Why the Law is Inappropriate for Regulating Certain an Example by

Why the Law is Inappropriate for Regulating Certain Aspects of Business Activity Introduction At the heart of all free societies is a free economy, populated by businesses that are allowed to conduct their operations without interference by cumbersome regulations and pressure from legal forces. Of course, without regulation, one sees such catastrophes as Enron and Tyco, in which everyone ultimately loses, so the question remains- should the law regulate all aspects of business activity. In this essay, the argument will be made, and supported by examples that the law is inappropriate for regulating certain aspects of business activity. Need essay sample on "Why the Law is Inappropriate for Regulating Certain Aspects of Business Activity" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Let the Market Be Free! There is a vast difference between a free market and a market without any regulations. What is meant in this context by a free market is one where buyers and sellers are allowed to conduct business once they have agreed that there is something of value for both parties to exchange, and that this exchange is in fact fair and legal (Bomann & Wiggen, 2004). This is vastly different from a market where unfair advantage is allowed to be taken, or harm done to others, as well as markets that are so restrained by excess laws that no meaningful business can occur. Therefore, what is needed are regulations only for certain aspects of business activity and not every aspect. An example of how excess regulation can hurt an otherwise free market can be seen in the regulation of property rental rates in New York City. Admittedly, some regulation in this area is necessary to make sure that rates are not inflated to the point where everyone is manipulated and harmed. However, there have been occasions when rent rates were regulated to an excessively low amount, while the tenant got a very good deal, the landlords were unable to properly maintain and pay taxes on their rental properties, let alone derive a fair profit for their offered property. Once the effort was made to keep laws from over-regulating the rents in New York City did the free market have the ability to once again function (Gurian, 2004). On the other hand, as was stated earlier, the total absence of regulation can also lead to major problems; an ideal example is the anti-trust action of Major League Baseball. Once this professional sport was made exempt from federal anti-trust laws, what was seen was a situation where professional baseball teams were in essence blackmailing their home cities to build new stadiums and give other benefits to the teams, lest the teams leave those cities and cause major financial losses to the cities once the teams were no longer associated with them. Lack of regulation also made it possible for players to be offered massive sums of money to play baseball, which created a sort of legal free-for-all whereby any means necessary to obtain key players was in fact put into action (Rouse, 2001). What is the Answer? Clearly, there needs to be a balance between regulation to prevent corruption and unfair advantage and so much regulation that nothing can be accomplished, which proves that the law is inappropriate for regulating certain aspects of business activity. There need to be rules in the game of business, but the game must also be permitted to take place without being suppressed (Economic Perspectives, 2002). Conclusion In closing, while it is easy to say that certain business activities should not be regulated, putting this into action is quite another matter. Therefore, what will be needed indefinitely is a way to regulate without restraining if the free market is to continue to grow and thrive. Works Cited Bomann-Larsen, L. & Wiggen, O. (Eds.). (2004). Responsibility in World Business: Managing Harmful Side-Effects of Corporate Activity. Tokyo: United Nations University Press. Financial Market Behavior and Appropriate Regulation over the Business Cycle. (2002). Economic Perspectives, 26(1), 30+. Gurian, C. (2004). Let Them Rent Cake: George Pataki, Market Ideology, and the Attempt to Dismantle Rent Regulation in New York. Fordham Urban Law Journal, 31(2), 339+. Rouse, J. (2001). Regulating the National Pastime: Baseball and Antitrust. Public Administration Review, 61(5), 630.

