Coca-Cola Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Coca-Cola - Assignment Example It has targeted different age groups with different products, for example, using one of its products Fanta to target children and its main product Coca Cola to target the youth and the middle class as it says, â€Å"When you take this product you look hip and trendy†. The company has also collaborated with other leading companies in other fields like Puma, Nike and other sports bodies in joint sponsorship of various games like the Olympics and the World cup (Bell, 2009). The company has come to understand that when you engage the consumers, they in turn buy your products and give their opinions on how best to improve the product. Coca-Cola has managed to withstand strong competition from other emerging companies due to its huge market share and customer company loyalty. The company has also embraced technology and hence improved efficiency in its operations and production capacity. The company has taken up causes like collaborating with World governing body FIFA to end racism within the football fraternity. Such noble causes endear the company to the masses and ensure that the relationship continues and prospers since they feel the company cares about

Assessment of drug Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Assessment of drug - Essay Example each year in interdiction efforts. Nevertheless, in 2004, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported about 166,000 heroin users in the United States, out of more than 19 million people age 12 and over who reported using an illicit drug within the past month (SAMSHA report, section 1.4). Chronic heroin users may resort to stealing, prostitution and other crimes to pay for their habit. New users turn to snorting and smoking the drug, giving them less of a high but also carrying less of a stigma and avoiding the telltale track marks. The tenacity of heroin's hold on humanity begs the question: Would the United States be better off if heroin -- or some form of poppy-derived opiate -- were legalized Would it be best to let the government, or approved non-governmental organizations and charities, handle maintenance and long-term treatment of heroin users, with the goal of curing them of their addiction The experience in other countries, coupled with medical evidence, shows that it is certainly worth exploring some form of legalization that removes the criminal profit motive and focuses on reducing demand for drugs by treating drug use as a public health concern, rather than a crime. Since Richard Nixon declared war on drugs in 1973, the United States has spent billions in a losing cause trying to eradicate the use of â€Å"illegal† drugs in America. For the 2007 fiscal year alone, the Bush administration requested $12.7 billion for federal drug control efforts (National Drug Control Strategy, 2006, 1), a figure that doesn’t begin to cover state and local law enforcement, court, prison and health care costs, or more esoteric costs such as lost productivity in the workforce. This paper focuses on the potential benefits and risks of partial legalization of heroin -- which, along with cocaine, particularly crack cocaine, probably faces the highest stigma of all illicit drugs. However, the same problems that make heroin so reviled, including its addictiveness and potential for harming the user, are what make heroin an ideal test case for "controlled legalization" along a medical/public health model. Rather than continuing to fight a war that cannot be w on, the United States should beat a strategic retreat -- and seek a true victory elsewhere, looking to actually solve the problem by acknowledging the medical and psychological reasons for drug use in the first place. Then, the nation could focus on addressing those issues head on, without apology, and with an eye on continuous improvement for the betterment of its citizens and communities. Legalization in any form is seen by many as a moral failure. The thinking is, if something is "wrong," it is wrong not to stop it or outlaw it. It has proven difficult, however, in almost a century of legislation, to curtail the use of drugs like heroin, cocaine and marijuana. Instead, the laws have created a pervasive and profitable black market controlled by criminals, who pocket the cash while the American taxpayer foots the bill. Legalization in some form, with the intent of controlling demand, could go a long way toward eliminating criminal trafficking, deaths and overdoses due to impure/too pure product and the spread of deadly diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. Refocusing heroin as a sign of a medical condition, not a criminal or moral failing, would bring users into treatment where they

