...unethical to shop at Walmart? “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone… we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.” –Sam Walton (“What We Do”) Walmart was founded on the belief stated above by its founder Sam Walton in 1962. “Saving people money, so they can live better,” was the main objective when Sam Walton opened the doors to the first Walmart (“History”). Today, Walmart is the world’s largest retailer and corporation in the United States and have been awarded and recognized by various organizations for being the best employer throughout United States and other countries. By the Fortune magazine, it is listed as one of the most admired companies in America and many others praise Walmart for its accomplishments (“Is It Ethical to Shop at Walmart?”). Although, Walmart has earned popularity for the low price it provides, they are frequently faced with a lot of criticism and law suit for its employment practices made nationally and internationally. Some of the unethical practices the public criticize Walmart for are discrimination against women, low wages, and bad working conditions. Today, Sam Walton’s promise of a “better life for all” is questioned by employees, unions, environmentalists, recording artists and human rights organizations [Source]. This leaves many consumers to ponder if it is ethical or unethical to shop at Walmart? As mentioned in the above paragraph, Walmart is one the largest...
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...Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands in 2013 Brand Value, Mission & Vision: APPLE Brand Value: Founders of Apple Steven Wozniak and Steven Jobs both dropouts of school Apple was incorporated in the state of California on January 3, 1977 Apple II debuted at a local computer trade show No. 20 on “Brand of the Year 2009” award The recession won’t take a bite out of this Apple Revenue of first quarter $15.68 billion in 2009 ($3.98 billion more than 2008). Apple has a branding strategy that focuses on the emotions Lifestyle & simplicity “ Easy use” Religion = Trust, safety, Loyalty & love It is a big tribe, everyone is one of them. You are part of the brand Brands are more important than products. Designed in 1977 The Apple logo is one of the most famous logos in the world The mystery of identity Computer term ‘byte’ Stripes to rebel Aqua logo 2001. It's always about people “ For Apple it is not about money. It is about the people you have, how you are led, and how much you get it. Apple are no longer selling products, they are selling brands. Apple is gaining market share in every category and, given the premium price of their products, that is a significant achievement. Mission & Vision: Apple recognizes that by integrating awareness of the environment, health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business; we can offer technologically innovative products and services while conserving and enhancing resources...
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...Case study Toys “R” Us JAPAN Case study Toys “R” Us JAPAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3. Japan Background and facts: 4. Background: 4 Facts: 5 Toys “R” Us Background 7. The Beginning: 7 Market Expansion 8 More ways to shop Toys “R” Us 8 Evolving business 9 Toys “R” Us in Japan 9 Case analysis: 10 Attractive factors of Japan toy market: 10 Barriers to Entry: 10 Success Factors for Toy's "R" Us-Japan 11 TRU Strategy 13 Our opinion: 14 Recommendations: 15 Conclusion: 16 References:: 16 Introduction: Toys R Us is the large distributor in the US and it is one of the more successful foreign retailers in Japan after overcome hard barriers. This successful is a result of right decision-making and strategy in overseas expansion by global retailer’s and gradual changes after entry into foreign markets. Also the strategy in respect of standardization adaption before and after entry has great effect in this successful. Coming lines, shows some factors that attract TRU to join venture in Japan. Then, we will discuss group of barriers that TRU had overcome, and how it’s overcome these barriers. In the end, we will evaluate Toys “R” Us in Japan market. Japan Background and facts: Background: Government: Parliamentary with constitutional monarchy Prime Minister: Shinzō Abe (elected Dec 2012) Capital: Tokyo Population: 127,368,088 Population Growth Rate: -0.077% (2012 est.), World Rank: 198th Birth Rate: 8.39 births/1,000 population...
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...Virtual Campus – Pakistan INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF FAST FOOD INDUSTRIES The food industry is on a high as Indians continue to have a feast. Fueled by what can be termed as a perfect ingredient for any industry - large disposable incomes - the food sector has been witnessing a marked change in consumption patterns, especially in terms of food. An increasing number of international fast food chains rushing to India is because all of them see tremendous potential in for this type of business. The large upwardly mobile population in the urban areas tend to eat out more often or business or for leisure. The various players operating in India are the well-established Indian chains like Nirula's, Haldiram's and multinational companies like McDonalds, Pizza hut, Domino's pizza, etc. In addition to these, apparently some of the best known international food chains are looking at India. Among them are Great American Disaster, The Burger King, Mexican food chain Tacogrill, Move-n-pick, etc. are some of them to name. The players are fighting on products, pricing, positioning and trying to convert their first trials into regular purchase by providing delightful service quality. The focus is on product quality and standardization on taste. Consistency is the key, as its standardization in fast food as the consumer is short on time and wants to satisfy his taste buds with a consistent taste experience. Beyond this each player has its own strategy to expand consumer base. * Some feel...
