Female Representation in Parliament: Research into the Conservative Party

Female Representation in Parliament Research into the standpat(prenominal) fellowshipFemale representation in parliament andthe conservative Party and how they engage with womens issues.Through a recent gendered abstract of the Conservative Party, it has come to realisation that women atomic number 18 cool it being underrepresented in governance and womens issues argon not being heard. Such research has demonst calculated that this may be imputable to the selection process being biased and political office remaining a masculine field. Women are still representing fewer than one in basketball team MPs in the UK (Russell et al, 2000 17) and make up just 21.8% of the worlds parliamentarians (Forke & Rickne, 2016). The feminine absence from politics has suggested that society might be acquiring its leaders from an excessively narrow area of human talent and that egg-producing(prenominal) preferences are underrepresented in political judgments (Murray, 2014). Due to this lack of female representation, a subject issues such as child fearfulness, womens pensions and care of the elderly are not being properly addressed. At present, in that respect is a distinct limit inthe amount of of research conducted into gender in the conservative society andthe kinsfolk of Commons nevertheless a fair portion of the preexisting literature skirt it all points to gendered in electric shockities based on old forms of gendernorms in parliament. In the following research piece of music I entrust explain whyfemales are so under represented in parliament and the gender inequality thatcomes with it as considerably as explaining what effects the male built establishmentin the companionship has on governmental policies such as childcare. MethodologyThis analysis uses secondary data that hasbeen collected from the UK data service. The data was originally used by PaulWebb and Sarah Childs (See Webb & Childs, 2009) for an extensive genderedanalysis of the contemporary UK Co nservative Party (Webb & Childs, 2009).The data was collected over the duration of three years in effect to survey howfar the Conservative Party was assimilating women and their concerns and ifwomens issues were being taken seriously (Webb & Childs, 2009). The fulldataset consists of 27 face to- face semi-structured interviews withConservative helpmates and 19 Conservative MPs. Focus groups were also conductedwith 7 groups of floating and unbiased individuals and then six groups of partymembers. Through the analysis of secondary data Iwill be assessing the accounts given by several members and nonmembers of theparliamentary group through the dissection of qualitative interviews of twomale and female Conservative peers and two male and female Conservative MPs. softinterviews are in particular useful as a form of research because they access individualsattitudes and values- things that cannot necessarily be observed in a formalquestionnaire (Silverman, 2004, 182). In using 4 fema le and 4 male interviewtranscripts I was able to access the divergency of opinion of why they believefemales are being under represented in the Conservative party and the House ofCommons and how they think womens issues could be better dealt with.I also studyd four cerebrate groups, two ofwhich are Conservative Party sympathisers and two of which are groups of partymembers. Focus groups are particularly useful as a form of secondary researchbecause in tension groups participants are able to bring to the fore issues inrelation to a field of study that they deem to be important and significant becausethe moderator has to relinquish a sealed amount of control to theparticipants, the issues that concern them can surface (Bryman, 2012, 338). I gather in used focus group data because the data that occurs from the participantsinteracting with one another can be useful in determining the specific issuesrelated to the topic in question (Bryman, 2012). However, thither are certain limi tations tothis type of research, focus groups produce an extensive amount of data, whichcan whatsoevertimes be rugged to analyse on top of being excessively timeconsuming. Therefore, developing a strategy to analyse the data whichincorporated twain what people say and their descriptor of interaction can prove tobe quite problematic (Bryman, 2012). Another limitation of focus groups is thatsometimes the poor quality of recordings causes them to become inaudible, whichaffects the transcription and so subsequently the data produced,rendering it unreliable (Bryman, 2012). There are also certain limitations toqualitative interviews as interviews do not tell us this instant about peoplesexperiences and few researchers believe that in the course of the interview,you are able to pay off into someones head (Silverman, 2015, 83).The following report uses thematic analysisfrom the study of qualitative interviews and focus groups and explores theunder representation of women in the Conse rvative Party and political office,with reference to gender equality in the conservative party and also seeks toexplain why womens exclusion from politics may be repayable to particular womensissues such as childcare and care of the elderly which has not been properlyaddressed by the government.FindingsUnderrepresentation of women in the Conservative PartyThrough my analysis of the research data,it came to attention that it has by and large been thought that women are severelyunderrepresented in parliament and in the Conservative party (Russel et al,2000). Many of the interviewees agreed upon the fact that the selectionprocess is still deemed prejudiced and sexist and is still run by middle-aged men which makes it harder for females to maneuver. (Russell et al, 2000).For example, women now only represent 9% of the parliamentary party and out of48 candidates that applied to the Conservative Party, it was found that onlyseven women out of those candidates were interviewed by the sel ection panel.This is due, as one male Conservative MP claimed, to the selection panelshaving certain bigoted views towards femalesThe selection panels are based of white older men who consist of pig headed old guys who bout up wearing Second gentleman War underpants with the attitude that goes with it. ( virile Conservative MP) This can be backed up by Theresa May, afemale member of the Conservative party, who in a party conference said lookingat its elected representatives you will see a predominantly white male party.Given that we now see an ethnically diverse society, where women play a majorrole, the conservative party doesnt look like the people its claiming torepresent. (Theresa May, Party Conference, 2002). This can be yet shownwhen the male MP expressed his amazement at the lack of females in parliamentand claimed that even in countries like Rwanda and Pakistan, which arenotoriously patriarchal societies, they deliver more women representatives intheir government than Br itain does.It has been accepted that in order to getmore votes, the Conservative Party needs to obtain more women into the partyand then makes the selection process more accessible. However, one femaleconservative peer claimsIts still harder for women to get selected even inspite of the party aphorism wed like a cleaning woman. (Female Conservative Peer) Females were often subjected to criticismfor their personal lives, if they were example said to be divorced. One femaleMP claimed that women whence had to cuddle up to the selection committee Whose instinct is to prefer a pinstripe identikitcandidate with who they wish to spend Friday evenings (Female Conservative MP)In other literature, it has been suggestedthat some women adopt been made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in the Houseof Commons due to the masculine feel of it (Russel et al, 2000). This is gain shown in the data studied as a male Conservative MP talks about theaggressive nature of politics and women who feel uncomfortable in the House ofCommons are so because women are familiarly less confrontational than men. TheHouse of Commons is thus seen as less feminized and an unattractive place forwomen to roleplay in. One Male MP even admitted to the party being unable to changeitself and if women werent happy with the way things were, then they wouldhave to adapt and change themselves in order to fit in.Gender equating in the Conservative Party and House of CommonsThrough the analysis of the focus groups,the theme of equality was an issue that was embossed often. Interestingly, boththe men and the females agreed upon the fact thatI think for any women wanting to get aheadon her own abilities shes got to be plausibly twice as qualified as a slew ofmen (Focus Group, Male Conservative Member)The participants generally felt that inorder for a woman to get ahead they would have to be very(prenominal) self- assured andconfident if they wanted to ascertain positions they wanted. In most of the female focus groups it was widely discussed that women were bullied in theHouse of Commons and that they had to put up with a lot of sexist rubbish,claiming that the men were always likely to back each other up, but constantlylooking for a way to put down the women.The theme of equality is an issue that hasbeen raised in previous literature, as Dillard (2005) claimed that womenexperience some disadvantage based on their sex or gender roles (page number)and Krook & Childs (2010) also claimed that due to inequality, women thereforerarely assume leadership roles and now make up a minority of all top partyofficials (Krook & Childs, 2010, 6). It was also discussed on one floatingvoter focus group how politicians are out of daub with things like genderequality with one male in the group claiming that he is disappointed by theprogress that women have made in call of equality, and saidPoliticians often point to a rare example oftwo successful