Longitudinal Strategic Development Study on easy Jet Essay

Longitudinal Strategic Development Study on easy Jet - Essay Example The first is termed as ‘dynamic packaging’ which includes selling the customers tour package which involves separate charges for flight and hotels. The next type is ‘Opaque Packaging’ where the customers pay a single price for both the flight and hotels. Easy jet provided multi language option for flights but not for the holiday packages though it wanted to make the concept of holiday packages internationalise and increase the market share. To enable this service IVIS group provided the airline with a team of technology consultant to assist the team of easy jet and work tighter to understand the online processes (IVIS Group, n.d). Strategic Development History The airline industry of Europe is regulated by the European Regions Airline Association which represents about 65 intra European airlines which carry 70.6 million passengers to about 426 destinations in 61 European countries (ERA, 2011). Some of leading airlines in Europe are Lufthansa, Ryanair’s and Air France-KLM which have the best starting position in Europe and Easy jet and British Airways are the potential followers (ESMT, 2008, p.10). The European airline industry has shown a steady growth in the past decades and had doubled in size since 1990. The growth of airline industry was mainly because of the growth of low cost carriers. The demand for air travels is still the same as it was in the year 2000, but with a dip in the market share. But the low cost carrier has grown widely with double digit rates and has captured a large part of the market share. From just merely 5% of market share in the year 2001 it has now come up to 32% in 2008. With a high market share these lo w cost airlines relay on the cost advantage and low ticket prices which helps them to access new and potential market and generate new traffic. Easy jet along with Ryanair respectively accounts for 43 and 65 million passengers and are larger than other established carriers. Despite the facts the European airline industry is fragmented (HHL, n.d, p.9). Easy jet airlines have experienced a strong growth in terms of revenue over the years. The passenger demand has increased on an average of about 59.5%. It has got a strong financial background as in the year 2002, easy jet balance sheet shown an excess balance of about 400 million pounds (Easy jet-a, 2002). Strategies Easy jet strategy is based on the six strengths that support the competitive, sustainable growth and scalability. Easy jet strategy, which it had been following from the past are the airlines commitment to safety and service to its customers, low fare structure, strong branding, low cost of unit, a strong corporate cultur e and its multi based network (Williamson, 2002). The company

USA Today December 8, 2008 Essay Example for Free

USA Today December 8, 2008 Essay The first article â€Å"Toxic Air and America’s School† talks about how the air that we breathe has been increasingly becoming toxic, which puts children studying in schools that are near areas that emit toxic substances to the air. Because of the growing concern, USA Today together with the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and the University of Maryland in College Park, conducted a study to determine just how toxic the air that school children breathe when inside the campus. The study showed there were seven schools that had high readings of toxic chemicals and â€Å"the concentrations of chemicals were high enough that they could cause serious illnesses or increase the risk of cancer if people were exposed to those levels for a long time† (USA Today, 2008). The most possible solution for air toxicity, especially in areas where children are constantly present, is for the local government and other concerned agencies to put a stop to those companies that produce the harmful substances. It should be suggested that these companies be relocated to other areas where there are little population so that it does not affect not only the health of children but also of everybody. Another article from USA Today entitled â€Å"Schools can be hit by chemicals from several industries† talks about just how much school children are exposed to harmful substances everyday in school due to the presence of not just one but several chemical industries in the vicinity. Although there are many factors that can affect the dispersion of the chemical substances produced by the companies, the school within the vicinity cannot escape from their harmful effects because there are other factories that can pollute the air and contribute to the overall toxicity of the air. Children are in danger of developing serious health problems because they are exposed in this kind of air throughout the day since they spend the whole day inside the school. As with the first solution, it is recommended that factories that are proved to be emitting high levels of toxic substances in the air should be relocated to places where there are not much people who can get affected. However, it would be a better solution if these companies could lower their toxicity levels such that they do not cause harm to the people and the environment whether they are near schools or in rural areas where the population is fewer. The government and concerned agencies should be stricter when it comes to making sure that these companies do not exceed the levels of the chemical substances so that they do not cause any harm. References USA Today. Schools can be hit by chemicals from several industries. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from http://content. usatoday. com/news/nation/environment/smokestack/interactive/5 USA Today. What USA TODAY monitors found. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from http://www. usatoday. com/news/nation/environment/school-air-snapshotchart. htm

Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict

Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict Palestine In fact, the roots of the new movement of Zionism go back to the nineteenth century. The reasons for the foundation of such movement are secular nationalism as well as actions of persecution done against Jews in Europe especially in Germany (because of Hitler and the Jewish holocausts). Despite the fact that Zionism was a great step, at the beginning, for Jews to gain their freedom and civil rights, it hid another truth. In fact, there was a desire to create a whole new entity and settlement for the Jewish population in Palestine since it is considered the old chosen land by God. On the other side, a lot of people confuse between Zionism and Jewish religion. However, there is a difference: while Zionism looks forward to getting back to Zion, known as the land of Israel, Jews believed that only God can take a decision in this issue. Because many Jews believed that God punished their ancestors in the past because of their violation of His laws and committing sins, they have faith that their return back to Palestine would be a proof on Gods forgiveness towards their actions. On the contrary, Zionists refused to be part of the European community hence persecution against them continued in spite of issuing laws that prohibited Jewish violence. Thats why persecuted Jewish began to think of a new idea to have their own land where they can live freely and thats why they stated to take actions to achieve such dream. Ottoman Society, Palestine, and the Origins of Zionism (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (p. 26) The following papers will discuss why Palestine managed to attract the attention of the whole world especially countries like Britain, France and the United States. They will also talk about strategies adopted by these countries to form settlements in Israel and why Jews succeeded in achieving their target of gaining back the lost land. Strategies implemented by countries to create Israel: As for Britain, it started to take Palestine and the Zionism movement into consideration since 1916. After the fall of the government of the British Prime Minister Asquith, David Lloyd George took over the position. In fact, George was really interested in Zionism and sensitive to this issue. In addition, he was very enthusiastic about including his government in any matter related to foreign policy. Moreover, the year of 1917 in Russia witnessed the arousal of a revolution which contributed in causing the fall of the tsarist government. Furthermore, such uprising helped Bolsheviks to take over the country and gain dominion. There were risks about the fact that Russia could abandon the idea of war leading to the obligation of the German policies to focus all their efforts and powers against British and French armies. Actually, these risks managed to spread awareness about the Zionism movement as a way through which Jews, who hold the Russian nationality, could be convinced to have a role in this revolution in order to enhance and foster the efforts implemented by their country in the war. Thats why Zionists who used to stay in London adopted this opinion so that they could be able to support the British tendency towards a declaration that agrees with Zionism. However, those Zionists believed that Jews who lived in Russia wouldnt support any kind of war effort. At the end, the British government was searching for getting aids and supplies from Americans. Therefore, British thought that their positive tendency towards Zionism would lead to forcing the American president Wilson to take part in the war on the British ally. Thus, all these reasons, along with the belief of Jews in their fate, have resulted in the Balfour Declaration announced on the second of November 1917. This declaration, in fact, granted Jews the right to stay and live in Palestine as if it is their home. Despite the fact that Balfour Declaration didnt achieve all the dreams of Zionists all over the world, it was considered as a first step towards forming a stable Jewish state in the chosen land and as recognition of the existence of a Jewish entity by the whole globe. Britain, Palestine, and the Balfour Declaration (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (pp. 63-64) As for the United States, its interest in Palestine has increased after the Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978 in which the American president Jimmy Carter announced the outcomes of this agreement. According to this treaty, Egypt was able to oblige Israel to get all of its followers and citizens out of Sinai. However, some issues regarding Gaza and the West Bank werent solved resulting in the occurrence of a lot of conflicts between both countries. Regarding the resolution no. 242 stated by the United Nations, the American government believes that its pledge to foster such resolution wasnt changed. According to this resolution, Americans thought that founding settlements in Palestinian, Syrian and Jordanian lands by Israel is considered as a violation to Camp David treaty and an obstacle in the path of accomplishing peace in the Middle East. Despite the fact that Prime Minister Begin declared that Israel would no more found any settlements in Palestine after signing peace agreements, he announced later his abandon of this opinion after being pushed and driven by Likud. The role of the United States in the Arab-Israeli conflict appears in the fact that it supports the Israeli policy used to create settlements in Palestine although it is illegal and against the stipulated laws in the entire world. The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict THIRD EDITION (including Intifada 2000). (n.d.). Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www.deiryassin.org/pdf/origin_booklet.pdf As for France, it all started in the campaign led by Napoleon in 1799 towards the Palestinian lands. In fact, he had the urge to attract the attention of Jews all over the world in order to be his allies to win the war. Thats why he began to declare his thoughts about reconstructing the Jewish Temple and encouraging Jews to go back to their original land. All of his thoughts were due to his desire to achieve certain political objectives. Such campaign managed to attract the attention of the British government since it started to feel threatened because of its routes towards Indian lands. Since then, France began to have interest in Palestine. Kayyali, A.-W. (2014). Zionism and Imperialism: The Historical Origins. Retrieved February 13, 2017, from http://www.palestine-studies.org/sites/default/files/jps-articles/Zionism%20and%20Imperialism-%20The%20Historical%20Origins.pdf Reasons for creating Israel: There are many reasons that contributed in the foundation of the Israeli state. One of them is that Arab countries didnt have the right leadership skills. As a matter of fact, Palestine was full of different groups which thought they would be able to prevent the settlement of Israeli citizens in their land by refusing to negotiate with them. However, after the failure of such point of view at the United Nations, they started to resort to another strategy which is force. They believed that cooperation between Arab armies would accomplish their target. Despite the fact that Arab countries had had many weapons and arms, they werent able to win the war. This is due to the lack of experience and sufficient training as well as the inability to test the skills of troops in reality. In addition, the war between Israel and Arab attracted the attention of the globe to an important flaw of Arabs which is their huge self-confidence. On the contrary, they didnt trust each other. For example, ther e were concerns and doubts about the interest of King Abdullah in the Palestinian cause. All of this has contributed in the failure of Palestinians to maintain their land more than the success of Israel to form settlements there. The Birth of the state (n.d.). . In WW2 and the Creation of Israel Reasons for choosing Palestine: According to Zionists, Palestine is the chosen land granted by God to their ancestors. Thats why no place could be better to gain back their glory and form their lost kingdom like Palestine. Furthermore, international organizations which supported Zionism called Lovers of Zion encouraged a lot of persecuted Europeans and Russians to resort to Palestine to find freedom and peace. Since then, the whole world began to form the idea of creating the Jewish kingdom. Despite the fact that Russians refused this solution, these opinions had contributed in increasing the interest towards Palestine and taking it into consideration as an important terrain. The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict THIRD EDITION (including Intifada 2000). (n.d.). Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www.deiryassin.org/pdf/origin_booklet.pdf To conclude, Zionism movement was created because it managed to gain support and enhancement from different countries all over the world. These countries such as Britain, the United States and France figured out that in order to achieve their political interests and goals, they have to support this movement against the Palestinian cause. Despite the fact that all these countries had a huge role in the Israeli settlement, I believe that Britain is one of the main reasons that contributed in doing so. According to my opinion, Britain succeeded in officially proving that Israelis had the right to stay in Palestine because of Balfour declaration. Without such declaration, Israelis wouldnt have the audacity or the power to enter the Palestinian lands and the whole world, even the United States, wouldnt have been encouraged to support Jewish who wanted to go there. Thats why Arabs must drive the attention of international organizations interested in civil rights to give Palestinians back t heir lost land and freedom. References: Ottoman Society, Palestine, and the Origins of Zionism (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (p. 26) The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict THIRD EDITION (including Intifada 2000). (n.d.). Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www.deiryassin.org/pdf/origin_booklet.pdf The Birth of the state (n.d.). . In WW2 and the Creation of Israel Kayyali, A.-W. (2014). Zionism and Imperialism: The Historical Origins. Retrieved February 13, 2017, from http://www.palestine-studies.org/sites/default/files/jps-articles/Zionism%20and%20Imperialism-%20The%20Historical%20Origins.pdf Britain, Palestine, and the Balfour Declaration (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (pp. 63-64)

Excessive Dependence on Homework in American Schools Essays -- Teachin

