Supply Chain Management Changing Dynamics

Question: Define the Supply Chain Management for Changing Dynamics. Answer: 2: The changing dynamics which are related to the fashion industry have been able to force the retailers for the lower costs and the flexibility in the quality and the designs with the marketing speed and the key strategies. They need to work on the maintenance of the positions which are profitable for the increase in the demands of the consumer. The focus has been on the facing of the mass production with the increase in the number of the fashion seasons and the other modified structural characteristics in the supply chain which desire for a lower cost and the flexibility in the design, quality, demand, delivery and the marketing speed. (Bruce et al., 2004). The focus has been also on the marketing and the capital investment strategy which are identified through the driving competitiveness in the fashion apparel industry. The sense and the response are mainly the key strategy to handle the profitable position with the increasingly dynamic positions with the demanding market. The define d characteristics are based on the responsiveness with the greater flexibility and the maintenance of the close relationship in between the supplier and the buyer. Considering the use of the forecasting consumer demand and the other fashion trends, there is a need to work on competing in the market with the assurance that will lead to provide the development along with the fashion shows with the runways. The retailers need to be credited with the adoption policy of the quick and better fashion in the unplanned process in order to reduce the time gap in the designing and the consumption process. Considering the changing structure, there is a need to shape the industry using the Porter Five Forces which are: The competitive rivalry which is for examining the intense competition with the number of the existing competitors. The competition is high and needs to focus on the products and the services. At the time, when the rivalry competition has been higher, then the advertisement and the price wars are easily ensued. (Lee, 2002). The bargaining power of the suppliers where the force is about the power of how much the business supplier has and the way to control the price rise. There is a need for the switching of the cost firms in the industry with the supply purchase costs. The bargaining powers of the customers which have the power to handle the pricing and the quality. The threat of the new entrants with the absolute advantage of cost, input access, economic scale and the other recognised brands. The threat of the substitute products and the services are mainly to determine the ability for the lowering of the costs and working on the immediate and the long term inclination to change. (Maloni et al., 2006). 3: In the short life cycle, there have been spotting trends which quickly translate into the products in the time which is possible for the shortest period. The set structure has been pre-requisite for the success. The companies have been slower to the market which suffers in the ways where there has been a miss in the sales opportunities that does not repeat. The supplier needs to work on the products which is arriving in the marketing place with the demands starting to fall or lead to the markets of markdowns. The figure illustrates about the double jeopardy where the confrontation is based on handling the slow market system. The manufacturing is based on the flexibility and the batch size reduction which helps the organisation to work on reduction in the time-to-market. (Lummus et al., 1999). The usage of the automation process like the computer aided design and the computer aided manufacturing has set to the revolutionary process with the ability to make the changes in the product w ith the progress in the season or the life cycle. The markets of the fashion industry have been fuelled by the change where the trends are seen to be short lives and the consumers have the choice to keep with the demands of the consumer. The inexpensive price which adds to the social network have the power to dictate on the market structure. (Wathne et al., 2004). The business needs to work on the different fashion shifts with the trending look to focus on the shift of the attention from the time to market to the time to the consumer. The focus has been on the designing, production and holding the consumer closets. There have been growing interests in the design with the implementation of the agile supply chain strategies. The ideas of the agility are set to focus on responsiveness with the conventional supply chain. This has a longer leading time with the forecast driven necessity. There have been shortage of the supply chain management and need to look for the demand driven needs and requirements. The focus has been on holding the applications which are inventory based. The fashion markets are seen to be volatile and difficult for the production where the specific patterns are market sensitivity with the close connections to the end-user trends and the virtual shared information for the supply chain partners. (Lee et al., 1997). The network based patterns focus on gaining the strengths of the specialist players with the process aligned to the higher degree of process interconnectivity. With the increase in the supply chain management the power has been shifted and to focus on the suppliers, m anufacturer to the brand owners and the retailers. The focus has been where the consumers realised about the price drop or waited for the time which has less ordering. 4: With the change customer preferences in the apparel industry, there is a need to focus on the purchase and the needs or the wants of the people. This can be viewed as holding the management of the trade-offs in between the variety benefits and the inventory with the other costs which has been changing from the increase in variety. The change in the category of the apparel has been set by the attributes like the colour, style or the size where there is a detailed modelling for investigating the effects on the performance of the supply chain. The system dynamics with the simulation will help in addressing the long term and the dynamic management issues. (Lummus et al., 2001). The change in the variety of the products completely affect the departments with the increase in the varied style, size and the packaging functions. (Gereffi, 1999). The increasing variety has been set on the logistics operations and the costs which has a net impact on the supply chain performance and the developm ent. The major focus has been on handling the performance with the effect of the product variety when the leading time is ignored completely. The analysis is based on the recognition of the leading time variety trade-off with the demonstration to handle the leading company offers. (Lee et al., 1997). Considering the trade-offs in the regard of the sourcing countries and the quality, there have been set patterns which include that the companies need to focus on the supply chain management with the increased globalised competition. The risk management has been important as it allows for the balancing of the trade-offs and the sourcing with the lower cost countries. The renewed focus has been on handling the profit of the size