Office Star Usefull for Market Research

Background OfficeStar, a regional chain of office supply stores, has decided to launch its own ink cartridge line of products. The goal of the company is to compete with the usual actors in the market by offering a lower-priced product to its core customers, with which it hopes to capture significant market share in that business. The key figures for this market are as follows: .. The market for ink cartridges in the region is approximately 2. 3 million units sold every quarter (to simplify, we assume 2. 3 million customers buy one ink cartridge each). ..The production cost of an ink cartridge is $6. 50; it is sold at a price of $19. 95 in stores, leading to a gross margin of $13. 45. .. OfficeStar has a house list of 500,000 identified potential customers, to whom the company could send samples if that were deemed profitable. .. Sending a sample costs $3 in shipping and handling. Just before launching the product line, OfficeStar hired a market research company to perform simulation s and forecast the future market share of the product. Results were disappointing. The market research company has identified two key issues: ..Prospective customers are unwilling to try this product, and most appear likely to remain loyal to their current provider (usually, the printer manufacturer). .. Even for those customers willing to try the product, market research pretests show a low level of repeat sales. Exercise As the new product manager of the OfficeStar ink cartridge product line, you wanted to identify the opportunities and ways to penetrate stronghold of OEMs. Data from 40 respondents was captured and is available in OfficeStar Data. xls file. Carry out segmentation study and report your findings in the form of 1 page memo.

To What Extent the Chinese Stock Markets are Efficient Research Paper

To What Extent the Chinese Stock Markets are Efficient - Research Paper Example From this discussion it is clear that high population has also ensured supply of skilled labor is plenty within the Chinese economy. Chinese people are well known for their fastness and commitment in doingactivities. Itwas firstly witness in China wherethecurfewswereconducted on peopleworkinglate in thenight, before theindustrieswastransformed to a 24hour economy. Due to their hard work and innovation, they have emerged to be amongst thewellperformingeconomies in theworld. Chinese people have grown to the extent of exporting their civilengineeringskills to variouscountries within and outside the Asian continent. They offer cheap services that are of highquality as compared to otherdevelopedcountries. China has a highfavoured in terms of mineralsandresources, whichincludethingssuch as crudeoils, iron, and copper. Themainsource of revenues in Chinese economy is Exports. According to the paper Chinese peopleproducemore than whatthey domestically consume. Their exports come from domestic surplus. Banks have come in within China economy to help in theflow of income. Banks have financed viable business ideas amongst the Chinese entrepreneurs in order to exploittheavailableresourcesfor their benefits, as well as theworld as a whole. Investment has flourishedfollowingthereadilyavailablecapital from banks that is offered to lowerrates. Thegovernment of China has contributed by its initiativescreatingenablingenvironmentforinnovationandbusiness. Chinese government has increased its publicrelations with othercountries in an effort to createmarkets to its citizen. Thegovernment has alsodevelopedfinancinginitiatives of offeringcapital to potential investors at relativelyverylowcost of processing andrepayment. There are two majorstockmarkets in china’s economy. Thesemarketsincludethe shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen stockexchanges.  

Critically evaluate and apply how management and leadership within Essay

Critically evaluate and apply how management and leadership within inter-professional working can improve the quality of care in the healthcare environment - Essay Example Favourable conditions are also being created for the emergence of new occupational groups and for the configuration of new types of nursing techniques and care team. (Department of Health, 2009) In the UK the formal system of mental health nursing work began in the late 18th century with the large-scale construction of institutions dedicated to the segregation of madness (Rogers and Pilgrim, 2001), in which psychiatric nursing emerged as the lead profession. As Scull notes, psychiatrys dominance was linked to the professions successful leadership and management in advancement of claims to possess knowledge of lunacy as a disease with biophysical origins. Echoing the claims made by other branches of medicine at this time, the jurisdiction asserted by mad doctors during the 19th century came to be a wide-ranging one, encompassing the identification of mental disorder and proper management of its cause, natural history and cure (Rogers and Pilgrim, 2001). The social organisation of psychiatry and its autonomy and power were consolidated in the 1840s with the founding of both a professional association and a journal. Particularly long-lasting claims to control areas of work can be secured in the legal arena, and in the same decade psychiatry secured an advancement of its jurisdiction in this sphere with the passing of the 1845 Lunatics Act. This saw the establishment of a medically dominated Lunacy Commission, which, Scull observes, exerted a powerful influence against the running of asylums by lay people. Psychiatry thus secured occupational closure over the work of managing mental illness through effective nursing techniques. A decade later, as Rogers and Pilgrim note, the jurisdiction of British psychiatry was sufficiently secure for an editorial in the Journal of Mental Science (now the British Journal of Psychiatry ) to declare that: insanity is entirely an ailment of the brain. The