Excessive Dependence on Homework in American Schools "I didn’t feel [stressed] until I was in my 30’s. It hurts my feelings that my daughter feels that way at eleven" (Ratnesar 313). This statement describes the intense issue facing the American Education System today. More and more students are spending a lot of out of school time on enormous amounts of homework. The overabundance of homework is putting pressure on the students, along with their parents. Our nation has steadily focused on after school studying to the point of possible exhaustion. In this paper, I will attempt to explain how educators are relying on homework as the major form of education, and how the amounts are too demanding on the students. The emphasis on homework has slowly escalated since the launch of Sputnik in the 1950’s (Ratnesar 313). "Sputnik" was a Russian satellite sent into outer space in 1957. The Russians, not Americans, were the first nation to send a satellite into orbit. This caused a nationwide frenzy. Law-makers were inclined to focus on math and science because of the threat of soviet "soviet wiz kids" (Ratnesar 313). As the 1970’s approached homework declined once again, but soon we emphasized it to its highest level of importance. According to research done by the University of Michigan, elementary school students in 1981 spent forty-four minutes a week on homework. Sixteen years later 9-12 year olds had an increase of almost two more hours a week (Ratnesar 313). A 1983 government report, A Nation at Risk, caught the attention of the American Education System. The article explained the failings of the American school. It explained how education is declining, and teachers need to get tough on their students again. This prompted... ...ould be a sufficient amount, increasing 10 minutes each year, beginning in the first grade (Cooper 317). After studying the issue of homework, and the teacher’s influence upon it, I’ve come to realize homework may be overused in today’s educational system. I feel teachers are depending too much on outside education and not enough on in-class learning. Also, I believe the United States Government needs to develop a "homework standard". Educators in general need to come together and encourage students to learn in the classroom, and spend less time out of school doing countless hours of busy work. Teachers must look at the best interests of the students and base learning on communication in the classroom. Works Cited Considine, Jeana "The Homework Ate My Family" Cooper, Harris "The Homework Ate My Family" Ratnesar, Romesh "The Homework Ate My Family"

Short story: The Musician

It was a cold winter's day, the snow lay thick on the ground but surrounding the house there were no footsteps left from visitors bringing packages on the cold icy morning. We were the only visitors calling on this freezing day.I'd arrived at the house many times before, even dreamt about it as a smaller child, it was the kind you read about in books. Well I say big it was bigger than ours but then most houses in the county were. It was white and wooden with a broken swing on the porch, maybe a little run down but it wasn't anything that a few hours of hard grafting wouldn't fix. Well the drains they leaked too but I could live with that, as in the summer when I came walking down here with my friends I could smell daisies and all kinds of flowers growing in the fields. We always peeped through the window at the man inside. He interested us so much,not that we ever saw him but all the stories that we'd heard about him from our parents about the myths of his life before telling us we shouldn't come and torture that nice old man, well what were we to do? We were just curious. We approached the house as we did each weekend with a bag of stones†¦.. Inside the house sits a musician trying desperately to write a decent song a song that's listenable to. He waits in his rocking chair swaying to and fro, pipe in one hand pen in the other, desperately searching for the right words to touch the paper. As he begins he names his song â€Å"The Song of The World† Why? I don't know; maybe he thought it would bring hope to his sad lonely life or perhaps he could think of nothing better. The man lives alone. He dreams of days gone by and wishes that he could relive those moments of his youth. Nobody visits. Nobody calls. The grey trees outside growl a lonely kind of call to the man as if trying to tempt him outside so they can warn him of something. The floorboards below him creak as if there is another presence in the house. There isn't of course. There never is. He used to have so much, wife, children but now he has little more than a hovel. He visits the graveyard every day and has done since the accident. Many myths have built up around him in the town. Well that's just what our town is like; every ones business is your own. No one ever wanted to help him but still he continues to create beautiful music for everybody. How do I know so much about him? Well I am the first visitor he's had for twenty years. He doesn't speak much but when he does he seems upset as if he is recalling the past, the past no one has cared about for what seem like an eternity. The first smile I have seen from him is after he's succeeded with the first line and as he continues his smile grows. The phone continues to lie dormant. No relatives call, No friends from days gone by give him a second thought, perhaps it's easier to forget he exists. He moves his pipe, puts down his pen. Slowly he stands the smile no longer on his face. He begins to weep. I am not sure what to do till he finishes crying. He describes how people used to want to listen to his music though now they prefer to make up stories and throw things at his home. Suddenly I was wrapped with guilt; it had only been a bit of harmless fun I decided I was going to help the man whom I had tormented for so long. Each day during my summer holidays I would take fresh pies from my mother to him and I would listen to his stories. I would not know how much was real and how much was make-believe but I didn't really care we became best of friends and now he was happier he found it easier to write his songs again. One day I stole his songs and took them to a recording company. I came running back eager to tell him I'd got him a recording contract. Apparently I had broken his trust. That was the last I ever saw of him. He felt heed sooner be as he was. Even so, after that summer we never threw things at his house again.

