Strategy in Project Management A Vital Pillar

Plans that guide the desired projections of organisations both in the short and long-term run constitute strategy. The set plan that aims at achieving business, operational and corporate goals requires skilful business forecasting and benchmarking.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Strategy in Project Management: A Vital Pillar specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Strategy entails reviewing and selecting a set of choices instead of designing a fixed plan (Porter 1996). Organisations set out strategies that synthesise and elaborate how they intend to achieve their goals in order to realise maximum returns on their investments. Strategy encompasses the management, planning, and evaluation aspects. Under strategic management, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of cross-functional decisions that aid goal achievement for an organisation occurs. From the definition, it is evident that strategy is a continuous proces s that outlines missions and visions of firms, and resource allocation that intends to help in meeting specific objectives (Collis Rukstad 2008). In all these processes, organisations are aiming at keeping themselves ahead of their competitors through consistent analysis, creation, implementation, and monitoring of decisive plans. The planning process in strategic management integrates all the useful components of an organisation by facilitating communication between administrators of all ranks (Bettis et al. 2012). Strategy helps individuals and companies to make prudent decisions on all initiatives they undertake within the constantly changing environment in order to gain outcomes in the most expedient way possible.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Managers, therefore, must understand how to make the plans and targets sustainable to create competitive advantage in the mark et. The entire process calls for creativity as a way of creating unique, valuable, and difficult-to-copy competitive advantages. In this aspect, competitive advantage is not about operational effectiveness, which involves executing similar services far much, beyond what the rivals do (Guinn 2013). It entails executing similar services in different ways from the competitors or executing different services from those of the competitors. Outsourcing, benchmarking, and business process engineering are some of the recent innovations within the management field that businesses have applied in the activities. Outperformance among companies arises from the way they design, implement, and monitor their strategies. For that reason, competitive advantages must be sustainable for a long period. In understanding strategy, managers advance their awareness of both the internal and external environment of the organisations in line with the analysis of vision, mission, and strategic objectives (Gold man 2012). Project managers in making strategic decisions, come to understand the industries they intend to compete in and the modalities they need to employ in the process of competition.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Strategy in Project Management: A Vital Pillar specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the last phase, project managers comprehend the actions that they need to pursue in order to put decisions into proper use. Strategy implementation remains a key process in allocating resources and designing of firms to bring forth the reality of the strategies. Besides, project managers who understand strategic management, planning, and evaluation develop high spirit and commitment for achieving the firm’s objectives, as they become more proactive than reactive in handling issues that require tactful decision-making process. In project management, one has to understand the external and internal environment al elements (Lee-Kelley Sankey 2008) that can affect the completion of a project under budget. The process helps in identifying clear advantages, which are vital in being successful. Strategy determination also follows the same procedure. Managers must analyse the context and environment in which they are operating, identify strategic alternatives, and select the best options after in-depth evaluation. According to Mengel Thomas (2008), project managers must apply strategy in understanding themselves fully and the environment in which they intend to operate. In this phase of organisation analysis, a SWOT analysis is helpful in examining the capabilities, resources, strengths, liabilities and weaknesses, hence assisting in achieving objectives and gaining distinct position from the competitors. On the other hand, environmental analysis helps project managers in understanding the current market dynamics and they use the information to predict future market situations (Bredillet 2008 ).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, project managers are able to know where they have strong position within the expansive environment and where they may have challenges. Clearly, understanding strategy is a vital pillar for project managers, as they have to align their projects with the alterations in their operating environment. Deliberate planning and actions that create successful conditions forms the core base of project management. Project managers have to use strategy in working smarter on projects to meet and solve challenges that may come their way (Kaplan Norton 2008). Strategy helps managers in forecasting for the unpredictable through continuous training and development of new talents to work on new projects that come up. Studying the operational environment helps project managers to be able to prove the value-adding component of the projects. Contractors use problem-solving approach in handling pertinent issues in order to achieve strategic goals and gain competitive edge. Besides, brainstor ming, star-bursting, and reverse brainstorming are applicable in identifying strategic options that help in developing competitive advantage (Calfee 2006). For instance, a firm experiencing poor customer relations needs to brainstorm on strategies that will make the firm register high customer satisfaction. At the evaluation phase, project managers must have arrived at the best project among the varied range of projects. Evaluation and selection of strategic options helps in considering all identified options, their possible negative effects, and benefits. In this stage, risk analysis, impact analysis, and failure mode and effects analysis are applicable in assessing the options available. Proper exploration is necessary for the success of projects through development of strategies. After vivid appraisal, one has to choose on the best strategic options that will ensure that resources are largely spread to offer operational outcome. Mission, vision, and values of an organisation guid e the process of selecting the best options, as they enhance consistency at all stages of strategy development. Consistency with the core functions of an organisation during strategic planning and management contributes to the development and growth of organisation’s total resolution (Blatstein 2012). Strategy development is essential for project managers since the process is not only applicable to development projects, but also to personal circumstances. Strategy is an inclusive process that can significantly assist project managers in their roles of handling difficult and complex situations like coordinating many varied people, completing several tasks in orderly sequences, and spending lots of time and money in operating projects. The success or failure on project management depends on the way one lays out strategies, that is, initial stages of strategy development affect the outcome of an entire project. Strategy helps project managers to monitor the actual completion dat es against the dates of completion as per the plan in order to enable them take corrective measures and address clients’ expectations appropriately. The communication process aids project milestone reporting which informs of the progress of a project by elaborating on how far a project has develop and future expectations from a specified point. In this report, one is able to know what they have achieved and the necessary requirements to ensure successful completion of the project. According to Blatstein (2012), monitoring of projects through milestone reporting relies on the strategic plans. In large and complex projects that have many interdependencies, project milestone reporting helps in simplifying the projects’ status in precise and meaningful way. Clearly, strategy acts as a guide for project managers in comprehending the progress and new expectations of projects that they undertake. In preparing project milestone reports, managers use the projections or targets outlined in the strategic plans. Program managers also find strategy useful in their activities as it acts as a project schedule (Raspin Terjesen 2007). Strategy, just as schedule, will specify the sequence of development tasks, signifying that it is an essential part in project management. Since implementation of strategies transforms visions to comprehensible outcomes, schedules offer basis for monitoring and controlling project accomplishments, offer foundation for tracking the progress of a project, and assist in assessing how time delays can affect a project. Scheduling of projects uses strategy to combine inputs and align necessary resources with the exact timing of each activity. As Porter (1996) asserts, strategy will be helpful to a program manager in resource levelling, as he/she will be able to streamline the timing of activities so that all activities receive adequate resources. Moreover, strategies always prepare for impact of risks in their provisions; this is a plus to a program manager who can add extra time in risky events. Strategy flexibility enables project managers to adapt to the fluctuating needs of the environment, which can emanate from the project team or the project itself. Project managers as planners, executors, controllers, and supervisors of projects have to employ strategy in coming up with a workable work plan that enhances the success of the project. In addition, project managers have to develop and manage the direction that different projects take, and even plan, define and manage the scope of such tasks. Clearly, in all these undertakings, strategy plays critical roles to the manager. Careful planning by Aalto University in Finland has demonstrated the significant role of strategy in project management. In one of the research projects, the School of Economics studied the system of contactless ticketing. In the ticketing process, a group of students also analysed the value chain and interest groups across Europe. In the proj ect, the student had to define the project and its goals as ways of managing the guidance and co-ordination process. The researchers had to make right choices in the project management, and, in the end, they obtained the desired results. A well-outlined strategy for the Nokia Ventures Organisation made the project to achieve its goals of bolstering sales, increasing sales through reorganisation of resources and strategic positioning. NFC Solutions Head of Operations, Sirpa Nordlund, admitted that the study acted as a revelation to them, and helped to meet what they had suspected all along. Moreover, she recommended the idea as extremely prominent, and went on to reiterate that many firms have expertise thinking and brainstorming on such strategies to solve similar problems. The Hickory Ridge Landfill Solar System in Atlanta is another project that elaborates the significance of strategy to project managers. With the objective of creating an alternative to traditional landfill covers , enhancing the use of renewable energy, and obsolete lands, the project had to receive unrelenting initiation, planning, supervision and evaluation. In developing the technology, HDR Engineering Inc. ensured that the project had to offer similar energy to people, but in a different way from the eco-friendly sources. At Hickory Ridge, the initial phase cost around $5 million, and is currently the world’s biggest solar cap, generating one megawatt of electricity. This amount of electricity is capable of offsetting the total energy that the landfill uses or power over 200 households. Through effective planning and resource allocation, the Senior Project Manager, Mark Roberts, identified that much of the funds had to be directed to the initial stage of the project to purchase and install the solar panels. Project management aims at managing costs and the budget; therefore, one need comprehend the areas that funds get used in the project to avert instances of failure and unprofit ability. A cost-benefit analysis revealed that the project brought great value to the locals and the world as a whole. For the success of the project, HDR Engineering Inc. had set clear strategic positions and themes that linked each other in a close loop. Age NI is another organisation that commenced a project in February 2010 to determine the feasibility of using a shared governance approach to make decisions and prepare Age NI’s first Strategic Plan. The Chief Executive took the roles of a project manager, and from the beginning accepted the need for strategic plan in order to direct the project in meeting the goals and objectives of the organisation as stipulated in the mission and vision (Mà ¼llera Turner 2010). The strategy helped in understanding the scope of the research project by allowing strategic intentions to create the margins of the work. The project relied on strategic plans in drawing success criteria and guidelines that direct and measure the success of th e project. In risk management, the project identified a facilitator who ensured that information flow to all departments and shareholders was uncompromised (Nag, Hambrick Chen 2007). The group admitted that risks are unavoidable in all projects, and directed evaluation tools to identify zones that have high potential risks so that future project managers can apply preventive measures in time. Risk mitigation is a strategic option that the group considered throughout the entire research. Designing of strategy helped the group in understanding how collective shared governance affects decision-making processes. When the Board of Directors of 1st Farm Credit Services decided to improve its governance structures in order to create shareholder value and obtain sustainable competitive advantage, the association relied on strategic management to provide directions, which could provide long-term values to clients and owners. The group laid a strategy of enhancing individual director perform ance and alterations of board operations (Davies 2000). Univest, on the other hand, applied strategic project vision in identifying, monitoring, managing, implementing, and evaluating a credit risk portfolio that could help the community banking industry to manage risks. In the entire process, Univest coordinated all the services through a project manager who highly depended on strategic plans to ensure successful implementation of the project. The firm intended to save on costs, employ smoother risk mitigation procedures, and register reduced loss potential in order to transition employee focus and organisation’s commitment. Strategy is essential in project management as it guides the entire process in achieving its intentions. Organisations that have engaged in several projects have acknowledged the need for strategic management, planning, and evaluation in regaining confidence in a crowded market. Project managers who understand and inculcate strategy in their activities a ttain their targets in time. References Bettis, R. A., Gambardella, A., Helfat, C., Mitchell, W 2012, ‘Strategic Management’, Strategic Management Journal, vol. 34. pp. 12-26. Blatstein, I.M 2012, Strategic Planning: Predicting or Shaping the Future?, Organization Development Journal, vol. 30. no. 2, pp. 32. Bredillet, C. N 2008, ‘Mapping the Dynamics of the Project Management Field: Project Management in Action (part 1)’, Project Management Journal, vol. 39. no. 4, pp. 2-14. Calfee, D 2006, ‘Getting engaged: an inclusive approach to strategy development’, Emerald Journals, vol. 7. no. 1, pp. 20-31. Collis, D. J., Rukstad, M. G 2008, ‘Can You Say What Your Strategy Is?’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 22. pp. 14-22. Cox, M. Z., Daspit, J., McLaughlin, E. Jones, R.J 2012, Strategic Management: Is It an Academic Discipline?, Journal of Business Strategies, vol. 29. no. 1, pp. 27-28. Davies, W 2000, ‘Understanding strategyâ₠¬â„¢, Emerald Journals, vol. 28. no. 5, pp. 4-21. Goldman, E. F 2012, ‘Leadership practices that encourage strategic thinking’, Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 5. no. 1, pp. 4-17. Guinn, S. L 2013, ‘Strategic HR Review’, Emerald Journals, vol. 12. no. 1, pp. 18-27. Kaplan, R. S., Norton, D. P 2008, ‘Integrating Strategy Planning and Operational Execution: A Six-Stage System’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 10. no. 3, pp. 21-30. Lee-Kelley, L., Sankey, T 2008, ‘Global virtual teams for value creation and project success: A case study’, International Journal of Project Management, vol. 26. no. 1, pp. 51-62. Mengel, T., Thomas, J 2008, ‘Preparing project managers to deal with complexity – Advanced project management education’, International Journal of Project Management, vol. 26. no. 3, pp. 304-315. Mà ¼llera, R., Turner, R 2010, ‘Leadership competency profiles of successful project managersâ₠¬â„¢, International Journal of Project Management, vol. 28, no. 5, pp. 437–448. Web. Nag, R., Hambrick, D. C., Chen, M. J 2007. ‘What is strategic management, really?’ Strategic Management Journal, vol. 28. no. 9, pp. 935–955. Porter, M. E 1996, ‘What is Strategy?’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 4, pp. 61-78. Web. Raspin, P., Terjesen, S 2007, ‘Strategy Making: What Have We Learned About Forecasting The Future?’ Business Strategy Series, vol. 8. no. 2, pp. 116-121. This essay on Strategy in Project Management: A Vital Pillar was written and submitted by user Georgia Schultz 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.

