Monday, September 30, 2019

Hrm599

Week 1 1. Benefit plans Employer-sponsored benefits reflect the culture and business of the organization, and plans should be crafted and selected accordingly. Think about your current (or former) organization's benefit plan. Did it help to improve the quality of your work as well as your personal life? Why or why not? Was it a generous benefits program or were there specific benefits you felt should have been included? We want more time off Today people are looking for benefits what will help them manage their work-life life-styles better.Today, with the help of technology, employer is now starting to be more capable of offering flexible options with great results. Time off, seems to be another area that, I think, needs major improvement across the whole country. The average of two weeks’ vacation is way below the standard offered in all other countries, even third world countries have mandated better time off benefits embedded in their labor laws. I feel that we Americans wo rk too hard, with little time to be more involved in raising our kids or even taking care of ourselves.No time for soccer practice with my kinds, no time to go to the gym so I can lose some weight, no time to cook a good health meal for the family. Our lives are hassle and hassle and hassle. To me, when it comes to benefits, time off carries a lot of weight. I rather have an additional week of vacation that 5K more in my pay. Benefit plans Our company is into sales, entertainment, sports. I think it would be kinda hard to model a plan accordingly. Our plans are more designed to the type of family you have because we have a big mixture of people.I personally am not covered so I can't really speak in terms of how it benefits my life. Of course I do have vacation time and such, which does allow me to take some to myself. One thing I think would help in my quality of work or personal life is a flexible schedule. What I do sometimes affect payroll, so I have to map out times off or half days. However there are times when I really could use off and not really need to be in, so I wouldn't mind working an extra hour each day to have a half day later, or coming in earlier so I can leave earlier.Mainly because I prefer working in teh morning. I feel it helps me stay more attentative. Benefit discussion Providing workers with paid vacation time is extremely common, and generally considered a low-cost benefit to offer. Two weeks paid leave is fairly standard for a small business in the U. S. Many companies start workers at two weeks and reward them with additional time off as they accrue seniority. Some companies will also pro-rate vacation time, so that new hires that start on or after July 1 are only offered a week's vacation time in their first year. . Benefit Planning Process (graded)| As part of conducting a benefit plan needs assessment, a human resource professional must consider the organization’s business strategy as well as its compensation philosophy. Wh at do you think is the next step that should be taken? What are some of the possible outcomes of a benefit plan needs assessment? depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization is | Mark Lema | 4/25/2012 7:11:46 AM| | I guess It depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization we are, and the industry we are.I think that if we are new start-up business in the technology industry, we might need the best talent out there; therefore our strategy should be to offer very competitive benefits to attract and retain the best. Specially if they are highly skilled and in big demand. If I were to be in the â€Å"decline† stage or the organization, I might have to reduce cost and offer cost effective benefits to offset the costs and minimize expenses. | | RE: depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization is | Harpreet Sandhu | 5/4/2012 7:53:32 PM| | Modified:5/4/2012 7:54 PM | I agree with my classmates that first it all depends on what stage the org anization is in. Along with this in my opinion, the immediate external environment and the changing needs of the organization are the priority too. If there is lot of external competition then the organization might need to reevaluate its benefit plans to attract, retain and reward valued employees. In order to do this, human resources should conduct a thorough review of the current plan and gain a clear understanding of short and long term strategic and financial objectives. | What do you think is the next step that should be taken? | Catherine Flynn | 4/30/2012 11:46:54 AM| | I think they need to look at the employees themselves and what their needs are. Easier for smaller companies, but even for bigger companies you can do online surveys. Finding out what the employees want is kinda imperative because you may not have similar workers. You may have some single people who don't need child care benefits, or older people who are into saving more so would really be interested in a 401 k or Pension more than an FSA account necessarily. | RE: What do you think is the next step that should be taken? | Lynn Peirce | 5/1/2012 12:34:40 AM| | Hi Catherine, thanks for your post†¦. I think, as I have seen through my readings†¦ companies simply are not offering pension plans. I would rather have that than a 401K. I think compnies should use surveys and interviews with kep personnale to see what employees really want after a needs assessment†¦. I imagine the results would be surprising. Management always seems to be disconnected from the â€Å"real† hard working backbone employees. | | RE: What do you think is the next step that should be taken? | Aaron Jones | 5/1/2012 6:04:19 AM| | This is true but they should reconnect themselves so they can find out what is really going on with there employees, the hard backbone employees need to know that they are  notice for there hard work and when mangerment does   surveys and needs assessment this shows th e employees that the organzation is concern about there hard working employees. | | Outcomes of an assessment | Catherine Flynn | 5/1/2012 11:18:52 AM| | I'm not sure what the book says.However I would assume there could be many outcomes such as needs that might be too expensive to cover. Or perhaps not enough people want the same coverage or not enough people to meet the limit requirement for the insurance company. You can also find out that the benefit plan might not suit anyone at all and a serious change is needed. | | RE: Benefit Planning Process | Harpreet Sandhu | 5/6/2012 8:41:42 PM| | Most successful companies utilize business strategic planning to set priorities and goals for the organization's future; outcomes include short-term goals and long-term strategies.A clearly written, well designed strategic plan can align business units, divisions and employees so that the vision of the management team and the mission of the company can be fulfilled. As companies evolve and the environment changes it is critical for companies to maintain a disciplined execution of the strategic plan. However, if they are not aligned with the business strategy, are done independently, and are not linked to a multi-year strategy they can become a source of frustration and may create unintended outcomes.By adopting a strategic benefit planning process, companies can make decisions regarding their benefits and health care with significantly less stress. Addressing the changing environment of health care will be approached with a more thoughtful long-term perspective and will be tied to the values and philosophy of the   company. | benefit plan | Manqing Liu | 5/4/2012 10:36:41 PM| | There are several external environmental factors considered in strategic benefits planning: Industry prospects, economic conditions, and forecasts Employer costs for compensation and benefitsGovernment regulation of employee benefits Changing demographics of the labor force| Next Step | Natasha Wylie | 5/11/2012 2:13:56 PM| | I think the next logical step would be for the company to  do an evaluation  in terms of both cost and employee need, to maintain a balance between direct wages and benefits. Wage increases and benefit changes independently can lead to excessive increases in payroll costs where the organization loses control of the situation. When benefits or one benefits costs are rising quickly, it impacts the organization's ability to raise other parts of the compensation package. |Week 2 discussion Role of Government (graded)| Other than the mandates of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and a few other ineffectual reporting and disclosure requirements, benefit programs were practically unregulated by the federal government. Before the major shift that came with the enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974, which was primarily aimed at traditional defined benefit (DB) pension plans but applicable to other employer sponsored retirem ent and benefit programs. What is the government’s current role in regulating the administration of employee benefits?Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? Role of the government | Aaron Jones | 5/5/2012 4:23:24 AM| | 1. * Government regulates retirement plans, health benefit coverages, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation benefits. Effects * Government regulation on unemployment insurance pays benefits to the unemployed. By regulating workers' compensation benefits, states can control the amount an insurer pays, the kind of drug testing it requires and whether businesses with fewer employees are exempt from these laws.With the 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the federal government establishes standards for retirement and health coverage that private businesses must offer. Liability * In states like North Carolina, the government subjects new employers to a standard tax rate at first. Once it has determine d their actual rate, the state's Employment Security Commission notifies the business by letter of its liability to pay unemployment taxes.Significance * Not only do federal and state regulations on benefits guarantee certain types of coverage, they also establish minimum reporting standards and disclosure requirements for businesses that must document their compliance. Size * An expansive program, ERISA regulates benefits given to a company's current and discontinued employees. It also mandates compliance with the Newborns' Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, to name a few. information from: Government Regulations on Employee Benefits | eHow. om http://www. ehow. com/facts_5554578_government-regulations-employee-benefits. html#ixzz1tzOVqKAW. | RE: Role of Government | Sylvia Privette | 5/6/2012 8:53:03 AM| | Lynn and Aaron I agree with both of you. I don't think the government intervenes eno ugh. I believe they waited to long to help with this issue as they do with all issues. They wait  until they are out of control or the government is tired of paying for the people because they are short on funds, so they attack. Had this issue been dealt with before the backlash would not be so drastic. As Aaron stated it took this particular president to do something.I look back at the wheel and the economy if you don't work for the big companies, then its difficult for the smaller ones to give great benefits. The Healthcare plan is a good one, but possible at an inconvenient time for companies financially. In response to Lynn I too believe the government should provide healthcare coverage but to the needy. If you are employed then your employer should offer heathcare and the employee should be covered, contributing or not. The government is now complaining that are not only giving health care to the needy and companies can help bare some of the cost.We all know healthcare is exp ensive | | RE: Role of Government | Manqing Liu | 5/12/2012 9:54:07 PM| | The government's role in the retirement income area has been dictated primarily by historical factors. Beginning in the late 19th century, the economy of the United States changed fairly rapidly from predominantly agricultural to predominantly industrial and service oriented. Coinciding with this change—and probably in response to it—the large, supportive extended family of the agricultural economy was largely replaced by smaller, more fragmented family units.The shift away from agriculture reduced the amount of economically useful work available to older people, and family structural changes reduced the amount of family support for the aged. | | RE: Role of Government | Aaron Jones | 5/7/2012 6:04:07 AM| | This is the way the system likes to operate, they will let an situation like this one get so far out of hand then have meeting about the matter and really get nothing done instead they fight o n issues that they know should have been address   long before Barack Obama came along.Now that he is here he just wants do do the job he was put in office for taking care the American people and use all the funds in a wisely matter so all can live a more comfortable life. Healthcare is expensive and with the right program in place the cost can be handle if they   take the right action regarding this matter. | Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? | Catherine Flynn | 5/9/2012 8:26:36 PM| | All benefits are so complex it takes a lot to work plans out, so having regulations I think is helpful.However I don't feel that the government should get more involved than they already are because I feel that they are almost trying to control what I can and cannot have, and that is what I don't agree with. I mentioned before about the Individual Mandate Clause in the new healthcare plan that is being voted on and I personally do not appreciate being told what I can and cannot buy. It should be my choice to purchase health insurance if I want it or not, and this clause is taking that choice away from me. | | Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? Norma Vega | 5/9/2012 11:32:52 PM| | I think there are too little. While there are some penalties and sanctions imposed by ERISA, through the Department of Labor, these are for violations on the administration of the employee benefits programs of those who voluntarily designed employee benefits plans. How about for those who opted not to voluntarily design employee benefits plans and programs? REFERENCES:Pndyck, Robert S. (2005). Microeconomics. Pearson Education, Inc. http://www. dol. gov/compliance/guide/erisa. htm#who | | To ensure there is fair environment for competition | Mark Lema | 5/10/2012 7:15:33 AM| In my opinion, the government’s role is to primarily set a minimum standard. As they do for the minimum wage. Then to enforce de law, and to ensure there is fair environment for competition and no monopolies are developed. Competition will drive the quality of benefits. | Government Mandates | Professor Blanco | 5/10/2012 1:12:34 PM| | Class-  Ã‚   intereesting that many of you feel that â€Å"government should provide benefits†. Let's take a look at that. Benefits are very expensive, we know. But why? What is driving the cost of these benefits? How do you propose the â€Å"government provided benefits† will be paid? | RE: Government Mandates | Crystal Johnson | 5/10/2012 4:30:08 PM| | One thing that is raising the cost of benefits is specialty drug prescriptions. Specialty drugs for   multiple sclerosis can cost $2,500 to $3,800 a month. The cost of staying alive on drugs is sky rocketing. Prescription drug companies are making a killing with their patents and over charge the public to fix erectile dysfunction or having long lashes. However, drugs that actually extend your life and true quality of lif e should be augmented so everyone can benefit or at least let people have reasonable access to them.I know that sex and long eye lashes are meaningful to quality of life, but not as much as asma medication or kidney cleansing  drugs for dialys patients. http://www. shrm. org/hrdisciplines/benefits/Articles/Pages/SpecialtyDrugs. aspx | | | RE: Government Mandates | Manqing Liu | 5/11/2012 11:15:52 PM| | I found something interesting about government provided benefits: A 2008 poll of 1,400 Americans by the Cornell Survey Research Institute found that when people were asked whether they had â€Å"ever used a government social program,† 57 percent said they had not.Respondents were then asked whether they had availed themselves of any of 21 different federal policies, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, the home-mortgage-interest deduction and student loans. It turned out that 94 percent of those who had denied using programs had benefited from at least one; the average respondent had used four. http://www. nytimes. com/2011/09/20/opinion/our-hidden-government-benefits. html| | | What is the government’s current role in regulating the administration of employee benefits | Natasha Wylie | 5/13/2012 5:43:14 PM| The  basis of ERISA is to provide protection of employee benefit rights. ERISA has a few major objectives, they are: To ensure that workers and beneficiaries receive adequate information about their plans To set standards od conduct for those managing employee benefits plans   and plan funds To determine that adequate funds are being set aside to pay promised pension benefits To ensure that workers receive pension benefits after they satisfied minimum requirements To safeguard pension benefits for workers whose pension plans are terminated | | | Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention?Why? | Natasha Wylie | 5/13/2012 6:05:23 PM| | I'm on the fence about whether there is too much government interv ention in the administering of employee benefits. I'm sure  that both sides could argue where oversight is needed and where there is too much involvement. Whether the oversight is handled by the government or another agency, I do believe that someone should look out for the best interest of employees, and ensure things related to benefits are handled in a proper manner. |Government Mandated Benefits (graded)| There are certain benefits that are legislatively mandated and cannot be altered or dropped by an organization for any reason other than the organization is closing its doors for good! Social Security and Medicare, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, COBRA and FMLA are all federal and state mandated programs. What do you think determines the types of programs that the  government chooses to