Atherosclerosis, Coronary Artery Disease and Endothelium essays

Atherosclerosis, Coronary Artery Disease and Endothelium essays One of the foremost leaders of mortality in the US is coronary artery disease (CAD). This disease strikes many older men and women, as a result from the infamous factors of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus, not to mention others. Thanks to research over the last decade, there is more understanding of the role endothelium plays in the coronary system. Instead of having non-active, diffusional barrier-like qualities, as was once thought, the endothelium serves many critically important functions. At the blood vessel walls, the endothelium synthesizes and releases active substances such as nitric oxide and bradykinin, two potent regulators of vessel function. It is found that the physiologic changes in the endothelium affect the mechanisms responsible for atherosclerosis, and progressively in coronary artery disease. The changes that generate these conditions are known as endothelial dysfunction. As we will see, even the smallest factors can play a wi despread role in atherogenesis, or the making of degenerative plaques of cholesterol in the inner layer of an artery. Atherosclerosis, a condition increasing with age, is marked by the deposition of lipids into already-present plaques, causing elevated plaques. The inner layer, or endothelium, is the primary site of development of atherosclerosis. The endothelium is a highly dynamic, multifunctional organ whose central role is to respond to changes in stress and blood flow (Jairath, 1999). The endothelium is the largest organ in the body; its total mass is equal to about five human hearts, and surface area about the size of a tennis court. The vascular tone of the blood vessel is maintained by endothelium-released vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. Vasoconstrictors include endothelin, angiotensin II, thromboxane A2, arachidonic acid, prostaglandin H2, thrombin, and nicotine. Vasodilators include nitric oxide, prostacyclin, bradykinin, endoth...

The Roles of Science and Religion

The Roles of Science and Religion Free Online Research Papers â€Å"Science today is as much a natural product of history as any religious system.† The term ‘natural product of history’ is coined from the idea of beliefs, practices and objects being changed through time and inevitably, the process of creating these products, somehow or rather, tend to involve human activity. The effects and suggestions to the statement â€Å"Science today is as much a natural product of history as any religious system.†as related to the study of science and religion will be discussed further in this essay. The study of religion attempts to recognize the different aspects of religion through the use of intellectual disciplines. There are various reasons as to why a student chooses to study religion. Possible reasons could be the impact of religion upon global politics, the claim that religions convey truths by which human beings should live, to understand the influence of religion upon other disciplines of high historical values such as art and music, and could also be to find a religion in which to believe in. To be a good student of religion, one has to practice open-mindedness and learn to co-exist with another individual with a different religious belief. Putting own practices and assumptions aside, a good student of religion detaches himself from his own religion and is able to typify religions like how objects are typified. In short, the way to study religion is to be an outsider. In the study by Eileen Barker on Transcendental Meditation, or TM as it is widely known, Barker, an expert on new religious movements, took an approach as an outsider and discussed on the status of TM. Analyzing the practices and beliefs of TM compared to common religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, Barker felt that TM is not a religion, but a religious movement. Of course, to provide such a definition or rather explanation as to whether a discipline is a religion or otherwise, careful analysis has to be made. To aid such analysis, students of religions made use of different methodologies in identifying a religion from another. A student could use definitions of religions in his analysis of a religion. There are two types of definitions which a scholar can use to distinguish the characteristics of religions – Functional and Substantive Definitions. While using substantive definition is found to be narrow, many scholars favor using functional definition. A functional definition concentrates not on what religion is but on what these beliefs and practices do for the individual or social group. One approach to functional definition would be using Ninian Smart’s 7-dimensional model of religion. Smart’s model is found to be flexible and is designed to be specific. It studies religion from an objective point of view. However, in any study models, there are sure to have weaknesses. Therefore, it is essential for a scholar to be practical and explicit in their search for evidence. A dimensional model of religion, on its own, is probably insufficient. A better approach to define religions would then be using both functional and substantive definitions and models in combination. The history of man has shown the constant influences of religion, and so the study of religion, involving the effort to recognize its significance, its origins, and its countless forms, has become progressively more important in this modern time. Scientific discoveries and systems began to challenge religious beliefs. Known scientists like Galileo and Newton all played considerable roles in challenging the standard views at their time. While science is based on observation, religion makes point of view analytical in nature and requires some unquestioned faith. In spite of leading human through somewhat different course, both try to uncover the basic. Thus, the goal, in both cases, is to establish the elements of what shape the reality. Science is always based on evidence, trial-and-error, about observation and investigations, while religion is neither. Science is governed by natural laws and understandable in mathematical and physical terms. Many people trust the information science offers rather than religion because the facts that science offers seem to be more trustworthy. No matter how true these facts are, one still has to go back to the initial point before making any judgements. Let us now return to the underlying principles that govern the study of science and religion. The two principles, namely naturalism and symmetry