I'll attach it Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

I'll attach it - Essay Example This young man lived at a time when violence was the norm and through his work became a beacon of peace in the region. He travelled extensively for work, listening and learning on his travels about the customs, faiths and problems of people. He realized that the people needed to bond to be able to live peacefully. His reliance on observation and contemplation was his greatest strength. His open minded approach to problems, his humility, compassion and humaneness that taught people to return to old tribal values of helping the poor and downtrodden; endeared him to his people then, as they do today so many centuries later. His life is a shining example of a wise leader. His policy of bringing the community of Medina together regardless of faith or tribe show a remarkable understanding of the power of unity in the face of external threat. His statesmanship is revealed in his exhortation to the people to create a just and decent society whereby by each member of the community took up the responsibility of maintaining peace and harmony. His emphasis on equality for all is enshrined in his farewell sermon as he reminds his people that â€Å"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.† (Prophet Muhammad, â€Å"Farewell Sermon†) The qualities of justice, compassion a willingness to learn and treat people of all denominations as equals are the hallmarks of a great leader. Prophet Muhammad displayed these abundantly. In a world riven by strife a nd violence, Prophet Muhammad’s guidance is sorely needed to heal the divisions between man and man and hence he is indispensable as a role model for today’s

Globalization and Culture Global Mlange Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Globalization and Culture Global Mlange - Essay Example He explores the culture thoroughly as the geological barriers have been removed by the technology and migration of people today. He started off with the definition of globalization which may differ from the common meaning of it. Other people consider globalization to be a single perspective only wherein the main focus is on the business side or the expansion of the corporate world. In reality, globalization is a multidimensional process wherein culture, politics, economics and social dynamics are all factors that shape the face of globalization. They may all differ from one another and can be very distinct, but they all mingle and affect globalization (Pieterse 14). The changes then bring about the huge impact on the culture of people around the world. Pieterse particularly focused on culture as it contains the values, beliefs, and norms of people that affect the social dynamics. He then attacks the current cultural change with a concept of mà ©lange as he distinguished it from the common perspectives of multicultural existence like homogenization and clash of the civilizations. Homogenization, as the word implies, pertains to the oneness or uniformity in any particular thing which means cultural homogenization is the presence of uniform culture. It is attributed to the advancement of businesses around the world. Some people pointed out that corporations and businesses like the franchise fast food chains together with capitalism drive the world into a cultural homogenization. They also call it Mc Donaldization as named after the largest fast food chain in the world (Pieterse 51-55). Perhaps it is maybe the cause of the homogenization as the brands and endorsements of big businesses affect the lifestyle, norms, values, and beliefs of people. The cultural change then follows as the businesses expand.

