Strategic Management And Leadership Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Strategic Management And Leadership - Assignment Example The company has a gross profit of $129 billion compared to that $14.42 billion of Costco wholesale, Amazon's $28.69 billion, and 29.53 and $ 78 billion of target corp. the retail market share of the company is 11.2 down from 11.4% last year. This is in comparison to Amazon's 11%, Costco's 9.9%, and target's 11.1% (Hill & Jones 2012). In terms of its procurement, Wal-mart procures their products directly from the manufacturer to reduce the cost of production. The other competitors, however, work in close partnership with partners who supply them with the required products. From these reasons and comparisons, it is evident that Wal-Mart is more successful compared to its main competitors. That is why it is the leading retailer in the globe.Reasons for the company’s successI. Provision of low prices every day: From their slogan, it is evident that the company uses affordable prices for their customers. As a result, they are able to gain a wider market share. Most customers yearn for quality services at affordable prices. That is why wall-mart is successful since it is able to attract and retain more customers thus amassing profits (Tambi 2010).II. Grocery retail: availability of grocery retail is a plus for this company. It enables them to attract customers who are in need of doing a one-stop shopping. Since the groceries provide quality customer services and products, they are able to attract more customers. This adds to their success by adding a number of profits they gain in the market.

Consumer Perception Towards Local Branded Jewellery

Consumer Perception Towards Local Branded Jewellery Till the early 1990s, the average Indian bought jewellery for investment rather than for adornment. Jewellery made of 18-karat gold was not favoured as it was considered a poor investment. Confidence in the local jeweller was the hallmark of the gold jewellery trade in India. A jeweller or goldsmith in a local area had a fixed and loyal clientele. The buyer had implicit faith in his jeweller. Additionally, the local jeweller catered to the local taste for traditional jewellery. However, since the late 1990s, there was a shift in consumer tastes: women were increasingly opting for fashionable and lightweight jewellery instead of traditional chunky jewellery. There was a rise in demand for lightweight jewellery, especially from consumers in the 16 to 25 age group, who regarded jewellery as an accessory and not an investment. The new millennium witnessed a definite change in consumer preferences. Branded jewellery also gained acceptance forcing traditional jewellers to go in for branding. Given the opportunities the branded jewellery market offered; the number of gold retailers in the country increased sharply. Branded players such as Tanishq, Oyzterbay, Gili and Carbon opened outlets in various parts of the country. Traditional jewellers also began to bring out lightweight jewellery, and some of them even launched their in-house brands. However, the share of branded jewellery in the total jewellery market was still small (about Rs. 10 billion of the Rs. 400 billion per annum jewellery market in 2002), though growing at a pace of 20 to 30 percent annually. The branded jewellery segment occupied only a small share of the total jewellery market because of the mindset of the average Indian buyer who still regarded jewellery as an investment. Moreover, consumers trusted only their family jewellers when buying jewellery. Consequently, the branded jewellery players tried to change the mindset of the people and woo customers with attractive designs at affordable prices. However branded jewellery players will continue to face lot of competition from local jewellers. In order to gain market share, they will have to come up with designs that customers want and win the trust and confidence of consumers by hallmarking and demonstrating the purity of the gold used by them. To compete with traditional players, branded players must also find some way to differentiate themselves. While the success of a particular brand will depend on differentiation, affordability and quality will be a key element in sustaining a brand. In addition, branded players require focused advertising and astute salesmanship to compete with traditional jewellers. Besides the major brands- Tanishq, Carbon, Oyzterbay, Gili and Trendsmith several regional players have opened branches to leverage the trust and reputation that they have built up over the years. AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY AIM: To have the Detail Study research on CONSUMER PERCEPTION TOWARDS LOCAL BRANDED JEWELLARY IN RECENT TRENDS with my Theoretical knowledge in a practical way and to have a detail knowledge about the consumers behavior in India towards local and branded jewellery . OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: A comparative study on the consumers Perception towards Local and none branded jewellery is to find out: To compare between the consumer preference among the branded and non branded jewellery. To know consumer perception towards jewellery. Brand awareness of various brands in the jewellery market. To have an idea about the parameters the consumers consider while buying jewellery. CHAPTER 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY TYPE OF RESEARCH Exploratory research: Exploratory research is a form of research conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined. Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data collection method and selection of subjects. It should draw definitive conclusions only with extreme caution. Given its fundamental nature, exploratory research often concludes that a perceived problem does not actually exist. DEVELOPING THE RESEARCH PLAN: The data for this research project would be collected through questionnaire. A structured questionnaire would be framed as it is less time consuming, generates specific and to the point information, easier to tabulate and interpret. Moreover respondents prefer to give direct answers. COLLECTION OF DATA: Secondary Data: Secondary data was collected from internal sources. The secondary data was collected from the articles, newspapers, journals and internet. Primary data: Respondents were the main source of Primary data. The method of collection of primary data would be direct personal interview and also with a structured questionnaire. Tools and Techniques Used For Data Analysis: Survey Questionnaire Statistical Tool Sampling Sample size: 50 people (mostly working) Sampling Method: Convenience sampling among focus groups selected CHAPTER 3 GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION GRAPHS AND TABLES REGARDS TO RESEARCH Sample Description During our research we try to focus on ladies who are working in Bangalore city. We surveyed 50 people (all female). Graphical Representation: 1. What is your monthly income? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=ff9900chl=Less%20than%20%20%5B8%5D%7C10000%20%E2%80%93%205%20%5B18%5D%7C50000%20%E2%80%93%201%20%5B16%5D%7CMore%20than%20%20%5B8%5Dchd=e%3AKPXCUeKP Less than 10,000 16% 10000 50000 36% 50000 100000 32% More than 1000000 16% 2. Have you ever bought jewellery for someone or yourself? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=d00000chl=Yes%20%5B36%5D%7CNo%20%5B14%5Dchd=e%3AuER6 Yes 36 72% No 14 28% 3. How often do you purchase jewellery? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=dcca02chl=Once%20in%203%20%5B11%5D%7COnce%20in%206%20%5B17%5D%7COnce%20a%20year%20%5B22%5Dchd=e%3AOEVwcJ Once in 3 months 22% Once in 6 months 34% Once a year 44% 4. Are you aware of the various brands of cosmetic jewellery? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=00d000chl=Yes%20%C2%A0%20%5B35%5D%7CNo%20%5B15%5Dchd=e%3AsyTM Yes 35 70% No 15 30% 5. Which company do you prefer when it comes to buying branded jewellery? chart.png Tanishq 42% D damas 24% Gitanjali jewels 14% Bhima jewellers 2% Nakshatra 4% I dont have a preference 14% 6. You use cosmetic branded jewellery at: https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=0000e0chl=Casual%20Pa%20%5B19%5D%7COutings%20%5B13%5D%7CFormal%20Occ%20%5B4%5D%7CFamily%20ev%20%5B10%5D%7CI%20don%E2%80%99t%20us%20%5B4%5Dchd=e%3AYUQoFHMzFH Casual Parties 38% Outings 26% Formal Occasions 8% Family events 20% I dont use them 8% 7. Does your buying behavior change as per the occasion? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=ff9900chl=Yes%20%5B33%5D%7CNo%20%5B17%5Dchd=e%3AqOVw Yes 33 66% No 17 34% 8. What kind of material would you prefer jewellery to be made of mostly? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=d00000chl=Gold%20%5B27%5D%7CPlatinum%20%5B14%5D%7CSilver%20%5B4%5D%7CPrecious%20s%20%5B5%5Dchd=e%3AijR6FHGZ Gold 54% Platinum 28% Silver 8% Precious stones 10% 9. Which product in jewellery you buy most ? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=dcca02chl=Earrings%20%5B27%5D%7CBangles%20%5B13%5D%7CNecklace%20%5B5%5D%7CChains%20%5B5%5Dchd=e%3AijQoGZGZ Earrings 27 54% Bangles 13 26% Necklace 5 10% Chains 5 10% 10. Are you willing to pay for better design and quality of jewellery? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=00d000chl=Yes%20%5B39%5D%7CNo%20%5B11%5Dchd=e%3Ax6OE Yes 39 78% No 11 22% 11. What is your awareness about hallmarked jewellery? 1 no awareness 0% 2 little awareness 30% 3 moderately aware 44% 4 well aware 26% https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=9601acchl=1%20-%20no%20awa%20%5B0%5D%7C2%20-%20littl%20%5B15%5D%7C3%20-%20moder%20%5B22%5D%7C4%20-%20well%20%20%5B13%5Dchd=e%3AAATMcJQo 12. Would you rather wear modern cosmetic jewellery or traditional ones? Modern 58% Traditional 30% Depends on the occasion 12% https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=0000e0chl=Modern%20%5B29%5D%7CTraditional%20%5B15%5D%7CDepends%20on%20%5B6%5Dchd=e%3AlHTMHr 13. Do you consider buying an investment rather than a simple cosmetic purchase? Yes 30 60% No 20 40% https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=ff9900chl=Yes%20%5B30%5D%7CNo%20%5B20%5Dchd=e%3AmZZm 14. Do you gift or are you usually gifted branded jewellery for occasions? Yes 25 50% No 25 50% https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=d00000chl=Yes%20%5B25%5D%7CNo%20%5B25%5Dchd=e%3Af.f. 15. With the rising