Thursday, October 31, 2019

TATA motors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TATA motors - Essay Example However, there are issues of uncertainty that affects the automobile industry, such as economic downtimes that reshapes the entire structure of the sector (International Labor Organization, 2010). This presentation thus analyses these uncertainties in relation to how it affects Tata Motors. The automobile industry is subject to consider by many as being the most profitable industries. On the contrary, the industry has been able to experience its own highs and lows. For example, the recent economic downturn experienced in 2009 led to the major economic downturn in the industry (Economic Outlook no. 1210, 2014). Other factors causing uncertainty in this industry are as listed below; Conducting PESTLE analysis is a popular and most useful tool to help in understanding on the reductions or growth through the market. The understanding may include the position of the potential that the business has in the market. The automobile industry is again under the period of uproar. Crises of 2008/09 are far from over, and currently, the industry may probably be marking the start of the second revolution (UNIDO, 2010). These are the three key uncertainties facing the industry; In an overall outlook, India’s automotive industry is in a better shape than compared to what it was five years ago, with the growth progress estimated to continue over the coming years. Four key challenges (best and worst) need to address in determining the future profitability (McKinsey & Company, 2013). 1) Complexity and cost pressure – the future of the industry predicts that there will an extra platform for sharing and more modular systems. More regulatory pressure will occur and prices will be flat (Freyssenet & Groupe, 2009). 2) Diverging markets – the auto industry should adapt to the changing regional and the segment patterns of both supply and demand patterns. There is a threat from the emerging Chinese after sales market that offers new growth opportunities (Giachetti &

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Doing Business in a Foreign Country Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Doing Business in a Foreign Country - Essay Example The understanding of the things that can determine the performance of a business operation in Brazil will ensure that foreign investors will be able to establish sustainable businesses in the country. Though doing business in Brazil cannot be easy and has several issues, it is achievable for a foreign organization that is committed to explore the opportunities in the country. The business environment of Brazil requires that the investor be willing and dedicated to the performance of business by supplying sufficient resources and personnel (Ibp Inc 56). Political environment of Brazil Brazil has a business environment that is regulated by the political atmosphere of people in the country considering the federal government has a lot of input into the operation of the business. The government strategies in the country have contributed to the kind of operations into which investors can venture so that they exploit the economic opportunities in the country. Through the government system, the parliament of the country decided on the amount of interest that businesses and individuals could be charged when they acquire loans from the banks. This regulation of the interests on loans shows that there is political influence in business operations in the country (Ibp Inc 55). Legal Environment Foreigners who have to invest in Brazil take a considerable long time to comply with the bureaucratic systems that are established to allow them to operate in the country. This time is taken in filing of issues that show compliance to the legally acceptable charges like taxation, labor laws, reporting and getting permits for their businesses. These processes are legally stipulated and, therefore, every foreign investor has to conform to the requirement to be allowed to start a business (Ibp Inc 55-57). Economic Environment Brazil is a capitalist state that operates in the southern America and has firmly established itself in export of high quality products that attract customers. Thi s means that businesses in the area have to compete for their customers and ensure that they make sales to them so that they can sustain their operation. In many instances, the operations in the business in this country involve export of coffee and other agricultural products, as well as impost of machinery and other products from its business partners that may include the US, China and South Korea among others (Ibp Inc 56). Monetary Environment The federal government of Brazil has Real as its currency since 1994 and, therefore, business operations in the country are done using this currency, especially when it targets the local population. The currency has performed well at the steady exchange rates with other popular currencies within the business environment. This means that the operations of the business in the country are not threatened if the exchange rates in the currency shift within considerable limits. The currency is used to trade with the people within the country or tho se who want to buy products from the country from other countries (Marr 76). Fiscal Constraints in doing Business in Brazil In Brazil, the rates of interests in the central bank of the country are high as compared to other countries in the world and, therefore, it can affect adversely the foreign investors who want to