Educating Rita Essay Example

Educating Rita Essay Example Educating Rita Paper Educating Rita Paper Essay Topic: Literature Was this the start of a new life for a man who was not happy with his place in society? As Rita a working class hairdresser who is provoked by her sense of incompleteness, steps into Franks life. These are the two vital characters of Educating Rita written by Willy Russell who tries to explore and portray the issues of too completely different yet similar classes, the classes being working and middle class. Educating Rita a play written in the 1970s, you will also notice that this play is a two-hander, although this play is on based on the foundation of only two characters many others characters are mentioned and play a crucial role in forming the plot of this play. In this assignment I will be examining the ways in which Willy Russell tries to change the path of two characters. Also I will be analysing the ways in which the two characters have an influence on each others metamorphosis as the play proceeds. Before one can actually consider the way in which Frank is presented, or any of the characters one must take into account the languages used by both Rita and Frank. Although they speak the same language there are parts when Ritas slang is unknown to Frank this shows the great difference between the two cultures. Frank is shown as a middle-aged alcoholic; one could have jumped to the conclusion that Frank would not be in this state if he did not have any previous personal problems. Frank is also shown as an easily frustrated man for example: At the beginning of the play Rita seems to be a happy, bubbly and vibrant young lady despite the fact that she wishes to leave her background behind and aspire to be something better. At the start Rita is part of the working class but she wants to succeed in life and become part of the middle class. Yet the thing that Rita so badly desires is unwanted by Frank. Frank we find out in the first scene is an alcoholic who is terribly unhappy with being part of the middle class. Frank is bored by his background and wants to change his lifestyle. Already we have a contrast; what Rita wants, education and the capability to understand literature, Frank has but is not appreciative or happy. The first scene shows us properly the difference in culture between Frank and Rita. Willy Russell uses different modes of speaking, attitudes, clothing, and cultural references to create a number of contrasts and misunderstandings, which leads to a comical and humorous effect throughout the first scene. In the first scene there are several misunderstandings due to different interpretations of names and phrases. When the two characters first meet and Rita enters Franks office (on stage) Franks asks you are? Rita not understanding his question replies with what am I? This is due to the different vocabulary that each culture uses. A second example would be when they are discussing an author by the name if E. M Forster and Rita mispronounces the name as E. M Foster like the lager A final example would be when Frank is talking about the famous poet, Yeats and Rita thinks he is talking about the Yates wine lodge. All these misunderstandings aroused because Rita was not as educated and familiar with the authors and poets mentioned by Frank who was very familiar with them. If it wasnt Ritas lack of literature knowledge it was the difference in vocabulary, which was nothing alike. The play shows how different the cultures can be in such a small area. Both Rita and Frank live in Liverpool and yet both speak entirely different. Rita has a pronounced Liverpool accents and Frank has none. Rita uses abbreviations and a large amount of taboo and slang. E. g. I take the piss because Im not, y know confident like, Frank is unfamiliar with entrances like the one made by Rita. It is loud and abrupt and puts Frank in a little shock. Frank is not used to a person being so upfront on their first meeting. This is once again another clash in culture. People of the same culture would introduce themselves in a similar fashion but two people of a different clash wouldnt. This first meeting highlights the different cultures once again by both characters introducing themselves in their own way. After the first scene we can see that there is a culture clash between Frank and Rita. The first meeting is very crucial to the play as this is where the audience gets a true feel for the difference in cultures between the two main characters. These differences proceed throughout the first scene. Willy Russell shows this through the conversations between the characters, for example when Rita starts to discuss a painting on the wall and refers to it as erotic and the pornography of its day. Rita also asks Frank several personal questions about his marital status. This highlights the difference in cultures once more because Frank does not agree that the questions asked are suitable for a first meeting between two people, but Rita does not understand Franks preference. After the first scene we can see that there is an ironic situation developing; Rita aspires to be like