are highly observed by historians of science. In the case study of Christian dogma in Baur and the Tubingen School, the approach to the analysis is considered symmetrical. This refers to the knowledge and claims on all sides that is explained symmetrically, without respect to who was or is now though to be right or wrong. On the other hand, the approach to naturalism is to treat religious or scientific ideas with natural explanations rather than supernatural. An example would be the products of ordinary historical causes and effects. This is more likely to be used by outsiders of religions. Just as the study of religion has their method to help students understand its process and history, Science historians too adopt their own methodologies. The two-track method and contextualist method both have their own strengths. Whichever methods one choose to use, the important things to ensure are there should not be any personal involvements in beliefs and one has to objective in his/her understanding the boundaries between science and religion. Both science and religion have parts to play in the creation of the universe but they just convey themselves in different forms. Neither science nor religion is an infallible method to move towards the nature of reality but when working together they can provide both a question and an answer, just in different ways. 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TQM IMPELEMENTION Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TQM IMPELEMENTION - Research Paper Example TQM works on the assumption that the superiority of goods and processes is normally the conscientiousness of all who are involved in the manufacture or using up of the products and/or services presented by an institute, requiring commitment and the participation of administration, personnel, suppliers, and clientele, to convene or surpass client expectations. ADNOC deals in oil as well as incorporating the petroleum firms in UAE. It produces an average of 21 million barrels daily. ADNOC has diversified its products as well as used benchmarking as a strategy to provide better quality services. ADNOC strives in the provision of quality products by installing such necessary TQM standards in all its operations for example gaming policy allocation in the supply chain, in inventory, it is constructing a stack approach together with adequate support technologically and crucially the human resource (Ross, 1999) Having fourteen subsidiaries, ADNOC has tried in all its bid to ensure that it ha s the requisite resources available just like any other Organization with the most important being the human resource that proves to be the most vital in every Organization. ADNOC treats the planning of the human resource component with some specialty being one of its goals. The company takes notice of the fact that an employee that is not satisfied means hindrance in the Company’s productivity (Rawlins, 2008). There is much diversification of the products offered by the firm. The core objective being to locate, produce and ultimately market the various resources that is natural gas. Vision To develop into a value added dealer of environmentally welcoming, included and highly quality goods and plus the services in the whole gulf Mission: Quality-focused relationship managing a well thought-out logistics support stand providing comprehensive goods and services to the trade of oil & gas, while outstanding in commitment to its clientele, owners, staff and society Marketing Strat egies: ADNOC marketing The firm involves itself in deep analysis of the continuing products in the market. ADNOC has a very well defined market catering for the various clienteles with a sole focus of seeing a rise in demand of the oil in the future and the petrol stations helped through promotion by famous joints that have opened doors around them. This way, the customers converge and are therefore likely to consume fuel in the stations. ADNOC has a very steady brand positioning. Even though the differentiation in price is set by OPEC, the variance there from is managed by them (ADNOC). The firm has many oil reserves managed by the capital ( Rawlins, 2008). As concerns product differentiation, the firm employs such strategies that do achieve some uniqueness. ADNOC takes caution, though on the possibility of the oil exhausting in some time in the future. ADNOC has a very large network to be able to sustain its customers and give an ample time and resources to explore other viable po ints. Being the promoters of the firm, the customers are an integral part in promotion with the channel available both in and outside the boundaries of the country through the maintenance of the customer (Hults, et, al 2012). Products and/or the services provided the brand name of the company as they have over the time marshaled such reputation and therefore very difficult to lose on the grounds of quality. The firm also ensures that there are no flaws in the products or services. The OPEC determines

Business Creation and Growth Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business Creation and Growth - Coursework Example This essay â€Å"Business Creation and Growth† highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the program that is introduced and developed for assisting the entrepreneur in starting up the business and conducting of the market research. It covers various areas which include the operation, human resources, operation, finance, marketing and organization. The process and the application of Sim venture are very simple and easy to implement as well as manipulate. Therefore it is required to be applied tactically for various purposes. The Sim venture game has been introduced with the purpose of allowing the user to run the enterprise for the period of maximum 3 years. Sim venture game assists the entrepreneur in successfully expanding its business. Sim venture performs the role or the function of a business adviser in which it allows the entrepreneur to carry out its business successfully and enhance his knowledge as well as decision making skills. Sim venture is a very well known b usiness simulation game that is introduced and developed for assisting and supporting the entrepreneur for the growth and expansion of the business. This game has been introduced for developing the entrepreneurial skill. It provides an opportunity to the entrepreneur in facing the complex business environment and competing with the demands in the market. The various areas of the business that is associated with sales and marketing, finance, organization and operation has its implication in the business programme.