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Marketing strategy of British Airways

Marketing strategy of British Airways British Airways (BA), has a weakness in winning over customer loyalty, they lack in their marketing strategy. This weakness has to be address by the organisation. Despite the fact, its growth through globalisation and the increase in travellers needs, the marketing campaigns were ineffective in the growth of the company. British Airways has a great infrastructure but they need a boost in their marketing strategy to gain more customers and their loyalty. The company needs a huge investment for their strategic management in the future which will lead for better growth for the company.   BA has to keep its goal aligned with the intensive of the growing market trends to match with the customers and the market demands. In comparison to Virgin Atlantic has attracted a huge amount of customer both nationally and internationally. Virgin Atlantic has gained its competitive advantages over British Airways. The main reason for this is because of their proactive attitude and keeping an eagle eye for the new marketing trends and global advertising which leads to an increase its advertisement effectiveness, worldwide. After analysing Virgin Atlantic strength, British Airways has to revised its marketing strategy and turn its weakness into strengths to gain competitive advantage. There is a great opportunity for British Airways, has it got the official airline for the London Olympic, 2012. They won this position for the London Olympic, 2012 from Virgin Atlantic Airlines. Hence this move from British Airways might open new doors for opportunity worldwide. There might be a price battle in the market with B.A; companies like Legacy Carriers might keep its prices low during the games, with a low profit margin. Hence taking some part of the market share from British Airways. Social And Environmental Responsibility British Airways has been improving its standard on their environmental performance by reducing the impact of its on the local and global environment. Hence it is considered as their strengths. There are putting more emphasis on the aircraft noise and emissions around the airports and local area. They also focus on the severe effect of carbon dioxide and other environment effects. In 2005, Sir Richard Branson has announced that he would be running his airline on cellulose ethanol plant fuel, which would be generating through plant waste. Hence, it will be called the Future Fuel for the planet. The importance about this fuel is an environment friendly product. † (Cheap Flights News, Undated) Bad Publicity Bad publicity an always be a threat to an organisational brand image and its reputation. Both the airlines were charged with price fixing scandal over fuel, which lead to an ineffective decision by the management. Both the companies have faced bad publicity through an advertisement campaigning to 8 million customers, in regards to claiming the money back. (Telegraph.co.uk, 2008) Both airlines pilot resulted positive in alcohol, where as British Airways has implemented on 6th November, 2007, they wont be allowing passenger to carry surf boards in their plane, but Virgin Atlantic did vice versa (Personnel Today, 2007). It had a negative impact for British Airways; the surf community across the world has being criticizing on this decision made by British Airways. These decision may break BAs creditability and brand image in the market, bring the company stake holder at risk. (Surfing Waves News, Undated) Due to the meltdown of the economy in 2008 and high fuel prices has bought threats to the companies. Other concerns like high aviation tax, terrorism threats, health issues, etc are major concern for both the Airlines. British Airways Emphasizing On Its Team The mission statement of British Airways â€Å"To be the undisputed leader in world travel† their strategy mainly relies on good leadership which directs them to be an effective management, through good communication, team work and collaboration. British Airways has strength of 48,000 employees which include team player and service providers. Hence making it workforce its base for the success of the company. (http://jyanet.com/cap/0614fe0.htm) The back of the house, which is not seen in the front line like the catering department, cleaning services, maintenance, etc play a major part in the company success without which the company cannot run its day to day operations. There is a vast communication and collaboration with different level of team in the company, starting from when the customer books it flight, accommodation, tour operator, etc. to make this chain of operation successful, they have to work with harmony of communication. This strategy gives them an opportunity to use the new innovative IT- communication systems, ensuring smooth operations. Information Management (IM) is the key for future success in the company. The company relies heavily on its IT, which has bought huge influence on its performance. (Britishairwaysjobs.com) By using Corporate Communications, they mange the global reputation of the