Nuclear Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Nuclear - Assignment Example : One, it is more economical as it uses less fuel and produces more energy; two, nuclear energy lasts longer unlike fossil fuels which can be depleted; and three, well-maintained nuclear power plants do not emit substances that could harm the environment while coal and oil pollute the air when burned. (Nuclear Energy retrieved from library.thinkquest.org/3471/nuclear_energy.html) Though nuclear energy has its advantages, its disadvantages far outweigh them. Let us take the case of the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant which, in 1986, had a meltdown (Nuclear Energy retrieved from library.thinkquest.org/3471/nuclear_energy.html) meaning the fission reaction went out of control resulting to an explosion in the nuclear plant instantly killing 2 workers of the plant and contaminating hundreds or perhaps thousands more in its surroundings. Within a few months, 26 more died because of radiation contamination. It was found out later that the cause of the accident was a flaw in the design of the nuclear plant and an undertrained operator. In short, human error is to be blamed. As for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster last March 11, 2011, it was not caused by human error but by natural calamities. The tsunami that followed the strong earthquake on that day damaged the generators and coolants resulting to a meltdown in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Though no deaths f rom contamination were reported, thousands were evacuated from their homes to escape radiation contamination. There was radiation leak into the sea and radiation contamination was noted in the land, the air and even the food of the people. Too much amount of radiation in the body, as we all know, causes sickness and even death to the one contaminated. Both the Chernobyl nuclear plant meltdown and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster showed mankind how disastrous and damaging the use of nuclear energy can be. With just a small error and the wrath of Mother Nature, lives are destroyed, structures and

Comparative projects Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Comparative projects - Assignment Example Thus, societies that fundamentally observe matrilocality and matrilineal descent will regard women with higher social functions than in one where their custom provides for patrilocality and patrilineal descent. The living arrangements upon marriage and the order of inheritance have a direct correlation to the status of women in the group. The practices of the Minangkabau of Indonesia and the Yanomamo of Venezuela illuminates on these differences as postulated by Scupin. Matrilineal societies do not necessarily imply that women are the center of power in this setting. This suggests that contrary to the belief of male dominance, women have a more active role and participation in society. Lewis Henry Morgan in his work Ancient Society which inspired no less than Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels theorizes that matriarchy had always been the standard during earlier times. But there was a movement toward patriarchy as adopted by men in order to secure that their property passes on to their male lineage in contrast to the matriarchal system where property is communal (as cited in Scupin, 2012, p. 228). Peggy Reeves Sanday in her study of the Minangkabau confronts the Western ideas of patriarchy. She writes that the women in this culture are viewed in an egalitarian manner rather than being subdued members of the tribe (as cited in Scupin, 2012, p. 230). On the other hand, Yanomamà ¶ are patrilineal and the men hold the most power. The common system in thei r survival follow the common conception of a patriarchal system where the men prepare the forest for agriculture while concurrently protecting everyone from intruders and the women tend to the vegetation and harvesting of crops as they simultaneously rear the children (Scupin, 2012, p. 175). The Minangkabau is recognized as the largest matrilineal society in the world and studied

