Clinical Trials Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Clinical Trials - Essay Example The investigator is also responsible for their designated treatment or intervention. After the trial, outcomes are measured. Observational studies, on the other hand, are observation only of the individuals and measuring of outcomes by the investigator. In participating to a clinical trial, human subjects must be informed of its pros and cons. Among the pros of clinical trials are the following: the participants will be able to play an active role in their health care, they will be the first one to access to new research treatments before it becomes widely available, participants will be entitled to obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during the trial, and they will help others by participating to the medical research. Investigator must also inform the participants of the consequences such as possible occurrence of unpleasant, serious, or life threatening reactions during experiments, ineffective experimental treatment for the participant, and protocol comple xity requiring more time and attention of participants. Although there are standard protocols for a clinical trial, ethical concerns cannot be avoided. Issues regarding confidentiality of information and beneficence might be violated.

Hostility and aggression Essay Example for Free

Hostility and aggression Essay This tells the audience automatically that when he feels he has no power against his family he tries to prove himself so that he would get recognised for his qualities of being a man. So therefore he proves his manliness by showing Rodolpho a few passes of boxing, but really show that he is man but Rodolpho isnt. He shows Rodolpho some boxing to make him and everyone understand that if you want to be a man you need to know how to fight. It was also as if Eddie had purposely asked Rodlopho to try a bit of boxing so that Eddie could hit him, but instead make it seem accidental. From this part the tension starts to build up between Eddie Rodolpho and Marco. The final idea Eddie would consider as manliness id for his name to be respected. He is very dominant over his name and doesnt like to be seen as a bad person. I want my name! (Page 82) Eddie is extremely protective over his reputation in his neighbourhood as he would hate for anyone to make him out as a bad person or anything that would destroy his existent in his community. Eddie is a forceful, energetic and obsessive character, but he is also a character who can show warmth and some generosity. It is obvious throughout the play that he has unnatural feelings for his niece Catherine as he lays down the rules for her not to expose herself. Eddie always comments on the clothes she wears as if they were inappropriate for anyone to see but him. where you goin all dressed up? (Page 13) Rodolphos manliness is completely different to Eddies Standard of manliness. Rodolphos manliness doesnt really measure up to Eddies as they both have very different qualities. Eddie has many different things that he considers to be manly, and feels that Rodolpho does not conform to his idea of masculinity because he can cook, sing and make dresses. Rodolpho is a young man who is seemed to be attracted by Catherine. We know this because he explains his wonderful features, in a conversation with Beatrice. hes a good-lookin fella (Page 34) His sense of humour is not missed in this play, we can tell that hes quite funny and is on the good side of a lot of people except Eddie. This is because Rodolpho is man of many talents, such as he can cook, sing and make dresses. When any of these are mentioned around Eddie he makes it sound as if as if Rodolpho isnt a man but a homosexual. Eddie tries to humiliate Rodolpho informant of Catherine to make Rodolpho look bad because he isnt a typical man so Eddie tries to insults him by being sarcastic. Eddie may come across as not liking Rodolpho as a person, but it is obvious that the only reason he doesnt like him is because of his talents, he sneers at Rodolphos Talents as if he is jealous because he and Catherine have taken a shine to each other. He also feels quite envious of Rodolpho because Catherine doesnt care about Rodlphos manliness but only of the things that really matter such as the personality. Rodolpho shows a romantic quality towards Catherine, as soon as he entered the play they had fallen in love with one another. Eddie feels Rodolphos doesnt love Catherine, but is putting on an act to become an American citizen. Katie, hes only bowin to his passport. (Page 41) Catherine thinks this is untrue and believes that he truly loves her, and that hed never do anything like that. Rdodlphos and Catherines love is very powerful and is quite genuine. My heart dies to look at you. (Page 61) Rodlphos character is made known through his caring personality. He is thoughtful, sensitive and is an intelligent person who feels a sense of responsibility for those who he loves. Rodolphos idea of manliness is to provide for Catherine and support her through everything. Hed hate to see her suffering for him. How can I bring you from a rich country to suffer in a poor country? (Page 60) This implies that Rodolpho is worried for Catherines welfare if they lived in Italy. We can tell that he really wants to provide for her but feels he wont be able to because of the lack of jobs that are offered in Italy. So hed rather work hard in America to earn money so that he could support and provide for Catherine. We work hard, well work all day all night___ (Page 29) Rodolpho and his brother will do anything to get some money as they are desperate to provide their family back in Italy. They would rather work all night than do nothing at all for their family. This proves that they are very loyal to their families and when trouble strikes they always find a way through it. Rodolphos and Eddies manliness are very different. Between Eddie and Rodolpho, Rodolphos manliness does not measure up to Eddies standard as he all about being relaxed and calm, whereas Eddie is mainly about being powerful and being able to fight. They are two very different characters which are shown and articulated in loads of different ways, but mainly through their manliness. Marcos character is very powerful and he really shows his masculinity but you can see the clear difference between himself, Eddie and Rodolpho. Marco is a conventional man who thinks traditionally about how to support his wife and kids. Marco is seen as the strongest of the two brothers as he likes to defend his family if any sort of remark is made. For example when Eddie comments about how his wife will be unfaithful during his time away. I mean, you know-they count the kids and theres a couple extra than when they left? (Page 52) Marco responds very quickly and results by saying No-No the women wait, Eddie-most most very few surprises. (Page 52) This suggests that Marco can get aggressive over remarks like this but strides past it as he has a strong sense of responsibility to his family. Marco has a duty to his family whilst hes in America. Hes earning money for them so that they are able to eat as they are quite poor at the moment. Marco knows it was a risk arriving illegally to America but he thought about it and done what he thought was the best for his family. Marco shows he is responsible and always thinks before he acts. Marco doesnt really come across as the main character but more of an antagonist of the play. He hardly shows aggression unless he feels his family are getting exploited. Marco really feels the hurt when Eddie takes advantage of Rodolpho, so hes raged with anger about their boxing match. Marco then challenges Eddie to lifting a chair as some sort of revenge, to show Eddie up. [Marco face to face with Eddie a strained tension gripping his eyes and jaw, his neck stiff, the chair raised like a weapon over Eddies head] (Page 58) Marco challenges Eddie to see is he is a man like he insulted Rodolpho of not being a man. This shows that Marco is very defensive over his brother Rodolpho, it symbolises Marcos impending judgement and punishment, anticipates the way in which Marco, rather that Rodolpho, is to become Eddies main opponent. This proves that they are a very protective family who all look out for each other. Marcos Ideas of manliness is expresses very conventionally. Marco is a family man and came to America to earn money to support them. What can I do? The older one is sick in his chest. My wife-she feeds them from her own mouth. I tell you the truth, If I stay there they will never grow up. They eat the sunshine (Page 29) Marco really wants to support his family and feels America is his only option to do that. Marco has proven that hed do anything for his family. Whatever there is, anything (Page 28) All the men in this play have different ideas of manliness. Eddie is far more protective of Catherine than his own wife, he obviously loves Beatrice but not enough if she feels Eddie gives her less attention than Catherine. When am I going to be a wife again Eddie? (Page 36) She really feels unsettled around her husband and wishes he paid less attention to Catherine and more to her. Rodolpho is supportive; hes come over with his brother to earn money and to be able to buy the things hes always dreamed of. When I am rich, and I will buy a motorcycle. (Page 30) coming to America to earn money shows that it will change Rodolphos life, he will be able to buy anything that hes always dreamed of. Marco is the most traditional man, he really shows that he is powerful and a family man, who will always support them. Marco acts very conventionally towards his family, this could be because he may have been brought up this way, to be respectful and always support the wife. Hostility today is viewed upon as abuse, but in the time the play was written hostility was part of a day to day running of peoples lives. Hostility in the play is shown between Eddie and Rodolpho. When Rodolpho and Marco arrive Eddie feels quite insecure about his status in his household. Eddie tries hard to keep his status of being the man of the house whilst Rodolpho and Marco are around. Eddie is very hostile towards Rodolpho because he thinks he is a homosexual. Marco knows Eddie feels this way about Rodolpho, but doesnt quite understand why hed feel this way about a member of his family. Marco is very unhappy about this and so this then creates the aggression in the play. From the arrival of Rodolpho and Marco, various conflicts between Himself and Eddie have resulted in which Marco demonstrating his masculinity over Eddie. This then makes Eddie feel quite threatened and anxious. Eddie calls Rodolpho Danish rather than by his name to make fun of his appearance. Now, watch out, here I come, Danish! (Page 57) Eddie is mocking Rodolphos appearance because its not a typical mans appearance. Eddie refers to Rodolpho as Danish because he has blue eyes and blonde hair, but in other words a homosexual. This is an example of where Marco feels the anger of Eddie exploiting his Brother. It is also an example of where the hostility is clearly shown between Rodolpho and Eddie, and so this is where aggression is used between Marco and Eddie. Marco then demonstrates later his manliness to make Eddie nervous and regretful of his earlier actions towards Rodolpho. In the play a view from the Bridge the women are treated unfairly, and are constantly mocked by Eddie. The play also shows how Beatrice and Catherine are abused through verbal violence by eddies constant stereotyping. The way Beatrice and Catherine are indentified id through their aggression, they are no the sort of characters who show their aggression a lot but only when the tension starts to build when Rodolpho falls in love with Catherine, which is what Eddie finds hard to deal with. Beatrice is one of the very caring characters of the play, she is always there for everyone and this is one thing that Beatrice gets mocked for by her husband Eddie. He says to her Im just worried about you, thats all Im worried (page 61) this suggests that Eddie has got tight grips on her and that she should stop being caring and nice to people. Beatrice is always in the middle of any arguments and ends up being the mediator, but at the same time shes always trying to please her husband so he treats her the way she wants to be treated. Beatrice is always tied between her Husband and everyone else. This implies that Eddie has a lot of control over her and he has trained her well as being his wife. Eddie feels that he needs to mock Beatrice to feel a sense of power. Catherine is a young lady who is growing up to be a woman. She has met the man of her dreams and wants to marry him, but theres only one thing stopping her, Eddie. Eddie has brought up Catherine like a daughter but has experienced feelings for her that are unnatural which he and Catherine cant quite understand. Eddie has looked after Catherine for so long that he has developed a possessiveness over her. He has become overprotective and is unable to let go of her after all the years he has taken care of her. When Catherine comes home and explains what she thinks is good news to Eddie and Beatrice, Eddie is furious over how she could take a job without his permission. I should take the job at the end of the year (Page 18) she explains how much good it will be for her but he just keeps going on about how young she is and is only still a child. This shows that Eddie is not yet ready to let go of Catherine but if he doesnt she will disown him and then he would probably never see her again. Eddie has shown that he is quite a controlling man and also that he has a caring side to him but it is expressed through his anger by him being very manipulative towards his wife Beatrice and nice Catherine.