Design And Operation Of Engine Testing Facilty Engineering Essay

Design And Operation Of Engine Testing Facilty Engineering Essay ABSTRACT The report covers design and development of an engine testing facility for the operation of diesel and gasoline engines. It consists of two sub-cells for each engine type. It is designed by keeping Euro 5 emission standard in mind. A study was made to find the power output of the diesel engines of 1.3 lit. Turbo to 6.0 lit. Tdi and gasoline engine of 1.6 lit. With variable vane turbo charger and variable geometry valve timing. The Heat balance sheet for both the engine and the test cell was made on the basis of power output. afterwards, the mass flow rate of the fuel, air, cooling water and oil were calculated to design the test cell. The dynamometer and other equipments were selected based on their types and operation requirements. At the end the bill of material of all the parts purchased was prepared to illustrate that the designed testing facility meets the funds of the project. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT Introduction 5 Test Cell Facilities Typical Test Cell Layout Thermodynamics of the test cell and flow measurement 7 Energy Balance 2.2.1Diesel Engine Energy Balance 2.2.2 Diesel Cell Energy Balance 2.3.1 Gasoline Engine Energy Balance 2.3.2 Gasoline Cell Energy Balance Test Cell Design Individual Test Cell Size Test Cell Design Cell Services Diesel Test Cell Layout Dynamometers Dynamometer mechanism Dynamometer Types Selection Of Dynamometer Instrument Selection 5.1Engine Speed 5.2 Temperature Measurement 5.3 Flow Rates Measurement 5.4 Pressure Transducers 5.5 Emission Equipment 5.6 Smoke Measurement 5.7 Prices of the Instruments Conclusion Reference CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION In the present scenario, internal combustion engines have become the most widespread form of energy conversion from chemical to mechanical form. A lot more is going on these days to improve the design of the engine using better materials and techniques in order to achieve more power and fuel economy. Considering the amount of effort that is being put to design an engine from scratch, the art of testing an engine is becoming much harder to master. The work of designing a test cell which should test engines with varied range of power output and size requires not only the skill and technical knowledge of the subject; it also requires the exposure to the new and developing experimental techniques to observe even the minute aspect of the project in order to design the best possible layout. The testing of an engine requires correctly measuring the parameters such as temperatures, air flow, fuel flow, air velocity and several meter readings in the first attempt itself as its an expensive ex ercise to conduct an engine test. [2] 1.1 TEST CELL AND FACILITIES To build a test cell requires a detailed study of the energy input and output with respect to the engine, size of the engine etc. So the proper plan has to be carried out. The test facility should be well equipped with the modern test equipments and instruments like gas analyser, transducers etc. Following topics discussed the facilities. 1.2 A Typical Test Cell Layout The following fig. shows a typical cell layout showing the different systems like ventilation for air, conditioning systems, data acquisition, cooling and air conditioning system etc.. Fig. 1.1 A typical Test cell layout CHAPTER 2 ENERGY BALANCE AND MEASUREMENT 2.1 ENERGY BALANCE With reference to the table and the figure, an energy balance of the 1.3 litres turbo engine (manufactured by FIAT), which produces a power of 95bhp @4000 rpm (equivalent to 70 KW) is carried out. The same procedure can be later followed to calculate the energy flows for the 6.0 litre Tdi V12 Volkswagen engine producing a power of 331 KW @6050 rpm 560 Nm of torque at 2750 rpm. 2.2.1 DIESEL ENGINE ENERGY BALANCE Engine: 1.3 litre turbocharged diesel engine, power output: 95 bhp(70.87 KW) Assuming thermal efficiency of the engine = 0.42, calorific value of diesel = 44.8 MJ/kg So, fuel input power = 70.87/0.42 = 168.73 KW Specific fuel consumption = Table 2.2 Energy Balance for the fiat 500 1.3 litre turbocharged 70.87 KW diesel engine Item Energy In Item Energy Out Fuel 168.73KW Power 70.87KW (42%) Heat to cooling water 33.746KW(20%) Heat to oil cooler 5.0619 KW (3%) Heat to exhaust 42.1825KW(25%) Conv. and Radiation 16.873KW(10%) Total 168.73 KW 168.73 KW Flow Rate Calculations: Mass flow rate of the fuel: = The density of diesel fuel is à Ã‚  = 0.832 Kg / lt So, the fuel flow rate is: = 16.0096 litres / hr. Air flow: : Assuming that the air-fuel ratio at full load is 25:1 and air density is 1.2 Kg /, = 333 Kg / hr. = 333.5/1.2 = 277.5 m3/hr. Cooling water flow : : Heat loss to the cooling water is assumed to be 20% Therefore, Heat loss = Assuming 10 degrees rise in the water temperature = 48.4392 kg/min Exhaust flow : = 346.32 Kg/hr Engine: Volkswagen 331 KW, 450 BHP engine The energy balance and mass flow rates for this engine was calculated by similar fashion as shown in the above case. Table 2.3 Energy Balance for the Volkswagen 331 KW,450 bhp engine: Item Energy In Item Energy Out Fuel 788.09KW Power 331 KW (42%) Heat to cooling water 157.6KW(20%) Heat to oil cooler 23.64 KW (3%) Heat to exhaust 197.02 KW (25%) Conv. and Radiation 78.809KW(10%) Total 788.09 KW 788.09 KW Table 2.4 Flow rates for the Volkswagen 331 KW engine: Particulars Mass flow rate Fuel 63.3286 kg/hr Air 1583.21 /hr Cooling Water 226.22 kg/min or lts/min Exhaust 1583 kg/hr 2.2.2 DIESEL CELL ENERGY BALANCE The energy balance for the diesel cell has been shown the table 2.5. Some of these calculations are being done in the ventilation system section. Table 2.5 Energy balance for the diesel test cell for 450 BHP diesel engine Item Energy In Item Energy Out Fuel 788.09 KW Exhaust Gas 150 KW Ventilation Fan Power 10 KW Dynamometer Power 373 KW Electrical Cell Services 25 KW Engine Cooling Water 157.6 KW Ventilation Air 150.868 KW Cell Wall Losses 5 KW Total 823.09 KW Total 823.09 KW 2.3.1 GASOLINE ENGINE ENERGY BALANCE This cell is required to test the engines from 1.6 litre variable vane turbocharger with variable valve timing to 3 litres 400 BHP engine. Engine: Toyota corolla 1.6 litre VVT, 110 [emailprotected] rpm, 150 [emailprotected] rpm The energy balance and flow rate calculations are same as that of the previous. Assuming 30 30-30-10 thumb rule. The calorific value of petrol is = 48000 KJ/kg. Table 2.6 Energy Balance for the Toyota corolla1.6 litre 80 KW petrol engine Item Energy In Item Energy Out Fuel 267KW Power 80 KW (30%) Heat to cooling water 80 KW (30%) Heat to exhaust 80 KW (30%) Conv. and Radiation 27 KW (10%) Total 267 KW 267 KW The 30-30-30-10 rule is used for the assumption that means assuming 30% thermal efficiency of the engine and the fuel power input has been calculated on this basis. Later, 30% heat loss is carried away by the engine cooling water and the exhaust of the engine. The 10% heat is lost to the surrounding air by convection and radiation. Following table represents the various flow rates for the engine assuming the air fuel ratio at full load to be 15:1 for the gasoline engines. Table 2.7 Flow rates for the Renault 1.6 litres VVT 80 KW engine Particulars Mass flow rate Fuel 20 kg/hr Air (A:F = 15:1) 250 /hr Cooling Water 115 kg/min or lts/min Exhaust 320 kg/hr Engine: A 3.0 litre 400 BHP (294 KW) gasoline engine Energy balance and flow rates have been calculated similarly as previous cases. Table 2.8 Energy Balance for the 3.0 litre 400 BHP petrol engine Item Energy In Item Energy Out Fuel 980KW Power 294 KW (30%) Heat to cooling water 294 KW (30%) Heat to exhaust 294 KW (30%) Conv. and Radiation 98 KW (10%) Total 980 KW 980 KW The values shown in the above table have been calculated assuming the 30-30-30-10 rule as discussed in the previous section and the table below shows the various flow rates for the gasoline engine. Table 2.9 Flow rates for the Renault 1.6 litres VVT 80 KW engine Particulars Mass flow rate Fuel 73.5 kg/hr Air (A:F = 15:1) 920 /hr Cooling Water 422 kg/min or lts/min Exhaust 1178 kg/hr 2.3.2 GASOLINE CELL ENERGY BALANCE: The table below represents the energy flows in and out of the cell when operating on full capacity of 400 BHP gasoline engine Table 2.10 Energy balance for the gasoline test cell for 400 BHP engine Item Energy In Item Energy Out Fuel 980 KW Exhaust Gas 274 KW Ventilation Fan Power 5 KW Dynamometer Power 250 KW Electrical Cell Services 25 KW Engine Cooling Water 294 KW Ventilation Air 187 KW Cell Wall Losses 5 KW Total 1010 KW Total 1010 KW The energy balance sheets for the diesel and gasoline engines lay a firm foundation for the design of the in-cell services and selection of the equipments that have been carried out in the later chapters. CHAPTER 3 3.2 TEST CELL DESIGN The test cells must be provided with the following services: Water supply and drainage system Fuel supply system Ventilation system Taking engine exhaust to exterior Fire and safety regulations Portable test stand for the engine and dynamometer Control room or console etc We have to keep the temperature maintained at the ambient, so we have to give importance to ventilation system also. General purpose engine test cell has been shown in fig. 3.1. A typical test cell layout that has been used for these types of engines has also been shown in the fig. 3.2. Such type of cells is usually built side by side with common control room. The engines are imported in the cell from the rear door whereas the operator could enter from the front door. A thick glass is mounted between the control room and the engine cells so the operator could have a look at the cells while sitting inside the control room. [1] Fig. 3.1 General arrangement inside an engine cell aligned against a wall and the control room on the other side of the engine. Fig. 3.2 A layout of the test facility with two cells having a common control room .. Fig. 3.1 and 3.2 shows the typical layout of a facility incorporated with two separate cells and a common control room with a thick glass window separating the cell and the control room. The cells are aligned with a wall which leads the exhaust outlet to the atmosphere. 3.3 CELL SERVICES 3.3.1 VENTILATION SYSTEM Ventilation system plays a very important role in any engine testing laboratory or testing cell. inside the cell due to running of heavy engine a high temperature is developed also at the surface of the engine . so it is necessary to carry away this heat ventilation system should be strong enough , also it is necessary to keep the surrounding temperature at ambient conditions. The convection and radiation losses are assumed as below (based on diesel engine): Engine 78.809 KW (10% as mentioned in heat balance) Exhaust Manifold 10 KW Exhaust tailpipe and silencer 10 KW Dynamometer 40 KW Electrical equipments 15 KW Forced draught fan 5 KW Subtotal 158.809 KW Total (assuming 95% efficiency of the ventilation system) 150.868KW Table 3.2 Heat losses to be considered for the ventilation system design For the total heat loss from engine by convection and radiation H = 150.868 KW, the volume flow rate of air can be calculated as: Taking H = 150.868 KW, C = 1.01 KJ/Kg-K, à Ã‚  = 1.2 kg/m3, and temp rise of 10, the mass flow rate is: 12.447 m3/sec. or 746.87 m3/min. the air flow velocity in the duct could be taken in between 15-20 m/sec. For this value, the cross-sectional area could be 0.37-0.49 m2. So, from a range of standard duct area, it could be taken as 600mm X 600mm ( square duct) as it results into the air flow velocity of 19.5m/sec (satisfies the range of 15-20 m/sec) and velocity pressure or dynamic pressure of 228 Pa. [3] from the above data centrifugal and axial fans were selected for the inlet and outlet respectively . typical ventilation system is as shown in the fig. Specification of the fan used in the ventilation system is as follows: Fan Air vol. (m3/hr) Speed (rpm) Power (KW) Centrifugal 920 2250 0.29 Axial 958 1680 0.21 Table 3.4 represents the specification of fans selected for ventilation 3.3.3 COOLING WATER SYSTEM Water is an almost ideal cooling fluid as it has a high specific heat value, low viscosity, relatively low corrosivity and is freely available (Martyr and Plint, 2007). The required flow rates can be calculated similarly to that of air if the heat to be transferred and the change in temperature is known. Additives such as ethylene glycol (antifreeze) can be added to the water to improve the operating temperature range of the cooling system and inhibit corrosion, although the specific heat value will be reduced. There are various types of cooling water circuits that can be considered like: Open water circuit, where the water is supplied directly from the mains and is therefore not circulated back. Closed water cooling circuits, where the water is supplied from a sump or tank and can be circulated back. This has an advantage that the coolant could me mixed in water sump to improve the cooling effect. Closed pump circuit 3.4 DIESEL TEST CELL LAYOUT C:UsersrohitDesktopdiesel cell layout.png Fig. 3.4 The diesel cell layout base on all the calculation done CHAPTER 4 DYNAMOMETERS Dynamometers are used inside the test cell to measure the torque which developed on the engine output shaft. It also measures the power output of the engine. 4.1 WORKING OF DYNAMOMETER Fig. 4.1 typical setup of dynamometer The dynamometer resists the rotation of the engine shaft to measure its torque. The rotor rotates inside the stator which as the name indicates is stationary. The rotor exerts torque on the stator and this balanced by the load cell. The toque is given by: T = F X B And so the power developed by the engine could be known as: P = 2à Ã¢â€š ¬NT KW If the engine speed (in rpm) is measured using tachometer, the power could be easily calculated using the above equation. 4.2 TYPES OF DYNAMOMETER : The dynamometer types which are in practice include: Hydraulic Dynamometer DC Dynamometer AC Dynamometer Eddy current Dynamometer Each one of the above mentioned dynamometers has different set of working principle. There are four quadrants in which a dynamometer can operate: rotating clockwise producing or absorbing torque and rotating counter clockwise producing or absorbing torque. Figure gives a diagrammatical layout of these four quadrants. Most water brakes can only operate in the first quadrant. Eddy current dynamometers can operate in the first two quadrants, while AC/DC dynamometers can be used in all four quadrants. Figure 3-13: Dynamometer operating quadrants (Martyr and Plint, 2007) 4.3 DYNAMOMETER SELECTION: Different types of dynamometer has been studied by considering the advantage and disadvantage of each type of dynamometer the AC dynamometer has been chosen as it can perform in all the four quadrants and has lower inertia than the DC dynamometers, which makes it less vulnerable to vibrations due to rotation of the shaft. Diesel Cell: As the cell has been designed to fit in the engine ranging from 75-500 BHP. The dynamometer selected for this cell is AC 500 1811. 373 kw manufactured by Mustang dynamometer . The specifications are listed in table 4.2: Horsepower Cooling Type Constant torque range(ft-lb) Max Torque (ft-lb) 500 Blower 2455 2455 Table 4.2 AC dynamometer selected for diesel cell Gasoline Cell: The gasoline cell has been designed in such a way that it will test the engine with a maximum of 400 BHP. The selected dynamometer was AC 400 HP dynamometer manufacture by Dyne systems and its specifications are listed in the table 4.3 Horsepower Constant Torque range (ft-lb) Constant HP range Max Torque (ft-lb) 400 1175 3525 1787.91 Table 4.3 AC dynamometer selected for the gasoline cell CHAPTER 5 SELECTION OF INSTRUMENTS 5.1 SHAFT SPEED MEASUREMENT Tachometer is used for the engine speed measurement the non contacting digital tachometer is used so that it will not affect on the speed of the shaft . following tachometer is selected Make: Check-line ltd, Model: ctd-1000hd, Non-contact type, Measuring rang : 1.00-99999 Rpm, Prize: 5.2 TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT The inlet air, coolant inlet and outlet, exhaust and oil temperatures can be measured with thermocouples. Depending on the temperature to be measured, K and J type Thermocouples are the most common thermocouples available. J types operate in a smaller range, approximately to 150 °C while K types operate up to 1500 °C 5.3 FLOW RATE MEASUREMENTS a) Turbine-flow meter: Omega, model: FTB790 Series. It has an output range of 0-5V DC b) Fuel-flow meter: Fischer-Porter Digital fuel flow meter is selected c) Air-flow meter: Mass-air flow meter manufactured by Shijiazhuang Fortune Industrial Trading Co., Ltd. and FHC Ind, model: FHC-CMF I-DNXX Limited has been selected. temp range of -40 to 200. 5.4 PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS Omega high accuracy pressure transducer has been selected Model: PX01C1 -100G5T 5. Range: 0-400 bar, with 0 to 5 Vdc Output accuracy . 5 EMISSION EQUIPMENT The equipments used should be of euro 5 standards following chart shows the emission norms for euro 5 and euro 6 standards: EURO 5 EURO 6 PERTOL DIESEL PETROL DIESEL CO 1 0.5 1 0.5 THC 0.1 0.1 NMHC 0.068 0.068 NOX 0.06 0.18 0.06 0.08 HC+NOX 0.23 0.17 PM 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 Fig. 5.2 EURO 5 and EURO 6 emission standards Exhaust gas analyser: XM2000 5 -gas analyser Exhaust Measurement System provides a portable, low cost tool for continuous analysis of engine exhaust gas components (HC, CO, CO2, NO, O2) system. XM2000 -gas analyser manufactured by Dyne Systems Inc. 5.6 PRICE-LIST Items Price ( Reason for purchase Dynamometers 1,20,000 Power and Torque measurement Centrifugal Fans 500 Forced Draught Axial Fans 1800 Ventilation Exit Feet levelling for beds 700 Absorb vibrations 6 thermocouples 100 Temp. measurement 2 Infrared thermometers 280 Non-invasive temp. 2 Digital Tachometers 125 Engine Speed measurement 2 Data-Acquisition System 1,10,000 Record and transfer data to control room 2 Pressure Transducers 700 Cylinder Pressures All types of flow meters 10,000 Measure mass flow rates Gas Leak Detectors 400 To detect leaks Smoke Detectors 50 To detect fire 5-Gas Analyzers (2nos) 4,50,000 To check emission TOTAL COST 6,67,780  £ CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION

How does the writer use language to create suspense in The Red Room :: English Literature

How does the writer use language to create suspense in The Red Room The Red Room is about a man who is staying at an old house with a haunted room, which he is going to spend the night in. He is unwilling to listen to the warnings of the three elderly occupants of the house who are sure that the room is haunted. The story starts with the man speaking and being very confident about staying in the room and how only a tangible ghost will frighten him he is saying that nothing can hurt him unless it is solid or touchable which is not what ghosts are like. So he is also saying that ghosts do not exist. He tries to back up this by saying that he has â€Å" lived for eight and twenty years and never seen a ghost† however the old woman says â€Å" that he has never stayed in a house like this†. This creates more suspense because the reader want to know what the house is like and why it is haunted and what the inhabitants have experienced to support their beliefs in a paranormal housemate. To make the story more mysterious none of the characters is named. The three old people are described, as though they are unhealthy and decaying so they look like ghosts in comparison to the narrator. The narrator then wants to go to the room, so he asks the elderly people if they would guide him there but they just ignore him. He sounds very authoritative and superior but also very arrogant and the old people do not answer him so he repeats the request a little louder and they just tell him where he can find the candle and say he must go alone. Then the old woman says â€Å"this night of all nights† which again creates more tension because what did happen on this night? They give him directions to the room and he leaves them and heads for the room but just before he leave the old man says â€Å"its of your choosing† the old man is saying that when the narrator finds what ever is in the room don’t come to them saying we was pushed you into it†. The writer goes on to set the scene for the journey to the room. Portraying it as a chilly echoing passage, which sounds very threatening and menacing. He talks about the three old pensioners that occupy the castle coming from an age where there was no science and the existence of omens and witches were creditable. As he goes down

Grading Guide Essay

†¢All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way. †¢Paper addresses the following: External forces and trends considerations: Legal and regulatory Global Economic Technological Innovation Social Environmental Competitive analysis Internal forces and trends considerations: Strategy Structures Processes and systems Resources Goals Strategic capabilities Culture Technologies Innovations Intellectual property Leadership Include economic as well as legal and regulatory forces and trends. Critique how well the organization adapts to change. Analyze the supply chain operations of the organization. Identify issues and/or opportunities: oIdentify the major issues and/or opportunities that the company faces based on your analysis above. oGenerate a hypothesis surrounding each issue and research questions to use for conducting analysis. oIdentify the circumstances surrounding each issue; classify the circumstances; attribute the importance of each classification; and test the accuracy of the importance for each classification. 10.5 Good coverage of the assignment. Need the objective of the paper. Organization / Development 20 PercentPoints Available 4Points Earned X/4Additional Comments: †¢The paper is no more than 1400-to 1750-words in length. †¢Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and maintain the flow throughout the paper. †¢The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. †¢Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. †¢Sentences are well constructed, strong, and varied. †¢Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. 4Good writing. Mechanics 20 PercentPoints Available 4Points Earned X/4Additional Comments: †¢The paper—including tables and graphs, headings, title page, and reference page— is consistent with APA formatting guidelines and meets course-level requirements. †¢Intellectual property is recognized with in-text citations and a reference page. †¢Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. †¢Spelling is correct.3.5In the future papers use the citations to support your analysis.

Happy Family Essay

Before we talk about the requirements that make a happy family, let’s try to define what a happy family is. What makes for family happy? Is it something material like a big house or a nice car? Is it financial stability? Is it a good paying job, vacations, a cabin by the lake? I know that at least for me, a nice job, a big house, and a nice car I could drive to my cabin by the lake would definitely make my family at least a couple of notches happier. But are those the things that really make a family happy. I think about the really happy moments in my family’s history and they all come back through flashes of smiles, hugs and laughter. I may not remember what car we had then, when I was a young little woman, but I clearly remember the times my father took me fossil hunting and how happy those times were for me having special time together. So I believe there is something more profound, something deeper, something that lasts long after the shine of the new car is gone. I do not know, and I do not think it really matters which one is more important than the other, but my belief is that the main ingredients for a happy family life are: Love, honesty, and caring. I believe that every good thing comes from some combination of those three. Love is the main ingredient, the feeling that keeps the family together in spite of anything. Love lets us forgive easier and understand each other better. It makes us care for one another, worry about one another, want to do nice things for one another. Love is the one thing that keeps the family together. Love brings about empathy, compassion for the loved one, it makes his pain our pain, his sadness our sadness and the wanting of doing everything we can do to stop his and our pain. Honesty would have to be another one of these requirements for a happy family. Being honest with our partner releases us from having to keep things secret and from the constant effort of not being ourselves. Honesty brings people together because we get to know them they way they really are, we get to know their fears and their happiness. And they also get to know about us. Children learn by watching their parents.They will learn to be host by watching thei parents being honest. Our children will then feel closer to us knowing they can be honest to us as their parents. Knowing what is really in the hearts of our family gives us and understanding of one another. And this understanding brings with it, a tolerance to everybody’s quirks and peculiarities. Finally, honesty is about truth, and teaching our kids to be honest and true makes them want to teach their children and that’s a good thing to be able to say we were responsible for. And then there is caring. So much is connected to caring. We care for the things we love, and we love the things we take care of. Theres nothing like taking the new car for that first wash; looking at how the light comes through the windows, how shiny the tires look, and how much better it drives when its clean. Just the act of caring for something brings about love. By really caring about our partner’s or children’s dreams and goals, we show them we love them. Those are the three most important thing, I think, a happy family should have; love caring and honesty. We can teach our children by being honest, caring and loving with them. If we can teach our children to teach theirs about these three things, then is not too hard to see how this could really go on for ever.This makes me hopefull of a better place in the future.

The Red Apple Country that Changed Gertrude Simmons Bonnin Essays

The Red Apple Country that Changed Gertrude Simmons Bonnin Essays The Red Apple Country that Changed Gertrude Simmons Bonnin Paper The Red Apple Country that Changed Gertrude Simmons Bonnin Paper Gertrude Simmons Bonnin or Zitkala-Sa (known in Dakota’s village as Red Bird) is one of the most talented and highly educated Native American woman. She struggled and fought for the Native American culture during the time of severe oppression prevailed among them by the Euro-American civilians. Her contributions especially in literature, music, and politics changed the insights and beliefs upon their title of sinful savages and to which she strongly challenged this white mans boastful claim of having the best culture. The aim of her works was to understand the white dominant culture from Native America, and her Impressions of an Indian Childhood, The School Days of an Indian Girl, and An Indian Teacher Among Indians is an example of some of the insights of the existing differences(Bonnin). Her objective was to criticize impelled doctrines and dedicated her life to scrap cruelty as what described into her essay. Her work is basically based from her own personal encounter and experiences which would be well understand by merely reading the three essays because each are connected and complement to one another. Her essay which is a question among the conservative administrators at Carlisle provokes bewilderment. Zitkala-Sa portrayed the negative effects of boarding schools to children of Native American. Aside from the pains from the â€Å"iron routine† in the school and the difficulty to adopt and learn to the English language, the separation from her mother for four years is a tough task to adjust with(Giese). The change in the environment is the focus of the story to which several questions arises from the new world making her self totally uncomfortable and not at ease to stay and play with. The author is trying to show her disagreement to the boarding school approach upon their teaching in homemaking and agriculture. Religion on Christianity was forced and so far, they are leading them to the Indian culture and language eradication. She visions for a higher learning and privilege for academic subjects where in Indians could be capable on it and not just limited to vocational training(Kroeber). As an added catch of the purpose of the story, she burly disapproves the military discipline and the manual labor program imposed. To my own perspective , the day she started school is also the start of the change of her life to which she took it for granted ( because of the Red Apple Country), for at a younger age her destiny begins even though still unconscious of it. Schooling means to the Euro-American is civilization and survival, so that’s what she grabbed because the sooner or later if no one among them will be intelligent enough to analyze the minds of this Euro-American, they will be just a subordinate to them, making them aliens or worst slaves of their own region(Minnesota). From the words of the author she mentioned that, â€Å"I give outright the varying moods of my own evolution, those growing pains which knew not reason while active, to stir up views and earnest comparisons of theories was one of the ways in which I hoped it would work a benefit to my people, no one can dispute my own impressions and bitterness and perhaps a reason may be assigned to† (Minnesota). So, she then clearly emphasized the bitterness and hatred of the Euro-American cultures in condemning their rights specially those days at school that is vastly different from the world they are supposed to be wandering, also a different views that compel to them for not being treated as equally to the kids of the new community they went for.

Life In New France essays

Life In New France essays The St. Lawerence was the largest river and most important river in New France. There were three cities in New France Quebec, Montreal, and Trois Riveriers. People depended on rivers and lakes for transportation. In warm weather they traveled by canoe, larger boats, or on rafts with sails. In wintertime they traveled by horse and sleigh on the frozen rivers. The French brought their customs and culture to New France and it became the way of life. All the land was owned by the king but was given to the seigneur to divide and give to the habitants. The seigneur would build a large house for him but he had to supply the habitants with church and a mill so the habitants could grind grain into flour. The habitants did not own the land but they were allowed to stay as long as they paid their dues. The people of New France had to produce their own food. The people of New France ate lots o meat from farm animals and also wild animals. They also grew trees that bare fruit. Most of their meals had milk or cheese. Their favorite foods were pies tourtiere and the wild game pie. In the early days in New France clothing was made from animal hides or from woven linen or hemp. Linen and hump came from plants that grew in New France. It was lined with leather or fur for warmth. Later on the habitants started to raise sheep. So the woman spun the wool to make clothes for them. Wool was very warm. They wore caps or bonnets on their heads. The cap was made with wool. Men wore leather breeches and leather jackets. The men and woman would ware moccasins to keep their feet warm. Children wore the same line of clothing like adults. The houses in New France usually had stone foundations. Houses in the 1600s were square-cut timbers. A cement-like substance called mortar filled spaces of the house. A house built in the ...