Levels of Processing and Memory essays

Levels of Processing and Memory essays Craik and Lockhart (1972) developed a theory in which they discussed the levels of processing. The theory states, the more a word is processed, due to its meaning, the better the word is retained. In our experiment we presented subjects with a yes or no question pertaining to the meaning of a word or the appearance of a word and then measured their reaction time. Subjects were then asked to recall as many words that they could remember, results showed that there was a significant difference in reaction times and the number of words that were recalled. According to Dewey Rundus (1971) the more an item is rehearsed, the higher the probability the item will be remembered. Herman Ebbinghaus (1885) concluded that in order to remember and learn items we must repeat them. He developed the nonsense syllable, which is a word that is composed of two consonants with a vowel in between. A nonsense syllable could not be a real word (would not be found in the dictionary). Ebbinghaus wanted to minimize the effects of association that have already been made with words that we are familiar with. Using nonsense syllables he determined that frequency of appearance is directly correlated with the amount one recalls (Lundin 1996). The rehearsal theory states that recall should mimic reaction time in our experiment. The longer a word is kept in mind, the better it will be recalled. Repetition plays an important role in the processes of memory but it is not the only factor that affects how much one can recall. Craik and Watkins (1973) disputed that repetition improves memory. They performed an experiment to determine that repetition didnt improve memory but that the speed which the words were presented. Subjects were read a list of words, but before they heard the words they were given a critical letter and were asked to remember the last word from the list that began with that particular letter. Subjects thought that they could ign...