Content Area Instruction and SDAIE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Content Area Instruction and SDAIE - Essay Example Such equality, at learning institutions, can be tackled if educators offer well-designed assistance to their ELLs (Math Solutions, 2009). This paper will discuss the challenges English Language Learners face while trying to learn mathematics. A lot of educators share the misconception or myth that because mathematics applies a lot of symbols, then the subject is not associated or connected to any culture or language (Haynes, 2011). A majority of educators also supposed that mathematics is ideal for facilitating the changeover of recent immigrant learners into English instructions. To their disbelief, language has a significant role in learning mathematics. Educators apply language so as to explain mathematical ideas, as well as carry out mathematical procedures. When solving mathematical problems, students use specialized vocabulary such as subtraction, addition, sum and addend. Mathematics researchers have discovered that learners widen their math understanding through using languag e, as well as echoing on the concepts, which will cement their understanding. When students discuss their mathematical reasoning, it can assist them in improving their capability of reasoning logically (Haynes, 2011). The challenge or hurdle of teaching math to these ELLs lies not just in making mathematics comprehensible to the learners, but also in making sure that the learners have the language required to understand/interpret instructions. The challenge also lies in the fact that is it tedious to assist ELLs to express their understanding of mathematical concepts both in writing and orally (Math Solutions, 2009). English Language Learners have a duty of learning content, as well as English as a second language, at the same time. It is, therefore, difficult for them to understand both the content, as well as language objectives. Language can never occur if ELLs center only on subject matter, and same is the case for content knowledge. It can never occur if ELLs center only on und erstanding the English language. Another challenge that ELLs might face while studying mathematics is trying to understand unknown vocabulary. For instance, English Language Learners might become puzzled during a discussion or debate in case the math vocabulary has diverse meanings in its daily application. Such words include even, function and odd among others (Math Solutions, 2009). The ELLs might also be puzzled further than before when a similar math operation is signaled with various math terms for instance plus, and, add, sum or combine. A phrase such as "left" will be confusing to an ELL when used in a mathematical operation to ask how many individuals are "left". The ELL might confuse this left – remain – with the directional left. The phrases "whole" and "sum" also can create confusion since they carry nonmathematical homonyms – hole and some (Simmons, 2012). Another challenge is with a partial understanding of grammar and syntax. For instance, mathemat ical queries are frequently set in a language, which makes the problem difficult or unclear for the student. Such matter is explained below: John bought four bags of mangoes with eight mangoes in each bag. How many mangoes did John buy? The above problem employees both present and past participles of the irregular verb "to buy" in a single question. This might be difficult for an ELL to understand since they are not well in English. Another