sigma to control the quality with the balancing of the costs and the other productivity metrics. The suppliers need to work on the environmental factors and other regulatory compliance for the operational metrics. (Christopher et al., 2004). The structure has been set to manage the supply network with the quality and reliability and sustainability to revaluate the supply network strategy in order to reflect on the cost of the business. The main characteristics of the model include the employed raw materials with the manufacturing that has been done through the periodic review policy. The mark-on for the products is selected in the way which depends the final pricing in the retailer level. (Metters, 1997). There have been fashionable markets which include the short life cycles, high volatility, and lower predictability with the higher impulse purchasing. Reference Bruce, M., Daly, L., Towers, N. (2004). Lean or agile: a solution for supply chain management in the textiles and clothing industry?.International journal of operations production management,24(2), 151-170. Lee, H. L. (2002). Aligning supply chain strategies with product uncertainties.California management review,44(3), 105-119. Maloni, M. J., Brown, M. E. (2006). Corporate social responsibility in the supply chain: an application in the food industry.Journal of business ethics,68(1), 35-52. Wathne, K. H., Heide, J. B. (2004). Relationship governance in a supply chain network.Journal of marketing,68(1), 73-89. Lummus, R. R., Vokurka, R. J. (1999). Defining supply chain management: a historical perspective and practical guidelines.Industrial Management Data Systems,99(1), 11-17. Lee, H. L., Padmanabhan, V., Whang, S. (1997). Information distortion in a supply chain: The bullwhip effect.Management science,43(4), 546-558. Lummus, R. R., Krumwiede, D. W., Vokurka, R. J. (2001). The relationship of logistics to supply chain management: developing a common industry definition.Industrial Management Data Systems,101(8), 426-432. Christopher, M., Lee, H. (2004). Mitigating supply chain risk through improved confidence.International journal of physical distribution logistics management,34(5), 388-396. Gereffi, G. (1999). International trade and industrial upgrading in the apparel commodity chain.Journal of international economics,48(1), 37-70. Metters, R. (1997). Quantifying the bullwhip effect in supply chains.Journal of operations management,15(2), 89-100. Lee, H. L., Padmanabhan, V., Whang, S. (1997). Information distortion in a supply chain: The bullwhip effect.Management science,43(4), 546-558.

Models of Implementing the Change

The outcome of globalization is evident in the opening of various markets. In many organizations, this has created an opportunity to expand operations by tapping into new markets. This means that an entity has to re-evaluate its strategies, policies, goals and work force. Thus, change is unavoidable (Riley, 2006). Amongst the work force, change is associated with uncertainty, necessitating the need to enhance management.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Models of Implementing the Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Various scholars have developed different methods to implement and manage change. Despite the resources committed efforts and personnel attempts to implement change result in failure. The discussion below highlights various models that aid in implementing change, diagnostic instruments and organizational change interventions. Change implementation model Lewin-Schein model Lewin initially studied the societal and psychosomatic aspects of people by hypothesizing a three-stage conjecture of how to execute various changes in an organization. Lewin model acknowledges the imperative role played by the behavioural nature of human beings in the work place. The three steps included; â€Å"unfreezing, moving and refreezing† (Schein, 1995). Unfreezing Unfreezing is the initial stage towards change implementation. Its overall goal is to create goodwill and acceptance for the pending changes. Change creates uncertainty among the workers and this stage serves as an appropriate avenue to communicate the intended transformation. The management should engage the workers and request for their contribution on impending changes (Schein, 1995). Moving Organizational changes involve overhaul of many organizational procedures and implementation of new policies. This stage’s sole objective is to equip staff members with the necessary skill to enable them work under the new procedures. S eminars and refresher courses facilitate fostering of novel policies to the staff (Schein, 1995). Refreezing The new system implemented will be the day-to-day routine of the workers. This stage prevents workers from resuming to their old routine. In essence, it facilitates the internalisation and institutionalisation of new procedures. Entirely, refreezing results in stability (Schein, 1995). Pros and cons Lewin model prioritizes informing employees about the forthcoming changes this enables implementation with minimal hitches. The main disadvantage of this model is that most organizations spent too much resources and effort on the initial stage, influencing negatively on the overall implementation process (Schein, 1995).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Kotter’s phased change model Kotter is a specialist in changes and is instrumental to the â€Å"Harvard Business Sc hool†. He made it his objective to study change in the corporate world. Kotter admits that implementation of change is a pain taking process that consumes a significant proportion of time. In his investigation, he found out that the implementation could be disintegrated into eight distinct steps. Establish sense of urgency The need for change becomes evident when the organization becomes susceptible to financial woes or loss of market share. Creation of urgency that will necessitate sufficient action is an off-putting task. Consultants may come handy in such an event (Coutts 2000). Powerful guiding coalition In most cases change begins with an individual, it then grows when significant proportion of people embrace it. This is a decisive juncture since it enables change to gather impetus. Leaders who champion for change assist in rallying other staff members (Coutts 2000). Creating a vision A vision is an illustration of what the future will be. It clarifies to followers which direction the organization will take. Vision sets the stage to attract followers and sparks passion among members for change (Coutts 2000). It equally, sets the platform for the subsequent processes. Communicating vision The leaders should make an estimate of their following and set up appropriate communication means. This enables the followers to understand, commit and value the vision. This model identifies that failure to converse the vision will likely lead to letdown (Coutts 2000). Enabling others to act in the vision The management should eliminate all obstacles that hinder the workers from working as per the new vision. In this stage, workers ought to receive training that will enable them to have adequate skills to work under new procedures (Coutts, 2000). Failure to enhance such a stage culminates in dissatisfaction in the subsequent processes. Short-term results Worker are human by nature, and will look forward to seeing immediate results therefore management will be hard pressed to deliver short-term results. Change is a lengthy process and the management should generate shot-term results and at the same time remain focused on the long-term goals (Coutts 2000).