Electronic Commerce and Internet Law in Canada Assignment - 1

Electronic Commerce and Internet Law in Canada - Assignment Example The researcher states that under Canadian law, a copyright owner has the right to choose between actual damages or statutory damages under the Copyright Act. Actual damages will be the amount lost as a result of infringement and statutory damages can expose Jane to liability for $20,000 for each individual program that has been illegally copied. Online contracting in Novia Scotia is regulated by the Electronic Commerce Act, which adopts the Uniform Electronic Commerce Act of Canada (UECA). Additionally, the UECA adopts the United Nations 1996 Model Law on Electronic Commerce and the Novia Scotia’s Electronic Commerce Act (2000) is nearly identical to the UECA model. In the current scenario, the central issue of contention is whether Melvin is bound by the contract. The fundamental issues impacting online contracting are the common law concepts of offer, acceptance, and jurisdiction. Indeed Scassa & Deturbide highlight the central questions in online contracting being as follow s: â€Å"Is an owner of a web site merely soliciting offers, or is an offer being made that is capable of being accepted? When and where is acceptance made? What impact do electronic agents have on the offer and acceptance paradigm?†. Additionally, Section 20(1) of the UECA as embodied in the Electronic Commerce Act (2000) acknowledges that online interactive forms of communication constitute binding contracts. Moreover, online contracts are now completely recognized by Canadian courts in contractual disputes.

Safety project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Safety project - Research Paper Example The procedure will be based on the present resources that include XYZ’s financial statements, official documents, workplace analysis, and interrogations with some of the workers. Various resources can be used to gather in-depth knowledge about the standards. The companys budget will be used to show the impact of low standards of safety and health at XYZ. Additionally, documents from external monitoring bodies such as Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) will also provide information on previous ratings. The companys official safety documents will also be used for the assessment. Finally, a visual assessment will also provide data on the overall condition of the workplace. This step will deduct core standard from the collected data through an analysis. It will provide information on the condition of the firm and the some of the major problems based on safety and health maintenance. Finally, the results will be presented to Ms. Black and other members of the safety committee. Recommendations form the final step that will include the provision of ideas that can be used to change the current situation of XYZ. The safety committee will later review them to ensure perfection and positive impacts to the firms. They will also include a chance for more ideas to be incorporated by other members. In the case of XYZ, being the first safety will provide me with the chance to assess the company through various steps on its safety standards, create a report and later provide recommendations that will ensure enhanced levels of health and safety. The assessment will require different resources from the company that includes the following. The company XYZ has an average of 300 employees that have the right to work in a safe place as stipulated in the corporate charter. However, a close examination on the budget shows that the organization has been

Civil War Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Civil War - Research Paper Example Immediately after the war, Northern Union implemented strategies meant to ensure restructuring and integration of the Southern states into the larger confederacy. Historical facts from the war documents indicate that the Reconstruction attempts met stiff resistance from the southern insurgency movements (Jerry 34). The northern confederacy wanted to restructure governance structures within the south in order to end slavery. On the other hand, Southern states wanted to continue propagating and practicing slavery. In the middle of contentions was the black American population, who were enslaved and forced to work as farm laborers by white farmers in the south. In this case, the two parties strived to address their concerns, and this lead to a 12 year of Reconstruction efforts within the south. The entire civil war took place within southern states. Upon its completion, communities within the states witnessed substantial social, political and economic damages within their settings. The war ended after the northern Union defeated the Southern insurgency alliance. After the war, southern states, especially Louisiana became dysfunctional and riddled with social predicaments including poverty. Most white settlers in the south had lost their property like farm crops and processing factories to war destructions. In addition, most families in the south had their men killed as a result of heavy casualties from the fights (Smith 45). Others were maimed and disabled by the Northern Union forces. In this context southern families would experience the toughest times in their history attributed to casualty and property destruction after the war. Apart from poverty, there was a pronounced degree of mental illnesses witnessed among war veterans in the southern region. Thousands of soldiers became addicted to morphine; hence could not be productive to the society after the war. White settlers in the south lost the slave labor force; thus they could no longer engage in extensive a gricultural services. Approximately 90% of Black Americans lived in the South during the war (Jerry 23). After the black liberation from slavery by Northern Union soldiers, Southern farmers felt the economic gap left by slave workers in their farms. At this juncture, we can acknowledge the fact that Southern states suffered substantial damages after the civil war. With respect to Reconstruction, Southern alliances saw the move as an insult from the north, given that the southern states had already suffered great loss after the war. On the other hand, Northern alliance wanted to further their ambitions aimed towards abolition of slavery in the south. In this regard, Southern states interpreted the reconstruction move as an attempt by north to further injure damages already inflicted to the south. Therefore, reconstruction efforts met stiff resistance, especially on the efforts directed towards abolition of slavery. Reconstruction started in the time when Abraham Lincoln was the US pr esident. Lincoln sought support of the congress and executive arms of the cabinet in striving to formulate policies meant to oversee Reconstruction strategies. At the inception stages, Reconstruction started gaining momentum when black Americans moved from their slavery masters, into independent settlements. In addition, African Americans started receiving political recognition, which granted them freedom to participate in elective politics. Despite Lincoln’s efforts in implementing strategies, the president met stiff resista