Analysis of Franchising Strategy

Analysis of Franchising Strategy FreshDirect is the leading online grocer, who serves more than 300 zip codes in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassua County, Riverdale, Westchester, Staten Island, New Jersey, and some areas of Connecticut, and they are providing a new way to shop for food. They are based in a 300,000-square-foot production building in Long Island City and they are the largest employers in the city. Joseph Fedele and Jason Ackerman cofounded FreshDirect in July 2001. Before FreshDirect was established, most other online grocery businesses had failed. Even with the demise of online grocery businesses for the previous decade, cofounders strongly believed that they would succeed in their business as their efficient operating strategy was built to provide high quality at lower prices. At first, however, FreshDirect was blamed for the limited service area until it expanded its area slowly. The company started to become popular by providing high quality products, such as locally grown fresh products and or ganic food at lower prices to local residents and offices. Then a few years later, people could see many refrigerated trucks of FreshDirect all over the Manhattan streets. FreshDirect has proven their efficient operating strategies, and it led to success in the online grocery industry. Since FreshDirect made profits, there has been a movement toward this online grocery industry, and they are facing a few challenges. Today, FreshDirect is facing fierce competition from traditional retail grocery, local restaurants, and other online grocers with delivery services. People have consistently questioned how fresh the products delivered by FreshDirect are because they have a limitation for seeing and feeling the products as an online grocer. According to one article, FreshDirect spent $600,000 for parking tickets as part of their operating expenses (Moskin, 2005). In addition to that, in 2007, the New York City government required a congestion charge for FreshDirect because FreshDirect has contributed to traffic jam, and the increasing gas prices are adding to their delivery expenses. One major challenge for FreshDirect is environmental issues. People complain about their idling delivery trucks which are contributing to additional exhaust fumes and taking parking spaces. Another environmental issue is using too many cardboard boxes. Their choice of which neighborhoods to deliver to is related to accused discrimination, and they have faced union related problems for unfair wages. Analysis SWOT Analysis One analytical framework that can be used for the internal and external environment of FreshDirect is SWOT analysis. The analysis of the FreshDirect issues will be broken down into â€Å"strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats† (Dess, Lumpkin, Eisner & McNamara, 2012). Strengths Their wide choices of products with high-quality information on the foods that were sold Low operating expenses due to not renting expensive retail space. FreshDirect†™s efficient supply chain with no middleman. Low-cost marketing approach Cost-effective operating strategy of FreshDirect for their production facility. Extremely high standards for safety, health, and cleanliness in all areas. Strong partnerships with well-known chefs and restaurants in Manhattan Overall, FreshDirect has lots of strengths that are superior to competitors. They have provided various products to select with high quality at low cost on their well-designed website with high-quality information on the foods which are sold. With no retail location, they have lower operating expenses, resulting in more net revenues relative to traditional retail grocery businesses. Rather than having the middleman, they order all fresh products from individual suppliers and deliver directly to their customers. The less intermediaries between the distribution channel, the less the product costs. This allows FreshDirect to provide their high-quality goods at lower costs. They ha ve adopted a low-cost marketing approach by using a recommendation-based campaign from actual customers, which increases the credibility among new and existing customers. Their production facility is located close to their Manhattan customer base with 12 separate temperature zones and an SAP manufacturing software system, which have kept the best condition of their products at the optimal temperature. High standard for cleanliness leads to high quality products. Strong partnershisp have enhanced the quality and taste of the four-minute meal.

Investment case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Investment case - Essay Example 45). Some of the skills required in order to manage a car rental company are decision making skills, good communication skills and professional appearance. Rental purposes –The manager is able to offer rental services to clients who want to use car for a specific duration or travel for long distances. The cars that are allocated for rental purposes should be heavy duty vehicles or four wheel drive vehicles like Land cruiser, Range Rover and Jeep. This are quite effective for long distances and are quite comfortable. This types of vehicles can attract a wide range of customers. Airport purposes- The manager of a car rental business is able to allocate some cars to offers transport for clients that arrive into the country and want transport. The types of cars that should be at the airport should be ostentatious so that they can attract customers. The type of car that can be used at the airport include Mercedes Benz and New models of Toyota. The drivers should also be dressed in a proper manner and should be able to communicate with the customers very well. Daily activities – The manager of the car rental service can offer services for clients that need their services within the town center. VOGEL (2000) asserts that most of the clients that use the car rental service in their daily activities should be regular clients for this service (Pg 54). This will mainly look for a specific group for example employees that work in a specific firm. Security services - The manager for the car rental services can offer some of the vehicles to be used for security services . Some of the vehicles can be used such as jeeps and Land cruiser. This car will be effective in offering security services to different clients. I believe that car rental service is a plausible investment that can make me a lot of money. If I can concentrate more on the two core markets include the tourist market and the business market, I will be able to get good returns . There is

Hofstede's dimension in Korea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Hofstede's dimension in Korea - Essay Example Korean is the main and highly used language of the country. The language is used together with Korean and Hangul alphabet. Korea is an export driven country, focusing on the export of electronics and automobile goods and services. Figure 1: Hofstede's Five dimension in Korea There are five dimensions of Korea’s Hofstede, such as Power Distance, Masculinity vs. Femininity, Individualism, Long Term Orientation and Uncertainty Avoidance. If the essay explores the culture of Korea through the Hofstede’s Five Dimension Model lenses, then an effective overview of the deep drive of the country’s culture can be attained relative to the world’s culture. Power Distance This particular dimension deals with the fact that each and every individual in society cannot be equal. Especially, it expresses the cultural attitude of people towards the inequalities among the people in a society. Power distance can be defined as the extent to which limited powerful individuals of an organization or an institution within a society accept and expect that power is not equally distributed. The power distance score of Korea is 60. The people within the societies and communities of Korea always maintain and give value to the people who are in the top of hierarchy. Therefore, regulations and norms take huge account as the people of Korea accept a hierarchical order. Each and every individual within the society has a place that does not need further justification. Hierarchy in an institution or an organization is seen as reflecting intrinsic inequalities. In addition to this, people within the organization follow centralized structure or order. Boss or top management in an organization decides what to do. The subordinates always expected to do what their top management wants in the organization. The employees or subordinates do not raise their voice against the opinion of the boss or the top management. In a single word, people in Korean organizations give high res pect to the authority and the decision making process in business management organization is totally centralized. Individualism The basic issue addressed by this particular dimension is the degree of interdependence that is maintained by a society among its each and every member. This dimension has to deal with whether the self image of people within a society is defined in terms of â€Å"WE† or â€Å"I†. There are two types of dimensions of the society, such as individualist society and collectivist society. According to the concept of individualistic society, people only can look after their direct family and themselves. On the other hand, people of collectivist society can look after or take care of the people who are belonging to the group and exchange loyalty. In terms of individualism, Korea has a score of 18. It means that the people of Korea follow collectivistic social structure and values. People of Korea have close long-term commitment to each and every memb er of the group (Greet-Hofstede, 2012, p.1). Loyalty in the collectivist culture over-rides several societal rules and regulations. In addition to this, this collectivist culture is considered as paramount. A particular society fosters strong relationship where each and every member within a group takes significant responsibility for fellow group members. Koreans always like to follow the collective decision of family (Lee and Boster, 1992, pp. 11-13). The

Global Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Global Perspective - Essay Example Instead, and to a great extent, it has exposed the depth of the differences which separate people and countries, ultimately leading to a more fragmented world. The current global political reality, especially in light of the events of September 11th demands that we revisit the notion of the New World Order and redefine it. The technological revolution has, to a degree, brought cultures closer together. It has done so through the provision of tools which facilitate popular cross-cultural communication, such as internet chatrooms. There is no doubt that technology, whether it assumes the form of the internet or electronic/satellite media, has created greater understanding between populations but, it has also exposed the width and breadth of the differences between them. These differences, which found expression in terrorism and the events of September 11th, are that which the New World Order is about. The New World Order may be defined as one in which the threat of communism has been replaced by the threat of terrorism. It is a world in which differences between people has become more pronounced, despite the fact that globalization and technological developments have facilitated cross-cultural

Migration and the Children of Haiti Dissertation

Migration and the Children of Haiti - Dissertation Example In the current setting, migration has been occurring due to a variety of reasons, some of these being personal life choices, and other reasons based on economic necessity. Regardless of reasons however, its impact on the migrants has always been considered significant, bringing forth both negative and the positive impacts on these migrants. Among children, such impact has even been more significant because of their vulnerabilities and adjustment requirements. This paper shall discuss the impact of migration on the children of Haiti, including the social, economic, psychological, and educational burdens and benefits which migration has brought to these children. Body Throughout the years, millions of Haitians have migrated to other countries, mostly in North America, including the Dominican Republic, United States, Cuba, Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas, France, Turkey, Jamaica, Venezuela, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. There are about 1.2 million Haitians in the US, about 200,000 in Canada, and one million in the Dominican Republic (Wassem, 2003, p. 1). Some of these Haitians have left their children in Haiti while they have left their home country to seek better fortunes. Their reasons for migrating have mostly revolved around political oppression, economic difficulties, limited opportunities, and similar socio-economic issues. Last year’s January 7.0 magnitude earthquake which devastated the country sent even more Haitians out of their homeland. In the US, the Department of Homeland Security was prompted to extend the Temporary Protected Status for Haitians arriving in the US prior to the earthquake (Zissis, 2010). After this declaration, the DHS also declared humanitarian parole to Haitian orphans, allowing them to enter the US under emergency conditions for the administration of medical care (Zissis, 2010). About 500 of these orphans were granted refuge in the US because of this parole; those with appropriate papers issued by the Haitian government were all owed to be put up for adoption. The disaster in Haiti has caused the widespread migration of many Haitians including their children. Such migration has impacted in various ways on these children. The impact of migration on children is seen in a variety of ways. It is seen in Haitian children migrating to another country or region, and it is also seen in children left behind. This paper shall consider both types of children. Among Haitian children migrating to other countries, most of the effects of migration is seen in terms of psychosocial issues, including education, health, birth registration, and risk for child labor and child trafficking (Bakker, Elings-Pels and Reis, 2009, p. 10). In relation to psychosocial issues, there is a risk for migrant Haitian children to feel alienated from other children, including adult children due to their migrant status. Moreover, the risk of insecurity and depression is also significant among these children. Social workers in Haiti express how t he children migrants often feel psychological distress due to their status as migrants in other countries (Bakker, et.al., 2009, p. 10). Their comparative conditions in relation to their deplorable economic conditions impact negatively on their overall wellbeing as children. Haitian children represent â€Å"a significant vulnerable group, in fact 8% of Haitian immigrants are under the age of 14 and 21% between 15 and 24† (Bakker, et.al., 2009, p. 10). In effect, they are in the age where they have not fully developed adequate means of independent living; as such, they are prompted to endure even more deplorable economic conditions. In relation to education, migrant children in Haiti are often made to face hardships due to language barriers, stigmatization, and ridicule among other native children, leading to