Estee Lauder Case 1 Analysis Essays

Estee Lauder Case 1 Analysis Essays Estee Lauder Case 1 Analysis Paper Estee Lauder Case 1 Analysis Paper Lauder| | Table of Contents Case Abstract3 Vision Statement Mission Statement4 Vision Statement:4 Mission Statement:4 External Audit5 Opportunities Threats5 Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM)6 External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix7 Internal Audit8 Strengths Weakness8 Financial Ratio Analysis9 Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix10 SWOT Matrix11 SPACE Matrix12 Internal External Matrix13 Recommendations14 Case Abstract The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. It offers skin care products, including moisturizers, creams, lotions, cleansers, sun screens, and self-tanning products; and makeup products, which consist of lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eye shadows, nail polishes, and powders, as well as related items, such as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools. The company provides its fragrances products in various forms, including sprays and colognes, lotions, powders, creams, and soaps. Its hair care products comprise hair color and styling products, shampoos, conditioners, and finishing sprays. The Estee Lauder Companies sells its products under the Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, M A C, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, American Beauty, Flirt! , Good Skin, Grassroots, and Ojon brand names. It also operates as a licensee for fragrances and/or cosmetics sold under the Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Sean John, Missoni, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Ford, and Mustang brand names. The company sells its products through department stores, specialty retailers, upscale perfumeries, pharmacies, salons, and spas, as well as through company-owned stores, spas, and Web sites; authorized retailer Web sites; stores on cruise ships; in-flight and duty-free shops; and self-select outlets. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. was founded in 1946 and is based in New York, New York. Vision Statement Mission Statement Vision Statement: Bringing the Best to Everybody We Touch Mission Statement: We are a family company committed to working together with uncompromising ethics and integrity. We strive to always: 1. Provide customers with innovative cosmetic products of the highest quality. 2. Deliver outstanding service by treating each individual as we ourselves would like to be treated. 3. Create an environment that fosters personal growth and well being. 4. Build partnership with our suppliers, retailers and colleagues based on fairness and trust. 5. Enhance our reputation of image, style and prestige. 6. Pursue profit, but never at the expense of quality, service or reputation. 7. Eliminate waste and reduce inefficiencies in order to provide maximum value to our customers. 8. Be responsible citizen in every community we serve. External Audit Opportunities Threats Opportunities 1. Expected growth in the personal products industry is fueled by rising demand from emerging and developing markets. 2. Optimization of brand portfolio. 3. Strengthening of global markets 4. Expansion of global markets 5. Diversification of distribution channel 6. The world’s aging population represents an increased investment in the cosmetic industry. | Threats 1. Domination of the Asian department store channel 2. Australia has a slower and difficult retail environment particularly in the fragrance category. 3. Unemployment rate increase will disable Americans to buy the high-end products 4. The use of aerosols fluorocarbons in products damaging the environment. 5. Animal testing for new products | Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) Companies indentify strengths and weaknesses of current and potential competitors. This analysis provides both an offensive and defensive strategic context through which to identify opportunities and threats. Competitor profiling coalesces all of the relevant sources of competitor analysis into one framework in the support of efficient and effective strategy formulation, implementation, monitoring and adjustment. We used the same idea with Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, and Revlon. L’Oreal and Revlon is a real big competitor for Estee Lauder. Estee Lauder and L’Oreal perform above average on the CPM analysis. Revlon performed average compared how Estee Lauder and L’Oreal rated. | | Estee Lauder| L’Oreal| Revlon| Critical Success Factor| Weight| Rating| Score| Rating| Score| Rating| Score| Advertising| . 13| 3| . 39| 4| . 52| 4| . 52| Product Quality| . 12| 4| . 48| 4| . 48| 3| . 36| Price Competitiveness| . 10| 2| . 20| 4| . 28| 4| . 28| Management| . 12| 3| . 36| 2| . 4| 2| . 24| Financial Position| . 10| 3| . 30| 3| . 