Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 36

Strategic Management - Essay Example ompany, illustrating the advantages and disadvantages, and the ways to address or mitigate the deficiencies so as to understand strategic management in-depth. The evaluated processes include Yips drivers of internationalization, Porter’s generic strategies and Bowman’s strategy clock. Microsoft Nokia is a multinational company that specializes in the telecommunication sector. Its main products include smart-phones, mobile phones and tablet computers as well as associated accessories that are meant for global market. Microsoft Nokia is a name that evolved after Nokia was acquired by Microsoft Company, a deal which was sealed in 2014. Microsoft has the right to use the name Nokia as long as the agreement holds water. This study is meant to strategically analyze the company’s operations based on three strategies or processes. Michael Porter (Cited in Tamwar, 2013) described a scheme that is used in categorization, which consisted of three types of strategies used commonly by firms to achieve as well as maintain their competitive advantage in contemporary markets characterized by cutthroat competition. The three primary generic strategies that were defined along two major dimensions of strategic strength and scope include: cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy, and focus strategy. In terms of scope then the demand context of the firm’s product is considered whereas on the strategic strength context, the supply dimension as well as the key competency of the firm are considered (Tamwar, 2013). These three strategies are aimed at outperforming other firms in the same industry. Most authors refer to this as the Wal-mart strategy. It dictates that companies produce high volumes of standardized products that will take care of the scale economies. Tamwar (2013) suggest that products features should be low cost, no-frills, and has ease in manufacturing. The volumes will shadow the low margins in the long run. The cost leadership strategy aims at the

Contemporary Issues in Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Contemporary Issues in Accounting - Essay Example Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan's largest and the world's #4 carmaker by 2003 sales (after General Motors, Ford, and Daimler Chrysler), had a wide range of products and strong brand names with high quality image. Toyota's growing reputation for quality and the very small numbers of technical problems in its vehicles generated interesting customer loyalty and a growing demand for its products. Toyota management was managing the company's inventory, costs and capacity very successfully and was applying cost reduction programs very well. Toyota had riving ambition to become greener. The company made a hybrid-powered (gas and electric) sedan- the prius- that had already been snapped up in U.S. and European markets. Toyota also made huge investments in developing fuel-cell technology for its vehicles. Its gas-powered cars, pick-ups, minivans, and SUVs included such models as the Camry, Celica, Corolla, 4Runner, Echo, Land Cruiser, Sienna, the luxury Lexus line, and a full-sized pick-up tr uck, the v-8 Tundra. With its wide distribution channels, strong channel efficiency and effectiveness, Toyota was successfully competing with the world's upper three auto makers and poised to replace GM in the top spot this decade. Toyota was known world-wide for its up-to-date vehicles, strong vehicle design, comfortableness, safety, strong resistance to wind and rollover, low fuel consumption, presence of electronic and other devices in the vehicles, and strong reputation for luxury. Surveys, however, rated the attractiveness and comfort of its passenger cars as mediocre. Also rated mediocre was the off-road excellence of its SUVs. Toyota was a leader in technological improvements, such as drive, production and vehicle construction technology and had a solid ability to design and innovate new products, to differentiate its products, to innovate new vehicle lines, and to extend existing vehicle lines. Six stakeholders of Company: In the case of Toyota the stakeholders or the users of the annual reports include "present and potential investors, employees, lenders, suppliers and other trade creditors, customers, governments and their agencies and the public. They use financial reports in order to satisfy some of their different needs for information" (Australian Accounting Standards Board, 2004). The improvement in public scrutiny and the controlled market discipline is largely dependent upon the meaningful and accurate disclosure of information. This not only helps the shareholders but also helps the organisation to conduct business in a safe and efficient manner by achieving their targets through improving their risk management processes. The researchers find many gaps in the appropriate disclosure of risk by the organisations. Many surveys have been