cost, do you still believe in buying gold to keep up traditions? No, its a needless expense 24% Yes ,traditions are important 76% https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=dcca02chl=No%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20%20%5B12%5D%7CYes%20%2Ctrad%20%5B38%5Dchd=e%3APWwo 16. Have you ever taken advantage of jewellery exchange programs? https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?cht=pchs=345150chco=00d000chl=Yes%20%5B23%5D%7CNo%20%5B27%5Dchd=e%3Adbij Yes 23 46% No 27 54% CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS Table A Frequency of Purchase Once in 3 months 22% Once in 6 months 34% Once a year 44% Table B Brand Preference. Tanishq 42% D damas 24% Gitanjali jewels 14% Bhima jewellers 2% Nakshatra 4% I dont have a preference 14% Table C Willing to pay for better design and quality of jewellery Yes 78% No 22% Table D Awareness about hallmarked jewellery 1 no awareness 0% 2 little awareness 30% 3 moderately aware 44% 4 well aware 26% Table E Modern or traditional jewellery Modern 58% Traditional 30% Depends on the occasion 12% Table F Jewellery exchange programs Yes 46% No 54% According to table A, 44% people purchase jewellery once a year. Table B shows that tanishq is the most preferred brand out of the other brands in jewellery. Table C shows that 78% of the people are willing to pay for better design and quality of jewellery. Table D depicts that 44% people are moderately aware about hallmarked jewellery. Table E shows that 58% people prefer modern jewellery . Table F shows that 46% have taken advantage of jeweler exchange programs CHAPTER 5 LIMITATIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS LIMITATIONS OF STUDY Bound to only Bangalore city The limitation of the study is it is limited to only the main city area of Bangalore and ignores the samples from the smaller parts of the district. The buying behaviour of an individual varies from place to place. Awareness- the sample taken and the conclusion drawn can be led to only one side if there is lack of awareness about branded jewellery Sample size- The sample size of the study is only 50 which would not give a comprehensive result. Many important samples may not be considered at all. The conclusion of the study may not result to an accurate outcome due to the sample size being small CONCLUSION It has been concluded from the research that the women sector especially the working women play a great role in purchase of branded jewellery. Branded jewellery is extremely essential. The branded jewellery segment occupied only a small share of the total jewellery market because of the mindset of the average Indian buyer who still regarded jewellery as an investment. The scenario of the Indian customers is still the same as before. The branded jewelers face an enormous amount of competition from the local jewellery dealers. However the present generation does give a lot of importance to the branded jewellery and the awareness is actually growing to a great extent in todays scenario. Nearly 22% of the working women purchase jewellery only once a year and nearly 35% of the ladies are aware of the cosmetic jewellery which shows that the trend is changing to greater extent.44% of the women are aware of hallmark jewellery which is a positive sign for the branded jewellery industry. Today the scenario has changed where people not only buy gold as an investment but also for adornment .60% buy as an investment whereas 40% buy for the sake of adornment which is still a positive sign. The women today especially who are working are ready to welcome the new upcoming fashion in a large scale. If branded jewellery are planning to enter the Indian market then advertising strategies need to be extremely strong as the notion of the public needs to be transformed. RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the number of branded jewellers should increase their outlets and the number of sales should increase .As the present generation working women are ready to adapt to branded jewellery. People prefer various cosmetic jewellery and would be ready to welcome them if advertisements are introduced to promote them. At present 70% of the people are aware of cosmetic jewellery .Gold sector should be concentrated and tried to develop as compared to other sectors like diamond , platinum, silver etc. as the percentage of people interested in gold is 27% which is the highest compared to the other avenues. The research indicates that 39% are willing to pay more for better design and quality of the jewellery so the branded jewellery sector must make optimum use of this opportunity and enter the market. Appendix Summary of responses through online research: Excel Sheet Attached Responses.xls QUESTIONNAIRE 1) What is your monthly income? Less than 10,000 10000 50000 50000 100000 More than 1000000 2Have you ever bought jewellery for someone or yourself? Yes No 3) How often do you purchase jewellery? Once in 3 months Once in 6 months Once a year 4) Are you aware of the various brands of cosmetic jewellery? Yes No 5) Which company do you prefer when it comes to buying branded jewellery? Tanishq D damas Gitanjali jewels Bhima jewellers Nakshatra I dont have a preference 6) You use cosmetic branded jewellery at: Casual Parties Outings Formal Occasions Family events I dont use them 7) Does your buying behaviour change as per the occasion? Yes No 8) What kind of material would you prefer jewellery to be made of mostly? Gold Platinum Silver Precious stones 9) Which product in jewellery you buy most? Earrings Bangles Necklace Chains 10) Are you willing to pay for better design and quality of jewellery? Yes No 11) What is your awareness about hallmarked jewellery? Choose any number from 1 to 4. 