Women and Flexibility in the Workplace Essay - 1215 Words

Women and Flexibility in the Workplace Gina Carithers SOC402 Michael Burton December 17, 2012 Women and Flexibility in the Workplace The focus of this paper is to evaluate factors that have affected women`s pay in the workforce. The analysis of historical factors affecting women`s flexibility in the workplace as a continuous social and structural issue is added to the paper to explain the need for change because of the demands that accompany working female caregivers in the home. Historical and statistical data is provided to validate the issues surrounding unequal pay scales women commonly experience in the workplace. A hypothesis is developed to suggest the type`s of change that women hope to see take place in the†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"At the time the law was passed, it was estimated that women were earning 59% of the average wage† (Giraffe, 2011). In 2011 the estimate had risen to 82% ratio of pay for women compared to men. Lower pay scales for women means lower retirement benefits, pension pay, and 401k`s. The low pay scales were insulting enough to t he female gender but deeper issued existed such as the flexibility needed to care for children, home, and personal healthcare. Structural and Social Concerns Surrounding Women in the Workforce Women are typically the nurturers in the home. Mother`s have been responsible for childcare, PTA, grade-mothers, and sports moms for many generations before males began filling the roles because females were working outside the homes. Although it is not uncommon in todays society to see dad`s stay at home and fill the roles typically filled by women; it is a relatively new role for males in the last 25 years. The National Organization for Women, 2012, reports that, â€Å"Different societal expectations for wives compared to husbands and mothers compared to fathers†. Taylor, 2000, quotes Rita Donaghy, president of the Trades Union Congress, stating, â€Å"We want to see a labor market which does not penalize mothers but rather uses their skills in a modern and dynamic economy†. Women with children face issues such as childcare, adequate after school programs, leaving children unattended, and the cost for s uch care. WhileShow MoreRelatedHow The Flexibility Of Women During The Workplace Is A Social And Structural Issue1511 Words   |  7 Pagesthe flexibility of women in the workplace is a social and structural issue, research on various subjects such as history of women in the workforce, women’s rights, and equal opportunity should be key factors when determining them. Kathleen Christensen, recognized for her expertise on work-family issues and workplace flexibility states that flexibility of women in the workplace is a social and structural issue (sloan.org). Structural and Social issues as they pertain to flexibility of the women inRead MoreA Brief Note On Break The Cycle Of Disadvantage We Should Look At It From The Perspective Of A Woman886 Words   |  4 Pagescycle of disadvantage we should look at it from the perspective of a woman in the workplace. Organisational culture needs to shift away from the perceived ideal worker and begin to embrace a new model to support wo men in the paid workforce. Research has shown that providing family friend benefits does not further segregate women. The implementation of family friendly programs has shown to broadly impact the workplace by increasing commitment and productivity (Casper Buffardi 2004). Research showsRead MoreEssay on Women Leaving Work630 Words   |  3 PagesWhy do women leave careers after having invested heavily in developing the skills that would help them succeed in their career? 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Hourly employers love flexibility, but whenRead MoreThe Gender Equality Battle . â€Å"Who Is A Man, And Who Is1230 Words   |  5 Pagestoday’s society. Gender equality is not an issue that affects women. It is an issue that affects each and every single gender. The sources used for this essay give various outlooks on how gender inequality affects society and how as a society this issue can be resolved. The following sources give an insight into gender stereotypes, technology closing the gender gap, women becoming leaders, how to close the gender gap in classrooms, and women at work. Gender inequality is still a tremendously controversialRead More Gender and Power in the Workplace Essay1644 Words   |  7 PagesGender and Power in the Workplace This essay is an analysis of contemporary issues associated with gender and power in the workplace; which will specifically include a discussion of gender relations, stereotyping, women’s identity, the structuring of formal and informal power, sources of inequality, and sexual harassment. The concept of gender in relation to the division of labor in the workplace, and in relation to issues of power and control is an unfortunate, groundless stereotype. SuzanneRead MoreEssay on Changing Work Patterns1336 Words   |  6 PagesChanging Work Patterns If the workplace of today could be characterized by a single theme, it would most likely focus on the continual presence of change. Dramatic changes in technology, the marketplace and the workforce have compelled organizations to re-evaluate not only the competitiveness of their products, but also the core