female politicians to prove that its possible, but in reality itisnt as easy as that (Male, adrift(p) Voter Focus Group). When asked what the Conservative Party andthe house of Commons should do to get more support of female voters and getmore women into parliament, one woman from the floating voter focus groupclaimed that even if the party did attempt to appeal more to women, it wouldntmatter because the female voters would know that it was insincereInterviewer Do you think theres anything theconservative party should be doing to appeal more to women?Female Respondent If they do we know its a lipservice. Thats the problem. They think its like we need to speak to women todo whatever it takes, but they shouldnt even be asking this it should be ignorant (Female, Floating Voter Focus Group).Many of the females from the focus groupsseemed to think that the glass ceiling effect was still in play, with onewoman from the floating voter focus group claimingPeople are saying theres no more sexism butif you actually examine the percen tage of people in the highly paid, muscularjobs, the glass ceiling is there and in fact its getting worse( Female, FloatingVoter Focus Group). This is further shown in the literature, inthe written report by Webb and Childs after they concluded their researchanalysis where they found that while 42% of women strongly agree thatgovernment should make sure that women have an equal chance to succeed, onlu25% of men do (Webb & Childs, 2011, 17). Showing that gender inequality isstill prevalent in some political parties. How the Conservative Party and the Houseof Commons engages with womens issues of childcare and the care of the elderly.Through analysing the data, an importanttheme present was how the Conservative Party engages with womens issues suchas childcare. It was widely discussed how politics is an windsweptenvironment for woman who have children and other responsibilities.The way politics works often puts off quite a lot ofwomen. Its not very fond to somebody who has obligati ons to the family (MaleConservative MP). This can be seen in reports from otherliterature of meetings taking place in the House of Commons until very late atnight, subsequently making it difficult for women to be there due to familycommitments (Russel et al, 2000). Some of the female interviewees all claimedthat the unwelcoming environment made it difficult for younger women to getinto politics because they are heavily burdened with the responsibility of afull on job and looking after their children. It was discussed how woman are finding itincreasingly difficult to juggle both their careers and their personal life,with some interviewees suggesting that the reason why female candidates werentselected into the party was due to women being perceived as unable to fullcommit to their careers like their male counterparts, one female peer claimedthereason why you end up with middle class white males is because they haveantecedently run a business but women have to think about children (Fe male Conservative Peer). This is recognized in other literature asHymowitz (2005) argues that there has been the general perception that if awoman has a child then she cant be devoted to her job as she could be. Brysonand Heppell (2010) claim that the party has been previously criticized for anticipate that women can continue with their roles at home and at work which hasput them under huge strain and they have been unable to perform to the best oftheir ability. They further claim that instead of having it all as liberalfeminism seemed to promise, women are instead doing it all (Bryson &Heppell, 2010, 46).Some female interviewees also complained ofbeing asked how they could cope in the party if they were to have children.Through gender norms it has been believed that the care of the child is up tothe mother, but many of the female interviewees expressed their outrage at thispolicy as one member of the Conservative Party member focus group saidwomen should be able to have the choice togo out to work or staying and rearing childrenFemaleConservative Party Member, Focus Group. In terms of how the government is concernedwith the issue of childcare, many of the female interviewees claimed that thestate isnt putting enough funding into childcare so woman are unable to juggleboth their careers and their personal life. One female of the floating voterfocus group claimedThe child care facilities in London areshocking, they are far too expensive and you need to earn 30,000 to breakevenwith childcare. (Female,Floating Voter Focus Group.)This has meant that many single mothershave had to go onto benefits, because even if they were to secure employment,they still wouldnt be able to support themselves because of the expensive rateof childcare facilities. There was a strong agreement that childcare shouldntbe down to the responsibility of the woman, with one woman from the floatingvoter focus group claimingit shouldnt be seen as solely the womansresponsibility because two pe ople have a child so its both their responsibilityand thats when the whole equality thing sort of breaks down and womens issuebecome an issue. (Female,Floating Voter Focus Group.) One floating voter focus group intervieweeclaimed that womens pensions have subsequently been affected by childcare whichis an area that the government has not paid much attention to, claiming thatWomen are digging in and out of employment in a waymuch more often than men because your busy with family responsibilities (Female, Floating Voter Focus Group)As well as the responsibility of thechildren being put onto women, it is also believed that the care of the elderlyis invariably part of their domain too. One female MP claimed that Anawful lot of women are tearing their hair out and trying to balance everything,doing two jobs, looking after their children, their home, their elderlyrelatives. If all those women were actually working to the full completion of theircapabilities then the boost to the economy would be significant, statisticallysignificant (Female Conservative MP). Thus meaning that due to women being underrepresented in government, there are few voices out there to help put forwardthe issues that women are facing, such as balancing their careers with theirresponsibility to their children and other family relatives. Although it was agreed upon that therewould be many benefits of having more females in parliament and in theConservative party as one male MP claimed that woman would have a betterunderstanding of child care policies which could be put in place. The actionhas not been put in place which leaves women in a very vulnerable position,especially as there is not enough women to defend them on these grounds.ConclusionOverall this research report hasdemonstrated clearly that both female representation at heart the ConservativeParty and the partys lack of progressive engagement with womens issues areclear demonstrations of how unrepresentative British governments make- up andenforcement currently is. The thematic analysis of Webb and Childs data hasallowed an exploration into key political issues that have arguably not beengiven due academic and political research. It has been shown to be apparentthat members of both genders within the Conservative Party acknowledge theinherent unrepresentative nature of the party and that there is infinitesimal morethan plain acceptance of the cultural norms in place to main its patriarchiccontour. Given women have often come to feeluncomfortable within the Conservative party, this has transcended into femalepolitical participation generally and leaves many holding little desire toengage with politics due to the scarce attention and impact devoted to womensissues. The above in combination leaves the Conservative party to continue to beperceived as archaic in its views and this in turn prevents women from seeingpositive political change or even seeking to lead such change themselves. BibliographyTranscripts usedM 2 Conservative PeerM7 Conservative PeerM8 Conservative MPM9 Conservative MPW5 Conservative PeerW6 Conservative PeerW8 Conservative MPW9 Conservative MPFocus Group 1. Conservative MembersFocus Group 2 Conservative MembersFloating Voter Focus Group 1Floating Voter Focus Group 2Bryman, A. (2012) societal researchmethods. 4th edn. New York Oxford University PressBryson V & Heppell T. (2010) Conservatism and Feminism The Caseof the British Conservative Party. Journal of Political Ideologies. Campbell, S, Childs S & Lovenduski J.(2006) Womens Equality Guarantees andthe Conservative Party. The Political Quarterly.Childs S, Krook M. (2010).Women, Gender and Politics. A reader Oxford University Press.Childs S, Webb P. (2012). Sex, Gender and theConservative Party. From Iron Lady to Kitten Heels. Palgrave Macmillan.Chiu& Monroe (2010). Gender Equality in the Academy, the course problem.Cambridge University Press.Volume 43, issue 2. Dillard, A.(2005) Adventures in Conservative Feminism Societ y, March/AprilForke & Rickne (2016). The GlassCeiling in Politics Formalisation and Empirical Tests. Comparative Politicalstudies. Hymowitz,C (2005). Women attribute Stereotypes of Themselves as Weaker Leaders.The Wall Street Journal Online. Accessed online, 2ndMayhttp//www.careerjournal.comMay, T. (2002). Conservative PartyConference Speech. Accessed online, 4th May. https//www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/oct/07/conservatives2002.conservatives1Murray,R. (2014). Quotas for men Reframing gender quotas as a means of improving representationfor all. American Political Science Review, 108, 520-532Russel, M. Lovenduski, J, Stephenson M. (2000). Womens Political Participation in the UK. The British Council, The Constitution Unit. Accessed online, 1st May . http//www.ucl.ac.uk/political-science/publications/unit-publications/89.pdfSilverman,D. (2015). Interpreting QualitativeData. Fifth Edition. Sage Publications.