make mandatory? Do you feel these programs are efficient and effective?Why or why not? | Government Mandated Benefits | Lynn Peirce | 5/6/2012 2:55:19 AM| | My feeling is that the U. S. economy plays a large part in determining the types of programs the government makes mandatory, in order to help and protect U. S. citizens in times of need, for example, COBRA. Some of these programs go back many years in their enactment, such as the Social Security Act of 1935, when the U. S. had the foresight to help aid in retirement of older workers (and that was post-Depression and pre-WWII).Some of these programs are efficient, such unemployment insurance (even though it should last longer), and some are not, such as Medicare (seniors still have to purchase supplemental insurance or pay out-of-pocket costs). Social Security may not even be around in another 25 years. I think these programs started out well, and the intentions are good, but they became financially strapped. See http://www. socialsecurityreform. org/problem/index. cfm. | | RE: Government Mandated Benefits | Sylvia Privette | 5/6/2012 8:06:52 PM| | I agree with both of you.The government does w hat it feels is necessary when monies are tight for them and for companies. The state of the economy determines in which way the wheel should turn. If it too expensive for the government then they want more from employers, however they also know that employers will want something in return i. e. , tax incentives. The government should have stepped in long ago before these problems became bigger problems. Aaron you make a good point. The government should make sure that the employees they have working in these positions are educated nough to do so. The proper training and supervision is most important. Mishandling of funds is a big issue for the government and it seems as if they need the corporations help in bailing them out financially. I am grateful for the programs that the government has mandated, however, I think the government could regulate more benefits programs. | RE: Social Security ; Government Benefits | Lynn Peirce | 5/10/2012 11:03:05 PM| | Jill, as we discussed in cla ss, Social Security was implemented in 1935, after the Depression, and was only meant to be temporary.Since the system is already broken, and the government is trying to fix it, healthcare will be regulated by the federal government†¦ but as we discussed in class, Obamacare will have to be tweaked in order to satisfy those who are opposed to it, as well as make it more feasible to implement and operate. I imagine this will be  a nightmare. I found this great article about Social Security, written from the viewpoint of a sociologist, on the origins of Social Security and how it is being â€Å"reformed†: http://www2. ucsc. edu/whorulesamerica/power/social_security. tml If the current social security dliemma, is not fixed, I feel that the consequences will be dire. | Do you feel these programs are efficient and effective? Why or why not? | Natasha Wylie | 5/13/2012 7:35:53 PM| | Personally speaking I think that these programs are effective. I have used FMLA, after giving birth to my daughter. T he Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for themselves or a relative suffering from a serious health condition, a newborn baby, recently adopted child or a new foster child.Also covered are emergencies that occur when a relative who is a member of the National Guard or Reserves is called to active duty. To qualify, employees must work for a covered employer for a minimum of 1,250 hours during the designated 12-month qualifying period. Its a relief to not worry about securing your position while out on FMLA. There were times when if an employee needed to be out of work for and extended period of time, there positions weren't held. | Week 3 discussion Healthcare Cost Management (graded)|Many Americans benefit from the investments in healthcare; however, the recent cost growth, coupled with the economic downturn and rising national deficit, has placed a great strain on the financial systems used to finance hea lthcare, including private employer-sponsored health insurance coverage and public insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. What is the responsibility of individuals for the cost of their care? Are health savings accounts and high-deductible insurance policies an approach that should be expanded? What are the concerns for low-income individuals?Healthcare cost management | Aaron Jones | 5/12/2012 7:12:54 AM| | The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a provision similar to AMA policy on individual responsibility, which is scheduled to take effect in 2014. The Congressional Budget Office predicts the ACA will expand coverage to 32 million more Americans by 2016. Several of the new benefits included in the health reform law, such as an end to coverage denials based on pre-existing conditions, are only made possible by increasing the number of Americans participating in the health insurance market.Individual responsibility for health insurance allows patients to take ownership of their health care needs, decreases the number of uninsured — now estimated at 50 million nationwide — and helps make popular insurance market reforms possible. By promoting individual responsibility and increasing the number of insured individuals, we improve the health of Americans and keep hidden costs from being passed along to all of us * HSA/HDHPs are a highly tax-advantaged savings vehicle appealing to people who have high incomes and to those who are expected to have low use of health care services.For the uninsured, these approaches are less attractive since they often have low income and neither benefit significantly from the tax advantages now have the financial assets necessary to cover the large deductibles associated with the plans. * Their ability to reduce system-wide spending is very limited. * The plans have the potential to increase segmentation of health care risk in private insurance markets unless employers set premiums to offset the healthier s election into the plans or government subsidizes the higher costs associated with the remaining non-HSA market.The plans have thus far been less attractive that prononents envisioned, the authors add, so their potentially negative ramifications on populations with high medical needs have been limited. However, they say, â€Å"efforts to expand enrollment in these plans through further tax incentives, for example, could place growing financial burdens on those least able to absorb them, leading to more barriers to medical care for the low-income and the sick and fewer insurance options. www. rwjf. org/pr/product. | Healthcare Cost Management | Lynn Peirce | 5/12/2012 10:39:30 PM| I think that individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare, whenever possible and affordable, but since the economy has been so bad for so long, a lot of people go without, which places a strain on the financial systems used to finance government-managed programs. I, myself, am fortunate enough to receive Medicaid, but it was not handed to me, as one must be medically-needy (an individual can make $47,500 per year and receive Medicaid). There are two programs within Medicaid in New Jesey, one is the Workability Program, which I am in; the other is for people who are unable to work.Health insurance is very expensive for employers ot provide, as we have been discusssing in class the past few weeks. I feel that high-deductible policies are not the way to go, but health savings accounts may be a great option to explore. The concerns for low-income individuals are that they simply do not have the means to invest in a health-savings account, and if they don't qualify for Medicaid, they are stuck in clinic care, which doesn't really do the job. â€Å"More than 60 percent of nonelderly Americans receive health-insurance (HI) coverage through employers, either as policyholders or as dependents.However, rising health-care costs are leading many to question the long-term viability of the employer-based insurance system. Concerns about the economic burden of providing HI are particularly acute for small businesses, which are both less likely than larger firms to offer HI and more sensitive to price when deciding to offer insurance. Small firms may have difficulty containing costs due to their limited bargaining power and their inability to hire experts skilled in negotiating with insurance companies.Further, while few recent studies have systematically explored differences in the quality of HI plans that small and large firms offer, small firms may offer health plans of lower quality† (http://www. rand. org/pubs/technical_reports/TR559. html). | Healthcare Cost Management | Norma Vega | 5/13/2012 11:20:31 PM| | I would say it depends on the institution. There are great medical facilities all over the US but many are closing down because of different law violations. I think it is a mix of both money and helping patients though. The good facilities I think concentrate on the genuinely helping people part from top down.As they hire staff, I would hope that is one requirement they look for while in the interview process. I think with a good staff and employees that truly care and provide excellent service are the ones that are successful and make more money. | The importance of becoming a smart consumer | Mark Lema | 5/15/2012 1:30:07 PM| | Becoming a smart consumer is a must when it comes to utilizing your healthcare benefits. The high cost of benefits is not under the control of employers, therefore, employer have no option but to offer all other   possible options to reduce the cost of healthcare and minimize the passing of that cost to their employees.Unfortunately, there is very little employers can do. As they cost for healthcare increases, employer have to become more creative in developing a healthcare pla that will not upset employees and   that will not place the company on bankruptcy. HSA and FSA type of accounts are som e of those alternatives that employer use to help employees better manage their healthcare costs. Unfortunately, the lack of understanding how these plans work, and the fact that it requires a lot of time andn preparation to comply with the processes  and submit receipts, has pushed back many current and potential participants.In my case these option do help. My wife, who is the smart one, fully understands the procedures and requirements of HASs and FSAs and has save us   in the last years 100’s of dollars in healthcare costs, this dedication and full understanding of my family healthcare needs, has by far offset the time-burden it requires to manage them. | | What are the concerns for low-income individuals? | Catherine Flynn | 5/16/2012 5:17:20 PM| | For low income families it's a big struggle to be able to afford insurance. Sometimes it can even be something that they just don't think about cause it may not be the firs thing on their mind.When you're worrying about ot her bills, that could take precedent over insurance. Until someone gets sick, then you realize that on top of all the bills, you need money for when you or your child is sick or needs hospital care. For my family when I was growing up, we knew insurance was important because I was a pretty sick kid, so I was always needing doctor visits and medicines, and of course ER visits since I was also clumsy. Then my mother's health started to decline as I got older. So having some sort of insurance was extremely important and I always knew that it's beneficial to have some type of funds available should emergencies occur.When I was in college there were a few years I had to go without benefits. Today and even then I felt extremely lucky I didn't get sick because if I had I would have had a lot of bills. Not only because of that but because My mother and I had assistance, I'm very grateful for it. However not everyone has that, and not everyone is eligible for it because they work. But their salaries may not be enough to get them health care, so they have the option of finding a job that might offer benefits, or get a second job to try and get a plan on their own.It can be very difficult, and it's something you need to ask yourself. Are you going to try your hardest to protect yourself with insurance, or are you going to risk it? I think it depends alot on each persons circumstances. | What are the concerns for low-income individuals? | Michael McArdle | 5/18/2012 10:43:39 AM| | Personally I just feel that low-income people are in trouble of never being able to afford healthcare. There are people that can go to Health Clinics but there is still a fee of $5, $10 or $20, based on income level, and many people cannot even afford to pay the amounts that are listed.Sometimes when I visit to see the Dentist because I don't a dental plan, I pay $20, I hear the stories of the people talking to each other makes me almost want to melt in my seat hearing about their life stories a nd the struggles they have. It is just so sad that all of these people I see in the waiting room are unable to afford to see a Family Doctor, it makes me feel sad. | RE: What are the concerns for low-income individuals? | Aly Traore | 5/18/2012 4:34:25 AM| | what you said is very true and sad, but unfortunately it is the reality. n my opinion, to better live in USA in these days, you have to be at least in middle class that is the level where you can benefit from the system of economy in particular healthcare system. â€Å"low- income† is just a beautiful word to cover the word â€Å"poor† in the government vocabulary. | | Consumer Driven Healthcare (graded)| Consumer driven healthcare has become popular over the past few years as employees seek tax advantages and cost savings on healthcare. What are some of the key features of a consumer driven healthcare plan? Does your company currently offer any of these plans?If so, are you taking advantage of them? Why or why not ? | RE: Consumer Driven Healthcare | Sylvia Privette | 5/15/2012 10:02:36 PM| | Lynn  I agree, with healthcare becoming more and more expensive, for the little things people are starting to self heal as much as possible. Those over the counter medicines are on the rise for purchases because its cheaper. Individuals wait until self healing is no longer working to go to the doctor. I am starting to see more people looking for the cheaper health plans. The plans offered by the government based on income determines your contribution.Some of these plans depending on pay scale are cheaper the what employers are asking. Also free clinics are on the rise for health care, the medical buses we see sometimes like to get your blood pressure checked, or free screenings, free flu shots, mammograms and the use of the department of health especially for children. These are some of the cheaper ways people are staring to use. | | | RE: Consumer Driven Healthcare | Manqing Liu | 5/20/2012 10:49:22 P M| | Many large employers are offering consumer-driven plans, also known as high-deductible plans.These plans require employees and beneficiaries to be more involved, not less, in health care issues. Employee health and well-being affect not only absenteeism, but also bottom-line issues such as disability, workers compensation, and productivity. | | RE: Consumer Driven Healthcare | Aaron Jones | 5/16/2012 4:23:00 AM| | With the high cost that comes with healthcare people are becoming smart consumers when looking for the right healthcare package, it may not have all the benefits people are looking for but as long is the price is right people will just get what they can afford these days.Free clinics, over the counter medicines, whatever will work for that person helps the consumer deal better with healthcare issues. | | consumer-driven plans | Mark Lema | 5/16/2012 1:17:52 PM| | The term consumer-driven evolved out of a concept of a defined contribution in contrast to a defined benef it. Many large employers are offering consumer-driven plans, also known as high-deductible plans. These plans require employees and beneficiaries to be more involved, not less, in health care issues.Employee health and well-being affect not only absenteeism, but also bottom-line issues such as disability, workers compensation, and productivity. | Does your company currently offer any of these plans? If so, are you taking advantage of them? Why o | Catherine Flynn | 5/16/2012 5:22:55 PM| | Our company offers two separate plans, and one of them does fall under this category. Alot of our employees actually do take advantage of this particular plan versus our personal choice plan. I however do not, so unfortunately I lack alot of the specifics about it.I think our biggest question right now is what's going to happen in June, because that will affect our negotiation meetings with our brokers that are coming up soon. It could not change at all, or it could change completely. I will say th at because I'm not to familiar with both plans yet I can't say that I know which one is best for me. I do know however that I am very prone to getting sick, and often, so I suppose that would play a big factor in my choice of benefits. | | RE: Does your company currently offer any of these plans?If so, are you taking advantage of them? W | Aaron Jones | 5/17/2012 4:48:37 AM| | This is a tough situation to be in but like most companies we all have to sit back and look over the choices we have when it comes to making the right choice for health care and I am sure you will sit down and make the best choice for you and your family. Just pray that the company does not make to many changes to the healthcare and if they do it works out for all that is involved in this situation. Good Luck! consumer driven healthcare | Aly Traore | 5/17/2012 10:14:56 PM| | consumer-driven health care is a good idea, and even better a good system, but with a deregulated health care system environment, it wil l be very hard for employee to stick to it for long, because the cost of health care is increasing every day. in my opinion, to be better enjoy all the health care benefits, the system has to be regulated. | | Does your company currently offer any of these plans? | Michael McArdle | 5/18/2012 10:51:13 AM| Our company does offer a lower cost plan if a person has a primary doctor, and it does cost less than a PPO, however the cost of seeing a doctor is still very high, close to $50, and if someone gets a prescription, they