Swot Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Swot - Research Paper Example As at 2011, the sales of the worldwide subsidiaries totaled to $65 billion despite the product recalls and the legal issues that the Company has battled in recent years. Other than dealing in medical products, Johnson & Johnson Company also produces baby and beauty products whose consumption is overwhelmingly popular in many of the consumers in the world market. With this, this essay will delve into the SWOT analysis of the Johnson & Johnson Company and the ways in which the company may improve its operations in order to increase the profit generation levels. List of Johnson & Johnson products Acuvue contact lenses Corn Huskers Lotion Johnson Baby powder Aveeno Ponstan Euthymol Healthy Woman Johnson’s Baby Combatrim Ideally, the products manufactured by J & J are in three categories namely medical devices, diagnostics, and health care products with its employee base amounting to one hundred and twenty nine thousand people. As of 2012, these products brought in $67.2 in revenue s, which translated to high profit margins for this pharmaceutical product manufacturer. SWOT Analysis Strengths One of the leading reputation that the Company holds is that it has attracted the admiration of many because of its involvement in the manufacture of consumer products that meet the quality standards in the globe. In 2011, the company received recognition from the UN for an award through its active participation in its campaign dubbed ‘Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby’, which influenced its brand to retain its market acceptability across the globe. The other strength that J & J Company has been that it operates in more than fifty-seven countries hence lowering their business operations risks through the widespread investing. The other strength is that J & J as a brand has been in existence for many years hence influencing its target market to have immense trust in the products manufactured by the parent company or its subsidiaries. Further, J & J has a vertically integrated supply chain in that the subsidiaries of this company have unity because they all have a common owner despite the fact that each of the supply chain members produces different products (Harrison, Lee & Neale 263). Therefore, J & J has control of its supply chain as this has helped in the improvement of coordination among the various subsidiaries spread across the globe. Moreover, J & J has diversified in the products that it manufacturers in that the Company has stable operations as this lowers the operational risk while increasing its value (Hendrikse J & Hendrikse L 41). This means that if one of the production systems brings in losses, then the other arms provide cash flow that may be applied in making investments. Therefore, this strength has helped J & J to operate in volatile markets and be profitable even when it is experiencing challenging times. Weaknesses Over the years, J & J has had to battle various challenges such as various litigations and product recalls that have made the Company to record dismal performance. Product recall In 2010, a subsidiary of J & J voluntarily recalled children’s medicine accessible over the counter totaling forty-three that appeared to have been endangering the lives of the users. McNeil Consumer Healthcare did so after conducting a routine check on its facility and ascertained that the products produced did not meet the quality and

Article Critique Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Critique - Article Example In their article, the authors discussed the four major steps or routes in PSW treatment which are the primary (re-extrusion), secondary (mechanical), tertiary (chemical), and quaternary (energy recovery); each option is discussed in detail. The research problem was to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment route and assess the viability of each route with regards to the municipal solid waste (MSW) problem. The authors noted how PSW is found in considerable amounts in the final stream of MSW due to a significant number of daily applications such as in coatings, wiring, packaging, films, covers, bags, and containers (Al-Salem, Lettieri, & Baeyens, 2009, p. 2626); the amount of PSW almost doubled from the period between 1990 to 2000, with each individual producing around 250 kgs. of MSW with a 3% annual growth rate. The increasing cost of finding suitable landfills together with increasingly strict regulatory guidelines and higher environmental awareness has compelled many researchers to focus on the issue of recycling as a viable alternative due to increased production, consumption, and waste generation rates of PSW in the last few decades. The researchers gathered data on both PSW and MSW to highlight the problem of these plastic wastes which are not biodegradable and so viable ways must be found to deal with it. The authors used a good number of credible primary and secondary data sources to support their own arguments concerning the routes now available for PSW treatment. In this regard, a continued development in the recycling and recovery technologies is necessary which requires the cooperation of the whole industry, the government, and the consumers because the solution requires investments in infrastructure and the establishment of viable markets for PSW. In this regard, the authors noted how tertiary

Economics of International Marketing