An Inspector Calls By J.B Priestley :: English Literature:

An Inspector Calls By J.B Priestley An Inspector calls beings with the Birling family celebrating Shelia's engagement to Gerald Croft, Mr Birlings friends son. In the beginning of the play the light is 'pink and intimate' until the unexpected arrival of the Inspector we find the light change symbolises start of an investigation put under the spotlight, being brought out of their own world into reality. The inspectors arrival is unexpected to the family 'some trouble about a warrant' Mr Birlings first thought to what the arrival of the inspector might be and shrugs it as if their could be no greater concern. The inspector explains his reason of why he is here. The inspector starts to question Mr Birling the head of the family. The inspector asks how Eva Smith was apart of Mr Birlings work. Mr Birling explains his involvement with Eva Smith of how she worked for him and asked for a pay rise and was fired from her job by Mr Birling. After the questioning of Mr Birling the inspector questions Shelia who is shown to an innocent girl, we out find after the questioning that it was Shelia who had Eva Smith fired from her second job because of her jealousy over Eva Smith. After revealing her involvement she starts to blame herself. But the inspector tells her that it wasn't her who made her commit suicide. At the end of act one we find Gerald in a sign of recognition when he hears the name Daisy Renton (Eva Smith's second name when she changed it to find herself a second job). Before the closing of the first act we see Shelia question Gerald where had he known Eva Smith. Gerald explains that he had known her from last summer. We see the irony when Shelia says 'I don't believe I will. (Half playful, half serious, to Gerald.) So you be careful.' She laughs at the fact that the 'important work' Gerald was at last summer was probably knows that Gerald was having an affair. After act one we find the irony of what was said by Gerald 'You seem to be a nice well-behaved family-' and Mr Birlings reply 'Well we think we are'. The exit of Eric shows us that there is more to Eric's involvement than the others which is hidden in Act one until the end because of his drunkenness the inspector leaves him last to be questioned. At the end of act one the audience is left at suspense when Gerald is approached by the inspector we find a great intensity

A Case of Buddhism

Buddhism continues to exert a fundamental influence on the cultures of the world and also play a leading role in the contemporary affairs of the world. This paper draws on the understanding that the humanistic aspect of world encompasses problems that are said to be evil from the religious perspective and the fundamental objective of the religion amid these human problems is to provide solutions in relation to the absolute. As such, a manifold of worldly problems today; economic justice, insecurity and peace, human rights and protection of the environment call for the universal corporation of the human as well as religion in solving them.Towards obtaining solutions for these human problems, Buddhism as a religion build on their belief system to establish helpful ideas that touch on and are related to the absolute. Essentially, the relevant sphere of action focus on the pedestal of humans understanding that the world poses characteristics of humanity and in a collective sense, individ ual Buddhists as human beings face these problems within the nature as the physical environment.With this principle in focus, Buddhism effort to solve the problems for human by drawing from the divine provision and agency between the supernatural realms, the human beings as well as the natural environment that humans operate in. Introduction The central idea behind the problems in the world encompass the larger perspective of humanism and towards solving the resultant problems, Buddhism focuses on the stipulated divine agencies.Considered to be on of the world major religion, Buddhism adheres to religious tenets that typify it as a religion in addressing concerns that rise in the physical world. In so doing, Buddhism understands that a universal humanitarianism is an essential component towards solving global problems. As such, compassion is regarded among the pillars of world peace. Accordingly, Buddhism draws on its several doctrines and belief system to embrace the concept of abs olute set of values which in the very least serve as guiding absolute ethical principles.In addition, the position of the life after death, which is a post mortem kind of existence guides how Buddhism as a religion helps its members to understand the numerous human problem and strike a balance in approaching the very problems in a bid to solve them As a result, the question of evil is highly addressed in the attempt to understand the many human problems where the future of Buddhist in life after here contends the approach used in solving the human problems. Historical Overview of Buddhism The history of Buddhism spans the 5th century BCE to the present 21st century.Obviously, the birth of Gautama Siddhartha, famously referred to as Buddha, in Ancient India marked the beginning of Buddhism because, he grew up to evolve Buddhism into a religion that spread through central, Southern and East Asia. Warren (2007) asserts that the history of Buddhism is typified by the development of seve ral schism and religious movements such as Mahayana, Thervada and Vajravana traditions. Buddha founded Buddhism after asceticism and meditation which sparked him to establish a path of moderation that sought to move away from the extreme modes of life of self mortification and self indulgence.Scholars argue that after Buddha attained divine enlightenment when he was seated under the papal tree, he managed to leverage the ruler of the Magadha who was an emperor and made him accept Buddhism as his personal faith. This incidence allowed for the establishment of the numerous Buddhist Viharas that later spread through the entire Asia into well established Buddhism (Herman, 2003). Before his death, Buddha instructed his followers to embrace the doctrine and teachings of Dharma in order to avoid the problem of this world and attain supremacy in life after death.These instructions from Gautama laid the foundation for the absolute ethical and divine principle, that prescribes the present rul es of discipline and community living that characterizes Buddhism (Warren, 2007). On these tenets, Buddhism developed into a world’s religion that took great pains in addressing the problems of humans through transmitting the teachings of Buddha in the most accurate form. Koslowski (2001) agrees that the Buddhist follow the ideas and practices of Buddha; a concept that has developed from early Buddhism to the present Buddhism.Bearing in mind that the first followers of Buddha were as homeless as their teacher, they wandered all over receiving material gifts of food from lay people and ended up settling in the outskirts of cities and town to mainly teach the laity about the meditative way of life that Buddha taught. Accordingly, it becomes evident that the Buddhist community has for so many years regarded the teachings of Gautama as the enlightened teachings that should be used to seek divine intervention.Alexander (2008) outlines that the basic teachings of Buddha touched on the animate and inanimate phenomena that poses three features of being unsatisfactory, impermanent and lacking an abiding value. In light of this, these characteristics have been applied to the human sphere to evoke the picture of sufferings (dukkha), ageing and death (jar-maraa) as well as the absence of the soul (anatt) to illuminate the rationale for human problems and the hitherto solution that attribute to the absolute (Diederik, 1999).Problems for Humans in the World and the Solutions of Regarding the Absolute Realm To understand the problem of human within the context of Buddhism leads us to understanding the relation that exist between Buddhism and Humanism. According to Keown (2000), it is definite that humanism opposes the religious tenets of Buddhism and the important point in focus arises in light of understanding the way religion interprets problems that humans face in the world.Incorporated in the self infused belief systems of dharma, Buddhism holds on the concept of law and norm as opposed to the western religion that upholds the concept of God. In this contradictory framework, the contemporary society faces similar problems and Buddhism stick to the natural laws of compassion to address these universal problems. Minnich (2008) postulates that problems originating for the social, political, economic, cultural and technological paradigms, can succinctly be solved through a concise framework of values and beliefs which are considered absolute.With regard to this, these values invoke the supernatural forces in a more concise ways because they involve ethical rule that do not attract rational inquiry or rather are they completely relativistic. To illustrate, members of the Buddhism community employ moral approaches towards solving their problems in a criterion that is considered as more satisfying because, viewed from a cultural and ethical perspective, the Buddhist understand the role of applied ethics as an obligation that can help them to execut e the good for both the individual and the larger society(Warren, 2007).To reinforce this argument, the solutions to the human problems in the absolute sense the question of hereafter is well catered for and Buddhists are obligated to do good for the society and individuals so that they may be reborn in order to attain a state of holiness or purity. These supernatural elements make Buddhism to ignore the concept of God but still satisfy the condition of absolute thus addressing the contemporary problems of humans (Freeman, 2007). It is plausible to argue that the major problem of humans within the perspective of Buddhism is the nature of being evil which comes through the process of constant becoming.Pandey (2008) postulates that evil forms a perpetuation of illusions by aspects of humanity and doing what is unethical. As such, many humans face a manifold of problems due to their ignorance in perceiving that the devoid of self, is impermanent and thus leading to constant sufferings. Whether this is manifested through lack of peace, constant warfare, negative effects of technology on value systems and environmental challenge, it is imperative to note that the problems narrows down to what is inarguably referred to as ignorance in perceiving life through the three characteristics of importance, suffering and self indulgence.Essentially, the summation of these factor focus on suffering to be problem of human in the world and as Buddha proclaimed, life that exist in evil yields constant sufferings (Fasching, 2008). According to Warren (2007), the noble truth of suffering encompass the holistic life such that aspects of birth, sickness, aging death, sorrow, despair, associating with what is evil all amounts to problems of suffering which characteristically borders the angle of evil and lack of moral tenets as manifested in current worldly problems.Keown (2000) further agues that the defilement of the mind unquestionably combine with aspects of life to yield sufferi ng and within the angles of absolute solutions, Buddhism seeks to alleviate sufferings and enhance a value system that will not only reduce the instances of humans suffering but also being rewarded by rebirth. Significantly, problems such as greed (raga), aversion (dvesha) and ignorance (avidya) are all products of defiled mind.In addition, they are products of human desire to experience existence at a personal level and as selfishness and egoism is an illusory effect of desires and defiled minds, selfish human perpetuate the desire for personal existence and benefits; a actor that lead to constant suffering. Buddhism attempts to solve this fundamental problem by enforcing moral, ethical and value systems enshrined in the teachings and beliefs of the Buddha (Warren, 2007). Evaluation of Buddhism All the factors of our lives subsist in a complex of human mutual causality.As a conscience, our problems, succinctly perceived by the Buddhists as sufferings, are favored by the interplay o f delusion, aversion and perpetual craving that come up due to the lack of poor understanding of roles in the society (Warren, 2007). In essence, humans create a self bondage through forms of reifying as well as holding onto what is naturally transient and contingent. In light of this , Pandey (2008) primarily describes that the problems of human are endemic and so is suffering but the role of religion is to provide a platform that addresses the problems through a situation of eternal rewards that come after death.Essentially, although sufferings is endless, it can be stopped or rather reduced and towards achieving this solutions, Buddhism emphasis on the need to see the true nature as a phenomenon, which radically forms the human interdependence. Solutions packed for the human problems in the world can be achieved if human cleanse their perception through meditation and maintain purity of conscience through an acceptable moral conduct (Warren, 2007).This intuitive approach limits i ts practicality to the absoluteness of values and beliefs which yields a concrete interconnectedness of all things in life and irrespective of the problem or the nature of the problem, the doctrines of Buddhism offers clear ways of understanding deep complicated platform of various social economic, cultural, political and technological links that connects with the life of the human being and others. As a result, the reciprocities of thought and action as well as universe and self direct the individual to uphold meditation, correct moral conduct and purity of conscience (Diederik, 1999).Moreover, it invokes criticism that as the world and life correlate to the aspects of human consciousness and mentality and this distinctive feature attracts many humans to be endowed with the capacity to choose their destiny. Warren (2007) argues that it is on this conceptualization that human life is considered as a privilege that comes with no price and the practices of Buddhism emphasizes on medit ation which gives the individual an opportunity to understand his human existence and seize the opportunity to uphold the value system and make the society a better place for all.Significantly, the vision of Dharma enhances the fact the humans in the world can be always alive with consciousness, thus providing an inspiration that is powerful for the healing of lives in the world. In the arising world with numerous problems, the Buddhist system of belief helps humans to see important aspects of life such as the deep interconnectedness in the web of life as well as the distinctiveness of human beings together with the ability to choose.In light of this, it becomes clear that this approach of life and religious practice facilitates a process where human beings are relived of their human loneliness and arrogance (Warren, 2007). Conclusion From the forgoing discussion, it is evident that Buddhism continues to exert a fundamental influence on the cultures of the world and also play a lead ing role in the contemporary affairs of the world. A manifold of worldly problems today; economic justice, insecurity and peace, human rights and protection of the environment call for the universal corporation of the human as well as religion in solving them.Towards obtaining solutions for these human problems, Buddhism as a religion build on their theory and perspective to establish helpful ideas that touch on and are related to the absolute. The central idea behind the problem s in the world encompass the larger perspective of humanism and towards solving the resultant problems, Buddhism focuses on the stipulated divine agencies. Considered to be on of the world major religion, Buddhism adheres to religious tenets that typify it as a religion in addressing concerns that rise in the physical world.Evil forms a perpetuation of illusions by aspects of humanity and dong what is unethically not accepted. As such, many humans face a manifold of problems due to their ignorance in percei ving that the devoid of self, is impermanent and thus leading to constant sufferings. Buddhism seeks to alleviate sufferings and enhance a value system that will not only reduce the instance of humans suffering but also being rewarded by a rebirth. Reference Alexander, J (2008). Responding to Religious Absolutism. London: Routledge Diederik, V (1999). World Views and The Problem of Synthesis. Cambridge: CUP Fasching, D (2001). Comparative Religious Ethics.London: Blackwell Books Freeman, R (2007). The Search for Absolute Values in the Changing World: A Perspective of Buddhism. Oxford: OUP Herman, C (2003). Participatory Learning and Religious Education in Globalizing Society. London: Brill Press Keown, D (2000). Contemporary Buddhist Ethics. London: Routledge Koslowski, P (2001). Overcoming and Understanding Evil and Suffering in the World. New York: Springer Books Minnich, V (2008). Investigation of Self Human Environment. Texas: Global Books Pandey, C (2008). Ecological Perspectiv es in Buddhism. New York: Readworthy Press Warren, M (2007). Worlds Religion. Belmont CA: Wordsworth

