Risk Assessment and Contingency Plans

There are several risks that such company as Target can be exposed. First of all, it is possible to speak about the changes in labor legislation. The government of the United States or Canada can introduce new laws requiring Target and other large retailers to raise minimum wages for the employees.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Risk Assessment and Contingency Plans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This change can strongly affect the financial performance of this organization. Currently, the company faces various lawsuits related to their alleged failure to compensate their employees properly and offer them adequate medical insurance (EOWLD1 unpaged). Thus, it is possible that these legal conflicts can eventually give rise to new laws. Canadian citizens do not receive healthcare coverage directly from the employer, it is provided by the government (Greenberg, 63). However, the cost of the coverage is re flected in the taxes that private companies pay. Therefore, rapid increase in these health coverage costs can result in extra expense for Target. The company has to be ready for these changes in legislations; otherwise they can lose their positions in the market. Secondly, this management of this company should remember that economic recession forces people in Canada to choose less expensive products, and as a result, retailing companies have to lower the prices and enter price competition. This competition will be very difficult for Target, especially if we consider its rivalry competition with Wall-Mart (Rowley, 175). Finally, one should also take into account that some Canadian customers may give preference to local retailers rather than foreign ones. Therefore, by opening new stores in Canada Target may not achieve the expected profits. The contingency plan can include several important steps. For example, the company should develop new compensation plan which reflect the possib le changes in labor laws in Canada. Admittedly, this change can affect the profitability of this corporation at the beginning but without it they will not be able to operate in this country. The second important step is to expand the range of their products. Currently, this company offers high quality products to middle-income people (Rowley, 175). They should also sell the merchandise that will affordable to people of lower income. Additionally, this corporation should establish close partnership with a variety of Canadian suppliers in order to make their supply chain more cost-effective.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Finally, this organization has to make sure that it is viewed by Canadian customers as a responsible corporate citizen. In part, Target can do it by retaining the employees of Zellers Inc, the retailing company that they acquired. Overall, these str ategies can avert possible risks or at least minimize their impacts. Strategy Map and Balanced Scorecard At this point, it is necessary for us to illustrate the future goals of Target Corporation by means of this strategy map. They are closely connected to the company’s intention to open new stores in Canada. They are as follows: Financial Perspective To increase the profitability of the Canadian department stores acquired by Target by 10 percent at the end of 2012. To increase the sales volumes of these stores by 5 percent at the end of 2012 To reduce the operational expenses by 5 percent at the end of 2012. Measurement Overall, the management of this company should take measurements on a quarterly basis. They need to focus on three criteria sales rates, net income, and operational expenses of those Canadian stores that merged with the company. Such approach will enable them to track their progress. Customer Perspective To make sure that the company is viewed by Canadian customers as company that values corporate social responsibility. To develop methods of attracting new customers, for example, by improving the quality of services. Measurement The company can adopt several research methods to evaluate and measure Canadian clients’ perceptions. For example, they can conduct online surveys prompting the customers to assess Target in terms of their prices or service quality. The results of these customer surveys will be the milestones showing where these customers have a favorable opinion about the company. Internal perspective To reduce the stock out rate to a minimum To establish more close alliances with a variety of Canadian supplier. Measurement The management can evaluate this aspect of performance by counting the number of stork-out within a month. These measurements must be taken each month, and they will serve as the key milestones for the management. The second objective can be measured by the number of business partners that Targe t has in Canada. Learning Perspective and growth To make sure that the best practices are quickly dissimilated and adopted across the company To improve the skills of every employee by offering training programs to the personnel. Measurement The management can evaluate learning and growth in Canadian stores by measuring the amount of time it takes different department stores to assimilate the best practices of the Company. These measurements must be taken each month, and they will serve as the key milestones for the management. Furthermore, the management should conduct assessment of employee’s performance every month. The first aspect that has been identified in the strategy map is financial perspective. At this point, the main objective is to reduce the operations costs and increase sales by five percent in Canadian stores. This goal can be achieved by offering products to people of various incomes. Secondly, the management can achieve this goal by optimizing the supply c hain.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Risk Assessment and Contingency Plans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The second aspect, which can be equally important to Target Corporation is the customer perspective. As it has been said, the company must demonstrate that they really act as a responsible corporate citizen that will benefit Canadian customers. They can attain this objective in several ways. First, the management must eliminate labor law violations in the workplace. Such controversial incidents can really damage the reputation of this organization and prevent it from expanding in the United States or Canada. Secondly, they can do it by retaining the employees of former companies such as Zellers Inc. Thirdly, one should not overlook internal process perspective. The main objectives are to minimize stock out rates and establish partnerships with Canadian suppliers. The stock out time can be minimiz ed by using more accurate demand-forecasting methods. Finally, the management should foster learning and growth in the organization. This perspective is probably also vital for the success of Target Corporation. The key task is to make sure that ideas and best practices are quickly disseminated across the company. They need to work on the improvement of worker’s skills. This is why they should offer training programs to the members of the staff. Finally, the company needs to offer stimulus to well-performing and talented employees. For example, they can give monthly awards the best employees. Later, the management should track their performance on a monthly basis. This assessment will show whether these bonuses and training programs contribute to better performance. These are the strategies that Target should pursue in order to achieve success in Canada. Works Cited Greenberg, Warren. The Health Care Marketplace. London: Beard Books, 2002. Print. Rowley, Laura. On Target: How the World’s Hottest Retailer Hit a Bull’s-Eye. NY: John Wiley Sons, 2004. Print.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. â€Å"Ricardo Vazquez v. Target Corporation†. 2009. Web. Retrieved from https://www.mass.gov/decision/ricardo-vazquez-v-target-corporation Footnotes 1 the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. This research paper on Risk Assessment and Contingency Plans was written and submitted by user Phasma to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

20 Cause and Effect Essay Topics Top Issues Related to Chinese Students’ Discrimination in the US