Economics of International Marketing Gibbie Yapsen Handadilla (DBM)Student ID : 1409012060 Brian Junaldo Honoris (DBM)Student ID : 1409012075 Objective We make this report in order to do a deep research on global marketing and understanding on the importance of international marketing Acknowledgement We would like to thank EASB for letting us to write this report and also Ms. Roszana for guiding and teaching us through this module and this report. Without their help, we may not reach this point. Introduction Global marketing refers to marketing activities coordinated and integrated across multiple country markets. (Jonny K. Johansson 2000) International marketing often used in some big companies. International marketing itself has big impact on world’s economy. In this assessment, our aim is to critically analyze on economics of international marketing. Questions to be answered There are 4 (four) questions that we will discuss on this report Evolution to International Marketing Elements of International Marketing Advantages and Disadvantages of International Marketing Economics of International Trade Evolution to International Marketing Because of today’s globalization, international marketing has become really popular. There are many changes or we can say evolution within companies around the world and also in international marketing. There are some stages in international marketing for those who are globalizing. Domestic Marketing As we can see from the word domestic which means inside a particular country. At this stage, companies’ marketing scope is only within one country. Usually, companies at this stage are only influencing local markets. They usually seldom to pay attention in the world’s market change or other foreign market competition. International Marketing From the domestic stage, evolve to the next stage which is international marketing. International marketing is almost the same with the domestic marketing. At this stage, companies have their factory to manufacture product in their own country but they focus their marketing into some particular countries. For example, FN beverage manufacturer from Singapore, the manufacturing happens in Singapore but their market isn’t only in Singapore but in other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. Global Marketing There are only few companies which get to this level. At this stage, the marketing scope is much bigger than international marketing stage. The reason is that in global marketing, companies have their manufacturers spread all around the world, that’s why it is called â€Å"global†. Elements of International Marketing The elements of global marketing is what they called marketing mix. Marketing mix is about 4 P’s, product, price, place, and promotion. The next following paragraphs are about 4 P’s and the definition. First of all, product is usually what comes in mind to companies. Without product, the others are not going to follow. Companies are needed to make products which satisfy the customers’ needs. For example, many beverage companies are competing in satisfying their customers by producing new products which their customers’ needed. Secondly, pricing is needed as the second 4 P’s. Price is always affected by the demands in every market. With good pricing, the attraction from the products will attract customers. That’s why pricing is one important element in international marketing. Next, locating the right place to sell the products is so much important. One cannot sell something expensive in a poor country. So one needs to locate the right place to sell the right product as well. By evaluating the customers demand of a particular place then place the product there. Finally, promotion is the last thing to make it succeed. After we manufacture the product, give the right price, place it in the right market, promoting the product is needed to let people know that one already starting to sell the product. Of course, with the correct promotion will get you bigger attraction from the customers. To sum up, there are 4 elements of international marketing and they are product, price, place, and promotion. Each of the elements support the others. So, in order to succeed in international marketing, these elements are needed as the base of it. Advantages and Disadvantages of International Marketing Advantages International marketing is the process of overseas advertising of the products that a company sells. International marketing provides a host of benefits to a business, from helping to broaden the customer base to improving the reputation of the brand. Understanding these advantages can help businesses of all sizes to plan their international sales strategies and to focus their customer service efforts. The first advantage of international marketing will be brand reputation. By doing international marketing, a company can get brand reputation which depends on the company’s product. If the company can sell good products around the world, the brand reputation will arise, and people will recognize it more. The next one will be market expansion. It is the most obvious advantage because company who does international marketing will expand their market scope from local to international. With market expansion, company may know well about other people demands and can evaluate other competitors so they can improve the products and learn more. The last one is global networking. Just like before, by going to the global market, company can know new customers and new demands which can be used to improve the products. Disadvantages The first one will be the cultures. Different cultures can be a problem for some local companies which are new to global markets. They need to adjust the culture with others. For example, instant food company. They cannot sell pork flavored-food to host country which mainly are Muslim. The next disadvantage is the government law. For some countries which have a strict law, companies may find difficulties when trying to sell their products there. Some country banned Marijuana, but some other country allow Marijuana to be in market. That will be one example for companies to sell marijuana in some strict countries. Lastly is marketing mix. Company might have to develop a totally different marketing mix for its product in host country than in home country which will incur cost. Which means in home country will incur cost for host country. Like host country will get tax for import goods from home country. Economics of International Trade International trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or territories. In most countries, such trade represents a significant share of gross domestic product (GDP). While international trade has been present throughout much of history, its economic, social, and political importance has been on the rise in recent centuries. It is the presupposition of international trade that a sufficient level of geopolitical peace and stability are prevailing in order to allow for the peaceful exchange of trade and commerce to take place between nations. Trade is not a modern invention. International trade today is not qualitatively different from the exchange of goods and services that people have been conducting for thousands of years. Before the widespread adoption of currency, people exchanged goods and some services through bartering or trading a certain quantity of one good or service for another good or service with the same estimated value. With the emergence of money, the exchange of goods and services became more efficient. Developments in transportation and communication revolutionized economic exchange, not only increasing its volume but also widening its geographical range. As trade expanded in geographic scope, diversity, and quantity, the channels of trade also became more complex. International trade today differs from economic exchange conducted centuries ago in its speed, volume, geographic reach, complexity, and diversity. However, it has been going on for centuries, and its fundamental character–the exchange of goods and services for other goods and services or for money remains unchanged. Recommendation In doing international marketing, we must care about the elements of the international marketing first, especially for business managers or professionals. Learn about the pros and cons so that one can make decision rightfully. Conclusion To sum up everything, there are a lot of points in this report. There has been a lot of evolution through international marketing. There are also some important elements in international marketing as well as the advantages and disadvantages that we may get from international marketing. Therefore, as an international business professional, we have to examine everything first and then we can make a good decision. References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_marketing http://www.scribd.com/doc/86216521/INTERNATIONAL-MARKETING-EVOLUTION-TO-GLOBAL-AND-INTERNATIONAL-MARKETING#scribd http://www.indiastudychannel.com http://www.marketingteacher.com/what-is-international-marketing/ http://www.marketing-schools.org/types-of-marketing/international-marketing.html http://toolkit.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/part/21/103/473 http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-marketing-internationally-61158.html http://www.translatemedia.com/international-marketing http://cindyking.biz/4-success-elements-for-international-business-development/ http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Inc-Mail/International-Marketing.html Declaration By signing this declaration, the group has agreed to the appraisal of this report ________________ (Name / Signature) ________________ (Name / Signature) Page 1 | 15

Euthanasia Essay: Assisted Suicide is Wrong -- Euthanasia Physician As

Assisted Suicide is Wrong      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A Saskatchewan farmer, Robert Latimer, was sentenced to life in prison last year for the 1993 second-degree murder of his severely disabled daughter, Tracy. He asphyxiated her with exhaust from his pick-up (Heinrich).    Assisted Suicide is somewhat related to Euthanasia. The word Euthanasia comes from the Greek language: eu meaning "good" and thanatos meaning "death". The meaning of the word has evolved from "good death" . It now refers to the act of ending a person's life, at their request. There are two types of Euthanasia. The first, Passive Euthanasia is the death of a person by removing life support equipment, stop taking medication, or not eating and drinking which allows the person to dehydrate or starve to death. These acts are preformed on suffering people so that natural death will happen sooner. The second type of Euthanasia is Active Euthanasia. It is the death of a person through a direct action such as an over dose of pills or a lethal injection.    Assisted Suicide is morally wrong and should be against the law. Killing someone used to be called "murder," now it is "assisted suicide." The Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Episcopal churches have made formal statements that oppose doctor-assisted suicide. They want it to remain that people would not have on option to choose an early death. Many faith groups within Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other religions believe that God gives life and therefore only God should take it away. They feel that we are all stewards of our own lives, but that suicide should never be an option. In June of 1997, the Supreme Court rendered a decision on assisted suicide. They found that the average American has no constitutional r... ...World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 5. World Book, Inc., Chicago Il. 1882. Pg. 53.    Heinrich, Jeff. " Medical symposium discusses legalizing assisted suicide." The Gazette. January 30, 1996, Internet. Nov. 02, 1997    Hippocrates. World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. World Book, Inc., Chicago Il. 1882. Pg. 227.    "EUTHANASIA AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE: ALL SIDES." Internet. Nov. 02, 1997 http://www.religioustolerance.org/euthanas.htm    Krauthammer, Charles. "First and Last, Do No Harm." Time. April 15, 1996, Pg. 83.    Saveri, Gabrielle. "An Ethicist Insists Patients Need Help Living Not Dying." People Weekly. May 22, 1995, Pg.91    Shapiro, Joseph P. "Expanding a right to die."U.S. News & World Report. April 15, 1996, Pg. 63.    Sheed, Wilfred. "Dr. Death, a 90's Celebrity." Time. June 3, 1996. Pg. 80.