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Models of Implementing the Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consolidate gains and keep the momentum going This stage seeks to assert that implementation of change is a slow process and the management should not declare success in overhauling its policy. However, it should embark on consolidating achievements made. The management should cautiously assess progress made and give a critical picture rather than create euphoria that will reduce motivation to pursue change (Coutts, 2000). Institutionalize new business practices Members of the work force should routinely perform the fresh procedures. This is because they are the new norms of the business. At this stage, the management is aim ing at entrenching the new practices into the culture of the organization (Coutts, 2000). Pros and cons The model clearly breaks down what is to be done at each stage and acknowledges that change implementation is a lengthy process that should be allocated ample time. It also identifies that leader have a key role to play in steering the implementation of change. The use of this model would mean that that the implementation would drag on for considerable time and need a significant amount of resources (Coutts, 2000). Organizational change intervention Strategic plan A strategic plan encompasses the definition of what the company wants to achieve in future. It equally entails the allotment of necessary recourses and personnel. Moreover, it ensures that the efforts and the resources of an organization are channelled towards achieving the identified goals. Traditionally, strategic planning was the preserve of the top administration but in the current business environment the management has to seek the ideas of all workers and make them part of the plan. The top management has to lead this process by clearly giving their plans to help the company achieve its objectives. Such interventions focus on collecting ideas from workers, brainstorming, carrying out feasibility studies, developing tactics, coining an overall plan and finally communicating the strategies (Beitler, 2005).  Most organization fail to develop strategic plans as the business environment changes rapidly, in effect results to turmoil in the organization. Most organizations are market driven and should set up a plan that clearly focuses on how to maintain and expand market share. For strategic plan to be effective as an intervention, then each level of the entity must have a plan. Strategic planning main strengths lie in the ability to centre the resources of an organization towards achieving specific goals.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, it collects ideas from most employees making them part of the development of the strategic plan. The major undoing of this form of interventions is where a poor plan is developed, that becomes obsolete within no time. To set up a quality plan, requires some form of expertise (Beitler, 2005). Restructuring An executive structure defines the company flow of authority. It undoubtedly sets out the corporation hierarchy. A company structure provides the needed labour to achieve the goals under the strategic plan. To achieve the objectives, a suitable and proficient flow of authority is necessary. To eliminate bureaucracy, the different positions must have clearly defined tasks. The aim of this intervention is to give the organization the appropriate structure to achieve its goals. Due to the rapidly altering commerce environment, the organization must constantly review its structure by â€Å"business process re-engineering†, which is the fundamental re-thinking of how an entity delivers its products (Beitler, 2005). An organization must choose a structure that best suits it. Examples of these structures include matrix based, process based and product based. Organization with branches should prefer a network kind of structure while those multiple products should institute a product based structure. The main undoing of restructuring as an intervention is that it keeps shifting worker to various positions thus they never settle at their work place. Its strength is that it maintains the needed work force hence an efficient organization. Overall, this intervention recreates and re-defines the organization structure so that is relevant to the organizations’ industry, product portfolio, and client base (Beitler, 2005). Diagnostic instruments Vision For change to flourish, the pioneers of the change must provide a vivid picture of the transformations they wish to institute. The transformations serve as the vision, and sparks enthusiasm to pursue transformation. The vision acts as a guide and a measure of the progress made in instituting various changes. For this diagnostic instrument to be successful, the vision must be elaborate and put together after wide consultations with the employee and the management on the issues that need to be changed. The people at the helm must practice what they emphasize for this instrument to be successful. Failure to communicate their properly will definitely lead to failure of vision as a diagnostic instrument. It is most effectual when the vision is well put together, communicated and appreciated by employees (Coutts, 2000). Urgency of change When individuals realise that the organization is susceptible to loss of customers or loss of credit finances, they spark into action, trying to create urgency for change. Most executives’ underestimate the difficulty in getting the populace to apprehend they need to do things differently in order to avert a looming crisis. This instrument asse sses the clamour for change among the employee in the entity. Urgency’s main objective is to create a state of necessity for change. Creation of urgency is usually the beginning of a lengthy process of enacting change in an entity (Coutts, 2000). References Beitler, M. (2005). A practitioner’s guide for change leaders and consultation. Web. Coutts, P. (2000).  John Kotter on Leading Change. Web. Riley, G. (2006). Globalisation – Effects. Web. Schein, H. (1995). Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory in the Field and in the. Web. This essay on Models of Implementing the Change was written and submitted by user Derr1ck to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

buy custom Milestone 2 First Draft Cyberschool essay