Letter to the editor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Letter to the editor - Essay Example These concerns have ever been raised in the in various social media but still the topic remains unexhausted. There are varied views held by different stakeholders in the society. Some parents recommend for increased adoption of recent technologies among the children and have even bought handsets for children to access the social media more easily. Some groups, however, have criticized the indulgence of the children in social media that would have negative impacts in their lives. As a matter of fact, the social media such as the televisions have far reaching impacts on the children yet are allowed to operate freely without restrictions! The televisions air advertisements that do not promote morals of the children. For instance, advertisement showing some children engaged in partying or drinking behaviors teach teenagers nothing good but rather creating awareness of immoral activities that do not inspire them achieve successful lives. Televisions need to involve teenagers in choosing what is morally right for displaying to the viewers. Some television channels are after making money and care less for the morals of children. This is because the immoral adverts pay huge amounts of money and the television media could reap high profits. To combat these practices, the development of media act is necessary in order to regulate these activities by the television media to promote a better future for the teenagers. The activities of the television service providers h ave minimum regulation and this limits interventions of state authorities. The developments in the social media have also enabled the uncontrolled monitoring of the children access to unwanted content. There are very many social network platforms used by teenagers at the back of parents’ knowledge. Consequently, the parents would not know the information shared by the children in order to impose restrictive measures. For instance, the parents are aware of the Facebook social

Marketing Factors In Pepsi Cola Organisation

Marketing Factors In Pepsi Cola Organisation Company Background Pepsi Co is a world leader in convenient snacks, foods, and beverages, with revenues of $60 billion and over 285,000 employees. PepsiCo owns some of the worlds most popular brands, including Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi, Lays, Doritos, Tropicana, Gatorade, and Quaker. Our brands are available worldwide through a variety of go-to-market systems, including direct store delivery (DSD), broker-warehouse, and food service and vending. PepsiCo was founded in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. Tropicana was acquired in 1998 and PepsiCo merged with the Quaker Oats Company, including Gatorade, in 2001. Divisions Report operations results as follows, by six segments: PepsiCo Americas Beverages (PAB) Frito-Lay North America (FLNA) Quaker Foods North America (QFNA) Latin America Foods (LAF) Europe Asia, Middle East Africa (Investors/Corporate-Profile.html, 2010) I have selected the carbonated drinks industry for this report and discuss relative to the Pepsi under their industry conditions. International Business of Carbonated Drinks Industry Carbonated Drinks Market is growing High profitability and lack of barriers to entry led to the emergence of many new players in the market of carbonated drinks. Competition in the market is increasing and as a result profitability has been decreased by 15% in 2 years in the UK market. Company held the strategic analysis and decided to begin expansion to the new market. Companies are doing marketing researches in all geographical locations and try to find better new market for entry. Despite the presence of several competitors in the market the companies having chance to enter in to new locations and try to find grab predominant market share. The drinks market is attractive for the Pepsi Company because of its lowly competitive and having huge target audience throughout the UK. Company hopes to built there strong brand that will defend chosen market from penetration of new players and give the company profits at the higher level. The companys strategy involves building a strong distribution network in small satellite c ities in addition to the urban areas. Bad condition of the water from the municipal central water supply system and lack of prospects for their repair and modernization Unsuitable for drinking and cooking water supplied from municipal central supply system greats a high demand for pure drinking water purified populations. This situation is general for the whole country and its solution requires great financial cost. According to the current economic situation in the country the current situation is unlikely to be rectified in the next 10 years. The marker of pure drinking water is very big. Every resident should to consume every day about 2 liters of water, so