Frank. She wants to be educated and know everything. She believes that once she is educated it will allow her to make her own choices and make decisions about her life and what she is going to do with. The fact that Frank does not appreciate what he has frustrates Rita because she wants it so badly. Willy Russell uses irony here to show that the play is exploring more than just culture but deeper issues, which involve the struggles of Rita and her aspirations to become more respected for being educated and Franks aspirations to escape the world of literature. Ritas journey of education is shown in the play as snapshots along the road to development. Rita starts off loud and abrupt but after her first meeting with Frank her journey begins, She starts to broaden her horizons and read a larger variety of books, she writes essays, visits new places like the theater. At this point she is becoming more educated but she is still not sure about herself. Frank invites her to a dinner party with him and several friends of his, but she does not attend the party still afraid that she is not a middle class lady yet. From here the major changes take place. Rita leaves her husband, Denny due to demand for children, which she doesnt want, and no encouragement to complete her university course. She moves in with a woman called Trish a middle class woman who is dead classy. Rita goes to summer school, changes her accent and language, changes her job to working in a bistro, makes new friends and even changes her name to try and feel more like she belongs in the middle class. Its only when Trish, her room mate tries to commit suicide that she realizes it takes more than education, books and literature to make a person happy; and that those things do not place you in society. Frank does not really change throughout the play, apart from growing closer to Rita and regretting what education has done to her. He says that he feels like Mary Shelley, the woman who created Frankenstein. Frank says to Rita You know Rita, I think that I will change my name; from now on I shall insist to upon being known as Mary Shelley Frank gets worse as the play continues, his drinking problem progresses and he eventually gets suspended from work for a year. Willy Russell uses snapshots of the Rita and Franks journey to show that there was good and bad times to their journey. He really gets across the emotional struggle and shows in the end the final outcome. In the play the main theme is difference in culture and how Rita and Frank view people of different class. Frank does not judge people off what class they belong to. We know this because the day after Rita misses the dinner party and she explains why she did not go. He explains that he didnt invite her because she would talk formally, wear the right clothes or bring the right wine but because he would of enjoyed her company. However Rita believes that the higher the class you are in, the higher you are on the social scale the happier and more respected you are. Rita feels her class is repressive. After Rita decides not to attend the dinner party with Frank she joins her family in the pub. During this short time she starts to think that it is not worth it, she starts to think that maybe she should just give up trying to become something better. Its only when her mum tells her that there is a better song to sing to the ones they sing now, when she decides to stick it out and make her life better and more pleasant. This proves my previous point that Rita believes that the higher the on the social scale you are the better they are. This is made known through the last few scenes. Rita changes immensely throughout the play. She starts off blunt and stupid, she then changes the way she is and how she acts to fit in, through the incident with Trish she reverted back to the way she used to be the same bubbly personality only difference being is that she had passed her exams and was now officially educated and finally felt like she could make wise choices; I mite go to France, me mothers, I might even have a baby, Ill make a decision, Ill chose. Rita goes through many changes throughout the play and with the help and encouragement of Frank she finally aspires to be what she wants to be. Willy Russell uses to characters, and only to characters to show an audience how people were effected by culture and class in the 1970s and the journeys made to become a person of a higher class.

Definite vs. Definitive