Essay on the Difference Between Chiefdoms and Tribes

Essay on the Difference Between Chiefdoms and Tribes Introduction The Swazi of Southern Africa and the Mayogo of Northern Democratic Republic of Congo represent two different chiefdoms that live in Africa. The two chiefdoms share more with states than with tribes, a reason which explains its existence within the boundary of many states in Africa. The Swazi chiefdom is situated in the southern Africa in a landlocked country that was rule according to the chiefdom rules even with the coming of the white man and obtaining independence 1968. The chiefdom share many aspects with the state, a reason which explains the absence of conflict that inflicts the two institutions in comparison with the state and the tribe. The research paper will analyze the two chiefdoms of Mayogo and Swazi through the use of comparison with the state and the tribe by focusing on such points as kinship, marriage, citizenship. The Mayogo The Mayogo are people who live in the Northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, they used to live independently as chiefdom until the 19th century when the country was invaded by the Mangbetu who formed the state under which the Mayogo were governed. However, the internal affairs of the chiefdom were in control by the chiefs. The Mayogo speak a language that belongs to the same family of Swazi which is Bantu, most of them have converted from animism to Christianity mainly Catholicism. The areas in which the Mayogo live have certain autonomy as the people pay allegiance to the Chiefdom. Although the flag was apparent in the documentary but no allegiance is paid to the national anthem. One of the reason, why the state of Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire is not bother by the presence of the chiefdom of Mayogo in its territory is because it is not menaced by it in addition to the fact that the chiefdom provides protection to its population which the state cannot afford to due to the vast surface of the territory and its vicinity to war zones exemplified by the refuges that live in the country in addition to a civil war that it is undergoing. The Swazi The Swazi took their name from their king, Mswati, Swaziland is a chiefdom that is organized into dual monarchy with the king and the queen at its head, the king is refereed to by the Swazi as Ngwenyama (Lion) while the queen is known as Ndlovukazi (Lady Elephant).[1] The chiefdom is based on common ancestry and fictive kinship, like the state the chiefdom is based on a social contract between the population of Swaziland who accept top pay allegiance to the king by obeying his orders, providing goods and services, and paying taxes in return for protection from outsiders mainly Zulu and Shaka. For instance, King Sobhuza maintained the loyalty of his population by protecting them from Shaka to the extent that he sent his daughters to be married by Shaka knowing that they will be killed once they are pregnant.[2] The successor of king Sobhuza, Mswati, was left with a strong Kingdom, respected and feared by neighboring tribes, with a centralized political system controlling several thous ands of people scattered over areas reaching far beyond the boundaries of modern Swaziland.[3] The interest of Europeans to colonize the area came from two parties the Dutch Boers and the British, in 1865 the two parties are going to find an excuse to enter the country which to provide peace and end civil war. The year coincided with the death of King Mswati which entered the country into a civil war due the rivalry of who is going to become the new king. Eventually Mdandzeni was the king and even during his reign instability was present.[4] A Comparison between Chiefdom and Tribe The tribe and chiefdom have a similar aspect in terms of their value of raiding while the Swazi during the reign of king Mswati acquired a reputation of terror and fear many of their warriors were indulging in raids with neighboring chiefdoms and the looting was distributed by the King.[5] Likewise, the Famous tribe chief Auda abu Tayi the leader of the Howeitat tribe who said that he is like a river to his people meaning that all what he obtain from raids is going to be redistribute to his tribe.[6] Moreover, Hospitality is another characteristic that shared between tribes and chiefdom. Regarding chiefdom, the headman is expected to be magnanimous.[7] Kinship is an important factor that distinguishes chiefdom from the state and put on equal footing with the tribe, it used to define who is going to be married from a particular person and other issue as it is stated by Hilda Kuper kinship by descent and ties by marriage influence behavior in a great number of situations; they determine where and with whom a person lives, his range of friends and enemies, whom he may or may not marry, the positions to which he is entitled.[8] Regarding tribes the preference is being given to first cousins but instances of incest are not absent though rare, both among Tribes Swazi, especially the king who is allowed as he is the only man permitted to marry a clan sister.[9] This network of kinship was kept even when the British administration was in the country, it was only a current move to incorporate the dual monarchy as a single government for the whole country of Swaziland.[10] The importance given to law seems to be a feature shared by both the tribe and chiefdom as the tribe regulates its problems according to its tribal law while the Swazi have a highly developed legal system and a graded hierarchy of courts that coincide roughly with the political structure. In case of the Swazi seems to be working with the introduction of the state while it is the opposite for tribes as in some instances revenge requires killing a person as compensation. While the Swazi differentiate between private matters such as theft and cases that require death penalty such as murder. In The former the guilty party pays compensation directly to the ill-treated person while on the latter the compensation is given to the king as he the representative of the state.[11] Hilda Kuper mentioned an example that would illustrate this dichotomy of law among the chiefdom. It involves the case of a woman called Velepi Hlatshwako who deserted her husband, Alpheus shongwe, after 20 years of mar riage because of his bad treatment of her and eloped with her lover, Isauk Mabuzo. In order for the lover to marry the Velepi he has to pay lobola (bride price) to her family which it refused. The matter is going to exacerbates when Velepi had a daughter and Alpheus asked for both of them as a he paid lobola. This time the two couple became convert to Wesleyan church therefore the matter was taken to different court and in the end the court stated that Velepi soiled the law.[12] The state and chiefdom law tend to overlap and contradict each other, however the likelihood of going against the states is less than the tribe where state rule is absent. For instance, the Swazi people who work in the administration or white-controlled bureaucracy[13] but their loyalty falls under their chiefdom. One of the major difference between chiefdom and tribe lies on the fact that the way the tribal chief chosen has nothing to do with his noble heritage or family instead what matter is his reputation for hospitability, honor and experience while for the Swazi as well as the Mayogo of Northern Democratic Republic of Congo the chief is hereditary position which is banqueted only by inheritance. Therefore, competition and rivalry is major aspect of chiefdom and this best seen during the death of Kind Mswati, that resulted in a civil war between his sons whereas tribal people tend to elect a chief of their tribe based on reputation, which means that once the chief is being seen as corrupt the tribal people outstrip of his leadership automatically by not listening to him. And even the way the tribe vie their chief is different from chiefdom whereby the Swazi regard their king as a father and not a dictator.[14] Marriage is an important institution upon which a the follower of the king is taken, polygamy is abundant among kings and in order to avoid conflict between kings` sons it is the child of the senor wife that is entitled to the throne however, seniority is not always decided by age but by other factors as it is pointed out by Hilda Kuper Among the Swazi aristocracy the first wife is never the main wife. Seniority in marriage brings certain advantages during the headman`s lifetime, but upon his death other factors are considered. The most important is pedigree, and the daughter of a king or leading chief generally takes precedence over all other wives.[15] The Swazi developed a sophisticated system of succession to protect the future king from the rivalry of his brothers to the extent that the first son of king is never going to take his place, Seniority and pedigree play an important role in selecting the future king.[16] Regarding tribal law, it is very different from state law and d oes not tend to be mixed as is the case with both Swazi and Mayogo as knowledge of the chiefdom law and court procedure are part of the daily life of chiefdom people.[17] A Comparison between the Chiefdom and the State Just like the state, the country of Swaziland is divided into different districts. The queen shares power with the king, however her realm is situated in the area of household and rituals. Unlike Western countries, religion in Swaziland is an important aspect of the country that is governed by the queen; it is one of the characteristics that differentiate an outsider from a Swazi. The Swaziland chiefdom maintains its political system and insures its survival by following a system of military fear based on executions so that any enemy would think twice before trying to invade the country. The second way is upgrading lineage through marriage, whereby women play a major role in succession mainly the queen mother, as the children of a senior wife are supervised and shunned from going outside to protect them from magic spills. In other words, the king rules outside while the queen rules inside the household. Even though the country is big, the king insure that it stays in order by dividin g into district and letting local chiefs (sikhulu) reign them and in cases of district that the king does not trust he appoints his brother or his half brother to rule them, a practice used during the reign of King Mswati, when the Kingdom of Swaziland rule over a large territory and have a reputation. According to Hilda Kuper power moves down through a chain of British-appointed officials on the one side and the traditional hierarchy on the other, with conflict centered in a few leading personalities. Educated Swazi, including some of the traditional system for reaching rapid and major decisions, but they are seeking to build on certain accepted foundations and do not want an imitation of constitutional techniques developed in alien context.[18] In a chiefdom both power can be shared with states with small incidents of conflicts compared to tribes, and most of the time when the chiefdom laws came to contradict laws of the states it is usually driven by personal interest. For instance, the reason for changing the Westminster constitution that the British brought to Swaziland has to do with the failure of a Prince Mfanasibili in elections against Ngwenya, therefore to get rid of his rival he found the loophole that since he is a South African he was deported to the border in may 25 1972 and because the conistution was in favour of Ngwenya regarding his deportation, it was also changed.[19] The independence of Swaziland brought the problem of who is entitled toser ve in an office with such factors as loyalty and family playing a major role in appointment the educated Swazi who are not from a royal kinship posed a problem to the royal group and raised their concern over education as a means to secure their positions. The opposite is apparent in the Mayogo of Northern Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike the British colonies where education was emphasize, the French colonies relied on military people to rule on their colonies Citizenship is an important aspect of defining who is Swazi and who is not, in practice all those people entitled to be Swazi have the privileges of security, that is protection from enemies, they can acquire land; and most importantly they can have the national mark in order to wear Swazi consume which is a slit in the lobes of the ears.[20] The chiefdom shares with the state the concept of citizen and who is entitled to be a citizen? Such a question is going to raise problems in Swaziland due to its diversified population and the changing concept of allegiance, as it system by which Swazi express their loyalty to their king. However, the influx of many non-Swazi who were brought by the white settlers brought the issue of loyalty to the fore as they plead their allegiance to their employers instead of the king, in addition to their different traditions and culture which makes the Swazi feel threatened about their status to the extent of putting the blame on crime on the non-Swazi po pulation.[21] According the Swaziland law Citizenship was a privilege, not a right; a commitment, not a label,[22] which means that factors such as language, history, race and religion come to define who is a Swazi and who is not, therefore citizenship is exclusive and not inclusive. Another problem that is brought the issue of citizenship is the fact that South Africa is home to 700, 000 Swazi people which indicates the problem of the king to grant them citizenship without land support and most importantly the problem of dual citizenship as they are both citizens of South Africa and also entitled to the citizenship of Swaziland, while the non-Swazi who live in Swaziland are not regarded as citizens as they lack the features of a Swazi. Land is an important accepts in Swaziland in addition to pastorals rooted in its cattle complex[23] due to the importance of lobola which is usually expressed in cattles. The land posed to be a problem in 1907 as 45% of the land in Swaziland was owned by non-Swazi owing to the Land Proclamation of 1907.[24] Unlike, its neighboring country Zimbabwe, the Swaziland government response to reform the land by taking into consideration the local Swazi without alienating the white community A major component of the state in addition to sovereignty and territory is monopoly over the use of violence. The distinction between police and soldier does not exit in Swazi chiefdom it was only brought by the British. The Swazi rely on emabutfo to provide protection; they are a mix of soldier and police. However by the coming of the British they introduced police force which was viewed as a rival by Emabutfo.[25] However the role of Emabutfo is going to be underscored due to the regional incidents that occurred in Ethiopia where Haile Selassie was deposed and Mozambique where the socialist Samora Machel was recognized as the leader of the country. These events prompted Swaziland to develop an army by relying on emabutfo. [26] Conclusion To conclude, the chiefdom share many point with tribes and states. however, the fact it has many point to share with the state that the tribe make it adaptable to survive even within the boundary of the state because it does not threat the establishment of the state. It shares with the state the social contract under which the population pays loyalty through obedience and taxes in return for protection. And unlike the tribe the chiefdom does not have the problem of minority group. Because even in their meeting not everybody in the chiefdom is invited in the secret meetings save the elders, whereas in a tribal society every person who is an adult has a saying that the chief has to take into consideration as he has the power to influence decision making but to the extent of making an order. Bibliography Chief Anga Ganga Kangolo Lost Kingdoms. Discovery Channel, 1988. Kuper, Hilda. The Swazi: a South African Kingdom. Mason, Ohio: Cenage Learning, 2002. Lawrence of Arabia, DVD, Directed by David Lean. 1962.

