences associated with unethical marketing behaviors. Unethical marketing behaviors could potentially cause such extreme damage to a company. So much damage, that the name or image of the company could be negatively impacted forever. Dow Corning Corporation (DCC) is just one of many corporations that have gone to trial and unsuccessfully fought cases against the public in regards to product liability. DCC is the leading global silicone supplier based out of the United States. DCC offers many products and services, but we will be discussing the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants. “In December 1991, a San Francisco jury awarded a California woman $7.34 million in retributive damages.” (Journal of Marketing, pg. 44) The jury found that DCC had marketed her a defective silicone gel-filled breast implant that made her autoimmune disease extremely worsen. DCC did not market the potential side effects that could come from using the product. DCC did not make consumers aware of...
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...CASE DISCRIPTION In 1973, Pepe Jeans was constituted as a road side stall by three brothers Nitin Shah, Arun Shah and Milan Shah from Kenya at Portobello Road Market in West London’s trendy Notting Hill district. The company has achieved enormous growth. This is the result of his unique approach in a product market. Pepe was used to be a trendsetter. However, there are changes in retailer’s demand where Pepe is having a hard time to cope up. Retailers become unhappy with their requirements to place firm orders six months in advance with no possibility of amendment, cancellation, or repeat ordering. Retailers believe that Pepe’s sale would increase by about 10 percent only with more flexible ordering system. Pepe felt pressure for changes needed for them to address all the complaints of their retailers. Obviously, Pepe is not yet ready coping up the changes because they never anticipate these problems will occur. They use their financial strength trying to solve the retailer’s complaint. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: What are ways or alternative actions to correct the growing problems which are the inflexibility ordering system and the six-month order lead time? OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: * To identify the alternative action that addresses the inflexibility ordering system and the six-month order lead time. * To cognize the supply chain of Pepe jeans * To have a cost-effective alternatives. * To improve the supply chain strategy of Pepe Jeans *...
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...Retail Advertising and Marketing Association Gen/200 Retail Advertising and Marketing Association "Consumers know precisely what's wrong with advertising. Be it TV or print or whatever, they know that advertising is never creative enough ... never as witty, inspiring, sophisticated, entertaining and downright likable as they would like it to be” (Phil Dussonberry, former BBDO advertising executive). In the world of retail things are ever changing there is a constant need for new advertising or marketing to grab the consumers attention. Without these tools a retailers profits can quickly dwindle leaving them in the dust. One great tool for retailers is the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association(RAMA). This paper will explain what RAMA is, how it can increase my professional knowledge and abilities, and how perfecting my knowledge and abilities can affect my career success. The Retail Advertising & Marketing Association (RAMA) is a trade association of retail marketing and advertising professionals, plus their counterparts on the agency, media and service-provider sides of the business. RAMA is a division of the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association (National Retail Federation, 2011). RAMA also is the producer of the annual Racie Awards Competition, the industry’s most prestigious creative contest for retail broadcast, web and print advertising (National Retail Federation, 2011). RAMA is an innovative association that connects retailers...
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...the strategic life cycle challenges for Paramount's current products as well as for Clean Edge? Changes in Non-Disposable Razor Category: The non-disposable razor category has seen changes in the recent years. A 5% growth per year from 2007 to 2010, attributed to innovations and product introductions, has to be the biggest change that the category has seen. Advertising expenditures increased dramatically for several non-disposable razor companies over the last couple of years because of the need to promote new benefits from advances in razor technologies. Changes in retail channel distribution have also been noted in the category. Male-grooming products seemed to be a bright spot in the industry from 2007 to 2010 and the segment saw more growth because shaving became more than just shaving – it started to include body spray, shower gel, etc. Channel distribution for the razor category has become increasingly important, with the recent re-introduction of Old Spice; there has been quite the demand for male-grooming products. Competitive Position: Paramount has established itself as a global consumer products giant with over $13 billion in worldwide sales and $7 billion in gross profits for 2009 since its entry into the market in 1962. Paramount established itself as unit-volume leader in 2009 based on non-disposable razor sales. The non-disposable razor category market is entering a new phase with technology products and new competitors entering the market, posing a threat to...
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... How Our Marketing Research Lead To A Position So Compelling That Consumers Chose Our Client’s Product Over A Larger, Wealthier Competitor CASE STUDY #64 “We are not as broadly distributed as our competition. What can we say - other than „free‟ that will convince consumers to inconvenience themselves and leave (or “walk”) from a retailer that doesn‟t carry our products to a retailer that does?” POINT OF VIEW We never lost sight of the mission: GET THE CUSTOMERS TO PREFER US, EVEN THOUGH WE AREN’T AS WELL DISTRIBUTED OR WEALTHY. The actionable marketing research we conducted enabled us to leap over our competitor’s entrenched, better-distributed brand, craft a message that resonated with the audience, and build preference for our client’s product. Win / Win for everybody except the competition. Situation The client had a great product, but was being outspent by the competition, which also had broader distribution. Our challenge was to craft a concept for the product so unique and compelling, it would encourage consumers to “walk” from a store they typically shop at that carries only the competitor’s product and go to a store that carries the client’s product. Approach Quantitative, qualitative and ethnographic research enabled us to uncover aspects of the client’s product that made it stand out over the competition’s. Then we developed a unique marketing research measurement that tracked awareness, interest, and the actual shopping trip. Result ...
