Typography and Formal Recommendation Report free essay sample

Given information on a technology or business-related issue presented in a case study, evaluate and integrate outside research to create a well-organized and documented formal analytical report or proposal using at least six sources, including books, articles, interviews with subject matter experts, and websites or databases, and prepare a set of presentation slides to accompany the proposal. -8- to 10-page Formal Recommendation Report Topic: Directions: You may choose any of the topics below for your Course Project— 1 The company that you work for does not have a website and is not taking advantage of the many Internet marketing opportunities that are available today (the use of social media sites for companies, pay-per-click advertising on search engines, article marketing, etc. ). You decide to do some research about the importance of using the Internet to maximize your company’s exposure and marketing plan, and then write a proposal to the CEO outlining the benefits and the specific strategies you recommend based on your research. We will write a custom essay sample on Typography and Formal Recommendation Report or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 2 Write a proposal to your CEO proposing that your company implements a â€Å"going green† program. This proposal should include the benefits for the environment in general and the company itself in terms of corporate image and citizenship. Provide a list of strategies and the costs that might be incurred or saved for each green concept you recommend implementing. Note that there are many green ideas now, from recycling bins to allowing employees to work from home. It’s up to you to decide which works for the organization (imagined or real). 3 Your company is considering hiring a full-time technical writer. There is opposition from some management folks who feel that a technical writer is not needed†¦everyone can write, right? It’s your job to research and write a proposal outlining the benefits of hiring a professional to write documents for your company, rather than leaving it up to â€Å"just anyone. † Beyond writing documentation, reports, and proposals, make sure to cover the tasks that many technical writers are capable of as well: website management, training programs, marketing and advertising, and so on. 4 Your company has recently expanded and the old accounting software in place is no longer capable of handling the tasks at hand. It’s your job to research the various accounting software programs currently on the market (at least two) and make a recommendation. Variation: Whatever type of software your company might need†¦just make it business-related. For example, software for graphic design, website development, content management, etc. 5 Employee turnover rates are high for many organizations, and you have noticed that the company you work for is no different. Research what other organizations are doing to hire and retain good employees in order to combat the high employee turnover rate. Use this research to make recommendations to the management of your organization. Audience: The audience for this report is an industry decision maker, such as your supervisor or CEO, or a public policymaker, such as a politician or bureaucrat, who could act upon your recommendations or proposal. You will identify this decision maker in the Course Project topic proposal . Research: Six academic and/or professional research sources are required. Your research must consist of a variety of electronic sources (websites, databases, media) and traditional sources (books, journals, magazines). All sources must be cited using the American Psychological Association (APA) documentation system. Final Report/Proposal Details As noted above, the final product will consist of an 8- to 10-page report or proposal on a technical or business topic from the approved list. The final document includes the following. Title page (one page) Cover letter (one page, one or two paragraphs, single spaced) Table of contents including list of illustrations (one page) Executive summary (one page, two or three paragraphs, single spaced) Body of report or proposal using the following required sections. Introduction Discussion sections Conclusions and Recommendations Six research sources provided on APA formatted References page (one page). All references included on the Reference page must be cited in-text. Technical Illustration or visual such as a chart, graph, or image that you have created or have located via academic research. This should be incorporate within the main body of the report and be mentioned in-text. Formatting Elements Single spacing (or 1. 15), double spacing between sections and/or paragraphs 12-point font size for main body of writing Arial, Calibri, Cambria, or Times New Roman font type Use of headings and subheadings when appropriate Paragraph length of approximately five to seven sentences Standard 1† margins Ragged right justification Multimedia PowerPoint Presentation Details You will present your report in a multimedia technical briefing †¦eight to 10 slides, including introduction slide with the report title and your name; two to three slides per each main point of report; a memorable conclusion slide; use of full sentence, meaningful headings, and short words or phrases within the body of the slides; a minimum of two meaningful visuals; use of a business-appropriate design template; and 5–7 minutes of narration.