Definite vs. Definitive Definite vs. Definitive Definite vs. Definitive By Maeve Maddox A reader asks, Would you please explain what is the difference between definite and definitive. Definite is the adjective to use in the sense of clear, certain, unambiguous. For example: Think carefully before choosing 24-bit and 96kHz, unless you have a  definite reason  for wanting these options.   One sets out into the forest for  a definite reason  and with a  definite  goal in mind. I asked my boyfriend to  give me a definite answer  about our future. Use definitive when the sense is decisive, complete, authoritative, final, determinate. Edward Van Halen: A Definitive Biography Five Reasons the 1978  Superman  Remains Definitive The Definitive Guide to Cancer, 3rd Edition The first comprehensive  psychiatry  textbook to integrate the new DSM-5 ® criteria, this acclaimed gold standard is  the definitive guide  for a new era in  psychiatric education and practice. Here are examples of definitive used in contexts that call for plain old definite: Just want a definitive answer can my 2 year old use the kids club facilities My girlfriend broke up with  me, but  she  never gave a  definitive reason as to  why. He  can’t actually  give me a definitive reason as to  why  he  doesn’t like cats. Both words connote the setting of limits, but definitive goes further than definite to mean â€Å"most complete, most authoritative.† A definitive reason, answer, or decision is one that satisfies a specific body of criteria. Studies, textbooks, and decisions by such authorities as the Supreme Court may be said to be definitive. If all you mean is unambiguous, use definite. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Possessive of Proper Names Ending in SWhat's a Male Mistress?Especially vs. Specially

Value and Risk Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Value and Risk Management - Essay Example This maximizes the potential use of the project. Value management focuses on the functions to provide maximum benefit. It aims for simplification without disregarding quality. Value engineering is synonymous with value management but the former focuses on the technical aspect. These two however could be interchanged. Value management (VM) is now a regular feature in the construction industry. A VM Team conducts a meticulous process of inspection and monitoring, brainstorming and analyzing the functions with respect to the entirety of the project. After that, it will provide the necessary recommendations to the client. The first part of the study focuses on value management which includes the four stages of the workshop. There are recommendations on the budget constraints of SBE Innovations, so that the amount could be maximised while reducing unnecessary costs. The VM study determines how construction can be simplified as quality remains. Functional analysis in value engineering aims to reduce the cost. Value engineering will be conducted to perform the following activities: Value engineering will focus on the engineering and technical aspects. Value management is more on the management and administrative side of the study, but both will be conducted simultaneously to attain greater results. In most cases, VM and VE are considered synonymous. Our consultancy firm has been in the forefront of value management in construction. We have conducted VM and VE for various clients, while our aim is to increase the value of any project. This new project with SBE Innovation is another major milestone and a challenge. Each and every part of the project is important, therefore, this should be given value by conducting a thorough analysis to determine whether a part is an important element of the whole. If it is not too important, the team will

Consumer Behavior Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Consumer Behavior - Research Paper Example It was primarily responsible for introducing smartphones to the public. This product made consumers realise that they could browse the web, communicate and do several other things on their mobile phones. It was after the Apple iPhone that the mobile app market rose to its current status. Apple was not the engineer or pioneer of mobile applications or smart phones; however, they were responsible for introducing it to the mass market. Through their elegant presentation, gracious store atmosphere, and well planned innovations, the company has garnered a loyal following from electronic and mobile enthusiasts alike (Sass 2). Every time Apple launches a new version of the IPhone, hoards of consumers will be waiting in line at any of their stores for the purchase of its products. Sometimes, buyers may camp outside their branches overnight. The organisation may get pre-orders for about 2 million iphones within the first hour of release. For the past five years, the same hype has been created around Apple’s products, and it looks like this trend will continue in the foreseeable future. As explained earlier, clanning is a phenomenon that takes place among consumers who share similar values and interests. Part of the reason why Apple products create a lot of excitement is the fact that they bring together persons with similar interests. When one consumer was asked why they would wait for hours in line in order to buy an iPhone, the person replied that it is an opportunity to meet people who have the same passion. The company has a community of enthusiasts who simply enjoy being part of something new and exciting. They thrive in the anticipation and suspense created around a new product launch. Apple is well aware of this consumer behaviour, thus explaining why it always creates a lot of secrecy around its launches (Vuong 6). The organisation never tells buyers how many phones it has stocked in order to create suspense.