S6W3Dqs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

S6W3Dqs - Essay Example The same applies to President Eisenhower’s in his farewell address. In this respect, Henry Kissinger’s remark that â€Å"Morality has nothing to do with foreign policy† is totally misplaced and uncalled for. Morality should, as a matter of fact, be part and parcel of the overall national strategy. Morality has to do with the distinction of good from bad or right from wrong. On the other hand, foreign policy is concerned with the beliefs, attitudes and actions of America towards other countries. Mr. Y (2011), in A National Strategic Narrative clearly articulates the American dream as regards to foreign policy. For instance, the narrative calls upon the United States to pursue it domestic and foreign policies with a unified effort that reflect constancy of purpose (The National Strategy Forum Review, 2010). It further goes on to state that US should pursue her national interest while at the same time allow others to pursue theirs. However, this is pegged on condition that American values are not betrayed. Finally, Mr. Y says that America should seek fair competition and should not hesitate to deter bad behavior. This in itself is a moral position in foreign policy. Based on personal reflection, the National Strategic Narrative, and a recollection of values enshrined in American constitution, the role of morality in national security strategy cannot be downplayed. Other nations will only respect the position of USA on various matters based on her moral standards. The involvement of multinationals such as NATO in America national security has greatly boosted the collective power to promote security, curb incumbent threats, as well as protect the American citizens. Such is the case with which NATO and its 27 member states work to promote ideas and peace of the member countries. America is part and parcel of these efforts done by NATO. Secondly, multinationals work with the American government to advance the

Global Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Global Perspective - Essay Example Instead, and to a great extent, it has exposed the depth of the differences which separate people and countries, ultimately leading to a more fragmented world. The current global political reality, especially in light of the events of September 11th demands that we revisit the notion of the New World Order and redefine it. The technological revolution has, to a degree, brought cultures closer together. It has done so through the provision of tools which facilitate popular cross-cultural communication, such as internet chatrooms. There is no doubt that technology, whether it assumes the form of the internet or electronic/satellite media, has created greater understanding between populations but, it has also exposed the width and breadth of the differences between them. These differences, which found expression in terrorism and the events of September 11th, are that which the New World Order is about. The New World Order may be defined as one in which the threat of communism has been replaced by the threat of terrorism. It is a world in which differences between people has become more pronounced, despite the fact that globalization and technological developments have facilitated cross-cultural

S6W3Dqs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

S6W3Dqs - Essay Example The same applies to President Eisenhower’s in his farewell address. In this respect, Henry Kissinger’s remark that â€Å"Morality has nothing to do with foreign policy† is totally misplaced and uncalled for. Morality should, as a matter of fact, be part and parcel of the overall national strategy. Morality has to do with the distinction of good from bad or right from wrong. On the other hand, foreign policy is concerned with the beliefs, attitudes and actions of America towards other countries. Mr. Y (2011), in A National Strategic Narrative clearly articulates the American dream as regards to foreign policy. For instance, the narrative calls upon the United States to pursue it domestic and foreign policies with a unified effort that reflect constancy of purpose (The National Strategy Forum Review, 2010). It further goes on to state that US should pursue her national interest while at the same time allow others to pursue theirs. However, this is pegged on condition that American values are not betrayed. Finally, Mr. Y says that America should seek fair competition and should not hesitate to deter bad behavior. This in itself is a moral position in foreign policy. Based on personal reflection, the National Strategic Narrative, and a recollection of values enshrined in American constitution, the role of morality in national security strategy cannot be downplayed. Other nations will only respect the position of USA on various matters based on her moral standards. The involvement of multinationals such as NATO in America national security has greatly boosted the collective power to promote security, curb incumbent threats, as well as protect the American citizens. Such is the case with which NATO and its 27 member states work to promote ideas and peace of the member countries. America is part and parcel of these efforts done by NATO. Secondly, multinationals work with the American government to advance the

Women in Medicine Essay Example for Free

Women in Medicine Essay One of the reasons why there was so much opposition to women becoming doctors was because society expected women to marry young and produce children. The thought of women working shocked many as people did not expect their daughters or wives to work for a living. The men believed that it was them who were superior, both physically and mentally. They did not see sense in educating women as they believed that women were too stupid to understand medicine anyway. They assumed that they could not trust these women with patients’ lives and accept that they would not make silly mistakes which could lead to the death of the patient. Any woman that succeeded in becoming a doctor was still thought of as inferior to the men because they believed she would not be able to understand their complex minds. This opposition also could have been due to the reputation of nurses in the first half of the nineteenth century. With no sense of professionalism, the nurses were nearly always drunk and dirty which encouraged the men to believe that all women would be the same if they were to enter the world of medicine. Nurses often took up prostitution to earn extra money therefore further disgusting men and making them believe that it was not a sensible idea for a respectable woman to enter the occupation. So even the women who were genuinely interested in becoming professional doctors would have been excluded and labelled under the same category as these nurses. Another reason may have been that men simply did not like being told what to do by women. If intelligent women were to enter the profession, they may make important discoveries before the men therefore hurting a man’s pride and ego. Men may have felt threatened by women that they thought were trying to usurp the profession, and therefore dismissed them as stupid and unprofessional so that they could ensure that it was only them who made great discoveries. Finally, religion was an important reason as to why there was opposition from men. The church prohibited women from achieving education and therefore many religious men may have excluded women because they were following the church’s rules and their religion. If they allowed women to receive medical training, they would have been going against the Church which was very powerful in the Middle Ages.