the company considers a promising development of its activities in this market in the next 10 years. Therefore people trust the pureness of bottled carbonated drinks and avoid the bad effects of them. Growth by 15 times the tax on the production of drinking water / Carbonated Drinks in bottles from 1 may 2010 Carbonated drinks in bottles are substitute of water sold in the consumer packaging. Despite of its high price it has a raw of advantages such as Accessibility in every grocery in a city and Presented by famous brands. This drinks came directly as a response to public demand for pure drinking water and during that time became very popular in spite of price that 2-4 times higher than for drinking water sold in the consumer packaging. The introduction of the rule of this law will lead to the transition of customers to the consumption of water sold in the consumer packaging and persuade people to drink carbonated drinks due to the cost advantage. Improvement of technologies of individual water purification system and reducing of their cost This substitute is very popular in the market. Advantage of individual water purification systems is a possibility of their using directly at a consumer home by using water from the municipal central supply system. Cost of purification of 1 liter of water with the use such system is approximately equal of price of drinks sold in the customer packaging. However such systems have a number of weaknesses. Cheap models that cost about 10 USD purify water with a middle quality that significantly inferior to the quality of water purified by professional systems. It can be also dangerous for health to use such systems because delays in the replacement of filters can cause the user to use water with bacteria and viruses. Expensive individual purification water systems that give higher water quality comparable in quality with given by professional systems have high initial cost about 100-300 USD, that for considerable cost of UK populations in a monthly income. Also they dont purify water from bacteria and viruses. However cheap individual purification water systems are becoming more popular in the market. Companies should to develop response strategy for these substitutes. Because of all above factors the carbonated drinks market is still growing with huge industrial rivalry. The international business environment 2.1 Micro / Macro factors affecting to Pepsi in Globally SWOT Analysis Strengths S1 Experience in developing distribution chain in the industry S2 Experience in conducting promotion in the industry S3 Company provides strong control of servicing customers S4 Competitive and flexible pricing S5 High quality of water which is ideal for food that confirmed by certificates Weaknesses W1 Lack of natural drinks in the range of the company and specialized in carbonated drinks. W2 Company doesnt have service of delivering drinks to customers home W3 Difficulties in branding in the industry to heavy competition and should maintain promotions daily Opportunities O1 Growth by 15 times the tax on the production of drinking water in bottles from 1 may 2010 O2 Low prices for the rental of retail space and down wages, that allow company to cut cost O3 The market has a big potential of growth and now it is completed just for 30% O5 There is low competition in the chosen market O6 Bad condition of the water from the municipal central water supply system and lack of prospects for their repair and modernization O7 Growing concern of the population about their health O8 Development of vending technologies for selling pure drinking water O9 Severe pollution of water resources in the region Our strength S4 and S5 will help us to grab opportunity O1 and take some customers from segments of water in the bottles Our strengths S1 with opportunity O2, O3, O8 will help us to develop distribution chain in the city very quickly Our strengths S2, S3, S4, S5 with opportunities O3, O5, O6, O7, O9 would contribute to great sales of the company in the chosen market Weaknesses W1, W2 prevents us to fully utilize opportunities O3, O5, O6 Treats T1 Improvement of technologies of an individual water purification systems and reducing of their cost T2 The absent of barriers in the industry and low initiate investments attract new players T3 Expected growth prices by 10% for water from the municipal central water supply system that used by company for purification drinking water Our strengths S1 , S2 and S4, S5 will help us to minimize impact on the market The treat T1 Our strengths S1, S3, S4 will help us to minimize chances of new entrances to the market Opportunity O2 will eliminates treat T4 Weakness W2 with treat T1 can cut share of the industry in the market of pure drinking water. We need to develop promotion program that will stimulate population to use just quality water purred by professional systems Weakness W1 with treat T3 great opportunity for other companies to entry