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...MMGP: Research Paper Final Business 520 Introduction In determining what makes a business successful one must consider all aspects of a firm. One of the most important factors of success is imbedded in the marketing management team of a company. In this project, Subway’s marketing strategy is thoroughly researched to reveal why the firm is thriving among fast food chains around the world. This is done through researching the background on the company, analyzing the fast food market, identifying the position/competition/brand, evaluating the services and pricing, and finally considering promotions/marketing. Through the breakdown of these subjects it will be apparent that Subway is not only one of the leading firms in its industry, it will also show that it has outshined companies across the world in marketing management. Provide a description of your product/service and a brief history of the firm that produces your product/service. Subway is a fast food restaurant franchise that specializes in the submarine sandwiches. It is owned and operated by Doctor’s Associates, Inc. Subway’s headquarters is located in Milford, Connecticut. The franchise has five regional offices to oversee its international operations. The regional offices for Europe are located in Amsterdam, regional offices for Australia and New Zealand are located in Brisbane, regional offices for Asia are located in Beirut and Singapore, and regional offices for Latin America are located in Miami, Florida...
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...itself. i. Industry is a group of firms that produce products or services that meet the same needs of customers in a competitive market. ii. Industry Analysis uses economic principles to understand how profit is distributed among participants in a market (including both direct competitors and other parties such as suppliers) 3. Porters Five Forces – are a checklist of things that can affect value capture and creation c. Rivalry Among Existing firms iii. Few firms : Betrand – fight in price Cournot – fight on quantity Collusion – Firms choose price cooperatively iv. Industry concentration: % of total industry sales accounted by the 4 largest firms d. Threat of New Entrants v. Switching cost, capital requirements, access to distribution, product differentiation vi. Puts a cap on profit potential of an industry e. Power of Buyers vii. Price Sensitivity f. Power of Suppliers viii. Switching cost ix. Threat of forward integration x. Supplier concentration g. Threats to substitutes (complements are the opposite) xi. Refer to products in other industries xii. Create a cap on prices that buyers will pay xiii. Floor on the prices that suppliers will require. 4. Take aways h. The...
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...Sears Chairman Edward Lambert Edward Lambert is the chairman of Sears Holding Corporation (SHLD). He is known as the Steven Jobs of the investing world. He thinks differently, acts differently, and achieves extraordinary results. Lambert was thought to be crazy when he decided to invest Kmart which was on the verge of chapter 11 bankruptcy. Lambert is a man that sees things as a bigger picture. When he decided to invest in Kmart he knew he wasn’t taking a risk. “Kmart’s bankruptcy is avoidable” he said Edward Lambert is a person who tends to centralize authority and derive power from his position. Those are characteristics of an autocratic leader. Lambert is known for his prickly personality and hands on management style. This shows that Lambert is a directive leader. He likes telling his subordinates what they are supposed to do. Those characteristics are also the same as a leadership called the telling style. Lambert likes to control his subordinates by initiating structure and style. Lambert is also a Micromanager. He has a high concern for tasks and a low concern for people and relationship. This is a part of the reason why sears is in its current crisis. As an independent thinker Lambert has made decisions off his own beliefs. Lambert wants things to go the way he planned it in his mind. If it doesn’t, it’s wrong. He is a person willing to stand a part, state his opinion, and say what he thinks based on his own personal beliefs. This has also contributed to the down...
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...the United Kingdom where 165 stores are now available and more than 250 stores around Europe (Wood 2014). Earlier this year, Primark’s parent company announced its intention to enter the US market with a first store opening in Boston MA in 2015, the opening will be shortly followed by another ten new stores across the country (smith 2014). This can be a risky strategy as the shift towards a more globalised market means companies who have been successful in their home market (such as Primark) will find themselves competing with foreign businesses which are much bigger and more successful. However, International expansion offers businesses the opportunity to become recognised on a global scale, for example, companies such as Coco Cola, McDonalds and Microsoft could not have achieved global leadership within their industry without expanding abroad, therefore International expansion offers international reputation which is necessary when wanting to become a leader. Internationalization Theory The Uppsala model (a.k.a the Stage Model) is an important theory that explains how firms expand abroad, under this model, internationalization is seen as an incremental process whereby firms increase their international involvement in a stepwise manner (Bhardwaj et al 2011). The Uppsala model is based on two assumptions: (i) the resource-based theory and (ii) the incremental process (Forsgren 2002). Under the resource-based theory, Anderson and Kheam (1996) explain that for some firms, their...