pay close to the full price that the prescription would have been to someone without insurance, so overall it is worth paying more for a PPO because the cost to see a doctor or get a prescription is much lower, and if you have a major accident and need surgery, a person is more likely to get the treatment they need over not getting help if their insurance was low cost and does not cover surgeries for emergencies. FSA's | Natasha Wylie | 5/20/2012 1:25:27 PM| | My co mpany offers flexible spending accounts. Flexible Spending Accounts permit employees to pay for specified health care cost that are not covered by an employee's insurance plan. For the upcoming benefit year I did elect a pre=tax contribution to FSA. This year I expect to have dental work done   and having access to the money upfront and pre-tax is an added and much needed benefit. | | RE: FSA's | Norma Vega | 5/21/2012 6:39:29 PM| | Hello Natasha,Same here.I am going to be getting some dental work as well as some minor nasal corrective surgery done and being able to pay the $500 out of pocket cost with a pre tax card is such a luxury. I really have no idea how anyone could not like these benefits. I think it comes down to people being scared of having money taken out, not realizing they’re going to spend it anyway post tax. I also think that some people can’t comprehend exactly how much they are saving from taxes. | What are some of the key features of a consumer dri ven healthcare plan? | Natasha Wylie | 5/20/2012 1:38:03 PM| The key features of consumer driven health care plans are: It helps employers maintain control over cost Enables employees to lower the cost of insurance premiums through high deductibles Puts a restriction on employees ability to make choices about who they want to receive treatment though via in ; out of network providers | | key features of a consumer driven healthcare plan | Manqing Liu | 5/20/2012 10:42:17 PM| | Transforming the third-party reimbursement system into one that puts economic purchasing power — and decision-making — in the hands of the consumer.Supplying the information and decision support tools needed, along with financial incentives, rewards and other benefits that encourage personal involvement in altering health and health care purchasing behaviors. Letting consumers, rather than health plans, control health care decisions. | Week 4 discussion Life Insurance Plans (graded)| A major conc ern for most employees is caring for their families in the event of the employee’s death. Many employers provide life insurance for employees. Does your organization offer a group insurance policy?If so, what is the basic plan design of your organization’s life insurance policy, and for  how much are you covered? RE: Group life insurance plans | Manqing Liu | 5/27/2012 10:52:00 PM| | Group life insurance is term insurance covering a group of people, usually employees of a company or members of a union or association. Individual proof of insurability is not normally a consideration in the underwriting. Rather, the underwriter considers the size, turnover and financial strength of the group. Contract provisions will attempt to exclude the possibility of adverse selection.Group life insurance often includes a provision for a member exiting the group to buy individual coverage. | Group life insurance plans | Aaron Jones | 5/19/2012 7:08:48 AM| | There are three different types of group insurance and this company uses number one for there employees from what I was reading out of the company policy. 1) Basic group term life—This is the most typical coverage, providing basic coverage and often paid for by the employer. The premiums (up to $50,000) paid for by the employer are considered to be an employee income tax-free benefit. ) Supplemental group term life—Often offered by employers in conjunction with a basic group term life policy, this type of coverage provides the flexibility for the employee to purchase additional amounts of coverage. The employee chooses the type and amount of coverage to suit personal needs and circumstances and pays the cost for the premiums. 3) Portable term life—Employees who lose the employer’s group eligibility (they either leave the group or retire) can take this coverage with them to continue their insurance protection generally until they reach age 70.They make their payments directly to t he insurer, many times through electronic funds transfers. From what I saw when I was reading the company policy when it comes to life insurance they use the typical coverage for there employees, they have there reasons why they do things the way they do it because everybody have different reasons for life insurance mostly this company uses number  1 for there employees. | Life Insurance Plans | Catherine Flynn | 5/20/2012 2:46:40 PM| | We offer voluntary life insurance plans for employee, their spouse, and dependents. Each are available in increments of $10,000.Each plan has a maximum benefit of $500,000 except for dependents, this insurance is only available in $2,500, $5,000, $7,000 or $10,000. This is only available for 30 days after you acquire the dependent (birth, marriage, adoption). I personally feel as though it's important for me to make sure my family, even though small, should be protected if I can afford it. Accidents happen, and if I have the available funds why not put money away for that purpose? I've always been a squirrel when it comes to money so saving plans like these are a good fit for me. | Commonwealth life insurance plan | Crystal Johnson | 5/20/2012 7:22:50 PM| From what I understand, my life insurance plan matches my base pay. Base pay is $20,000 to $25, 000 less than my actually income because of the amount of over time that I do. If I get killed on state property  it suppose to be three times my base pay. Rumored has it that the hostage situation that happened in 1998 where a staff was killed by another staff member the grieving family had to go to court to get the triple pay out. The insurance company said that the death was not caused by a patient so they did not want to pay. Even though the killer staffer was upset about upper management decision to fire him.Group Life InsuranceThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides life insurance coverage for permanent employees through The Prudential Insurance Company of America. The a mount of life insurance is equal to your annual salary (rounded to the nearest $1,000) as of the date of hire, up to a maximum of $40,000. The amount of insurance is adjusted on January 1 of each year to account for pay changes. There is a 90-day waiting period from your date of hire before coverage takes effect. Eligible employees will receive a â€Å"Welcome Kit† from Prudential within three months of hire.The kit will include the Booklet/Certificate that confirms coverage and outlines the contract provisions that apply, as well as a Group Insurance Beneficiary Designation/Change form. | | RE: Commonwealth life insurance plan | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 11:34:36 AM| | Life insurance should really be called â€Å"death insurance. † Like other types of insurance, life insurance is protection against the unknown. When you buy life insurance, you're paying for the peace of mind that your family will be taken care of in the event of your sudden demise. Life insurance is t he life jacket in the fishing boat..You hope to never have to use it, but it's nice to know it's there. Some people call life insurance gambling. They think that you're throwing away a bunch of money on the off chance that you'll die young. But when life insurance is handled correctly, it isn't gambling at all. It's simply part of a larger economic plan whose goal is the financial security of your family. It's a shame that often times its not handled correctly. | Imputed Income | Crystal Johnson | 5/24/2012 5:55:52 PM| | Income that may not be seen as cash, but instead comes in the form of a benefit†¦ ometimes by having another pay an expense†¦ sometimes by having a benefit provided. Examples: The value of a car provided by your employer that you may use for personal use. That value is imputed income. Likewise, the value of having some other benefits – over $50,000 a year of life insurance provided by your employer (the value of the insurance is imputed income). An employer sponsored (even if what it does just work to make the costs lower) of an on site cafeteria – imputed benefit. Having a below market rate loan†¦ that some employers provide certain employees†¦ he lower interest that they forgoe is a benefit to you†¦ and hence imputed income. Read more: http://wiki. answers. com/Q/What_is_imputed_income#ixzz1vpnMNB4x| Definition of Imputed Income | Lynn Peirce | 5/24/2012 9:33:06 PM| | As per our discussion in class tonight, imputed income is defined, as follows: â€Å"Imputed income is the addition of the value of cash/non-cash compensation to an employees’ taxable wages in order to properly withhold income and employment taxes from the wages. Imputed income is taxable to the assignee (unless specifically exempt).Because it is delivered for the performance of services (related to employment) it must be included in the assignee's Form W-2 to accurately reflect the assignee's taxable wage-related income† (se e http://definitions. uslegal. com/i/imputed-income/). I didn't want to add too much because Crystal also defined it in her post. | | Life Insurance | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 11:28:45 AM| | Employee sponsored life insurance gives employees a peace of mind in the event of death. Having life insurance relieves some of the financial burden left on grieving loved ones.Employee-sponsored life insurance   protects family members by paying a specified amount to n employees beneficiary upon the employees death. | Disability Plans (graded)| In addition to replacing household income when an employee either retires or is no longer working, he or she may also carry some type of income-replacement plan in the event they become disabled. Does your current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees? What are the specifics of your coverage? Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental disability insurance? Why or why not? | RE: Disability coverage | Crystal Johnson | 5/22/201 2 2:08:29 AM| Jobs that offer short term disability insurance as part of a benefit's package creates more loyalty in employees than jobs that do not offer it. Human beings are going to acquire bumps and bruises as part of the â€Å"age and wisdom† baggage. Short term disability insurance gives you the luxury to fully heal while keeping a roof over your head and raman noodles on your plate. When employees know  that they  will be able to recuperate without financial stresses  from standing-on-the-stool-to-change -a-light-but-crashed-landed-into-the-wall, they are more willing to go stay where they are appreciated and valued. Disability Coverage | Lynn Peirce | 5/20/2012 1:51:31 AM| | Of course, the firm I currently work for does not offer disability insurance; since I am a Medicaid recipient, I currently would not need it. As far as purchasing supplemental disability insurance, I found an example of coverage from Combined Insurance Company, as follows: â€Å"Disability income insurance is paid directly to you for covered disability for up to two years* when you are totally disabled and can't work due to accident or sickness. You are protected, on or off the job, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.You are considered totally disabled when you are under the regular care of a physician and are unable to perform the substantial and material duties of your own occupation. Income Protector works in conjunction with Social Security and Workers' Compensation to help you maximize your benefits. When no social benefit** is paid, Combined Insurance pays you the full benefit amount of your selected plan. When a social benefit is paid, our disability income protection makes up any shortfall between your target replacement paycheck and your social benefit payment. ** However, Combined Insurance will never pay less than 40% of the benefit amount purchased† (http://www. combinedinsurance. com/insurance-types/disability-insurance. html). I think it is probably a good idea, if you have a family and can afford it, but on the other hand, we are already paying into Disability, and it seems like another money-maker for insurance companies. I mean, there is insurance for just about everything anymore (like pet insurance). How far does it go, and how much should an employer provide when the cost of health insurance is already so high? | | Aflac | Crystal Johnson | 5/20/2012 7:38:08 PM| | I am not a saver. I know I should be more responsible and put money away  for rainy days. I know that I should put away 10% of my income for  life's  financial thunderstorms. I don't have a financial  umbrella. I like dancing in the rain so I got Aflac. Aflac  gave our union a group rate for  disability insurance and secondary life insurance. My coworkers  allowed Aflac to  take out money out of their check because the wanted a stronger piece of mind and  plan  B to their savings plan.I choose to have Aflac take out money out of my  check be cause I cant be trusted to do it myself. | | RE: Disability Plans | Lynn Peirce | 5/23/2012 5:08:32 PM| | They have to pay people/employees to do this, so they have to make it worth everyone's while. The cost to the employer has to be validated in order for it to continue. | | RE: supplemental disability insurance | Aaron Jones | 5/24/2012 6:21:07 AM| | I am sure that a whole lot of people will need this type of insurance when they get to a point in their life and hopefully the insurance will cover the things they will need cover once it kicks in.The rules always change when the person really needs this type of coverage this is why the person must make sure evrything is still good before the insurance is needed. | Disbility plans | Harpreet Sandhu | 5/23/2012 10:20:53 PM| | Short term disability insurance can replace a portion of income during the initial weeks of a disabling illness or accident whereas, long term disability can replace a portion of income after those initial weeks, for an extended period. Some people have one or both of these through their employer.Many people also choose to purchase individual disability insurance on their own. Individual Disability Income Insurance can provide protection for people who do not have disability insurance available through their workplace or may be used to supplement group coverage through their workplace. Some of the benefits of MetLife’s Individual Disability Income Insurance include: Monthly Benefit Payments—after an initial waiting period, benefits are paid for each month you can’t work through the policy’s maximum benefit period.Noncancelable and Guaranteed Renewable Coverage Available – Provided premiums are paid on time, MetLife cannot cancel or change your coverage or premium rates until the first premium due date on or after your 67th birthday. www. metlife. com/individual/insurance/disability-insurance/index. html | | Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental dis ability insurance? | Manqing Liu | 5/25/2012 8:13:45 PM| | Most people don't realize the risk of becoming disabled, permanently or temporarily, at some point in their lives. But the reality is that at age 40, your chances of becoming disabled for 90 days or more prior to age 65 is 43%. Source: 2004 Field Guide, National Underwriter). I think it is necessary to purchase a disability insurance. | | RE: Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental disability insurance? | Aly Traore | 5/25/2012 8:49:59 PM| | why would you want to buy an additional insurance, if you can invest your money somewhere else to make profit over the time period. in my opinion,   I think if your goal is to buy that supplemental insurance just to have more money in a case where you get disable or retired,   this is not a good option. | RE: Mental Health Paridy Act | Sylvia Privette | 5/25/2012 8:46:06 PM| | Modified:5/25/2012 8:47 PM | The Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) provides for parity in the applicatio n of aggregate lifetime and annual dollar limits on mental health benefits with dollar limits on medical/surgical benefits. A plan that does not impose an annual or lifetime dollar limit on medical and surgical benefits may not impose such a dollar limit on mental health benefits offered under the plan. MHPA does not apply to benefits for substance abuse or chemical dependency. Health plans are not required to include mental health benefits in their benefits package. MHPA only applies to those plans that do offer mental health benefits. ttp://www. dol. gov/dol/topic/health-plans/mental. htm | | disability benefit | Manqing Liu | 5/26/2012 9:44:15 PM| | Monthly disability benefit depends on your average lifetime earnings. The amount also may be affected by your receipt of other government benefits. If you are getting workers' compensation, civil service, military, state temporary disability or state and local retirement benefits based on disability, the total amount combined with you r Social Security disability benefits may not exceed 80 percent of your average earnings at the time of your disability.Should your total government benefit go over that amount, your Social Security benefit will be reduced. Disability payments from private sources do not affect your SSDI benefits. | Does your current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees? | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 12:35:42 PM| | My organization offers short and long term disability. Short-term disability provides income if employees are not able to work due to a non-work related illness or injury.Long-term disability coverage allows employees to continue receiving a portion of their salary for a period of time if they are disabled and cannot perform the duties of your regular job or injured. This employer-provided benefit provides 60 percent of base pay up to $10,000 per month maximum. | Disability Plans | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 1:43:49 PM| | There are  four laws that influence the desi gn and implementation of company sponsered disability plans: ERISA ADEA The americans with disabilities Act State   Workers compensation and Social Secuity Disability Regulations |