30| 3| . 30| Customer Loyalty| . 12| 3| . 36| 3| . 36| 3| . 36| Global Expansion| . 09| 4| . 36| 2| . 18| 2| . 18| Sales Distribution| . 08| 3| . 24| 3| . 24| 2| . 16| Manufacturing| . 07| 3| . 21| 3| . 21| 3| . 21| Research and Development| . 07| 2| . 14| 2| . 14| 2| . 14| Total:| 1. 00| | 3. 04| | 2. 95| | 2. 75| External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Ma trix An External Factor Evaluation (EFE) allows strategies to summaries and evaluate economic, social, and cultural factor through the uses of a numerical rating. In our case we evaluated the EFE of Estee Lauder. By numerically scaling Estee Lauder’s opportunities and threats we analyzed the importance of the programs they have to offer. First assigning each factor a weight of importance from 0. 0 to 1. 0, letting 0. 0 (least important) and 1. 0 (most important). Next we rated between 1 and 4 each key external factor to indicate how effective Estee Lauder structure. Finally multiplying the weight and the rating we got a score the show how effective each factor was. Key External Factors| Weight| Rating| Weighted Score| Opportunities| | | | 1. Expected growth in the personal products industry is fueled by rising demand from emerging and developing markets. | 0. 08| 2| 0. 16| 2. Optimization of brand portfolio. | 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 3. Strengthening of global markets| 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 4. Expansion of global markets| 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 5. Diversification of distribution channel| 0. 09| 3| 0. 27| 6. The world’s aging population represents an increased investment in the cosmetic industry| 0. 08| 2| 0. 16| Threats| | | | 1. Domination of the Asian department store channel| 0. 09| 2| 0. 18| 2. Australia has a slower and difficult retail environment in the fragrance category| 0. 9| 2| 0. 18| 3. Unemployment rate increase will disable Americans to buy the high end product. | 0. 13| 4| 0. 52| 4. The use of aerosols and fluorocarbons with damaging the environment. | 0. 09| 2| 0. 18| 5. Animal testing for new products| 0. 05| 1| 0. 05| Total:| 1. 0| | 2. 60| Internal Audit Strengths Weakness Strengths 1. Sells products through ups cale department stores, specialty retailers, and prestige salons. 2. Has 26 brands, sells products over 130 countries a territories. 3. One of the first major cosmetic firms to offer online shopping. 4. Prestige pricing is an effective strategy given the target markets 5. First company to offer free samples and gift with purchase. 6. In 2006, the travel retail business comprised approximately 7% of total sales and 20% of operating income 7. First industry to introduce consistent brand imagery around the world 8. The company uses celebrities as endorsers in the testimonial advertising| Weakness 1. Does not sell at lower class retail outlets. 2. They do not put FDA warning labels on the products. 3. Increase in long term debt from 2006 to 2007 from 698. 2 million to 1,404. 7 million. | Financial Ratio Analysis The financial ratios are computed from both the income statement and balance sheet. Comparing ratios over time and used to industry averages is more likely to result in meaningful statistics that can be used to identify and evaluate strengths and weakness. Financial factors often alter existing strategies and change implementation plans. For Estee Lauder, we were only able to compute 4 of the financial ratios. The four financial ratios that we were able to compute were Return on Total Assets (ROA), Return on Equity, Net Profit Margin and Revenue per Share. The figures I used to compute the ratio’s came from the 2007 Financial Statements of Estee Lauder. Ratio| Calculation| | | 880. | . 587| | 1500. 7| | | 1383. 6| . 9219| | 1500. 7| | Return on investment = net before-tax profit / net worth| 711. 0| . 10| | 7037. 5| | ROA| 449. 3| . 1089| | 4125. 7| | Return on Equity = Net Income/Shareholders Equity| 449. 3| . 375| | 1199| | Revenues per Share = Revenues/ Shares Outstanding| 7037. 5| 32. 37| | 217. 4 shares| | Net Profit Margin = Net Earnings/Sales| 449. 3| . 064| | 7037. 5| | Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Internal Factor Evaluation is a strategic management tool for auditing or evaluating major strengths and weaknesses in functional areas of a business. IFE matrix also provides a basis for identifying and evaluating relationships among those areas. As for Estee Lauder their weaknesses were not as detrimental as their strength nor would they have a long term effect on Estee Lauder. Key Internal Factors| Weight| Rating| Weighted Score| Strengths| | | | 1. Sells products through upscale department stores, specialty retailers, and prestige salons. | 0. 09| 3| 0. 27| 2. Has 26 brands, sells products over 130 countries and territories| 0. 12| 4| 0. 48| 3. One of the first major cosmetics firms to offer online shopping. | 0. 