IRWD essays

IRWD essays IRWD RECLAMATION PLANT, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA At the Irvine Ranch Water Districts Michelson Water Reclamation plant tertiary, treatment is provided to reclaim wastewater. The method converges and expedites the process used by nature to clean water and to biodegrade waste material. Through the use of Primary Clarification, Flow Equalization, Activated Sludge Process, Secondary clarification, Filtration, and Disinfection the IRWD reaches its ultimate goal of distributing reclaimed water. The facility is important to health because the IRWD filters water that is used in our parks which can be dangerous if not properly cleansed. The trip to me was enticing because I was unaware of the many aspects of water treatment and was unsure what exactly water reclamation was. After the field trip I can say I am definitely more knowledgeable and concerned about water reclamation. Clarification is the process by which the water flows to the primary clarifiers which are settling basins where sludge settles to the bottom of the primary clarification tanks. The core treatment occurs in this step in which naturally occurring microbes are used to decompose the organic material in the watershed. After the microbes have completed the job of consuming waste material and removal of nitrogen the water flows to this secondary clarification where a small amount of aluminum sulfate is introduced as the water leaves. Water first enters the plant at the headworks where it receives heavy mechanical screening. Bar rake screens trap large debris and screen wastewater. The water then leaves the headworks and flows into primary clarifiers which are settling basins where the water is left for hours in which most of the soils, called sludge settle at the bottom of the basin. The sludge is then sent out through underground piping to the County Sanita ...

The Important Career Development on organization Research Paper

The Important Career Development on organization - Research Paper Example Individuals should take career development process seriously in order to progress professionally. Moreover, organizations should also consider it important to practice this process to bring out the best from their employees. (Iretire, 2011) illustrate that career development as a ladder towards success which helps every individual achieve his or her objective by following various steps. This process provides guidance to an individual since the start of his/her career beginning right from choosing the right educational institution, subject to organization. The Career Planning covers areas like choosing of an occupation, getting a job, growing in your job, achieving the desiired growth and eventually retiring. (Gutteridge 1986) argue that Career development is one of an integral component of human resource (HR) management in a workplace. Other components consist of company’s design, control, HR planning and evaluation. ... Moreover, employees today are very much concerned about their career than before. As the economy is growing, workers demands are also increasing both in terms of progress and personal growth. Organizations and companies that are not able to meet these needs and demands of their workers face increased employee turnover. Therefore, this research paper will discuss the importance of career development in an organization as it not only helps retain employees but also benefits employees by allowing them to fulfill their career related wants and needs. Various companies today are facing one common problem, i.e. employee retention. They are aware of the fact that replacing employees is a lot more expensive than retaining existing ones. Hiring new employees includes high cost of recruiting and training. High employee turnover not only effects the organization in terms of high cost but also have a negative effect on its effectiveness and efficiency. The most effected organizations are service oriented ones including firefighters and law-enforcement agencies that require highly trained, skilled and competent workforce. Many studies have been conducted to best address this problem and results have shown that career development programs can resolve this issue to a certain extent. Earlier, it was assumed that employee need a straight path to move up the ladder, (Werther & Davis, 1992) cite Career development is not just about moving ahead but is about achieving what is best for his/her career and suits his/her expertise. This will also enable employee to contribute positively in achieving company’s goal and objective. Implementing career development

The importance of the proper way in which to write a research paper Essay

The importance of the proper way in which to write a research paper - Essay Example Experiments and surveys are conducted, with the use of interviews and questionnaires, to seek answers to the research questions and come to conclusion. For example, in the research with research question: how coffee intake affects sleep, the researcher will follow the qualitative approach, going to participants of the study, and conducting interviews, questionnaires, and surveys, to know how caffeine intake is related to sleep. He will not use the quantitative approach, which is best used for hard scientific evaluations, like those in physics, and is based on empirical data that can be used for statistical analysis. Hence, when the aim is to gather general information about a subject matter, like why something happens or what people think about it, qualitative research is used; but, when the researcher has to go for numerical evidence, he uses quantitative approach. The research question also gets modified with each kind of study. The comparison of above mentioned approaches illustrates that it is very important for the researcher to think about the research approach before starting the research, as every approach undergoes entirely different steps. Research questions get modified, even if conclusions remain the