Global toy market

Global toy market 1.0 Background 1.1. Global toy industry Scenario More than 80% of global toy market is generated by three Continents i.e. Europe, North America and Asia. With the recent financial turmoil, the value of toy industry has decreased in two consecutive years, from US$78.67 billion in year 2007 to US$75.033 billion. The shrinking market size is mainly attributed by Western countries, particularly Europe. On the side of the world, Asia registered upward trend in market share for toy market. Chart 1 World Toy Market Scenario NPD analysts attribute the downward trend in global market value for toy industry to the following reasons Low unit price particularly in year end, which intensified further by the financial crises Cannibalization by other games categories namely video games, electronic games etc. In developed market, the per capita usage for toys is high as they are considered to be an important aid in a childs development vis-a-vis a wasteful expenditure in developing nations. The scenario is illustrated in below table:- Table 1 Toy expenditure Country Kids population in 2008 (million) Spending per kid in 2008 (US$) Total available market in 2008 (US$) United States 61.6 $281 $17.31 billion Japan 17.4 $286 $5 billion China 267.4 $17 $4.5 billion United Kingdom 10.3 $348 $3.6 billion France 11.9 $293 $3.5 billion Germany 11.4 $223 $2.5 billion Brazil 52.9 $38 $2.01 billion India 361.4 $5 $1.8 billion Mexico 32.6 $53 $1.7 billion Italy 7.9 $185 $1.5 billion Source: NDP Group, 2009 1.2 Toy Industry Structure Toys are classified into four broad categories, namely Traditional Toys which consist of action figures, dolls, playsets, stuffed animals, models, and other related products Board games Video Games Casino Games Accessories. Globally, the market is dominated by four large players viz: Mattel, Lego, Hasbro Bandai with Mattel the largest and selling toys under the brand Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price etc. Table 2 Global toy makers product portfolio Toy maker Traditional toys brands Board games Video Games Licensing product Mattel Barbie, Break the Safeâ„ ¢, Hot Wheels ®, Matchbox ®, American Girl ®, Fisher-Price ®, Little People ®, Rescue Heroesâ„ ¢, Power Wheels ® UNO Barbie CareNCure, UNO, Barbie Girls, Hot Wheels etc Disney, Warner Bros., Pixar, Viacom International Inc., Sesame Workshop Hasbro My Little Pony, SpongeBob, Toy Story Monopoly, Pictureka, Scrabble Monkeybar Transformer, G.I. Joe, Incredible Hulk, Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Wolverine, Disney, Iron Man Bai Dan Ben 10, Power Ranger, Dragon Ball, Digimon, Blue Dragon NIL Kamen Rider, Harumika, Tamaguchi, Mugen Pop PopTM Ben 10, Power Ranger, Dragon Ball, Ultraman MGA Entertainment Bratz range, Zapf Creation, Little Tikes, Baby born, Chou Chou, MGA games, My-ePets 3D, Resue PetsTM NIL NIL NIL Disney Disney characters NIL Disney characters Disney characters LEGO LEGO bricks NIL LEGO NIL Takara Tomy Plarail, Pocker Moser, Transformers, Tomica die-cast vechicles, Yumel and Nerul, Licca doll line Jinsei Games Tasinoko Production, Game software Disney characters There are several market signals have impacted to toy market. Globally, toy manufacturers are partnering with companies from other sectors, like fast-food chains in their merchandise promotion campaigns, e.g. McDonald Mushrooming of dedicated malls/stores for toys is becoming increasingly visible e.g. Toy â€Å"Râ€Å" us Retail consolidation in overseas markets has changed the landscape for toy exporters. Production of movies based on toy characters for television audience is a unique trend for promoting toy sales in the US. Toy makers are entering into licensing deals with movie studios to make products in the image of film characters e.g. Disney, Sony Picture, Bai Dan etc. 1.3 Mattel Inc. 1.3.1 Mattel Inc. founded by Harold Matt Matson and Elliot Handler (hence the name matt-el) and incorporated in 1948 with Headquarter in Hawethorne, Los Angeles County, California and later relocate to El Segundo, CA in 1990. Barbie was brainchild by Elliot and Ruth Handler co-founders of the Mattel Toy Company. Ruth came up with the idea for Barbie after watching her daughter, Barbara Handler, play with paper dolls. The three-dimensional model for Barbie was a Germen doll Mattel refashioned the doll into an all-American version and named it after Barbara, who was then a teenager. Barbies boyfriend, Ken, was introduced in 1961 and named after Barbaras brother. 