Compare and Contrast images of L.A Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Compare and Contrast images of L.A - Essay Example Ponce’s use of imagery and description in the text makes you feel like you are actually right there with her watching Roy Rogers and Cassidy movies on Sundays. Her joyful tone makes it seem as if life in those days was much easier and less demanding than it is today in our global rat race. In those days, the people would look forward to Father Mueller’s western movies after rosary; it would create a break from monotony and encourage socialization. Today, I’m sure, a teenager would not be caught dead at a social organized by the church, and instead they prefer going to the theatres/movies (which are now extremely affordable), the discos and other places where â€Å"occasions of sin† are very likely to happen. Her word choice is superb; especially the mixture of Spanish and English when relaying a conversation shows the Spaniards character: hot, bubbly and dramatic. The tone of the text gives the reader a sense of excitement and a want to read more, to see w hat is going to happen next. You almost feel as if you want to go back to that day and age and live the author’s life. In almost all aspects, both authors write in the same manner, but of different things. The author also shows the cheekiness of a teenage girl when she speaks of her loyalty to the older ladies for whom she translates the films: â€Å"At times the movies were too long, the plot too predictable. I would tire of my job and yearn to sit in front with Elena. By now I had spent the money given me by Dona Luisa and the Trinidads. As the show dragged on, I fidgeted in my seat, edging toward Elena. Once I had collected mas cincos, I sought ways to escape from the boring job of translating an old cowboy movie. One usually worked†¦ (pg. 805, p. 5). I remained unruffled, my fist tight around the nickels I had earned, as I pushed my way toward Elena. Around me the thoroughly confused women sat in wonder at this sudden turn of events. They squabbled, each wanting to believe only what they had seen on the white screen, until told to â€Å"hush† by those sitting in back†¦. (pg. 806, p. 3). At times I felt guilty about the translation and the nickels, especially when the senoras began to bicker among themselves. My guilt would last until the following Sunday, when once more I might recite an original version of an old western. (pg. 807)† In this respect, we see how children and teenagers have not really evolved much throughout the years, the feelings, the attitudes and the actions are still very much the same. Sure, today one does not have to translate a movie, but it can be seen at events where a teenager who shows up with his/her parents will stay with them only until they can find their friend and soon they are off. There is also still what one might call a â€Å"great divide† between the popular kids and the not so popular kids: â€Å"When she saw me changing my dress for las vistas, Trina would just snicker. â€Å"I wouldn’t be caught at them old movies. It’s not hip!† â€Å"I like em.† â€Å"That’s cause you’re a square.† She tossed back her pageboy, arched her eyebrows (just like Joan Crawford), and then locked herself in the

The next Financial crisis, video and discussion Essay

The next Financial crisis, video and discussion - Essay Example The problem started from largest and most influential economy in the world the United States, owner of the international traded currency the US dollar. In my view governments have in most part just made temporary fixes in managing the global financial crisis. The problem will definitely return with a vengeance, with massive increase in public debt in almost all developed economies, which can definitely initiate the next phase of the global economic crisis. We are in the middle of a full-blown sovereign debt crisis that will create more mayhem on the global financial system than the problem that started 3 years ago. Global economic climate changes too rapidly and the circumstances are complex, providing a real challenge for those who intend to effectively resolve and police these problems (Torbat, 2008). With the help IMF we need to better regulate the worlds financial system and avoid a repeat of the global credit crisis, with uniformed global financial regulations and joint surveillance of international financial markets. Industrialized nations should learn from the East on ways to tighten rules in the US and Europe. As most of these economies have been able to withstand the financial crisis, and in fact have been to grow at high single digits. As China and India werent fully integrated into the global financial system and followed stricter guidelines and regulation, which we can see, have helped them tremendously. The international monetary community can learn that they need to be ready and the ability to prevent a financial crisis. The countries need wise macroeconomic policy and effective financial regulation and supervision. Global financial bodies like the IMF need to put in place a framework to facilitate international supervision and regulation as well as crisis prevention, management, and