the market with offer of natural drinking water sold in the customer packaging and grab segment of the market. So company should initiate project of sales natural drinking water from own distribution chain for the segment of the market that want to drink just natural water 2.2 PESTEL Variable Factors Political and Legal Growth by 15 times the tax on the production of drinking water in bottles from 1 may 2010 Total corruption in the controlling state bodies Bad condition of the water from the municipal central water supply system and lack of prospects for their repair and modernization Economic Low prices for the rental of retail space caused by economic recession in 2009 Down wages, high level of unemployment Expected growth prices by 10% for water from the municipal central water supply system that used by company for purification drinking water Reduction in purchasing power of the population Socio-cultural Growing concern of the population about their health Negative attitude of population toward quality of water from municipal central water supply system Technological Improvement of technologies of an individual water purification systems and reducing of their cost Development of vending technologies for selling pure drinking water Ecological Severe pollution of water resources in all around the world 2.3 Porters 5 Forces Analysis Buyer Power is moderate: Bottling companies and retailers constitute the main buyers in the carbonated soft drinks market. The latter represents the most significant force yet despite their large size and concentration, it is the public that drives the market (heavy marketing campaigns and brand consciousness are a warrantee that popular products must be stocked, reducing the power of buyers). Although Pepsi does not do any bottling, the company owns about 36% of Pepsi Enterprises which is the largest Pepsi bottler in the world (Murray, 2006a). Since Pepsi owns the majority of the bottler, that particular supplier does not hold much bargaining power. Suppliers Power is moderate: Pepsi is dependent on suppliers for various ingredients and vulnerable to certain commodities price fluctuations. However, the availability of substitutes reduces their power. N.B: the advertising and marketing agencies represent key suppliers (very concentrated) but their power is moderate. New Entrants threat is weak: they face important barriers such as strong brand loyalty and substantial fixed costs. The nature of the market also demands an intensive marketing campaign in order to create and maintain a successful brand awareness and image. The difficulty in dislodging the main players of the market is linked to the importance of economy of scale which inevitably benefits current mass manufacturers. Substitutes threat is moderate: there are various substitutes such as alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and non-carbonated soft drinks. But the diversity of public demand ensures that a wide range of products offered by Pepsi will be stocked by retailers. For many consumers, such products represent alternatives and not substitutes. Industry competition is a moderate force: with only a limited number of players, competition is lessened as each established competitor secures an important segment of the market thanks to strong branding and product differentiation. Coca Cola and Pepsi Co dominate the industry with strong brand names and great distribution channels. Forces Factors Threat of substitutes The individual water purification systems. The cost of water with the use of the individual water purification systems is approximately equal to the cost of water sold in the customer packaging. Cost of cheap purification systems sold at the supermarkets is low (about 10 USD), so its the easiest way for customer to have pure water directly at home. Drinking water in bottles. This water is available in any store in the city. Its price higher by 3-4 times than drinking water sold in the customer packaging. Small part of customers uses this water every day for drinking and cooking. Some companies specialize in supplying the offices of drinking pure water in bottles. This market is strong competitive. Threats of new enters Licences or any other special permission arent needed to entry the market. Initial investment to start business in this market is about 20  000 USD, so it is some easy to entry in the market. It is easy to organize distribution chain by setting up chain of outlets in a chosen area. It is low chances for new outlets to be opened near existing one, because owners understand that there much area is free in the market and strong competition will kill profits. Density of rivalry Industry is growing by 20-30% every year In the chosen market competition is low, existing sellers are getting super profits Brands arent developed at all. The companies havent differentiated their products in the minds of buyers because of low competition and havent provide any