11| 4| 0. 44| 4. Prestige pricing is an effective strategy given the target market. | 0. 11| 4| 0. 44| 5. First company to offer free samples and gift with purchase. | 0. 12| 4| 0. 48| 6. In 2006, the travel retail business comprised approximately 7% of total sales and 20% of operating income| 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 7. First industry to introduce consistent brand imagery around the world| 0. 11| 4| 0. 44| 8. The company uses celebrities as endorsers in testimonial advertising. | 0. 12| 4| 0. 48| Weakness| | | | 1. Does not sell at lower class retail outlets . | 0. 04| 1| 0. 04| 2. They do not put FDA warning labels on the | 0. 4| 1| 0. 04| 3. Increase of long term debt from 2006 to 2007 from 698. 2 million to 1,404. 7 million| 0. 04| 1| 0. 04| Total:| 1. 0| | 3. 45| SWOT Matrix The SWOT Matrix helps visualize the analysis. Also, when executing this analysis it is important to understand how these elements work together. When an organization matched internal strengths to external opportunities, it creates c ore competencies in meeting the needs of its customers. In addition, an organization should act to convert internal weaknesses into strengths and external threats into opportunities. | Strengths 1. Sells products through upscale department stores, specialty retailers, and prestige salons. 2. One of the first major cosmetic firms to offer online shopping. 3. Prestige pricing is an effective strategy given the target markets 4. First company to offer free samples and gift with purchase. 5. In 2006, the travel retail business comprised approximately 7% of total sales and 20% of operating income 6. First industry to introduce consistent brand imagery around the world 7. The company uses celebrities as endorsers in the testimonial advertising| Weaknesses 1. Does not sell at lower class retail outlets. 2. They do not put FDA warning labels on the products. 3. Increase of long term debt from 2006 to 2007 from 698. 2 million to 1,404. 7 million. | Opportunities 1. Expected growth in the personal products industry will be fueled by the rising demand from emerging and developing markets. 2. Optimization of brand portfolio. 3. Strengthening of global markets 4. Expansion of global markets 5. Diversification of distribution channel| SO Strategies 1. (S5, S4, O2) Create more products. 2. (S1,O1,S3) Adding more online marketing to developing markets. | WO Strategies 1. (W3,O2) Add FDA warning labels to new products being developed. . (W4,O1) Decrease long term debt give opportunity to enter more global markets. | Threats 1. Domination of the Asian department store channel 2. Australia has a slower and difficult retail environment particularly in the fragrance category. 3. Unemployment rate increase will disable Americans to buy the high-end products 4. The use of aerosols fluorocarbons in pr oducts damaging the environment. 5. Animal testing for new products | ST Strategies 1. (T1, S3,S4) Use strategy of free samples and online retail to market into the Asian market. 2. (T2, S4) Give more free samples to Australian market to increase sales. . (S6, T5) Have advertising with celebrities expressing that products are not animal tested. | WT Strategies 1. (W2, T3) Sell to lower class retail chain stores such as Wal-Mart. 2. (W3, W4,W5) Add to label that products used are eco-friendly | SPACE Matrix The Strategic Position and Action Evaluation (SPACE) Matrix, is Stage 2 matching tools. Its four-quadrant framework indicates whether aggressive, conservative, defensive, or competitive strategies are most appropriate for a given organization. After constructing the SPACE Matrix for Estee Lauder, Estee Lauder will fall under an aggressive quadrant. Internal Strategic Position| External Strategic Position| Financial Strength (FS)Return on investment 5Leverage 5Liquidity 4Working Capital 5Cash Flow 6 Total: (25/5) 5| Environmental Stability (ES)Technological changes -1Rate of inflation -5Price range of competing products -4Competitive pressure -4 Total: (-14/4) -3. | Competitive Advantage (CA)Market Share -1Product quality -1Customer Loyalty -1Competition’s capacity utilization -5Control over suppliers and distributors -5Total: (-13/5) -2. 6| Industry Strength (IS)Growth Potential 6Profit potential 5Financial stability 4Total: (15/3) 5| X-axis: -2. 6+ (5) = 2. 4 FS Y-axis: -3. 5+ (5) = 1. 5 CA IS (2. 4, 1. 5) ES Internal External Matrix The Internal External Matrix positions Estee Lauders various divisions in this display shown. From the given information it is recommended that Estee Lauder Grow and maintain. This is based on the EFE IFE Score Averages of 2. 7 2. 5 respectively. They should involve the company in: Backward, Forward and Horizontal Integration, Market penetration, Market development, and Product development. The IFE Total Weighted Scores The EFE Total Weighted Scores 4 | 3 Strong| 2 Average| 1 Weak| 3 High| I| II| III| 2 Medium| IV| V| VI| 1 Low| VII| VIII| IX| Total Weighted EFE = 2. 