buy custom Milestone 2 First Draft Cyberschool essay Introduction In the current global market, Cyber Schools are on the increase and this is attributed to the fact that nowadays many schools have opted to adopt the online service provision because of the current trends in technology. Furthermore, such schools are assisting students and their families from the struggles that may be arising from the need to meet the requirement to pay for tuition. Cyber schools, which are also known as virtual schools or just online schools, are considered to be tuition-free educational institutions where everything is entirely based on the Internet. In the United States, cyber schools are approved by the state and they are designed in a way that will allow different students attain public school education just from their homes, and it may even start from as low as pre-kindergarten to 12th grade level (Patriot-News Editorial Board, 2009). Therefore, this research study assumes that Cyber Schools way of teaching is considered to be the most effective and efficient wa y of educating students within the current world. Cyber school attractions In this form of learning, students are normally allowed to posses a personal computer, enough learning textbooks, a high-speed Internet connection, and other educational resources that will assist them in effectively completing their assignments in time. Majority of cyber schools in the United States are recognized and even present a more thorough and precise curriculum when compared with the traditional brick-and-mortar learning institution. In this case, a learning management system is an online portal that assists students in submitting their completed assignments. The Faculty and staff members in cyber schools consist of state-certified tutors who normally correspond with their students by the use of Web chat, telephone and/ or electronic mails. Attending classes does not go like the traditional brick-and-mortar learning institution, but in this case students are taught by the use of a computerized format that is comparable to the video-chat program Skype. This format enables students to have a better interaction with their teachers and also one another on virtual mode (Craver, 2002). Student privacy is an aspect that fundamental in the overall success of the student in educational realm, and in this case it has to involve with the access to confidential data and security information. With introduction of Cyber schools in the current market, this is an aspect that is enhanced in both schools and homes. Where the accss to such information and data is only guaranteed when the right password is provided as requested. Internet accessibility and its application is a better way to do research as it becomes easier to carry out research in regards to various projects that relates to class work. Projects requiring an intensive research on information like history reports, bibliographies, and different literature pieces, can effectively be worked on by the use of the Internet, especially during study time at school and/ or home (Marzano, 2003). Cyber schools have also proved to be effective when it comes to updating student by their tutors on the current issues and events, especially when teaching social studies or history. This helps in keeping the class updated with the current events in the world. Internet accessibility at home or school allows student to frequently access their mails and other personal web pages. Cyber school distractions All a long Cyber schools have always been considered to be the best mode of offering education to students, but as time goes by, there are a number of distractions that are connected with the aspect of investing so much in this mode. First, the aspect of self-motivation is always at stake, since students are not obligated to attend classes when turning in their assignments, it may be difficult for them to comprehensively complete and hand in their assignments within the required time frame. When not motivated, one is more likely to relapse in studies and probably sink completely. Secondly, success in education comes with how a student is well organized both at home and school, and this can be achieved by ensuring that one is all material and resources needed are kept well. Sharing of computers can cause major interruptions in study, where books and notes used for certain projects may turn out to being misplaced (Marzano, 2003). Another issue that is found within the mode of Cyber schools is the aspect of having slow response. In this case, a student may sometime have questions for the tutor, but the problem may arise when responses are delayed due to unknown reasons. This is normally the beginning frustrations and confusion for students and in the end will always have a negative impact on the overall capability and capacity of a student. Despite the fact that most of the cyber classrooms have turned out to be more interactive, especially through chats and different forums, most students are prone to feel a sense of seclusion, since there are no social gatherings for them to enjoy together, and this another problem that ccan be caused while at school or just from home (Craver, 2002). There are other distraction received in the cases of Cyber schools, which are possession of IPods, cell phones, music, television, friends, and wanting to visit other non-educational websites for personal reasons. Parental controls over Cyber Schools Cyber schools offer the best chance for students to get access to a lot of material through surfing the net and other online resources, but this is an act that can either build a student or destroy him or her completely. Therefore, a control mechanism is supposed to be put in place to ensure that one is only restricted to certain sites over the Internet, and this is supposed to start right from home, where explicit materials are blocked and no one will be able to access them. Involvement parents in controlling the use of the Internet will also help in ensuring that electronic mails received and sent are effectively controlled, and this will also assist in blocking of spam mails, which may turn out to be more for distraction (Marzano, 2003). On the other hand, controlling of Internet application by parents may completely take trust away from student and in the end have a negative impact to their relationship with their parents. Again in the process of blocking various sites and materials, one might end up blocking wrong material of which may be of help to the student. Therefore, this is a process that needs to be clearly looked into before everything is carried against it, especially when considering the best impact it has caused in the current educational system (Marzano, 2003). Societies View on Cyber School The benefits of Cyber schools has greatly played a significant role in enhancing views of the society that student comes towards the effectiveness of the highlighted mode of learning. The society is able to understand that the system is aimed at incorporating better and faster learning processes within the overall learning process. In this way, educational tax collected from education procedures will be lowered and thus turning out to be advantageous to many families, especially when it comes to spending of finances. The society is also witnessing the cases of less violence being reported as many students are not faced with issues that may distract them and probably cause havoc (Patriot-News Editorial Board, 2009). Therefore, the society has welcomed the idea with an open mind and is ready to support it for the purpose enhancing learning process in the whole continent. Buy custom Milestone 2 First Draft Cyberschool essay