marketing events The market has a big potential of growth and now it is completed just for 30% The most important competitive advantage is a dense distribution chain Bargaining power of buyers Buyers are individual and amount of purchase is small, so buyers dont have significantly impact on prices. Buyers can easy switch on substitute products or on purchasing water from a competitor outlet if it is available in the nearest area. Product cost isnt significant for buyers, so their sensitivity to price isnt very big Buyers are sensitive to quality of product and to information about it Bargain of suppliers Producer of drinking pure water distribute it by own distribution chains and use water for purification from municipal water supply system International strategies of the company Strategies As for the growth strategy, I choose the Product Development strategy because decided to create a new product for existing customers and because it is a medium risk strategy. And for the competitive strategy, I choose the differentiation strategy because Pepsi is a very innovative company, the unique selling point being having a great Energy drink with the amazing taste of Coke Zero. It is costly but Coca is a multinational company and the leader in its market. STP Segmentation criteria: Market Size: UK, Males, Age: 15-35, Wage: , Students, Professionals, Sports People, Urban people. Targeting criteria: Influence, Strategic Fit, Disposable Income, and Reachable, likely to buy. Targets: Professionals and Sports People. Positioning: Sporty, Cool, Young, Adventure, Personality, Unique. Tactics Product Core Product: NRJ Coke Zero, satisfy the need of thirst and vitamins Second Product: (first added value): taste, design, quality, brand, innovation, Third: After sales, cool personality, differentiation, Why innovation: Rationale for my product development: Stay competitive in the energy drinks market Retain market share Trends NPD (New Product Development) Idea Generation and screening Business Analysis Market Testing Commercialise Price Price Elasticity: Perfect Elasticity: Intermediate pricing Place / Distribution Channels Indirect distribution because it allows more market reach, maximum availability of products, minimum costs of ownership and infrastructure. As a matter of fact, the targeted segments are very large (FMCG product). Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages such as the brand is diluted: the competitors can have a stronger power on retailers which might lead to less availability or lack of presentation and merchandising. Also commissions: The power of retailers may have adverse impacts on the companys margins and profits. Intensity of Distribution: Intensive Distribution: Prelaunch exclusive then intensive starting from the introduction stage. Integration of Distribution: Backward Vertical Integration: B2B: Upstream relationship (with suppliers: contracts, acquisition of suppliers and bottlers, mergers, joint ventures, strategic alliances). Forward Vertical Integration: B2B with retailers: Downstream. B2C: CRM, Mass Media, Loyalty cards, research. Pepsi collects information from the retailers, Promotion / Communication: Objectives: D Æ’Â   Differentiate 40% R Æ’Â   Reinforce the message 0% I Æ’Â   Inform 40% P Æ’Â   Persuade (call to action) 20% In the introduction stage, my main objectives are to inform and differentiate. Then develop a COMMUNICATION STRATEGY: PUSH: Pepsi Æ’Â   Retailer ( trade magazines, promotion, incentives) (25%) PULL: Pepsi Æ’Â   Customer ( TV advertising..) (25%) PROFILE: Pepsi Æ’Â   Retailers and Customers ( brand image, sponsor events, celebrity endorsement). (50%) because main CSF is strong brand image Develop Brand: Umbrella branding: NRJ Pepsi Zero Promotional Mix ABOVE THE LINE ( Mass reach, not customised) TV teaser, TV adverts, Radio, Press, Billboards BELOW THE LINE (Customised) Direct Marketing, Personal Selling, Sales Promotion THROUGH THE LINE (Cinema, fashion magazine, event sponsor,) Sponsorship Samples Exhibitions PR/ Publicity 2012 London Olympic Games 04. Effectiveness of the companys international strategies 4.1 Value Chain Analysis In Bound Logistics: Some of Pepsis most notable suppliers include Spherion, Jones Lang LaSalle, IBM, Ogilvy and Mather, IMI Cornelius, and Prudential. These companies provide Pepsi with materials such as ingredients, packaging and machinery. In order to ensure that these materials are in satisfactory condition, Pepsi -cola has put certain standards in place which these suppliers must adhere to (The Supplier Guiding Principles). These include: compliance with laws and standards, laws and regulations, freedom of association and collective bargaining, forced and child labor, abuse of labor, discrimination, wages and benefits, work hours and overtime, health and safety, environment, and demonstration of compliance (Pepsi Cola 2006). Process: Pepsi purchases its own ingredients through use of future contracts (to avoid market volatility) and produces its concentrate from its own facilities. Once this is done, these companies send their concentrate out to bottlers upon approval of contract for bottling company. Outbound Logistics: Once the bottling company receives the shipment of concentration, it is diluted to the correct concentration by adding the correct amount of carbonated water, and sugar, and bottled for sale. This is done for two reasons. One reason is so that Pepsi can maintain its exact mix of ingredients as a well-kept secret, and not let the bottling companies know what exactly goes into its product. This affects the image of the product, and preserves it as something of higher value, and actually applies a sense of prestige to the Pepsi products that are kept such excellent secrets. Pepsi operates by sending concentrate to bottlers, who then take the necessary actions, and ship out its products to consumers and vendors. Automation in technology in cash registers allows Pepsi and the bottling companies who bottle and ship the contents of each bottle to know exactly how much of their product the merchant is carrying. This allows for a quick delivery of more products for the merchant to sell in a nice and timely procedure. (Source: article VCA) JDA Software Group has announced that Pepsi Bottling Co. Consolidated, with 6,000 employees and $1.4 billion in annual revenue, has upgraded its JDA Software supply chain management solutions to Version 7.4, including JDA ® Demand, JDA ® Fulfillment and JDA ® Transportation Planning, all powered by Manugistics ®. Pepsi Consolidated expects to further improve forecast accuracy, customer service levels, order fill rates and on-time deliveries with the support of JDA Software. JDA Softwares Supply Chain Optimisation and Transportation Logistics Management solutions allow companies to respond rapidly to shifts in consumer demand, as well as manage, optimise and execute the strategic, operational and tactical business processes that transform the supply chain into a strategic differentiator. (Source: Forecasting Demand Planning). Sales Marketing: Marketing and Sales for Pepsi e is huge. Pepsi relies extensively on advertising and sales promotion in marketing its products. Pepsi Enterprises and TCCC have established a Global Marketing Fund, under which TCCC pays Pepsi Enterprises $ 61.5 million annually through December 31, 2014, as support for marketing activities. (Source: annual report). After Sales: David Johnston, JDA Software senior vice president of manufacturing and wholesale distribution, said, JDAs innovative supply chain solution enabled Pepsi Consolidated to achieve substantial inventory reductions while also delivering significant improvements in customer service levels. Additionally, sales from new product introductions improved greatly. More and more companies are focusing on achieving true supply chain optimisation excellence in a quest to deliver improved market responsiveness, better lifecycle management, optimised network-wide inventory levels, increased customer service levels, and reduced logistics costs. JDA Software has continually delivered innovation that provides manufacturers, wholesale distributors and retailers with unparalleled optimisation and visibility into the extended supply chain that enables them to delight their customers and shareholders alike. (Source: Forecasting Demand Planning). 4.2 7 Ps and 7 Ss 7 Ps STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES PRODUCT 1. Great Energy drink with the popular Pepsi Zero taste 2. Carbon drink 3. Enriched with vitamins 4. Innovation in products and packaging 5. Consumer and customer goodwill associated with the brand portfolio 6. Very strong brand awareness ensures that Pepsi popular products must be stored by retailers 1.Seasonality in the UK 2. The energy drinks are usually considered as unhealthy and too sweet 3.Competing with Red Bull which is the leader ( de loin) PRICE 1. Same price as Red bull 2. Affordable for Coke Zero consumers 3. Price package architecture (different pricing options) 1. Ingredients and packaging costs per case increase, as finished goods and increasing cost of sparkling beverage concentrate. 2. Same price as Red Bull but same taste as Pepsi, so needs to justify the price by insisting on the added vitamins and quality of Stevia sweetener. PLACE 1. Pepsi owns the largest beverage distribution system 2. NRJ Coke Zero will be available everywhere 3. Will benefit from the Pepsi existing and well established distribution channels 1. Changes in the relationships with large customers may negatively impact financial results 2. Disagreement among bottlers could lead to complicated negotiation with customers, suppliersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 3. Dilution of the Coke brand as it is sold in the retailers shelfs 4. Referencing challenge as it is a question mark product for the retailers PROMOTION 1. Heavy marketing