Brand Extensions In An FMCG Sector

Brand Extensions In An FMCG Sector Brand Extensions are a vital element for a business and it has become a very common practice for the companies, especially in the FMCG sector to grow in its sales and profit targets. Although, how much ever advantages brand extension possesses, it can still be of major risks in terms of brand dilution and its equity (Loken John, 1993). Understanding the consumers better is what adds of significant value or if not could lead to major failures. Brand owners or managers need to have a very thorough and holistic approach in this without damaging their brand image and equity built over the years. The purpose of this article is to find how Indian customers evaluate brand extensions within an FMCG context; How significantly different are they in respect of evaluations of their competitors around the world? Most significantly how well does the present literature on the topic of brand evaluations of brand extensions fit within the context of Indian consumers? As launching a new product takes considerable amount of time and money, companies are adopting brand extension strategy in order for them to achieve growth. Major FMCG (Fast moving consumer goods) companies like Unilever and P G, the use of brand extension is quite common as they concentrate on big brand names in order to generate sales. The logic of brand extension is that the brands value to consumers reduces the cost of market launch by gaining readier acceptance than creation of a new brand (Barwise Robertson, 1992, pp.277). The key reason for choosing this topic is to know how Indian consumers evaluate brand extensions in an FMCG context. This is relevant seeing the significant economic growth the country is experiencing even when other nations are struggling to recover from the global economic downturn. Furthermore, Indias economic growth is projected to reach 10% in couple of years and expected to beat China in the next four years (The Hindu, Business Line.com). 1.2 Motivation for choice for this topic Customer based brand equity occurs when the customer is familiar with the brand and holds some favourable, strong and unique brand associations in memory (Keller, 1993, pp.02). If a company chooses a wrong category of extension, then it can lead to a negative image of the parent brand. Lack of communication for promoting a new product can devaluate the Brand Equity as the wrong criteria of category extensions can create the perception of diminishment in the value of the brand. This article explores to find out as to which brands are more likely to succeed as brand extensions into new categories within the Indian packaged consumer goods environment. This could be better understood by understanding if certain established Indian FMCG brands be extended into other FMCG categories that they do not currently compete more successfully than newer brands? How do Indian customers actually seek to evaluate brand extensions and does this differ from greater literature covered in this topic? Introduction Across the globe, many companies are stretching the brand across different product areas to gain confidence to customers. In the UK a very prominent example is the Virgin group. With one single brand Virgin, the founder and CEO of the group, Richard Branson and his team have introduced and promoted so many diverse kinds of products, starting from airlines to mobile phone to Virgin Active. Since the start of the Virgin group in 1970s, Virgin has at the moment over 200 companies under its belt (Virgin.com). The success behind all this rapid expansion of the company according to its CEO is simply by its brand extension strategy. This article focuses influences on the type of brand on customer perception of the proposed brand extension and how distant each particular brand can be extended. A large percentage of brand extensions like the Virgin Cola end up as major failures. This has a very high influence in harming the reputation of the brand as well. To summarise this article discusses both on a existing literature on the topic and to know how Indian customers evaluate brand extensions? 2.1 Strategic framework of Brand Extensions Due to an ever increasing competition, brand marketers seek to achieve growth while reducing the cost of both new product introduction and the risk of new product failure (Swaminathan et al., 2001). Usually well managed brand extensions, cannot only help in reinforcing brand meaning but can also help to build up brand equity. However, a concern for many managers is its failure in the same way as how new products fail in the market. With the global recession recovering at a very slow rate, all kinds of luxury goods have been going on sale at very low prices. Prada is an example where there has been a tremendous decrease in its appeal in recent years. Although its runaway couture is pretty well made, but it bags are just another way to make money out of its brand name. These bags are not being sold for nearly more than half the price of its selling value. Due to the brand equity held by major brands, many risk not to extend their brands into new categories, mainly due to the equity held by these brands. Like that of Prada, many companies seek to launch into new brand names often failing in the process. There are another group that leap in without even understanding what exactly the customer wants and leading to a very high risk if they can be successful in their approach or not. New product launch criteria will require a very careful thought as to which and how the branding strategy needs to be applied, with which a new brand could be launched successfully. Furthermore, in the market today, the centre of attention among brand managers is rapidly moving towards leveraging those brands in their existing portfolio of branded products. 2.2 Key Objective of Investigation This article investigates on how consumers view the stretchability of existing Indian FMCG brands across multiple product categories. Can established and emerging Indian FMCG brands be extended successfully into new product categories, not related to the core brand? 2.3 Dissertation Structure The basic structure of this dissertation is as outlined below in the diagram:- Introduction Literature Review Methodology Findings and Discussion Conclusions, Recommendations Further Research References Appendix 2.4 Limitations This article is limited to investigating whether there is coherence between the recommendations in the literature and the findings from the research on how the consumers evaluate brand extensions in the Indian FMCG environment. Literature Review 3.1 The Objective of the literature review The main objective will be to understand in greater depth the key drivers that impact upon brand extension acceptance or non-acceptance in a new product category, the dilution/improvement of the brand image due to new extension and the effect that congruent and incongruent brand extensions have on customers perceptions of the core brand (Thorbjà ¸rnsen, 2005). Furthermore, a critical evaluation of previous works, in order to find a thorough consistency of thought on this topic. In this way, the reader can get a theory base pertaining to my literature review. According to Hofstee (2006), a good literature review shows:- The author is aware of what is going on the field There is a theory base on what the author intends doing How the authors work fits in with what has been already done in the past The work has a significant value This work will lead to a new knowledge 3.2 An Introduction to Brand Extension Brand Extension is the use of established brand names to enter completely new product categories (Aaker Keller 1990). It is the most frequently used branding strategy in business reality (Và ¶lckner Sattler 2006). In contrast Kotler, 1991 states that a brand extension strategy is any effort to extend a successful brand name to launch new or modified products or lines. Brand extension strategy can help companies leverage on its existing brand equity both within and the original category of products. Although, the profitability of brand extensions is not guaranteed, due to the high failure rate of 80% FMCGs (Mahajan et al,.2000 and Và ¶lckner Sattler, 2006). Kim, 2003 states that there are two broadly classified extension strategies namely:- Line Extension: A new Product within a current product category; Category Extension: A new product in a different product category, currently served by the parent brand; Close Extension/ Remote Extension: Distance of extension from the parent brands is uniquely and strongly associated. Tauber, 1981 states:- Franchise Extensions: To explain the phenomenon of leveraging the existing brands into new categories. Although all the above discussed extensions are quite clear in theory, the limits are much less clear in practice. For Example: Diet Pepsi could be placed in a new, narrower category of diet drinks, colas or carbonated soft drinks etc. Tauber, 1988 lists the below 7 types of brand extensions, a company should adopt:- Same Product in different form: When the company changes the form of the product from the original parent product; Example: Snickers Ice-Cream Bar or Mars Chocolate Thick Shake. Distinctive taste/ ingredient/ component in the new item: When a brand owns a flavour, ingredient or a component that the company owns and making it part of an item in a new category; Example: Kraft extended distinctive taste of Philadelphia into Philadelphia Cream Cheese Salad Dressing. Companion Products: Same brand extension of what the company actually makes; Example: Colgate Dental Tooth Paste with Colgate Tooth Brush. Same Customer Franchise: Here a brand extension represents a marketers efforts to sell something else to its customer base; Example: TATA extending its offering into consultancy, steel, automobiles, hotels, salt etc. Expertise: To offer extension in a category where consumers believe the company has skilled knowledge or skill; Example: Johnson and Johnson in baby oil, soap, baby bottles etc. Benefit/ Attribute/ Feature Owned: Many brands own a benefit or feature that can be extended; Example: Nivea Moisturising Cream, Shave Gel, Deodorants, Face Wash etc. Designer/Image Status: Using status or expertise in one area to strengthen offerings in another; Example: Giorgio Armani watches, spectacles, cosmetics etc. Co-branding is defined as pairing two or more branded products (constituent brands) to form a more sole and separate product (Park, et al., 1996). This has become increasingly evident in India and its FMCG market. The marketing of Gillette A3 Power Shaving equipment with Duracell batteries (both brands owned by Procter Gamble). Dabur, one of Indias leading FMCG companies have tied up with Disney consumer products by using the character Mickey Mouse to adorn Daburs Real brand jice and nectar packs. Indian Automobile giant Maruthi having partnership with Suzuki of Japan and Maruthi co-branding with Kenwood for its car stereos. Co-branding is the result of combining two brands to name a product and when evaluating that product, one has to consider overall fit between the brand pair and the product (Hadjicharalambous, 2006). Figure 3.1 represents the different types of brand extension classifications:- Figure 3.1: Typology of Brand Extensions (Hadjicharalambous, 2006) 3.3 Branding as a new Concept Shocker, et al., 1994 says that speed is an important element in building stronger brands as if not the competitors can leverage on similar technologies to duplicate similar products and identifies these criterias :- Harvesting the best customers:- Most innovative companies pick up customers who are more likely and willing to pay more; Occupying the mental corner stone:- Buyers keeping the option of selecting only few important brands over others; Developing a reputation for innovation:- Establishing a reputation of developing latest technology, part of brand equity and developing business customers; Shorter order fulfilment cycle:- GE uses a quick response programme using fast information technology, that lead to reducing inventory requirements by 200$; Mass Customization:- Permitting the brand manager to take advantage of market segmentation while controlling costs. Dell computer is the leader in this approach whereby all its products are made to order according to customer tastes. Keller (2001) states that building a strong brand has been main priority for many firms for financial rewards and suggests a Customer Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model to assist management in brand building steps which involves the following guidelines:- Establishing proper brand identity with proper breadth and depth of brand awareness Creating the appropriate brand meaning through strong, favourable and unique brand associations Eliciting, positive, accessible brand responses and Forging brand relationships with customers characterized by intense, active loyalty. Competitive Brand positioning especially during this current economic climate has become intense, when there are local brands competing with large multinationals to gain customer trust. According to Keller (2002) following are the five pitfalls to watch for:- Companies sometimes try to build brand awareness before establishing a clear brand position. For Example: Many dot-coms know this pitfall well as a number of them spent heavily on expensive television advertising without first being clear about what they were selling. Companies often promote attributes that consumers dont care about. For example: For years, companies that sold pain-killers claimed their brands were longer lasting than others. Eventually, they noticed that consumers wanted faster relief more than sustained relief. Companies sometimes invest too heavily in points of difference that can easily be copied. Positioning needs to keep competitors out, not draw them in as a brand that claims to be the cheapest or the hippest is likely to be leapfrogged. For Example: Fast food chains like Pizza Hut investing too heavily in their business, but unable to understand that what customers actually want is lower prices which the customers are able to get from non-recognised fast food outlets. Certain companies become so intent on responding to competition that they walk away from their established positions. For Example: General Mills used the insight that consumers viewed honey as more nutritious than sugar to successfully introduce the Honey Nut Cheerios product-line extension. A key competitor, Post decided to respond by repositioning its Sugar Crisp brand, changing the name to Golden Crisp and dropping the Sugar Bear character as spokesman. But the repositioned brand didnt attract enough new customers, and its market share was severely diminished. Companies may think they can reposition a brand, but this is nearly always difficult and sometimes impossible. For Example: Although Pepsi-Colas fresh, youthful appeal has been a key branding difference in its battle against Coca-Cola, the brand has strayed from this focus several times in the past two decades, perhaps contributing to some of its market share woes. Every attempt to reposition the brand has been followed by a retreat to the formers successful positioning. Care should be taken to see a brand is nurtured well before extending it so diversely in different categories. With the success of the core product in the short span, brand owners are tempted to extend its parent brand much sooner than done in the past. One such classic example is the Maggi brand launched in India in 1982 by Nestle India Ltd (NIL), the Indian subsidiary of global FMCG major, Nestle SA. NIL introduced a new category of instant noodles in Indian market called as Maggi Noodles. Due to the first mover advantage, NIL maintained its strong leadership in instant noodles category until the early 2000s. Furthermore, over the years Maggi brand was extended into soups, ketchups, sauces etc. Unfortunately, these product extensions were not as successful as the instant noodles. The failure of the extension into ketchup, soups suggests that the brand owners have been too quick in their philosophy that sufficient equity was built by their core brand (Maggi Noodles) for the transfer of positive effect to occur. Core Brand: Noodles Sauce Extension Soup Extension Successful Un-Successful Figure 3.2: Maggi Noodles Brand Extension Evolution 3.4 Brand Extensions in framework Tauber, 1981 suggested a growth matrix that differentiated brand extensions from other new product forms. This was done by viewing opportunity from the viewpoint of the brand owner. Following figure represents the different types of opportunities characterized according to whether they are in a product category new to the company and if the brand name used is actually new or already familiar to the consumer (Tauber, 1981). Product Category New Existing New Brand Name Existing Figure 3.3: Growth Matrix (Tauber 1981) Given the fast phase of change taken place in brand extensions since 1981, the above growth matrix was no longer considered of adequate use to guide brand strategy. This is when Lane and Sutcliffe, 2006 proposed a Jigsaw Brand Matrix to extend the existing literature on brand portfolio strategy. He proposed additional four options and five additional strategic categories (Figure 3.4) as illustrated below:- Figure 3.4: Jigsaw Brand Matrix (Lane Sutcliffe 2006) The four additional growth options as described by Lane and Sutcliffe, 2006 are as follows:- Piggybacking: When products enter a new category with a related brand name, then this is being used as a related brand name to launch new products For Example: Figure 3.5 shows Parle-G, Indias leading biscuit manufacturer attempting to enter the confectionary and snack market with Kisme Toffee bar and Poppins. Figure 3.5: Parle-G Piggybacking Strategy Associate brand: Here the product launch is related to a product category with a new brand name as the new product can work side by side with the parent in order to extend to new consumer segments. For Example: Below Figure shows an illustration by global beer supplier United Brweries extension from Beer into spirits, wines, vodka and in champagne to name a few. Figure 3.6: United Breweries (UB) Group Example of an Associate Brand Strategy Strength Extension: In order to capitalise and strengthen a parent brand, strategy of using an existing brand name to a related product category is being used. For Example: Below Figure illustrates Kissan Jam into Squeeze bottles of mango and in apple flavour. + Figure 3.7: Kissan Jams strength Extension Flanker: An established product having a related brand name fights for a fixed position within its parent category. For Example: In India, Hindustan Unilever Limited are masters in developing flanker brands and often have three or more products under the same brand name, targeted at different consumer segments as with the Surf brand. Figure 3.8: Hindustan Unilever Limited Flanker Extension Strategy with Surf Excel The other additional strategy directions are:- Matrix Branding: Here the brand and category extension are utilised without adopting a fully diversified or multi-branding category approach Diversified Branding: Dissimilar brands enter in a partly related or unrelated segment Elastic Branding: A broad range of related and non related product extensions centred around the core brand name Focus Branding: Use of existing core brand ad category to develop any product or service Multiple Branding: By focusing on the companys core brand category new brands are being focussed frequently. The Jigsaw Brand Matrix by Lane Sutcliffe, 2006 needs to be still verified across a different number of industries, although it is quite helpful for marketers in capturing branding strategy for extensions. However, the only disapproval is that this particular model doesnt address co-branding, which is widely used technique in the FMCG industries. 3.5 Advantages of Brand Extensions Brand Extensions enable firms to fill out their product lines, expand into related markets and increase revenue by licensing brand names for use in other product categories (Srinivastava, et al.,1998, pp.11). This has been supported by Smith Park, 1998 who demonstrates the positive impact of brand extensions have on the market share and advertising and proves on how brand extensions can lower significant costs. This is evident in the current economic downturn when firms try to extend their brands rather than venturing into new business. Volckner Sattler, 2006 provides an overview of conceptual framework (Figure 3.9) proposing that the success of a brand extension is influenced by direct effect of determinants, mediating effects and moderating effects. They determined the success of brand determinants into four groups namely:- Parent and Brand Characteristics; The extensions marketing context; The relationship between the Parent Brand and the extension product; The extensions product category characteristics. Figure 3.9: Overview of Conceptual Framework in Brand Extension (Volckner Sattler, 2006) Brand Equity too helps in the effectiveness of brand extensions as consumers who display trust and loyalty towards a brand are then willing to adopt brand extensions (Lassar et al.,1995) Research Design The objective of the research The objective of the research is to investigate the impact of similarity and dissimilarity between:- The original brands and the extension, Brand reputation, Core brand image, Brand dilution Effects of co-brands on the customer evaluations of brand extensions in the FMCG sector within the context of Indian environment Methodology The research method used during this stage will be of quantitative with questionnaires by use of face to face interviews. The main objective behind the methodology will be to measure the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of respondents towards brand extension concepts The key steps being undertaken during this process will be as follows;- Checking all the possible ways to test my stated hypotheses Arriving at the exact optimum approach Drawing on a strict time-table for various research tasks Finalising the questionnaire Collection of data and structuring it into Excel and SPSS Finalising the questionnaire Analysis Conclusions and Recommendations Project Planning Schedule Work on the project is intended start in the first week of June 2010 and last a periods of sixteen weeks. Figure below gives a summary of how the project is intended to be carried out. It also shows the milestones to be achieved, the task management and the writing schedule as well. Task Duration June July August Sept. Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4 Wk 5 Wk 6 Wk 7 Wk 8 Wk 9 Wk 10 Wk 11 Wk 12 Wk 13 Wk 14 Wk 15 Wk 16 Detailed Literature Review 7 weeks Background to Questionnaire 2 weeks Familiarization with Methodology/Research Objectives 4 weeks Design of the Structure of Report 1 week Analysis of Hypothesis formulation 2 weeks Interviews and Data Acquisition 4 weeks Data Analysis and Conclusions 10 weeks FINAL WRITE UP Introduction/ Literature Review 3 weeks Surveys and Data Acquisitions 3 weeks Results, Discussions and Conclusion 4 weeks Abstract, Reference and Appendix 2 weeks Final Review 3 weeks Figure: Gantt chart showing Dissertation Planning Schedule Apart from the above schedule, regular meetings with my supervisor whenever necessary either personally or by email and keeping updated on my progress on a regular basis through draft, for review and feedback. Also, meetings as a group/individual will be attended to the deadlines as mentioned before by the supervisor.