Car robber Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 14250 words

Car robber - Essay Example The car robbers have also turned to highly sophisticated equipments in perpetrating the crime. Financed by members of the society who either buy robbed cars or provide the necessary equipments for the crime, these professional car robbers even develop provisions to smuggle the cars to other countries, especially to East European and African nations, through various shipping companies. Because of the rise in the number of car robberies, car factories are now focused on equipping cars with security machines such as security alarm systems and identification mechanisms. The latter verifies the owner and/or user of the car as the engine starts. Despite these innovations, car thieves continually show adeptness in highly mechanized and electronic knowledge thus beating these security gadgets. In addition, some car robberies occur due to faulty car security systems and the carelessness and negligence of the car owner. All over the world, car robbery has increased in the recent decade because of the demand for cars as a means of transportation. The rising demand is due to the important role that cars perform in the world. Globally, they are considered the first means of transport. Ironically, this demand for cars is another reason for the increase in car theft. Second-hand Japanese- or American-made cars known for their performance are re-built and put out in the market in developing countries. Due to the inexpensiveness and the popularity of such second-hand cars, this kind of car theft has not only provided another source of income for car thieves but also another motive for stealing cars. The Abu Dhabi Emirate is one-sixth of the former Trucial States of the Persian Gulf that was merged in 1971 to form what is now known as the United Arab Emirates or UAE. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE. It has all the federal institutions and ministries in the Abu Dhabi Emirate like the UAE Central Bank, Abu Dhabi Security Exchange and UAE federal ministries