20 Cause and Effect Essay Topics Top Issues Related to Chinese Students’ Discrimination in the US New students who come to America either for a full scholarship or even a partial study abroad program face many forms of discrimination in the classroom and outside the classroom. Below are some topics on the subject matter to help you select a cause and effect essay topic for your next assignment: How Some Chinese Students Who Do Not Read or Write in English at Fluent Levels Are Unable to Properly Understand Any Forms They Are Required to Fill out, often Resulting in Misunderstandings about Things such as School Policy or Legal Matters How Chinese Students Do Not Receive Interpreters and May Be at a Disadvantage in terms of Medicinal Treatment They Need while Attending School in the United States How Chinese Students Face Barriers in Their Belief System How Chinese Students Might Find It Difficult to Find the Medical Attention They Require How Chinese Students Are Mocked by Other Subgroups in the Classroom Racial Slurs and Racial Discrimination Chinese Students Face in and out of the Classroom Discrimination against Chinese Students in the Food Available through Student Food Programs and on Campus Discrimination against Chinese Students in the Sports and Athletic Options Available to Students, such as Football and Soccer but Not Thai Chi or Kickboxing or Yoga Discrimination against Chinese Students in the Form of Ignorant Comments and Questions Discrimination against Chinese Students by the Government or Authority Figures Who May be Suspicious That the Student Is Conducting Cyber Warfare Discrimination against Chinese Students after They Complete Their Education, by Not Allowing Them to Get Jobs in and Remain in the United States, Forcing Them to Return Home with All of the Knowledge They Learned for Free in America Discrimination against Chinese Students in terms of Housing, Whereby Many Are Placed with Other Study-Abroad or International Students, often from Conflicting Cultures as a Way to Force Immersion How Chinese Students Face Social Differences without Any Guide of Proper Behaviors, Turns of Phrase, and Demeanors in America How Chinese Students Might Be Unaware of Proper Greetings or How to Use Body Language and Physical Contact How Chinese the Fact that Students Might Not Understand Colloquialisms and Proper English Taught in Schools May Be Grounds for Mocking How Chinese Students May Be Limited in Their Transportation Abilities How Chinese Students Face Discrimination in terms of The Classes They Can Take, often Only Allowed to Select from a Predetermined List for International Students How Chinese Students Face Discrimination by Teachers and Administrators Who May Have Cultural Conflicts. How Chinese Students Face Discrimination by Military Personnel Who May Be Biased because of the Cyber Warfare with China How Chinese Students Face Discrimination in terms of the Language and Terms Used by Culturally Centric People Which Might be Offensive to Someone of Chinese Background Sample Cause and Effect Essay on Cultural Barriers to Medicine Today, many students spend time abroad for their education. Whether a student is visiting for one semester or for many years, there are some forms of discrimination they might face which are not always as noticeable as things such as racial slurs but are just as trying and challenging for Chinese Students to overcome. One of these items is access to medicine. Many Chinese Students who are in America might find that at some point or another they require medical treatment. This might come in the form of an emergency treatment or in the form of simple healing herbs to stop a cold or cough. In such situations cultural and communication barriers can inhibit the student from getting the medical care they need, which is founded in discrimination against Eastern medicinal treatments. It is very difficult for Western medicine to accept the legitimacy of Eastern medicine, even if some treatments have scientific evidence behind them or are backed by insurance companies and the FDA. Communicating medical needs is one part of this discrimination. Not all medical facilities have the funding to supply full time interpreters in a variety of languages. In fact, most hospitals who are unable to afford such staff members will seek instead to hire employees for other roles such as that of nurse who can also speak another language. Then that person is called upon in the event that a patient needs a translator. However, the level of fluency here often fluctuates as there is no standard to which such translation skills are held, in addition to which most hospitals will only have employees who can interpret for the most common languages they have among their patients. Students from China who are studying abroad in the United States might become ill and need medicinal treatment while they are abroad, and without their parents, friends, or family, or even regular practitioner and medical records nearby, they might have problems communicating their needs and the doctors may ha ve similar problems communicating the treatments. Even with someone to interpret, something that would only be afforded if many Chinese migrants- for example- visited that medical facility, there are still many medical terms that might be unfamiliar. Another issue with communication is that of cultural barriers and not just linguistic ones. The student may have strong beliefs that do not align with some medicinal treatments, and may be unable to find a local Chinese practitioner who can provide them with the herbs or other Eastern medicinal treatments preferred such as cupping. While a Chinese Students might prefer a simple herbal tea, the western practitioner who is assigned- often by the school- to offer treatment may only be authorized to provide antibiotics or other pill treatments which the student may not want or need. With each of these, there is a need to help mitigate the discrimination faced by Chinese Students. This starts with recognizing that each culture is different and that students from all over the world may require different treatments. But it also requires people not to look at others through the lens of their own culture. References: Bourne, Peter G. The Chinese student- acculturation and mental illness.Psychiatry  38.3 (1975): 269-277. Goto, Sharon G., Gilbert C. Gee, and David T. Takeuchi. Strangers still? The experience of discrimination among Chinese Americans.  Journal of Community Psychology  30.2 (2002): 211-224. Hanassab, Shideh. Diversity, international students, and perceived discrimination: Implications for educators and counselors.  Journal of Studies in International Education  10.2 (2006): 157-172. Lyman, Stanford M. Chinese Americans. (1974). McClain, Charles J.  In search of equality: the Chinese struggle against discrimination in nineteenth-century America. Univ of California Press, 1994. Rosenbloom, Susan Rakosi, and Niobe Way. Experiences of discrimination among African American, Asian American, and Latino adolescents in an urban high school.  Youth Society  35.4 (2004): 420-451. Spencer, Michael S., and Juan Chen. Effect of discrimination on mental health service utilization among Chinese Americans.  American Journal of Public Health  94.5 (2004): 809-814.

Analysis of Business Operations Shuzworld Inc Term Paper

Analysis of Business Operations Shuzworld Inc - Term Paper Example The three options that are available to Shuzworld are as follows: Buy new equipment for the Shanghai facility; Recondition the existing equipment at the Shanghai facility, or Outsource production to a vendor in China. The purchasing of the new equipment will definitely cost the companies a lot but that will have its own benefits in terms of its long-term usage and reliability, which is the main concern of many of the companies. The second option to use reconditioned equipment is another source through which the companies can start their business in a new location or in their headquarters. The reconditioned equipment will be available from the market at a lower cost and will give the start-up companies or the emerging companies an opportunity to start work with the lesser amount of investment. The companies will be able to follow the cost-effective measures that they have thought about and then will be able to work on the other tasks after the first task of cost management has been ef fectively done as the reconditioned equipment will be cheaper in rate. However, there will be one issue of the reliability of the machines, as they might need repairs often. This may be a major problem for an emerging company who might not have a backup plan if the main machinery gets damaged. This may cause Shuzworld to cease the production process as well. The third option in terms of using the equipment is related to outsourcing the work and operations to another contractor company. This will ease the management in a way that they will need labor that will handle operations in the work field as that responsibility will now be sole of the contractor company. The main disadvantage of using this option is that the companies might pay more for the products that they could produce themselves at their own plants at lesser costs. The decision on which option to choose will also depend on the current and forecast demand for Samba Sneakers. The buy and recondition options both have fixed cost but comparatively lower variable cost than the outsourcing option. The choice will depend on the number of Samba sneakers that Shuzworld expects to produce. Sensitivity analysis can be used to inform the decision. Sensitivity analysis is a technique that is used to determine ‘how the variation in the output of a model can be apportioned to different sources of variation’ and how a given model will be influenced by information fed into it.  