Similarities Between Men and Women

Sociology of Women October 18th, 2012 Are men and women more similar or different from each other? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each position? If not a gender dichotomy (male/female), then what? Can we unlearn, as a culture, the ins and outs of gender? Is gender a question of exclusion or is it a question of difference? Women and Men are more similar than people believe them to be. People focus on the evident physical differences we see on a daily basis in men and women.Women are commonly described to have breasts, a vagina, and are considered more â€Å"voluptuous† or curvy than men, Whereas men are known for their manly tools, their penis, and all the preconceived social and cultural notions that go along with that. However, aside from these minor physical differences men and women are innately the same. Although most people do not realize this, the only legitimate difference that is scientifically proven between men and women is that a woman’s body contai ns two X chromosomes and a man’s contains an X and Y chromosome (Connell, 2012, pg. 1). This biological difference then allows a woman’s body to develop slightly differently to enable reproduction, such as a womb, breasts, and wider pelvis. A man then develops testes but surprisingly both men and women’s genitals come from the same embryonic tissue. In other words biologically a penis and clitoris, scrotum and labia, come from the exact same starting place, and until people age these physical characteristics aren’t drastically visibly different (Connell, 2012, pg. 52).One of the most ridiculous arguments about the differences between men and women comes back to our hormones. Many people are taught the differences between men and women throughout popular culture and education but not similarities. We are taught that our gendered bodies do not share any of the same physical characteristics. Men should be buff, taller, and able to do more in terms of strengt h while women should be graceful, dainty, caregivers that are objects to look at. Most people are unaware of all the commonalities that men and women share.In fact our hormones function in the same ways, and there are not â€Å"male† or â€Å"female† hormones. The difference is the levels and patterns our hormones take on. Men generally have higher levels of androgens such as testosterone whereas women have higher levels of reproductive organs at certain points. What most people are unaware of is that the same reproductive hormones present in women also work in men to enable the process of sperm production (Women's Studies Collective, 2005, pg. 87). There is a huge overlap in the levels and process our bodies take on.As explained in the text, â€Å"Even in early adulthood the physical characteristics of males and females as a group overlap extensively† (Connell, 2009, pg. 52). Height is used as an example, because adult men are generally slightly taller than adu lt women, but the variety of heights within each biological group is large, in relation to the average difference. Many argue that the build of a man and a woman are completely different. It is true that men on average grow about 10 to 15 percent larger than females and tend to have more upper body strength, but in comparison to other mammals the margin is slim.Universities across the United States are providing new research that suggests it was similarities among men and women of our early ancestors, not differences which helped early humans evolve to become the dominant species that we are. To understand the similarities of men and women you must understand that sex is a biological categorization based primarily on reproductive potential, whereas gender is the social elaboration of biological sex. Not surprisingly, social norms for heterosexual coupling and care of any resulting children are closely intertwined with gender.But that is far from the full story. Gender builds on biol ogical sex, but it exaggerates biological difference, and it carries biological difference into domains in the world which it is completely irrelevant. There is no biological reason, for example, why women should take more delicate roles in the world and men should dominate in society, or why women should have red toenails and men should not, but as we consider sex as biological and gender as social, this difference is not clear-cut.Men and women require the same types of emotional and physical care from the time of birth to adulthood, in order to remain healthy and functioning members of society. Both male and female brains are exactly the same. An argument that is commonly seen about the male and female brain is that on average a man’s brains grows for a bit longer and are a bit larger than females, but aside from the slight size difference both a male and females brain can function the same way. Size does not relate to function. Both men and women go through life trying to fulfill a desire to have emotional connections with others.Whether these are positive or negative emotional connections based on the persons experiences, men and women still try to fulfill the same voids. Men and women also require the same physical care from birth to adulthood. Both men and women need to be physically cared for in order to survive. Men and women both require the basic needs to have food, water, shelter, and personal hygiene in order to maintain their health. Without one of these things either sex could die. This is explained clearly is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which explains that you satisfy your biological needs before your personal and social needs.According to Maslow, when it comes to satisfying your needs, you begin at the bottom of the needs hierarchy, with physiological needs, and then work your way toward the top. Every level on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs explains needs that both men and women require such as Level 1-Physiological needs: Food, water, sex, and sleep, Level 2-Safety needs: Protection from harm, Level 3- Love and belonging needs: Affiliation with others and acceptance by others, Level 4-Esteem needs: Achievement, competency, gaining approval and recognition, Level 5- Self-actualization: Fulfillment of one’s unique potential (Plotnik ; Kouyoumdjian, 2011, pg. 33). Another huge argument regarding the differences between men and women is sexual behaviors and urges. However, it is becoming more obvious that both men and women have the same sexual desires and urges and it’s becoming more socially acceptable for both man and woman to engage in these behaviors in Western Society. In previous times men were described to have more sexual urges and behaviors than women which excused them from any promiscuous behavior they engaged in. However, if a woman chose to do similar things she ould be shunned and looked down upon because she was being â€Å"too promiscuous† or a â€Å"whore. à ¢â‚¬  Reality is that both men and women have very complex sexual lives, with few major differences. Often time’s differences are seen across sexes because of societal and cultural beliefs within that community. If a woman having sex with more than one partner is considered a sin and dirty in many cultures these instances are kept quiet to keep order. The same goes with a man, but often only men’s sexual tales are spoken of as less sinful.Society proves time and time again to be sexual biased on what is acceptable for men and women. Men and women are both simply results of societal and cultural upbringing. A woman in a Western society versus a Middle-Eastern society would behave differently due to family, beliefs, values, and Religion. Strengths for a man versus a woman are based on personal beliefs. I think that both men and women have too many similarities to not be considered equal, but there are not enough strong-willed women such as myself with the same thought p rocess.Western culture presents men as stronger physically, and ultimately the bread winner, where a woman is considered a caregiver, and delicate. It’s very hard to explain the strengths and weaknesses of two different sexes that are innately the same. A dichotomy is any splitting of a whole into exactly two non-overlapping parts, meaning a gender dichotomy is a procedure in which biological sex is divided into two parts, male and female. Societies around the world use a gender dichotomy to keep order and help better organize and understand sex and gender.Although with how much evidence there is on both man and woman overlapping we have no use for a gender dichotomy, and yet society remains the same to keep gender in order. With the elimination of a gender dichotomy society may eventually be able to see both man and woman as equal, but truth is we are still so far from that. In order to eliminate the separation of biological sex into two parts people would need to unlearn wh at they know about gender, which is far from happening. As a culture to unlearn something mass groups of people need to step forward with new information proving the previous to be wrong.However, feminism is still a growing movement with small numbers, and in order to make social change, sadly enough, we need large numbers of people to explain the facts. If people understood the real depths of feminism and what it entails in a positive way, The Feminist movement could help move forward how people view men and women as more similar than different. Human beings are like sponges for knowledge, and are able to obtain new information to help remove the old, so I am not saying that it is impossible to unlearn the ins and outs of gender, I am simply saying that as most progression does, it will take time.References Connell, R. (2012). Short introductions gender. (2nd ed. , pg. 50-71). Massachusetts, USA: Polity Press. Women's Studies Collective, H. C. (2005). Women's Realities, Women's Cho ices- An Introduction to Women's Studies. (3rd ed. , pg. 85-87). New York, New York: Oxford University Press. Plotnik, R. , ; Kouyoumdjian, H. (2011). Introduction to Psychology. (9th ed. , p. 333). Belmont, CA, USA: Wadsworth- Cengage Learning.