7 Total Weighted IFE = 2. 5 Segments| $ Revenue| % Revenue| EFE Scores| IFE Scores| 1. Skin Care| $2,601,000| 37. 0%| 3| 3| 2. Makeup| 2,712,700| 38. 5%| 2. 5| 3| 3. Fragrance| 1,308,600| 18. 6%| 3| 2. 5| 4. Hair Care| 377,100| 5. 4%| 2. 0| 2. 0| 5. Other| 38,100| 0. 5%| 3| 2| Total| $7,037,500. 00| 100. 0%| 2. 7| 2. 5| Recommendations We recommend the follow for The Este lauder companies: 1. To respond to the economic crisis if Estee lauder finds new service solutions and ways of utilizing social media to address the consumers new mindset. 2. Come up with brands for lower and middle class consumers. 3. Estee lauder can give out complimentary make-up application classes and free facials to market products. 4. Create less expensive sizes of best selling products and use of discreet pricing at make-up counters. 5. Develop a recycling program for products by giving out discounts when consumers bring outdated and empty make-up containers. 6. Create limited edition products that appeal to the fashion conscious consumer. 7. Shift in preference of products to demographic and cultural regions on how consumers shop. 8. Foreign currency fluctuations affecting the Companys results of operations and the value of its foreign assets, the relative prices at which the Company and its foreign competitors will sell products in the same markets and the Companys operating and manufacturing costs outside of the United States. 9. Social, political and economic risks to the Companys foreign or domestic manufacturing, distribution and retail operations, including changes in foreign investment and trade policies and regulations of the host countries and of the United States. 10. Increased competitive activity from companies in the skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care businesses, some of which have greater resources than the Company does. 11. The Companys ability to develop, produce and market new products on which future operating results may depend and to successfully address challenges in the Companys business. 12. Changes in product mix to products which are less profitable. Changes in global or local conditions, including those due to the volatility in the global equity markets, natural disasters, real or perceived epidemics, or energy costs, that could affect consumer purchasing, the willingness or ability of consumers to travel and/or purchase the products while traveling, the financial strength of the customers, suppliers or other contract counterparties, the Companys operations, the cost and availability of capital which the Company may need for new equipment, facilities or acquisitions, the returns that the Company is able to generate on its pension assets and the resulting impact on its funding obligations, the cost and availability of raw materials and the assumptions underlying the Companys critical accounting estimates.

History of Hip-Hop essays

History of Hip-Hop essays As an art form, hip-hop is a very young phenomenon. Originating in the South Bronx in the late 70s/early 80s, hip-hop itself is only ca. 20 years old. However, despite its recent founding, it has become a tremendous influence on American culture and global culture as well. It has been a creative output for many people and gone down in history as one of the most important art forms to emerge in the last few decades. Hip-hop has borrowed from many earlier art forms, whether they be rock and roll, rt realize is that it has strong roots derived from past traditions such as slave music or even from the church. Slaves were for the most part unable to get ahold of instruments, thus using whatever they had in their hands to create a beat. Hip-hop is just the same, in that it is merely someone rhyming over a beat. In fact, during hip-hops earlier years, many people used their mouths to create a beat for someone else to rap over. This was dubbed the beatbox. Slave music is also reflected in raps subject matter. Many people who rhyme with their friends on streetcorners simply talk about whatever is on their mind through their music, whether it be a girl, their job or any other simple day to day thought. Slaves would do the same, singing about their thoughts, mostly though about going home and freedom. The idea of community, heavily evident in slave songs is also represented in hip-hop. During m any songs sung by slaves, during work for example, one person would begin and then another take over or someone else adding in their point of view. Many rappers do the same, beginning a rhyme in a circle of friends and then letting somebody else take over and finish it. Church music can be detected in hip-hop as well. A preacher, often times in a black church (which is generally more lively), would use call and response to involve ...