Are you a regular smoker Within the context of your own experiences, Research Paper

Are you a regular smoker Within the context of your own experiences, discuss why anti-smoking campaigns have been largely ineff - Research Paper Example However, these strategies remain ineffective since teenagers continue to smoke irrespective of the numerous antismoking campaigns. Additionally, teenagers continue to be influenced to start smoking through marketing strategies used by tobacco industry. There are several reasons why antismoking advertisements remain ineffective in curbing teen smoking. This paper focuses on these reasons. The paper will entail use of introspection, data collection, and analysis and make recommendations on how the advertisements could be improved. Overview of the Topic Although, I am not a smoker, I have several young friends who started smoking at very young stages. Additionally, I have always had great concern on why anti-smoking campaigns have not eliminated teen smoking. Most young people engage in smoking at a very tender age. Some end up becoming addicted, which makes them vulnerable to the numerous smoking related diseases. To prevent addiction and such ailments, there have been several campaign s and funds set aside to curb smoking among the teenagers. This is because this is the stage at which quitting would be easier since continuous smoking leads to addiction making it hard for smokers to quit. From as early as in the 1960’s, several antismoking advertisements were adopted. ... In other cases, the government uses funds to finance airing of information aimed at alerting young people of the dangers of smoking. Although there has been great focus on antismoking campaigns through different media, several young people continue smoking. Moreover, there is no evidence to show that any campaigns convince the teens to quit smoking. Some studies show that the campaigns are ineffective and could have at times encouraged the young people to smoke. Some of these campaigns are conducted by the tobacco industry itself. It is illogical how a company manufacturing a product would be able to convince the users that the product is dangerous. Therefore, most of the advertisements are just a protocol used by the tobacco industry to convince the policy makers that the industry is following the regulations (Wakefield, Flay and Giovino 233-237). Additionally, cigarettes are sold at extremely low prices, which make them affordable to the teens wanting to experiment. Introspection a nd Data Collection Whenever I listen or watch anti-smoking advertisement, the first thing I try to figure out is the persons behind the advertisement. In case the advertisement is designed by the tobacco industry, I always ask myself how someone would make a product and then try to convince the users not to use the product. This makes me think that the campaigns could be untruthful and carried out ineffectively since they condemn the use of a product that they manufacture and export greatly for the benefit of the nation. Another aspect that makes me to consider the antismoking campaigns unbelievable is their nature. Most used antismoking campaign strategy is advertisements. The advertisements appear unrealistic to me. The

Film Noir Elements In The Movie Memento Film Studies Essay

Film Noir Elements In The Movie Memento Film Studies Essay There is yet to be a definition to be created to accurately capture the genre of Noir in film. The concept was first coined by French film critics who noticed the trend of how dark, downbeat and black the looks and themes were of many American crime and detective films released in France to theatres following the war(Film Noir). The term noir is a French word which literally means black or dark. The connotation attached to the term later on came to be those films which depicted crime, strangeness, cruelty, brutality, violence and similar other attributes. The period for Noir films flourished in the 1940s up to the 1950s, which were aptly called the classic noir period in movies. Later on, from the 1960s up to the current times, other types of noir films were conceptualized like the neo-noir and the science fiction noir, all concepts of which were derived from or echoed the original classic noir genus. Memento is one movie which typifies the film noir genre in that it has numerous elements which categorically makes it as one. Primarily, the existence of a lonely, confused and troubled protagonist (Schoenherr) is there. Add to this the other elements like the black-and-white scenes, the struggle, the seemingly bleak situations, the crimes perpetrated, the underground investigations, the voice-overs of the lead character, evil, paranoia and deception among other things. An interesting feature of this film though is the story unfolding from its end going up to the supposed initial scenes which took place. It is not narrated exactly in a circular motion but rather they are presented in chunks of about 10 minutes each. Aside from this, there is the alternate presentation of the colored and black-and-white formats to add narration and further expound on the sequence of events. Film noir operates on specific social, cultural and historical contexts. In this particular film, the social context used is that of the protagonist becoming a different man after the rape and murder of his wife. Leonard or Lenny loses his memory after he shoots his wifes rapist and he is shoved and clubbed by the rapists companion. His head hits the bathroom mirror, and from then on, he becomes afflicted with Anterograde Amnesia or not being able to retain his short-term memory. Lennys memories before the accident are intact and his last memories are of his wife being murdered, hence, his ever- enduring quest to avenge her death. Most people now think of Lenny as a freak for not being able to remember thoughts, names, faces and events which are a regular part of the memory of normal people since he forgets his thoughts and the things he does after 15 minutes or so. However, Lenny struggles to keep his sanity by taking Polaroid pictures and immediately labeling them, writing down his ideas, and tattooing the more important thoughts on his body. Having no family to call his own, he lives in a motel room and is suspicious of everyone. His lifes direction is motivated by vengeance and a major part of the film is spent on this desire to kill. The cultural context of the film is the type of culture that was used in the movie. The setting is sometime during the 2000s in Nevada. It is not shown if the protagonist had a lot of friends before the incident which led to his condition, but it is presumed that it was probably a case of not wanting to be identified with someone with a stigma of mental illness. The only friend who was identified as someone who knew Lenny immediately after the accident was Teddy, who was the one who helped Lenny to find and kill the original murderer of his wife, and then again Jimmy G. who was also killed by Lenny. As such, it meant that the culture held a discriminating attitude towards this mental illness. Pertaining to historical context, the practice of tattooing as a body art was prevalent from the late 1990s up to the 2000s. This was a period when tattooing was no longer considered as objects of diversion done in prison cells but rather as an art form to express oneself. In the movie, the lead character made use of tattoos on his body to remind himself of essential facts/details which he always wanted to be reminded of. Although not used as an art form, the existence of tattoo parlors in the locality denoted an acceptance of the practice of self-expression, which worked quite well for Lenny. It was also a time when Polaroids were popularly used and Leonard fully exhausted the Polaroids capability to assist him in remembering people and places with his depressing mental condition. According to Filmsite.org, the primary moods of classic film noir were melancholy, alienation, bleakness, disillusionment, disenchantment, pessimism, ambiguity, moral corruption, evil, guilt, desperation and paranoia (Film Noir). These themes are evident in the seclusion, isolation and omnipresent monologues of the lead character who wanted to establish the links to find meaning in his life. A wide array of emotions ranging from suspicion, confusion, naivete, loneliness, alienation, hatred, and bewilderment among others were efficiently delivered by the lead actor to the viewers who empathized with him in his daily struggle to survive. Noir movies characteristically have a protagonist who is usually reclusive, generally disturbed and commonly pessimistic. The lead character in Memento is not the typical protagonist since he lives his life everyday like a clean new slate. Just like the first part of this movie where a Polaroid picture was being undeveloped, Lenny lived his life always careworn to find out what he had been doing and what he should be doing next. His ultimate aim was to find his wifes killer, a task which Teddy assists him