1.3.2 Since establishment, Mattels product portfolio has grown from its flagship brand, Barbie, to toy cars, board games, dolls, cuddly toys and education toys – Mattel offers comprehensive product lines to cater for different age groups – new born to adult segments. This can encourage repeat customer and attract different customer profiles with its range of different toys. Table 3 Mattel Inc.s product range by market segments Market segment Brand Infant Pre-school School Kids Tweens @ Pre-teens Teens (12 years above) Adults / Parents Barbie P P P P Fisher Price P P P Hot Wheel P P Tyco Toys P P P American Girls P P Sesame Street P P P UNO P P Scramble P P P MyScene Dolls P 1.3.3 Mattels Corporate Structure 1.3.4 Business Model Broadly, Mattel Inc.s businesses are segmented by geographically – domestically and internally. Mattels presence at Canada, Latin America, European, Asian countries, Australia, and New Zealand. 1.3.5 Along its establishment in the market, Mattel has gone through several hypes and downs†¦ Table 4 Mattel Inc. Events in chronological order Success stories Failures * 1959 – Barbie debut * 1965 – Enters Educational Market with See ‘N Say * 1968 – Hot Wheels Introduced * 1977 – Ventures into Electronic Game Market * 1993 – Merges with Fisher-Price * 1996 – Introduces Tickle Me Elmo * 1998 – Fisher-Price takes control of Infant and Preschool Character Brands * 1998- Acquired Pleasant Company, the maker of the American Girl collection, which is a series of historical dolls, books and accessories * Mattel says the average American girl owns ten Barbie dolls, and two are sold somewhere in the world every second * As a teenage fashion model, Barbie has worn many fabulous fashions. Beginning with her trademark black and white striped swimsuit and swirled ponytail, Barbie has followed style trends as well as blazed her own fashion trail. She even inspired some of fashions top designers * Barbie celebrates her 50th birthday in 2009. * Mattels Barbie opened her first flagship store on March 6, 2009, six-story showpiece at Shanghai . The store will also be a testing ground for new marketing strategies and services, including a design center where visitors can create their own dolls * Sold The Learning Company at a lost in year 2000 * Toxic Toys Scandal. Recalled millions of China-made toys as potential hazards from parts of the toys which were colored using lead-based paint that may have exceeded the US Federal limit of 600 part per million. 18.2 million items were recalled in total in year 2007. 2.0 Mattels Vision and Mission Jennifer 2.1 Mattels Philanthropic Vision To make a meaningful difference, one child at a time. 2.2 Mattels Philanthropic Mission Mattel makes a difference in the global community by effectively serving children in need. Partnering with charitable organizations dedicated to directly serving children, Mattel creates joy through the Mattel Childrens Foundation, product donations, grant making and the work of employee volunteers. We also enrich the lives of Mattel employees by identifying diverse volunteer opportunities and supporting their personal contributions through the matching gifts program. 2.3 Mattels Philanthropic Values We intend to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need around the world through our interactions how we play with our communities, our partners, and our volunteers. Play with Passion: By making a meaningful and lasting impact on children globally. Play Together: By forming deep partnerships to enrich the communities in which we work and play, and engaging Mattel employees in our efforts. Play Fair: By acting with unwavering integrity in all aspects of our work. Play to Grow: By striving to make long term differences in the lives of children in need and seeking continuous improvement. 3.0 The External Assessment Ezuan Issues to discuss: Opportunities An alliance with an Asian company, Bandai Weakening dollar makes Mattels products more affordable in many of these new markets greatest pressures to adapting products with the constant changing of society * etc Threats Children abandon tangible toys such Hot Wheels and Barbie for more interactive and technological products. Need extreme careful to protect customers legal and moral reputations by respecting the privacy of the children and their families, which is put in jeopardy every time the website asks a minor to provide information. Global recession problems breaking into foreign markets due to cultural barriers After-effect of Toxic Toys Scandal with 18.2 million items were recalled in total in year 2007 Etc External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrix Key Internal Factors Weightage Rating Weighted score Opportunities 1. Barbie an recognizable brand worldwide 0.1 4 0.4 2. Weakening dollar makes results market affordability 0.1 3 0.3 3. Favorable US tariff law 0.05 3 0.15 Threats 1. Children abandon tangible toys for more interactive and technological products. 