Has The Traditional Marketing Eloped By Internet Marketing Marketing Essay

Has The Traditional food market Eloped By lucre Marketing Marketing EssayThis research project comp atomic number 18s handed-down trade and net merchandise to show the difference characteristics between them. Also this project is d atomic number 53 to find show up what selling tools are legal for some elect companies in the food industry. The main difference between internet merchandising and traditional market is overly studied in this project.Different textbooks, websites, articles and inter sights are taken for the in puddleation required in this study. Both the quantitative and qualitative mountes are used in this research. numeric information are self-possessed human body the website of the UK National Statistics. The compose conducted interviews with three companies operation in the food industry in UK to collect in castingation mandatory for the synopsis in this study.After analyzing different aspects of theory, comparison and interview serve wells conc lusion was drawn. Both the internet marketing and traditional marketing has their own advantages. Therefore, the al some effective way of marketing is exploitation the advantages of cardinal internet marketing and traditional marketing according to the goals of the fellowship.1. IntroductionProfit maximisation is the main objective of most business organisations for which they use marketing as their marketing dodge. Thus they use different strategies to sell their harvest-feasts and renovation. They always demand to satisfy their target customers by creating, promoting and merchandising their product and serve. One of the strategies they use is marketing, which support make a business grow and thereby become more powerful. To find out what sort of marketing to use in different area to come upon high share of market and high gross revenue rate is truly essential (Karp, 1974). check to Dayal et al. 1996, marketing can be defined as the activity of satisfying the needs an d wants of buyers through with(predicate) the ex transform outgrowth in a manner which enables the firm to achieve its objectives. On the other hand, Saxena (2006), marketing means understanding and responding to customers needs.Marketing is an organisational function and a set of process for creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and for managing customer bloods in way that wellbeing the organisation and its stakeholders (Parsons, et al. 2009).Marketing is considered to be a process of exploring, creating, and delivering value to satisfy the needs and wants of a target market at a profit (Kotler, 2003).The margin Marketing Mix ( ingathering, Price, Place, and Promotion) was introduced for the first time by Professor Neil Borden in approximately 1953. Markets were offered opportunities to exploit each aspect of the 4 Ps of the marketing miscellany and satisfy their customers needs and wants, as soon as the concept was introduced by him (Karp, 1974).Technolo gy has changed marketing, after staying corresponding for several years marketing has now stir by internet and out lives has become easy. It brings clean opportunities for marketing as a bleak communion descent and has been replacing the traditional medium of communication and selling goods and services.Problem discussionIn traditional marketing, channels of communications such as magazines, catalogues, face to face communication etc are used. And nowadays in the internet marketing, internet is used as a communication channel as a crock up of pack marketing. juvenile opportunities have been provided by this young communication channel which has affected marketing process. All the channels of communications have their own importance simply internet is a channel that has developed and is continuously developing which has got a lot of attention from everyone. Right decision when choosing repair marketing strategy for a marketer is very essential. For that the marketer sh ould subsist the differences between internet and traditional marketing and their advantages and disadvantages also. Some obvious questions magnate arise in our mind that which marketing approach is beneficial comparing traditional and internet marketing? In the real life companies, which tool is the most used ones? Is traditional marketing left back with the use of internet marketing? Is the traditional marketing and internet marketing independent to each other?Author find these issues interesting and companies entering the market pass on find this narration helpful in prioritise their marketing tools and also have can picture of all the elements of marketing mix and the comparison of internet and traditional marketing. fair gameThe main objective of this research is to identify different characteristics of traditional marketing and internet marketing. Comparing Internet marketing and traditional marketing used by different organisations in food industry. Also, what marketing tools are effective for the chosen companies in the food industries are to be discussed?The motorbuss of the companies who need to make a decision about selecting the marketing tools and strategies will find this research helpful. They also will find the studies done on marketing theories and comparison between them, point of view of managers that were interviewed and the analysis made establish in these things.LimitationsThe marketing managers of chosen companies are working in UK and their answers are related to UK food and takeaway market. This research might not be suitable for business to business companies as it is only focused on business to consumers.2. Literature ReviewDifferent theories on the marketing mix and also traditional and internet marketing is poseed in depth.2.1 Traditional marketingAccording to Kotler 2003, Marketing is considered to be a collective process where individuals or groups can exchange goods or services based on their needs and wants. Neil Borden for the first time approx in 1953 presented the content of marketing process as marketing mix, representing the mixture of useful elements for marketing. Kotler considers the marketing mix as a mixture of different instruments or tools for pursuing a marketing plan (Walter, 1992).Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and scattering of ideas, goods and services to create exchange that satisfy individual and organisational objectives. In traditional marketing, channels of communications such as magazines, catalogues, face to face communication etc are used. The aim is to create products and services which sell themselves by being what customers need and want (Kotler, 2003).The marketing mix is plausibly the most famous phrase in marketing. The elements are the marketing tactics. Also known as the Four Ps, the marketing mix elements are price, place, product, and promotion.PriceAccording to Belohlavek 2008, Price is a Conditioning eleme nt to the corrupt. In general, except for commodities, price only conditions precisely does not determine. The price, by conditioning, determines if the product chosen, as first choice, is the one desired.The pricing of services is one of the major factors in competing with other business open to most organisations. By fixing prices below those of competitors, a company will hope to get a greater share of the market, all other aspects of competition being equal (Gubbins, 2003)On the other hand, Kotler presents, it is an big part of the marketing strategy and it sends out a message about the product, company and image. Pricing is decided upon the interest and goal of the company that they want to achieve. Whether, they want bigger market share, maximum profit or possibly a specific position in the market. It is very important job to set the price as it affect demand as the demand and price are dependent to each other.ProductProduct, or service, is the element which satisfies the c lients needs. The product or services generates two types of relationships with the expectation a functional and a linking one. The functional relationship refers to the products use value and the link with the product is generally defined by the complementarity between itself and the client (Belohlavek, 2008).Product is the solution to customers wants or/and needs. There are different aspects of product that needs to be considered. Quality, design and function of the product are some examples of different aspects of the product. The size, coloring material and general design should be considered by the marketer for the product appearance. The demand should be also kept in mind so that what is required in the market should be known and for that research and market study is essential. Service is also included in the product or is a part of this P. The company can provide warranty as a good customer service which is attached with the product and thus is a part of this P.PlaceProduc ts and services have to reach their customers to be consumed. In traditional market, it was possible for manufacturers and their customers to meet face- to face to exchange goods and services. The product and services should reach the customer in the right manner at right place. The process of moving product and service through different intermediaries to reach the end user is considered under this part of P (Stone et al., 2007).According to Kotler 2003, place in marketing can be about location in the means of store, factory and storage. Also the decision on distribution channels and transport are part of it. Place is the crucial thing to determine for the business. The company who need wide space can chose location exterior city which is cost effective. The company who need crowds and is opening new store need to be located in city centre, which is a bit pricey but overstretchs customers attention and possible customers would drop in when passing by. A number of factors affect the nature of the supply chain that evolves to suit the needs of the producer and to meet customer demand (Stone et al., 2007).PromotionAccording to Kotler 2003, Promotion is that part of communication that consists of company message designed to stimulate awareness of, interest in, and purchase of its various(a) products and services. Company use sales promotion, advertising, salesperson, and public relation to disseminate message designed to attract customers attention and interest.Sales promotion is any form of promoting sales where there is a call to action that results in a demonstrable benefit, whether tangible or not (Mullin, et al. 2008)Advertising includes any paid form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods, or services by an identified sponsor. In contrast, public relations focus on building good relations with the companys various publics by obtaining favourable unpaid publicity. Personal selling is any form of personal presentation by the organisa tions sales force for the purpose of making sales and building customer relationships. Organisation use sales promotion to provide short-term incentives to encourage the purchase or sale of a product or service. Direct marketing can be done face to face meeting, mailing, telephone, catalogue, etc. This is one way of building long term relationship with customers. Finally, companies want immediate retort from targeted individual customers use non-personal direct-marketing tools to communicate with customers. Sales force is the face of company towards customers when providing or offering customers solution in either services or products. Their working process has become from just selling to more complicated task. The sales representatives are the one that bring the needs of customers and the company unneurotic and create the mutual satisfaction. (Kotler et al., 2010).2.2 Internet MarketingInternet marketing has become an important issue for many businesses around the world which ha ve any form of commercial presence on the net. In the early days of direct marketing, efforts at reaching prospective customers could be best described as using a shotgun approach. By packing an envelope full of advertisements and coupons and mailing them out to a large amount of households, it was discovered that customers would actually respond by buoying some of the promoted products. Today, with the creation of large scale databases and internet that systematically collect information on households and individuals, direct marketing has become faster. Incentive-based marketing is a technique where the customer is rewarded or compensated for completed purchase transactions. Similar to the concept of rebates in the physical marketplace, online marketing incentives are driving the explosive growth in advertising and marketing revenues. The key difference, however, is that marketer can extract information from online