Starbucks Competition and Strategy Analysis

Starbucks Competition and Strategy Analysis Executive Summary As coffee drinkers of all ages and sizes increase around the world, Starbucks amongst fierce rivals continues to experience unsurpassed growth sales. Their upscale coffee outlets that deliver pleasing to the eye dà ©cor and brand uniqueness at locations scattered nationally and internationally, their distinct aromas and scents, Starbucks has been able to differentiate themselves from all competitors. The aforementioned characteristics that is Starbucks, has enabled the coffee retailer to increase profitability, expand globally, and attract new customers. With an estimated 17,000 outlets in approximately 55 countries, Starbucks boasts as the largest coffee outlet chain in the world. In North America alone, Starbucks employs nearly 11,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time employees. Additionally, the chain employs over 7,000 outside its United States borders. Through providing top quality coffee beans and distinctive varieties (aforementioned), Starbucks has led the way in revolutionizing the market industry. The chain not specializes in serving coffee, but also teas, juices, pastries of all kinds and now even coffee-flavored ice cream brands that deliver pleasing to the taste and thirst of many loyal, and soon-to-be new customers. Since 1994, Starbucks has enjoyed measurable success through clever mergers and or acquisitions. A few successful ventures include Seattles Best coffee chain now offers a small line of its premium brands on commercial Delta airlines flights and thanks to the ever-increasing Wi-Fi market, Starbucks continues to connect with customers. In 2010, after extensive market surveying, Starbucks introduced three new ice cream coffee-free flavor brands. Starbucks continues to face stiff competition and only through strategic planning hinged upon finding new and creative ways to be innovative will the firm continue to diversify its financial portfolio while enabling its ability to cover liabilities. Introduction Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Starbucks is an international Corporation (www.Starbucks.com) whose stocks are traded on the NYSE under the SBUX ticker symbol. Starbucks is the largest coffee outlet in the world, with close to seventeen thousand shops in approximately fifty countries or provinces, eleven thousand in America alone, over one thousand in Canada, eight hundred in Japan and seven hundred Coffee Shops in the United Kingdom. Starbucks in 2003 was listed as a Fortune 500 firm, ranked 465. By the end of 2010, they were ranked 241. Background Howard Schultz gained control of Starbucks in 1987. Starbucks was founded by three colleagues in 1971 in Seattle who were inspired by a mutual acquaintance Alfred Peet, an established businessman. By 1980 the company had grown to four locally owned stores that turned a reasonable profit every year. It was in 1981 when Howard Schultz, then Vice President of U.S operations for Swedish Kitchen and Coffeemaker equipment decided to visit Starbucks out of curiosity as to how and why the Starbucks was so successful with selling his companys products. Managerially, Schultz was impressed with the company. After much persistence, Schultz landed his first job with Starbucks as head of marketing and research. Overflowing with ideas for the company, Howard Schultzs biggest inspiration and vision for Starbucks future came in 1983 while on a business trip to Italy and the idea of Espresso Bars came fell upon him. After failing to convince Baldwin for the expansion of business, he initially left Starbucks in 1985 and started the Il Giornale coffee bar chain in 1985 and the coffeehouse was very successful. In 1987 after buying out the former owners Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker, Schultz began to quickly begin to realize his full dream for Starbucks and quickly expanded business operations in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Chicago, Illinois, of the same year. By 1992, Starbucks then a recognized publicly traded company on the stock market had expanded nationally to 165 shops. In 2009, Starbucks succeeded by opening about nine hundred additional shops outside the Continental United States. Mission Statement (Actual per www.starbucks.com, accessed on 20 February 20, 2011) Establish Starbucks as the premier distributor of the best coffee on the planet without compromising principles on quality of growth. Our Coffee It has always been, and will always be, about quality. Were passionate about ethically sourcing the finest coffee beans, roasting them with great care, and improving the lives of people who grow them. We care deeply about all of this; our work is never done.(2, 7) Our Partners Were called partners, because its not just a job, its our passion. Together, we embrace diversity to create a place where each of us can be ourselves. We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard, ensuring the latest technology is implemented for producing superior products to our loyal customers. (4, 8, 9) Our Customers When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers-even if just for a few moments. Sure, it starts with the promise of a perfectly made beverage, but our work goes far beyond that. Its really about human connection. (1) Our Stores When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends. Its about enjoyment at the speed of life-sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity. (6) Our Neighborhood Every store is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously. We want to be invited in wherever we do business. We can be a force for positive action-bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day. Now we see that our responsibility-and our potential for good-is even larger. The world is looking to Starbucks to set the new standard, yet again. We will lead. (3) Our Shareholders We know that as we deliver in each of these areas, we enjoy the kind of success that rewards our shareholders. We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks-and everyone it touches-can endure and thrive. (5) Customer Products or services Markets Technology Concern for survival, profitability, growth Philosophy Self-concept Concern for public image Concern for employees Mission Statement Analyzed   I consider this to be a fairly good, and accurate statement although per my rating (based on research), the mission statement lacks two (2) important components: Technology and Concern for employees. The company must evaluate whether it is technologically advanced and even though the companys vision is of concern to its employees, it still should be added to its mission statement. Vision Statement (Actual per www.starbucks.com, accessed on 20 February 20, 2011) To establish Starbucks as the most recognized and respected brand in the world and become a national company with values and guiding principles that employee could be proud of. The vision statement clearly describes the dream or the future of the company that is to be the worlds most well known coffeehouse