Design, Ecology, and Ethics Essay -- Environment Ecology Essays Papers

Design, Ecology, and Ethics â€Å"We need to design institutions (and cars and homes and toothbrushes, etc.) that make it easy for people to be good.† (Jim Farrell) Right now, if someone in America wants to be good to the earth and good to future generations, it’s hard. It’s expensive to purchase local, organic food. In the suburbs, to get to work and practice and the store and back home again on a schedule without a car is tricky if not impossible. To think about how and where and by whom nearly 100% of products in Target are made is to most certainly become ashamed. It’s disheartening to watch tax dollars go to funding war in far away lands and, as McDonough says, on future generations. And why is it that the majority of restaurants we have to choose from degrade the environment and our bodies? This is all because of poor design. American environmentalists, people who act in ways small and large to reduce their ecological footprint, are in the minority because we are constantly trying to wade upstream against the swift current of institutions shaped by cheap and dirty energy... Design, Ecology, and Ethics Essay -- Environment Ecology Essays Papers Design, Ecology, and Ethics â€Å"We need to design institutions (and cars and homes and toothbrushes, etc.) that make it easy for people to be good.† (Jim Farrell) Right now, if someone in America wants to be good to the earth and good to future generations, it’s hard. It’s expensive to purchase local, organic food. In the suburbs, to get to work and practice and the store and back home again on a schedule without a car is tricky if not impossible. To think about how and where and by whom nearly 100% of products in Target are made is to most certainly become ashamed. It’s disheartening to watch tax dollars go to funding war in far away lands and, as McDonough says, on future generations. And why is it that the majority of restaurants we have to choose from degrade the environment and our bodies? This is all because of poor design. American environmentalists, people who act in ways small and large to reduce their ecological footprint, are in the minority because we are constantly trying to wade upstream against the swift current of institutions shaped by cheap and dirty energy...

Definition of Lyric Poetry

Definition of Lyric Poetry Lyric Poetry consists of a poem, such as a sonnet or an ode, that expresses the thoughts and feelings of the poet. The term lyric is now commonly referred to as the words to a song. Lyric poetry does not tell a story which portrays characters and actions. The lyric poet addresses the reader directly, portraying his or her own feeling, state of mind, and perceptions. â€Å"Italian Sonnet† by James DeFord, written in 1997: Turn back the heart you've turned away Give back your kissing breathLeave not my love as you have left The broken hearts of yesterday But wait, be still, don't lose this way Affection now, for what you guess May be something more, could be less Accept my love, live for today. Written by William Shakespeare: Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date. Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is h is gold complexion dimmed, And every fair from fair sometime declines,By chance, or nature's changing course untrimmed. Poem by Emily Dickinson named â€Å"I Felt a Funeral in my Brain. † It describes a person who is going insane, or thinks they are: I felt a Funeral, in my Brain, And Mourners to and fro Kept treading – treading – till it seemed That Sense was breaking through – And when they all were seated, A Service, like a Drum -Kept beating – beating – till I thought My Mind was going numb – And then I heard them lift a Box And creak across my Soul With those same Boots of Lead, again, Then Space – began to toll,As all the Heavens was a Bell, And Being, but an Ear, And I, and Silence, some strange Race Wrecked, solitary, here – And then a Plank in Reason, broke, And I dropped down, and down – And hit a World, at every plunge, And Finished knowing – then – Nonsense Poetry Nonsense poetry is a for m of poetry that many people are familiar with, even if they didn’t know they were reading nonsense poetry. The many limericks (both family friendly, and otherwise) that people have read and heard over the years are a form of nonsense poetry.The works of Edward Lear are some of the finest examples of the form. So are the many classic nursery rhymes that we read to our children. Sometimes the language doesn’t make obvious sense and other times the stories being told seem impossible or illogical. Either case can be a technique for writing nonsense poetry. Many of the works of Lewis Carroll are classics of the form. Ronald Dahl is another writer who has entertained us with his strange tales. Words such as silly, strange, bizarre, illogical, whimsical, and fantastic are often used to describe nonsense poems.