and advertising campaigns 2. Heavy use of celebrity endorsement 3. Effective PR 4. TCCC is the official sponsor of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in the UK 1. Expensive Marketing and Advertising campaigns 2. Expensive promotion as it is to inform and differentiate the product PEOPLE 1.Great customer service 2.Improved customer service through the implementation of a new selling system for smaller customers 1. The customer facing staff are not part of the TCCC personnel, their customer service is not homogeneous and dedicated to Pepsi 2. The staff are not expert of the new product and will not be able to sell it properly or explain its attributes to the final customers PROCESS 1. Constant innovation in the equipment and in supply chain infrastructure improvement 2. Very efficient supply chain, linking the retailers stocks to TCCC bottling partners directly for reordering 1.Long processes as it is a multinational 2. Long decision making process PHYSICAL EVIDENCE 1.Great vending, dispensing machines, coolers 2. Great head offices 3. Strong brand, trademark, Pepsi bottler, great packaging and design 4. Very comprehensive and well elaborated website 1. Variety of shops Recommendations for improvement The marketing plan takes the corporate objectives and communicates them into measurable outcomes. Piercy (2002) states that The real strategic problem in marketing is not the strategy it is marketing the implementation and the change (p166 CIM) Lack of skills An effective organizational structure and committed leadership is needed to deliver the marketing plan (CIM p166). Improving marketing skills in the company Presentation of operational proposal for addressing the : Lack of Resources A lack of sufficient financial budgets and people to support the required task needed to implement the plan. Time constraints can also affect the delivery of the plan. Organizational Culture The culture of the company could hinder the development of the marketing plan across the company. The existing shared values of the organizations. The established processes and company traditions can make departments resistant to change. Systems Internal Marketing Internal marketing and resource allocation will need to be planned to Ensuring people sell expected targets and Undertaking effective communicate brand images and ensure value based marketing Strategy not suitable for the business The strategy needs to be approved by Managing directors to determine its accuracy and Turbulent market environment The unpredictable changes in the market will make the marketing plan The inclusion of an contingency planning and benchmarking

Shoeless Joe :: essays research papers

Reviewing a TV show or movie The Simpsons is undeniably the best show to ever be shown on television. Every episode is a timeless classic, subtle Simpson’s humor and doesn't depend on common jokes that so many rip-off cartoon shows and sitcoms use today. It is original, and no other show can ever top its humor. The characters are all amazingly funny and they always think of the most surprising and hilarious things to say. The Simpsons is one of the few shows that have managed to retain its popularity over the years. Bart pulls a prank at church, resulting in a punishment for himself and Milhouse. They have a conversation about it, and Bart tells Milhouse that he does not believe in souls. To prove it, he sells his soul to Milhouse for $5, well actually; he sells him a piece of paper with "Bart Simpson's soul" written on it. He notices that animals are afraid of him and automatic doors don't recognize him. Bart continues to notice that he is different. He loses his ability to laugh at senseless violence. He tries unsuccessfully to get his soul back from Milhouse. Bart has nightmares, so he goes on to beg for Milhouse's help. Milhouse does not have the soul anymore; he sold it to Comic Book Guy, who then sold it to an unnamed person. Bart is relieved to discover it is Lisa, and she gives him back his soul. Bart is back to normal, metaphysically. A major reason why it’s maintained its popularity is because of its overall quality. While other cartoons and sitcoms center on vulgar themes and pathetic plot-lines, The Simpsons is able to shine far above the rest with its hilarious plots, and good messages. We all know it’s impossible to sell your soul, but that’s the creativity. At the end of the episode Bart learns the true meaning of having a soul and respecting the church. The Simpsons is a ride through a fantasy society, which mock very human trait. Beer is drunk in every episode, bad habits are given into, ignorance and disdain to normal people, but somehow, everyone gets along in the end. Some features can be irritating, such as the portrayal of women, it’s always the mother and sister who are working hard and very intelligent, and the men are laid back with no worry. It also discriminates against Indians like Apu the kwiki- mart owner.