What is the future of the modern state What are the challenges to the Essay

What is the future of the modern state What are the challenges to the modern state - Essay Example nomenon of â€Å"multi-level governance† like umbrella governance bodies similar to European Union, is another aspect of change that is happening to the modern nation state (Pierson, 160). A major challenge associated with these changes is the â€Å"loss of control for individual national governments† (Pierson, 161). Yet another challenge is the need of doing negotiations and building consensus to act (Pierson, 155-156). Each modern nation state is presently transforming into homes to many ethnicities and races and hence global migration and the related social issues are emerging as new matter to attend to (Pierson, 163). This is also a potential area where the skill of the state for negotiations, and for interactions with multi-level governance systems, is tested (Pierson, 165). As the political autonomy of the states get merged into economic and other realms that have grown in weight, it is expected that a new form of state is emerging, namely, the â€Å"empire† (qtd. in Pierson, 170). The â€Å"empire† is defined in this context as â€Å"a new economic-industrial- communicative machine† that incorporates into itself, â€Å"the decline of nation state authority, the ubiquity of global capitalism, the importance of networks, new information technologies, and the extension of new forms of governance† (Pierson, 171). Hence, a new future and unforeseen challenges for modern state is emerging every day, every moment, in a complex flux that carries within it, the â€Å"empire† and its infinite expressions (Pierson,

Post Modern Perspective on Criticism Essay Example for Free

Post Modern Perspective on Criticism Essay Post modernism is one among the highly debated issues that to a great extent has influenced the way human being think and views issues that exist in the present world .however it encounters a resounding critique from those against and support from the for generation whom believe in inevitability of change in all human perspectives.post modern perspective criticism is important because since it provides a promise of deterritorialing modernity and restructuring its political , cultural and social limits as well as affirming social gender and ethic differences as seen human daily interactions. Post modernism bear a world with a resemblance of increasing individual and mass influence on the way we think and see the world in the present times. Artifact chosen                     Martin Luther King Junior speech â€Å"I have a dream† is one of the most famous world speeches that influenced thinking million of Americans both whites and blacks (Kuypers, 2009). The speech was a very powerful tool that spearheaded the thinking of Americans and need of ending racial segregation. We may probably argue that were it not for martin Luther speech, probably the American society may be segregated even in the present. Luther calls for all American to work together towards achieving a fair and one and the same society (King and Washington, 1986). Luther employed well selected and scrutinized rhetoric modes that facilitated the appeal he desired to create to Americans. The power of his speech definitely lays in his authoritative diction and the rhetoric modes applied (Johnstone and Eisenhart, 2008). For instance, the king compares and contrast the lives of the whites a and the Negros were he notes that, the blacks continue to live in slave I n their home country one hundred years after the constitutional declaration that was signed by Lincoln .he further compares the plight of blacks to the lives of the white Americans and says that the blacks are subject to police brutality (Bobbitt, 2007). Although the emancipation proclamation was for all the whites had denied Negros the basic fundamental right granted by the constitution. Additionally, he says that emancipation proclamation came as a joyous day break to the blacks but later on turned to a long night of their captivity (Johnstone and Eisenhart, 2008). This comparison tells the audience how the declaration was of great hope to the suffering blacks, however, their hope turned to despair when the whites denied them of their rights. The Negros was saddened because even after one hundred years there were still in their own world full of pains of the manacles of racial discrimination and segregation. Furthermore, martin adds that justice shall roll like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. I n this context, the king appear to have feeling that he and other will not tire to demand and fight for blacks people rights until they are granted (King and Washington, 1986). Moreover, in his speech King