High Wire Essay

The living standards of an individual in any country depend on numerous factors. The economic conditions of that country, is one of the most important factor which influences the lives of the people living and working in the country. The changes in the economic conditions of country have a huge impact on the lives of people, as they affect their earning and spending capacity. One such country which is experiencing massive changes in its economy is America. America was regarded as a country where one can achieve his/her dream of an affluent and prosperous lifestyle but the recent economic situation in America tells another story. The book â€Å"High Wire: The Precarious Financial Lives of American Families† by Peter Gosselin deals with the economy of America and the changes it has undergone since 1970s. The author brings forth the affects of these changes on the financial lives of Americans. The changes in the economic policies of America have led to a situation in America where Americans are being deprived of financial security. Through his book, Gosselin throws light on the financial life of Americans which is becoming more and more insecure, owing to the shift of risk from the employers to employees, from the insurance companies to their clients and from the federal government to the American people. Financial Lives In the book â€Å"High Wire: The Precarious Financial Lives of American Families† by Peter Gosselin, the author focuses on the financial lives of Americans in the present times. He begins his book by pointing out the difference in the economic conditions in America and the financial lives of its people in the past and in the present times. In the period that followed World War II, Americans led a life of prosperity and affluence, owing to the favorable economic conditions in their country. â€Å"The first is that for most of the past quarter century, the United States has enjoyed the return of a resilient and growing prosperity that once seemed lost. † (Gosselin 1). But in present times, the financial lives of Americans have been affected by the changing economic scenario in their country. Even if they are leading a life of prosperity, they are insecure regarding their financial lives. â€Å"The second fact is that many of us, even the affluent among us -those with family income running into the hundreds dollars-have arrived at the new century increasingly uneasy, with a gnawing sense that our circumstances are changing in ways that leave us less secure. † (Gosselin 2). The lack of security is having a huge impact on the lives of Americans. After citing the economic situation, in which the Americans are leading their lives, the author goes on to analyze the reasons for this insecurity that is gripping Americans. The foremost reason he mentions in his book is related to the new economic policies which places the risk on the individuals instead of government. â€Å"In its place, wrapped in the economic doctrine of free markets and the moral precept of personal responsibility, stands a new first principle: Each of us is now expected to forge our own future, free to rise or fall as our talents or luck may dictate. † (Gosselin 4). In support of his claim, Gosselin provides numerous examples which prove the shift of risk from government, employers and insurance companies to the people. Insurance companies are taking advantage of the new economic policies and reducing the payments which are claimed by their clients. In such circumstances, American people are forced to bear their medical expenses, without any substantial support from their insurance companies. The concept that individuals or companies are responsible for their own financial conditions has led to the collapse of even big companies. â€Å"Within days, in September 2008, another investment bank, Lehman Brothers, was on the brink collapse†¦.. But Paulson under intense political pressure from Conservative Republicans in Washington to invoke moral hazard and let the company fail†. (Inside The Meltdown). Another factor that has greatly influenced the financial lives of Americans is the effect a job loss has on the work life of an individual. The unemployment benefits that a worker receives after a job have reduced drastically in the comparison to the times before a couple of decades ago. The author also brings forth the fact that a job loss leads to a greater drop in wages in present times. A worker, who has lost his job, is compelled to work on fewer wages on his next job, thereby leading to a drastic reduction in his/her spending capacity. Effects on Individuals The effects of the drastic changes in the