0.1 1 0.2 2. Global recession cause reduce spending or down trading for toy 0.05 1 0.1 3. Cultural barriers hinder market penetration 0.1 1 0.1 4. High product substitution 0.1 1 0.1 5. Government Regulations and Environmental Quality 0.05 2 0.2 6. Higher bargain power from retailers 0.05 2 0.2 7. Raw material subject to price fluctuation 0.05 2 0.1 8. Highly seasonal business 0.05 2 0.1 9. Rising in ‘cyber @ virtual games 0.1 1 0.1 10. Unpredictable shift in the play patterns of Gen X kids ‘Netizen 0.1 1 0.1 Total 1.00 2.15 Note: Weight factor: 0.0 (not important) to 1.0 (very important) Rating scale: 1 = Major Weakness 2 = Minor Weakness = Minor Strength 4 = Major Strength. Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) for Mattel Inc. Wght. Mattel Inc. Hasbro Bai Dan MGA Ent. Disney LEGO Takara Tomy Rating WS Rating WS Rating WS Rating WS Rating WS Rating WS Rating WS Global Market share 0.10 4 0.4 3 0.3 3 0.3 2 0.2 4 0.4 3 0.3 3 0.3 Product Quality 0.10 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 Product variation 0.15 4 0.6 4 0.6 3 0.45 2 0.3 4 0.6 2 0.6 3 0.6 Price competitive 0.10 3 0.3 3 0.3 4 0.4 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 Technology Innovation 0.10 2 0.2 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 Management Experience 0.10 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 Financial position 0.10 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.3 3 0.1 Customer loyalty 0.15 2 0.3 2 0.3 2 0.3 2 0.3 2 0.3 2 0.3 2 0.3 Global expansion 0.10 3 0.3 4 0.4 4 0.4 2 0.3 4 0.4 4 0.4 2 0.1 Total 1.00 3.0 3.1 3.05 2.7 3.2 3.2 2.7 4.0 The Internal Assessment Ezuan Issues to be discussed: Strengths Long history in toy industry Preferred brand by customers Releasing new product annually follows a code of ethics, as well as requiring ethical actions of their suppliers. contributes to the communities merged with or struck licensing deals with a number of other established brands, including Disney, Fisher Price, Nascar, and even Microsoft. time delivery of products to retailers has soared in recent years from 50% to 90%, due to improvements in information systems and warehouse facilities. product availability has been improved in specific market with collaborative efforts with international firms, specifically Bandai Co. of Japan. able to simultaneously cater products to each markets taste, and maintain high flexibility and low costs by simplifying packaging strategies etc Weaknesses * Until the acquisition of Fisher Price, most of Mattels attempts to expand beyond their primary market of childrens toys were largely unsuccessful  · Etc Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) matrix Key Internal Factors Weightage Rating Weighted score Strengths 1. Barbie as a long established brand – 60 years 0.05 4 0.2 2. Recognizable brand portfolio 0.10 4 0.4 3. Wide product range to cater various life stage 0.10 4 0.4 4. New product launch annually 0.05 3 0.15 5. Business Integrity 0.05 3 0.15 6. Corporate Social Responsibility 0.05 3 0.15 7. Strategic partnership with Microsoft, Disney, BanDai 0.10 3 0.3 8. Energetic management team 0.05 3 0.15 9. Efficient automation of SCM 0.05 3 0.15 10. Trade names and trademarks as significant assets 0.05 4 0.2 Weaknesses 1. Unprofitable mergers and acquisitions 0.05 2 0.1 2. Slipping popularity of their core product, Barbie. 0.10 1 0.1 3. After-effect of Toxic Toys Scandal 0.10 1 0.1 4. History of management struggles and uncertainty 0.05 2 0.1 5. Royalty expense for license agreement 0.05 2 0.1 6. Liquidity problems or bankruptcy of key customers Total 1.00 2.75 Note: Weight factor: 0.0 (not important) to 1.0 (very important) Rating scale: 1 = Major Weakness 2 = Minor Weakness = Minor Strength 4 = Major Strength. 5.0 Strategies in Action Jennifer 6.0 Strategy Analysis and Choice Ismi Strengths [S] Weaknesses [W] Opportunities [O] Threats [T] 7.0 Implementing Strategies 7.1 Background The growth plan for Mattel Inc will be:- Maintaining its Corporate Social Responsibility – sustain its commitment to children, business partners, suppliers and environment Expending its territories with product diversification and business sustainability – strengthen and gain market share Zero product recall to boost up its brand image Below illustrate the direction for Mattel Inc. to concentrate in:- 7.2.0 Mattel Inc.s Direction 7.2.1 Management Operation Strategies The massive recall incidence in 2007 Christmas season will be an occasion to be remembered for Mattel Inc. Thus it is essential for Mattel to enhance its working relationship with their suppliers and business partners. Mattels product