Obama and Bush in the Iraq war Essay

On April 11, 1991, the Gulf war ended with a cease fire that was negotiated between the United States and its allies and Iraq. A policy of containment was maintained by the United States and its allies towards Iraq. This policy encompassed various economic sanctions by the United Nations Security Council, the enforcement by the United States and United Kingdom of Iraqi no flying zones and inspections to prevent Iraq from developing chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. In October 1998, the United States official policy toward Iraq became regime change with the enactment of the Iraqi liberation act. The act provided for the transition of Iraq to a democracy following the withdrawal of United Nations weapons inspectors. This legislation however did not correspond with the terms that were set out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 687 which basically focused on weapons and weapons programs and made no mention of change of regime. The United States and the United Kingdom launched the Operation Desert Fox one month after the Iraq Liberation Act was passed. The rationale behind the campaign was to restrict the ability of Saddam’s government to produce chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. On the other hand, United States national security personnel hoped that the exercise would weaken Saddam’s grip on power. With the election of Bush as the United States president in 2000, the United States became actively inclined toward the policy of regime change in Iraq. The Republican’s campaign became prior to the elections called for complete implementation of Iraq Liberation Act and the ousting of Saddam. The invasion of Iraq may have been planned since the inauguration with the first National security meeting discussing the invasion (Hamilton, 2004). However, there are also claims that the National Security Council discussions were a continuation of Clinton’s administration’s foreign policy. However, little formal step was made by the Bush’s administration toward invasion despite its stated interest in liberating Iraq until the September 11, 2001 attacks on the twin towers. The rationale behind the invasion of Iraq after the 9/11 attacks has been questioned as there was little to suggest that Saddam had any cooperation with Al Qaeda. Shortly after the attack, President Bush announced the new war on terrorism which was backed by the doctrine of preemptive military action. Why Bush Started the War The Bush’s administration considered Saddam Hussein to be a major distraction and threat not only to American security but also to global peace. As such, the only way to guarantee the global stability and peace was by ousting Saddam’s regime. The administration believed that Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction and thus rushed to conquer the country before they could fire any weapon. The administration also believed that Saddam was a major sponsor of terrorists and with the 9/11 attacks, the American people were thirsting for some form of action. The electorate of the United States was skillfully convinced that the best solution to the problem of terrorism was to get Saddam Hussein. As such, the main reason that was given by the Bush’s administration as a justification for the invasion was the Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. Other reasons were that Saddam supported terrorism and held the people of Iraq captive. Another primary motive which was however not stated with regard to the invasion of Iraq was the consolidation of oil resources in Iraq (Holtzman, 2006). A report which was commissioned before the September attacks by Dick Cheney indicated unambiguously identifies Iraq as the main destabilizing influence to the flow of oil to the international markets from the Middle East. The report also indicated that Saddam had expressed a willingness to threaten to employ the oil weapon and to use his own export program to influence and manipulate oil markets. Iraq was a destabilizing influence to global oil flow from the Middle East and therefore United States military intervention was inevitable (Moore, 2004). Within the American grand design for the world, oil plays a major role. The Middle East id the only place that is capable of satisfying the demand for oil as it contains the world’s largest reserves. An increase in the demand for oil was conceived by the Bush administration as inevitable, and Iraq was a stumbling block. The invasion was thus necessary for the United States to guarantee its energy needs. By securing a strategic position in the Gulf region through establishing a friendly and compliant government in Iraq, the United States will not only manage check the OPEC but also influence the conduct of other global powers. Why Obama is against the war According to Obama, Iraq’s invasion without any clear rationale and without strong international support had the capacity to lead to instability not only in Iraq but also in the Middle East (Ambinder, 2007). The invasion, according to him, would fuel sectarian warfare. The Sunnis, having been empowered by Saddam, were likely to discover that they were the targets of Shia radicals who sought for revenge for the way that they were treated and power to control Iraq’s future. Iraq’s insurgency will thus be inspired, not only by the desire to kill the Americans but also by the ambition to be in power when the United States leaves. Obama also opposed the war because he envisioned a situation whereby the attacks would increase leading to the death of more American young people. The difference between Obama and Bush with regard to Iraqi war became clear in 2007. The year marked a critical turning point in the war in Iraq. It was during this period that Iraq sunk into a state of savage sectarian chaos with three thousand civilians dying every month. It was also during this period that the American people lost hope in the war and were thus prepared to bring the troops back to America. However, instead of letting the soldiers go back to America, a move that was favored by both Republicans and Democrats, Bush ordered a troop surge to ease the violence, suppress al Qaeda in Iraq and set the stage for political reconciliation. Obama had much to say concerning this issue, predicting that the surge would not be effective (Stone, 2009). Obama was not convinced that the twenty thousand additional troops would not solve the sectarian violence in Iraq. According to him, the effect will instead be reversed (Obama, 2002). This move, in his view, would not solve the long term political strife between the ethnic and religious groups in Iraq. Obama believed that strategic defense is a much more preferable approach to the entire war, an idea that many people seem to agree with. He opposed the war on the premise that the United states did not know how much it was going to cost, what the exit strategy would be and how the invasion itself will affect the relationship of the United States with the rest of the world. Again, he doubted the soundness of the American intelligence and held that capturing Bin Laden ought to have been the priority. Obama felt that because Al Qaeda had not been put to rest, it may act as distraction. Obama conceived of the invasion of Iraq unwise use of the military. According to him, the invasion brought more problems than solutions as more and more money was being used, more American soldiers were being killed and Al Qaeda had grown stronger. With regard to the reduction of the surge due to the deployment of more troops, Obama felt that it the reduction of violence was mainly as a result of the sacrifice by the soldiers. According to Obama, the Bush administration’s judgment concerning the length of the war, the conception of America by the Iraqis as the liberator and the view that there was no history of violence between the Shiite and the Sunni were all wrong. Obama referred to the war in Iraq as a dangerous distraction. His view is that central front in the war on terror was never Iraq but the terrorist themselves. As such, his position is that the terrorists should be attacked directly. His new strategy has therefore been to directly fight Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His first priority has been to end the war in Iraq as he had opposed it from the onset. With his position that the war in Iraq was unnecessary, Obama has made it his responsibility to redeploy the United States combat troops that propel Iraqi leaders toward a political solution, rebuild the military and refocus on Afghanistan and broader American security interests. His plan is to remove the combat brigades from Iraq by 2010 and to send additional combat brigades to Afghanistan. The worth of Iraqi war Assessing the worth of Iraq war requires that one reflects upon whatever would have happened in the Bush administration would have not gone to war in March 2003. There is no secret concerning the things that have gone wrong ever since the United States invaded Iraq but it cannot also be assumed that everything would have gone right if the United States had not invaded Iraq. It is a fact that there was a heavy casualty which does not go well with the American public. However, there is need to address what the alternative to war would have meant. Many people agree that Saddam was not the best leader. Other individuals like Madeleine Albright compared him to Hitler, a comparison that cannot be far from the truth in many respects. Saddam had contempt for human life, killing thousands of his own citizens beside threatening and butchering his neighbors. It may therefore be argued that removing such a man from power was worth some sacrifice. A more intriguing question is however whether the failure of the United States to go to war with Iraq in 2003 would have produced a lasting peace or would have postponed war. It may be said that Saddam would have pushed toward confrontation and war regardless of what might have been done. He brutally and patiently pushed his way to power in Iraq after which he impatiently and brutally made himself the dominant figure in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. In all these instances, he employed war and the threat of war as his principal tools. In short, Saddam was in every conceivable way a threat not only to his people but also to world peace. However, some individuals have argued that even though Saddam posed a threat to world peace and stability, he would have been contained through sanctions and no-fly zones which would have acted as deterrence (Hunt, 2008). This argument was advanced even before the war even with the belief that he had weapons of mass destruction. For the majority of Americans, the question of whether the war was worth fighting revolves around whether the weapons of mass destruction were recovered or not. However, the major issue is whether Saddam could have been contained. Even though the war in Iraq has remained unpopular, the Iraqi people can claim some success with regard to the introduction of democracy. With the help of the United States, the Iraqi people have been successful in establishing the first Arab democracy. This is a major achievement with regard to the war on terror and for the purpose of liberty. The different ethnic and religious groups can now work together in a national army. They have made important steps in repossessing their country from the insurgents that have invaded their homeland. The Iraqi troops are solely responsible for clearing the Basra and Sadr City. The oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein was ousted. Conclusion The main difference between Obama and Bush on Iraq war lies in the objective of the invasion. The bush’s administration saw it as a war against terrorism while Obama felt that there were better ways of fighting terrorism rather than invading Iraq. A sensible argument for the invasion was not that Saddam was about to attack anyone with a nuclear bomb. It was that the preservation of containment would nit have been indefinite and that Saddam was defying the international community repeatedly and that this defiance seemed to both the Clinton and Bush administration to be succeeding gradually. It may therefore be argued that if the Bush administration would have not gone to war then the United States would have faced a more daring and dangerous Saddam Hussein. References Ambinder, M. (2007, April 21). Obama’s Iraq evolution. National Journal, 39(16), 79-80. Retrieved on March 29, 2009 from EBSCO host database. Hamilton, W. (2004, April 17). Bush began to plan war three months after 9/11. The Washington Post, p. A01. Holtzman, E. (2006). The impeachment of George W. Bush; A handbook for concerned citizens, New York: Nation Books. Hunt, T. (2008. March 18). Bush: Iraq war worth it. The Huffington Post, Moore, J. (2004). Bush’s war for reelection: Iraq, the White House, and the people. John Wiley Obama, B. (2002, October). Barrack Obama’s 2002 speech against the Iraq war. Retrieved on April 23, 2009, Responsibly ending the war in Iraq. (n. d. ). The White House. Stone, M. (2009, May 9). Bush 2007 v. Obama 2009? The Global Buzz. Retrieved on March 29, 2009,