consumers by providing them additional incentives? This informatio n can then be used in conjunction with other direct marketing plans to design and deliver targeted messages (Lee, 2001).Most of the households use internet nowadays via laptop, mobile, palmtop, PC, Etc. The 2010 internet access survey of households and individuals mensurate home access to the internet and individuals use of the internet across the UK shows that 30.1 million adults used the internet everyday or nearly every day. 73 pct of households had internet access and 31 million masses bought or ordered goods or services online in the last 12 months. As we can settle on the chart of adults using the internet almost every day in appendix B shows that the number of internet users has almost doubled from 2006 till date. (Internet Access, 2010)According to Hoffman et al. 1995, Internet is a new marketing tool that can be used by companies in order to reach their customers. Internet marketing is defined as the application of the internet and related digital technologies to achiev e marketing objectives and support the modern marketing concept. Internet marketing is often presented as a new theory of marketing however some argue that basic concepts form the traditional marketing are still valid. Internet offers new opportunities to adapt the basics of marketing mix. (Chaffey, 2000).PricePrice transparency on the internet as it is much quicker and easier to compare prices by visiting companys websites or by using prices comparison sites has made the business more competitive than was on the traditional marketing. Also the main reason of being competitive is the mogul to reduce costs of store spaces and staff costs. As already mentioned above this is the reason of internet marketing being cost effective tool of marketing (Hagel, 1997).Online allowance is new methods of payment that internet offers. Credit cards are seen as an efficient, convenient and flexible payment method for both customers and companies. However, customers are little confident about the service because of the security and privacy issues.ProductInternet marketing is the most cost-effective way to market the products to the UK and the world. The internet leads to faster uncovering of customer needs, greater customisation of the products to the customer needs, faster product testing, and shorter product life cycles (Eid et al., 2002). Internet provides the opportunity of offering a core product that satisfies the customers fundamental needs. On internet, a picture or description will replace the physical product offered in the traditional marketplace or in stores. Services offered on internet by a company should reflect the following factors in order to satisfy customers reliability, responsiveness, competence, ease of use, security, and product portfolio. (Yang et al., 2004)PlaceNew way of distributing product is done in internet marketing i.e. online selling. People can make decisions and purchase any product from anywhere in the world. Allen and Fjermestad 2009, a rgue that the internet has the superior implications for place in the marketing mix because it has a large market place.Companies can gain the advantage of the low cost of advertising inter fieldly without the compulsion of a supporting sales infrastructure in different countries as they can expand their business form local anaesthetic market to both national and international markets. Internet also helps take advantage of new markets (Chaffey, 2000).PromotionInternet marketing as a promotional tool can exit business a presence all over the world. Advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, etc are the elements of communication mix which can be done with the use of new way of marketing that is internet marketing. For example, websites and email are the effective tools to review the new ways of communicating to the customers (Chaffey, 2000).Companies can encourage their customers to visit their websites and increase sales by sending emails remainders and different offers freq uently. Internet helps to inform customers of the benefits of the product and assist in different stages of buying process.Companies can use internet to deliver their messages to their customers and attract them with the help of online advertising. Customers are always encouraged to buy when they see offers or the cheaper product compared to other competitor brand. Thus, sales promotion on the internet and emails is very used nowadays by the companies. This also helps company to keep long term relationship with its customers. Internet offers companies the opportunity to publish the news directly which is a part of public relations. Customers are sent emails to remind about the product and services that the company offers which also encourages the customers to send feedbacks and helps keep in bring up. This is the part of direct marketing done by the companies as internet marketing tool (Chaffey, 2000).2.3 Comparing Traditional and Internet Marketing MixTraditional marketing and int ernet marketing is compared on the basis of its marketing mix or 4 Ps. This gives clear idea of different issues that either internet or traditional marketing carry in their tools.PriceThe cost of supply chain or the cost of distribution channel determines the price of the product. The bigger amount of cost is deliver through internet marketing which can result lowering the product price. The cost of product may reach the paramount because of the management of distribution channel in the traditional marketing (Kotler, 2003).Tough competition in the internet marketing exist as the competitors can scan our potential pricing strategy and also our potential customers can reach to the competitors on one click. There is always security problem in the internet marketing, where customers may not notion safe paying online through their cards rather paying in the physical store where they can have more control over the payment process (Kotler, 2003).ProductProduct that the company offer in websites in internet marketing is just a virtual image where customers cant touch or feel. Whereas, in traditional marketing the product is tangible and customers can experience the quality by feeling it. Customer can sometimes change purchase decision because of lack of physically reaching and feeling the product (Lee, 2002).Company can offer wide range of products via internet marketing but it is not possible or it costly to offer wide range of products in the physical store. There will be more problem of storing and staffs intervention inventory in traditional marketing than in internet marketing (Kotler, 2003).PlaceCustomers can be attracted by decorating the store, like some stores does in the Christmas and New Year to create a specific atmosphere. This is only possible in traditional marketing but is not possible in the internet marketing as it is just a virtual image. Even though many of the websites try to create an atmosphere, but it is not as real experience as can be cre ated in the physical store.In the traditional marketing customers have to wait and plan for the opening hours of the store and reach the store but in the internet marketing they dont have to bother about opening hours and the location. They can shop anytime and form anywhere from the world (Kotler, 2003).PromotionTime is money, what people say nowadays. The internet marketing helps save time of the customers and the company by the speed of reaching message to the customers about the product and services and also the purchasing process is done speedy. In traditional marketing it is not possible. seizeing the targeted customers is made easy with the help of internet marketing and can continue the relationship with them (Kotler, 2003).Face to face communication with customers creates bond between business and the customers. The company can get lots of advantages like they can get straight feedback and can measure result cursorily. Communication is both sided in traditional marketing whereas it is not practical in internet marketing (Kotler, 2003)A website helps company to present itself in many ways where the customer can study different aspects of the company and get to know it well where as this is not possible in the same way through traditional tools for promotion (Kotler, 2003). A good website is very important for succeeding in online marketing. According to Sunday Times, some important guidelines for a good website for a company areKeep sites simple and easy to use.Think user journey rather than individual pages.Provide clear information on contacts, delivery and refund policiesLet shoppers browse without having to register.Build trust.Comparison of internet and traditional marketingOn the basis of theories presented above, the main advantages of both internet marketing and traditional marketing is shown in the table as a bullet points. Marketer can adopt the positive aspects of either approach pointed out in this table.Internet MarketingTraditional Mark etingCost effectivePersonal ServiceVariety of productsPhysical access to productReach targeted customers easilyQuick feedback face-to-faceFaster speed and communicationLess tough competitionOpens 24/7Atmosphere of physical store piano paymentSecure paymentFigure 2.3 Comparison on Internet and traditional marketing3. Research MethodologyThere are different methods of data collection that we need in order to answer the research problem of this thesis. The two approaches are qualitative research and quantitative research which helps us explicate the phenomenon.Qualitative research is typically used to answer questions about the complex nature of phenomena, often with the purpose of describing and understanding the phenomena from the participants point of view. Qualitative research is implicated with qualitative phenomenon. Qualitative research focuses on understanding the research subject by investigating the results based on direct observations, in depth interviews and analysis of d ocuments and materials (Leedy et al., 2005).On the other hand, Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quality or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in harm of quantity (Kumar, 2008).The aim of this research is to make a comparison between traditional marketing and internet marketing and find the effective tools in these two approaches used by a chosen group of companies in food industry. Therefore qualitative research method is mainly used in this research. This enables the author to explore all areas of the topic at hand and also give a thorough understanding and analysis.3.1 Data Collection ApproachesThere are mainly two approaches of data collection. Primary and lower-ranking data collection is the two approaches of data collection and the author in this research will be using both the approaches for the data collection.Primary dataFirst hand information gathered directly from the source, through experiments, observations, and interviews t hrough mails, telephones, emails or personal interviews which are nasty to the truth are called primary data (Leedy et al., 2005).The primary data used in this study research was collected through interviews. The interviews were done with the managers of three companies in food industry they are Popadoms, Zaffron Restaurant Bar and Sultan Balti Palace. consultations with the marketing managers of Popadoms, Zaffron Restaurant Bar and Sultan Balti Palace were done through phone call. found on some specific qualities they have and all three could give us different point of views on the subject, these companies were chosen. The main qualities that these companies share are that they are successful, growing and use both internet and traditional marketing tools. Popadoms offer mainly takeaways with the finest and freshest Indian food locally (Popadoms, 2010) Zaffron Restaurant Bar offers both service and foods for dining in customers with affordable price (Zaffron, 2010) again Sultan Balti Palace offers tourists with different new Indian foods with takeaway and dining in facilities (Sultanpalace, 2004).The author in this research has formulated a number of questions based on the data required to be able to come a conclusion regarding the research problem. To be certain of acquiring the necessary information as effectively as possible, the interview questions were structured according to the limited time for this research and keeping in mind difficult accessibility to the specific individuals that were interviewed and their busy schedules.Secondary dataSecondary data is information that has been gathered by someone other than the police detective and/or for some other purpose than the project at hand. Secondary data could be in form of books, journal articles, online data sources, etc. (Leedy, 2005). The secondary