Wetted wall column Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Wetted wall column - Coursework Example According to Mass balance (also known as material balance), and assuming that there no accumulation of materials in the system, or there is no loss associated with process under which the materials entering the system are undergoing, the mass of materials entering the system is equal to the mass of materials (components) leaving the system (Atkins 1997). See the diagram below. If accumulation occurs in the system, the mass of materials entering the system is equal to the mass of materials leaving the system plus the mass of materials that have accumulated in the system. This can be as shown in the equation below, One of the ways in which mass balance can be studied theoretically is through wetted column. A wetted column experiment consists of a vertical tube in which a gas is flowing either co-current or counter current to a liquid (the liquid has to be volatile in nature) (Sinnott 2007). The interface area between the liquid column (thin film) and the gas can be measured and is usually constant (Dainitiyh 1996). In the wetted column the volatile liquid is usually flowing down the surface of the wetted tube in a very thin film (Kim 2007). From the rate at which the volatile liquid change to gaseous state (evaporation), the coefficient of the mass transfer of the gas phase can be calculated. The rate of mass transfer in wetted column (also rate of evaporation) normally depends on the conditions that prevail in the area (interface) between the gas stream and the thin liquid column (film). In the wetted column, the gas flow is either laminar or turbulent, that is, the flow of the gas is either smooth or associated with ripples at the interface. The mass balance of the materials (in this case water vapour) that are transferred from the film of the liquid to the air along the column (assuming that the transfer has taken place throughout the length of the tube (column)) is

Role of women in Christian Leadership Assignment

Role of women in Christian Leadership - Assignment Example Some of these arguments are against women leadership in churches while others seek to justify the need to have women leaders in church. All quarters seek to justify their stand on the issue using the Bible as their basis (Scott, 2002, p. 27). In 1Timothy 2:12, Paul says he does not permit women to have authority over men in the church. He also bars them from teaching. According to him, a woman is to be submissive and silent. He goes further to quote the Genesis creation story and states that God created man first before the woman. He goes further to say that, it was Eve that first fell to temptation and not Adam. This may have formed the basis for his argument against women leadership in the early church. Going backwards, we see Paul stating the appropriate dress code for women as he sees it fit (1Timothy 2:9). This brings out yet another possible reason for Paul’s stand. He may have noted the danger in how women dressed in church and that is why he emphasized on how they were to dress. He possibly saw that in their quest to look good, women might end up overdoing it to the extent that it affects their ministry in the church. It may also form ground for competition among them thus causing them to deviate from their main roles of leadership. Such competition could be harmful to the church as it could escalate and cause division as they try to outdo each other. Yet another fear could be the possibility of women ignoring their ethical responsibilities as they engage more and more in leadership. This could be harmful to their family lives, as they could possibly want to carry their authority back into their homes, which would be against their traditional Laws where the man was the head of the family. We could also possibly say that Paul was referring to women in the past that had been in influential positions but were evil or deceiving. Women such as Jezebel (II Kings 9:10) and Delilah (Judges 16) may have contributed to the notion that given a chance, women could become evil and cause the downfall of man, which could translate to the fall of the church. Great men such as Samson, David, Solomon and even Adam all seem to have fallen or made wrong choices due to women. If Paul was drawing his conclusions from such events involving women, the he had some ground to argue for barring women from leading in the church. In the book of Corinthians, Paul reminds the church what the laws say about women and how they should not speak in front of the congregation. Any woman who had anything to ask was to ask her husband at home and not in the church. The laws considered it a disgrace for a woman to speak in church (1Corinthians 14:34-35). Paul was possibly insisting on this to ensure that there was order within the church. Paul’s letters to Timothy and The Corinthians came at a time when there were quarrels within the church. The letters served to reaffirm the laws to bring about order. In 1Timothy, People who have little understanding of th e laws and scriptures tend to be challenging Timothy’s authority within the church. These seem to be preaching erroneously to the people. Among these are probably women who interpret the scriptures in their own ways to justify their participation in leadership in the church. Paul seeks to help Timothy subdue feministic tendencies that may be cropping up in the Church. He writes to reaffirm Timothy’s authority in the church. Although Paul’s words come out strongly against women leadership, he does not discourage women participation in the work of evangelization. This is through women such as Priscilla who

Trade Kings A Zambia Consumer Company Marketing Essay

Trade Kings A Zambia Consumer Company Marketing Essay For a firm in its initial internationalisation, it will have to use indirect export strategies where it uses intermediary organisations that have the necessary experience in handling export sales on behalf of experienced or low level exporting organisations. As the firms export grows and the firm acquires knowledge in the export market including the preparations of the export documents, it may now opt to use the direct export strategy with less use of intermediaries Most companies would prefer to remain domestic if their domestic market were large enough. Managers would not need to learn other languages and laws, deal with volatile currencies, face political and legal uncertainties or redesign their products to suit different customer needs and expectations. A higher degree of involvement in the domestic market and the company may need a larger customer base to achieve economies of sale. As Trade Kings expanded in Zambia, its marketing pesonnel was able to collect information on the potential opportunities in Malawi. It was actually observed that travelers going to Malawi had introduced the brand maheu there and was a popular brand. This information provided the basis for conducting formal market research which revealed that the brand would successfully sale in Malawi. The company eventually entered the Malawian Market in 2001 through an indirect export strategy. LEARNING CURVE REQUIREMENTS Firms which intend a heavy future involvement might need to learn from the experience that close involvement in an overseas market can bring, some companies may not have any major resources and experience in international trade. Trade Kings did not have any experience in international marketing as it was initially only selling its brands in Zambia. RISKS Some risks such as political risks or the risk of the expropriation of overseas assets by foreign government encourages