with. Although he is somewhat of the withdrawn type, Lenny is still enthusiastic about life and is confident that his Polaroids, notes and tattoos are taking him somewhere. Different noir styles were also apparent throughout the film. One is that storylines were often elliptical, non-linear and twisting (Film Noir) which connotes the unique presentation customarily associated with noir. Regular films are often presented in a manner where the story unfolds conventionally from beginning to end. The story told backwards and in bits and pieces was a unique way of entrancing the audience into being an active participant in the life of Leonard, trying to come up with his/her own conclusions or links to previous scenes and events. Amnesia suffered by the protagonist was a common plot device (Film Noir) which was obviously the illness which the lead character was afflicted with. This sort of justified the way with which Lenny killed the possible murderers without remorse or guilt since his brain was devoid of any emotions relating to pity and mercy. Furthermore, it is said that the protagonists in film noir were normally driven by their past or by human weaknes s to repeat former mistakes(Film Noir) which is what happens to Lenny as the film unfolds. It is only later in the movie that it is revealed that Lenny had already killed his wifes murderer, and Teddy had even taken a Polaroid shot of him after the said killing. It was due to his mental condition that Lenny was not able to remember the incident which Teddy later used to his advantage in getting rid of Jimmy G. who was a drug dealer. The original story of Memento was an idea brought forward by the brother of the movies director, Jonathan Nolan in the late 1990s. The storyline was finished after several months and director Christopher Nolan came up with the idea that he wanted to tell the movie backwards, hence the screenplay was manipulated in a way where shot sequences were cut up into small bits. In between the colored takes were the non-colored shots to denote two timelines of what was the past and the present respectively. At some point towards the end of the movie, the black-and-white scene becomes colored specifically when Lenny takes the Polaroid picture of the dead Jimmy G, who was the second murder suspect endorsed by Teddy. This signified the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Leonard, and the true commencement of the story which somehow tragically ends with the death of its instigator, Teddy. The artistry presented in the film being of a different genre is as previously mentioned largely seen in the storys presentation to the viewer. The lead actor was also shown in black-and-white scenes and colored ones which showed contrasting characters one, the rugged, unshaven, unkempt, menacing and confused character who shoots the gun at Jimmy G. in black-and-white, and the other, the suit-clad formally dressed and more confident Lenny who drives a Jaguar in colored film. This implies that the main character had good and bad traits, although the bad traits were more emphasized but later exposed to be manipulations done by some of the other characters in the plot. One of these characters is Natalie who represents the femme fatale element in the movie, and who adds further intricacies to the plot and manipulates Lenny into a mental tug-of-war with Teddys statements. The cinematography of the film was excellent as emphasis was done where it was necessary, and accurate illumination was also appropriately achieved. Editing was also good especially in the cuts of the film that had to be fed in several lumps, and in two different formats of color and BW. Continuity in the film was smooth and flowed effortlessly. The film scoring was suitable and elicited empathy from the viewer in the scenes where dialogues were not really necessary. The closest thing to special effects in the film was the way that the first sequence was presented to the viewer where the Polaroid shot was being undeveloped instead of the other way around. It goes back up to the time Lenny shoots Teddy and the latter was screaming for his life. Acting in the film was superb. Guy Pearce as Leonard was able to deliver all the emotions expected from him and thus elicited the required compassion from the viewer. Teddy, Natalie, Sammy Jankins and all the other actors also did a good job in making the plot more focused on the plight of the main character, thereby allowing Lenny to stand out. The movie Memento has some allusions to significant theories and concepts. One of these is the concept of Cultural Materialism. The most active proponent of Cultural Materialism is Marvin Harris and the premise of this theory is that the social life of a human being is a direct response to problems arising from his earthly existence. Leonards actions can be rationalized as a practice of cultural materialism because he is merely responding to his problems instead of taking a proactive role in it. This is due in large part to his illness which he cannot control and which allows him to be manipulated by some shady characters in the film. Existentialism is another concept which is apparent in this movie. The plot evolves around the lead character, Leonard, who tries to find meaning in his existence as he grapples with his affliction rendering him confused and stressed at most times. He tries hard to think and look back but cannot, and this is what leads him to try to devise ways in which he could remember things, events, places and people who have somehow played an important role in his life, after the accident which claimed his short-term memory. Lastly, there is the hint of self-determination as seen in the main character as he tries his best to make decisions without the influence of others. Unfortunately, he was not aware of the subtle approach which was used by the movies disreputable characters who were always one step ahead of him in his plans. Still, it was revealed near the movies end that Lenny was also utilizing his selective memory to manipulate the situation in such a way as to be able to create and continually re-create his motives for vengeance. Since finding the possible suspects to his wifes murder was the only impetus which kept him alive, it was a need he had to satiate, and hence, an inspiration which kept him continually in pursuit of.

Southwest Airlines :: essays research papers

Southwest Airlines 1.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many changes have occurred and are occurring in the airline industry, which pose a potential threat to Southwest Airlines. The airline industry has traditionally had many airlines receive annual loses on their income statements. This trend is still continuing today as many airlines stand in financial trouble. Some of these financial troubles arise from changes brought upon them from the ever-changing governmental regulations. The most recent change in governmental regulations that will have the largest effect on Southwest Airlines is the change in the federal ticket tax in 1997 on flight routes that are one thousand plus miles. This new tax system replaces a percentage tax with a tax that includes a flat segment fee that will cause conflict with the low-fare carriers. This is causing Southwest to make some changes in their strategy, which will cause them to lose some of their cost advantage. Their largest cost advantage over their current rivals is in the fligh ts, which are five hundred miles (59% cost advantage). Their cost advantage is much smaller for the larger flights, which are one thousand five hundred miles (35% cost advantage). This already has caused Southwest to change their strategy by making their nonstop flights longer with over 16% of their flights longer than one thousand miles.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another threat that Southwest Airlines is facing is the mimicry by other airlines. Other airlines are copying Southwest’s strategy in order to enter the low-fare, short-haul market. Delta Airlines has built a low-fare regional carrier service and has acquired a minority stake in three regional airlines. United Airlines is also making a serious entry into the same market. United is doing this with United Express, which will feed passengers from regional carriers into the United system, and United Shuttle, which provides over 450 short-haul flights in the western states.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The opportunity for expansion is limitless for Southwest Airlines.

Financial Ratios and Hershey