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

Business foundation - Essay Example The interactive entertainment programs will encompass frequent contests, karaoke, games, and music hosted by an in-house DJ charged with event programming for the lounge and main room. Key features of target market The primary sources of revenue in a nightclub include high-volume traffic, alcohol and food revenues, and door charges, accompanied by nominal spending. The key to success in this business lies in availing excellent service that leaves a lasting impression on the clients, vibrant entertainment atmosphere and product quality strict control over the costs, and prudent management of internal finances and cash flow to allow upward capital growth (Sengupta 2005, p.4). The growth of the metropolitan area presents numerous opportunities that can support a high-end, dance-themed nightclub. The accessibility of a central location, demographics, and weak direct competition offers major advantages to the established of a nightclub in the Oxford area. The proposed venue will avail a v ibrant social atmosphere for young people aged 21-35 years age group living in and around the Oxford area. The new venue will specialize in availing high-energy themes, offer beer, wine and a broad range of liquors and mixed drinks, as well as a quality video and gaming area. The club will also sell non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, juices, and soft drinks, as well as a â€Å"casual† food menu comprising of appetizers and small entrees at low cost. Market Segmentation College students The target market for a nightclub is largely young people aged 21-35 years (both male and female). This client base is mostly outgoing and single who enjoy going out and meeting new people or friends. The proximity of the club to various colleges and universities will aid the resort to attract students within and around the Metropolis area. The distinct dance, as well as other themes, will most likely attract students towards these entertainments. The market segmentation of the stud ents’ client includes those between 18-26 years. The majority of this target market will be single male and female students interested in exploring the night life entertainment in their young age (Moss 2009, p.68). Single young business professionals The other target market for the night club entails young professionals aged between 25 and 40years. Since the area enjoys vibrant business activities, the corporation operating in the area will most likely have employed young professionals, who have sufficient resources for recreation, and who are likely to spend some of their time in night clubs holding parties and get-togethers. The availability of multi-themed entertainment activities, young professionals are likely to spend a significant portion of their income for such entertainments. Married couples This target group encompasses young married couples aged between aged between 30 and 40 years, who either have or do not have kids. The middle-aged couples enjoy sound financial income and are likely to b interested in spending a weekend out for parties. Tourists/Vacationers The Metropolis, Oxford area can be highlighted as one of the most significant tourist area for visitors, especially international tourists. Choices Nightclub will provide multi-level dance, pop entertainment, with a comprehensive range of entertainment and restaurant themes within its facility. The tourists can be attracted to the facility by generating vocational packages with diverse airline agencies