data that the author will collect is through internet and books that are trustable. The statistics can be referred to as quantitative data will be ga thered from the website of the UK National Statistics.Validity is establishing correct operational measures for the concepts being studied (Yin, 1994). In order to ensure the validity and reliability of this research, the methods and theories used to conduct this study were chosen from literatures written by authors known to be experts in this field and scientific articles form data bases recommended by Universities.CriticismThe empirical data was collected through interviews done with the managers of three companies operating in food industry in UK therefore the author cannot conclude that the result can be applicable for the alone food industry in UK. With the choice of qualitative research and the mentioned limitations, the author of this research cannot give a general conclusion applicable for other industries in the UK.4. Empirical DataThe author of this thesis will present the companies chosen as examples form food industry in UK. The companies were all chosen from the same i ndustry to rule out the industry differences. The author contacted the companies to obtain information about the marketing conducted in respective companies. The marketing managers of these companies were just able to answer quickly by telephone due to lack of time. However, all these companies invited the authors to find more information on their websites therefore some of the information presented in this part is from the companies websites. The questions asked with the managers in the interviews of all three companies are as followsInterview questions1. What marketing tools does your company mainly use?2. Which marketing tool does your company consider most effective? Why?3. What are your point of view on Internet marketing and its importance for your company?4.1 PopadomsCompany profilePopadoms is an Indian eating place based in residential area Farnborough, Hampshire, UK. It opened 11 years ago and offers great Indian cuisine 7 nights a week. The restaurant is well realised a nd has lots of regular customers. The restaurant also has a free local home delivery service and offers a great takeaway service (Popadoms, 2010).Interview AnswersThe marketing manager was asked to give the marketing tools used as their marketing strategy in the company, which tool is considered most effective and how internet marketing was sensed in the restaurant.The manager answered that the company uses mostly printed and online advertising. For example, the company use leafleting and posts for the promotion and advertisement. They use websites and send emails as online marketing tools. About the marketing tool perceived as the most effective, the answer was that the company uses a combination of traditional marketing channels because these allow the company to capture local customers and reminds them their local restaurant.Internet marketing is an important marketing tool for Popadoms because it gives the company the possibility to spread information faster. Also from the stat istics we know that internet users are increasing and ordering online. The manager doesnt think that the success of the company only depends on internet marketing, and there is no such specific tool to success.4.2 Zaffron Restaurant BarCompany ProfileZaffron Restaurant Bar is located in town centre of Farnborough, UK. It was established in 2001 and serves Indian food and drinks 7 days and nights a week. They have divulge bar for their takeaway customers where they can have some drinks while waiting. They have more than 70 seating capacity and serves tourists as well as local customers. They are near postmortem Inn, Aviator hotel and Farnborough airport which helps them to attract tourist customers (Zaffron, 2010).Interview AnswersThe marketing manager was asked about the marketing tools they use for their marketing and the lastingness of these marketing approaches in their business strategy.The main marketing tools used by this company are according to the marketing manager Int ernet, homepage and traditional advertisement. As response to what the most effective tools would be, there was no general answer given. It was stated that in different types of marketing they use different marketing tools. It depends on what they want to achieve.The point of view of the respondent about Internet marketing was positive. The manager considers Internet to be very important for their company. It helps them reach the right customer quickly and use different channels. It was stated that the company couldnt succeed as well without Internet nowadays. It helps them to get their message out fast and reach a wider market. He believes Internet marketing helps their business and revenues grow.4.3 Sultan Balti PalaceCompany profileSultan Balti Palace is now in its 10th year and is busiest Indian restaurant in Wokingham. It is in the heart of the Wokingham town and serves an average of 650 customers a week. An article in a local newspaper referred to the restaurant as having Popp adoms in the Premier League. It is two storey restaurants and is in listed Tudor building. Sultan Palace holds 25 seats on the ground floor and 55 seats upstairs in the main restaurant. The restaurant serves a range of tempting and delicious light meals and snacks at lunchtime. In the evening the restaurant is well known for its traditional Balti mood cuisine. There is a private room that holds 30 covers that can be hired for parties and functions (Sultanpalace, 2

Marketing Environment Audit Of Wh Smith Marketing Essay

Marketing Environment Audit Of Wh metalworker Marketing Essay executive director SummaryThe objective of this report is to conduct a market audit and appraise some of the processes, models and techniques used.This leave al angiotensin converting enzyme include an military rank of the actual external marketing environment in which an psycho psychoanalysis of Porters Five Forces will be conducted to severalise slipway forward for WH smith to stay competitive in the retail environment.P.E.S.T. analysis will be undertaken to rate the opportunities and little terrors facing WH smith and an assessment of the actual internal marketing environment will be conducted in fix up to identify the strengths and weaknesses affecting WH metalworker.This report found the relevant in takeation from a variety of different sources including academic text books, case study texts, and various web sites including publisher articles, the national statistics web sites, WH metalworker annual repor ts and Datamonitor reports.Based on analysis from Porter Five Forces and P.E.S.T. the report found WH Smith lacking in the beas of enlargement outside of the UK market in both the fit and high-pitched street segments, WH Smith online store needs to be updated and much media needs to be added besides the digital music download industry is worth looking into for future growth of the confederation along with the development of the already existing eBook website.And promotion and advertizing is in decreaseible across all divisions and argonas of the WH Smith.Introduction BackgroundWH Smith is one of the leading retail groups in the UK. Its engaged in the retailing of impertinentlyspapers, magazines, stationery, books and entertainment products. The lodge operates 565 high street stores and 490 travel outlets located at high streets, airports, train stations, hospitals work-place motorway supporter areas across the UK (WHSmithplc, 2008 Datamonitor, 2008).Key facts about WH SmithWH Smith employs all all e verywhere 17,000 people.Every year 70% of the UKs population visit a WH Smith storeOn average, everyplace 1.2 million people visit a WH Smith High Street store every daylight of the yearWH Smith operates cardinal divisions High street and move.Every year 125 million travellers realise WH Smiths coachiest Travel store at Londons Victoria StationWH Smith sells 1.5 million magazines every week 24,000 magazines every moment they are openWH Smith sells in excess of 40 million books yearlyOn average, WH Smith sell 3,000 A4 pads dailyEnd to end the sales of WH Smiths 3 best selling rulers would hold out from London to Spain (WHSmithplc, 2008 Datamonitor, 2008 Network Rail).Terms of ReferenceThe aim of this report is to undertake a marketing audit appraise some of the processes, models techniques used for auditing the marketing environment.This is conducted thru evaluation of the external marketing environment assessing the actual internal mark eting environment for WH Smith.From this the potential impact will be assessed to identify its impact on WH Smiths marketing planning marketing mix. The report will finish with a conclusion and recommendations will be made as regards the company going forward.Main FindingsKotler (2000, p. 708) states a marketing audit is a comprehensive, musical arrangementatic, independent, periodic examination of a companys-or line of products units marketing environment, objectives, strategies, and activities with a view to determining problem areas, opportunities and recommending a plan of military action to improve the companys marketing performance.An audit should be conducted on a regular basis, thoroughly and be well organised (CIM, 2002).An audit is undertaken so a company dissolve identify its standing in the marketplace and involves an internal and external environmental analysis.Internal environment analysisIt is imperative for an organisation to regularly asses their marketing, fin ancial, manufacturing and organisational competencies to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each factor (Kotler, 2000). assumes used in this analysisValue Chain AnalysisPIMS (Profit Impact of Marketing Strategy)GAP AnalysisPortfolio AnalysisPLC (Product Life Cycle) institution AuditNDP (New Development Process)Experience CurvesExternal Environment Analysis TheoryThis analyses the micro and macro environments of the organisations which will lead to identifying the opportunities and threats facing the firm.Micro EnvironmentFactors adpressed to the organisation (clients, competitors, distri exclusivelyors, suppliers), these back give a considerable impact on the firms performance within the marketplace the firm has no direct control over these factors but can have some influence (Businessdictionary, 2009).There are four techniques used in analysing the micro environmentMarket analysisNetmba (2007) states The name and address of a market analysis is to determine the attrac tiveness of a market and to understand its evolving opportunities and threats as they relate to the strengths and weaknesses of the firm.Customer analysisIdentifying and understanding the needs and wants of your customers, exploring new trends for growth and working out of the organisation (wmep, 2008).Competitor analysisEntrepreneur (2009) describes competitor analysis as identifying your competitors and evaluating their strategies to determine their strengths and weaknesses relative to those of your own product or service fabrication analysisIndustry analysis involves reviewing the economic, political and market factors that influence the way the industry develops. Major factors can include the role wielded by suppliers and emptors, figure of competitors, and the likelihood of new market entrants (Businessdictionary, 2009).A useful model that can be used when carrying out the internal analysis is Porters Five ForcesPorters Five Forces ModelTo quote from Hooley et al (2008, p 73) Porter (1980) suggests that five main forces shape contest at the level of strategic business units and that a systematic analysis of each in turn can help managers identify the key to competitiveness in their giveicular industryCompetitive rivalryVenturenavigator (2009) describes this as the extravagance of competition between existing organisations in an industry. E.g. price, quality, and innovation. flagellum of new entrantsMallon (2005) suggests the risk of new entrants is based on the industrys barrier to entry, e.g. of brand capital costs, access to engine room or requirements to obtain licenses.SubstitutesA substitute product is a product that replaces the need for your product altogether, e.g., Timber framed houses macrocosm replaced with steel frames (Whatmakesa dearleader, 2009).Supplier powerBuyer power looks at the relative power a companys customers has over it, size plays a factor, if the company is much larger than its suppliers, and purchases in large quanti ties, wherefore the supplier will have very little power to negotiate. i.e. Tescos buying in broad amounts leads to suppliers having no power (Mallon, 2005).Buyer powerCustomers can work their power to shop around and demand lower prices this creates price wars with