Moving to Hybrid Cars Research Paper Example

Moving to Hybrid Cars Research Paper Example Moving to Hybrid Cars Paper Moving to Hybrid Cars Paper 1.0 Introduction Australia has the largest per capita level of green house gas emissions in the developed world, mainly due to a heavy reliance on coal to generate electricity. Every person contributes 27.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, which is 27 percent higher than that of an average American citizen. (Peatling, 2004) This, included with the constantly rising fuel prices creates an ever increasing demand for more energy efficient and lower pollution level cars. Hybrid cars are a well known solution to the issue however consumer confidence in these cars is extremely low. A hybrid car is a car that can run off two or more sources of fuel, such as petrol, electricity or gas. Hybrid cars have been around for a very long time with the first one being built over one hundred years ago by Porsche. (A Hybrid Car, 2006) The following report is a marketing plan for the introduction of the Nissan Nuvu into the Australian market. The report will give a detailed situation analysis on the current Australia n car industry with specific targeting of the environmentally friendly cars market segment, stating our marketing objectives for the introduction of the Nissan Nuvu and develop a detailed marketing strategy for this product. The Nissan Nuvu is shown in the picture below. Picture: (Hybrid and Electric Cars Shine in Paris, 2008) 3.0 Product Evaluation In order to maximise the marketing of the Nissan Nuvu, the product must be evaluated and analysed on a number of levels. Looking at the elements of a product, its brand name, strengths and weaknesses, aspects of competition products and a number of other factors enables us to price, place and promote the product accordingly in order to achieve optimum success. 3.1 Elements of the Product The Nissan Nuvu can be broken down into three levels; the core, actual and augmented products it offers. 3.1.1 Core The core product is the benefit that consumers obtain when purchasing the product. In this case the core product would be a low-running costs and environmentally-friendly means of transport for city driving. 3.1.2 Actual The actual product is the attributes of the product that combine to convey the core product. The Nissan Nuvu is a short, compact, three seater city car powered by an electric motor. Solar panels are situated on the roof which provides power to the motor and the car is built using an extensive amount of natural, organic and recycled materials. (Lavrinc 2008) 3.1.3 Augmented The augmented product is the package of the actual product and the additional features and services that come with it. For the Nissan Nuvu it is the actual product listed above along with services that would be decided by the actual distributers of the product at the point of sale. Such services are only prospective but would include things like car warranty, car maintenance and servicing for the first 1000kms, home delivery and opportunity of choosing additional features on the car. 3.2 Product Classification The Nissan Nuvu is classified as a consumer good as it is used for personal use and consumption. Under this heading the Nissan Nuvu is categorised as a Specialty product as it is an exclusive product that consumers would make a special effort to obtain, it is very unique at the current time and distribution will almost certainly be exclusive. However in the near future (five to ten years) it is anticipated that there will be a big move to this particular style of car (electric-powered) due to rising oil prices and environmental concerns. In this case the scope of the competition will grow and the Nissan Nuvu will hopefully become a Shopping product that is widely-distributed and also very common and popular. 3.2.1 Product Lifecycle The Nissan Nuvu is still in the product development stage of the product lifecycle as no actual sales have been made and it is still only a concept as commercial production has not yet commenced. 3.2.2 Branding Nissan has an established and well reputed brand name. Many customers value and trust the brand and would be willing to consider the Nissan Nuvu as a new product. The Nissan brand has a number of attributes such as durable and reliable. Nissan claims on its website that it is renowned for excellent engineering and searing handling and dynamics technology (Heritage n.d.). Customers relate benefits to the Nissan brand such as trusting the vehicle to reach the destination without any concerns or problems, not having to buy a new car for an extensive time, having a comfortable and safe way of transport. Values attached to the Nissan brand include durability, comfortableness and reliability. Nissans brand personality would be that it is straight, trustworthy and responsible but also innovative and adaptable. Nissan has reasonable brand equity through almost full awareness in Australia, high perceived quality and an extent of brand loyalty. The label or name of the product Nissan Nuvu, meaning new view gives the product an innovative appeal and implies that it is addressing the needs of tomorrow and providing a credible solution to this. 3.2.3 Comparing to Competition At the current time the only real competitors in the market for a low-running cost city car are hybrid models Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid which run on both a petrol motor and an electric motor (Hybrid Cars 2008). Australia is yet to release a commercially available all-electric car (Start your (electric) engines n.d.). Obviously all other cars and means of transport around a city can be considered as competition but it is rational to look closer at products that aim at a similar market segment and offer similar benefits and attributes. The most prominent competitor is the Toyota Prius which has been commercially available in Australia since 2001 (Sustainability Report 2007). In this time over 5000 units have been sold, 1974 of them in 2006 and 195 in January 2007, a 96% increase on sales in January 2006 (Sustainability Report 2007) showing an increased demand for this particular model. The Toyota Prius is starting to appeal to a growing market but there is certainly room for another product in this market. The Nissan Nuvu has an advantage over such competitors with the extensive use of organic, natural and recyclable materials but also it is even cheaper to run and more environmentally-friendly than the hybrid cars as it has zero emissions. The Nissan Nuvu is currently very unique as it will be the only all-electric car commercially available in Australia. It is anticipated that in the near future the prospect of owning such an eco-friendly car will become more plausible for Australian drivers who at the moment car more for performance and looks in a car and not so much in how economical and environmentally-friendly it is. It is also anticipated that as this becomes the case the number of competitor products will also increase and the product will need to be regularly reviewed and improved to keep an edge on such competitors. 3.3 Strengths and Weaknesses 3.3.1 Strengths * Only all-electric car commercially available in Australia unique * Zero emissions therefore extremely environmentally-friendly * Compact, agile, easy to drive and very easy to park * Roomy interior 3m long, 1.7m tall and 1.55m wide (Lavrinc 2008) * Extremely low running costs * Strong brand name and reputation 3.3.2 Weaknesses * Small market segment opposes Australian culture (generally Australians value performance and/or looks in a car * Customer uncertainty will be first all-electric car 4.0 Consumer Evaluation 4.1 Introduction The hybrid and environmentally friendly car industry is targeting the entire population that purchase cars. However, consumer attitudes in the past towards such cars have been poor, regardless of how high fuel prices go it appears that the uncertainty levels towards these cars will remain high. Hybrid cars as a general rule across western countries account for a very small share of the car market as a result of this lack of confidence. In America, hybrid cars account for only 3 percent of the total car market, although this is increasing with a twenty five percent increase in sales in the last four months. (Zimmerman, 2008) This is somewhat strange because in a recent study hybrid cars have been shown to save the consumer anywhere between $500 to $4500 dollars over a five year period compared to a car running on gasoline, savings are much higher over normal petrol models. (Consumer reports, 2008) This group of consumers can be broken into several, more defined market segments base up on demographic, geographic, psychographic and behavioural characteristics. Each market segment may be marketed to in a slightly different way to maximize efficiency. 4.2 Market Segmentation Market segmentation is the process of dividing a market such as the Australian car market up into segments or groups based on a number of variables. These variables are: 1. Demographic Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on age, sex, family size, family life cycle, income, occupation, education, religion and nationality. 2. Geographic Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on region, city size, density and climate. 3. Psychographic Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on socioeconomic status, values, attitudes, lifestyle groups and personality. 4. Behavioural Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on frequency of purchase, usage rate, loyalty to product or brand, attitude towards product and what their user status is. All of the above ways can be used to segment a market however, not all possibilities are seen as effective ways to manage market segmentation. There are four key characteristics that market segments must have to be successful. The first is measurability and this refers to the extent of which the size of the market segment and the purchasing power of its consumers can be effectively measured. (Market segmentation, n.d.) The second characteristic is accessibility and this measures the extent to which the segment can be targeted effectively with advertising and the product distributed effectively. The third characteristic is substantiality and this simply measures if the segment is large enough to be profitable. The final characteristic is actionability and this measure the extent to which programs can be constructed and carried out to attract and serve the segment as a whole. (Kotler et al, 2006. 217 229) 4.2.1 Segmentation of Australian car market The Australian car industry can be segmented in many ways. On a broad scale you have segments such as large family cars, four wheel drives, small cars and hybrid cars. Within the large segment of hybrid cars comes another group of market segments. These segments can be determined depending on which characteristics are use to classify them. The four types of characteristics are above. 4.2.2 Demographic segmentation Demographic segmentation divides a market up into segments based on age, sex, family size, family life cycle, income, occupation, education, religion and nationality. Demographic segmentation is generally the most common form of segmentation. In general, * Younger people have less disposable income and are fewer worries about safety features and energy efficiency. * Large families require bigger cars so they can transport everyone in the same vehicle and store more luggage. * People with higher disposable income will look at luxury features in cars such and be fewer worries about efficiency. * Occupation can have a direct impact on the sort of car people drive. For example a consultant who drives a large amount of kilometres would want a bigger car which is better on the open road and more comfortable to drive large distances. * Education, religion and nationality are characteristics which are, in general not related to the car industry. 4.2.3 Geographic segmentation Cars can be segmented according to geographic segmentation; this includes variables such as region, city size, density and climate. The main type of geographic segmentation is the difference between country and city living styles. People living in the country generally have larger cars such as sedans and four wheel drives. This is because they are driving larger distances than people living closer to the cbd. In the current economic and environmental climate the general population who live in and around major cities are targeted with smaller, more fuel efficient cars. A great example of the swing to smaller, more fuel efficient cars is evident in the current US market with all major car companies sales decreasing with companies like General Motors, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda. On the other hand the Volkswagen mini increased in sales by 24 percent, which clearly proves a move in consumer demand. (Kiley, 2008) 4.2.4 Psychographic segmentation Cars are in general not segmented using psychographic variables which include socioeconomic status, values, attitudes, lifestyle groups and personality. However variables such as personality may influence a buyers decision process when buying a car. For example a female with a feminine and out there personality may choose a convertible as there car because it suits there personality. 4.2.5 Behavioural Segmentation The Australian car industry is not an industry in which behavioural variables would be considered a primary source of segmentation. Behavioural variables include frequency of purchase, usage rate, loyalty to product or brand, attitude towards product and what their user status is. However loyalty to a specific company can once again play a significant role in the buyers decision process in terms of which company he ultimately goes with. 4.2.6 Consumer segment profiles for hybrid/ electric car market Within the hybrid and electric car market exists a few different market segments. The first market segment is very broad and includes most females between the ages of twenty five and sixty. This market segment contains a large proportion of the total market because females in this age group are the ones who would buy these cars. Young to middle age males are not included at all as a market segment because, in general these people are not at all interested in buying these cars and marketing to them is a waste of resources. However in the future if more attractive cars are made then the male segments of the traditional cars market may be attracted towards more energy efficient cars. 4.3 Analysis of customer behaviour 4.3.1 Types of buying decision behaviour Consumer decision making can vary with the type of buyer decision. More complex decisions are more than likely going to involve more buying participants and more buyer consideration. There are four types of buyer behaviour, they are: * Complex buyer behaviour The buyer is highly involved in the purchasing process and there are significant differences between competing brands. Consumers can be highly involved when the product is expensive, complex or a risky purchase. * Dissonance reducing buyer behaviour Occurs when consumers are highly involved in the purchase because it is risky or expensive and there is very little difference between competing brands. * Habitual buyer behaviour When there is low consumer involvement and there is very little difference between competing brands. * Variety seeking buyer behaviour When there is low consumer involvement but there is a large amount of difference between brands. The hybrid and electric car market would be classified under complex buyer behaviour. This is because there is a high amount of buyer involvement in the decision process because the product is both expensive and can be considered risky. The hybrid and electric cars market because it is relatively new; there are a lot of different products on the market because each company is trying to get a feel for what consumers want. (Kotler et al, 2006. 