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Billabong Analysis

Billabong International Limited is an Australian based clothing company that established its business in 1980’s and expanded internationally through its franchises and acquisitions. The business is engaged in the marketing, distribution, wholesaling and retailing of apparel, eyewear, accessories, wetsuits and hard goods in the boardsports sector under the Billabong, Element, Von Zipper, Honolua Surf, Kustom, Palmers Surf, Xcel, Tigerlily, Sector 9 and RVCA brands (Billabongbiz, 2013). The company is headquartered in Queensland, Australia with 6,000 employees and they operate across many countries such as Australia, North America, Europe, Japan and the rest of  the world.Billabong has emerged a number of sports and youth labels such as RVCA, and Surjection (Billabongbiz, 2013). They continue to expand their brand image by sponsoring promotional events and some of the athletes. The rival brands of Billabong are Quicksilver and Rip Curl as these companies are iconic surf brands . In order to perform Billabong International Limited effectively, the board of directors are structured into six non-executive directors, two executive directors and the chairman who are responsible for the shareholders of Billabong. However, due to recent recession, the new CEO, Launa Inman, has been appointed.2 – Financial AnalysisThe profitability performance of Billabong International Limited is not effective as it is -45.71% in Q2, 2013 (Google Finance, 2013). Similarly, net profit margin of the company is -50.72% which represents the profit after subtracting the indirect expenses. Overall profit performance is showing a negative sign and the firm have experienced shrinking sales and rising debts. However, with respect to gross profit margin, it shows a positive figure as it amounts to 50.21% in Q2, 2013.This shows that the profitability after accounting for the cost of goods sold is good and highly effective for the company, but the negative net profit implies that the indirect expenses of the company are significantly higher. The plans of the company are to focus on its core brands in the next four years, cut styles by 15% and achieve improvement in its supply chain for both the wholesale and retail operations2.1 Identification and evaluation of Billabong’s global strategyThe marketing mix helps a business to determine its sales and finally determine the success or failure of a business. For this reason, it is the most essential element of business when determining a marketing plan. Billabong International Limited makes broad use of the marketing mix in their marketing plan.Billabong International Limited has diversified their product range not only  related to surfing. Their positioning strategy is a high quality, high priced, fashionable product. Billabong gains customer satisfaction by offering quality products that is not vulnerable or ruined easily despite the harsh conditions of many of their products intended uses, such as swimme rs, skis and snowboards. Billabong has been successful in making brand images by appealing as an internationally known for professional surfing, and through its wave logo and sponsorship of international events.By doing this, it has not only gained international markets, however it has also become a prestige and status symbol for its target market. The product and positioning of Billabongs products is the most important element in its marketing mix as it ensures the long term survival of the company and continued high sales. By meeting customer demand, positioning itself as a well-known and trusted brand with a vast amount of prestige it has ensured that sales remain high.2.1.2 PromotionBillabong uses a strong promotion mix to highlight and reinforce its image and product. A combination of an interactive website, promotional magazines and flyers, personal in store selling and strong public relations through both sponsorship of sporting events and famous athlete using Billabong produ cts have generated a strong brand images amongst its industry. Billabongs sponsorship of international sporting events and sporting stars also helps to promote their brand not only in Australia but also on the international market as well.2.1.3 PriceBillabong uses a competition-based pricing method in which it sets its prices at a similar level to those of its competitors to ensure that their customers will not wish to buy the cheaper products. However, Billabong is awkwardly positioned between Rip Curl and Quicksilver. Especially wetsuits and women’s jeans are higher than Quicksilver’s. They rarely use below market value pricing to avoid creating a image of less prestigious products.Surf brands – Average price comparison(Source: EDITD, 2013)2.1.4 PlaceBillabong uses various methods to ensure that their product reaches the market place. With stores in more than 100 countries Billabong uses wholesalers to ensure that their products reach the retailers. Billabongs positioning also comes into effect with place as it must ensure that its product remains out of discount and department stores and remains only in specialty stores. Because of this Billabong has adopted an exclusive distribution network where the product is only available in specialty surf shops.2.2 – SWOT AnalysisA business can implement a SWOT analysis to decide which marketing strategy to apply.2.3 – Current Target MarketBillabong is a brand which offers various types of products designed to accommodate various lifestyles. Their extensive product ranges are for surfers, boarders, beach lovers, and the sensible fashion people. Even though it is difficult to identify comprehensive characteristics of this industry, the majority of consumers are males and females who are aged between 14 and 29. (Goldcoast, 2013)According to Australian Business Solution (2011), there are an increasing number of casual dress codes at Australian workplaces and social gatherings which has led to a high demand for affordable and modern look at workplaces. Billabong’s new casual-line is aiming to meet such demand and targeting office workers.Due to Billabong’s sports image, it has been entrenched in consumers’ mind especially among teenagers and youths. When these consumers grow older, they will be pleased to see Billabong to provide expanded casual-line offering to meet their new needs. The new product line is a modern, up-scale look but also inexpensive casual dress codes at workplaces. Therefore, it will better resonate with age group 25 to 39 years old who have built careers and gained stronger buying power.2.4 – Reasons for Billabong’s international expansionAustralia has small population compare to other regions that place significant restrictions on its total sales revenue and Billabong’s future objectives. Billabong’s expansion helped to boost their total sales revenue by over 70% in 2003-04. Increase in sales ha s also allowed the firm to lower its production cost by achieving economies of scale and lower risks. In 2003, Billabong adapted video conference technology in order to make the communication and exchange of ideas across the world for its overseas offices easier.Furthermore, by working in more than 100 countries obtained cushion impacts of the entry of a new competitor and economic cycle into any of their industries. Global expansion supported the extension product life cycle for numerous products and easier access to resources and technology.3. Identification and evaluation of the external environmentTo better understand Billabong’s global expansion strategy, both Porters Five Forces and a PESTEL analysis will be undertaken.3.1 – Porters Five Forces3.1.1 The CompetitionSince 1970s, there was a significant rising popularity of the beach and surfing, and then three major companies (Billabong, Quicksilver and Rip Curl) have become a symbolic of surfing. These brands mana ge to establish strong credibility within surfing subculture and it was also equally consumable by non-surfers who identified with the lifestyle. In the 1990s and 2000s, Billabong started to aggressively pursue international expansion by emerging sports and youth labels such as RVCA and Nixon watches to gain market share. However, in 2012, there was a significant loss of $287m. (Billabongbiz, 2013)3.1.2 New EntrantsThere is still room for a new entrant as the global demand for surfing apparel is expected to remain strong. For instance, Hollister – Abercrombie & Fitch started off with a local manufacture that successfully moved into surfing clothes and retailing. Moreover, smaller brands like Byron Bay label, Afends has dramatically grown in the last decades by selling its  products through independent and online stores. Afrends gained reputations among young surfers and skaters from Australia and California.3.1.3 Suppliers PowerAs Billabong has become an internationally wel l-known brand, they outsource its manufacturing by using small to mid-sized companies in order to keep economies of scale. Billabong uses Hong Kong as the central sourcing division to provide most of its products to Australia and New Zealand. These suppliers have no bargaining powers.3.1.4 Consumers PowerDue to the size of Australia population, consumers actually have not enough bargaining power. However, to the global extent, consumers are likely to find other tailors which would provide products that would be cheaper than existing ones.3.1.5 Product SubstitutesAccording to the Urban Market Research (UMR) survey, findings indicate that Nike (13%) has overtaken the lead from Billabong (10%) as the best choice for Australia’s youth. Other rival brands such as Quicksilver and Rip Curl have also expanded their popularity. Young females prefer ‘disposable fashion’ with affordable price such retailers like Cotton on and Supre. Country Road and Colorado would be other substitutes for Billabong, but it has different quality and style compare to Billabong.3.2 – Industry Analysis3.3 – PESTEL Analysis3.3.1 – Political factorsBenefit from the worldwide trade barriers which allowed exportation procedures much easier for Billabong International Limited to other regions. The rate of import duty decreased from 17.5% in 2005 to 10% in 2010 as the Australian governments maintained tariff barriers for protecting the domestic clothing and manufacturing industry. (Wellers, S., 2007) The announcement of bilateral trade agreements by World Trade Orgainisation  (WTO) has affected Billabong International Limited. Since 2005, all Australian businesses required to produce their financial reports to International Financial Reporting Standards. Hence, it makes easier for Australian accounting standards into global practices and cost of implementation was significant.3.3.2 – Economic factorsThe growing popularity of surfing and skateboardi ng has been impacted by improvement in standard of living and the consumer spending power. As Billabong International’s products are distributed in more than 100 countries and the majority of the revenue is generated by other regions, the firm is continually influenced by fluctuations in currency. Every each year, value of earnings has shown loss when it was reported in Australian dollars. From the global point of view, Billabong’s global expansion was encouraged by its high incomes from Asia and South America that enabled to create new markets.3.3.3 – Social factorsBillabong’s brand awareness has been influenced by the growing popularity of surfing and skateboarding among the broader community. Identifying customer tastes were depends on various types of traditions and cultures. For instance, U.S preferred bright colours products while Australia preferred faded and weather beaten colours. Complications in writing contracts with different languages have e ncouraged the firm’s ability to operate in global markets. – errors on contracts could lead to future conflicts. Difference in oragnisational culture and practices on different regions are their major concerns. For instance, Australia has relaxed working environment while U.S and Japan are more intense. Further, European countries are imposed on limiting working hours by governments.3.3.4 – Technological factorsCable television and internet has attracted millions of new customers in surfing and skateboarding which helped Billabong’s products market towards a wider customer base. E-commerce has simplified the logistical and oragnisational difficulties when operating a global business.3.3.5 – Environmental factorsConsumers pay more attention on environmentally friendly products – source of materials, where materials are sourced, and whether production processes have negative impacts on the environment.3.3.6 – Legal factorBillabong ensur es to protect intellectual property rights issues such as brand logo, names and trademarks from unauthorised piracy.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Avoiding Physical Punishment In Child Rearing Essay