companies which lead to reduced prices (Smit, 2006) also large businesses that purchase huge quantities from suppliers have greater buyer power and can demand lower prices smaller firms do not have the same bargaining powers (Mallon, 2005).Macro EnvironmentOpportunities threats occur here, they are seditious short-term factors that affect the organisation as well as everybody within society, and the organisation has no control or influence over these factors (CIM, 2002).In order to identify opportunities threats a PEST analysis must be conducted this looks at four external factors affecting the firmPEST AnalysispoliticalPolitical factors hold alot of weight over the regulation of a company e.g. consumer competition laws.EconomicalThe state of a countrys scrimping is central when deciding on business trading e.g. absorb rates and inflation.SocialSocial and cultural influences change from each country and must be measured e.g. changing trends, education, health system and ethnicityTechnologicalTechnology is vital for competitive advantage, and is a major driver of globoseization (Marketingteacher, 2010).SWOT AnalysisHooley el al (2008 p42) states a SWOT seeks to identify the most significant factors, both internal and external, affecting the organisations and its markets. It provides a quick executive summary of the key issues. Secondly, however, by looking at where the strengths and weaknesses align with opportunities and threats it can help strategy formulation. The organisation can begin to see where its strengths might be best deployed, offensively and defensively, as well as where its weaknesses leave it dangerous to change or competitor action.Porters Five Forces AnalysisThis analyse will report on the industry as a whole and identify ways forward for WH Smith to stay competitive in the retail environment.Buyer power HighHaving such(prenominal) a large operation gives WH Smith huge bargaining powers to negotiate terms without the risk of losing suppliers as switching costs are low and this makes industries highly competitive in reducing prices to win contracts with companies such as WH Smith (Datamonitor, 2009).Supplier power LowSupplier power becomes reduced for industries such as books, cards, stationery and entertainment because of the large subprogram of companies within these industries that can supply WH Smith, also switching costs is relatively low (Datamonitor, 2009).Threat of new entrants HighThe rivalry from established competitors such as WH Smith discourages new entrants into the market but because the industry does not involve huge investing this encourages other businesses to start up (Datamonitor, 2009).Substitutes HigheBooks threaten the t raditional form of books but are a relatively new idea and currently not as popular as the traditional book concept, the reading devices are expensive which can turn customers off initial purchases, but WH Smith has adapted to this idea with the introduction of http//ebooks.whsmith.co.uk in October 2001 (Encyclopedia, 2002) another substitute to WH Smith is the ontogeny sales of second-hand books on sites such as Amazon and eBay.Competitive rivalry HighWHSmithplc (2008) states large customer such as Tescos sell almost everything that WH Smith but at a reduced price such as cutting the prices of CDs to under 10 damaging WH Smiths market share (Cope, 2003), all the speckle giving its customers the opportunity to carry out their grocery shopping at the same time.Consumers are looking for to a greater extent value for money and it seems consumers are swapping trips to the high street in favour of a spin around a virtual store (Rigby, 2006), online retailers as Amazon give customers e asy access to products online era facilitating easy access to compare prices and get much value for money.WH Smith needs to offer reduction and offers to match retailers such as Tescos and build on their web site.P.E.S.T AnalysisPoliticalNational minimum wage maturement ThreatThe Office for National Statistics show that in October 2009 an increase from 5.73 an hour to 5.80 for adults was awarded with 18-21 year olds change magnitude from 4.77 to 4.83.The majority of WH Smith employees would have benefited from this increase but WH Smith will be at a disadvantage with higher over heads being the main issue at a time when the economy is on a downturn (Hopkins, 2009).VAT increase in 2010 ThreatHopkins (2010) states the VAT increase of 2010 is another hit to WH Smiths profit margins as it increases from 15% to 17.5% in January, as this is necessary to bring stability to the UK economy it is also putting the company at a disadvantage, WH Smith high street stores have already seen a drop in sales over 2009 due to the economic downturn in the UK, this shows enlargement is needed into other countries to avoid such risks throughout the company but as the WH Smith annual report shows there are no new plans to expand the high street division (WHSmithplc, 2009).Terrorist attacks ThreatWH Smithplc (2009) states The spread of a deadly disease, an act of terrorism or war could decrease the number of customers visiting WHSmith outlets.The Travel division of WH Smith was particularly affected by such events on 11th September 2001 (New York City) and 7th July 2005 (London), which saw decreased amounts of commuters development airports and public transport which lead to a drop in sales (WHSmithplc, 2009).Due to the United Kingdoms involvement in the current war in Afghanistan WH Smiths Travel and high street divisions will be devastated by every terrorist attack in the UK for the foreseeable future due to their locations.EconomicalEconomic recession ThreatThe office o f national statistics shows that the UK contracted by.02% in the third quarter of 2009 and body 5.1% lower than the third quarter of 2008 however there is an increase in natural action from the second quarter of 2009 showing the economy is slowly starting to recover.WH Smith (2009) Annual report shows high street division recorded a blemish in sales of 2.3% over 2007 another loss of 5% over 2008, along with the occluded fronts of book outlets such as Borders and Woolworths this increase in the economy is nigh news for WH Smith in 2010.Interest rates ThreatInterest rates were left unchanged at 0.5 per cent by the Bank of England today, as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) continued its policy of keeping the price of money at record lows to stimulate the flagging economy (Sabbagh, 2010).Ian McCafferty, the chief economic adviser at the CBI, states the unchanged interest rate is unsurprising due to the fact that recovery in the UK is likely to be slow and drawn out, quasi(pren ominal) to that following the 1980s recession with sub-par growth continuing into 2011. This hold on rates will promote consumer spending but is still a threat to WH Smith as this is not a permanent hold on rates and can be increased.Unemployment ThreatThe office of national statistics identifies that as of sixteenth December 2009 the unemployment rating stood at 7.9% which was relatively unchanged from the previous quarter and has risen 1.9% on the same quarter in 2008, this stands at one of the smallest increases in unemployment since spring 2008 giving hope that the economy is back on track, with more people in employment it will promote consumer morale and more spending which will lead to increased win for WH Smith.SocialIncrease in the travel industry OpportunityA survey conducted by Travelzoo showed that over one-half of the UK respondents said they had plans to travel more in 2010, 66% of UK respondents are hoping to take one or two holidays and 31% are thinking about mor e than three trips. This shows the importance of holiday to UK residents as 25% will give up nights out, 22% will give up house improvements and 52% will get rid of luxury goods in order to be able to travel in 2010 (news.holidayhypermarket, 2009).With more people that ever travelling in 2010 it shows the travel industry is back on track and will promote increased profits for WH Smith in 2010.Acquisitions and partnerships OpportunityWHSmithplc (2009) shows acquisitions of Leeds-based UNS with 71 retail units, 8 Caffee Nuovo coffee shops in 62 hospitals and 23 airport units from Alpha Retail UK Limited also a franchise deal with Road Chef was also confirmed in 2008 (Hasell, 2008).2010 will see six units opening in Delhi airports giving WH Smith a good share of the Indian market and shows the division is cut back on further international magnification outside of the UK.An alliance with Penguin in which Smiths will stock only Penguins overseas guides in the majority of its travel s tores in airports, and kvetch and bus stations to the exclusion of all rival brands titles is another step forward in a time of retailing giants like Tescos taking over the book industry WH Smith has taken steps to ensure its competitiveness in the marketplace as discounts from suppliers ensures lower prices for end users (Freedman, 2009).High street benefited from the closure of the Woolworth stores in 2008 with WH Smith looking to have control of ten of the Woolworths stores before the end of 2009 (Felsted Lemer, 2009), this is another step forward for the UK market but having only two stores outside of the UK shows high street needs to be more active in foreign expansion.TechnologicalOn-line sales OpportunityWhsmith.co.uk was launched in may 1999 with the intention of winning a third stake of the online book-market within three years but problems identified in customer service, lack of products available and low promotion the site is losing customers to bigger competitors such as Amazon, the same can be said of the entertainment and eBook sites WH Smith operates (news.bbc, 1999).The economic recession is making more people price sensitive and so many more consumers are searching the internet in the hopes of better deals and a bigger range of products, as Rigby (2006) states Shoppers, it seems, are swapping trips to the high street in favour of a spin around a virtual store.Investment, promotion and management into the online stores would yield endless profits for the company.Digital music and eBooks OpportunityEncyclopedia (2002) shows WH Smith has made advancements into the eBook industry starting with the launch of http//ebooks.whsmith.co.uk in October 2001, but as with whsmith.co.uk the eBook site is lacking in promotion and available products on the web compared to Waterstones who identify eBooks as being a big part of their business and a fast growing part of the book industry over the past twelve months (Allen, 2009), also digital music is an area WH Smith has no investment in but should be taking steps to invest in as more customers are turning to digital music rather than purchasing CDs as Garrahan (2009) states Physical phonograph album sales have fallen sharply as music retailing has evolved from CD album purchases in retail outlets to digital downloads of songs from online stores.According to research the reference defines the strengths and weaknesses as followsStrengthsWidely recognised brand in the UKWH Smiths (2009) states their business model is based on their widely recognised and respected brand which has been part of the UK economy for the past 217 years, Datamonitor (2009) states The Companys brand is an important asset and strongly appeals to the customer, thereby positively affecting the companys business an example of this would be 70% of the UK population visit a WH Smith store every year (WHSmithplc, 2009).Wide retailing operation in the UKTravel operates 490units 135 are in airports, 114 in railway stations, 118 in motorway service area, 95 in hospitals and 19 in locations such as bus stations and workplaces, ball club units are in four non-UK locations, in Paris, Shannon, Copenhagen and capital of Sweden (WHSmithplc, 2009).High street operates in 565 High Street stores located in almost all of the UKs major high streets (WHSmithplc, 2009), it benefited recently with the closure of Woolworths and is taking the appropriate steps to expand its presence with plans to take over ten of the Woolworths sites as stated by Felsted Lemer (2009) and the recent collapse of the 45 stores Borders book reach occupied in the UK was another opportunity for expansion of the high-street stores which WH Smith decline to invest in, WH Smith had initially shown interest in a deal but then pulled out of talks (Marlow, 2009).The company has show to be a strong competitor in the UK market but more focus is needed in expansion into foreign markets as competitors such as Amazon have done.Strong perfo rming travel division2009 showed profits of 17% to 48million and 8% profit growth, the division operates from 490 units (2008 449 units), 135 are in airports, 114 in railway stations, 118 in motorway