168) 4.3.2 The buyer decision process The buyer decision process is an analysis of the stages buyers go through to reach a buyer decision. A diagram of the five stages is shown on the right hand side of the document, sourced from (Hurren, 2008). The need recognition stage, put simply, is the buyer recognising a problem or need. Information search is the buyer making the conscious decision to investigate and find more information on a specific product or market. After the consumer has gathered information and reached a conclusion of several final brand choices, the buyer would compare and contrast each to find the most attractive and suitable product for them. After this the purchase decision is made based on a analysis of the brand alternatives. Following the purchase, comes the evaluation of whether the buyer is satisfied or dissatisfied with their purchase decision. The consumer is satisfied when their expectations meet the performance of the product. (Kotler et al, 2006. 169 171) 4.3.3 Types of Purchase decision There are two factors that can influence the purchase decision when buying a car. The first is the attitudes of significant others towards a particular consumers product choice. For example if your girlfriend disapproves of a certain brand then you would be less likely to purchase that particular brand. The second factor is influencing purchase decisions is unexpected situational influences. For instance if you base a purchase decision on expected income, expected cost and expected useful life of product and then you lose your job, this is more than likely going to influence the purchase decision. 4.3.4 Consumption information Consumption information is hard to come by for the Australian market, due to the fact that there is still no electric car on the market. However hybrid cars which are cars using more than one source of fuel, have shown strong increases in demand since coming onto the market. This is evidenced by the Toyota Prius which is a petrol electric hybrid, this year reaching one million in sales, breaking records as the first hybrid to reach this mark.(Kageyama, 2008) There are a number of social influences that have dramatically affected consumption of these cars. The first is the public perception that they do not perform as well as conventional petrol and diesel competitors. However with the ever rising cost of crude oil, consumers are being forced to revaluate the cost of performance. In a recent study in the US, of the population sample surveyed, only 0.65 percent of people had ever owned or currently owns a hybrid vehicle. (Miller, 2005) In America, hybrid cars account for only 3 percent of the total car market, although this is increasing with a twenty five percent increase in sales in the last four months. (Zimmerman, 2008) 4.3.5 Attitudes towards hybrid and electric cars Attitudes towards hybrid and electric cars in the past have been poor. They have been on the market since 1999, with the Honda Insight. This was closely followed by the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic. Attitudes have changed in the past few years with Toyota making the prius more powerful and bigger. (Blake, 2006) However for a long time there has been a perception that they are over priced, ugly and are bot up to scratch with the average vehicle available on the market today. Apart from the Toyota Prius Hybrid and electrical cars are still quite new to the Australian market and their reputation needs to be fixed with well structured marketing plans. 4.3.6 Consumer Benefits of hybrid and electrical cars Hybrid cars, although seen as expensive in comparison to other cars are relatively competitive on price because in a recent study hybrid cars have been shown to save the consumer anywhere between $500 to $4500 dollars over a five year period compared to a car running on gasoline, savings are much higher over normal petrol models. (Consumer reports, 2008) The key benefit of owning a hybrid car should still be the benefit to the environment. The car can do basically everything that a regular petrol car can do and has the above benefits. The key issue in todays market is getting people disregard the general public perception and realise the benefits such a car can offer. 4.3.7 Customer Loyalty Customer loyalty plays a big part in the purchasing process for consumers in todays car market. However in the hybrid and electrical car segment, companies dont have large enough established market shares to enable them target loyal customers in their advertising. Current advertising for this segment is minimal and is mainly used to get more market exposure. In America, hybrid cars account for only 3 percent of the total car market; this is a very small share of the market. (Zimmerman, 2008) 4.3.8 Best consumer prospects The best prospects for hybrid and electrical cars until they become more wide spread are environmentally conscious people and females between the ages of 25 60. This is because these are the people you can target with marketing appealing to their feeling of social responsibility, especially in consideration of the environment. \ 5.0 Competitor Analysis 5.1 Direct and Indirect Competition A direct competition is where two or more products with the same functions compete against each other. On the other hand, an indirect competition is where products which are close substitutes for one another compete. For example, butter competing with margarine. (BusinessDictionary.com n.d.) The Nissan Nuvu is no different from any other automobiles and has a large amount of both direct and indirect competitors. Its direct competitors include hybrid and electrical cars that are produced by other companies. On the other hand, there is also a large number of indirect competitors which include cars of the same size and shape such as the Smart Fortwo and other forms of transport such as motorcycles. One example of its direct competitor is the Toyota Prius developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car which is also capable on running with electricity which is the same as the Nissan Nuvu. The Toyota Prius has been out in the market since 1997 and have already launched three models since its first launch (Toyota Motor Sales n.d.). This has allowed the Toyota Prius to have a stable influence on consumers who would want to purchase an environmental friendly and economical car. 5.2 Strength and Weaknesses One of the strengths of the direct competitors is the capacity as they are mainly 3+1 seaters or more while the Nissan Nuvu would be based as a 2+1 seater instead (Autocar September 8, 2008). The influence of its direct competitors on the market is also much greater as other companies have already released popular hybrid cars long ago such as the Toyota Prius. This would make the consumers to feel safer and more confident to purchase a Toyota Prius over a Nissan Nuvu it is the first car of its concept and not many people are that of risk takers. Not only those, the direct competitors also have a larger distribution area within Australia compared to that of Nissan. They are also putting a lot of effort into the promotion of their respective hybrid models to increase sales. This would definitely give them a larger overall advantage. 5.3 Weaknesses of direct competitors Despite the disadvantages that the Nissan Nuvu has on its direct competitors, it also has advantages over them. One main advantage is the design of the Nissan Nuvu which is futuristic especially in terms of design and price as the Nissan Nuvu has a futuristic design with an all-glass roof covered with solar panels placed in the pattern of leaves on a tree. (Autocar, Sep 9 2008). The Nissan Nuvu is also powered by a single battery pack and does not use hydrogen nor petrol while other hybrid cars still require petrol or hydrogen to allow them to function. This means that the Nissan Nuvu would not emit any CO2 thus making it very environmentally friendly (Alina S. February 2, 2008). Not only that, families nowadays are also very small and usually only have one child and so, this would make the smaller families think that they would not need such a big car with a 3+1 seater. Therefore, the Nissan Nuvus 2+1 seater would be just right for them since it already has enough space for everyday shopping built at the back of the car. (Autocar September 8, 2008). 5.4 Likely major competitors in the future The Nissan Nuvu would be having a large number of major competitors in the future which would include all motor corporations as the world is moving towards the environmentally friendly age. Due to the shift to the environmentally friendly age, all motor corporations are also investing to the research of such hybrid cars. Hence, cheaper environmentally friendly cars would definitely threaten the future of the Nissan Nuvu. 7.0 Marketing Objectives The key marketing objective of this report is to gain the maximum amount of market exposure possible in the first twelve months following the release of the Nissan Nuvu onto the Australian market. 8.0 Marketing Strategies 8.1 Target Markets 8.2 Marketing mix 8.2.1 Product Strategies Product strategies are an essential part of the marketing mix in determining how to market your product. Product strategies take into consideration elements such as branding, packaging and labelling. Branding is the first key element of product strategies. A brand is a name, term sign symbol or design used to identify a certain service or group of products and differentiate them from competitors. The Nissan brand name carries traits such as quality, performance and reliability and has a long history of providing for its customers. The Nuvu is a new and attractive sounding brand name and is easy to say and remember. However this does not guarantee product success. A combination of all four elements of the marketing mix is the best way to achieve success in marketing a product. Packaging includes designing and producing the container or wrapper for a product. However in terms of the car market, packaging is not overly applicable. The only area which comes into packaging is generally the colour options of the car. The Nissan Nuvu will be released in a wide range of colours which will be modern and eye catching in design as well as more tradition colours. Labelling of a product serve s a very simple purpose, which is to help identify the Nissan Nuvu from other cars and further promote the vehicle. 8.2.2 Pricing Strategies 8.2.2.1 Market-share Leadership With the anticipation of an increasing demand for low-running cost and environmentally-friendly cars in the near future it would be in best interests to take a market-share leadership approach to pricing in an attempt to dominate the market now while the market is small in the hope of maintaining a large market share in the future. Influencing factors such as costs of research and development cost of production, competitors pricing, the anticipated demand for such a product and market objectives must be considered when deciding a price for the product. As gaining as much market share as possible is a significant objective, keeping prices at a competitive price is essential in order to penetrate the market as effectively as possible. However at the current time an all-electric car will be unique so there is no actual price to compete against apart from the similar hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid which are priced at $36,500 and $29,990 respectively (Hybrid Cars 2008). Due to the Nissan Nuvu being a unique product a relatively high price would be acceptable, however with the anticipation of a number of competitors entering the market in the near future the price would need to be lowered in order to be more competitive and maintain a strong market share. 8.2.3 Distribution Strategies The Nissan Nuvu, like any other cars undergo Exclusive Distribution as it is a high-priced and upscale merchandise. Exclusive distribution is a retail selling strategy typically used by manufacturers of high-priced, generally upscale merchandise, such as cars (Answers.com n.d.). By using this type of distribution, the Nissan Motors Corporation can ensure that: Only certain dealers have exclusive territorial rights to sell the product. They can control over the way the Nissan Nuvu would be merchandised. They can provide the extensive installation or repair services that are necessary at first hand. They would be able to use their own sales force to sell directly to the consumers. They can maintain the uniqueness of their product. However, the market for hybrid cars is already very intense due to the large amount of car dealer companies within Australia and the large amount of competition with the different brands. Therefore, the Nissan Nuvu would have to be set away from this competition as one of the first zero CO2 emission cars that would only run on a single battery pack powered by either electricity or solar energy. The Nissan Nuvu should also be in a position where it would be known as an ideal economical and environmentally friendly car. As the Nissan Nuvu would be one of the first Electric-Solar Powered cars that do not require hydrogen or petrol to run to hit the market, it would most likely be more popular with environmentally aware consumers who live within the country. This would definitely give the Nissan Nuvu an edge over its competitors. Not only that, the car would also appeal to others especially Generation Y consumers with its unique features and futuristic design. Generation Y consumers are more concerned about the environment and this car would definitely be popular with them as well. Not only that, the future type of families can also be foreseen as a family with a single child which is exactly right for the Nissan Nuvus 2+1 seater. Due to the novelty of the product, we should not follow the past strategies in the distribution of cars to the dealer networks. Instead, we should develop a centralized inventory where the dealer would take orders from the customers and then have the Nissan Nuvu shipped and delivered to the dealership. This centralized distribution network would no doubt result in higher transportation costs, but it would also increase the efficiency of the distribution. Besides that, as one of our main target segment would be the Generation Y, we should also sell the car online where a vehicle would be shipped to the respective dealer when the order is placed online. This would not only increase efficiency in sales and distribution, it would also increase the convenience of the consumers who would want to purchase the car. Customers should also be allowed to customize the car online as different consumers would have different types of budget and taste on how their car should look. As we are currently in the technology age, this way of distributing and selling the car would be effective. By selling the car online, it would not only be effective in the present time, but it would also be effective in the future towards the newer generations as they would all be more technology and internet savvy. This would not only increase the efficiency of sales, it would also be able to penetrate the markets in the future, not only for the Nissan Nuvu, but also for all the other Nissan car models.