1-no awareness 2-little awareness 3-moderately aware 4-well aware 12) Would you rather wear modern cosmetic light weight corrosion resistant jewellery or traditional ones? Modern traditional depends on the occasion 13) Do you consider buying jewellery an investment rather than a simple cosmetic purchase? Yes no 14) Do you gift or are you usually gifted branded jewellery for occasions? Yes no 15) With the rising cost of gold, do you still believe in brides buying so much gold to keep up traditions? No, its a needless expense Yes, traditions are important 16) Have you ever taken advantage of jewellery exchange programs? Yes No

Freuds Psychoanalysis of the Interpretations of Dreams :: Freudian Psychology Essays

Dreams have been objects of boundless fascination and mystery for humankind since the beginning of time. These nocturnal vivid images seem to arise from some source other than our ordinary conscious mind. They contain a mixture of elements from our own personal identity, which we recognize as familiar along with a quality of `others' in the dream images that carries a sense of the strange and eerie. The bizarre and nonsensical characters and plots in dreams point to deeper meanings and contain rational and insightful comments on our waking situations and emotional experiences. The ancients thought that dreams were messages from the gods. The cornerstone of Sigmund Freud's infamous psychoanalysis is the interpretation of dreams. Freud called dream-interpretation the "via reggia," or the "royal road" to the unconscious, and it is his theory of dreams that has best stood the test of time over a period of more than seventy years (Many of Freud's other theories have been disputed in recent years). Freud reportedly admired Aristotle's assertion that dreaming is the activity of the mind during sleep (Fine, 1973). It was perhaps the use of the term activity that Freud most appreciated in this brief definition for, as his understanding of the dynamics of dreaming increased, so did the impression of ceaseless mental activity differing in quality from that of ordinary waking life (Fine, 1973). In fact, the quality of mental activity during sleep differed so radically from what we take to be the essence of mental functioning that Freud coined the term "Kingdom of the Illogical" to describe that realm of the human psyche. This technique of dream-interpretation allowed him to penetrate (Fine, 1973). We dream every single night whether it stays with us or not. It is a time when "our minds bring together material which is kept apart during out waking hours" (Anonymous, 1991). As Erik Craig said while we dream we entertain a wider range of human possibilities then when awake; the "open house" of dreaming is less guarded (Craig, 1992).

Consider the Importance of the Method of Narration Employed in Wuthering Heights Essay

Wuthering Heights is written by Emily Jane Brontà « and narrated by Ellen Dean (Nelly), a servant of both Catherine Earnshaw and her daughter, Catherine Linton. Emily Brontà « must have thought she was the most convenient of characters to narrate this novel as Nelly was alive through each generation of both the Earnshaw and Linton families. Had someone like Catherine Earnshaw narrated the novel, it might have finished at her death or would have switched narration. Also, this could have made the narration more bias, whereas Nelly, who still plays a reasonably large role as she mixes with all the characters, witnesses and observes the goings on as an onlooker first hand. However, Nelly often interferes with the lives of the characters which could have altered the forth coming events. In my opinion, one of the key times of her meddlesome attitude in the novel is reflected when she carries a letter between Heathcliff and Cathy Earnshaw who also receives permission to visit Cathy when she is ill-against Edgars wishes. She is often seen to be carrying letters between different characters which are considered to be forbidden. On the other hand, she sometimes decides to hold onto information rather than pass it on, such as when Edgar’s wife Catherine becomes increasingly ill Nelly fails to inform him. A possible downfall to having Nelly as the narrator could be that her personal opinions are shown too much in the novel, creating a biased view. Her actions are also influenced by her opinions which again produce a bias outcome as she helps those characters she favours, such as the Earnshaw siblings she grew up with over Edgar. This concept is shown in her actions as she keeps some secrets to herself instead of revealing them to Edgar, like when his daughter and Hareton’s relationship grows and Nelly ignores it.