firms entering into overseas markets to persue an indirect exports strategy as it is safer. On the other hand, the risk of losing touch with customers and their requirements would encourage a direct export strategy. There is political stability in Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa and this provided opportunities for Trade Kings to enter these foreign markets. The lack of experience in export marketing meant that Trade Kings would have to use already experienced exporters, although it would not be in touch with the customers in these countries. CONTROL NEEDS Control over the export operations, particularly over the marketing mix and the distribution channel varies between indirect and direct exporting strategies. Indirect export strategy offers virtually no control to the exporters. Trade Kings had no control over indirect exporters. These were willing to sale on behalf of Trade Kings. However, Trade Kings later opted to use direct export strategy which allowed for greater control over its export operations in Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. HOW MANY MARKETS TO ENTER The company must decide how many foreign markets to enter and how fast to expand. The risk is the substantial resources needed and the difficulty of planning export strategies into many diverse markets. (Kotler 2004, Page 640). EVALUATING POTENTIAL MARKETS It is important to evaluate the potential of several foreign markets. Many companies prefer to sell to neighbouring countries because they understand these countries better and can control their costs effectively. Most Zambians are familiar with Malawi due to historical and political factors. Trade Kings would not find it difficult to enter the Malawian Market. DECIDING HOW TO ENTER THE MARKET Once a company decides to target a particular country, it must determine the best mode of entry. Its broad choices regarding export strategies include an indirect export strategy and a direct import strategy. A firm internationalizing for the first time has no experience in export documentation, lack local knowledge in the foreign market and valuable distribution contacts. Trade Kings had to depend on the experienced exporters. In this case it would have to use indirect export strategy. EXPORTING STRATEGIES Exporting is the easiest, cheapest, and most commonly used route in to a new foreign market. Many firms become exporters in an unplanned haphazard and reactive way, simply by accepting orders from the potential customers who happen to be based overseas. However it was common for a firm to take a proactive approach to exporting by the systematic planning and the identification and the selection of target markets for its exports. This gives rise to several advantages over those entry methods which require greater involvement in the overseas market. 3.1 ADVANTAGES TO THE EXPORTER 3.1.1 The principal benefit is that the exporters are able to concentrate production in a single location, in order to achieve economies of scale and consistency of product quality. Trade Kings would produce the Maheu brand and distribute it to its foreign markets in Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. The demand as at now does not require the setting up of a plant in these countries. However Trade Kings is considering a plant in Malawi that will produce a range of consumer products similar to the ones produced in Zambia. 3.1.2 Firms lacking the know-how and experience can try internationalization on a small scale. Trade kings had started exporting maheu brand on a small scale until the brand gained popularity in 2002. The demand for the brand had increased in Malawi. 3.1.3 Exporting enables firms to develop and test their plans and strategies. Trade Kings had to attain the learning curve effect and eventually was able to persue a more expansionary export sales to Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa by persuing direct export strategy. 3.1.4 Exporting enables firms to minimize their operating costs, administrative overheads and personnel requirements. 3.2 INDIRECT EXPORT STRATEGY 3.2.1 EXPORT HOUSES Export house are firms which facilitate exporting on behalf of the producer. There are three main types of export houses: EXPORT MERCHANTS These act as export principals, they buy goods from a producer and sell them abroad. Trade Kings was able to sell its maheu brand to export merchants in Lusaka who where exporting a range of consumer products in Malawi. ADVANTAGES OF EXPORT HOUSES The producer gains the benefits of the export houses market knowledge and contacts. Trade kings was able to use a major export house ABC international export that was able to buy a range of consumer products from various suppliers in Zambia and transport them to malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. As business continued with ABC company, Trade Kings acquired knowledge that was helpful in setting its own export market department. Except in the case of export agents the producer is relieved of the need to do the following: Finance the export transaction Suffer the credit risk Prepare export documentation Trade Kings was not able to incur any promotional and distribution expenses. This was borne by ABC Company. All export documentation was done by the exporter. In some cases export merchants receive preferential treatment from foreign institutional and organisational customers. ABC International Exporters is a large company that has been in the export marketing of consumer products to Malawi including supplying goods to government institutions and organizations. It has developed strong relationships with valuable contacts in the country that it exports to. DISADVANTAGES OF EXPORT HOUSES Ultimately, it is not the producer but the marchants decision to market a product and so a producer is at the Merchants mercy. At this time the merchant was buying less Trade Kings brand in preference to their company brands. Any goodwill created in the market usually benefits the Merchant and not the producer. As with all intermediaries, an export house or Merchants might service a variety of producing organization. An individual producer cannot rely on the Merchants exclusive loyalty. Trade kings brands has created strong loyalty in Malawi, However ABC Company was not effectively marketing the brand. It was also over -pricing the brand leading to lower sales. The exporter also was also increasing stock of Trade Kings Competitor. This lead to the creation of Trade Kings export marketing department. Export houses are not normally willing to enter into long term arrangements with a producer. Trade King had entered with a 2 (two) year contract with ABC International Exporters as they did not want a 5 (five) year contract initially.However as demand for the brand increased in Malawi, the exporter wanted a long term contract. Trade Kings entered in to contract with a specialist export management firm, International Distributors Limited, a specialist export Consultancy and logistics firm. DISADVANTAGES OF SPECIALIST EXPORT MANAGEMENT The drawbacks of using the specialist export managers include:- As the export manager is an independent organisation, it can leave the producers service and the producer will have gained as inhouse expertise. The contract was not renewed because the international distributor firm lacked the resources to fully exploit the foreign markets. As the producer does not learn from experience of exporting, this may adversely affect future options by restricting those available. The Trade Kings did not benefit any export knowledge from the distributors as all export management functions were done by the firm. The specialist export manager may not have sufficient knowledge of all the producers in the market. International distributors proved to lack adequate knowledge in the foreign markets in which Trade Kings could increase its sales. 