Area Study Merging with Cross-National Approach

Area Study Merging with Cross-National Approach Overview Are area studies and a cross-national approach really that different or they have more in common than we might expect? I think it is the latter, having three major similarities. First, these studies have increasingly merged to seek systematic explanations that cut through regions, which had been thought to be fundamentally different or exceptional (such as Latin America). As such, the second similarity is that they have also come to share some roles, such as confirming a theory. Third, the rise of mixed method approach that can combine area study and cross-national approaches further illuminates not only the second similarity but also a common and ultimate goal shared by the two approaches, which to expand our knowledge. At the same time, how they go about playing similar roles and accomplishing the shared goal remains as a major difference. In other words, to answer the second question, each approach is better suited than another to answer particular types of questions. Area studies that are often in qualitative nature ask for conditions necessary or sufficient for particular outcomes to occur, while cross- national approach that tend to be in quantitative in nature is much suited for asking the average effect of an independent variable on such outcomes. Similarities: Area Study Merging with Cross-National Approach Once again, I think area studies and a cross-national approach have come much closer to each other, having three major similarities. The first major similarity is that both studies seem to have sought systematic explanations that cut through regions. While it is straightforward that a cross-national approach seeks such accounts, I argue that this similarity has emerged due to a change in seeing what area study should be. Fundamentally, area study is a study that focuses on particular areas or regions of the world. In the mid 20th century, an area study approach had particularly been used as a â€Å"cookie cutter† strategy. That is, it ‘snips’ out regions or areas that do not conform to accepted ideas or particularly the ones that are studied through the scope of â€Å"ethnocentrism† (Wiarda 1993, 16). Thus, the study is driven by the idea—â€Å"what works in one context may not work in another† –and utilized to understand not just deviant or outlier but ‘exceptional’ cases (Wiarda 2005, 2). For instance, O’Donnell’s area studies on Argentina and Brazil (1973; 1976) caught grater attention in the 1970s; he challenged Lipset’s modernization theory (1959; 1960) that came out a decade ago based on Western states as a widely accepted idea displaying the positive relationship between economic development and democracy. Contra rily to Lipset, O’Donnell showed that a process of modernization actually yielded a bureaucratic-authoritarian regime in the ‘richest’ countries in the region. Dependency theorists, such as Frank (1969) and Dos Santos (1971) also elevated the importance of area studies by arguing that Latin American economies would not follow the path of Western states because the region was exploited as ‘satellite economies’ by the West and ended up contributing to the Western modernization. Recently, Mainwaring and Perez-Linan (2003) empirically demonstrated a non-linear relationship between economic development and democracy in Latin America; they concluded that â€Å"Latin American exceptionalism† existed in the mid to late 20th century because of distinctive economic policies (ISI) and a link between political elites. Regardless of Mainwaring and Prez-Linan’s work, however, I see area study to increasingly become a ‘lesson-drawing’ approach (Wiarda 2005). Instead of pointing out regional distinction and exception as an end goal, these differences are used as lessons for building a ‘mega-theory’ or producing systematic accounts regarding comparative politics. This is in part because of the rise of other area studies focusing on the Middle East and East Asia, which show their paths towards democracy that are distinct from both Western states and Latin America. These studies, therefore, diminish Latin America exceptionalism. In addition, area studies, namely of O’Donnell’s (1973; 1976) have come under much attack for being ad hoc explanations, since Latin American turned to re- democratize in the 1980s. All of these factors have then called for a more systematic investigation for providing an account, which identifies common and different conditions c ontributing to such outcomes (Acemoglu and Robinson 2006). For instance, Acemoglu and Robinson (2006) recognized Lipset’s modernization theory as one of four paths, rather than ‘the only path,’ and sought conditions that make democratization likely, using the cases of Argentina, Singapore, and South Africa. O’Donnell’s later work with Schmitter (1986) on Latin America also merged with Przeworski (1991) and Haggard and Kaufman (1995), which utilized cases from various regions, such as the Philippines, South Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Nepal. These studies have then provided a powerful account, suggesting the entrance and exit or authoritarianism to depend on a strategic bargaining between political (military) and economic elites in the wake of economic downturns. Hence, the first major similarity is, once again, a tendency of both area studies and cross-national approaches to seek systematic accounts that cut through regions. While cross-national approach is essentially thought to have such a goal, area studies have come to understand the need of the goal, while no single region seems to stand as entirely exceptional or can be isolated from the rest of the world. As such, the second similarity is that they have also come to share some roles. When area studies, at least some parts of the studies, have come close to cross-national approach theoretically, these studies can play a similar analytical role as well, namely the role in confirming a theory. The theory of political activism may be a good example. Mainly based on Western states, including the United States, empirical cross- ational studies have suggested that well-established democracies have increasingly faced a â€Å"legitimacy crisis† or increase in â€Å"democratic deficits† (Norris 2011, 3- 5). Using a wide range of indicators such as a declining civic engagement or voter turnout (Teixiera 1992; Putnam 2000), declining party loyalties (Aldrich 1995; Dalton et al. 1984), and surveys, they show dissatisfaction and decrease in confidence in national governments (Norris 2011). As such, Fung and Drakeley (2013) conducted an area study focusing on East Asia, ranging from South Korea to Indonesia and Cambodia, and confirmed that even in ‘transnational democracies’ face similar challenges with old democracies or what Norris (2011) calls ‘democratic deficits.’ The area study shows that East Asian states are remarkably similar with Western democracies in a sense that democratic regime may be ‘flawed’ but not ‘broken.’ In turn, cross-national studies can also confirm a theory based on area studies. For instance, Lipset’s modernization theory on the basis on Western Europe has been reinforced with a growing number of empirical cross-national studies (Boix and Stokes 2003; Epstein et al 2006), although debatable (e.g. Przeworski and Limongi 1997; Kennedy 2010; Teorell 2010). Geddes (2003, 351-365) explicitly stated the literature on modernization theory has become much more â€Å"persuasive† because â€Å"large-n studies have begun to play a greater role in the comparative development fields.† Third, the rise of mixed method approach that can combine area study and cross-national approaches further illuminates not only the second point but also a common and ultimate goal shared by the two approaches, which to expand our knowledge. For instance, Liberman (2005) recently suggested a mixed-method approach, called nested analysis, which is a research design employing both a Large-N statistical analysis and small-N case studies for in-depth investigation. In particular, this approach advocates the use of a large-N analysis as a guide to draw a subsequent small-case N analysis for two different purposes: a model-building tool for testing an outlier case and a model-testing tool for confirming an online case. Coppedge (2002) is a good example of the nested analysis; he developed a large-N study to determine the need of an area study on Venezuela, which appeared to have a large portion of residuals since the 1990s. Fish (2005) also employed a mixed approach, which conducted a larg e-n analysis and the Russian case study. Similarly, King et al (1994) and Brady et al (2006) also suggest a mixed approach, which, though unlike Liberman, utilizes area studies to draw a large- n analysis. For instance, Krieckhaus (2006) briefly reviewed areas of Latin America, East Asia, and Sub- Saharan Africa to argue distinctive effects of democratic governance on economic growth. This area study thus confirms not only a null relationship between the two variables in cross- national studies but also the positive and negative relationships that appear when empirical analyses are conducted separately. In short, these mixed approaches show that area studies and cross-national studies can reinforce their finding or give a valid reason for each to be conducted; and ultimately, these mutual roles highlight the most important similarity –both studies contribute to enhance our knowledge in comparative politics (Walt 1999). Different Questions and Approaches At the same time, how they go about playing similar roles and accomplishing the shared goal remains as a major difference. In particular, area studies are usually qualitative in nature, with some exceptions (e.g. Mainwaring and Prez- Pinan 2003). This means that, as I mentioned sometimes, area studies are a small-n or case study, which intensively examine particular events with careful attention to historical and cultural contexts. King et al (1994) similarly argue that a small- n study is better at conducting a descriptive inference, which is the â€Å"process of understanding an observed phenomenon on the basis of a set of observations† (55). As such, area studies are particularly suited for asking two questions. The first one is, â€Å"what are conditions necessary or sufficient for a particular event to arise?† Returning to the works by O’Donnell and Schmitter (1986), Przeworski (1991), and Haggard and Kaufman (1995), they essentially found economic downturn and ‘authoritarian bargaining’ between political and economic elites as crucial and interactive conditions that change the likelihood of a regime change. Acemoglu and Robinson (2006) as well as Boix (2003) also constructed a model where the level of income inequality and capital mobility to interactively alter the probability of democratization, as they contribute to power relations between political elites and mass citizens. Area studies are also suited for questions that identify important actors. The identification of domestic actors is crucial because they, according to Mahoney (2011, 115), â€Å"create†¦structures, which in turn shape subsequent actor behaviors, which in turn lead to the development of institutional structural patterns† It is also important, as Walt (1999, 12) points out that the main task of political science research is to produce â€Å"useful knowledge about human social behavior.† As such, the above studies are also praised for identifying important actors, such as political elites, business actors, and military, which are â€Å"black boxed† (Rueschemeyr et al. 1992, 29) in Lipset’s modernization theory and subsequent empirical studies that focus on the relationship between economic development and democracy (e.g. Prezeworksi and LImongi 1997; Epstein et al 2006; Boix and Stokes 2003; Kennedy 2010; Teorell 2010). Ziblatt (2006: 322) commented, â€Å"their accounts improve upon the agentless structural functionalism implicit in modernization theory by reasserting the primacy of collective actors resources, preferences, and strategies.† Teorell (2010, 151) also argues, â€Å"The key theoretical virtue of this novel approach is that it integrates the previous †¦traditions by providing structural conditions explaining preference and actions of ordinary citizens, in turn affecting the strategic choices made by political elites.† In turn, cross-national studies are naturally equipped with a larger sample size and conducted through statistical or quantitative analyses. As such, they are better suited for asking, â€Å"what is the average effect on an independent variable on the same or similar outcome seen across the world?† (Mahoney 2011; King et al 1994). Put differently, King et al (1994) argues that, while area studies tend to be good at descriptive inference, large- n studies are better suited for causal inference—that is—to â€Å"demonstrate the causal status of each potential linkage in such a posited mechanism the investigator would have to define and then estimate the causal effect underlying it† (86). For instance, Boix and Stokes (2003, 531), building on Lipset, specifically concluded, â€Å" A simulation of the results shows that for low and medium levels of development, the probability of a transition to democracy grows by about 2 percent for each $1,000 increase in per capita income.† Similarly, Kennedy (2010, 797) notes â€Å"a 1% increase in per- capita GDP above the country mean† increases the probability of democratic transition. These specific numbers would not come out of area studies; for instance, although Haggard and Kaufman (1992) identified economic downturn as a crucial condition for a regime change, they do not specify exactly how bad the economic situation has to be; it was rather relative judgment in comparing cases.