Literature Review-Fdi in Retail Essays

Literature Review-Fdi in Retail Essays Literature Review-Fdi in Retail Essay Literature Review-Fdi in Retail Essay RETAIL MARKETING PROJECT INTERIM REPORT LITERATURE REVIEW AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE GROWTH PROSPECTS AND PROFITABILITY OF FDI IN RETAIL SEGMENTS OF INDIA Submitted to: Prof. Sapna Parashar Date: 23-07-2008 Submitted by: Arnab Sinha 071108 INDEX INDEX2 CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS3 Summary of Retail Market in India and FDI in Indian Retail3 LITERATURE REVIEW5 1. Literature Review-15 2. Literature Review-25 3. Literature Review-36 4. Literature Review-47 5. Literature Review-57 GAP ANALYSIS8 REFERENCES9 CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS Summary of Retail Market in India and FDI in Indian Retail India tops the AT Kearneys annual Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) for the third consecutive year, maintaining its position as the most attractive market for retail investment. The Indian retail market, which is the fifth largest retail destination globally, according to industry estimates is estimated to grow from the US$ 330 billion in 2007 to US$ 427 billion by 2010 and US$ 637 billion by 2015. Subsequently, organized retail is likely to increase its share in the total retail market to 22 per cent by 2010. Indias vast middle class with its expanding purchasing power and its almost untapped retail industry are key attractions for global retail giants wanting to enter newer markets. With international brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Esprit and Puma (that have entered the country) growing well over 100 per cent, many others are also planning to foray into the Indian retail market. The Government allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in cash and carry through the automatic route and 51 per cent in single brand. Besides, the franchise route is available for big operators. To further attract global retailers, the economic survey 2007-08 has suggested a share for foreign equity in all retail trade and 100 per cent in respect of luxury brands and other specialized retail chains. The estimated growth of the Indian retail industry with sector wise specifications is given in the following two diagrams: LITERATURE REVIEW 1. Literature Review-1 Title: An Examination of International Retail Franchising in Emerging Markets Authors: Dianne H. B. Welsh, Ilan Alon and Cecilia M. Falbe Source: Journal of Small Business Management Volume 44 Issue 1, Pages 130 – 149, 6 Dec 2005 The article begins with an overview of the development of the literature and then discusses the nature and scope of emerging markets, with particular reference to their impact on the stakeholders of international retail franchising. Next, the article develops a conceptual model relating international retail franchising to its stakeholders. Then, a review of the research is divided into the areas of emerging world market: Central and Eastern Europe, Mexico and South America, Asia, and other areas that include India, Kuwait, and South Africa. The article concludes by discussing the next step to developing a research base for further understanding of emerging markets in addition to the opportunities and challenges for retail franchising and future research. 2. Literature Review-2 Title : Regional Business Networks and the Multinational Retail Sector, Long Range Planning Authors: Stephane J. G. Girod, Alan M. Rugman Source: International Marketing Review, Volume 38, Issue 4, August 2005, Pages 335-357 This article examines the network relationships of a set of large retail multinational enterprises (MNEs). The paper analyzes under what conditions a flagship-network strategy (characterized by a network of five partners – the MNE, key suppliers, key partners, selected competitors and key organisations in the non-business infrastructure) explains the internationalization of three retailers whose geographic scope, sectoral conditions and competitive strategies differ substantially. It explores why and when retailers will adopt a flagship strategy. The three firms are two U. K. -based multinational retailers (Tesco and The Body Shop) and a French-based global retailer (Moet Hennessy,Louis Vuitton). Evidence of strong network relationships for all three retailers is found, although each embraces network strategies for different reasons. Their flagship relationships depend on each retailers strategic use of firm-specific-advantages (FSA s) and country-specific advantages (CSA s). It infers that a flagship strategy can succeed in overcoming internal and/or environmental constraints to cross-border resource transfers, which are barriers to foreign direct investment (FDI). 3. Literature Review-3 Title: Foreign entry into British retailing, 1850-1994 Authors: Andrew Godley, Scott Fletcher Source: International Marketing Review; Volume: 17 Issue: 4/5; 2000 This paper traces the history of foreign direct investment in UK retailing since 1850. The results suggest that the upsurge of cross-border activity in the 1980s and early 1990s was exceptional in absolute terms. However, when compared to the most likely determinant of entry rates, consumer purchasing power, the recent upturn is best seen as a return, after several decades of relatively low entry rates, to the high level of FDI prevailing in the early twentieth century. Moreover, the paper concludes that cross-border retailing will continue to increase, and to do so at a rate close to twice that of the growth in consumer purchasing power. 4. Literature Review-4 Title: Sino-British joint ventures in China: Investment patterns and host country conditions Authors: Huaning Li, Colin M. Clarke-Hill European Business Review; Volume: 16 Issue: 1; 2004 This paper analyses the investment patterns of Sino-British joint ventures in China. The research is based on the data of 551 Sino-British joint ventures formed over the period of 1983 to 1996. It aims to provide an overview of Sino-British joint ventures investment in China and to explain the investment conditions. The article analyses the investment patterns from the dimensions of investment value, geographical location, industry sector and equity ownership. To explain the formation of the patterns, it further explores the host country factors of investment based on the policy framework, economic determinants and business facilitation. It reveals the investment trend, the uneven spatial distribution, the sectoral characteristics and the ownership structure of joint ventures. It also suggests that government economic strategy and policies towards FDI are imperative in shaping the investment patterns. Locational advantages, economic growth, industrial structures and reform process are major economic factors influencing the investment decisions. Decentralization of decision making and local governments facilitation efforts also play a complementary role in attracting foreign investment. . Literature Review-5 Title: Host economy impacts of transnational retail: the research agenda Authors: Neil M. Coe and Neil Wrigley Source: Journal of Economic Geography, April 21, 2007 The last decade has witnessed an acceleration of retail foreign direct investment into a range of emerging markets across East Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America, led by a small cohort of food and general merchandise retailers from West ern Europe, and to a lesser extent, North America. While these investment flows have had profound developmental impacts in host economies, research in this area is still in its infancy. This article therefore maps out a detailed research agenda with respect to the host economy impacts of transnational retailing. After setting the scene empirically and conceptually, the article considers different dimensions of these impacts on retail competitiveness, supply chain dynamics, consumption practices and consumer/civil society, institutional and regulatory frameworks and, reciprocally, on the retail transnational corporations themselves. It concludes by calling for a concerted interdisciplinary research effort into this important and understudied aspect of economic globalization. GAP ANALYSIS Most of the major work surrounding foreign investment in retail sector has focused upon planning strategies, host country conditions, franchising and investment opportunities and impact of cross border trade. Improvisation on these works will be done on the basis of investigating the scope of foreign investment in various retail segments, profitability across these sectors and a comparative analysis. Also impact of suitable parameters that can affect organized retailing and entry of foreign players will be evaluated through a regression analysis and significance will be tested. Also how government reforms should be undertaken will be recommended that will give a boost to retail sector in India and the economy as a whole. REFERENCES 1. ABI Inform Global, ABI Inform Trade Industry 2. EBSCO- Business Source Complete 3. ELSEVIER Science Direct 4. Price Waterhouse Coopers Analytical Publication 5. ibef. com 6. researchwiki. com 7. livemint. com