employs a rich content of situational analysis of the representing the current situation interaction and expresses his optimism for a bright future, were both whites and Negros shall sit down under ones table as equal where the blacks will not nbe segregated upon .This dream sent a message of hope to the Negros that a time in coming in future when there will be no discrimination based on color. The dream also portrayed a message to the whites that blacks are tired of being segregated and were in the process of peacefully fight for their fundamental rights. Martin Luther Biography                     Martin Luther King Junior was born in 15th of January, 1929 to Michael king sr. After his father returned from a trip in German, he changed their names to Martin Luther king senior and Martin Luther King Junior. These names were adopted from a religious icon of past, martin Luther was initiated Lutheran denomination. In 1944 King Junior started his higher education at Morehouse College (Haskins and King 1992). Before then, the rampant racial discrimination and segregation had caused a lot of tension especially in New York and Michigan (Bobbitt, 2007). He later graduated with a degree in sociology and was after wards appointed his father’s assistant at the Ebenezer Baptist church. While King Junior was in graduate school he had bitter memories of house bias that existed in the American society. He says that when trying to find a house to live, he went to place in Boston where there was a sign â€Å"house for rent†. (Haskins and King, 1992. Martin literates that the houses were for rent until the servants realized he was a Negro and then the situation changed suddenly, the houses were already rented. In 1952 Martin Luther king junior met his wife Coretta; they married and were blessed with four children. Martin says that his wife was the source of strength and at some points she was much stronger that the king. On January of 1956, a strange occurrence happened whereby, Martin’s home was bombed. However, guided by his religious policy and believes of non-violence King calmly accepted the incident and even urged all the believers to go home after the meetings and adhere to policy of non-violence, a policy that is evident in his speech. Luther delisvered his famous speech â€Å"I have a dream† in 1963 in Washington during job and freedom, to address racial injustices that he and other human rights activist were against. His life came to an end when he was assassinated by James Earl Ray in 1968 at Memphis Tennessee Haskins, and King 1992). Martin Luther had just delivered another type of his legendary speech, â€Å" I have been to the mountain-top†. Martin Luther Junior died at 39 year and was buried on 9th of April, 1968 in Atlanta (King and Washington 1986). Until his death, the king was proud of his title â€Å"the preacher† because he believed that his vocation a nd strength were essential at healing the scar of racial discrimination and segregation that blacks had and giving the hope of a new dawn Metaphorical analysis                     Metaphorically Martin Luther s life that was filled with many ups and downs ideally represents the struggle and tribulations that Negros underwent in the hands of heartless whites. The passion that made him move forward to defend the welfare of the blacks shows the suffering the forced Negros and other human rights activist stand out and form liberation movements. Kings life is a clear indication of how an individual action may have resounding impact to present and future generations (Johnstone and Eisenhart, 2008). The metaphors used in the speech serves a very important role in making the audience clearly understand the message. In criticism where metaphors are used the analysis, the analysis of the artifact involves examining it for its context and dimensions and the isolating the metaphors to identify the underlined meaning that makes the artifact more appealing (Bobbitt, 2007). For instance, the artifact chosen, â€Å" I have a dream â€Å"is crammed with metaphors that ideally communicated the necessity of eradicating racial discrimination and segregation in United States of America .most of the metaphors the king uses are soft but the message is conveyed in a very unique way. For example Martin’s say that it is the high time to lift America from chains of injustices to high heights of freedom and equality (Hasand , 1992). Through this metaphor King intent to plea to all people that racism will not make the nation strong but will separate it .It is through social justice that a st rong and prosperous country will be build. Conclusion                     In a summary the metaphorical analysis appear as the best method for the critical analysis of the speech, â€Å"I have a dream† in the modern perspective. It clearly and precisely articulates ethos and logos making the whites realize their injustice towards the Negros. Additionally the method plays a very critical role in awakening the blacks to form liberation movement in demand of the rights granted by the constitutional declaration. References Bobbitt, D. A. (2007). The rhetoric of redemption: Kenneth Burkes redemption drama and Martin Luther King, Jr.s I have a dream speech. Lanham, Md: Rowman Littefield Publishers. Haskins, J., King, M. L. (1992). I have a dream: The life and words of Martin Luther King, Jr. Brookfield, Conn: Millbrook Press. Johnstone, B., Eisenhart, C. (2008). Rhetoric in detail: Discourse analyses of rhetorical talk and text. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. Jr. Lanham [u.a.: Lexington Books. Manheimer, A. S. (2005). Martin Luther King Jr: Dreaming of equality. King, M. L., Washington, J. M. (1986). I have a dream: Writings and speeches that changed the world. New York: HarperCollins Kuypers, J. A. (2009). Rhetorical criticism: Perspectives in action. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books. Echols, J. (2004). I have a dream: Martin Luther King Jr. and the future of multicultural America. Minneapolis: Fortress Press. Source document

An Analysis Of Market Segmentation Of Ikea And Bandq Marketing Essay

An Analysis Of Market Segmentation Of Ikea And Bandq Marketing Essay In 1958, Ingvar Kamprad founded the first IKEA store in Almhult, Sweden. So far, IKEA is the largest and most international furniture emporium, globally. (IKEA, 2010 a). As the biggest competitor of IKEA, BQ is a leading company in home decoration and gardening in Europe. It was founded by Richard Block and David Quayle in Portswood, Southampton in 1969. Presently, there are above 60 stores around the world, among which, the largest one in Beijing. (BQ, 2010 a) 1.2 Theory Market segmentation is classifying consumers into groups according to their characteristics (Hall et al, 2008) and set certain groups as targets. Market segmentation consists of four types, including geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioral type. (Hall et al, 2008). Another concept concerned with market segmentation is marketing mix. It is important in marketing strategy, with a goal of satisfying consumers needs. It is also recognized as the 4Ps, consisting of product, price, place and promotion. (Hall et al, 2008). 1.3 Aims The objective of this report is to analyze how IKEA and BQ deal with marketing mix and marketing segmentation. In addition, the emphasis of this report is how these two companies differentiate products to different targeted segments, as well as how they combine market segmentation with marketing mix to make profits. Findings Market Segmentation IKEA targets young and fashionable people as its main consumers; in particular those love modern furniture and accessories. Therefore, its products are more colorful and novel. In addition, IKE fixes the products prices at a lower level, which is quite attracting for the average consumers, such as white-collars. (IKEA, 2010 b) Different from IKEA, BQ is specialized in one stop shopping, in which, customers can buy most decorations and accessaries they want in one store. Furthermore, BQ has professional teams to help customers designing and decorating in their own styles. The aim of this service is to provide convenience for customers who do not have much time to deal with decoration. (BQ, 2010 b) 2.1.1Comparison In comparison, IKEAs targets are mainly young people who love innovative items, while BQ focuses on one stop shopping with people who have not much spare time as its major consumers. Furthermore, the IKEA products are mostly shown as models, which are fixed and limited. However, customers are able to buy raw materials from BQ and make any product. Marketing Mix 2.2.1 Product As a total concept, product refers to all merchandises and services provided by a business. Therefore, product is more than physical stuffs sold by stores (Hall et al, 2008). IKEAs major products are furniture, such as kitchen modules, bathroom facilities, lighting equipment, sofas and textiles. (IKEA, 2010 b) It has outstanding quality and a special name to every product, and offers a wide range of home furnishings with best aesthetic designs and functions at reasonable prices. (IKEA, 2010 b) BQ stores supply with around 40,000 products for home fittings, such as lights, door handles and lawnmowers. (BQ, 2010a) Its selling point is a variety of products for home decoration. Moreover, BQ has professional teams to help personalized designing. (BQ, 2010 c) 2.2.1.1 Comparison The products of Both BQ and IKEA are complementary. They provide a full range of products, as well as professional designers. However, a most significant difference between them is that, IKEA only sells finished products, whereas BQ provides raw materials as well. 2.2.2 Place There are around 330 IKEA stores in 38 countries. (IKEA, 2010d) For all of them, the products are displayed