ways in which work is performed. It is out of this pursuit for continued survival that organizations have been faced with the notion of varying work-schedules beyond theRead MoreWorkplace Diversity and Work/Life Balance Essay1455 Words   |  6 Pagesvariables. It incorporates many areas of study such as psychology, sociology and anthropology. These disciplines are important in trying to manage new and existing challenges in the workplace. Two examples of current workplace challenges are workplace diversity and the constant struggle to balance work life and home life. Workplace diversity has become a growing concern within organizations. Managers are now challenged with learning new ways to effectively communicate the importance of embracing differentRead MoreThe Role Of A Middle Class Mother And Wife1334 Words   |  6 Pagespercent (Bianchi, 2011). The work and family policies, however, have failed to change with the times are still very similar to what they were during the 1950’s (Blades Rowe-Finkbeiner). This is an issue because with more mothers’ entering the workplace with no change in policies, it is difficult for families to provide and find childcare. The childcare dilemma often to leads to stress and is a major work-life conflict at home (Bianchi, 2011). It is critical for individual companies to reformRead MoreGeneration X, By Megan Johnson And Larry Johnson Essay799 Words   |  4 Pages(2010) note that in 1985, half of the college students attendees were women of Generation X (p. 64). What is more, as these women attended college, the marriage in America declined to forty-seven percent between the 1940s to the mid-1970s (Johnson and Johnson, 2010, p. 64). Moreover, Generation Xers in the workplace embraced creating a work and life balance, demonstrating independence in the workplace; expecting the workplace to be an engaging experience. On the other hand, Generation X has faced

Regulate The Price Setting Of A Natural Monopoly †Free Samples

Question: Explain How And Why Governments May Want To Regulate The Price Setting Of A Natural Monopoly. Answer: Introduction This study deals with explaining how and when government may want to regulate the price setting of a natural monopoly (Ward Begg, 2016). The current segment explains the reasons to why Government regulates monopolies. Some of the reasons are prevention of excess prices, value of service, Monopsony power, encourage competition and normal monopolies. To that, the next segment explains how the government regulates monopolies. Price capping by controller, guideline of value of service, merger policy, breaking up a monopoly, rate of return regulation and assessment of abuse of monopoly power are some of the conduct on how Government control monopolies (Greco, Matarazzo S?owi?ski, 2016). It is noted that Government regulators faces difficulty in dealing with natural monopolies in industries such as electricity business. It is because an electricity company with a monopoly in a specific market will definitely base its price as well as output decisions on the profit maximization regulation . To this, there is requirement for government regulation as the government is intended with getting the right amount of electricity to the right number of group that means allocating efficiently. This means the Government may select to set a price ceiling for electricity at the level where the price equals the marginal cost of the firm (Vogel, 2014). A monopoly can be termed as business or organization that maintains exclusivity if the supply of a specific product or service as evolves naturally or designed specifically that depends upon the nature of a market or industry (Tietenberg Lewis, 2016). In addition, Monopolies are governed under laws both on a national levels in countries and international levels through involvement of institutions like World Trade Organization. The concept of monopoly considered as a danger to free markets where there are particular situations takes place when natural monopolies are either practically helpful or cost efficient or practically inevitable. In most of the extreme situation, it becomes the most feasible alternative for governments to break up monopolies by using lawful procedure in the most appropriate way (Greco, Matarazzo S?owi?ski, 2016). Analysis Reason to why Government regulates monopolies Preventing excess prices- It is important to understand the reason behind why Government regulates natural monopoly is to stop excess prices (Shefrin, 2015). If there is no involvement of Government, then monopolies could set prices above the competitive equilibrium as and when required. This circumstance would lead to allocating incompetence as well as decline in the customer wellbeing as a whole. Quality of service- Regulation by Government are important, otherwise firms has a monopoly over the stipulation of specific service where they may have little inducement to present to get access good quality service. When there is government intervention to natural monopoly, the firm is bound to meet minimum standards of services (Posner, 2014). Monopsony power- It is noted that a firm that has monopoly selling power tends to remain in a location to use Monopsony buying power (McCabe Snyder, 2015). For instance, supermarkets usually use their chief market position to condense the profit margins of farmers. Encourage