socio-economic policies of America on individuals working and leading their lives in America are presented by Gosselin. He writes in his book that in present times, American people are more concerned about the problems they will face in their financial lives than the national problems. â€Å"Indeed, it has not been public events that sometimes awaken us and leave us tossing in bed. Instead, fleetingly, but recurrently, we have been night stalked by questions about our private lives. † (Gosselin 2). They are worried about their medical expenses, the cost of education of their children, the impact a job loss would have on their family. The author cites the examples of some individuals in his book to bring forth the impact the changed rules in American economy is having on American people. He writes about real people whose financial lives have been largely impacted owing to the new economic policies in their country. Individuals like Debra Potter had to bear the medical expenses on their own, as their insurance companies, taking advantage of the new economic policies, refused to pay them the proper amount of benefits liable to them. People received benefits from their insurance companies but they were insufficient enough to cover their medical expenses. A job loss turned the life of an individual upside down, like Coss who had to manage with meager unemployment benefits after losing his job as the Vice President of a reputed bank. â€Å"As Coss-tall, taciturn, with short-cropped almost military, hair- recounted what it was like to go from earning several thousand dollars a week to collecting a few hundred in unemployment benefits. † (Gosselin 6). With the aid of statistics, Gosselin proves his claim about the growing insecurity among the Americans regarding their financial lives. The changed economic conditions has created such a situation in America where financial lives of its people lack the security which is needed to stabilize them when they are effected by a job loss, medical expenses or college education. The government is not providing a security net where people can cope with the changes that new economic policies are having on their financial lives. People have to deal with these changes on their own. â€Å"Instead of joining together to solve problems, that affect the whole society, the heralds of the new approach say, more responsibility should be placed on individuals and families.† (Gosselin 5). Even though the number of people whose financial lives have changed owing to the new economic situation is less, these effected people are less likely to return to their former financial positions. â€Å"As with so much else about the present economy, the dangers are like rifle shots, hitting fewer targets but doing more lasting damage. † (Gosselin 54). The financial lives of Americans are being influenced by a number of factors. Through this book, Gosselin brings forth these factors and the impacts these factors are having on the way the Americans are managing their work lives and family expenses. Conclusion The author has put forth the current economic situation and the impact it is having on the financial lives of Americans in his book â€Å"High Wire: The Precarious Financial Lives of American Families†. Being an economics reporter, the author has succeeded in presenting the real picture of American economy and the insecurity experienced by American people regarding their financial lives. His book differs from other books written on this topic, for Gosselin has presented an accurate depiction of American economy in present times. He also brings forth the reasons which have led to insecure financial lives for the Americans. He holds the government and the companies responsible for this situation in America. But he fails to consider the other factors that are influencing the economic situation in America. He focuses only on the economic policies of American government and American companies, and ignores the impact of other countries on the American economy. The book has aided me in understanding the present economic condition of America and the risk its people are facing regarding their financial lives. It also made me aware of the negative impact the new policies are having on American economy. My thinking that the new economic policies were assisting in the economic development of the America was proved wrong after reading this book. The book can be helpful for economists as well as the common people of America, for it will inform them about the reasons for their insecure financial lives, and this information will assist them in voting for appropriate candidate during the Presidential elections.