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...Abstract Wal-Mart (WM) has evolved as one of the most successful corporations, providing low prices to its consumers. Loyal consumers flock to WM each week all over the world. This success has created millions of jobs and unique incentives for its employees. The cost of this success is most evident to local businesses in communities where WM opens its doors. Wal-Mart Case Study Wal-Mart and Corporate Social Responsibility The WM case study describes several major issues. The biggest concern is the affect that WM has on local businesses and if they have any responsibility to them. The case study further describes WM’s ability to focus its muscle on social concerns, such as the “buy America” or “environmental campaigns” that were popular during the 1990s. The third major issue was WM’s focus on the global community and the impact that it can have on other countries. Carrol & Buchholtz (2006) best describes four specific categories for corporate social responsibility (CSR): economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities. Economic responsibility is another term that a corporation describes its CSR. The root of CSR is to manufacture a good or service for consumers and sell these products legally, ethically and at a fair price. These products will generate profits to stockholders and lead to growth of the corporation. Legal responsibility is a way in which the corporation fulfills a social contract. This means by following the laws and ethical practices...
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...Analysis………………………………………………………….20-23 Consumer Insights………………………………………………………….24-29 Survey…………………………………………………………………………….30-31 Results……………………………………………………………………………32-41 Recommendations…………………………………………………………..42-45 Appendix I……………………………………………………………………..46-48 Appendix II………………………………………………………………….…49-55 References………………………………………………………………………56-57 Will Haven, Lucy Ross, Jessica Stephens, Lauren West & Bonnie Willard Redbox is leading the way in the premier industry of DVD rental kiosks. With Coinstar as its established parent company, redbox is currently surpassing its competitors with its number of self-service kiosks. Redbox’s growing popularity is facilitated by its physical distribution, which places the kiosk in high traffic locations such as WalMart, Kroger, McDonalds and Walgreens. Due to redbox’s standing as the progressive option for DVD rental, its decision to target the 18-24 year old demographic was evident. This demographic embodies the idea of innovation, experimentation, and dependency on technology, all of which are imperative to transform an introductory product into a nationwide brand. The following report provides secondary and primary research in order to construct an accurate glimpse of redbox and its emergent status within the 18-24 year old target market of the DVD rental industry. This report includes the description and results of eighty self-administered surveys completed by samples of the target market. Based on an analysis of these results, the report concludes with recommendations...
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...Strategy Analysis MGMT 562 Rusty Gates Margaret Hogan Liberty McCarty Anita Ramachandran Tony Reed TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary…………………………………………………………….3 Introduction……………………………………………………………………..4 External Analysis……………………………………………………………….5 Suppliers………………………………………………………...…….5 Customers………………………………………………………..……5 Competitors…………………………………………………………...6 New Entrants………………………………………………………….7 Substitutes……………………………………………………………..7 Opportunities and Threats……………………………………………..8 Internal Analysis………………………………………………………………..8 Strengths………………………………………………………………8 Weaknesses…………………………………………………………...9 Value Chain, VRIO Framework, Core Competencies……………….10 Key Strategies………………………………………………………………….11 Investment Recommendation………………………………………………….12 References…………………………………………………………………….13 2 Executive Summary Starbucks Coffee Company, founded in 1971 is headquartered in Seattle, WA and operates in 37 countries around the world. The backbone of Starbuck’s business is its company-operated retail stores. Starbucks has employed a strong differentiation strategy in order to turn a traditional $.50 commodity into a $4 experience. This following report provides an analysis of the strategies used by Starbucks to stay on top of its growing and volatile industry. Starbucks’ governing principles are based on three strategic stances: the third place experience, creating a human connection, and providing a quality everyday experience for customers. The specific strategies used by Starbucks include:...