competition- In some of the industries, it is feasible to support competition and that leads to condition where there will be less need for government instruction (Lim Yurukoglu, 2015). Natural monopolies- It is found that some of the business is natural monopolies because of high economies of scale. In addition, it is not likely to support competition in this type of business and it becomes stipulation to manage the business to evade the abuse of monopoly power (Hawley, 2015). Explain on how the Government regulates monopolies Price capping by regulators RPI-X (Retail-Prices Index)- For most of the lately privatized industries like water, gas and electricity, the government had shaped dictatorial bodies (Greco, Matarazzo S?owi?ski, 2016). OFGEM is for gas and electricity markets, OFWAT for tap water and ORR is for Office of rail regulator. Irrespective of their rationale, the Government is able to limit the increased price. They can do it with a formula (RPI-X), where X is the amount by which they have to cut prices by in real terms. For illustration, if rate of inflation is 3% and X equals 1%, then firm can improve actual prices by (3-1)= 2% (Granger, 2014). In addition, if a regulator feels that a business can make competence savings as well as charging too much from the customers, them they can set high level of X. For illustration, in the early years of telecom set of laws, the level was quite high as competence savings enables big price cuts (Grammenos, 2013). RPI+/-K-for water industry- In case of water, the price cap system is RPI -/+K Here, K is the amount of investment where the water firms need to execute. In addition, if water companies need to spend in better water pipes, then they will be able to boost prices to backing the speculation (Fourcade Khurana, 2013). Benefits of RPI-X Regulation One of the benefits to RPI-X Regulation is that the supervisory body can set the price increase that mainly depends upon the state of the business as well as possible efficiency savings (Cowen Tabarrok, 2015). Other benefits of RPI-X Regulation is that if a firm cut costs by more than X, they can easily increase the profits. In addition, the firm can even argue that there is an incentive to cut costs (Greco, Matarazzo S?owi?ski, 2016). Other benefits of RPI-X Regulation are surrogate competition. Without competition, RPI-X is one of the ways to increase competition as well as preventing the abuse of monopoly power (Comanor et al., 2014). Limitations of RPI-X Regulation One of the limitations of RPI-Regulation is expensive and complicated in deciding the component that what the level of X should be There is a risk of authoritarian capture where the supervisor becomes too soft on the business as well as allows them for increasing prices and making supernormal profits (Bs, 2015). In addition, business may argue with the regulators as they are stringent and do not permit the firms to make enough profits for investment (Ward Begg, 2016) For instance, if firms become very much efficient, the firms may be penalized by having higher levels of X where they cannot keep their efficiency savings (Greco, Matarazzo S?owi?ski, 2016). Regulation of quality of service- It had been found out those regulators examines the value of services as given by the monopoly (Ward Begg, 2016). For instance, the rail manager mainly inspects the safety evidence of rail firms so that they do not cut corners. Another example is gas and electricity markets where the supervisor make sure that old people are treated with care such as not allow a monopoly to cut off gas provisions in winter (Anderson, 2013). Merger policy- It is noted that the Government has the strategy where they examine mergers that could generate monopoly power. For instance, if a new merger generates a business with more than 25% of total market share, then it repeatedly referred to the Competition Commission. After that, it is the responsibility of Competition Commission to choose whether to permit or obstruct the merger (Greco, Matarazzo S?owi?ski, 2016). Breaking up a monopoly- It may happen in most of the cases where the Government can choose upon monopoly needs that are to be wrecked up when it is seen that firm has become too powerful. This type of situation hardly takes place (Ward Begg, 2016). Yardstick or rate of return regulation- Rate of return regulation is an unusual way of changeable monopolies to the RPI-X price capping. To this, this guideline looks at the size of the firm as well as evaluates on the fact on what is needed for getting access to rational level of income from the resources base. For instance, if a business is making too much profit as contrast to their relation size, then the controller may implement price cuts for solving the problem (Ward Begg, 2016). Return on return regulation also has certain limitations as it encourages cost padding (Comanor et al., 2014). For instance, the regulation is implemented when firms permit costs to increase so that profit levels are not extreme. In addition, this type of regulation provides little inducement to be competent as well as increase profits. Therefore, the rate of return directive may fail for evaluating how much profits can be rational. In that case, it the profits are set too high, and then the business can abuse its monopoly power. Assessment of abuse of monopoly