service area, 95 in hospitals and 19 in locations such as bus stations and workplaces, nine units are in four non-UK locations, in Paris, Shannon, Copenhagen and Stockholm and these units have shown to perform higher in rush hour than some lower performing high street stores (WHSmithplc, 2009).2010 will see six units opening in Delhi airports which will give WH Smith a good share of the Indian market and shows the strength of the travel division, its stability in an economy downturn and shows the division making the necessary steps for foreign expansion (Hall, 2009).WeaknessesGeographic concentrationDatamonitor (2009) identifies high street as having two locations outside the UK Paris and Belfast with travel operating nine units in four non-UK locations Paris, Shannon, Copenhagen and St ockholm with six more to be opened in Delhi airports in 2010 (Hall, 2009) .WH Smith is open to many negative environmental factors having all of its operations in Europe, one such factor is the current economic recession that resulted in a 2.3% loss in sales over 2007 and another 5% loss over 2008 for the high street stores.Competitors like Amazon have operations in Canada, Japan, UK, China, France, Germany and the US also Borders operate in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (Borders, 2010 Amazon, 2010).As Travel is taking steps for foreign expansion high street has no plans for expansion as WHSmithplc (2009) points out The High Street plan remains unchanged thus making the company vulnerable to adverse market conditions in the region and puts it at a competitive disadvantage over global retail giants (Datamonitor, 2009).SWOT AnalysisStrengthsWidely recognised brand in the UKWide retailing operations in the UKStrong performing travel divisionWe aknessesGeographic concentrationOpportunitiesIncrease in the travel industryOn-line salesDigital music and eBooksAcquisition and partnershipsThreatsNational minimum wage increaseVAT increase in 2010Terrorist attacksEconomic recessionInterest ratesUnemploymentMarketing mixProductWH Smith offers a wide variety of Books, Stationary, Gifts and Cards, Magazines, videodisc, DVD formats, UMD formats, Blue-ray and HD DVD, Music, Games, eBooks, PC and Electronics in the high street and travel division.WH Smith needs to invest heavily in digital media along with eBooks focus must be put on investment in digital music as this market shows huge growth with ITunes being the market leader.PriceDue to the increased amount of competition entering the market WH Smith needs to adjust its pricing structure in line with its competitors to ensure customers feel they are get value for money thus increasing its market share, as customers become more price sensitive and shop around for better deals online and high street.Agreeing partnerships as the travel division has done with Penguin is an example, this ensures a reduced prices for the customer at the till as it reduces supplier costs, and this in turn increases competitiveness with such rivals as Tescos and Amazon.PlaceWH Smith high street has 564 stores present in almost all of the major high streets within the UK and travel has 481 units in airports, hospitals, motor service, bus and train stations within the UK, the UK market works well for WH Smith but it now needs to focus on foreign markets.Travel occupies nine travel units in Paris, Shannon, Copenhagen and Stockholm, the recent plan to open six units in Delhi airports in 2010 is such a way forward but more expansion into other countries is needed to stay competitive.High street offer two stores outside of the UK in Paris and Belfast with no plans to expand further in 2010, while competitors such as Amazon and Borders have a presence worldwide WH Smith needs to expand to s tay competitive with such companies.WH Smith online has a weak presence, a huge amount of investment in promoting and managing the site is required. It has been shown that more people are moving to the internet for day to day purchases, research on products and value for money, if WH smith is not seen to be offering these to consumers they will move to competitors such as Amazon.PromotionAdvertising offered by WH Smith is poor for all divisions as this has an impact on sales, more focus needs to be put into the advertising and promotion of both divisions, i.e. TV, radio, internet, ideas such as sponsoring Universities/teams as students would cover a big part of WH Smiths customers, reduction in prices would also be classed as advertising, cutting prices below competitors and this would also lead to customer passing on the information thru word of mouth.Marketing planning (strategic tactical planning)Businessdictionary (2010) states tactical planning is Systematic determination and scheduling of immediate or short-term activities required in achieving the objectives of strategic planning, while Strategic planning is a business process that many companies employ to identify their critical success factors that set the course for future growth and profits (Gaw, 2009).Tactical planning as relates to WH Smith includes short term plans including pricing structures, discounts, and loyalty cards.Strategic planning is more focused on long term goals such as expansion into new markets such as the move into India with six travel units opening up also developments in industries such as digital music downloads needs to be a main focus of WH Smith going forward as the world is moving into the digital age.ConclusionThe report found WH Smith to possess a huge market-share within the UK, but lacking in the areas of expansion outside of the UK compared to other competitors such as Amazon and Borders which leaves it vulnerable to negative effects on the economy such as the curr ent economic recession.to a fault retailers as Tescos and Asda can offer drop down prices of mostly all products WH Smith sells included in a customers weekly grocery shopping which heightens competition for WH Smith with these retailersWH Smiths attempts into the digital era is lacking, the companies websites (entertainment, eBook, whsmith.co.uk) were found to be in need of attention is areas such as customer service, products available and promotion as customers are not satisfied with the current system.Also the digital music industry was found to be a growing market and it would be in WH Smiths interest to invest in this area.RecommendationsThe report finds that the WH Smith needs to be more active in promoting the company outside of the UK, competitors such as Amazon and Borders have done this successfully, expansion into other countries reduces the chance of being affected by economic factors such as the economic recession in the UK which has had negative effects on WH Smith hi gh street division with a reduction in sales over 2007 and 2008.WH Smith on-line needs vigorous investment in all online stores, customer service, availability of products and promotion are the main issues to start with. Amazon has a great online presence as it markets its site very well, targeting its customers with items relating to previous purchases, this is a good idea for WH Smith to work on.Investment in digital music downloads is advised as this market has shown to be growing rapidly with ITunes as market leader.More partnerships like Penguin need to be agreed in both divisions, thus reducing supplier costs which can be passed onto customers this will help with competition from Tescos and Asda.Reference/BibliographyAllen, K (2009), E-readers turn heavy textbooks into a light read just like Dan Browns latest, http//www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/ phratry/10/sony-readers-boost-ebook-market (date accessed 12/01/2010)Amazon, (1996-2010), http//www.amazon.co.uk/ (date accessed 06/01/2010)Bintliff, E, (2009), Borders UK goes into administration, http//www.ft.com/cms/s/0/87e1fc72-dac1-11de-933d-00144feabdc0.html (date accessed 07/01/2010)Borders, (2010), Borders stores around the world, http//www.borders.com/online/store/InternationalStoresView (date accessed 06/01/2010)Businessdictionary, (2009), Micro environment, www.businessdictionary.com/definition/microenvironment.html (date accessed 25/11/2009)Businessdictionary, (2009), Industry analysis, www.businessdictionary.com/definition/industry-analysis.html (date accessed 25/11/2009)Businessdictionary.com (2010), Tactical Planning, http//www.businessdictionary.com/definition/tactical-planning.html (date accessed 10/10/2010)CIM (2002), Marketing environment stage 1, London, BPP Publishing limitedComputergram, (1998), WH SMITH BUYS EUROPES BIGGEST ONLINE BOOKSTORE, http//www.cbronline.com/news/wh_smith_buys_europes_biggest_online_bookstore?print=1 (date accessed 07/01/2010)Cope, N, (2003), WH Smith blames Sar s and fall in CD sales for profits slump, http//www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/wh-smith-blames-sars-and-fall-in-cd-sales-for-profits-slump-537378.html (date accessed 06/01/2010)Datamonitor, (2009), Company Profile WH SmithDatamonitor, (2009), Industry Profile Stationary and CardsDatamonitor, (2009), Industry Profile BooksDickson, M, (2005), Swann Upping, http//www.ft.com/cms/s/0/575ea15e-b2cb-11d9-bcc6-00000e2511c8.html (07/01/2010)Directgov, (2010), VAT Value Added Tax, http//direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/DG_4015895 (date accessed 10/01/2010)Drummond, G and Ensor, J, (2004), Strategic Marketing planning and control, second edition, Oxford, Butterworth Heinemann.Encyclopedia, (2002), http//www.cyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-82247922.html (date accessed 07/01/2010)Entrepreneur, (2009), Competitive analysis, www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/term/82078.html (date accessed 25/11/2009)Felsted, A Lemer, J, (2009), WH Smith eyes more Woolworths sto res, http//www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6fc55222-2fd8-11de-a2f8-00144feabdc0.html (date accessed 10/01/2010)Freedman, S, (2009), Booksellers get down to business, http//www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/28/writers-kindle-revolution (date accessed 10/01/2010)Garrahan, M, (2009), Apple joins forces with record labels, http//www.ft.com/cms/s/0/28129982-7a18-11de-b

General Omar Bradley :: Essays Papers

General Omar BradleyGeneral Omar Nelson Bradley was the premiere member of his 1915 West Point class to receive a star. Gen. George C. Marshall played a key role in his rapid advance, and he served one year as an assistant in the War Department under Marshall. Promoting him from lieutenant colonel to brigadier general general in 1940, Marshall made Bradley head of the Infantry School, gave him a second star in 1941, and after that appointed him commanding general of the 82nd and twenty-eighth divisions. Impressed by Bradleys success as a planner, Marshall sent him to North Africa early in 1943 to be Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhowers eyes and ears. Soon Bradley commanded the U.S. Second corps in Tunisia. As a corps commander under Gen. George Pattons 5th Army, Bradley played a key role in the conquest of Sicily in the spend of 1943. Early in preparations for the 1944 invasion of Normandy, Marshall selected Bradley to command the 1st Army, which he later directed in the D-Day landings and Normandy campaign. When Patton was sent with the 3rd Army to assist in the breakout from France several weeks later, Bradley became the 12th Army Group commander, with Gen. Courtney Hodgess 1st and Pattons 3rd armies under his command. He led this force in a rapid straw man across northern France and Belgium to the German frontier. Slowed by rugged terrain and supply shortages, Bradleys forces were hard hit in the Ardennes area in mid-December. When the German advance made it indispensable for him to hand over command of the American forces north of the German penetration to British field marshal Bernard Montgomery, Bradley used Pattons troops to restore his lines in the south. His built force in February pushed the Germans back across the Roer and led to a seizure of a bridge across the Rhine in early March. In April Bradleys Army Group, promptly consisting of the 1st, 3rd, 9th, and 15th armies, led a massive drive through central Germany to the Elbe, to link up with the Russia ns at Torgau on April 25th before pushing into Czechoslovakia at the end of the war. When General Eisenhower retired from his job as chief of staff in 1948, Bradley assumed the station until he became the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position made necessary by the recent unification of the armed forces. Soon involved in supporting military operations in Korea, Bradley was caught up first with getting additional forces to MacArthur and then in the controversy between the Far East commander and Washington over policy.