company, ensuring that all the parties are been well informed about the happening of the company, the responsibility of the companys intranet is base on corporate communication. It keeps the update of the companys latest news and policies. There are well connected via the company intranet despite being on air, road, etc. (Communitelligence Learning Academy, Undated) In 2001 BA has introduced the Employee Self Service (ESS) project; allow its staff worldwide to manage their day-to-day administration over the web. (Computing, 2001) BA produces it weekly newspaper, magazines for its employee over the Corporate Communications. There have a strong IT operation, which is used to enhanced teamwork and communication channels like IP Telephony channel. In 2005-2006, Cisco Systems and Prime Business Solution were responsible for setting up the new infrastructure for communication over 14,000 offices and airports. (Cisco, 2010) the key message is delivered to the customers through a robust advertisement, which acts as a powerful communication channel done by specialist communication agencies in more than 80 countries where BA operates. Hence highlighting the companys marketing strategy. British Airways Media is the sales arm for the communication channels offered by Britains premier airline brand. It is responsible for the production of High Life Magazine, First Life Magazines, etc. which are classified and distributed in the airplanes, lounges and different advertisement channels. (British Airways Media, Undated) Considerations After analysing the above marketing strategy, strengths and opportunities for British Airways, it can be seen that BA play a very important role in the travel and tourism industry. Which bring together a big work force in terms of services, product and brand image. BA achievement has been done through its communication channels which coordinate smoothly through all the different level of the company. Hence, Building teamwork and employee trust. As they say â€Å"A chain is as strong as its weakest link†. Working together towards a common goal contributes towards BAs strategy, mission, reputation and growth. In 2005, the operating profit for the company was  £ 556 millions and in 2006,  £ 695 million, this is the most efficient way to measure a company progress and growth. These are the positive results of the organisation strategy. To summarise in a sentence, BA is a market leader, set standards and create Bench mark in the industry. Hence, its strategies and mission statement goes in the same direction.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Noise Pollution: Practical Solutions to a Serious Problem Essay

   Noise Pollution:    Practical Solutions to a Serious Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Noise pollution is a growing concern for most Americans.   It is a problem because many city, suburban, and rural areas are affected.   Noise creeps into our cars, our homes, and schools and disrupts everything.   Noise pollution is a more harmful pollutant than most think.   Medical evidence proves that noise can have detrimental physical and psychological effects upon a person.   It is a danger to one's mental health, it interrupts the learning development of children, and it hinders sleep. The physical consequences of short-term exposure to noise pollution can result in higher blood pressure and cholesterol increase (Bullock- Loughran 12,13). Medical evidence proves that prolonged exposure to noises can cause persistent health problems such as ulcers or hypertension (Thomas 20, Bullock- Loughran 12). There have been cases where heart attacks have occurred in individuals with already present cardiac problems. One common and harmful form of noise pollution, aircraft noise, has amazing effects on one’s physical health.   A study conducted in the early eighties proved that people residing within 3 miles of the Los Angeles International Airport had a higher death rate of 19% than the death rate of those residents six miles away from the airport.   Similar conclusions occurred at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Thomas 20). Along with the physical effects, there are psychological issues related to noise pollution.   A psychological study concludes that humans may adapt to noise at times but random and unpredictable noise may eventually cause some deterioration in everyday activity (Thomas 18). Some people have even committed murder, used drugs,... ...y 1997: 5. McCabe, Michael.   â€Å"Anti-Noise Crusaders Get Louder and Louder.†Ã‚   The San Francisco   Chronicle   19 Feb. 1998, final ed.: A1. Singleton, Janet.   â€Å"Huh? Hear! Hear! Noise Pollution is No Joke.†Ã‚   The Denver Post   24   Apr. 1995, second ed.: E1. Sulski, Jim.   â€Å"Tone It Down!; The Ins and Outs of Soundproofing a Noisy Dwelling.†   Chicago Tribune 18 Sept. 1998, final ed.: C1+.    Thomas, Sharon M.   â€Å"Perception of Airport Hazards by Land Users in the Vicinity of   Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.†Ã‚   Diss.   Arizona State University, 1980. Ward, W. Dixon.   â€Å"Noise-induced Hearing Loss.†Ã‚   Noise and Society.   Ed. Dylan M. Jones and Antony J. Chapman.   Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 1984. 77-109. Young, Leslie A.   â€Å"Sonic Boomers; Clinton’s Hearing Aid Catches His Generation’s Ear†   Mountain News   14 Oct. 1997, D3.   