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...mix and unethical practices 6 Introduction: 6 Definition of Marketing Ethics 7 Ethics and Product 7 Ethics and Pricing 7 Ethics and Distribution (place) 10 Ethics and Promotion 12 RECOMMENDATIONS: 16 Bibliography 17 Abstract In this project we intend to identity the marketing the marketing mix, the social responsibility in marketing, develop the concept of ethic in marketing components of marketing and how each of them can subject of unethical practices. Definition of the marketing: Marketing is the process by which companies create value for customers and build strong customer relationships in order to capture value from customers in return. For example, “Walmart” has become the world’s largest retailer—and the world’s largest Company—by delivering on its promise, “Save money, Live better.” Nintendo surged ahead in the video-games market behind the pledge that “Wii would like to play,” backed by its wildly popular” Wii” console and a growing list of popular games and accessories for all ages. And McDonald’s fulfills its “i’m lovin’ it” motto by being “our customers’ favorite place and way to eat” the world over, giving it a market share greater than that of its nearest three competitors combined (Philip kotler, 2012, 2010, 2009) Definition of the marketing mix is the set of tactical marketing tools that the firm blends to produce the response it wants in the target market. The marketing mix...
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...Table of Content Executive Summary 5 Situation Analysis 6 Company 6 Organizational Structure 6 Corporate Goals 12 Internal SWOT Analysis 12 External SWOT Analysis 13 Internal Processes and Capabilities 14 Industry Financial Structure 14 Customers and Current Situation 15 Value Proposition 15 Current Core Target Market 15 Change in behavior, attitudes or buying trends 16 What are they purchasing from our company? 19 Why are the customers buying our products/services? 19 What differentiates our products/services 20 External Environment 21 Industry 21 Economic 22 Technical 22 Societal 23 Legal 23 Competitors 24 Nestle 24 Pepsi 26 Tyson Foods Inc 28 Kewpie 30 Financial Ratio Analysis 31 Growth Strategy 34 Our new Idea 34 Goals & Objectives 34 Description of Growth Strategy 35 Market Selection 37 Segmentation 37 Targeted Customer Segments 38 Positioning 38 Product 39 Goals 39 Product Description 39 Processes 40 Outsourcing 42 Life Cycle Stage 43 Services 43 Place 43 Goals 43 Distribution Plan 44 Channel Responsibilities 45 Supply Chain System 46 Promotion 48 Goals 48 Promotional Blend 49 Web Based Promotion 49 Social Media Promotion 50 Billboard Promotion 50 Promotional Budget 51 Price 51 Value Proposition & Customer price sensitivity 51 Pricing Strategy 52 Breakeven Analysis 53 Expected Financial Analysis 54 Internal/Sustainable...
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...300 Case Studies of Social Media Marketing – An e-guide by Roderick Low of Expeditus Media What is Social Media? Social media is best understood as a group of new kind of online media which share the following characteristics: Participation Social media encourages contributions and feedback from everyone who is interested. It blurs the line between media and audience. Openness Most social media services are open to feedback and participation. They encourage voting, comments and sharing infomation. There are rarely any barriers to accessing and making use of content – password protecting content is frowned on. Conversation whereas traditional media is about “broadcast” (content transmitted or distributed to an audience) social media is better seen as a two-way conversation. Community social media allows communities to form quickly and communicate effectively. Communities share common interests, such as a love of photography, a political issue or a favourite TV show. Connectedness Most kinds of social media thrive on their connectedness, making use of links to other sites, resources and people. Need Inspiration? Now that you know what social media is, do you need any inspiration in getting your social media campaign under way? One of the best way to get inspiration for your organization can use social media is to check out what others are doing. This ebook is intended for anyone who wish wants to start a social media campaign, but will be most useful to people working in...
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...387 From supply chains to value chains: A spotlight on CSR Malika Bhandarkar and Tarcisio Alvarez-Rivero* 1. Introduction Corporate social responsibility (CSR)1 has become a hot topic in boardrooms across the world. Changes in corporate value systems are being driven by pressures from different actors, including governments, consumers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and institutional investors (diagram 1). Multinational corporations (MNCs) have operations spread across the globe, relying on both foreign affiliates and arm’s-length suppliers arrayed along global supply chains, many of which encompass developing countries. What then does the growing CSR movement mean for developing country producers? The chapter addresses this question. Diagram 1 Institutional Investor Tier I Tier II Tie r III NonGovernmental Organization Multinational Corporation Supply Chain, consisting of: Consumer Government CSR has relevance to many facets of a corporation’s operations. Strong CSR policies can help to recruit the right people for the job, keep attrition rates low by promoting a “feel good” quotient, improve corporate image, prepare for future regulation, empower “soft” laws (Vogel, 2005, p.162), appease green customers, and convince institutional investors that the corporation is following sustainable practices that positively impact the bottom line. * Policy Integration and Analysis Branch, Division for Sustainable Development, UNDESA...
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