Marketing Plan for Crown Plaza Hotels & Resorts Essay

Competition among hotel and hospitality business has increased enormously as customers are getting more educated and fashionable. They’ve been demanding more luxurious services and products which urge organisations to focus on better marketing and strategic planning. Hotels and firms now believe that personal and strong relationships with potential customers is key to competitive advantage in today’s competitive business environment. The idea of developing and upholding the relationship between customers and organisations through comprehensive marketing plans took a while. Before, organisations were more vigilant to improve their line of products and services only. Strategic Marketing planning was introduced by theorists and policy makers when they identified the need and scope of long-term relationship with individual customers and it greatly influenced the market. â€Å"How internal and external factors are essential for hotel and hospitality business and how they possibly can affect the business in positive or negative way†? To answer these questions, this research study will mainly focus on some key factors of hospitality business and they will be discussed at length in order to establish a more explicable analysis (Steven Pike, 2008). Table of contents Executive Summary2 Introduction3 Critical Evaluation and Major Findings3 Conclusion3 Recommendations3 References3 Introduction Crown Plaza Hotels & Resorts is prestigious brand of InterContinental Hotel Groups chain which operates in more than 100 countries all over the world. Crown Plaza shares its mission statement that â€Å"To create great hotels guests love† and has earned great competitive advantage over its competitors in Hotel and Hospitality business. Undoubtedly, some hotel of such prestige and luxury cannot afford to disappoint its base of customers and will keenly observe those parameters and strategies which help keep the customers revisiting the hotel. The essential need for marketing planning can be perceived though this idea and therefore this research study will incorporate the concept of strategic marketing for Crown Plaza hotel. For this, I will meticulously study the existing practices of marketing planning in Crown Plaza Hotel and carefully observe all parameters so that this study can help other hotels and the organisation itself in future (Abdullah and Zahir, 2009). To maintain competitive advantage and keep organisation out from critical business situations, Crown Plaza needs efficacious marketing plans to evaluate and determine potential risks and threats, thus devising strategies for flourishing development. The comprehensive marketing plan would facilitate Crown Plaza hotel to determine its current position among its competitors, its strengths, its weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated. The determination of weaknesses and subsequent planning to neutralize, even turning them into strengths will help organisation to meet its corporate mission (Mumel and Snoj, 2007). As hotel and Hospitality business is full of opportunities and promising business environments, Crown Plaza hotel can earn great benefits from such opportunities. And last but not least, threats and risks associated with hotel industry which can seriously damage the reputation of Crown Plaza hotel it gained through the span of time. All these circumstances provoke the need of an integrated, well-structured and analytical approach. SWOT analysis is one of the acute solutions available for critical evaluation of market needs (Anja Bà ¶hm, 2008). Broad information is required from Hotel, its competitors, its business environment and overall market to acquire a resourceful market analysis. Obviously it will require performing environmental and competitor’s analyses as well to add comprehensiveness to the study. SWOT analysis is one such tool that can easily compact and present the process of analysis by critically evaluating internal and external factors associated with Crown Plaza hotel. It will, therefore, provide combination of all results that will help Crown Plaza hotel to observe its resources and capacities against competitive and business environment in which it operates. It will also help hotel to develop generic strategies basing upon careful observation of various factors associated with it and their critical analysis. SWOT analysis is an integrated instrument which comprises key organisational and environmental attributes. Potential strategic plan development is among key objectives of SWOT analysis which examines strengths and weaknesses within the organisation (internal factors) and threats and opportunities that come along the way (external factors). The main objective of this study is to provide an essential added value to Crown Plaza’s strategic development while delivering an analysis gadget to hotel’s management to process its internal and external factors. In this regard, SWORT analysis in close vicinity of micro and macro analysis tools will serve the purpose. This assignment is furthermore aimed at analyzing valuable approaches and practices to discuss explicit issues associated with Crown plaza hotel in specific, and hotel and hospitality business in general including employee loyalty, increased sales, customer satisfaction etc (BNET Staff, 2007). Critical Evaluation and Major Findings To convey SWOT-driven analysis and marketing plan for Crown Plaza hotel, it is essential to acquire information regarding its potentials, its competitors, environment and other associated factors. The potential analysis of Crown Plaza hotel can be identified independently by analysing current market situation. This analysis could serve as valuation method for organisation to develop new range of products and services. The potential market analysis will help the Crown Plaza hotel to use its investment assets effectively. It needs to invest a handsome amount of money and resources into customer relationship management so those potential customers become loyal to brand and products. There are seven skills which can be employed by crown plaza to build a strong and long-lasting relationship with its customer base and they are; targeting, preparation, assessing, committing, connecting, solving, and last but not least managing. To â€Å"keep† customers, it is essential for hotel industry to keep track of all these eight factors which will ensure a definite success. (Keller, 2008) As far as competitors analysis is concerned, the Crown Plaza hotel has many rivals in the market thus it will require hotel’s management to keep an eye on various marketing strategies developed by its competitors and how they implemented them successfully. For example, CLASS was among successful strategic plans implemented by Ritz Carlton Hotel, principally aimed at providing the loyal customers with three basic amenities, Recognition, Personalisation and Status. These three services were core factors in success story of the Ritz. As concept of developing strategic marketing plans is directly related with customer satisfaction, the management of Crown Plaza hotel should provide a great line of products and services to satisfy its royal customers. They cannot afford to let customers suffer poor quality products and services. It won’t only be a threat to business but â€Å"culture† of the Crown Plaza hotel. For sustainable income and reputation of the hotel, the role of strategic building process is never dying and there is always a need to identify key factors upon which customer satisfaction is dependent (Saunders et al, 2009). In this regard, Recognition builds huge levels of loyalty among customers as they think of their association with one of world’s greatest hotels whenever they enter into it with a strong belief in their hearts that they are recognised. And surely they will be treated as important guests and will be provided with superior services and facilities. Personalisation is basically another giant step towards customer retention which should be aimed at providing more customized services to the customers. Services not only provided but designed according to taste of customers which they find amusing and satisfactory. A customer goes happily and is more willing to revisit if he knows that this one particular service or one particular staff members can satisfy his appetite. Lastly, the status earned by the Crown Plaza must be shared and celebrated by its loyal customers. They should not only feel the prestige whenever they step into Crown Plaza but pride themselves to be a part of it. Status is in fact the most important factor of luxury segment of world’s greatest hotels (Ferrel and Hartline, 2008) Based on SWOT analysis of internal and external environment and business factors associated with Crown Plaza including assessment of internal factors through 7S framework and 5Ms, and external factors through PESTEL analysis, following results were carried out; Internal FactorsStrengthsAspirational Hotel’s Locations all over the world, Luxury environment, PrioityClubRewards, confirmed suite upgrades, online reservations, organized hotels chain, mini bar etc. WeaknessesGlobally acknowledged strategic plan, not enough hotels as compared to associated brands, less valuable travel packages, costly packages etc. External FactorsOpportunitiesPeak tourist seasons, long-term potential growth of hotel industry, unique experience of plaza hotel in heritage hotels. ThreatsEconomic conditions, changing trends, increased competitive environment etc. All these factors can be addressed with help of a comprehensive marketing plan which is equally applicable to scattered chains of Crown Plaza hotel all over the world. Nevertheless, The Crown Plaza hotel has substantially earned a position in global hotel industry by focusing on the better relationship with customers. The policies including customized services, reward points, gift certificates, privacy concerns etc. have helped the management to retain increased amounts of profits to the organisation. These policies were formulated to engage the customers in the future and assured of their revisit (Ezinemark, 2012). Conclusion This Study not only determined those key factors but challenges that can affect Crown Plaza’s business in future. Hotel industry in 21st century cannot survive without taking care of certain parameters and in hotel industry customer satisfaction is key parameter. If you cannot satisfy your customers, your competitors will. No organisation Crown Plaza hotel has substantially earned a position in global hotel industry by focusing on the better relationship with customers. The