3. COMPLIMENTARY EXPORTING Complementry exporting or piggy back exporting occurred when one producing organisation refered to as the carrier uses its own established international marketing channels to market the products of another producer referred to as the rider as well as its own. ADVANTAGES OF COMPLIMENTARY EXPORTING There are advantages to both the carrier and the rider as follows: The carrier earns increased profit from a better use of distribution capacity and can sell a more attractive product range. The rider obtains entry to a market at low cost and low risk. Trade Kings did not use this mode of indirect export strategy. 4. TURNKEY CONTRACTS Turnkey contracts may also provide opportunities for complementary exporting. A single firm engaged in a particular project overseas such as construction, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical and civil engineering projects will often acquire products and services from other firms in the home country for the project. (Hill 2005, page 485) Trade kings did not use much of indirect export strategy. DIRECT EXPORT STRATEGY Direct export strategy occurs where the producing organisation itself performs the export tasks rather than using an intermediary. Sales are made directly to customers overseas who may be wholesalers, retailers or final users. Sales may increasingly be made via e- commerce on the internet. As the volume of sales increased and a forcast of demand showed that Trade Kings brand were steadily growing including detergents, candles, match ticks. Sweets , snacks and bathing soaps. Marketing in this environment is similar to the marketing in the domestic market, although there are the added problems of distance product regulations language and culture.(Hill, 2005 Page 488) OVERSEAS AGENCIES Overseas export agent is an overseas firm hired to effect a sales contract between the principal (i.e the exporter) and a customer. Agents do not take title of goods, they earn a commission. Trade Kings entered into a contract with Malawi export agent, Malawi export Limited. THE ADVANTAGES OF OVERSEAS AGENTS An exporter may use overseas agents due to the following reasons:- They have extensive knowledge and experience of overseas market and the customers. Malawi Export Limited, an indeginous local firm, large importer was able to increase the sale of trade Kings products. Their existing product range is usually complementary to the exporters. This may help the exporter penetrate the overseas market. Unlike ABC international exporters who were able to stock Trade Kings Competitors brands. The exporter does have to make a large investment outlay. Trade Kings did not have to spend resources in building a depot and managing it. This was all done by the Malawi Export Limited. The political risk is low Malawi export Limited is an indigenous Malawian firm and has vast local knowledge and local contraact. It is able to withstand any political challenges in Malawi. DISADVANTAGES OF USING OVERSEAS AGENTS The disadvantages of using overseas agents and these are: An intermediarys commitment and motivation may be weaker than the producers. The Malawi export Limited was still able to market others brand by different suppliers and was based towards brands whose turnover was very high compared to Trade Kings brands. Agents usually want steady turnover using an agent may not be the most appropriate way of selling low volume, high value goods with unsteady patterns of demand, or where sales are infrequent. Trade Kings brand were of average turnover and Malawi Export Limited failing to meet the expectations of Trade Kings. This led to the formation of a Trade Kings branch office in Malawi. This would also deal with Mozambique and South Africa. Many agents are too small to exploit a major market to its full extent. Many service only limited geographic segments. As a market grow large it becomes less efficient to use as an agent. A branch office or subsidiary company will achieve economics of scale. The demand for the Trade king brands kept on growing since 2004 and management had to commit its resources in developing an overseas branch office in Malawi. A careful analysis was done by Trade Kings prior to the selection of the Malawi Export Limited Company to act as an overseas agent for the Malawian market. COMPANY BRANCH OFFICES ABROAD A firm can establish its own office in a foreign market for the purpose of marketing and distributing its product. ADVANTAGES OF A COMPANY BRANCH OFFICE The advantage of Companys branch office in setting its own distribution office, a firm may have the following advantages: When sales have reached a certain level branch offices become more effective than agencies. A Trade King Branch was finally opened in the capital city, Lilongwe in Malawi on 1st June, 2005 with most staff being Malawians. Sales performance will improve as the commitment and motivation of a producers own staff should be more effective than those of an agent. Trade Kings Staff were committed to ensure that they attained the sales targets. The level of motivation was high leading to surpassed sales targets in 2006, this lead to the expansion of the branch to also effectively manage sales in Mozambique. The producer retains complete marketing control. Trade Kings had now a strong presence in Malawi and in Mozambique.The branch was now able to pursue aggressive marketing of Trade Kings brands through advertising campaigns, sales promotions campaigns and participation in trade exhibitions in Malawi and Mozambique. DISADVANTAGE OF COMPANY BRANCH OFFICES ABROAD Trade Kings experienced the following drawbacks when it set- up firm setting an overseas Company branch in Malawi Higher investment overhead and running costs are entailed. There can be a political risk particulaly expropriation of assets. The firm will be subject to local staff legislation which it may not welcome. CONCLUSION Mode of entry has implications for the distribution channel. Although in domestic markets firms often give some control over distribution to intermediaries this problem is magnified in international terms. Trade Kings later experienced distribution problems through its indirect export strategy in Malawi. The distributors had earlier on provided Trade Kings with higher sales. However it started to over stock a range of products from various competing firms. This led to a decline in Trade Kings maheu brand despite the product having established brand loyalty on the Malawian market. It can be observed that, for many overseas operations means they are forced into the aims of intermediaries even though this may not be the ideal means of the satisfying the needs of the end consumers. Trade kings enventually had to opt for investing directly in the Malawian market through a direct export strategy.