, Research Paper Is # 8220 ; saving the rod # 8221 ; botching or salvaging the kid? Is force, bitterness, choler or fright worth the hazard taken when striking him or her. Whether your for or against utilizing physical penalty in kid development, as a parent, you will someday hold to confront this issue. Many parents are taught this method in their childhood, and are non cognizant of any other manner. Often arising from faith, physical or bodily penalty is seen as an of import ingredient in kid raising. This tool is used to carry through entire authorization by the parent and to have entire entry from the kid. Physical penalty may be convenient and achieve impermanent conformity, but produces negative consequences, and should be avoided. HISTORICALLY Punishment day of the months back to early human history. To keep the Torahs that were created for societal life, punishments were developed for the persons who could non stay by them. Authoritarianism changed the grounds behind penalty ; alternatively of protecting society from the felon, it became a manner for the # 8220 ; Chiefs to command the Indians. # 8221 ; It placed the leaders above everyone else, forestalling the people # 8217 ; s sentiments from numbering ; an antidemocratic society. As illustrated by Dreikurs and Grey, # 8220 ; Those in bid were superior and hence right ; those whom they ruled were inferior and hence incorrect if they disagreed with the swayers # 8221 ; ( 66 ) . Physical penalty has been approved in history as # 8220 ; the function of authorization, # 8221 ; as a declaration of power. Penelope Leach provinces, # 8220 ; Physical penalty was one time an recognized portion of any relationship that gave one single legitimate authorization over others # 8211 ; maestro over slave, retainer or married woman ; officer over lower ranks ; jurisprudence hatchet man over jurisprudence ledgeman ; employer over learner # 8211 ; but that is history ; we have cosmopolitan human rights now # 8211 ; cosmopolitan except for kids, that is # 8221 ; ( 126 ) . Teaching entire authorization by the parent, most Conservative Protestants use bodily penalty today as their sires did. In Spare the Child, Philip Greven points out, # 8220 ; Modern signifiers of Christian Fundamentalism portion the same compulsions with obeisance to authorization feature of earlier manners of Evangelical Protestantism, and the same autocratic run evident among 17th # 8211 ; and eig hteenth-century Anglo-American Evangelicals is discernable today, for exactly the same grounds: the coercion of kids through painful penalties in order to learn obeisance to divine and parental authorization # 8221 ; ( 198 ) . The thought many old ages ago is obvious, society felt that physical penalty was necessary for obeisance. With survey and research over clip, successful kid raising has changed to bring forth better consequences. Dr. Benjamin Spock adds, # 8220 ; In the olden yearss, most kids were spanked, on the premise that this was necessary to do them act. In the 20th century, as parents and professionals have studied kids here and in other states, they have come to recognize that kids can be well behaved, concerted, and polite without of all time holding been punished physically # 8221 ; ( 437 ) . Recognizing the impact this antique method can hold on a kid, society is altering their positions on how we should train. We are traveling off from bullying and hurting tactics to more effectual, positive methods. EFFECTS / RESULTS To be more effectual in child raising we must foremost recognize the unsought consequences that can come from utilizing physical penalty. When a parent strikes a kid, they are learning that kid to cover with jobs in a violent mode. As an opposition to bodily penalty, Murray Straus writes, # 8220 ; I am non stating the grounds is unequivocal. I believe future research will corroborate the decisions that the force we so abhor and fright has portion of its beginnings in the actions of loving parents who, by paddling kids, accidentally learn force? We should move now because bodily penalty is force. Therefore, irrespective of whether it reduces what most people think of as the existent force, a society that stops hitting kids is a less violent and more humanist society # 8221 ; ( qtd. in Ellison paragraph 22 ) . Negative influence is another disadvantage of physical penalty. An grownup influences a kid utilizing physical penalty, exposing a deficiency of self-denial by the parent. Physical penalty besides implants bitterness, choler and fright of the parent. Causing bitterness, choler or fright in a kid can ensue in # 8220 ; blowback # 8221 ; of the penalty. Hiting a kid displays a deficiency of regard for them and engender rebellion. For illustration, metres are placed to necessitate payment for impermanent parking. Exceeding the clip bound or declining to pay can ensue, if your caught, in a all right. Just being cognizant of the effects of misdemeanor can assist to implement this regulation. However, many people will park without paying if they feel they can acquire off without a punishment. Similarly, a kid having a spanking will reiterate the act if he or she realizes he or she can avoid acquiring caught. It has been argued by professionals that the usage of physical penalty has been a factor in forestalling self-esteem, assurance, creativeness and rational independency ; doing delinquency, depression and disaffection. Used excessively frequently, physical penalty can lose its steam, and lead to child maltreatment. Option There are successful, alternate methods in training for physical penalty. Keeping consistence, being sort yet house is a critical portion of utilizing these alternate methods. Understanding it is the importance that we place in an issue, and non the step of penalty given, that makes the difference. Penelope Leach writes, # 8220 ; Many kids have so learned to postpone bedtime about indefinitely, but merely because parents are excessively tired to follow through. If those same kids need medicine for a chronic unwellness such as asthma, they take it without a murmor because parents are convinced that it truly affairs and are hence clear, confident and consistent in their insisting # 8221 ; ( 125 ) . Of the many alternate methods for subject, a few to discourse are the # 8220 ; Law of Reinforcement, # 8221 ; # 8220 ; Time-out, # 8221 ; # 8220 ; Immobilization # 8221 ; and # 8220 ; Logical or Natural Consequences. # 8221 ; The # 8220 ; Law of Reinforcement # 8221 ; was devised by the first educational psychologist, E.L. Thorndike. It was latter revised and polished by B.F. Skinner. This method is simple, a kid will reiterate an act or behaviour if the consequences are delighting to him or her. As noted by Dr. James Dobson, # 8220 ; Behavior which achieves desirable effects will repeat # 8221 ; ( 64 ) . Something to see with this method is the wagess promised as a consequence of good behaviour must follow instantly. They can non be long-run wagess, such as a friend remaining nightlong subsequently in the hebdomad, or a holiday subsequently in the twelvemonth. Exploitation wagess at the incorrect clip, such as assuring them to a kid that is in rebelliousness, can besides be a error. Furthermore, the wagess need non be material, forestalling them from going graft. Therefore, utilizing verbal support ( personal regards ) can be much more effectual. Another method in subject is # 8220 ; time-out # 8221 ; . This removes the kid from a state of affairs until he or she changes the improper behaviour and regains his or her calm. This method should non be used excessively often, and should ever follow with an account of why the behaviour is non acceptable. Harmonizing to Larry Reibstein, # 8220 ; The Newsweek canvass showed that 71 per centum of parents frequently or sometimes used timeouts # 8221 ; ( 64 ) . Immobilization is a technique used less frequently for kids runing from 7 to 14 months that can non command their behaviour of, for illustration, hitting another kid or an grownup. After a warning has been given, the kid should be placed on your lap or a chair and held down until the kid is unagitated and you can explicate to him or her the ground this is unacceptable. This technique is limited in many ways and should be used carefully, and at a lower limit. Covering with a kid with Logical or Natural Consequences can be an effectual option. Teaching the kid the effects that result from a specific action can either be logical or natural. Logical significance if a kid does something incorrect, the effects can be bad, typically brought approximately by the parent. Natural significance if a kid does something incorrect, the effects can be bad, typically brought about by some kind of physical world. Dr. Loren Grey acknowledges the logical method, # 8220 ; Even though the consequence is arranged by the parent, the kid sees it as his ain action and normally a repeat of the consequence is non needed to act upon alteration # 8221 ; ( 47 ) . Refering natural effects, Dr. Grey writes, # 8220 ; If a little kid runs his caput into a tabular array and hurts it, no warnings or repeated illustrations are necessary to convert him to avoid that in the hereafter # 8221 ; ( 46 ) . Contained in this paper are a few of the many options to physical penalty. There are many more ways to convey about alteration in a kid # 8217 ; s behaviour. Striking a kid is a certain manner to learn force as a solution to jobs, produce bitterness towards the parent and transfuse choler or fright in the kid. Becoming more educated with the options, parents can play an of import function in supplying a less violent society. Along with these options, parents should be sort yet steadfast and should ever keep consistence. Dobson, James. Dare to Discipline. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 1970. Ellison, Christopher G. # 8220 ; Conservative Protestantism and the Corporal Punishment of Children: Clarifying the Issues # 8221 ; . The Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion v35, n1 ( 1996 ) : 1-16. Greven, Philip. Spare the Child. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1991. Grey, Loren. Discipline Without Fear: Child Training During the Early School Old ages. New York: Hawthorn Books Inc. , 1974. Leach, Penelope. Children First: What Society must make # 8211 ; and is non making # 8211 ; for Children Today. New York: Vintage Books, 1994. Reibstein, Larry. # 8220 ; The Debate over Discipline # 8221 ; . Newsweek Spring-Summer 1997: 64. # 8220 ; Sparing the Rod to Salvage the Child # 8221 ; . Editorial. New Statesman and Society. 24 June 1994: 5. Spock, Benjamin and Micheal B. Rothenberg. Dr. Spock # 8217 ; s Baby and Child Care. New York: Dutton, 1992. Straus, Murray. Beating the Devil Out of Them: Bodily Punishment in American Families and Its Effectss on Children. Boston: Lexington Books, 1994.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Lincoln Electric Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lincoln Electric - Essay Example Lincoln   Electric   follows   a   hierarchical   management   system. In   a   hierarchical   system, there   is   a   strict   distinction   between   the   different   levels   of   management   within   the   organization, with   each   level   or   hierarchy   concerned   with   the   functioning   of   that   level   only   (Armstrong, 2006). The   power   and   responsibilities   associated   with   the   management   of   the   organization   converge   from   the   workers   upward   toward   the   president   or   executives   of   the   company   (Armstrong, 2006), so   that   the   workers   are   at   the   lowest   stratum   and   the   president   or   the   managing   executives   at   the   highest   stratum   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). This   holds   true   for   the   Lincoln   Electric   as   well, since   it   is   clearly   mentioned   in   their   company   description   that   there   is   a   well   defined   distinction   between   the   managers   and   workers   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), and   although   open   communication   and   socializing   is   encouraged, the   fine   hierarchical   line   is   not   traversed   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). The   company   has   workers, sales   representatives, supervisors, middle   managers, and   top   executives, with   each   level   functioning   within   its   own   boundaries   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). The   management   of   the   company   provides   a   lot   of   incentives   to   its   workers   which   encourages   them   to   work   hard   and   with   sincerity   towards   producing   high   quality   products   and   increasing   the   yield   and   profits   of   the   company   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). Since   the   total   profit   is   shared   among   the   workers   based   on   their   performance   and   merit   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), it   is   only   in   the   interest   of   the   workers   to   work   hard   and   with   honesty   to   increase   the   profits. The   rewards   that   the   workers   get   are   substantial   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). The   job   descriptions   and   requirements   are   clearly   and   precisely   defined   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), and   given   the   capitalist   form   of   business   environment   in the   United   Sates   (Armstrong, 2006) as   opposed   to   the   labor   intensive   form   practiced   in   Europe   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), this   system   has   proven   to   work   very   well   in   the   United States.  