Compensation Act 2006 Essay -- Negligence

Negligence as a tort is defined as a breach of a legal duty to take care which results in damage to the claimant. It has been established that in order to raise liability and succeed in negligence claim, the claimant must show that the defendant owes him a duty of care, that this duty has been breached, and that he suffered damage or loss which is within the scope of the duty. However, the question of whether a breach of a duty of care has occurred, involves two elements: how much care is required to be taken (in other words; the standard of care) and whether that care has been taken. It is worth mentioning that the standard of care in negligence is objective , as held in Nettleship v Watson , in which the conduct of the defendant was examined. The situation, however, was not that clear. Under Caparo test , the courts will take into account in determining duty of care; foreseeability of harm, proximity, and whether imposing a duty would be fair, just, and reasonable. Relatively, it can be said that s.1 of the Compensation Acts 2006, revolves around similar principles of those mentioned in Caparo test. In fact, the courts are invited under section 1 (but not obliged) to take into account the impact of decisions they make on standard of care. Furthermore, in deciding whether the defendant have taken necessary steps to meet the standard of care, the courts are invited to examine whether those steps would prevent desirable activities from taking place, and discourage people from undertaking functions in connection with the activity. The question arises here, however, on whether Judges had such discretion before the Act while deciding on standard of care. The answer lies in the explanatory notes of the Act, which declare... ...ckman [1990] 2 AC Miller v. Jackson [1977] QB 966, CA Robinson v Post Office [1974] 1 WLR 1176 Overseas Tankship (UK) Ltd v Miller Steamship Co Pty, The Wagon Mound (No 2 ) [1967] 1 AC 617 Nettleship v Weston [1971] 2 QB McHale v Watson [1966] CLR 199 Bolton v. Stone [1951] AC 850, HL Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562 Website End compensation culture – Blair accessed 7th January 2011 Compensation culture accessed 7th January 2011 (Claire Mckenney), ‘Questioning the claims culture’ (2004) accessed 7th January 2011 Compensation Act 2006 Explanatory Notes accessed 7th January 2011