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a touching tale of the friendship between two men–set against the backdrop of the United States during the depression of the 1930s. The book addresses the real hopes and dreams of working-class America. Steinbeck's short novel raises the lives of the poor and dispossessed to a higher, symbolic level. The novel opens with two workers who are crossing the country on foot to find work. George is a cynical, irresolute man. George looks after his companion, Lennie–treating him like a brother. Lennie is a giant man of incredible strength, but has a metal disability that makes him slow-to-learn and almost child-like. George and Lennie had to flee the last town because Lennie touched a woman's dress and he'd been accused of rape. They begin to work at a ranch, and they share their dream: they want to own their own piece of land and farm for themselves. They feel dispossessed and unable to control their own lives. The climactic moment of the novel revolves around Lennie's love of soft things. He pets the hair of Curley's wife, but she gets scared. In the resulting struggle, Lennie kills her and runs away. The farmhands form a lynch mob to punish Lennie, but George finds him first. George understands that Lennie cannot live in the world, and he wants to save him the pain and terror of being lynched, so he shoots him in the back of the head. The literary power of Of Mice and Men rests firmly on the relationship between the two central characters, their friendship and their shared dream. These two men are so very different, but they come together, stay together, and support each other in a world full of people who are destitute and alone. In a way, Of Mice and Men is an extremely despondent novel. The novel shows the dreams of a small group of people and then contrasts these dreams with a reality that is unreachable, which they cannot achieve. Even though the dream never becomes reality, Steinbeck does leave us with an optimistic message. George and Lennie do not achieve their dream, but their friendship stands out as a shining example of how people can live and love even in a word of alienation and disconnectedness. Its powerful ending is climactic and shocking to the extreme. But, we also come to an understanding of the tragedy of life. Regardless of the sufferings of those who live it, life goes on. The book is great, highly recommended. There’s so much human nature in those few pages, it’s just amazing how Steinbeck managed to pack it all in so nicely. Many of the most major and fundamental principles of the human psyche are here – self-esteem, meaning to one’s life, loneliness, friendship, love. The book is a masterpiece.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Comparing Medieval Art to Renaissance Art Essay

Medieval art period Medieval art covers a large scope of time. The period covered over 1000 years of art in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. The period was characterized by major art movements based on national art and regional art. There was also the aspect of revivals and artists crafts. Art historians have been successful in classifying medieval art into major periods and styles. This is often characterized with significant difficulty. The major periods of art in medieval period include, the early Christian art, the migration period art, the insular art, the Pre Romanesque art, and lastly the Romanesque art. Gothic art was also a prominent period on medieval art. In addition to these periods, each region which later became nations had its own distinct artistic style. Medieval art was basically produced in a large array of media (Veronica, 2008). The works have remained significant and large in number. They include illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, sculptures and mosaics. Paintings were als o a common occurrence during this period. Historians have pointed out that medieval art in Europe grew as a result of artistic heritage that highly influenced by the Roman Empire. There is also an influence of iconographic traditions in this art period. It has been noted that these artistic source we mixed with what warfare to as barbarian artistic culture of northern Europe to provide excellent pieces of art. Byzantine art was one of the most influential arts during medieval time. This art form was basically influence by the Byzantine Empire and went on to be accepted in major areas. From the period of the late antique in the medieval period, there emerged the Byzantine Art (Veronica, 2008). Although it basically originated from the catholic Europe, the art was embraced by all as a result of its originality. During the period of 730 to 843, there were a large number of icons that were destroyed and therefore very little remain today to present the originality of this era in medieval art. From the medieval eras, there came prominent artist by the name of Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti, commonly known as Michelangelo. The most famous piece by Michelangelo was his art work done on the Sistine Chapel in Rome: the scenes from Genesis on the ceiling and The Last Judgment in the altar wall. His works were inspired by the developments