and also to be the most appreciated and positively graded brand by all levels of people around the world. Finally, the company focuses emphasis in the value of employees and their loyalty, and strives to create a happy work environment. The opportunity for entry of new competitors shows a balance between different firms competing in a market and subsequently, they can be looked upon as a threat to already established firms. One of Starbucks staunchest competitors is McDonalds McCafe which is really catching on globally. Competition is real due to entry level start up costs which can be extremely low and or offered at a bargain price to gain a competitive edge. This probably can explain why Starbucks has recently decided to partner with Burger King which I personally consider a very positive move. Starbucks Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) is illustrated below and compares the coffee firms internal and external factors, based upon strengths (superior or 4.0), against weaknesses (1.0), against its current, and projected market competition. Used effectively, it will give management clear idea about the firms strengths and weaknesses and aid in plotting a way forward that is healthy and most importantly, profitable. Anything in between can be rated from fair, to average to above average to superior. From the illustration below, Starbucks fares a little above average when compared to Dunkin Donuts, yet well below McDonalds. Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) In the External Factor Evaluation or EFE, only external factors, that is, opportunities, and threats, are evaluated. From the illustration below, the following info can be drawn: Gourmet coffee consumption tied in to drinkers educational levels. The higher the level of education the more gourmet coffee on average was consumed, by as much as seventy-one percent. Trends showed sixteen percent of U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis; sixty-three percent only occasionally. The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only thirteen percent and fifty-nine percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002. Also, trends over the past ten-years showed consumers requesting more organic coffees which influenced retailers on the growing environment of coffee beans. Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbohydrates / sugar and calories. International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee. With regards to threats, the 2007-2009 economic recession adversely affected the specialty coffee industry. Recently, trends show consumer concern with nutritional value. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers. Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings. In conclusion, competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complimentary products. This may explain why SBUX has recently announced a partnership with Burger King who has long lagged behind McDonalds, especially in the breakfast arena to start offering Seattles Best coffee products (a subsidiary of Starbucks), in efforts to further close the gap between itself from its the conglomerate that is McDonalds Corporation. External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix Gourmet coffee consumption rose with the drinkers educational level. Those who finished college bought forty-nine percent more gourmet coffee on average, and those with some postgraduate education bought seventy-one percent more Sixteen percent of the U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis, whereas sixty-three percent indulged occasionally The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only thirteen percent and fifty-nine percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002 Another trend that has surfaced in the past decade has been consumer requests for organic coffees, and more emphasis was placed by retailers on the growing environment of the beans Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbs / sugar and calorie International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee Threats The 2007-2009 economic recession adversely affected the specialty coffee industry Recent trends shows consumers are concerned about the nutritional value of coffee products and are demanding nutritional info be posted on the products even in retail outlets. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings Competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complementary products Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix is a summary step in conducting an internal strategic-management audit used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a business, and provide a foundation for identifying and evaluating relationships founded upon those areas. Looking at key Internal Factors, Starbucks most advantageous opportunities lie in expansion in ever-growing Markets like Brazil, Russia, India and China or the BRICs as they are commonly referred. Of note, Starbucks doesnt appear to show any interest in marketing its products through advertisings as much as focusing on the quality of its coffee and that power alone to retain, and attract new customers. Key Internal Factors Strengths Starbucks expects to add approximately 20 net new stores to its global store base in fiscal 2009 by closing approximately 425 company-operated stores in the United States and adding of approximately 60 company-operated stores internationally The company plans to open approximately 65 net new licensed stores in the United States and approximately 320 net new licensed stores internationally Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are expected to remain unchanged, at approximately $600 million. Licensing revenues increased primarily due to higher product sales and royalty revenues as a result of opening 438 new licensed retail stores in the last 12 month Strong marketing and promotional campaign such as product placement in major TV series Starbucks also provides electrical outlets and, in some stores, wireless access, for customers who might need to use their MP3 players or laptop computers Starbucks products can be found in convenience stores, grocery stores, department stores, movie theaters, businesses, schools, and even airports Starbucks is rated by Fortune as one of the best top 10 places to work Starbucks also encourages the use of its Web site where customers are able to register their Starbucks cards, receive nutritional information about Starbucks products, shop online, search for careers, and much more Weaknesses 47 percent drop in earnings in one year (2008) For the 26 weeks ending March 2009, Starbucks revenues decreased 7 percent to $4.95 billion and net income decreased 72 percent to $89.3 million Moodys Investors Service recently downgraded Starbucks credit ratings The U.S. company operated retail business continued deteriorating trends For the second quarter of fiscal 2009, U.S. total net revenues were $1.8 billion, a decline of $131.5 million, or 6.8 percent, due to decreased revenues from company operated retail stores Many of Starbucks International operations are in early stages of development that require a more extensive support organization relative to the current levels of revenue and operating income in the United States International total net revenues were $433.7 million for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2009, down $59.7 million, or 12.1 percent, compared with the same period last year, primarily due to the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound and Canadian dollar Global Consumer Products Group (CPG) total net revenues decreased by 2 percent to $94.