A. TWO KEY LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS CASE Hershey Company is famous known for being the biggest manufacturer of chocolates and confectionery products in North America and grocery products in over 60 countries worldwide. In 2009, Hershey sales up to 3. 23 percent. Advertising expenses increased by 46 percent as the company continued to promote iconic brands such as the Hershey Kiss and Reese’s products. Due to lower commodity prices, the company plans to discontinue their Cacao Reserve brand as well as their Starbucks chocolate partnership. The company also plans to close their online gift business.The company expanded its global presence via joint ventures in china and India. From this case, we found two key lessons as following: (a) The first lesson is about the important of expanding to global market (b) The second lesson is about the importance for the firm to keep developing customer preferences. It is important for company to focus on how to formulate global product strate gy to penetrate growing international markets. Therefore, Hershey should come up with new strategies in finance, marketing and production department to complete globally and to increase the customer satisfaction and market share.B. Vision Statement Since we could not find a vision statement of Hershey company then we suggest a vision as below: â€Å"Achieving consumers needs which making chocolate more healthy, delicious and delightful for life† From our opinion, this vision is clear in term of to help the company to see where the company is going on in the future which the company more concern about customer need and offer the product of natural and organic chocolate for health. According to researchers led by Natalie Rose, MD, of the University of California at San Diego.The result suggests several possible relationships between eating chocolate and wellness, it helps to increase the level of specific neurotransmitters in our brain that in turn promotes feeling of happiness and help to raise the good hormone that act as an ati-depressant. Therefore, It captures the importance not only for healthy but also the happiness of eating chocolate. C. Mission Statement The current mission of the Hershey company is â€Å"Bringing sweet moments of Hershey happiness to the world everyday† To our stakeholders, this means: Consumer: Delivering quality consumer driven confectionery experiences for all occasions. * Employees: Winning with an aligned and empowered organization while having fun. * Business Partner: Building collaborative relationships for profitable growth with our customers, suppliers, and partners. * Shareholder: Creating sustainable value. * Communities: Honoring our heritage through continued commitment to making a positive difference. The current mission consists of the following characteristics: 1. Customer 2. Concern for survival, profitability, growth 3. Philosophy 4. Self-concept 5.Concern for public image 6. Concern for employees Missi on statement is often the most visible and public part of the strategic management process. The current mission is sufficient to remind the company on their attitude and outlook. However, it is important to include the nine characteristic, as mission statement would be more effective. From our analysis, the current mission lacks of another three characteristics, which are products, market, and technology. These four characteristics are important for the company in the long-term development. Thus, we think that the current mission can be improved as follows: Bringing sweet moments of chocolate Hershey happiness to the world every day† To stakeholders, this means: Consumer: Delivering quality consumer with the lastest technology to drive experiences for all occasions. Employee: Winning with an aligned and empowered organization while having fun. Business Partners: Building collaborative relationships for profitable growth with our customers, suppliers, and partners in the intern ational market. Shareholders: Creating sustainable value. Communities: Honoring our heritage through continued commitment to making a positive difference.D. External Audit Opportunities 1. Organic foods products are one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States with a projected value of $26. 3 billion by 2011. 2. Seasonal sales such as Halloween and Valentine's Day account for 10 percent of the annual sales in the industry. 3. Nestle's image, however, has suffered within the global community due to allegations about sourcing of cocoa from farms that employed children in Africa, as well as its marketing tactics used to promote its infant milk substitutes in developing nations. 4.Consumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional value of various product ingredients with purchase decisions reflecting a preference for organic and nonadulterated products. 5. Confectionery products include chocolate, gum, cereal bars, and sugar confectionery products with a projected global ma rket value of $107. 4 billion by 2010. 6. Chocolate currently accounts for 55. 8 percent of the market's overall global value. Threats 1. Mergers and acquisitions in the past few years have influenced both the market share and product portfolio of global firms in the confectionery industry. 2.Nestle, one of the global leaders in the industry, expanded its nutritional product with the acquisition of Jenny Craig, a company with an established brand of nutritional weight-management products. 3. Nestle recently entered the organic products segment with projected sales of $24 billion by 2010. 4. Due to increased consumer concerns about artificial ingredients, the company [Cadbury] also manufactures a line of products with no artificial colors or artificial flavorings under the Natural Confectionery Company. 5. Cadbury has a 71 percent market share in India, and enjoys a 53 percent market share in the chocolate category in Australia. . Due to increased consumer preference for low fat and organic products, Mars Nutrition and Health Well Being has also developed a line of low-fat products and healthy snacks. 7. Some research analysts expect that international wholesale sugar prices may reach 40 cents a pound. 8. Cocoa future contract prices in 2008 ranged from $0. 86 to $1. 50 per pound, which represented a significant increase from 2007 prices. CPM – Competitive Profile Matrix * Estimates for Hershey focused on similar product lines with Nestle, Cadbury and Mars The Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM)Critical success factors| Weight| Hershey| Nestle| Cadbury| Mars| | | Rating| Score| Rating| Score| Rating| Score| Rating| Score| Global Expansion| 0. 2| 4| 0. 8| 4| 0. 8| 3| 0. 6| 3| 0. 6| Financial Position| 0. 10| 2| 0. 2| 4| 0. 4| 3| 0. 3| 2| 0. 2| Advertising ;amp;Marketing| 0. 15| 4| 0. 6| 2| 0. 3| 3| 0. 45| 3| 0. 45| Customer Loyalty| 0. 1| 2| 0. 2| 3| 0. 3| 3| 0. 3| 3| 0. 3| Market share| 0. 15| 3| 0. 45| 4| 0. 6| 4| 0. 6| 2| 0. 3| Product Quality| 0. 12| 4| 0. 36| 2| 0. 24| 3| 0. 36| 3| 0. 36| Price Competitiveness| 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 3| 0. 30| 4| 0. 40| 3| 0. 0| Management| 0. 08| 2| 0. 16| 4| 0. 32| 2| 0. 16| 3| 0. 24| Total| 1. 0| 3. 07| 3. 26| 3. 17| 2. 75| The Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) show that weighted score of Hershey, Nestle, Cadbury and Mars. Nestle has got total weighted scores is 3. 26 which is highest score and Hershey is the third scores, less than Nestle and Cadbury. The CPM indicates that Hershey is the strongest in terms of Product Quality and Advertising ;amp;Marketing. This means if Hershey is to be competitive, it has to focus on global expansion and market share. The External Factor Evaluation (IFE) MatrixKEY INTERNAL FACTOR| WEIGHT| RATING| WEIGHTED SCORE| OPPORTUNITIES| | Organic foods products are one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States| 0. 1| 4| 0. 4| Seasonal sales account for 10 percent of the annual sales in the industry| 0. 05| 3| 0. 15| Nestle’s image has suffered from farms tha t employed children in Africa| 0. 04| 4| 0. 16| Consumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional value of various product| 0. 07| 3| 0. 21| Confectionery products projected global market value of $107. 4 billion by 2010| 0. 09| 4| 0. 36| Chocolate currently accounts for 55. percent of the market’s overall global value| 0. 08| 4| 0. 32| Sub-total for Opportunities| 1. 00| | 1. 60| THREAT| WEIGHT| RATING| WEIGHTED SCORE| Mergers and acquisitions have influenced both the both the market share and product portfolio of global firms| 0. 01| 3| 0. 3| Nestle expanded nutritional product| 0. 08| 2| 0. 16| Nestle entered the organic products segment| 0. 08| 2| 0. 16| Cadbury manufactures a line of products with no artificial colors or artificial flavorings| 0. 07| 3| 0. 21| Cadbury has a 71 percent market share in India, and enjoys a 53 percent market share in chocolate category inAustralia| 0. 06| 2| 0. 12| Mars Nutrition and Health Well Being has developed a line of low-fat produc ts and healthy snacks| 0. 07| 4| 0. 28| International wholesale sugar prices may reach 40 cents a pound| 0. 06| 4| 0. 24| Cocoa future contract prices in 2008 ranged from $0. 86 to $1. 50 per pound| 0. 05| 4| 0. 20| Sub-total for Threats| 1. 00| | 1. 67| Total| 1. 00| | 3. 27| The EFE matrix reveals that score for Opportunities versus score for Threats. Hershey’s total weighted scores is more than average which is at 3. 