of the time. His works encompassed rhythm and contrast in a way that brought out the basic details of the artistic works. He used dull colors to reflect his somber mood while also embracing balance as a way of inspiring the generations. Most of his notable artistic works were influenced by color and balance. He used these two aspects of art to bearing out a message through his works. There is a major understanding the medieval art period was the real cause for the developments in the renaissance period (Lawrence, 2007). It is also argued by historians that as a result of the best steps taken by artists of the medieval period especially the late medieval period, the artists of pre renaissance period were able to build their trade. The argument is informed by the fact that during the late medieval period, there were early renaissance period artistic representations that were present. There is the basic understanding that the two periods ran concurrently for a certain period of time before they partied ways. The later medieval period gave rise to the early renaissance period. Renaissance Art Renaissance Art period is conceivably one of the utmost celebrated art periods in the history of mankind. The period was characterized by a wide array of disincentive artistic talent that put paint to work producing excellent results. Some of the notable artists of this period include Leonardo da Vinci, Robert camping, Santos Botticelli, Raphael and titian. There have been arguments in the artistic historical world whether the period was the best period in the history of art. Renaissance art originated from the renaissance period (Johnson, 2009). According to art historians, the period was characterized by sculpture, painting and decorative arts that formed the renaissance period in history. The period emerged with its distinct style in about 1400 parallel to developments in philosophical, literary and musical industries. The period art is referred to as the rebirth of ancient traditions and has its roots in the classical antiquity. The period has transformed by the absorption of recent developments to give a different approach to art in the northern Europe through application of contemporary scientific knowledge. The renaissance art period was also characterized by the renaissance humanist philosophy that spread throughout the western history. This affects both the artists and the patrons of their works. There was a development of new techniques and also new artistic sensibilities. The renaissance period was basically the time from medieval period to early modern age. One of the most respected pieces of art of this period was the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. The artistic representation of the last supper has been addressed as one of the unsurpassed in the history of mankind. This has given Leonardo da Vinci an upper hand among his peers of the renaissance period. The absorption of recent developments in the early modern age characterized a radical shift in renaissance art. It is believed that this change of tact formed the basis for the new approach on the aspect of artistic representation of ideas. Historical facts show that early renaissance art was infarct produced parallel with the late medieval art. By 1500, the renaissance part was declared the better of the time thereby prevailing over the late medieval art. The late renaissance art was later called mannerisms and developed to become a fully fledge artists pattern. This pattern took distinctive attributes of each region and merged them together (Johnson, 2009). The proto renaissance period was basically I Italy and ran from 1280 to 1400. By the late 14th century, Italy had already been introduced to the new version of the renaissance era. That period was characte4rise by outstanding arts like the sculpture of Nicola Pisano and also Giovanna Pisano. There was a major development in figurative painting where precedence was set on naturalistic and three dimensional approaches that classified the classics it into different categories (Charles, 2009). The period was viewed as aim of classifying and rebirth of art from different perspectives. Leonardo da Vinci work captured all the major aspect of art including color, balance rhythm and balance. He used bright colors in his trademark works including the Last Supper. The use of bright colors was restricted to the foreground on f the pictures while the background was characterized by dark colors. In conclusion, there was an aspect of balance in both periods as they seek to balance different occasions with specific colors. There is a major understanding that both works have a similar approach to balance. The use of rhythm in the latest installations of these works in the periods offered a new way of understanding art. The two periods have emphasized on the need to build themes based on the current issues of the time. References Charles, A, 2009, ‘Renaissance Art’, Washington: Parkstone International Johnson, A, 2009, ‘Renaissance Art: A Very Short Introduction’, Washington: Oxford University Press Lawrence, N, 2007, ‘Early Medieval Art’, Washington: Oxford University Press Veronica, A, 2008, ‘Medieval Art’, Washington: Oxford University Press