Analyse a Business Plan Essay

Quality Training Quality Training has been operating as a Registered Training Organization for 12 months. The objectives of Quality Training are to generate a profit, grow at a challenging and manageable rate and to be a good corporate citizen. The mission of Quality Training is to exceed our customers’ expectations by providing them with effective training and development services, relevant to their needs and in line with national quality standards. Critical Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the business plan Quality Training has  been operating as a Registered Training Organization for 12 months. Below is the critical analysis of the business plan of the organization including its business weaknesses and strengths? Strengths of Quality Training: A new organization with no history Flexible and adaptable to clients needs Low start-up costs Personalized service, people conduct training who own the company Able to visit trainees and clients more regularly Knowledge of the local political situation and potential areas of growth Attractive business incentives threats: New organization, so unknown in the market place No references from former clients Limited sources Owner – operated Limited operation Lack of funding for large marketing campaign Targeting local area so limited clients base Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses: Quality Training should adopt the following strategies to overcome perceived threats and weaknesses. It should expand its network with friends and acquaintances to source business opportunities as this is local business organization. It has limited clients base it should develop strong personal relations. The organization must develop its marketing materials including a website so that clients can get themselves registered online. The organization should look for opportunities to deliver non-accreted training prior to becoming established as an RTO. This will bring in some additional income and will assist in developing our client relationship. The organization is very new so it should be flexible its working policies and procedures. It should be up to date with relevant legislation and industry requirements. The organization should look for new business opportunities to develop mutual beneficial partnership with other RTO’s or businesses. By keeping the business diversified and offering a variety of training and development programs, the risk of losing government funding will be  minimized. Quality training should consider the marketing trends to penetrate into the local market. Schools are emphasizing the importance of gaining recognized qualifications to their students. Quality Training should intend to take advantage requirement for business to comply with state and Federal Legislation in the area of occupational health and safety. It is suggested to the organization that it should utilize the following marketing strategies is its marketing approach; Personal contacts: Quality Training should expand its circle of business by increasing personal contacts to increase its business opportunities. This can be done by e-mails, cold calling, Internet ads, yellow pages, and networking. The organization must develop its marketing material in form of brochures professionally produced, outlining its mission, values and the training services provided. This thing will also include a professional website which must be updated regularly. The organization is required to formulate its business plan with regard to financial forecasting. Quality Training should review its business plan on an annual basis. Business plan 2: Workout gym business Plan Sport therapy business plan Workout gym business Plan: Pump fitness centre is situated in wentworthville. It is good business plan to run our business. At Pump Fitness we offer modern, clean, air-conditioned facilities with the latest equipment from Life Fitness and Hammer Strength. Pump Fitness pride themselves on good old fashioned customer service where everyone is more than a membership number and caters for the beginner to the experienced gym user. We provide a modern, non intimidating environment in which our members can enjoy the very best in lifestyle and fitness facilities. All members receive individual health assessments and fitness programs which are updated every eight weeks and qualified staff that are always available on the gym floor to assist you with your workouts. Our results based programs are guaranteed to be cost effective and will help you achieve great results regardless of your age, shape or fitness level. Strength of workout gym business plan: 1. Money made business plan. 2. Received fees on time from customer. 3. Currently in a good financial position (few debts, etc) 4. Skilled workforce (little training required) 5. Latest machinery installed 6. Own premises (no additional costs for renting) 7. Excellent transport links (ease of access to/from the Company) 8. Little/non-threatening competition Weakness: 1. Currently in a poor financial position (large debts, etc) 2. Un-Skilled workforce (training required) 3. Company name not recognized on a National/Regional/Local level 4. Machinery not up to date (Inefficient) 5. Rented premises (Adding to costs) Sport therapy business plan: Massage may be the oldest and simplest form of health care dating back to ancient civilizations and it is a therapy that continues to thrive today. Put simply, Massage is the manipulation of the layers of muscle and connective tissue in the body to enhance function and to aid the body in healing itself, increasing your health, vitality and well being in the process. There are many different types of massage but they all have the same basic intention, to heal the body and soothe the mind. A therapeutic massage is a great way for you to relax, but do not expect it to take the place of good nutrition, proper rest, and regular physical exercise. Strength can be viewed as a resource, a unique approach, or capacity that allows an entity to achieve its defined goals. A weakness is a limitation, fault, or defect in the entity that impedes progress toward defined goals (e.g., the limited field of view and resolution in a head-mounted display can limit usability and perceptual realism).