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, due primarily to lower margin on sales of packaged coffee as a result of discounting, as well as lower volume to the trade The Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis is an effective to that when used properly, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates information which helps firms identify strategic advantages/disadvantages. SWOT Strategies Opportunities Gourmet coffee consumption rose with the drinkers educational level. Those who finished college bought 49 percent more gourmet coffee on average, and those with some postgraduate education bought 71 percent more Sixteen percent of the U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis, whereas 63 percent indulged occasionally The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only 13 percent and 59 percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002 Another trend that has surfaced in the past decade has been consumer requests for organic coffees, and more emphasis was placed by retailers on the growing environment of the beans Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbohydrates / sugar and calorie International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee Implement product development by introducing organic coffee and disclosing the nutritional content to the consumers (S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, O1, O2, O3) Continue opening more retail stores overseas where coffee is in demand and market has not been saturated by competitors (S1, S2, S3, S4, S9, O6) Develop new products with better nutritional value (S6, S8, O1, O2, O4, O5) Develop a marketing strategy such as Starbucks Combo by offering combination of gourmet coffee and cookie / cake or 2 for 1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the patrons can purchase coffee on Tuesday and get free refill on Wednesday (W1, W2, W3, O1, O2, O3) Establish joint venture with hotels, airlines, and retailers for having mini-Starbucks locations or for serving premium Starbucks coffee in the hotel rooms or during the flights (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, O1, O2, O3, O6) Threats The 2007-2009 global recession negatively affected the specialty coffee industry Recent trends have shown that some of the consuming public is concerned about the nutritional value of such products as those offered by the specialty coffee sector and have even challenged the correctness of the labeling and calorie information posted on the products available at retail outlets. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings Competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complementary products Implement market penetration strategy by promoting additional licensing retail deals. This minimizes the risks and capital expenditures for Starbucks (S2, S3, S4, S5, T1, T4, T5) Lower prices of popular drinks by $0.50 and promote the price decrease through aggressive advertising (S6, S7, S8, T1, T4) Penetrate market by appealing to a wider variety of consumers (W6, T4, T5) Cutback on some of operating expenses such trying to improve purchasing power and getting better prices from the suppliers and vendors (W4, T4, T5) Create Promotional Strategies Such As Starbucks Combo Or Reduce The Price By $0.50 Per Drink On Popular Drinks Develop New Products With Better Nutritional Value Expand Internationally By Opening Additional 100+ License Retailers Through Joint Ventures Portfolio Analysis: Starbucks BCG Matrix (The Worlds Most Innovative Companies Their creativity goes beyond products to rewiring themselves. Business Week and the Boston Consulting Group rank the best. Accessed and referenced on 20 February 20, 2011 at http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_17/b3981401.htm) The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix is enhancing a multidivisional firms efforts to formulate strategies. The BCG allows a multi-focused firm to manage its portfolio by examining relative market share position and the industry growth rate each division relative to all other divisions in the organization. The Starbucks BCG matrix below shows four (4) divisions which include Question Marks, Stars, Cash Cows, and Dogs. Quadrant I shows low relatives market position, high growth industry. Cash needs versus cash generation are high and low. Quadrant II or Star Division identifies best long-run opportunities for growth and profitability. Quadrant III or Cash Cows with high relative market share position but compete in a low growth industry and finally, Quadrant IV or Dogs identifies relatively low market share position and compete in a snail or no market growth industry. Starbucks Income Statements shows steady increases between 2003 and 2005. The revenues on the year 2003 were $4,075,000, while $2,191,000 in year 2004, $6,369,000 in year 2005. Also, the firms growth sales rate for 2004 and 2005 was 56.3%. In conclusion, Starbucks were identified in Star division which means its long-run opportunities for the growth and profitability is overall good. Recommendations Starbucks coffees price are much more expensive than other market competitor products because Starbucks purchases the highest quality coffee beans which means and price-war advantage for its competitors in these challenged economic times. Develop series of new coffee, tea and fruit drinks with better nutritional values for health conscious customers. Initially, enter selected market with predatory pricing strategy and then move to larger market. Starbucks is showing signs of change and that the change has started to work. For the first time in eight quarters, the company posted positive earnings. In fact, all US company operated stores reported positive growth in their sales. For the last few years, the company over-expanded by opening too many stores and some too close to each others. Now, they have done an impressive job restructuring itself and returning back to being profitable by closing some stores and slimming down its workforce over the past few years. They further eliminated excessive waste in their operations and have been trying to be leaner in their day to day business processes. Leading the way in technological media, Starbucks innovative nature has enabled capitalization on the social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, Starbucks even has an iPhone application (accessed at Why Starbucks Has Room to Improve. http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/starbucks-growth-upgrade-profit-price-hikes/1/22/2010/id/26485 20 Feb. 2011.).