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Analyzing the key public of CASA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analyzing the key public of CASA - Essay Example The cases of abandoned or abused children from the African American community make nearly half those in courts these days in Montgomery County. Having volunteers from this community is an absolute importance to the organization as it shall be adding a group that the children will be feeling directly connected to and will be free and open to interact with. The other group that is of at most importance to add as volunteers to the organization is the law students (Tumminia, 2006). This is a welfare that deals with matters that are legal and adding young and energetic volunteers who not only understands but also practices law is needed. It shall be a move that will also ensure smooth transition and stretch the life of the organization in many years to come. Another important group is the retired mental health workers (Montgomery County Office of children and youth, 2008). The children, who have experienced abuse in many cases if not well taken care of and closely examined, can go into state of mental quandary. The organization need people who understand mental cases and who have hands on experience in these situations (Peak & Glensor, 2004). Other minority groups that need to be targeted and urged to volunteer their time and services are: other retirees, past participants, homeowner association members, animal lovers and retired and active police officers. The organization must sell its operations to the public of Montgomery for all people to be aware of its existence. CASA need to target people who will be instrumental in reaching out to the public and sensitizing them about the programs of the organization. One such group is the gardeners (International Conference on Student Mental Health, & In Funkenstein, 2009). Nearly every home in Montgomery employs the services of the gardeners and this makes them to be an important network for passing information about the

Report on Accessible tourism and accessible market regarding visitor Essay

Report on Accessible tourism and accessible market regarding visitor attections - Essay Example me, evaluation of positive and negative aspects of building an Accessible Statement, identifying areas that worked well and recommendations for the next step In order to address aims and objectives of the report, the group utilised a web-based data search and observation. Due to the inadequate resources and time, data was sourced was web-based and comprised; academic literature related to visitor attractions and accessible tourism This definition ignores the quickly changing nature of consumer demand and restricts the attractions included, does not include temporary attractions such as festivals or events (Swarbrooke, 2002). A more comprehensive and broader definition is given by Walsh-Heron and Stevens (1990), where temporary attractions could be classified as visitor attractions. Swarbrooke (2003) suggest that â€Å"visitor attractions at their most basic level they work to attract visitors to an area†. However, visitor attractions have many other pull factors, roles, functions and operate in a much broader sense Fyall et al., (2003): From this, it can be seen that the visitor experience has many different influences unique to an individual, attraction and destination (Buhalis & Michopoulou, 2011). Therefore it can be a difficult task for tourism organisations to get this right, however a full understanding of the above will assist them (Gunn, 2002). A tourism market that is accessible does not differ in that they want to sample what is special to the destination but need a â€Å"street-smart† technique to the ease of access of the destination to accomplish this result (Buhalis & Michopoulou, 2011: 149). An accessible destination must provide: However, all the terms used to describe accessible tourism have similar characteristics, and tend to have the same message that promotes tourism â€Å"†¦ accessible to all people† (Buhalis and Darcy, 2011, p. 10). Accessibility has a large impact on society, due to the Equality Act 2010 and the number of people with

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Article Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Article - Research Paper Example The most common environmental factors are toxins and exposure to pesticides. Toxic chemicals like MPTP, Toluene, Carbon Disulphide, and cyanide; and certain pesticides like rotenone and paraquat affect significant changes in vital neural components. Exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides are found to cause damage and loss of â€Å"dopaminergic neurons and clinical Parkinsonism† (Chao et al.). Pesticides like paraquat and rotenone has also been observed to depreciate both dopaminergic neurons and typical Parkinsonism. Furthermore, these chemicals inspire contact with genetic expression thereby curbing genetic mutations. As a result, genetics have been particularly considered in the continuing research on Parkinson’s disease. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease so far; and most of the treatments available today are used to either prevent or contain the degeneration of the disease. According to Chao et al (2012), current treatments for Parkinsonâ€⠄¢s disease are categorized into two main subgroups: symptom-relieving drugs and surgical treatments. Common symptom-relieving drugs include L-dopa, dopamine agonists, bromocriptine, ropinirole, cabergoline, and pergolide among others. Examples of surgical treatments for Parkinson’s disease patients are â€Å"deep brain stimulation, implantation of embryonic dopaminergic cells, and gene therapy† (Chao et al.). These surgical treatments generally aim for tempering motor and non-motor symptoms. Recently, the use of nutraceuticals has been widely employed as an alternative to treating degenerative symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. One example of nutraceuticals – essentially refers to â€Å"food or food products† (Chao et al.) that are scientifically found to provide medical and health benefits, and which exhibit potential preventive capabilities against certain diseases – are antioxidants like Vitamins C and E. According to Anderson et al., consuming foods

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The assignment is for Environmental Compliance & Safety class

The is for Environmental Compliance & Safety class - Assignment Example The Clean Air Act enabled United States to enforce laws that meet minimum standards for air quality. The Act requires the EPA to come up with and enforce regulations that guard the general public against exposure to hazardous wastes. Factors determining whether negligence has been involved in releasing hazardous materials into the environment are knowledge of the generator of hazardous material and provisions in the environment laws. A person is said to be negligible in releasing hazardous waste into the environment if he has full knowledge that he generates hazardous waste in his company and goes ahead and release it to the environment without considering its impacts to the environment (Dennison, 1995). Also, a person is negligible if he understands the provisions in Clean Air Act, but contravenes the provisions. Negligent action can be said to be a failure of doing something or observing the degree of care, which is required in the discharging of a responsibility, which the individual charged with negligence ought to have done to the injured party. In this case, the negligent individual is liable to all the problems caused by failing to undertake his responsibility. RCRA categorizes hazardous waste into eight categories, which are ignitable waste, corrosive waste, reactive waste, acute hazardous waste, toxicity characteristic waste, waste from specific and non-specific sources, toxic waste and discarded unused chemical waste. These categories help the RCRA in grouping of the hazardous waste (Dennison, 1995). Furthermore, waste can be categorized using four criteria. These are ignitability, reactivity, corrosivity, and toxicity. Ignitable wastes are those that are flammable when exposed to a source of fire. Reactive wastes are those that react with various elements and compounds in the environment. Corrosive wastes are those wastes that cause wear and tear of substances in the environment. Toxic