policies including customized services, reward points, gift certificates, privacy concerns etc. have helped the management to retain increased amounts of profits to the organisation. These policies were formulated to engage the customers in the future and assured of their revisit (Smithers, 2009). Apart from luxurious services and products, that one thing Plaza customers admire most is privacy given to them. Crown Plaza has successfully managed to provide its customers with VIP suites and rooms which they find private and relaxing. More big suites were announced by management with highlighted â€Å"privacy†. This one step could actually retain maximum number of Ritz customers in the future. There are number of factors which can be contributed as weaknesses of Crown Plaza hotel. Nevertheless, these factors are generally associated with hotel industry all over the world and certain demographic and economic conditions are responsible. Crown Plaza hotel have potential to overcome such weaknesses, thus it can be accounted as powerful strength for Crown Plaza hotel in the future (Paul and Richter, 2007). Recommendations Hotel and hospitality industry contributes heavily to world’s economics and business and most basic element of this industry is its loyal customers. Any organisation failing to achieve customer retention cannot and will not survive in today’s market for sure. To serve this purpose, organisations invest unhesitatingly in strategic planning practices which ensure greatest customer satisfaction. This research study will also prove helpful contribution to hotel and hospitality industry, especially its luxury segment. The Luxury segment was picked by the researcher as its rich in culture, standards and demands higher levels of customer satisfaction. Nevertheless it will require higher level of efforts and resources to formulate research study of its kind. References Abdullah and Zahir, 2009. â€Å"Evaluation of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) Techniques: Driver Perspective, European and Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems. Anja Bà ¶hm, 2008, the SWOT analysis BNET Staff. (2007). The CBS Interactive Business Network. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29th November 2012] Ezinemark, 2010. â€Å"InterContinental Hotels Group PLC – SWOT Analysis – Market Research Report On Aarkstore Enterprise† [online] Available at: [Accessed 29th November 2012] Ferrel, O. C., & Hartline, M. D. (2008). Marketing Strategy (4 ed.). South-Western. Keller, K (2008) Strategic Brand Management, 3rd Ed, New Jersey: Pearson education Inc Mumel, D. & Snoj, B. (2007). â€Å"The analysis of questionnaires for hotel guests satisfaction – comparison between Croatia and Slovenia†. 4th International Conference Global Challenges for Competitiveness: Business and Government Perspective Nadine Pahl, Anne Richter, (2007) SWOT Analysis – Idea, Methodology and A Practical Approach. GRIN Verlag. Saunders et al (2009) Research methods for business students, 5th ed. Essex: Pearson education Limited. Smithers, R (2009) Marks and Spencer launches UK’s greenest till roll, [Online] Available from < http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/apr/15/marks-and-spencer-sustainble-till- >[Accessed on 12 May 2011]. Steven pike, (2008) Destination Marketing: an Integrated Market ing Communication Approach, Elsevier Inc

pottery essays

pottery essays In this semester, we spent a great deal of time on pottery and the making of clay sculptures. I learned a great deal from only the three pieces I made. All of my pieces were created by hand using only a pin-tool and a sponge. The three pieces I made were an ashtray and two feet that I will be using for bookends. I will now go into the process I used in creating each piece. First, I created my ashtray. I decided to make this ashtray because it was a simple way to ease into pottery. I first took a large slab of clay and rolled it out. I used the three-eighth sticks to ensure that my clay would be thick enough for its eventual firing in the kiln. I then took the pin-tool and traced a circle from a medium sized bowl. I then took a smaller bowl and traced another circle inside the bigger one. With the extra clay that was from the difference in size I made a rim for my ashtray. I used the slip and score method to attach the rim and it worked quite well. The ashtray was then left out to dry for a few days. It was fired and I am in the process of glazing it. My second and third piece were a pair of feet that I wanted to use for bookends for my DVD collection. This idea came to me out the blue when I was playing with the clay and one piece began to resemble a foot. In seeing this I began to mold it more and more when I eventually ended up with what looked like a small childs foot. I then took another large chunk of clay and had to duplicate the shape that I had stumbled upon by accident. I eventually was able to roll and press out a similar foot the other one. I used a pin-tool to create the toes by simply cutting them out of the end of the foot. I then took a regular pen and dug holes in the tops of the feet right above where the ankle is. I did this to ensure that the feet had room for air to escape so they would not explode in the kiln. They were then dried and fired and I am in the process of firing...