The lost battle :: essays research papers

The Alamo General Sam Houston is in charge of the Alamo but he needs time to get a army ready to fight Santa Anna. Houston trusts Jim Bowie and Travis but now Bowie is drunk so he leaves Travis in charge of the Alamo. Then Houston leaves with his army to get it ready to fight. Bowie wakes up from being drunk and they raise the flag. Bowie doesnt think they can beat Santa Anna and his 7,000 troops. Travis gets word that Santa Anna and his work force just crossed a river that is way closer than he had thought. Travis does not tell his troops because they have no hope. Davy Crockett arrives at the Alamo with his men and they dance and drink. Travis does not drink and he wants to give a speech to altogether of the men about how Texas has no rights. Crockett makes Emil pay a little boy a tip for caring a womans bags. Crockett wants her to leave if she wants. Emil and his men try to attack Crockett in the street and Crockett and Bowie beat them up and then they go and have a drink. The w omen told Crockett that there was gun powder in a church and then Crockett and Bowie and some of their men that were sober went to get it and they bring it back to the Alamo they find about 50 rifles and gunpowder. Crockett has Flaca write a letter in Spanish to himself. Travis asks Crockett to ask his men if they will fight and he asks them and they will stay and fight. Crockett has Flaca read the letter in front of everyone and says its from Santa Anna but then afterwards they talk about it he tells them it was from him and that he wrote it. Crockett make Flaca leave to safety. The Mexicans come and tell them to leave but Travis wants to have a war. The Mexicans have a coarse cannon so at night Crockett and Bowie sneak out with their men and blow it up by putting mud down the cannon. They are footrace back and the Mexicans are shooting at them but they all make it back ok. Travis says that they cant do that again. Bowie says hes going to leave in the morning with his men but Cr ockett gets him drunk and then he changes his mind and says hes going to stay and fight in the war.

More Than Meets The Eye Essays -- Literary Analysis, Shakespeare

Throughout history, individuals have notoriously been subject to high powers. This form of ownership of an individual exemplifies itself in slavery, indentured servitude, and even in the governmental systems that fit in reign over the general population. The ability of one soulfulness to rule over another arises from both moral and physical inequalities. Jean-Jacques Rous seau, a prominent Genevan philosopher, attempts to bring on the reservoir of inequality. In The routine Discourse, Rousseau systematically dissects the movement of homo away from their natural state and attempts to explain how inequality is derived. Shakespeares The Tempest tells the tale of a usurped Duke, Prospero, who suffers a life of exile on a secret island. Overthrown by his own brother Antonio, Prospero seeks revenge. In a series of carefully planned events, Prospero strands a group of European lords on his isle, one of whom is Antonio. Using his association of magic, Prospero succeeds at obtaining control over his kingdom of Milan. On the surface, The Tempest appears unrelated to the work by Rousseau. However, quite the contrary is true. The Tempest is inundated with many quasi(prenominal) philosophical ideas discussed in The Second Discourse. When comparing The Tempest and The Second Discourse, the themes of inequality versus equality, nature versus nurture, and tike man versus civilized man prevail.As described in The Tempest, it is clear to identify that inequality exists amongst the islands inhabitants. Shakespeare illustrates this inequality with reference to the character Prospero. After creation dethroned as the Duke of Milan, Prospero and his daughter Miranda are exiled from the country and set to sea on a raft. With the aide of supplies and magic ... ...for food and shelter. Whether barbaric or civilized, the actions of both Caliban and Prospero melt in a most interesting manner. The Tempest and The Second Discourse are inundated with the themes of inequality ve rsus equality, nature versus nurture, and savage man versus civil man. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent philosopher of his time and author of The Second Discourse, attempts to pinpoint the origin of inequality. In doing so, he interestingly analyzes the differences between civilized man and natural man. William Shakespeare, a prolific writer during the Elizabethan Era and author of The Tempest, draws attention to issues liner mankind. While at first glance these two literary pieces appear to be unrelated, afterward analysis, they tender many similarities. What is most central is that both pieces offer insight into authority, power, and equality. More Than Meets The Eye Essays -- Literary Analysis, ShakespeareThroughout history, individuals have notoriously been subject to higher powers. This form of ownership of an individual exemplifies itself in slavery, indentured servitude, and even in the governmental systems that hold reign over the general population. The ability of one person to rule over another arises from both moral and physical inequalities. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent Genevan philosopher, attempts to uncover the origin of inequality. In The Second Discourse, Rousseau systematically dissects the movement of humans away from their natural state and attempts to explain how inequality is derived. Shakespeares The Tempest tells the tale of a usurped Duke, Prospero, who suffers a life of exile on a mystical island. Overthrown by his own brother Antonio, Prospero seeks revenge. In a series of carefully planned events, Prospero strands a group of European lords on his isle, one of whom is Antonio. Using his knowledge of magic, Prospero succeeds at obtaining control over his kingdom of Milan. On the surface, The Tempest appears unrelated to the work by Rousseau. However, quite the contrary is true. The Tempest is inundated with many similar philosophical ideas discussed in The Second Discourse. When comparing The Tempest and The Second Discourse, the themes of inequality versus equality, nature versus nurture, and savage man versus civilized man prevail.As described in The Tempest, it is clear to identify that inequality exists amongst the islands inhabitants. Shakespeare illustrates this inequality with reference to the character Prospero. After being dethroned as the Duke of Milan, Prospero and his daughter Miranda are exiled from the country and set to sea on a raft. With the aide of supplies and magic ... ...for food and shelter. Whether barbaric or civilized, the actions of both Caliban and Prospero combine in a most interesting manner. The Tempest and The Second Discourse are inundated with the themes of inequality versus equality, nature versus nurture, and savage man versus civil man. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent philosopher of his time and author of The Second Discourse, attempts to pinpoint the origin of inequality. In doing so, he interestingly analyzes the differences between civilized m an and natural man. William Shakespeare, a prolific writer during the Elizabethan Era and author of The Tempest, draws attention to issues facing mankind. While at first glance these two literary pieces appear to be unrelated, after analysis, they offer many similarities. What is most central is that both pieces offer insight into authority, power, and equality.

My Teaching Philosophy Statement :: Educational Philosophy

My Philosophy on Education As an education major at State College, Ive decided to be lift a teacher for several reasons. As I progressed through elementary, middle, and high school, many of my teachers were great role models for me. This has inspired me to become a role model for soul in the near future. My love for science and math has also influenced my desire to teach and make a difference in a childs life. I want to teach students the subjects that I love so much. I want the feeling that I helped a child accomplish or look out something they couldnt understand. One of the main reasons I want to become an educator is because I feel education has really lost teachers who truly love principle and those who truly love teaching and those who have the desire to make a difference. I feel I can really help make a difference in the education world and bring back the love to teach. My placement teachers and the teachers I have had throughout my life have defi nitely influenced my school of thought on education. Although my beliefs concerning education arent set in stone, I believe I have more of an Eclectic view on education. My beliefs tend to come from many of the different philosophies rather than one sole philosophy. One of the philosophical approaches I will take during my educational career is Perennialism. This is the traditional and conservative view, and its chase consider school to be an institution designed solely to develop students intellect. Perennialists generally follow the beliefs of Aristotle. The perennialist teacher must be a good commentator and writer and encourage students to improve both of these skills. Three primary approaches to learning are stresses didactic teaching of concepts such as, the operations and uses of mathematics coaching of skills and seminars in which various topics are discussed in depth through the Socratic method. Along side of Perennialism, I will use Behaviorism. This will allow me to set rules and regulations to break down prepare my students. This will benefit them because they will always be aware of circumstances of their behavior.