27.This indicates that Hershey is responding strongly above average to the existing opportunities and threats. In other words, the company’s current strategies are able to gain advantage of the existing opportunities and minimize the potential effects of external threats. E. Internal Audit Strengths 1. The Hershey and Godrej venture will distribute Hershey products via Godrej's distribution network to over 1. 6 million outlets in India. 2. Advertising expenses for the quarter increased by 46 percent as the company continued to promote iconic brands such as the Hershey Kiss and Reese's products. 3.The company relies on special promotions to increase holiday sales, and it also uses advertising programs to supplement seasonal sales. 4. During the past several years, the company has expanded its global presence through a variety of acquisitions and joint ventures with established firms in the international market. 5. Hershey also has special editions products that are themed with events, such as their Dark Knight Collection (milk chocolate peanut butter bats) created for the release of the movie Dark Knight. The company also encourages customers to personalize messages and gifts via its interactive home page. . Due to increased consumer preferences for healthy and organic products, the company portfolio of healthy snacks has expanded to include Payday Pro energy bars and sugar-free products such as Twizzlers. 7. Hershey, as well as other competitors in the industry, is acquiring nonchocolate products as well as nutritional products to complement its existing products. 8. Hershey products are sold to more than 2 million retail outlets, including wholesale distributors, chain grocery stores, convenience stores, and wholesale clubs as well as natural food stores. 9.Direct research on consumer preferences as well as process innovations are supported via the Hershey Center of Health and Nutrition developed in 2007. 10. Operating Profit Margin: 14%(2008) 15%(2009) Weaknesses 1. The company also plans to close their online gift business, which featured seasonal products and gifts that could be personalized by the consumer. 2. Due to global supply initiatives, the company projects a reduction of 1,500 positions over the next three-year period. 3. The company plans to discontinue their Cacao Reserve brand as well as their Starbucks chocolate partnership. 4.Hershey's iconic brands such as Hershey Bar, Hershey Kisses, and Reese's are instantly recognized within the domestic market. 5. The company’s long-term debt in creased from $1,279,965 in20O7 to 1,505,954 in 2008. The Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix KEY INTERNAL FACTOR| WEIGHT| RATING| WEIGHTED SCORE| STRENGTHS| | The company will distribute Hershey products via Godrej’s distribution network in India| 0. 06| 3| 0. 18| Advertising expenses for promote iconic brands| 0. 09| 4| 0. 36| The company relies on special promotions| 0. 07| 3| 0. 21| The company has expanded its global presence| 0. 8| 3| 0. 24| Hershey has special editions products that are themed with events| 0. 06| 2| 0. 12| The company portfolio of healthy snacks has expanded to include Payday Pro energy bars and sugar-free products| 0. 08| 4| 0. 32| Acquiring nonchocolate and nutritional products| 0. 09| 4| 0. 36| Hershey products are sold to more than 2 million retail outlets| 0. 07| 3| 0. 21| Direct research on consumer preferences and process innovations are supported by the Hershey Center of Health and Nutrition developed| 0. 06| 3| 0. 18| Operating Profit Margi n: 14% (2008) 15% (2009)| 0. 6| 3| 0. 18| Sub-total for strengths| 1. 00| | 2. 36| WEAKNESSES| WEIGHT| RATING| WEIGHTED SCORE| The company plans to close their online gift business| 0. 06| 2| 0. 12| The company projects a reduction of 1,500 positions over the next three years| 0. 05| 2| 0. 12| The company plans to discontinue Cacao Reserve brand Starbucks chocolate partnership| 0. 06| 3| 0. 18| Hershey’s iconic brands are instantly recognized within the domestic market. | 0. 06| 3| 0. 18| The company’s long-term debt increased| 0. 05| 2| 0. 10| Sub-total for weaknesses| 1. 00| | 0. 68| Total| 1. 00| | 3. 4| Based on the IFE evaluation shows that score for Strengths versus score for Weaknesses. Total weighted scores for Hershey is 3. 04 considered as above average which is indicates that the company’s internal position is strong. Financial Ratio Analysis (2008) Growth Rates % (5-Year Annual Avg. )| ABC Company| Sales | 16. 22%| Net Income (5-Year Annual Avg. )| 4 5. 81%| Dividends (5-Year Annual Avg. )| 41. 27%| Profit Margins| | Gross Margin| 34%| Pre-Tax Margin| 11%| Net Profit Margin| 6%| 5Yr Net Profit Margin (5-Year Avg. )| 8. 97%| Financial Condition| | Debt/Equity Ratio| 10. 42|Current Ratio| 1. 06| Quick Ratio| 0. 59| Investment Returns %| | Return On Equity| 98%| Return On Assets| 9%| Return On Equity (5-Year Avg. )| 62. 95%| Return On Assets (5-Year Avg. )| 10. 72%| Management Efficiency| | Income/Employee| 24. 33| Revenue/Employee| 400. 99| Inventory Turnover| 8. 66| Asset Turnover| 1. 41| NET WORTH ANALYSIS OF AVP (2008 IN MILLION)| | | | | | | | | | Growth ratios:| Growth rate = [(current year – base year) / base year] * 100| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Percentage| | | 2009 Growth rate in sales| | 3. 23| | | 2008| | | | | 3. 76| | | 2007| | | | | 0. 5| | | 2008 Growth rate in net income| | | 45. 41| | Stockholders' Equity + Goodwill  | $ 872,876| Net Income * 5|   |   |   | $ 1,557,025| Share price * Net Income| 34. 74 * 311,405 = 10,818,210| Number of Shares Outstanding * Share Price| 227,035 * 34. 74 = 7,887,196| Method Average|   |   |   | 5,283,826. 70| FINANCIAL ANALYSIS The financial analysis for Hershey will be provided giving by liquidity ratios, leverage ratios, activity ratios, and profitability ratios as following. PROFITABILITY RATIOS From an accounting standpoint, profitability is defined as business gain in an activity.The measures used in this section detail how profitable the firm’s operations are and how well the firm generates a return on capital. The ratios for profitability analysis are return on assets, sales margin, return on equity, and the dividend payout ratio. Return on Assets: Return on assets (ROA) measures a company’s efficiency in generating profits from its available assets. This is calculated by dividing net income by total assets. An increasing ratio indicates higher efficiency. Hershey’s ROA improved from 5% in 2007 to 9% in 2008 indicating that Hershey became more efficient over the 2008 fiscal year.Return on Equity: The return on equity (ROE) is a measure of how well a company is able to return a profit using the shareholder’s investment. It is calculated by dividing net income by the shareholder’s equity. A higher number indicates a better return from shareholder’s investments. Hershey’s return on equity improved from 36% in 2007 to 98% in 2008, indicating a higher efficiency and better return from shareholder’s investment. Improvements were noted between 2007 and 2008 for Hershey’s ROA, ROE, Gross Profit Margin, Operating Profit Margin, Net Profit Margin and Earning Per Share were increased proportionally.LIQUIDITY RATIOS A company’s liquidity can be described by how easily a company can pay off short-term debts, in specific those due in the fiscal year. Current Ratio: The current ratio gives a strong measure of a company’s liquidity. It compares t he cash and cash equivalents plus any current assets that will be turned into cash within a year to current liabilities that must be paid within the year. This ratio indicates how well a company can pay its current debts. It is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Hershey’s current ratio improved from 0. 8 in 2007 to 1. 06 in 2008. Although this is an improvement, a ratio of 1 or better is desired in order to show the ability to pay of all current debts with current assets. Quick Ratio: The quick ratio is similar to the current ratio. Instead of using all current assets, the quick ratio only uses cash, market securities, and accounts receivables to compare against current liabilities. This is done to further narrow the assets to those that can more quickly be turn into cash. Hershey’s quick ratio improved from 0. 51 to 0. 59.Although an improvement can be seen, a more desirable ratio would be closer to 1 so that debts could be paid with current cash and cash equivalents. All measures of liquidity showed improvements for Hershey between 2007 and 2008. This is largely due to Hershey’s ability to generate a greater amount of operational cash flows between the two years. The improvement in current ratio and quick ratio shows an improved ability to pay off short term debts with current assets, which is also indicative that future payments of the long term debt will be possible. ACTIVITY RATIOSActivity in a firm is typically categorized as creation of product and moving product out the door for sales. Activity measures focus on these actions and evaluate how a firm uses its assets to generate revenues. If a company is able to utilize its assets efficiently, fewer funds from financing are needed. The ratios analyzed in this section are inventory turnover and asset turnover. Asset Turnover: Asset turnover takes an overall focus on how the company uses all of its assets to generate revenues. A higher number is desired becau se it indicates that each dollar of asset is producing a greater amount of revenue.It is calculated by dividing the company’s revenue by the total amount of assets for the current year. Hershey’s asset turnover ratio improved from 1. 