power- It is noted that the office of fair training aims at examining the abuse of monopoly power. In addition, there are several unfair trading practices that take place and some of these are as follows: Collusion takes place when firms agree to set higher prices (Comanor et al., 2014) Collusive tendering takes place when business penetrate into conformity for fitting the bid at which they will tender the profits. In addition, the business will take it for receiving the agreement as well as enabling a much high price for the agreement (Greco, Matarazzo S?owi?ski, 2016). Predatory pricing takes place when the firm set low prices so that they force rival firms to go out of business (Ward Begg, 2016) Selective distribution Vertical restraints takes place when the firms prevents retailers stock rival products (Comanor et al., 2014) Conclusion From the above analysis, it is concluded that there is need for government regulation for regulating natural monopolies otherwise firms will set prices with a view to gain maximum profits and will not be considerate towards the quality of products and services assistance. The Government may wish to direct natural monopoly in order to protect the interests of the consumers. For illustration, monopolies have the market authority where they can set prices high than the aggressive markets. Ways adopted by Government to control natural monopolies can be price capping, avoiding the expansion of monopoly power and yardstick competition. References Anderson, P. (2013).Theeconomics of business valuation: towards a value functional approach. Stanford University Press. Bs, D. (2015).Pricing and price regulation: an economic theory for public enterprises and public utilities(Vol. 34). Elsevier. Comanor, G. W., Jacquemin, K., Jenny, A., Kantzenbach, F., Ordover, E., Waverman, L. (2014).Competition policy in Europe and North America: economic issues and institutions. Taylor Francis. Cowen, T., Tabarrok, A. (2015).Modern principles of economics. Palgrave Macmillan. Fourcade, M., Khurana, R. (2013). From social control to financial economics: The linked ecologies ofeconomics and business in twentieth century America.Theory and Society,42(2), 121-159. Grammenos, C. (Ed.). (2013).The handbook of maritime economics and business. Taylor Francis. Granger, C. W. J. (2014).Forecasting in business and economics. Academic Press. Greco, S., Matarazzo, B., S?owi?ski, R. (2016). Decision rule approach. InMultiple criteria decision analysis(pp. 497-552). Springer New York. Hawley, E. W. (2015).The New Deal and the problem of monopoly. Princeton University Press. Lim, C. S., Yurukoglu, A. (2015). Dynamic natural monopoly regulation: Time inconsistency, moral hazard, and political environments.Journal of Political Economy. McCabe, M. J., Snyder, C. M. (2015). Does online availability increase citations? Theory and evidence from a panel of economics and business journals.Review of Economics and Statistics,97(1), 144-165. Posner, R. A. (2014).Economic analysis of law. Wolters Kluwer Law Business. Shefrin, H. (2015). Behavioral Economics and Business. InThe Purpose of Business(pp. 193-227). Palgrave Macmillan US. Tietenberg, T. H., Lewis, L. (2016).Environmental and natural resource economics. Routledge. Vogel, H. L. (2014).Entertainment industry economics: A guide for financial analysis. Cambridge University Press. Ward, D., Begg, D. (2016).Economics for business. McGraw-Hill.

Heart of Darkness Book Review free essay sample

The novel blends the use of narrative, symbolism, deep and challenging characters, and psychological evaluation of the reader (which Conrad is well known for). Joseph Conrad was born in Berdichev, Poland in 1874. He first became familiarized with English language at age eight; because his father translated works of Shakespeare, Conrad became interested writing. He was an intelligent child, and did well in school. He further studied in Cracow and Switzerland, but his love for the sea beckoned him to explore, sail, and learn a new style of life. In 1874 he took a job on a ship, and began his lifelong fascination for sea travel. He later got involved in gunrunning in the West Indies; because he liked to gamble, his addiction racked up huge debts which led him to attempt suicide. His brush with death opened his eyes, and he then realized that changes needed to be made in his life. We will write a custom essay sample on Heart of Darkness Book Review or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In 1878 he found himself in England, where he spent the next 16 years of his life in the British navy. This had a profound impact on his writing, and it really developed and deepened his passion for the sea. He found himself as a captain of a steamboat on the Congo River in 1889. His experiences there are what inspired the novel (1902). Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness draws a parallel between the physical journey of the main character, Charles Marlow, and his mental or spiritual journey as he travels more deeply into the physical darkness of the African continent; A story within a story. It begins with the frame narrator describing Marlow and friends sitting aboard the boat â€Å"Nellie†. Marlow is introduced as a â€Å"Buddha† sitting in a meditative pose. The narrative position is then taken by Marlow, who then goes on to recollect his experiences in the Congo. Since Marlow is an Englishman, on the surface he seems to be supporting and celebrating the popular European attitude towards imperialism. He believes in the civilizing mission carried on by the European nations; however, it can be sensed that he is in horror at the brutality of the mission. Throughout the novel several symbols are scattered representing the greed of the white men; although, the story brings, into sharp contrast, white men as â€Å"civilized beings† and the African natives as â€Å"brutes†: this being relative to the â€Å"darkness marked in the title. Joseph Conrad notes that the physical journey is then indicative as he becomes increasingly aware of the darkness in the human soul, which is shown in the character of Kurtz. Furthermore, Conrad notes that when Kurtz dies, the darkness reaches its ultimate level, and for Marlow, there is no return. â€Å"Between us there was†¦the bond of the sea. Besides holding our hearts together through long periods of separation, it had the effect of making us tolerant of each other’s yarns—and even convictions. The Lawyer—the best of old fellows—†¦was lying on the only rug. The Accountant had brought out already a box of dominoes, and was toying architecturally with the bones. Marlow sat cross-legged right aft, leaning against the mizzen-mast. (Conrad 1)† This indicates a gradual shift of viewpoint from the Western, or civilized, to the uncivilized. In this, Marlows viewpoint shift foreshadows his meeting with Kurtz. The reader is therefore prepared for an increased contact with darkness as Marlow travels deeper into the physical darkness of Africa. The decay of Kurtzs station indicates not only his absence, but also his lingering influence during the time when he was present at the station: note that the barbarian nature of the natives influenced the Western-born Kurtz and Marlow to a greater degree than their civilization. The novel closes with the indication that barbarism waits just beneath the surface of even the highest civilization. In this, Conrad makes his point regarding the true nature of humanity. As a result of ruthless colonial exploitation, involuntary servitude, and violence, natives lived in an impoverished state. As many as six million Africans died during the brutal rubber trade, overseen by the Belgians. Many are forced to be carriers of baggage, weighing up to 70 pounds, for people on jungle expeditions that need to move cargo from one place to another with few, if any, breaks to stop and rest. After experience in the Congo, Conrad returned to England in 1891 and worked as a sailor until 1894. He then retired from sailing and spent the rest of his life writing. He died 1924. This history sets up the action behind the drama in this book, as far as helping to smuggle ivory out, or carry supplies into the jungle nation. The recurring theme of darkness (a symbol for the reality of the society) and fear perpetuate the action, and ultimately envelops the characters that struggle with this dilemma such as Kurtz. The message is the same however: colonization destroys at the native peoples’ expense, close-minded European views perpetuate racism in these nations, and evil is a driving and yet sometimes unnoticed force.

How to stay eager and motivated during the summer

How to stay eager and motivated during the summer Which is worse: a case of the Mondays, or a case of the Summer Fridays? There’s always the coffee cure for that groggy feeling as you drag your feet to work on Mondays, but what about the long slow burn of the summer Fridays, when you’re surrounded by empty desks of people on vacation? Whether it’s the summer heat, the creeping envy of coworkers on vacation, or just the call of the outdoors, staying motivated and productive this time of year can be a challenge. Here are 5 ways to beat the summer blahs, stay focused, and enjoy your work more. Set micro-goalsReaching a goal you’ve worked hard for can make you feel a great sense of accomplishment. So why not get this feeling in smaller doses to help give you a boost throughout the day? Making a list of small goals- even â€Å"get coffee†- can help you get focused and get the ball rolling on the tasks you need to do. Checking something off your list can also help you feel productive and organized. Even better: set time goals. Turn your task into a small challenge. What can you get done in the next 15 minutes? To stay truly productive, schedule the next hour, the whole morning, and the rest of the day.DaydreamBut make sure you also schedule some break time. You may find yourself avoiding work to think about all the fun coworkers are having on vacation as you sit in your ghost town of an office, or to start planning out your ideal beach weekend. Use this tendency to daydream to your advantage by making it strategic. Letting yourself daydream (on a time limit) can refresh you and help you refocus before you go back to your work. It’s better to give yourself planned breaks rather than let your mind wander all day. And whatever you do, stay off social media (scrolling through posts of other people’s sunsets and palm trees won’t help you stay motivated).Reward yourselfWe’re not rats in a maze, but we are motivated to act by reward centers in our brains. If yo u’re absolutely burnt out at work and wishing you could take the day off and enjoy the sun, make your