Fi561 You Decide

You Decide Page 1 FI561 – Mergers & Acquisitions – Week 3 Scenario Summary This is based on Merck’s Acquisition of Medco: Case 5. 1, pp. 124-125. Your Role/Assignment You are the Chairman and CEO of Merck. Make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of Merck & Co. regarding this acquisition based on the recommendations of the three associates and your own analysis. You are the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Company, and you will make the final â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no† recommendation to the Board of Directors of the company.You are listening to the advice of various department heads regarding this acquisition. Based on your evaluations and additional analysis of the recommendations of your three associates, make your recommendation to the Board of Directors. What will you recommend? Yes? No? Yes with some conditions? What are the reasons for your recommendation? Activity Write an 8-10 page paper (double-spaced) of written analysis , including tables of financial calculations. Key Players Key Players – Image Title/Role/Character Script – Text & Audio Chief Operating OfficerI’m concerned about synergy and integration issues between our highly research-oriented development of pharmaceuticals here at Merck, and a prescription medicine marketing company like Medco. I am concerned that the cultures and operations of the two companies aren’t going to mix well, and that this deal would result in an expensive failure. Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing I’m all for this acquisition! It will open new marketing leverage opportunities in the Managed Care market. Medco’s marketing database will create market expansion opportunities.This is the perfect answer for the current competitive environment, where other pharmaceutical manufacturers are acquiring drug marketing companies. You Decide Page 2 Chief Financial Officer This is my concern; I want to make sure that Merck pay s a premium for Medco at $6. 6 billion dollars. The combination of the two companies will immediately result in increase in Earnings Per Share for the combination vs. Merck as a stand- alone company. Although, I’m still concerned about continuing the growth of the stock price of Merck after the target company is acquired.Grading Rubric: Category Points Description Understanding 55 Demonstrate a strong grasp of the problem at hand. Demonstrate understanding of how the course concepts apply to the problem. Analysis 55 Apply original thought to solving the business problem. Apply concepts from the course material correctly toward solving the business problem. Execution 25 Write your answer clearly and succinctly using strong organization and proper grammar. Use citations correctly. Total 135 A quality paper will meet or exceed all of the above requirements. Fi561 You Decide You Decide Page 1 FI561 – Mergers & Acquisitions – Week 3 Scenario Summary This is based on Merck’s Acquisition of Medco: Case 5. 1, pp. 124-125. Your Role/Assignment You are the Chairman and CEO of Merck. Make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of Merck & Co. regarding this acquisition based on the recommendations of the three associates and your own analysis. You are the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Company, and you will make the final â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no† recommendation to the Board of Directors of the company.You are listening to the advice of various department heads regarding this acquisition. Based on your evaluations and additional analysis of the recommendations of your three associates, make your recommendation to the Board of Directors. What will you recommend? Yes? No? Yes with some conditions? What are the reasons for your recommendation? Activity Write an 8-10 page paper (double-spaced) of written analysis , including tables of financial calculations. Key Players Key Players – Image Title/Role/Character Script – Text & Audio Chief Operating OfficerI’m concerned about synergy and integration issues between our highly research-oriented development of pharmaceuticals here at Merck, and a prescription medicine marketing company like Medco. I am concerned that the cultures and operations of the two companies aren’t going to mix well, and that this deal would result in an expensive failure. Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing I’m all for this acquisition! It will open new marketing leverage opportunities in the Managed Care market. Medco’s marketing database will create market expansion opportunities.This is the perfect answer for the current competitive environment, where other pharmaceutical manufacturers are acquiring drug marketing companies. You Decide Page 2 Chief Financial Officer This is my concern; I want to make sure that Merck pay s a premium for Medco at $6. 6 billion dollars. The combination of the two companies will immediately result in increase in Earnings Per Share for the combination vs. Merck as a stand- alone company. Although, I’m still concerned about continuing the growth of the stock price of Merck after the target company is acquired.Grading Rubric: Category Points Description Understanding 55 Demonstrate a strong grasp of the problem at hand. Demonstrate understanding of how the course concepts apply to the problem. Analysis 55 Apply original thought to solving the business problem. Apply concepts from the course material correctly toward solving the business problem. Execution 25 Write your answer clearly and succinctly using strong organization and proper grammar. Use citations correctly. Total 135 A quality paper will meet or exceed all of the above requirements.