16 in 2007 to 1. 41 in 2008. This shows that Hershey’s was more efficient in using its assets between evaluation periods. Inventory Turnover: Inventory turnover is a measure of how often within a year that inventory is sold and replaced. It is calculated by dividing cost of goods sold by inventory. A high ratio indicates efficiency and a high rate of sales. Hershey’s inventory turnover slightly improved from 8. 24 in 2007 to 8. 6 in 2008. Improvements were seen in inventory and asset turnover ratios. Hershey’s assets decreased in value while revenues increased, resulting in a more efficient use of assets. LEVERAGE RATIOS A company’s leverage defines how a company handles its debt. Companies that have a high leve rage can have difficulty paying back debts, securing new debts from creditors, and are usually higher risk. But, these companies can also attain tax advantages and gain large returns from investing. The ratios analyzed in this section include the debt ratio, debt to equity ratio and imes interest earned ratio. Debt Ratio: The debt ratio indicates how much debt a company has relative to its assets. This ratio is calculated by dividing total liabilities by total assets. This ratio is one of the components typically used by investors to determine the risk level of a company. A lower number is favored because it shows the company has a larger percentage of assets when compared to liabilities. Hershey’s debt ratio increased and deteriorated from 0. 762 in 2005 to 0. 836 in 2006. This is due to a decrease in company assets while liabilities increased.The increase in liabilities can be noted most in the long-term liabilities. This adds risk to Hershey’s from an investment sta ndpoint. Debt to Equity Ratio: The debt to equity ratio is a measure of what proportions of debt and equity are used in its financing. It is also a measure of a company’s financial leverage. The ratio is calculated by dividing total liabilities by stockholder’s equity. A lower number is favored because it indicates a higher amount of shareholder’s equity when compared to liabilities. Hershey’s debt to equity ratio increased and deteriorated from 6. 16 in 2007 to 10. 2 in 2008. This is largely a result in Hershey’s large decrease in shareholder’s equity. Times Interest Earned Ratio: The times interest earned ratio gives shows how well a company is able to pay its interest expenses with earnings before taxes. The number represents how many times over the interest expense can be paid with the earnings before interest. A higher number is favored. The ratio is calculated by dividing earning before interest and taxes (EBIT) by net interest expense . The times interest earned ratio for Hershey’s increase from 3. 87 in 2007 to 6. 03 in 2008.Hershey achieved many improvements in their financial ratios. Between 2005 and 2006, Hershey showed improvements in many areas. Their overall profitability improved. Liquidity also improved in all areas. This can be attributed to their ability to generate a greater amount of operational cash flows. Because of their increased liquidity, Hershey shows that they are in a better position to pay off their debts and is able to distribute their earnings to stockholders more readily. G. SPACE Matrix 2. 44, -1. 06 2. 44, -1. 06 6 5 4 3 2 1 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 CompetitiveIS ES CA FS Conservative Aggressive Defensive X 6 5 4 3 2 1 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 Competitive IS ES CA FS Conservative Aggressive Defensive X Financial Position (FP) Return on Investment ROE, ROA+4 Leverage+2 Earning Per Share+5 Inventory+3 Liquidity+4 Subtotal (FP) +18 Indu stry Position (IP) Growth potential+6 Extent leverage+5 Profit potent+5 Productivity+4 Subtotal (IP) +20 Competitive Position (CP) Market share -5 Product quality -1 Control over suppliers and distributers-2 Subtotal (CP) -8 Stability Position (SP) Barriers to entry into market-4Demand variability-6 Competitive pressure-6 Subtotal (SP) -14 x-axis = -2. 66 + 5= 2. 44 y-axis = -4. 66+ 3. 6= -1. 06 Based on this formula, it shows that The Hershey company x-axis is 2. 44 and y-axis is -1. 06. Therefore firm’s directional vector is located in the lower-right or competitive quadrant of the SPACE Matrix. In other word, The company has competitive advantages in a growing industry, The Hershey should pursue competitive strategies which include; backward, forward and horizontal integration; market penetration; market development and product evelopment. H. Grand Strategy Matrix Quadrant IV business have a strong competitive position but are in a slow-growth industry. Hershey has the str ength to launch diversified into more promising growth area such as India and China. The company also has characteristically high cash-flow levels and limited internal growth need as the result of 86% market share in America. I. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix BCG is a private management consulting firm base in Boston. The purpose of BCG Matrix is graphically shows the company’s position in terms of relative market share and industry growth.Hershey is in the Star quadrant because Hershey is leading in terms of market share in America and the growth rate sale is higher than zero for several years. As the result, the Star quadrant indicates that Hershey has good long-run opportunities for growth and profitability. To maintain this position Hershey need a substantial investment especially in global market and to strengthen its dominant position. Strategies that is best for Hershey includes market penetration, market development, product development, and forward, backward an d horizontal integration. J.The Internal-External (IE) Matrix | | | The IFE Total Weighted Score| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Strong| Average| Weak| | | | | | 3. 0 to 4. 0| 2. 0 to 2. 99| 1. 0 to 1. 99| | | | | High| IFE = 3. 04 IFE = 3. 04 I| II| III| | | | | EFE = 3. 27 EFE = 3. 27 3. 0 to 3. 99| | | | | | | | Medium| IV| V| VI| | | The EFE Total Weighted Score| 2. 0 to 2. 99| | | | | | | | Low| VII| VIII| IX| | | | | 1. 0 to 1. 99| | | | | | Key: | Grow and build| | Hold and maintain| | Harvest or diverstiture|The Internal – External (IE) Matrix The IE matrix is based on two key dimensions such as the IFE total weighted score and the EFE total weighted score. The total weighted scores allow construction of the corporate-level IE Matrix. The result from IE Matrix states that Hershey Company is appropriate for division 1 or can be described as grow and build. The most appropriate strategies for this division can be intensive market penetration, market development, and product development or company can also consider intensive backward integration, forward integration and horizontal integration.Based on the interpretation, suggest two best alternatives that the company could pursuit, then perform QSPM matrix. K. QSPM Strategic Alternatives| Key Internal Factors Weight| Alternative 1: Global Expansion| Alternative 2: Develop Organic Products| Strengths| AS | TAS| AS| TAS| 1. Distribute Hershey products via Godrej’s distribution network in India| 0. 06| 4| 0. 24| 2| 0. 18| 2. Advertising expenses for promote iconic brands. | 0. 09| 4| 0. 36| 3| 0. 27| 3. Relies on special promotions| 0. 07| 3| 0. 21| 2| 0. 14| 4.The company has expanded its global presence. | 0. 08| 4| 0. 32| 2| 0. 12| 5. Hershey has special editions product that are themed with events. | 0. 06| -| -| -| -| 6. The company portfolio of healthy snacks has expanded| 0. 08| 2| 0. 16| 4| 0. 32| 7. Acquiring non-chocolate and nutritional products| 0. 09| 2| 0. 18| 4| 0. 36| 8. Products are sold to more than 2 million retail outlets. | 0. 07| -| -| -| -| 9. Hershey Centre of Health supported research on consumer preferences and process innovations. | 0. 06| 2| 0. 12| 3| 0. 18| 10. Operating profit Margin: 14% (2008) 15% (2009)| 0. 6| -| -| -| -| Weaknesses| 1. Plans to close online gift business. | 0. 06| 3| 0. 18| 1| 0. 06| 2. The company projects a reduction of 1,500 positions. | 0. 05| 2| 0. 10| 1| 0. 05| 3. Plans to discontinue Cocao Reserve brand Starbucks chocolate partnership. | 0. 06| 3| 0. 18| 1| 0. 06| 4. Hershey’s iconic brands are instantly recognized within the domestic market| 0. 06| -| -| -| -| 5. The company’s long-term debt increased| 0. 05| -| -| -| -| SUBTOTAL| 1. 00| | 2. 05| | 1. 74| | Global Expansion| Develop Organic Products| Opportunities| AS| TAS| AS| TAS| 1.Organic foods products are the fastest growing sectors. | 0. 10| 1| 0. 10| 4| 0. 40| 2. Seasonal sales account for 10%| 0. 05| -| -| -| -| 3. Nestle’s image has suffe red. | 0. 