ComputAbility - Sales Goals Essay -- essays research papers

ComputAbility, a mail-order company, began in 1982. An authorized reseller of computer software and hardware, ComputAbility offers their clients over 50,000 products. The company has built their reputation on a foundation of competitive prices and quality service. In August of 1997, Creative Computers, also a mail-order company, acquired ComputAbility. The acquisition provided a number of benefits to the company, primarily a larger product selection to offer to customers. Currently, ComputAbility employs 60 + people with plans of adding on 20 to 30 more sales representatives and support staff during the next year. Prior to February of 1998, all of the sales representatives were in the inbound division. This division handles all incoming sales calls. Majorities of these calls are from individual consumers. Creative Computers had started their company the same way, but found the growth potential was in the business sector. In February of 1998, ComputAbility started their corporate sales division, an area already underway at Creative. This division of the company was created to develop relationships with business clients, and become the primary way of increasing company profit. Computability added a dedicated trainer to the staff at the same time the corporate division was started. This individual’s primary responsibilities were to train new hires in the areas of sales, product knowledge, company policies and procedures and computer systems. Although there was a solid training program in place, including ongoing new product training from manufacturers, the company was not profiting at an acceptable rate. ComputAbility experienced a decrease in sales and profits during the first year after the acquisition. The expectation was that the acquisition should have provided the tools necessary to increase sales. So what could be the problem? Although ComputAbility sales representatives now had more tools available to them, something was still missing. Creative Computers decided to test a sales training program for the corporate sales division. There are a number of sales training tools available. Tools range from books and seminars to dedicated sales training company programs. Management decided to work with a company who had developed a sales training program. The initial step was for top management to go through the training to see if it was worth the time and... ...o sales improvement. This relationship will take some time. A longer phone conversation can help to qualify better and build the trust needed to assist in repeated sales volume. The longer you are on the phone, the greater the chance you will have to sell something to the client. The last graph looks at the monthly attendance vs adjusted gross profit and one can see little relationship on a direct basis. It should be noted that if you do not come to work you would not make any calls. However just being at work will not guarantee you success. The success of the program is dependent on the attitude of quality not quantity. In summary, the amount of expertise developed over time and the amount of quality conversations developed over time are the important factors. Sales will not improve when activity is based on factors of quantity only. Harlan, R., Woolfson, Jr., W., (1991). Telesales That Works. Chicago, Il: Probus Publishing Company. Stone, B., (1995). Successful Direct Marketing Methods. Lincolnwood, Il: NTC Business Books. Zajas, J., Church, O., (1997). Applying Telecommunications and Technology from a Global Business Perspective. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press, Inc.

Patriarchy in Jane Austens Sense and Sensibility Essay -- Jane Austen

Patriarchy in Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility Despite the fact that Jane Austen has become what Julian North describes as a â€Å"conservative icon in popular culture† signified by her depictions of â€Å"traditional class and gender hierarchies, sexual propriety and Christian values,† the novel _Sense and Sensibility_ provides, if not a feminist perspective, a feminist discourse lacking in Emma Thompson’s film version (North 38). In this essay, I attempt to argue briefly that the novel, which initially seems to uphold cultural norms of sexuality and does little to question women’s subaltern position, can be read to undermine the patriarchy and especially male-controlled courtship rituals. Next I seek to demonstrate how the film’s adaptation by Emma Thompson undermines its own feminist intentions to become another late 20th-century romantic-comedy prescribing a happy marriage to an attractive and wealthy man as a cure-all for the single woman’s woes (Giddings 11). Ironically the novel _Sense and Sensibility_, which many critics consider embodying the paradigm of conservative Georgian literature, appears staunchly, if graciously, countercultural in comparison to its 20th-century film adaptation. Two features of the novel can clearly be identified as providing a feminist perspective: the discourse between sense and sensibility which presents contrasting but complementary strands of female temperament and the sisterly bond that provides the Dashwood women with a self-sustaining, if only temporary, method of resistance to an ineluctably encroaching patriarchy. Often linked to post-revolutionary ideological tumult, the triumph of sense over sensibility in the novel has spurred critics to identify it both as a reactionary vi... ... Novel: The Theory and Practice of Literary Dramatization_. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1990. Kaplan, Deborah. â€Å"Mass Marketing Jane Austen: Men, Women, and Courtship in Two Film Adaptations.† _Jane Austen in Hollywood_, ed. Linda Troost and Sayre Greenfield. Lexington: U of Ky. P, 2001. North, Julian. â€Å"Conservative Austen, Radical Austen: Sense and Sensibility from Text to Screen.† _Adaptations: from Text to Screen, Screen to Text_, ed. Deborah Cardwell and Imelda Whelehan. London: Routledge, 1999. _Sense and Senibility_. Dir. Ang Lee. Perf. Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslett. 1995. Whelehan, Imelda. â€Å"Adaptations: The Contemporary Dilemmas.† _Adaptations: from Text to Screen, Screen to Text_, ed. Deborah Cardwell and Imelda Whelehan. London: Routledge, 1999.