Sawing essays

Sawing essays This report is intended to give detailed information about Scotland; its Scotland was and still are inhabited by Scots, whom are descendants of Celtic peoples. A colony of Scots came from Ireland in the sixth century and united with the Picts, the original inhabitants, in the ninth century. Though some historians beleive that the first to live in Scotland were Iberians. They farmed, built ships, and made tools.The Iberians were one of the most ancient European peoples. Therefore, it is possible to say that Iberians were the first to inhabit Scotland. Later on, Celtic invaders entered England at about 600 B.C. and taught the Iberians new skills. The Scots fought against the Vikings in the north and England in the south, for a prolonged time. Feudalism began during the Norman conquest of England in 1066. This led Scots to flee and become refugees. They were given a substantial amount of land and were intoduced into the system of feudalism. At the time, King Malcom gave chartes out to towns and developed a similar parliament to England. Feudalism is a system in which the nobles of the Middle Ages kept ownership of their land. Feudalism controlled politics, financial affairs, government issues, and society. It had reached its height during the 1100's and the 1200's. Then, dramaticaly the system almost disappeared by the end of the 1400's. When Queen Margaret , King Malcom's wife, died in 1290; many Scots competed for the throne. Edward I of England declared one baron. He chose John Baliol as king of Scotland. ...

How to Resolve Awkward Identifying Descriptions

How to Resolve Awkward Identifying Descriptions How to Resolve Awkward Identifying Descriptions How to Resolve Awkward Identifying Descriptions By Mark Nichol Writers often fail to note that a phrase they have constructed to describe a person, place, or thing- one that involves two parallel components, or one component subordinate to another, in sequence- can result in unwieldy strings of nouns functioning as adjectives leading up to a key noun. In each of the following sentences, following a discussion of the problem, such a train of stacked adjectives is uncoupled and rearranged for improved readability in one or more revisions. 1. â€Å"Our idea and concept was to build a small place to entertain our friends and to have some foodies and chef friends around to create new and imaginative dishes,† co-owner chef Stefan Stiller said in a statement. The conjunction and should separate two disparate identifying words or phrases associated with a person’s name: â€Å"‘Our idea and concept was to build a small place to entertain our friends and to have some foodies and chef friends around to create new and imaginative dishes,’ co-owner and chef Stefan Stiller said in a statement.† (A solidus, or slash, could be inserted to separate the terms, but this symbol should be avoided in formal writing.) An alternative is to use the person’s name to divide the identifying terms: â€Å"‘Our idea and concept was to build a small place to entertain our friends and to have some foodies and chef friends around to create new and imaginative dishes,’ co-owner Stefan Stiller, a chef, said in a statement,† However, it would be more appropriate to identify the speaker first as a chef and then as a co-owner. 2. FBI Criminal Investigation Division Deputy Assistant Director John Smith emphasized the potential for both the industry and regulators to benefit by improving collaboration. When a name is preceded by a cumbersome job title, and especially if that is preceded by a reference to the entity by which the person is employed, the information is easier to read if it follows the name and the train of terms is relaxed by beginning with the job title, followed by â€Å"of the† and the entity’s name: â€Å"John Smith, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigation Division, emphasized the potential for both the industry and regulators to benefit by improving collaboration.† (Note that the job title is not capitalized when it does not precede the person’s name.) 3. The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists Fifteenth Annual Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Conference begins on April 1. The same approach is appropriate when the name of a component of an entity or an event presented by an entity is combined with the name of the entity: â€Å"The fifteenth annual Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Conference of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists begins on April 1.† (Note that a reference to how many of these events have been held at regular intervals, such as â€Å"fifteenth annual,† is seldom part of an event’s official designation and therefore is usually not capitalized.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Words for Facial ExpressionsUsed To vs. Use ToWriting a Thank You Note

Global Perspectives on Innovation and Creativity Essay - 2

Global Perspectives on Innovation and Creativity - Essay Example The researcher states that EMC as a corporation is at the forefront has ensured that businesses provide competitive cutting-edge IT services. Through its transformation in cloud computing, EMC has achieved tremendous success in the way it handles information in its IT departments in a simple, secure and the most effective cost-efficient way. VMware Inc. is an American software company that provides virtualization and cloud software and services and in fact, it was the first that fruitfully virtualized x86 architecture. The company is based in Palo Alto, California. In 2004, it became a subordinate of EMC Corporation of which EMC sold15% of the company in a stock exchange in New York IPO and it operates under the icon VMW (Butler 2014). Customers are now dependent on VMware to help them solve their daily Information Technology needs. In 2012 alone, VMware revenues amounted to $ 4.61 billion with over half a million customers and more than 55,000 associates in addition to its many offi ces all over the world apart from its headquarters in Silicon Valley. The contribution from both sides is meant to reinforce a large group of the consumer by providing a software designed for storage in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and an easy way of recovering lost data. Geared towards optimization of consumer use, VMware Virtual SAN infrastructure will feature management based on storage and minimized and inexpensive server-side storage TCO. The geographical distribution of the incorporation facilities lab will ensure that product development of the VMware and EMC, also feature third-party technology that is compatible with its products.