in a clear and scientific classification. Further, there are floor pained arrows to lead consumers quickly find the items they need. For example, all the products for a room are shown visually by being placed a single model room. (Guangzhou IKEA, 2010) Besides entity stores, IKEA also allows consumers to do e-shopping on its website with an easy reviewing of the details of the products. As for BQ, there are 371 stores in total, with 41 stores in China. According to statistical data, there are over three million customers walking into BQ per week. In addition, it has a website for consumers to search the details of their products. (BQ, 2010a) Moreover, BQs operating system is GMS (General Merchandise Store), thus all products in BQ are placed on shelves for consumers to choose freely. (BQ, nd) 2.2.2.1 Comparison Both of two companies sell products mainly in stores. Besides, they both open stores in areas with large population. Moreover, the two companies have websites to offer online shopping. On the other hand, one of the differences is their operating modes. The IKEA stores have scientifically classified all products so that consumers can quickly and easily find what they need. In contrast, the BQ stores are the GMS (General Merchandise Store) mode. 2.2.3 Promotion Promotion is to propagandize products through all measures available (Hall et al, 2008). The basic promotional tool of IKEA is its free catalogue with a list of its products. The IKEA Catalogue includes commodities details, such as colors, sizes and prices. (IKEA, 2010 e) It is worthy to mention that, IKEA also established a group named Social Initiative, aiming at strengthening the relationship between IKEA and the society. This group works together with UNICEF and Save the Children, with the purpose of giving all children a better life. (IKEA, 2010 f) Discount is an effective promotion BQ uses to attract consumers. Similar to IKEA, BQ also has policies to show its social responsibility. As for this, BQ makes great efforts on environment protection in the procedures of product design, packaging and the use of materials. To some extent, advocating environmental products is also a useful promotion skill of BQ. (BQ, 2010 e) 2.2.3.1 Comparison Both IKEA and BQ construct their own websites to introduce their commodities and offer consumers with e-shopping service. BQs most frequently used promotional measure is discounting, while IKEA publicizes its products by free catalogue. In order to fulfill their social duties, they both have actions in making contribution to the society. Although their promotional measures are different, they have the same purpose to create more profits. 2.2.4 Price The price is simply the amount of money that consumers pay to gain the benefits of the product (Hall et al, 2008). The prices of IKEAs products are set reasonably. It adopts innovative manufacturing techniques to products at a lower cost. Consumers choosing, assembling and transporting products by themselves can reduce the price. (OPPAPERS, 2010) One method IKEA uses is mantissa pricing, fixing the prices with 9s, such as 299, 699 and 799 yuan, giving customers an impression of cheapness. (Guangzhou IKEA, 2010) BQ fixes most commodities with appropriate prices for the average consumer. Besides, it also offers discount to attract consumers. Furthermore, BQ offers installment payment service, which is another effective promotion strategy. (BQ, 2010 c) 2.2.4.1 Comparison According to OPPAPERS (2010) and BQ (2010c), both of them set the prices of their products reasonable and appropriate. The prices of BQ products are a little lower than IKEAs. However, IKEAs consumers do not need to pay extra charges for assistance and transportation, which is a quite attracting policy. In contrast, BQ has more beneficial services such as discounting and installment payment. Conclusion 3.1 Summary In conclusion, both IKEA and BQ are successful furniture sales enterprises. They divide their consumers into groups in accordance with types of market segmentation: demographics, psychographics and behavioral. The differences in 4Ps between IKEA and BQ were also discussed in the paper. Moreover, although the IKEA products prices are higher than BQ, their products and locations are similar. Besides, they both have various promotional skills, such as discounting and installation service. 3.2 Recommendation Although both of these two companies have large sales volumes, it is still a necessity to enhance marketing mix, for their installation service charges are slightly higher than peoples expectation. The sales volume could be better if they can reduce the price to some extent. On the other hand, it is suggested that BQs products could be more fashionable and colorful in order to attract younger consumers. It is also recommended that the two companies perform routine market research so as to know well of consumers feedbacks.