Food Culture of Bangladesh Essay

Food culture of Bangladesh Bangladesh is rich with various types of foods which enrich our culture and make it familiar among the people of other nations in the world. There are different types of foods in Bangladesh which are totally dissimilar from one another from the side of taste and value. Generally, rice, dal, fish, vegetable and meat are our main dishes and the people of Bangladesh take three meals in a day. In the morning, we take breakfast where the urban people take ruti, porota, biscuit, vegetable, chicken, tea etc. and the rural people take muri, khoi, pitha or stale rice with chilly. In lunch, the people of different range take different foods according to their own choice and demand. Most of the people take rice, dal, vegetable and fish in their lunch. There’s a common saying: â€Å"Fish and rice make a Bengali.† At the time of cooking our cook uses different types of spices like garlic, peppers, turmeric, onion, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, or mustard seed etc. that make our foods more tasty. In our daily meals we generally take mixed vegetables, fish bhuna, fried okra, Bhorta, fried eggplant, chicken curry, lentils, Egg curry, beef, mutton etc. with rice. Again in our snacks we normally take Paratha, Samosa, Singara, puri, fried roti stuffed with eggs, Naan, Pitha (vapa, puli, patishapta,dudhpitha, telpitha, chitoi pitha etc. ), Mishti Doi, Ras Malai etc. After taking our meals we usually drink tea, milk etc. We also take various types of fruits in our leisure time; mango, jack fruits, banana, pine apple, orange, apple, guava, water melon, coconut and other seasonal fruits are taken according to the season and choice.

Parle Ivey Case Study

|[pic] | |Parle-G | |[A case study] | | | | | |Date:10/25/2011 | Group members: 1. Divya Gupta 2. Rishabh Deo 3 . Shikha Rastogi 4 . Sonam Agrawal 5 . Swati Anoop 6 .Vrittika Srivastava: 7. Yogesh Joshi |[The case discusses about the Parle-G challenges regarding the manufacturing cost and profit margin. Mr. Kulkarni’s dilemma to increase | |the revenue shares. ] | | | |SNO |TOPIC |PAGE NO | |1. |Present case Situation 3 | |2. |Is Mr Kulkarni’s decision complex or a simple decision? |4 | |3. |Advantages and disadvantages of VFM product. |5 | |4. |Marketing plan to overcome problem. |6 | | | CONTENTS THE PRESENT CASE SITUATION: Parle Products has been India's largest manufacturer of biscuits and confectionery for almost 80 years. Makers of the world's largest selling biscuit, Parle-G, and a host of other very popular brands, the Parle name symbolizes quality, nutrition and great taste.With a reach spanning even to the remotest villages of India, the company has de finitely come a very long way. Many of the Parle products – biscuits or confectioneries, are market leaders in their category.. With a 40% share of the total biscuit market and a 15% share of the total confectionary market in India, Parle has grown to become a multi-million dollar company. While to the consumers it's a beacon of faith and trust, competitors look upon Parle as an example of marketing brilliance.The case is all about the flagship product of the Parle group Parle- G, Parle G is a glucose biscuit and has a market share of 76% in its category, it contributes 10-15 % of the total revenue of Parle. The problem which Mr Kulkarni ,general manager Parle Products Pvt limited, is concerned about, is the complex situation emerged out of the growing input prices. The growing input prices have led the Parle to think on the pricing strategy of Parle G. The brand name â€Å"Parle G† is a Value For Money product. In January in the first attempt to offset rising prices p arley hiked the price of 16 biscuit packet from INR 4. 0 to INR 4. 50. the idea failed and the sales came down by 40% within six months and hence the price rise was rolled back. Four years later management took remedial step to deal again with rising prices and this time focus was on reducing weight of the packet and number of biscuits was also decreased from 16 to 15. Although consumers noticed it but decided to go along with it as far as the company does not tingles with prices. So ultimately company adopted alternate thinking of cutting prices involved and these measures were buying of manufacturing units near to the wholesalers and by franchising the production.Forward contracts were introduced to reduce supply chain costs and addition to all this wax coated paper had been replaced by BOPP paper to reduce cost. With entry of competitors like Britania, HUL and ITC Ltd the situation is getting more complex day by day for the Parle G. Any wrong decision from Parle can have daring c onsequences for their flagship product Parle G. The dilemma of December 2009: A price hike seemed like a necessity to restore the margins; a hike in the price had the potential to increase the margin by 50% and to restore the previous level of 15%.But the previous experience of price hike had already given a bad experience to Parle. The problem with Parle is its VFM image, companies build brand equity in order to deflect the focus of customers from the price. They don’t mind loosening their wallets for a brand which delivers a value on a dimension perceived by them. Parley needs to come out of its perilous VFM image and secondly the dependence on a single brand and a single SKU. Parley G contributes 68% of the annual sales revenue of Parley and the INR 4. 00 SKU was contributing to 50 % of Parley G’s annual sales revenue.The dilemma in which troubles Mr Kulkarni is: 1. Should he launch new SKU’s and new price points. Or 2. Should he continue to tinker with the G rammage. IS Mr. Kulkarni's decision complex or simple? What are the various issues & considerations? Mr. P. Kulkarni, general manager, Parle Products Pvt. Ltd. (Parle) is faced with the dilemma of increasing the price of the biscuit or decreasing the grammage of its SKU. The Indian consumer holds strong brand equity with Parle G biscuit on account of its low cost and value for money (VFM) proposition. The company started as a value for money brand in 1939.This was a marketing perception which has remained intact for last sixty year. But in last sixty years Indian market has opened up and MNC companies are new competitor. Now the same value for money strategy is gnawing at the profit margin of Parle G. Essentially brand is something that create a niche segment for itself and consumers do not mind loosening up their pockets a bit more every next year to associate with that brand and buy it. But here in India, the consumer are very price sensitive and increasing the price leads to the risk of losing the existing and prospective customer. Thus the question that Mr.Kulkarni is faced with is a very serious dilemma and involves complex thinking and decision making strategy. For example in 2004, Parle has increased the price by 50 paisa from 4Rs. to 4. 5 Rs. and sales dropped by 40 per cent within six months. Hence the company has to roll back the price increment. The brand has a strong dependence on the single brand †Parle G† and on its single SKU of 100 gram, which contributes to 50 per cent in sales revenue. The company’s share of domestic biscuit market is at 40 per cent and Parle G’s share of the domestic glucose category is at 74 per cent.This has made the company more dependent on that particular brand which is not healthy. The focus is so much to maintain the low price strategy that other issues such as quality and taste are ignored. Raw material prices of sugar and wheat, which constitute 55 per cent of have increased in the last 18 months. Consequently the margin of Parle G had decreased from 15 per cent to 10 per cent. The price consciousness of customer depends on the household income. The lower and middle class people are most sensitive to price change. In past whenever the price was increased the company lost its sales revenue. Thus Mr.Kulkarni decision is a complex one as what seems a simple solution to increase the price does not go well with the Indian middle class consumers. 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Value for Money Position: VALUE FOR MONEY POSITION (VPM) is the most common positioning category. Most firms position their products to offer great value for their customers. Companies can choose either â€Å"Same (as premium product) for fewer prices† or â€Å"More (of the product) for the same price† pricing strategy. More for the same price is often used at high end products which have superior product attributes but is priced on par with competition.ADVANTAGES of V FM: 1. The company initial product is Parle-G which provides major profit to the company. Value for Money positioning helps generate large sales volume for products. 2. Value for money was the consumer perception that had led Parle-G to become largest selling biscuit brand by volume in the world in 2002 as validated by a study by global market research firm A C Nielsen. Market share is highest for Parle-G because of value to money it revolves to the customers. 3. Parle-G has adopted the market penetration strategy that is low price along with capturing of a large market .The value for money positioning helps generate large sales volumes for the products. 4. VFM is the only value dimension consumers seem to be plugged into with Parle-G . it is also value dimensions they are plugged into with glucose category which ParleG- leads. 5. Due to VMP which has advantage for Parle-G create problem for new entrants like Tiger Glucose brand of biscuits of Britannia ,Sun feast Glucose of ITC Ltd . These new entrants were under compulsion to keep prices low. DISADVANTAGES- 1. It is a very price sensitive market owing to VFM. These being the weakness hold competition as its main weakness. . It could further lead to profit erosion and entry of un-brand players into the market notwithstanding these threats; the company beholds many opportunities each as exports and affluence. 3. Consumer perception was rooted so strongly in Parle- G’S low price that it was undermining other product attributes such as quality and taste. 4. The value for money product is highly elastic in nature and hence the price cannot be increased even to a single unit as it will affect the demand drastically. 5. Parle-G had generally refrained from increasing the price of Parle- G, even when it had no competition .In holding to the price line, Parle had brought disciplining factors to the Indian market. 6. A hike in price had the potential to increase the margin of Parle-G by 50 per cent and to perhap s restore it to the earlier level of 15 per cent. But, if the experience of 2004 was any indication, consumer would be extremely sensitive to a price hike. Marketing plan to overcome this problem: â€Å"Reducing the gram mage is the only way out†: Owing to its VFM image and the valuable brand which Parle G has grown into for the middle class and lower middle class society, playing with prices is like playing with fire for Parle G.Middle class and lower lower middle class constitute the major purchasers in the Indian biscuits industry. Not only Parle G even brands like Nestle’s Maggi and Hajmola have also adopted the same policy of weight reduction. Growing input prices is beyond our control and hence we have to go ahead with weight reduction of current SKU’s. Cost control measures have to follow strictly and obediently to keep margins at par. Parle G for â€Å"specials† category: Parle G is market leader in its category (glucose) with market share of 74% and penetration rate of 84%. The glucose category of biscuits forms a market of 42% of Indian biscuit industry.With increasing income levels in country the choice is showing a shift into premium category. Premium category is the future market to repeat history which Parle G has created in glucose category Parle G should be established also as a premium brand. New varieties can be launched focusing niche customers eg: 1. Parle G chocolate : kids from 6-14 2. Parle G diet :teenagers 3. Parle G protein : for lactating mother and pregnant women 4. Parle G sugar free : for health conscious people. These varieties will fetch totally new segments for Parle G (augmentation) without cannibalising the existing Parle G VFM image.Similar trends are followed by Nestle’s Maggi by introducing Maggi Soupy Noodles and Maggi Pasta. Parle G for institutional â€Å"in bigger SKU’s†: This initiative aims at institutional sales by introducing bigger SKU’s, these SKU’s c an also be used to target the local posh and successful tea stalls. This step will help to counter the unorganised sector which prevails in local areas. Bigger SKU‘s will be used as refilling units. Big plastic containers will provided and hence it won’t be required to repurchase SKU’s instead of only refilling it. These SKU’ will reduce packaging cost and the plastics containers will require only refilling.