Group Think Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Group Thinking Essays

Group Think This type of dysfunctional operation of an organization has many ways and opportunities for failure. The basic fundamentals of this process are the beginnings of failure as groups seek conformity and unity they sacrifice everything in order to maintain peace within the group. Many times this will take the individuals creative thoughts and ability to voice the creative edge thinking away. In many organizations this is a process that is continually used. It is perceived that management wants the organizations operation or process to run without any type of question or waves. Below are listed eight of the main symptoms of group think as detailed by Janis, I. L & Manns book â€Å"Decision making† Symptoms of Groupthink are divided into three types in which they can manifest themselves: Type I: Overestimations of the group's power and morality Type II: Closed-mindedness Type III: Pressure toward uniformity When broken down the three types of groupthink can be broken farther down to eight ways groupthink causes failure. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Illusion of invulnerability: Members ignore obvious danger, take extreme risks, and are overly optimistic. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Collective Rationalization: Members discredit and explain away warnings contrary to group thinking. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Illusions of Morality: Members believe that their decisions are morally correct ignoring the ethical consequences of their decisions. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Excessive Stereotyping: The group constructs negative stereotypes of rivals outside the group. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pressure for Conformity: Members’ pressure any in a group who expresses arguments against the groups’ stereotypes, illusions, or commitment, viewing such opposition and disloyalty. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Self-censorship: Members withhold their dissenting views and counter arguments. 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Illusion of Unanimity: Members perceive falsely that everyone agrees with the group decision silence is seen as consent. 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mindguards: Some members appoint themselves to the role of protecting the group from adverse information that might threaten group compliance. Personal styles are limited by the group with GROUP THINK. Most of the time the individual will not take the chance to buck the system or willing to take the chance of being discredited by the core group if they do not agree with the process and or direction that is being lead. Decision styles are affe... ...ve that the label of Groupthink can be used too loosely. I myself have experienced situations where a Group is too quick to label themselves as sufferers of Groupthink. Although I truly think that Groupthink is a severe problem that exists today, the Challenger being one of the most disastrous of those examples. I believe that we all need to be careful not to be too swift about the use of the Groupthink label. It can be just as negative to a group to label them as wronged in their process when no such error exists as to call them victims of Groupthink. Again the dilemma is that groups need to always be alert to the existence of Groupthink, they also need to not label themselves or other victims of Groupthink unfairly. Although there are many times that Groupthink leads to failure, there are few instances when it works for the food. This is a fine line to walk, but it is most definitely a line that needs to be walked time and time again. Works Cited: Jarvis, Chris. GROUPTHINK Janis, Irving L. Victims Of Groupthink. Houghton Mifflin Company Boston, 1972 Janis, Irving L. Groupthink. Houghton Mifflin Company Boston, 1982 Griffin, Em. Groupthink. McGraw-Hill Inc., 1997