Strategy Issues in Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 8

Immigration - Essay Example The public of the Americans have been against large scale immigration. Majority of them prefer living with the familiar than getting an experience of working with this new group of people whom they fear may not adapt to the American way of life. They do this independent of considering the positive impact made by the immigrants. However, the opposition has been more on some groups and less on others. This has been majorly based on the risk of the Americans losing their jobs and privileges to the immigrants. They fear that the immigrants will take their places in the sectors like the workforce since the immigrant’s engagement has brought significant changes in America’s wages (The National Voter, 2007). According to The National Voter (2007), majority of the immigrants go for economic opportunity. This does not mean that they take societal resources. They equally contribute to the growth of the resources since they take part in economic development (The National Voter, 2007). They take up jobs regardless of the pay, which Native Americans cannot

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Josà © Donoso, The Garden Next Door - Essay Example Some took the opportunity to recreate themselves; others became lost. Donoso explores the themes of exile and identity through these characters, particularly Julio and Gloria Mendez, and their struggles physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Exile in a literal sense is experienced as a physical location. As refugees fled persecution from political opponents in South America, they relocated to unfamiliar places. Julio and Gloria Mendez, along with their son Patricio, moved to the small town of Sitges in Spain. They moved from a nice house with a garden of trees to a small, dirty apartment in a run-down little town. A resulting change in social status brought about a disruption of their identities as they were forced to move from a comfortable lifestyle to that of paupers. Patricio, who was young when his family relocated to Europe, grew into the identity of a European teenager and moved to Marrakech, far away from his parents and their friends who tried to hold on to their past and their culture. The stress imposed by living in a country not one’s own manifested itself emotionally and psychologically in the lives of Julio and Gloria. The two became alienated from each other as their marriage grew tired and their bickering led to alcohol and drug abuse. For Julio, this emotional exile manifests in that enables him to escape his dreary life, if only as a fantasy. One evening, early in the summer (which they are spending in Madrid at the apartment of a wealthy friend), Julio looks out the window into the neighbor’s lush garden. He is fascinated by the beautiful neighbor, and on this evening she is entertaining a few friends. As he watches, Julio is entranced by the palatial setting – the pool, the crystal, the candles, and the beautiful young couples drinking and dancing. â€Å"Suddenly the radiant magic spell of the world outside subdues and replaces my poor reality,†is how Julio describes his fixation as he watches their

Reflective Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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The use of Cloud Computing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

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Reflective Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflective Letter - Essay Example s learned, the following three (3) choices in designing my writing portfolio were chosen and revised copies are hereby appropriately attached: (1) profile essay; (2) position essay; and (3) proposal essay; which all delves on the same topic/issue: â€Å"The rising role of women in drug trafficking†. The profile essay initially presented a profile draft about Griselda Blanco’s â€Å"The Godmother† of Drug Trafficking. From the comments and reviews that were provided, I changed the structure from what previously appeared as a biography, to more of a profile, which was specifically required. Likewise, some parts were revised to present narrative discourse, rather than providing chronological and bibliographic details to adhere to the story format. In the position essay that focused on the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) being part of the drug trade, there was a need to provide an overview of the CIA prior to delving into the case. As noted, I make some re-organization of identified paragraphs for effective consistency. Likewise, the proposal essay about â€Å"The Rising Role of Women in Drug Trafficking† has apparently led to ‘femicide’ in areas where drug trafficking was deemed prevalent, discussed why it was an alarming situation and what policy options could be implemented to curb this rising menace. On my first draft, the problem and significance of the study were discussed extensively but I failed to provide required details in the solution portion. Therefore, during the revision, greater details on the solution to decrease femicide were duly presented. Further, one’s ideas and paragraphs were appropriately

Philosophy of Economic Thought Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy of Economic Thought - Essay Example In spite of the fact that many of them had already dabbled into the interpretation of Keynes’s point of view, two of those whose analysis are worthy of being examined are Paul Davidson and Axel Leijonhufvud. The critics of Keynes believe that the main contributions made by Keynesians and post-Keynes theorists to economical theory are all negative, particularly as they seems to attack the conventional way of interpreting situations. For many of this critics, the saddest dimension that there is to it is that Keynes theorists, besides dumping the traditional ways of perceiving situations, is that they do not offer an alternative through which the ‘anguish’ experienced by people in their daily life can be reduced. Paul Davidson does not agree at all with all what this critics opine. He believes that such positions are assumed by classical economists who find it almost impossible to align themselves with the change that is offered by Keynes (Davidson1994). The approach adopted by Davidson shows how Keynes’s General Theory is relevant to people in the globalised world in which we now live. (This actually is to annul the assumption by some individuals that Keynes’s General Theory is no longer relevant in this time and age). ... Leijonhufvud believes that the stand of Keynesian economists was overhyped. Unlike the paradise that some had conceived from it, the truth is that Keynes’s General Theory has many loopholes which were yet to be revealed. As with many other theories, whose foundations were not solidly founded, a wave of strong desire for change will sweep it into nonexistence. Leijonhufvud was one of the first few economists to present the new viewpoint which opines that typical Keynesian theory needed a major re-education or a new drive to ensure that they know what they should really stand for. Leijonhufvud, for example, posits that the theory of markets fundamental IS-LM was lethally defective and should be substituted. To back up his point, he cites Keynesian’s reliance on inflexible wages. Patinkin (1948) proves that there are always some supposed levels of prices and wages which are low enough to engender a full employment level of cumulative demand. This is clearly in antagonism t o the Keynesian position that insists unintended unemployment can be link to the prevention of wage or price rate from dropping to a hypothetical or supposed level. It is quite ironic that Keynes who lived a huge part of his life as an open market analyst is the one who has developed theories whose major application is in closed economies (Keynes 1936). One of the points that Keynes may have wanted to prove is that even if one is inattentive to international trade and its impediments, a closed economy did not hold any regular market apparatus that assured a full-employment symmetry (Keynes 1936 p. 120). Davidson (1994) also has this to say: Any deliberate policy that aims to make a nation’s industries more