Police Organizational Structures Essay

Organizations are entities of two or more people who cooperate to accomplish an objective. (Peak, Policing America, 2012). A police department structure must be parallel so that this way its structure can be effective in completing the overall goal of protecting and helping the public. Over the years police agencies have followed a traditional structure but by the passing of years the structure is starting to evolve. Traditional police structure Traditional structures are based upon principles such as â€Å"specialization, Hierarchy of offices, rules and regulations, technical competence, official activity demands the full working capacity of the official and the office management following exhaustive stable written rules. These principles allow the structure to work efficiently. With that said â€Å"most police organizations are based on a traditional pyramidal quasi-military structure† (Peak, Policing America, 2012).in where all those principles are present shows an inverse relationship between rank and the number of personnel allows the structure from anyone having too much of authority. this is called the hierarchy rank which allows an organization to have a chain of command. for example from the base of the pyramid up the base is supervisor then mid-level managers and the top is administrators the higher you are on the pyramid the more responsibility you have. So in the chain of command the supervisor would report to mid-level managers and the mid-level managers would report to the administrators. Basically this structure in the past a police officer would be hired and would be able to get promoted through political favoritism it didn’t matter if the person was qualified or not because they attained he job through political favoritism. Evolving organizational police structure Organizational police structure has changed over the years as technology is changing, some of the things that have changed or in other words evolved from the traditional police structure is that in efforts to prevent corruptions they have got rid of some rules and policies this also helps to prevent â€Å"red tape†. Now instead of having a centralized organization the evolved structure has been decentralized. This means â€Å"Cities were divided into precincts, and precinct-level managers often, in concert with the ward leaders, ran precincts as small-scale departments by decentralization combined with  primitive communications and transportation gave police officers substantial discretion in handling their individual beat† (Moore, 1988) basically in the evolved structure the hiring of all personnel was not left to change they look for qualified managers, supervisors and administrators and after they are chosen they recruit qualifying officers. What do these both structures have in common?

Hamlet Act 5 Scene 5 Analysis Essay

Give me your pardon, sir. I’ve done you wrong. But pardon ’t, as you are a gentleman. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ That I have shot mine arrow o’er the house And hurt my brother. Since Hamlet somehow knows this fencing fight is not only a simple competition between him and Laertes, Hamlet understands that why Laertes needs to fight with him, which because Hamlet killed Polonius, who is Laertes` father, by accidentally. â€Å"I here proclaim was madness.† In terms of anagorisis, Hamlet tells Laertes that the murder was not done by Hamlet`s consciousness, but rather by his madness. In addition, this is the first time in the whole play since Hamlet knows the truth from the ghost and he acts straight, Hamlet convince that he is mad and acts stupidly (killed Polonius) consequently. Hamlet hopes that Laertes can understand it is not Hamlet`s fault or guilty of killing Polonius and removes himself from the responsibility. â€Å"If’t be so, Hamlet is of the faction that is wronged.† In terms of metaphor/personification, Hamlet indicates that he is the victim of his mental illness so that he was controlled by it and killed Polonius. â€Å"His mad ness is poor Hamlet’s enemy.† In terms of personification/analogy, for Hamlet, he thinks he is not the one who should be blamed or punished rather his madness should be blamed as Hamlet`s enemy. â€Å"Let my disclaiming from a purposed evil Free me so far in your most generous thoughts That I have shot mine arrow o’er the house And hurt my brother.† In terms of analogy, Hamlet hints at Polonius` spying in Gertrude`s closet when Hamlet killed him by using â€Å"a purposed evil† and describes Polonius was accidental killed by him by using â€Å"I have shot mine arrow o’er the house And hurt my brother†, which â€Å"the house† means Gertrude`s closet. Originally, Hamlet thought the guy who hid behind the curtain was Claudius, and Hamlet promised that if Claudius has done something badly, he must kill Claudius. However, he did not know the guy behind the curtain was Polonius instead of Claudius. Plus his madness, he killed Polonius immediately by mistake, which it is the same as  shoots a narrow and accidentally hurts Laertes (because Polonius died). Overall, in this soliloquy, Hamlet basically apologizes for how he has hurt Laertes, but agrees to the fight anyway because he is using it as his reason to murder Claudius to get his revenge.