04| 3| 0. 12| 2| 0. 08| 4. Consumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional value. | 0. 07| 3| 0. 21| 4| 0. 28| 5. Confectionery products projected global market value of $107. 4 billion by 2010| 0. 09| 3 | 0. 27| 2| 0. 18| 6. Chocolate currently accounts for 55. 8% of the market’s overall global value. | 0. 08| -| -| -| -| Threats| 1. Mergers and acquisitions have influenced both the market share. 0. 01| 4| 0. 04| 2| 0. 02| 2. Nestle expanded nutritional product. | 0. 08| 3| 0. 24| 4| 0. 32| 3. Nestle entered the organic product segment. | 0. 08| 3| 0. 24| 4| 0. 32| 4. Cadbury manufactures a line of products with no artificial colors or flavorings| 0. 07| 1| 0. 07| 2| 0. 14| 5. Cadbury has a 71% market share in India, and 53% Australia. | 0. 06| 3| 0. 18| 2| 0. 12| 6. Mars Nutrition and Health Well being has developed low-fat and healthy snacks| 0. 07| 2| 0. 14| 3| 0. 21| 7. International wholesale sugar prices may reach 40 cent a pound| 0. 06| -| -| -| -| 8.Coc oa future contract prices in 2008 ranged from $ 0. 86 to $1. 50 per pound| 0. 05| -| -| -| -| SUBTOTAL| | | 1. 57| | 2. 07| SUM TOTAL ATTRACTIVENESS SCORE| | | 3. 66| | 3. 81| As the result of QSPM, we consider two alternative strategies As following:a) Global expansion b) Develop organic products The sum total attractive scores are 3. 66 and 3. 87. The analysis indicates that Hershey should develop organic products. L. Recommendations From the evaluations of the company’s conditions, performance, and the analysis provided from SWOT matrix, IFE-EFE matrix, and Grand strategy matrix.We recommend three specific strategies as following: 1) Expand to global market Hershey has recently market share 86% in America and it is well known in America as the chocolate maker since 1906. On the other hand, In the global market, Hershey is the third rang next to Nestle and Cadbery. Hershey needs to continue to focus on the global market. Hershey currently has a limited presence in many area s of the world. However, compare to the actual plan strategies of the company, they have begun to expand into new areas such as China and India. We are suggesting the new organization structure to Hershey Food Corporation.In this structure, we have suggested continental president, which will help to complete globally or to increase the market share globally because they will have the experience of the particular continents and they will work according to market conditions. The Hershey Company needs to go international advertisement to promote the product as well as they have to find out the new channels of distribution and adopt the new channels to increase the sales. For the cost of expand to global market, the company must spend more in terms of marketing that amount is indicated in the projected income statement. ) Continue chocolate partnership with coffee store, and online gift business Hershey should continue to provide new chocolate flavored coffee product in supermarkets and coffee stores. This allows Hershey to market to new segment, more consumers , and participate in new trends. Besides, Hershey should continue online gift business to get the new channel to increase the sales as well as to provide the seasonal products and the gifts that could be personalized by the consumer. 3) Develop organic product People have become much more aware of the various factors that negatively affect their health.Chocolate and other candy are viewed as an unhealthy snack. Organic food products are one of the fastest growing sectors. Therefore, Hershey needs to continue to expand the market healthy products in order to gain a greater market share. If Hershey continues to market the products they already have in categories and continues to develop new products that address the healthy to the public, then their revenues will increase throughout the years as the projected income statement as following. Projected financial statementsProjected The Hershey company Statements of Income| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | In thousands of dollars except| For the year ended December 31| 2008| 2009| 2010| 2011| | | | | | | | | | Net Sales| 5,132,768| 5,298,668| 5,671,009| 6,238,110| Costs and Expenses 😠 | | | | | | | | | | | | Cost of sales| | 3,375,050| 3,245,531| 3,255,801| 3,402,798| | | | | | | | Selling, marketing and administrative| 1,073,019| 1,208,672| 1,426,477| 1,511,119| | | | | | | | | Business realignment and | | 94,801| 82,875| 83,433| 90,080| | impairment charges, net| | | | | | | | | | Total costs and expenses| 4,542,870| 4,537,078| 4,765,711| 5,003,997| | | | | | | | | | Income before Interest and Income Taxes| 589,898| 761,590| 905,298| 1,234,113| | Interest expenses, net| | 97,876| 90,459| 96,434| 111,070| | | | | | | | | | Income before Income Taxes| | 492,022| 671,131| 808,864| 1,123,043| | Provision for income taxes| | 180,617| 235,137| 299,065| 393,065| | | | | | | | | | Net Income| 311,405| 435,994| 509,799| 729,978| Projected The He rshey Company's Balance Sheet| | | | | | | | | | all numbers in thousands)| | Period Ending| 2008| 2009| 2010| 2011| | | | | | | | | | | Total Asset| | | 3,634,719| 3,675,031| 4,272,732| 4,913,642| Short term debt| | | 501,504| 39,313| 285,480| 157,014| Long term debt| | | 1,505,945| 1,502,730| 1,541,825| 1,418,479| Stockholders' Equity| | | 318,199| 760,339| 937,601| 1,021,985| M. Evaluation of the recommendations based on Islamic perspective Islamic perspective As we know, Hershey produces good quality of chocolate and Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark chocolate.These benefits are from flavonoids , which act as antioxidants. Moreover, the other benefit that we are able to gain from chocolate such as Lower Blood Pressure, Lower Cholesterol, endorphin production and so on. Allah orders us to consume good thing and try to avoid the meal that it will damage our bodies. As Allah said: Messengers! eat of the good thing s and do good; surely i know what you do Chapter: 23 , Verse: 51 eat of the lawful and good things with which allah has provided you and be thankful for the favors of allah if it is he you worship Chapter: 16 , Verse: 114 Moreover, Hershey produce halal product to consumer. The ingredients that are utilized to produce chocolate are not the ingredient that Allah forbidden as said in Quran. He has only forbidden you what dies of itself and blood and flesh of swine and that over which any other name than that of Allah has been invoked, but whoever is driven to necessity, not desiring nor exceeding the limit, then surely Allah is forgiving, merciful Chapter: 16 , Verse: 115 Hershey also has policy to maintain and concern about environment. It was one of the companies who are in World cocoa Foundation which support environmental project. This project includes non-chemical pest management practice and encourage sustainable farming practice to support ecosy stem in the region.Allah does not love people who harm environment as said in Quran ? â€Å"Seek not mischief in the land, for Allah loves not those who do mischief. † (Quran 28:77) According to scientists and philosophers, man is considered as the major factor in disturbing the natural balance of the universe. Man interferes intentionally or unintentionally in the earth's ecosystems by impairing its perfect order and precise sequence. However, it seems that man has cut off his nose to spite his face and he now is the victim. Grave dangers are anifested in pollution of the air, water, soil, outer space and others, as well as the irrational exploitation of the environment's resources, and inconsistent distribution of human settlements. All these factors have lead to different problems, all of which are marked by a disturbance to the earth's natural balance. If companies or industries exploit or use up natural materials and environment, all damage will revert back to them. As promised Quran. Mischief has appeared on the land and sea, because of (the need) that the hands of man have earned, that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from evil). †Ã‚  (Quran 30:41) REFFERENCES About Hershey. Retrieved on 02/02/12. From: http://www. thehersheycompany. com/about-hershey. aspx â€Å"Chocolate is good for you. † Chocolate Trading Co. July 13th, 2005 November 1st, 2007. Financial Report. Retrieved on 02/02/12. From: http://www. thehersheycompany. com/ investors/financial-reports. aspx. Fred R. David, â€Å"Strategic Management: Concept and Cases, Hershey Company—2009† 13th Edn.Page 111-119. Pearson Education, 2011 Halal and Haram Foods according to Quran. Retrieved on 02/02/12. From: http://www. parsquran. com/eng/subject/halal. htm Karem S. Ghoneim (Prof. ), Quran Recitations : The Quran and the Environment . Retrieved on 02/02/12. From: http://www. whyquran. co m/877/content/blogsection/0/98/9/18/ Mark Stibich, Health Benefits of  Chocolate. Retrieved on 02/02/12. From: http://longevity. about. com/od/lifelongnutrition/p/chocolate. htm Organization’s key Competitors. Retrieved on 02/02/12. From: www. foodproductiondaily-usa. com |