Monday, September 23, 2019

Eating in Ignorance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Eating in Ignorance - Essay Example Obtaining fast foods is cheaper as compared to buying of healthier food products which are essential for the development of the body. Wirzba (24) tries to make the readers of the article understand the importance with which they should have regarding the foods that they consume. Knowing how such foods are obtained and manufactured can be very essential in ensuring that every individual makes a wise choice in the types of food that they decide to consume. These cheap and fast foods are destroying our lives on earth in which God desired that we could live on it so that we can fulfill our dreams and serve him fully. Even though these fast foods taste pretty good it is the responsibility of each individual to grasp what the effects such kind of foods has in their lives. Knowing the composition of the different food stuffs is very vital so that proper choices on the kind of foods ingested into our bodies can be made. Without such knowledge the foods that build our bodies can be detrimenta l to our health. Christian Story Life that has been granted unto us by God should be held with high regard. With the evident frequent consumption of fast and cheap foods, all the life in the planet is slowly being destroyed and degraded. God expects each individual to respect and value all the life that he has bestowed unto mankind. That is why God expects us to avoid the earthly pleasures which are a cause of sin and suffering to mankind. With all the knowledge that man has been given, we are expected to always make use of it by getting to know some of the foods that we consume. As temple of God, every human being should treat their bodies with respect and integrity by ensuring that they consume foods which will ensure their well being. If only some of the people were fully aware of the food products which they consume they can never eat those foods again. This is an indication that such foods have a bad effect on our bodies which is a sign of the failure of man to keep their bodie s clean as they are the temple of God. God gifts which have been given to man should always be highly honored. Showing disregard to them is also a failure to honor God as illustrated by (Wirzba 25). This is an indication that in whatever man indulges in, everything should revolve centrally on God as he offers the best guidance on ways to satisfactorily live our lives according to his wishes. Through eating by gladly and generously sharing our food with other people it is a way in which the presence of God will continue to be in our midst. Christian forms of eating will always ensure that the eating habits of man become spiritually inspired ensuring the constant presence of God in our lives. This will be a manifestation of the love of the Lord. Respond Eating is an essential part of the lives of every individual. What man eats; makes them what they are. This is indication on the emphasis in which everyone should take into consideration the kinds of foods that eat. Life can only be gi ven and taken by God. However, for man to sustain their life on earth they should be able to eat food and drink water that has been provided by God in plenty. This is an evident link that exists between the kind of life that God has given to man and the kind of life that man has to sustain through the consumption of food. Food is the

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Implementation Plan Essay Example for Free

Implementation Plan Essay Cut over strategy defines the strategies and decision for the system installation. Once a system has been developed and tested, it must be installed and placed into operation. Installing a system and making it operational is complex as there are many conflict constraints. Some of important issues when planning installation are to be considered like cost, customer relations, employee relations, logistical complexity, and overall exposure to risk (Silvia, 2000). Some of the most important issues to be considered when planning installation include incurring costs of operation both systems in parallel, detecting and correct the errors in the new system, potentially disrupting the company and its IS operation and training personnel and familiarizing customers with new products. Different approaches to installation represent different trade-offs. The most commonly used installation approaches are: 1. Direct installation; in a direct installation the new system is installed and quickly made operational and any overlapping system are then turned off. This is also called as immediate cut over. The primary advantage of direct installation is it simplicity; the primary disadvantage of this is its risk. Because legacy systems are not operated in parallel, there is no backup in the event that the new system fails. This installation is typically used under the new system is not replacing a legacy system or downtime of days or weeks can be tolerated. 2. Parallel installation: In this the new system is implemented and run in parallel with the new one but not completely implemented at a stance. The old system is kept in place and slowly replaced. The cost factors are high but efficiency is derived from it. 3. Phased installation: The system is installed and get into operation in a series of steps and phases. Each phase is well observed before and after implementation. The new system is not operating completely at this time but is replacing the old system in phases. It is time consuming but very effective in the long run. Our installation strategy for the equipment tracking system would be the phased approach. It marks the continuity of the present business and also taking into account the changes the new system is about to begin. The business requires to flow and cannot be halted for installation of the system; therefore phased installation is the most suitable. a. Training Guide The function of training is to teach the user of the system the process of data flow within the system and the various operational procedures for correct and timely implementation of the knowledge for better productiveness. All the required user of the system will be given training and to provide know-how of the system working procedure and the involved business process. The effective use of business function needs to be well understood for the correct utilization of the system for the required purpose (Laudon, 2003). They are also required for learning the technical issues which would come up in the process of handling the system. The disaster recovery plan is also required to be provided so that risk can be managed well and the user of the system will not have to halt the operations of the business in case of failure or exceptional situations. All the users of the system will be trained in the following manner namely Face to face, Group manner, Individual training, Video audio conference and many other methods. All the techniques will be used for successful training of personnel of equipment tracking system.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Marketing Process Of BMW