Strategic Fit Analysis of Starbucks The United States Segment Assignment

Strategic Fit Analysis of Starbucks The United States Segment - Assignment Example Our global business delivered the highest levels of service to our customers, a truly rewarding experience to our partners (employees), and a record-level performance to shareholders.† (Schultz, 2011). The Starbucks business strategy seeks to address sustainability, maintainability, and growth issues through effective management of available resources while assessing risks, opportunities and threats to ensure a sustainable growth while keeping the company’s value plan intact. The ultimate objective of business strategy is not only to earn good profits but also to win the customer satisfaction and confidence of shareholders and workforce. The Company’s Proxy statement for the year 2012 outlines some of these strategic guidelines in these words, â€Å"The involvement of the board of directors in reviewing Starbucks business strategy is an integral aspect of the board’s assessment of management’s tolerance for risk and also its determination of what co nstitutes an appropriate level of risk for the Company.† (Proxy, 2012). The purpose of the report is to establish a best strategic fit of Starbucks to further strengthen its position and share in the US coffee market. Before finding a best strategic fit for a growing company like Starbucks, it is imperative to explore various internal strengths and weaknesses of company as well as external opportunities and threats that it may face in the regional competitive market. Starbucks has a strategic insight into the growing market of coffee in United States. Ganes-Chase (2012) has explained the reasons towards changing coffee consumption trends for US in a more meaningful manner â€Å"Cof ­fee has had con ­sid ­er ­able pos ­i ­tive media cov ­er ­age about stud ­ies find ­ing drink ­ing cof ­fee to be good for your... The purpose of the report is to establish a best strategic fit of Starbucks to further strengthen its position and share in the US coffee market. Before finding a best strategic fit for a growing company like Starbucks, it is imperative to explore various internal strengths and weaknesses of company as well as external opportunities and threats that it may face in the regional competitive market. Starbucks has a strategic insight into the growing market of coffee in United States. This discussion declares that businesses are not operated in isolation they effects and got effected by Macro and Micro economic factors and forces. A successful business needs to identify the best strategic fit for its products while handling these factors and forces for the sustainability and growth of the business. Starbucks requires a carefully designed strategy to overcome various forces that may have an adverse impact on the business while cashing on the opportunities. The forth coming sections will outline various threats and opportunities posed by the multifaceted macro and micro forces. PESTEL Analysis is an effective macro-environment analytical tool. It may include the investigation of several factors that may effect the business operation of Starbucks in US to help in the decision making process of the business. This analysis will focus economic, political, legal and technological factors.

Business Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Business Communication - Essay Example Hideaway Pizza was established in 1957 in Stillwaters, Oklahoma near the State University. Dermer Richard and his wife Marti bought the business in order to expand it exploiting the fact that there was so much obsession of pizza. Richards’s idea was that a relaxed and friendly environment provided a great ambience for pizza service and he thought that would definitely excite the employees and consumers. By 1960’s to 1970’s, the restaurant was getting so many clients flocking at the restaurant and a fleet of delivery vans. The restaurant was decorated by colourful and miscellaneous designs of black and white stripes, and flowers (The Staff 2008). Waste management would include steps like composting, hygienic landfill, waste to energy and source recycle and reduction for a cleaner environment. (Brennan 2003). Waste management involves all the activities that take care of ravage i.e. garbage collection, waste recycling, transportation and processing of refuse. Waste management in pizzeria is very important in reducing health hazards, providing clean environment and maintaining the beauty of the place. Waste products of pizza industry include food remains and packaging materials, successful venture like Hilton Hotels have done it. Many different industries have different ways of managing their waste products, the difference ranges from recycling to composting. In most occasions, the management of waste in resident and institution environment is the local government’s duty. On the other hand management of waste in industrial and commercial (e.g. Hilton Hotels) setting is the accountability of the producer. In pizza industry the management of wastes has become the responsibility of pizzeria owners. There are several ways which hideaway can employ to make sure it manages its waste effectively. The most commonly used is the