Operational Logistics of Ikea Essay Example for Free

Operational Logistics of Ikea Essay 1. Introduction IKEA is a Swedish company which was founded in 1943 with its headquarter in Denmark. IKEA succeeded on its low cost strategy which is able to offer a wide range of stylish home furniture with good design and functional at competitive pricing. It carries a range of nearly 10,000 products and is well known across the world. IKEA is also recognized as a socially responsible and environmental friendly company. Currently, there are 287 IKEA stores in 26 countries. In year 2011, IKEA has gained the total sales of 25. 2 billion (in EUR). IKEA was also the first company in the world to realize the benefits of flat pack furniture in 1956. With this flat pack method its does not only help to save material, but is also saves the transportation costs with efficient distribution and warehouse storage space. Franchises are part of IKEA expansion plan. All the franchised are granted by Inter IKEA System B.V.The IKEA Group which has over 267 stores in 25 countries and franchisees outside IKEA Group in 16 other countries/territories. The Swedwood Group is part of IKEA Industry Group to manufacture and distributes wood and controls the entire value chain. Consisting of some 50 production units and offices in 10 countries across the continent. They are driven by their vision of achieving excellence in transforming wood into quality furniture and focused on continuous improvements in order to maintain competitiveness in the market. 2. IKEA Global Supply Chain IKEA is also recognized as a global strategic firm as most of the IKEA’s stores operations are under Ingka Holding BV which is located in the Netherlands. IKEA has an excellent supply chain management with the latest information technology system which is able to gather all the information across their worldwide retail stores, manufacturers, suppliers as well as the distribution centres. IKEA has adopted the integrated JDA software which has increased their overall supply chain visibility and efficiency. In this way, IKEA is able to have more forecasts planning for supplier, warehouse and transportation capacities. IKEA has a large number of suppliers of both furniture and furnishings across the world. IKEA plays an important part to build up good relationships with its suppliers as its helps to create a huge capacity for producing the product through the  worldwide suppliers. Today, IKEA operated more than 28 distribution centres and 11 customer distribution centres in 16 countries across the world. Its main function is to support stock replenishments program. As the location of production facilities focuses heavily on transportation costs, IKEA is able to efficiently distribute mass products with short lead times by concentrating manufacturing in large factories and in specific countries. 3. IKEA Franchising Franchises are part of the IKEA expansion plan. All the franchised are granted by Inter Ikea System B.V. The IKEA Group is the biggest group of franchisees which has over 267 stores in 25 countries. They also have some franchisees outside the IKEA Group in 16 countries. 3.1. IKEA United States IKEA store has one of its franchises in the United States. They own a total of 38 stores which are served by 10 distribution centres in North America. 3.2 E-Commerce on IKEA Atlanta IKEA is also adopting the Business-to-consumer (B2C) ebusiness model. It is an online retail store where customers can do the shopping at anywhere anytime. IKEA USA on-line shopping is also able to provide well-selected items which are similar to the promotional theme of â€Å"from living room to bedroom’ and etc. Customers are able to find suitably priced and stylish home furnishing solutions that suit their needs. This sales method mainly targets end-users. 4. NETWORK DESIGN IKEA has opened biggest logistics Distribution Centre (DC) in Shanghai for Asia-Pacific region, taking advantage on its geographical, government’s support and management. China is the biggest center of finance, economy, and business and shipping, therefore it is recognized as the most important hinge of logistics. In addition, the centre in Shanghai adopts Radio frequency identification (RFID) System that will greatly improve the responsive and quality service to the customer, providing logistics service platform that helps the expansion of the IKEA in Asia. As for Europe IKEA choose Dortmund in southern Germany to be a European distribution centre. It  is because it has geographical advantage at centre of the Europe where IKEA can use rail and road transport for transporting its goods. 4.1 IKEA Atlanta and the DC Savannah For the Distribution Centre in Port Wentworth, Georgia, located near the port Savannah, the products were processed where they should be stored based on the product specifications and demand. It is the primary inventory to IKEA stores in Alberta British Columbia, Utah, Oregon and Washington State. The facility can also supply to other stores across the country when needed. Location was chosen based on the fastest movers closest to the stores for replenishment. That not only improves service times, it also reduces transportation costs. The facility’s location allows it to quickly deliver fast-moving products to IKEA stores in local markets in the south-eastern United States, including North Carolina, Florida and Texas. In North America, DC was equipped with a 13-crane Automated storage and Retrieval (AS/RS) system (via store), featuring a 100 foot-tall high-bay in-house rack system. At full operation, the system can process 600 pallets an hour, or nearly one pallet per minute from each crane. IKEA Atlanta is one of the IKEA stores that are supported by IKEA’s Savannah Distribution Centre. Geographic area is the main reason that IKEA has the DC in Savannah. In terms of transportation, it only needs less than a 4 hours’ drive if goods are delivered by truck and it only takes about 1.3 days to reach Atlanta if delivered by rail. With this speedy transportation, IKEA Atlanta can achieve responsiveness in goods supply to customer for both in-store and online purchase. Unfortunately, there is limitation product from buying on line. Consumer may not able to get some of the needs product on line. 4.2 Savannah Transit time by rail truck 4.3 The Highway and Rail Network The Company is always constantly looked for ways to maximize in each transport. To achieve this goal, packaging was designed in such a manner as to fit the maximum possible products into containers. Plus all DC share similar objectives which is to have lower total cost and improve customer  service at the same time, using of advance technology to emphasis sorting and sequencing material processes, enhancing responsiveness to the customer. 5. OPERATIONS ANALYSIS IKEA’s company main concept is based on a three points: cheap, innovative and stylish. These three points are affecting the IKEA’s product design and development concept. Nowadays, IKEA’s in USA have launched with online retail or E-commerce. E-commerce has been become part of the IKEA’s digital strategy and should be the next big offering from IKEA. Every customer may easy online shopping without travel out, queue, purchases and collects their purchases from the stores. E-commerce or shopping online at IKEA is now become very convenient, enjoy and fun for every customer. Process or step to e-shop at IKEA as per following: 5.1 Operation logistics for E-commerce The whole process cycle take about 2 to 3 days depending on the customer order time. 1.The successful online order will transfer to IKEA Delivery Planning System. 2.Planning System will send the data to Savannah Distribution Center. 3.Savannah DC will do the order picking and packing. 4.Goods will be sending out to customer by Savannah DC team. 6. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT IKEA’s in USA has run the business with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and provide the E-commerce applications. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) with E-commerce applications that enable IKEA’s easily to view the both interaction channel and profitable sales channel for consumers and business customers via internet. With CRM, IKEA’s can allow their customers with convenient self-services and a personalized Web experience. The E-commerce applications also helping IKEA’s in service operations and strengthens sales to reducing the customer service calls and transaction costs. Features and Functions of CRM of E-commerce processes: IKEA’s have use the latest technology to ensure all the personal information which customer submitted through the internet website such as credit card numbers, address and other information are under secure, stable and  reliable. IKEA’s have using the SSL technology which allows it to be transmitted securely over the internet without accessing to it by anyone else. Successful to secure the customer loyalty will achieve the company goal and target in the following: Increasing the customer online spending on IKEA product Can reducing marketing, advertising and communication cost Can reduces data and information maintenance cost by giving customers authorities to update personal details such as address details, contact number, email address and requirement on the IKEA website. To achieve the customer service and satisfaction, IKEA have set up the strategy in the following: Hire the right people Bring in the employees who have more experience on the customers’ skill and knowledge in order to develop the customer service focus such as to have better communication with customers, pleasant, motivated and cooperative. Also, can retain those customers that are desirable to keep. Provide orientation and training IKEA have provided the necessary training for each employee to maintain the customer services standards and also can improve on communication skills with the loyalty customers. Set the standard for customer service IKEA have set the clear standard for performance such as Enable Company to establish, monitor, and control quality. 7. Risk During development stage, thousands of tests were carried out on IKEA products each year. And more tests are conducted during production. Once a product is approved for production, IKEA will reviewed and decide whether additional risk assessment testing is required for any proposed changes to the product or to the production method. IKEA ensure that banned chemicals such as formaldehyde and phthalates don’t exceed their requirements. IKEA requires suppliers to order certified products testing by third party auditors. Likewise, IKEA has a third-party accredited test laboratory that  is certified each year by external auditors. Accused for Logging Ancient Trees in Russia Swedwood, whom IKEA’s fully owned production subsidiary which was founded in 1991, was found irresponsibly logging Russia’s ancient trees of over 300 years old. And as a whole, IKEA are under the heat internationally especially in the forestry industries. This has been a huge issue because natural grown trees take centuries to grow. And it’s these trees that has greater biodiversity and could stabilize the climate by locking carbon in the soil to reduce global warming. In their defence, IKEA forest manager, Anders Hildeman mentioned they have been working with the NGOs, and they have been working with the scientists to develop these inventory methods. Though there are old trees present, that do not mean that it’s high conservation value. Species, size of the area, exposition, position has to take into considerations to define them as High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF). Hildeman welcomes WWF’s (World Wide Fund of Nature) recommendations for a full certification control audit. And had invited FSC’s (Forest Stewardship Council) for a control audit from their accreditation body to avoid any doubts and that we are following the Russian FSC. 7.1 Sustainability Taking a leading role towards a low carbon society In support to reduce carbon dioxide emission, IKEA are working together with WWF to investigate on how to calculate climate-positive aspects from what they do together with their customers. Majority of carbon dioxide emissions related to IKEA come from material extraction, suppliers, customer transportation, and the use and disposal of products. And all these are areas that IKEA can only indirectly influence. In order to influence the society, IKEA has to put these into practice first. They are walking towards to installing photovoltaic (solar) panels to turn sunshine into electricity in around 150 stores and distribution centres over the next few years. The panels will provide these buildings with 10-25 percent of their electricity need. When they plan a new IKEA store, good public transport is an important consideration, and in many cities they offer free shuttle buses between the city centre and the store. IKEA Foundation contribution to UNICEF Since 2001, IKEA has taken part in basic social services to help children in underdeveloped and developing countries like India and Haiti. Contributing to UNICEF’s work through philanthropic donations, sales of UNICEF Greeting Cards and many more has been IKEA’s key of support for over 10 years. In addition to that, IKEA has committed more that $200 million both in cash and in-kind donations to UNICEF’s programs making them the largest corporate cash donor. What makes IKEA a true partner, is the company’s deep commitment to social responsibility and their direct engagement with issues affecting children. In addition to providing financial support for child protection, education and health programs, they work together to provide expertise and knowledge gained over the years on addressing labor issues in the supply chain. Forest Project with WWF for Nature WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) collaborate with external organizations in a number of forestry projects in order to contribute to the development of responsible forestry practices and policies. To date, there are 13 forest projects by IKEA and WWF. These projects aim to increase forest areas with responsible management practices, combat illegal logging, support forest certification and promote responsible timber trade. 8. Conclusion From the research we found, we notice that IKEA has a good strategy in sourcing from the raw material from suppliers to the location of distribution centre and store. Their strategy is also to keep their product in low pricing. Overall IKEA is still very success in the business with the  concept of keeping low price policy. From customer point of view, they are able to enjoy the stylish furniture and functional with low and suitably price. IKEA also success in managing the product quality, prices with supplier by maintaining the good relationship with their worldwide suppliers. We also notice that IKEA vision is â€Å"to create a better everyday life for the many people† which is hang on every store. Till today, IKEA is still continuing finding the effective way to further reducing the cost. 9. Implementation IKEA Singapore should consider implementing E-commerce instead of focusing on their in-store shopping business. There are 2 stores here in Singapore, in Alexandra Road (West) and Tampines (East). Poh Tiong Choon Logistics (PTC) was hired as their 3rd Party Logistics (3PL); they are located within IKEA at Alexandra. Other than transportation, PTC also provides installation services on behalf of IKEA. All necessary information; from product measurements, product descriptions, product amount and product comparisons has already made available in their website. In term of online payment Singapore is considered as the most secure country as IDA (Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore) which helps businesses to leverage ecommerce’s benefit where both businesses and consumers confident with the mark of TrustSg. Why customers should purchase online †¢Most of the IKEA’s products are consider bulky †¢Save traveling time †¢Save time from long queues for payment †¢Save time from long queues for taxi †¢Product measurements information made available online †¢Check for stock availability online