Marketing Process Of BMW BMW cluster, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is one of the mainly victorious multi kind finest motor manufacturers in the globe. BMW is a German motor; motorbike and appliance manufacturers founded in 1916 and have been widely trade since 1969. The companys slogan in English is The Ultimate Driving Machine and Sheer Driving Pleasure. The original German slogan is fraud am Fahren, which translates to joy in Driving in English. The corporation produce, and market, a pied choice of senior end active cars and motorcycles. It is also own and make the tiny product and is the parent business of Roll-Royce vehicle Cars. BMW is known for its performance and luxury vehicles. BMW has a global presence with group subsidiaries in 41 countries and over 3000 dealerships and local importers in over 100 countries. BMW is a progressive company with salad of 1.2 million automobile and 101,000 motorbikes in 2008 generating revenue of 53.2 billion euros. It has a combined global workforce of 100,000 em ployees. In addition to cars and motorcycle, BMW operates an aircraft engine division under the brand name of Rolls Royce. The BMW group also has a strong market position in the motorcycle sector and operates successfully in the area of financial services. The Company operates its own financing company, which offers financing for vehicles. Automobiles accounted for 78% of 2000 revenues; vehicle finance leasing, 18%; motorcycles, 3% and other, 1%. UK is the third major souk and second main making base for the BMW group universal, and the only state where BMW groups three brands BMW, TINY and Roll-Royce vehicle Cars are represent. Chapter 1. 1.1: What is marketing? Marketing is a communal course by which person and group acquire what they want and want during creating, offering, and liberally exchanging goods and services of worth with former. (Kotler, 1991) 1.2: Marketing concept. The marketing concepts of BMW are as follow. Marketing focuses on the satisfaction of customer needs, wants and requirement. The philosophy of marketing needs to be owned by everyone from within the organisation. Future needs have to be identified and anticipated. There is normally a focus up on profit ability, especially in the corporate sector. However, as public sector organisations and not-for-profit organisations adopt the concept of marketing, this need not always be the case More recent definitions recognize the influence of marketing upon society. 1.3: Marketing process of BMW Marketing process of BMW are as trail. The marketing course aim to distribute enlarged success in company through better marketing tactic and marketing plan increase. A better marketing progression provide a number of benefits, with more free time, higher visibility, stronger worker skills sets, easier management, reduced duplication of effort, and increased individual and team rewards, and overall, less headaches. This process in turn creates a marketing organisation thats more reliable, more responsible, with budget. Under the marketing concept, BMW company find a way to discover unfulfilled customer needs and bring to market product that satisfy those needs. A model can be created to design the process using a targeted sequence of steps: The customer and market is analysed to identify opportunities. The market strategy is formulated to yield a value position. Tactical decisions regarding marketing strategy are made The marketing plan is implemented and the result is carefully monitored. 1.4 Benefits of marketing. The benefit of marketing is that it enables company to exploit their budding and achieve the punter at the correct time. A right loom to promotion involve sympathetic the client and their require identify the genuine wants of the souk. It is forever vital to appreciate bazaar wants, quite than to effort to power persons to purchase yours goods and services because you reflect they are enhanced than something else accessible. If the purchaser doesnt think you, you will not vend to them. It is as simple as that. A good advertising approach is base on the spot on level of explore in to a markets path and its key company. They have to spot precisely where your commerce strength fit into its souk, and how it will thrive inside it. Chapter 2. 2.1: SWOT analysis of BMW Anlnternal and corporate analysis in terms of strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) will assist in gaining an understanding of where BMW is currently in term of strength and where improvement is required with in the business and what outside environment threats it may face as well as what new opportunities are available to the company in the short and medium term. STRENGTH WEAKNESSES Diverse ranges of products- BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Strong cash flow position Increase turnover and trading profits Strong Balance Sheet Worlds leading Premium Quality Automobile Manufacturer Brand Awareness Human resources Capabilities to turn resources into advantages Perception of high prices Customer disinterest Environmental issues, pollutions Buyer sophistication and knowledge Substitute products or technologies OPPORTUNITIES THREATS New products Market shift to globalisation Innovation Alliances Customers demand change to more comfortable and relevantly cheap cars New Technologies in Automobiles New exiting competition Volatility in Price of Fuel New legislations Consequences of the oil crisis September 11th Economic recession Market shift to globalisation Takeover bids Far-East Automobile companies expansion Extremely high competition for customers and resources 2.3. Macro environment. The major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organisation decision making and affect its performance and strategies. These factors are as follow 2.3.1 Political factors Laws and regulations had affected the automobile industry as a whole. These laws generally revolved around the environment norms that were to be fulfilled by any car industry. Thus the car manufacturers had to take care of the environmental issues during manufacturing of cars. European Commission proposed binding rules to cut CO2 emission on new cars to 130 gms/km Example According to my research 2005 BMW achieved only 40% of their emission target but today BMW groups with its efficient dynamics programme achieved a reduction of average fuel consumption and CO2 rating by 10.2% and has made a greatest progress in terms of efficiency of all car makers in the European automobile market in the year 2008. Extracting maximum driving pleasure from every drop of fuel; is the aim of BMW Efficient dynamics. 2.3.2 Economic Factors. Economic factors relate to the exchange rates, economic growth globally and the business setting prevailing in the industry. Following are the economic factors which has affected the automobile industry. Economic Downturn. Increase in the cost of oil Example Rapid increase in the fuel prices is affecting the demand and the buying power of customer. According to BBC News which crude oil prices at 22 year high, motorists are paying out up to  £1 a litre at the pumps. Moreover according to Automobile Association research showed that in June 2008, litre of unleaded petrol had achieved an average national price of 118.2 pence per litre, while diesel cost 131.6 pence per litre. He also claimed that the annual coast to the motorist of keeping a car worth between  £13,000 and  £20,000 on the road now stood at  £4,112. The impact of this price hike on the drivers of the UK is 28 million cars are clear and it shows how the increase in oil price is affecting the car industry as a whole. In order to cope up with the present situation and existing demand for more fuel cars, BMW efficient dynamic programme which aims at reducing consumption is proved to be successful. 2.3.3 Social environment factors. Social factors include the changes in cultures and demographics globally a part from change in the buying pattern and capacity of the customer. Increasing population also has an effect on the car industry. Example. According to the Mintel data, UK population will reach 64 million people by 2013. The strongest growth will be witnessed among the age group 25-34, 45-54 and over 65 age groups. Out of these two age brackets, the 25-34 age groups will be a potential key age group for the used car market where the highest proportion of demand is accounted for by younger adults. The age group 45-54 is a key age group for new and used car demand. Moreover during recession consumers spending priorities also changes and they are doing cost cutting on many areas of their expenditure. But the purchase of a new or second hand car has been one of the few areas to show an increase as a spending priority in 2009. This may increase the demand for the cars in the near future and car industry including BMW will again get a positive response from the existing and new customers. 2.3.4 Technical environment Factors. With every spin of time technology is also changing which also reflects the consumers buying patterns. Nowadays, people are more concerned with the new and latest technology. In order to cope up with the current demands, BMW efficient dynamic technology tries to stay one step ahead. BMW has launched an I Drive in its all new cars. BMW is also spending a huge amount of money on its research and development department in order to innovate latest techniques like BMW car 2-x communication in their AMULETT project with the aim of improving pedestrian safety and thus creating a more competitive image in the car market. 2.3.5 Legal Environment Factors. Restrictions and strict pollution norms set up in European market and health and safety rules on all cars by (EURO NCAP) is affecting the whole motor industry. The European New Car Assessment Programmed (Euro NCAP) is a European car safety, performance assessment programmed. Euro NCAP publishes safety reports on new cars, and award star ratings based on the performance of the vehicles in a variety of crash tests, including front, side and pole impact, and impact with pedestrians. The entire car manufacturing companies including BMW has to abide by these legal rules and regulations. 2.3.6 Environment Factors. With the increasing effect of awareness of global warming and greenhouse effect, people are more diverted towards the use of more eco-friendly cars, hybrid and fuel cars. With the change in consumer taste and preferences the automotive industry has to be more focussed on the changing demand and patterns of the consumers. In order to cope up with the changing behaviour of the consumer, BMW is working on managing resources efficiently and eliminating or recycling all forms of waste wherever possible and thus moving to the hybrid cars. BMW group was the first car manufacturer in the world to create a vehicle Recycling Network. Chapter 3 Q.3: How does your chosen organisation pursue Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning activities? Propose new suggestions based on your findings. BMW had worn three ladders to targeting which is advertising segmentation, target option, creation position. BMW use segmentation to spot exact trade description. To find additional information BMW at Geographic segmentation. Demographic behavioural Socioeconomic Beneficial characteristics of society Geographical segmention Geographically, the major market BMW where they are action more than 65% of auction are Europe North America and these district are both greatly industrialised locations which grades into tenant are monetarily position to procure high souk cars as they funds returns is added. Demographics behavioural, The demographics of those who are bright to purchase a BMW are men and women aged 30-50 lifetime old. Behaviourally these folks have a winning picture in their brain facing trade cars. They also estimated to wish a faultless current look or activity look, and the sense fine factors of a recognized trader system. The benefits are required by these folks are dominance, act, dependability excellence. BMW gases manages realize over the year is to site its self is on the regulars mind is power. Routine, scientifically complex, value saloon manufacturer. The bazaar where BMW is location them is greatly bloodthirsty motivation being for the aggressive is the number of other vehicle manufacturer that construct cars of a parallel excellence, cost, and picture. The main manufacturer that BMW struggle with are as discussed before to name a few are Mercedes, jaguar, Audi, Ford, Range Rover, Porsche, and etc. most of these are azure hew manufacture use differentiate strategy to create that each of these company relies on dissimilar make imagery to retail their cars. Example jaguar is seen as a luxury, dependable and excellence manufacturer that BMW does except on the other give Alfa Romeo is famous for being fashionable and presentation type but untrustworthy car as per the investigate. The position of these company and their brand has been build up over numerous lifetime but BMW has dazed their blot winning the community in an optimistic way with the help of superior community relative and pioneering publicity agitation. This has led to rolling sales expansion throughout the global car market. When we converse about Product Gratitude BMW is a directly known product forename that has a standing pro its old age habit of excellence. Also many of us see its symbol from a manufacturer; this brand appreciation allows BMW to readdress its wealth from pricey publicity campaign in a greatly bloodthirsty souk. The marketplace in which BMW operate has person seen as superior and reliable regulars. Chapter 4, Q.4: how does the extended marketing mix apply to yours chosen organisation? Analysis and give example? The Marketing Mix. Marketing mix is the combination of marketing activities that an organisation engages in so as to best meet the needs of its targeted market. Traditionarly the market mix consisted of 7Ps. Marketing mix can be put under seven headings, often referred to as the seven Ps:, Products Promotion Price Place Physical evidence Public purchase Product. The generally central constituent in the selling is the companys produce because this affords the positive desires required by patrons. For example a car that does not start in the Moring will be like by clients. Marketing manager expand their creation into brand that assist to make a single place in the brain of clients. The current models are: BMW 3 Series Sedan, vehicle, adaptable, Touring, dense. BMW 5 Series Sedan, Touring BMW 6 Series vehicle, adaptable BMW 7 Series Sedan BMW Z4 Roadster BMW X3 SUV BMW X5 SUV BMW M adaptable, vehicle Each creation goes during what is known as a life cycle procedure. When explore what combine is best matched to the creation. We need to deem where in the life cycle sightsee goods lie which is revealed in the below shape and then depending choose if there is want to make transform in the produce and re-launch. Example BMW X5 launched at 2000 and then corporation lunched the senior or new description of X5 in 2006, for 3 series its 7 years lifecycle and for 7 years only for the 1st model lifecycle of three merchandise. These are the 3, 5 and 7 Series Saloons. This PLC scheme not only helps to ensure more steady profits, but also allow for the growth of substitute produce on a steady base. BMW has also been growing its selection of late and this can be seen by the company of some new product launch in the last few years. The above goods are all moderately established. Many of them have been creature affected for many years now with some redesigns and re-launches. 2) Price. BMW cost variety is from about  £16,000 to  £60,000 minus. There are many factor that can influence their car price such as mechanism size, vehicle activity account etc. Example Price such as mechanism dimension has been used by BMW for the 3- series is opposition leaning price. Most of the investigate show that all other competitor such as VW, Audi, and Alfa Romeo etc. in the 3 Series manufacture price sore not so vital and create the main revenue is not as required as it would be for a lesser business. 3 SERIES PRICE Sedan Price from:  £21,035 Couple Price from  £25,955 Convertible Price from  £30,915 Touring Price from  £22,215 3) Placement. BMW use better market dealership and significant for non merchant network countries they have four car developed vegetation in the UK. There are additional than 156 dealers in the UK who are franchise to retail BMW cars, moreover 148 dealers are franchised to sell Minis. Universal BMW work in more than 100 dissimilar countries with about 4,000 plus dealers which are authorised to retail both new and second-hand cars, parts and after sales service goods. Pattern of allocation for BMW is shown below in the drawing which followed by the business Producer >>>>>Dealers>>>>>>Customers 4) Promotion. BMW has forever focused completely on their cars with same promotion business, WCRS being the worn since 1979. A broad variety of publicity is used by this organization such as TV for branding campaign and new carriage launches, the press with sensationalist weekend dye addition, regional publication and magazines, outside campaign, sales fiction, fliers etc. publicity Campaigns/Slogans used by the corporation in the past. Example According to my research in 1983, 1994, 1997 and 1999 when James bond use in every movies BMW car, James Bond movie The Catcher The four CS: Customer solution: BMW strives hard to find out what their customer need are and works hard to wards fulfilling them. They believe that it is important to satisfy customer needs to keep customers happy and satisfied. customer cost BMW also realizes that all the costs taken to design their cars are also to be included in the cost of the car. They have retailers selling their cars in different regions/countries at different prices based on the acceptable customer cost for that region. Convenience. BMW does not have online purchase system but due to the high price of their products but they have online drive test appointment system for the 7 series using which doesnt need to go to the store to test drive car, hence making it more convenient. Communication. BMW has 24hours hotline number to help in communication with the company exclusively for certain model customers. They have a website for online communication. They believe in listening to customers when they are with you. Chapter 5, Q.5: Identify different types of buyer behaviours and how they apply to your chosen organisation? Customer trade performance is the production of how person or domestic customers behave or the choice creation on business any merchandise or services. Customer trade activities is a significant part of promotion, which studies the reason of why, when where, what and how the customers are behave on their trade decision. customer purchaser actions depends on dissimilar types of marketing (product place, price, promotion, physical evidence, public, purchase) and other stimulus ( Economic, Technological, Political and Cultural) these factors in fluencies the customer black box to make response for creation choice about selecting goods, brand option, price etc. Cultural, social, individual and mental these four factors have great power on customer buyer performance. Person wants, insight, values, performance erudite from culture, relations other institution. Social factor consists of a persons orientation collection relations, friends organisations. Private factor is incorporated age of lifecycle, financial circumstances, vocation, qualities and other individual kind power buyer choice course. Different mental factors like inspiration, perception, attitude, conviction have pressure on customer export conclusion. Our decision and attitude are also a product of our attitude. An individual might have a positive experience. Example. Driving with friend A- class which in turns affects attitude towards BMW Mercedes and change behaviour in purchasing an automobile. Attitude is not constant and change over time since they are result they are experience. A car crash might change the attitude towards the brand and one might decide to exclude BMW Mercedes as an option buying a car. Chapter 6, Q.6: How does the extended marketing mix apply to different marketing segments? Compare consumer vs. business markets, and International vs. domestic markets. Consumer market Consumer markets deal with final customer. Each customer buys the product for their direct scarification and has no other intended use for it Example The market for magazine is consumer market- the customer doesnt resell the magazine and buys it for their own enjoyment. Business market Business market is an online marketplace that matches business buyers with franchisors and business opportunities Consumer and Business market CONSUMER BUSINESS Each client has identical worth and represent a small % of proceeds There are a minute figure of big clientele that description for a large % of proceeds Sales are completed distantly, the producer doesnt assemble the client Sales are completed myself, the producer gets to know the purchaser Goods are the equal for all clients. The service ingredient is low Goods are adapted for unlike clients. Service is very valued purchase are made for private use picture is imperative for its own sake Purchases are completed for others to use icon is imperative where it adds value to clientele The buy occasion is not theme to loving and arbitration The acquire occasion is conduct capably and includes tender and arbitration The swap is one of deal. There is no long time view (monetary services vary) The switch is habitually one of tactical aim. There is the latent for long term worth The buyer is usually the consumer The buyer is usually an integrator some down the provide series the consumer 6.1: Table, Consumer and Business market. Domestic market and international market. Domestic market The market for goods and services in the country where the company is based. International market International marketing is the application of marketing orientation and marketing capabilities to international.( muhlbacher, Helmuth, Dahringer 2006) DOMESTIC MARKET INTERNATIONAL MARKET Domestic marketing is the manufacture, backing, sharing and sales of goods and services in a local market International market is the production, promotion, sharing, and auction of merchandise and services in a global market. Domestic marketing is less dangerous and easier to conduct International marketing is more dangerous and more multifaceted Domestic marketing requires lesser fiscal assets International marketing requires huge economic assets Domestic marketing deals with only a single market International marketing deal with several different countries markets. Domestic market deal only with the laws and system of one country International marketing is more difficult and requires more pledge form the business because of the ambiguity and different in laws and system in the global market. Domestic marketing deals only with one set of consumers International marketing deals with different types of consumers with different rates and tastes Domestic marketing, the business can have the same policies and strategies International marketing requires different strategies in the encouragement of their products 6.2: Table, International market and Domestic market Conclusion. It has taken a lot of referencing and researching for me to write this report and I have learnt a lot from this report, I started off with very little knowledge about this topic and worked my way through the assignment and I would conclude that BMW is a very powerful name in the automobile industry due to its reputation of providing high quality products and services. BMW and person actor has yearly shown burly monetary results and has reserved its market shares. This become of curiosity to study more greatly, in direct to find the factor last a unbeaten concern and burly product. Scrutiny the progress of BMW through the past five years. Not only are the monetary account taken into reflection that BMW is the most flourishing vehicle producer in top sector. BMW is a well known and greatly cherished brand and has high miscellany in the merchandise range. BMW possesses high inner aptitude and the corporation develop a big part of the car by themselves. The rising market in South East As ia, Russia Eastern Europe and South America has shown obvious swelling growth. Produce, transport and raw fabric outlay have both dampened margins and affected the export power of customers like as lofty oil price.