lines are manufactured in both company-owned facilities and through third-party manufacturers and the market demand is highly seasonal driven. In order to mitigate, it is crucial for Mattel to ensure just-in-time inventory practices to reduce backlog of orders. Mattel is committed to executing Global Manufacturing Principles (GMP) policy in all areas of its business, i.e. to all parties that manufacture, assemble, or distribute any product, or package bearing the Mattel logo, and, will only engage business partners commit to GMP. Mattel will ensure full compliance of GMP by its business partners, and will assist them in meeting GMP requirements. The GMP principles are to ensure there is a holistic approach that all the key stakeholders are being well care off. To ensure the closed monitoring the third party manufacturers, Mattel need to set up Centre of Excellence (CoE) in selected geographical areas strategically. The main function of the CoE is to embark manufacturing intelligent and ensure smooth execution of GMP and developing best practice in the manufacturing for their strategic partners. 7.3 Marketing Strategies 7.3.1 Segmentation Currently, Mattels product range is catered to wide range of age group, Market segment Brand Infant Toddlers Pre-School Kids Tweens @ Pre-teens Teens (12 years above) Adults / Parents Barbie

Different Brands of Car Dealerships Are Usually Located Near One

1. Different brands of car dealerships are usually located near one another on the same street. What are the pros and cons of this strategy? There are several pros and cons when considering car dealerships locating near one another on the same street. Car dealers cluster because it is in their best interest to do so, given consumer behavior. Buyers would be less prone to buy if dealers were discrete and far away from one another, but they are more prone to shopping if dealers cluster along the same street. One disadvantage of this strategy is the high level of competition amongst each other.This strategy also encourages dealerships to decrease prices, have sales or promotions on vehicles to attract customers. It also encourages the employers to find additional ways to keep their employees motivated to maintain high quality customer service. 2. How does the mall that you shop at frequently combine the shopping and entertainment experience? The mall that I shop at frequently combines t he shopping and entertainment experience by expanding the size of the mall and introducing a vast selection of food choices in the food court.Recently, they open another food court on the other end of the mall, which also has new restaurants from which persons can choose from when they desire to have a meal. In addition, they built a theatre which has eight screens that can be viewed on a daily basis. Also, the entertainment experience is enhanced by performances of both local and international artiste on a regular basis as they perform different genres of music and dance. 3. Why would a Payless Shoe Source store locate in a neighborhood shopping center instead of a regional shopping mall?A Payless Shoe Source would locate in a neighborhood shopping center instead of a regional shopping mall because neighborhood shopping centers are attached rows of stores managed as units, with onsite parking usually located in front of the stores. Payless would want to locate here because they off er customers convenient locations and easy parking, and they have relatively low occupancy costs. Whereas, a regional shopping mall have higher intensity of competition. This is so because it is an enclosed area with similar types of stores with the same products.Also, the occupancy cost is high, in addition to the restricted rules governing window displays and signage. And, customers don’t always have time for a leisurely stroll through a mall. A freestanding location is more convenient because customers can park in front the store, buy what they want, and continue their other errands. 4. Staples and Office Depot both have strong multichannel strategies. How does the Internet affect their strategies for locating stores? Internet has become a major turning point in businesses today.Because of the internet, customers can now order their products from both Staples and Office Depot via the internet. There is no need for them to actually visit a store to see what they have to off er and purchase goods. As a result of this shift in the internet technology, Staples and Office Depot don’t have to be as concerned about the location of their stores. Once their goods and services are well advertised and popular (which they are), people will see them via the internet and make the necessary purchases.