Greenwashing Case Essay Example for Free

Greenwashing Case Essay â…  .Introduction An appreciation for environmental protection has matured steadily in recent decades. With increasing concerns over the environment comes an increasing popularity of greenwashing. Consequently, companies whose actions do not match their environmentally-friendly promotions may mislead consumers in terms of the environmental benefits of a product or service. This essay explores possible reasons of the visible boom in greenwashing and claims that Nike, a sportswear and equipment supplier, deserves the accusation of greenwashing. â… ¡.Reasons for Greenwashing Clearly, the widespread popularity of greenwashing arises in the pursuance of reputation and sales. A recent survey conducted by Advertising Age indicates that 78% of customers prefer eco-friendly corporations to companies that are reckless with the environmental issue (Berkeley Media Studies Group 2008, p.2). The result of this survey serves as an incentive for companies to greenwash. Moreover, greenwashing definitely yields fruitful results for these companies. In a survey conducted by Landor Associates, BP, a corporation being accused of greenwashing, is considered to be more environmentally friendly than its counterparts, with its voters surpassing that of Shell by 6 per cent (Solman 2008, p.24). Most importantly, greenwashing helps BP promote sales from 2004($192 billion) to 2006($266 billion) (Solman 2008, p.24). With such a prime example of greenwashing, no wonder other companies follow in BPs footsteps. â… ¢.Nike’s official claims Nike claims that it regards environmental protection and humane management as part of their corporate responsibility. Primarily, several claims are made regarding environmental content of its products. Nike claims that T-shirts it sells in the US contain 3 per cent organic cotton and 90 per cent of its shoes are free from toxic glues, cleaners and solvents (Beder 2002, p.25). On top of that, it asserts that it eliminates the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from its shoes (Beder 2002, p.27). Furthermore, it also advertises regarding good working conditions and happy workers in a Vietnamese factory (Beder 2002, p.25). â… £.Analysis of Claims It is doubtful whether Nike really produces clothes with 3 per cent organic cotton and 90 per cent of shoes are without toxic glues, cleaners and solvents. Rather than manufacturing its own products, Nike is only responsible for designing and marketing them and there is no supervision of the manufacturing process (Beder 2002, p.27). Furthermore, in order to promote credibility, Nike has the claim endorsed by United Nations. However, it turns out that United Nations do no monitoring of the claim made by Nike, either (Beder 2002, p.26). Consequently, Nike has no certification for this claim it makes. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the official claim regarding the environmental-friendly content in sportswear will be more than empty rhetoric. Due to the lack of valid evidence and certification, Nike’s claim considering the sportswear’s content commits the â€Å"sin of no proof† (TerraChoice 2007, p.8). Nike’s claim regarding PVC-free shoes may not be a true reflection of the fact. In a press conference, Soon after Nike’s repeated assurance regarding the PVC-free shoes, Greenpeace (a reliable organization against PVC) has claimed that Nike’s search for an alternative substitute for PVC have barely begun (Beder 2002, p.27). Given the fact that research has not lasted long, it is very unlikely that Nike is manufacturing shoes that are free from PVC, which makes this claim turn out to be a false claim. Nike commits the â€Å"sin of fibbing† (TerraChoice 2007, p.9) . Inconsistent with its advertisement, workers may not be so happy and contented in the Nike’s factory since Nike is definitely unkind to them. Nike is deceptive regarding comfortable working conditions. Specifically, in Vietnamese Nike plants, workers are exposed to carcinogens at 177 times safe levels and paid $10 for a 65-hour work per week (Beder 2002, p.27). Such differences between Nike’s claims and its behaviors are called bluewashing, which is categorized as one kind of greenwashing. Bluewashing refers to corporations that wrap themselves in the flag of human rights and labor rights, while their actions are quite otherwise (Corpwatch 2001, p.2). Furthermore, there is no uniform definition of happiness. Not only does the company misuse workers, it also makes a vague commitment because happiness is a feeling that varies from person to person. Such ambiguity proves that Nike commits the â€Å"sin of vagueness† (TerraChoice 2007, p.9). â… ¤.Counter-Arguments While Nike fails to realize certain official claims, it improves the environment and sustainability. Specifically, Nike claims that materials used in shoeboxes are 100% recycled and these shoeboxes weigh 10% less than those made up of non-recyclable paper (Stoner 2006, p.4). Nike helps alleviate deforestation by using recycled materials, thereby contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection. On the other hand, while Nike spends $1.13 billion on advertising and promoting the reputation of its products in 2003, it only donates $100,000 since 1998 to education programs for Nike workers. Compared with charity, it seems that much more funds are invested in advertising. The endeavor to greenwash far outweighs the effort to assume social responsibility. Hence, Nike is still greenwashing. â… ¥.Conclusion Overall, this paper reports that there are some reasons for companies to greenwash and even though Nike makes some effort to protect the environment, it has every reason to be accused of greenwashing. The reasons for most companies whose actions do not conform to their environmentally-friendly claims are simple: the pursuits of profits and goodwill. Despite Nike’s contribution towards environmental conservation and sustainability, several official claims regarding working conditions of employees and raw materials of products lack of evidence and clarity. Owing to the proliferation of greenwashing, customers should consider the environmental impact rather than advertising and packaging when shopping. â… ¦.References Beder S, 2002, ‘Putting the Boot In’, The Ecologist, April, pp. 24-28. Berkeley Media Studies Group, 2008, ‘Food Marketers Greenwash Junk Food’, Adweek, March, pp.1-3 CorpWatch, 2001, ‘Greenwash Fact Sheet’, CorpWatch, pp.1-2 Solman G, 2008, ‘Coloring Public Opinion?’, Adweek. January.14, pp22-24 Stoner C, 2006, ‘Corporate Greenings: Nike’, Peakinsight, pp. 1-13 TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc. 2007, ‘The Six Sins of Greenwashing’, November, pp.1-12