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...potential customers. You have to figure out who your going to sell your product to and how to reach these individuals. The third challenge I see with setting up a business is coming up with the capital to start the business. It takes money to make money. Unless you have a nice savings account, you will probably have to get a business loan or find people who are willing to invest in your company. 2. Define what a “niche” product is. Give at least three examples of niche products. A niche product is something designed to appeal to specialized interests. Not for everyone, but a specific customer. Examples; speakers at the Bose store, Starbucks Coffee, a restaurant that sells Chinese food. 3. Explain why a niche company might have an advantage in a market. Would price necessarily be an advantage? Explain why or why not. A niche company has an advantage in the market because the customers are coming to the store specifically for a product that the company sells. If a woman walks into Victoria’s Secret, she’s shopping for women’s underclothes and she’s completely surrounded by women’s underclothes from the minute she walks into the store. Price might be an advantage if the company has a large enough surplus of the product, like Victoria‘s Secret. The product can be cheaper. But if the product is a specialty item the price might be higher. I think that the customer will be willing to pay more for a product at a niche...
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...STAT2011 Statistical Models sydney.edu.au/science/maths/stat2011 Semester 1, 2014 Computer Exercise Weeks 1 Due by the end of your week 2 session Last compiled: March 11, 2014 Username: mac 1. Below appears the code to generate a single sample of size 4000 from the population {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}. form it into a 1000-by-4 matrix and then find the minimum of each row: > rolls1 table(rolls1) rolls1 1 2 3 4 5 6 703 625 679 662 672 659 2. Next we form this 4000-long vector into a 1000-by-4 matrix: > four.rolls=matrix(rolls1,ncol=4,nrow=1000) 3. Next we find the minimum of each row: > min.roll=apply(four.rolls,1,min) 4. Finally we count how many times the minimum of the 4 rolls was a 1: > sum(min.roll==1) [1] 549 5. (a) First simulate 48,000 rolls: > rolls2=sample(x=c(1,2,3,4,5,6),size=48000,replace=TRUE) > table(rolls2) rolls2 1 2 3 4 5 6 8166 8027 8068 7868 7912 7959 (b) Next we form this into a 2-column matrix (thus with 24,000 rows): > two.rolls=matrix(rolls2,nrow=24000,ncol=2) (c) Here we compute the sum of each (2-roll) row: > sum.rolls=apply(two.rolls,1,sum) > table(sum.rolls) sum.rolls 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 742 1339 2006 2570 3409 4013 3423 2651 1913 1291 1 12 643 Note table() gives us the frequency table for the 24,000 row sums. (d) Next we form the vector of sums into a 24-row matrix (thus with 1,000 columns): > twodozen=matrix(sum.rolls,nrow=24,ncol=1000,byrow=TRUE) (e) To find the 1,000 column minima use > min.pair=apply(twodozen,2,min) (f) Finally compute the...
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...Instamatic – Old Video Cameras Technology has changed greatly over the years. Specifically video cameras, they have decreased in the products size but increased in the quality over time. When video cameras were introduced back in the 1970’s, they were using an old film format as compared to digital in today’s era. As these video cameras were being developed and launched into the market for the first time, it reflected the way retailers could examine buyer behaviour. Even back when the first sets of video cameras were released, retail stores were mounting them on the ceilings not only for security purposes, but to track consumers shopping habits. This helps these stores better understand how consumers are shopping so they can predict the next move. As the format back in the 70’s was film, retailers had to manually view the cameras to predict popular areas in the store, for example. This helped retailers effectively manage their stores as they would place the newest, popular products in areas that attracted the highest number of consumers. Another way video cameras have impacted buyer behaviour is through the product mix. By retailers using cameras to evaluate their retail stores, they are able to evaluate their product density (too high or too low); amount of signage and even the labelling within the store that could’ve been confusing. A retail stores product mix is important to upper management, as they want to ensure the best possible consumer experience. In order for the customer...
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...Pick Me: Slotting Product “Some have argued that slotting allowances – and a variant known as pay-to-stay fees, paid by manufacturers to keep existing products on retailers’ shelves – harm consumers by, among other things, excluding certain manufacturers and thereby impairing competition that otherwise would take place. Defenders of slotting allowances have asserted that, among other things, they cover the cost of introducing new products to the marketplace and thereby tend to foster entry and innovation”. (ftc.gov 2001) While the Department of Justice concludes that the practice of slotting allowance is not an antitrust issue there is a possibility that there may be issues in the future with anticompetitive exclusion. Slotting allowance is a practice used by manufacturers and retailer to stock certain products on the shelves. It was most prevalent in supermarkets but spread to other store i.e. electronic stores and computer stores. For example, Microsoft pays a fee to have an end cap (spot at the end of an aisle) to display their product only. Some feel that it is an exclusivity practice that leaves out smaller businesses that cannot compete with the fees required by retailers. The process was for manufactures to introduce new product to customers. But it is now a wide spread practice to charge a fee to keep their mature (older) products on the shelf. The practice allows for retailers to build their market power. Pros and cons of slotting allowances: 1) Pros ...
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