break times, evenings, and weekends count. Treat yourself by splurging on a really great lunch. Go to a movie after work. Rest well. Buy a new outfit as if you were taking a vacation. Plan a day trip for the upcoming weekend. Cost and time can prohibit you from actually going to the Bahamas, but even simply planning something you will enjoy later can boost your mood now- helping you be more productive in your everyday routine.Switch up your routineSpeaking of the everyday routine: if you just find yourself wishing you were elsewhere, bring a little something different into your everyday. Listen to calypso music on headphones or drink a nonalcoholic frozen pineapple beverage with your lunch. Even get an iced coffee instead of hot coffee. Walk a different way to work. One thing a vacation does is break up the everyday routine and give you a change of scenery – you can do this on a small scale. Let something in your day feel a little different to make the summertime special, even within your office walls.Bring the outdoors inSimilarly, if you are yearning to go outdoors in the sun, bring some nature into your office space. Listen to some ocean waves. Buy yourself a plant or some flowers for your desk. Look at pictures of nature or places you want to go. Spending a weekend on the beach can be restorative, but simply looking at nature can also actually make you calmer.Acknowledging your desire to be elsewhere will help you be more productive then trying to ignore it. Tapping into the small things that can help keep you motivated and help break up the rut will help you get through those long summer days.

Career Profile - Computer Programmer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Career Profile - Computer Programmer - Essay Example When I thought of who I would interview about computer programming, Matt came to mind. He is a senior system operation manager at Dixie Electric Company. He has been a computer programmer for 25 years since his graduation from the Massachusetts University of Technology. He stood five feet tall, charming and very jovial. I initially met him during graduation party of one of my friends, where he was the main speaker. He gave a keynote address that forever ringed in me. How could I forget him? On this particular day, I meet him in his office. ‘Hello, Shen! It’s been a while. How are you fairing on?† He said as he welcomed me into his spacious office. It looked quite expensive.Gold linings donned the walls, with hanging frames of awards of his exemplary performance. â€Å"He must be living well,† I said to myself. After exchanging pleasantries, we delved into the subject matter. He acknowledged that his interest in computers began way back during his days in hig h school. During his senior year in high school, he decided to pursue computer programming as a career. He notes that most employers look for programmers who have had at least four-year training in programming. He reaches out to two files of applicants that sought an opportunity at the firm. â€Å"These are potential candidates who may have their application considered, â€Å"he interjects as he hands me the files to have a quick look. Matt is a strict person and a perfectionist. He always means what he says. What was his motivation in computers?

European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European Union - Essay Example However, the idea of Europe cannot be entirely appreciatedwithout having the mentality of historical evolution of the Europe continent prior tothe periods of World War II and by extension the recent integration process that has been realized in the United States of Europe. By definition, stagnation in economic sense implies that there is a noticeable cease in motion, progress or generally activity. The progress as well as stagnation has been both customary and yet understandable stages in the expansion of the European Union and its antecedent, the European Communities (EC). European integration has had a kind of stop-and-go or an oscillating developmental pattern since the inception of the idea after the First World War (Louis Meuleman 2008; p. 401). Several factors have worked in a bid to understanding and shaping the composition and the future of the Union, for example issues like the adoption of a Constitution for the EU; the extension of EU membership to slot in ten new Member States; the ballot vote to the European Parliament; as well as the recommendation of a novel European Commission. In the 70s there was huge realization of lack of advancing the idea of EU among the member states. Citizens of independent member states were duly considered the then obstacles to the strong establishment and expansion of the EU. For instance, citizens of nations like the Netherlands and France at one time are in record having voted for their countries to pull out of the EU, leaving the reform process. In this regard at least according to Cini, (2007, 442); Citizens continue to disengage from the EU institutions, including what is ostensibly 'their' Parliament; the richer member states are seeking to reduce their contribution to the EU budget rather than increasing it to allow equitable treatment of the then new entrants in cohesion and agricultural aid. In fact the EU integration crisis in 70s Cini, (2007, 442) continue to declare, precipitated a situation dabbed Eurosclerosis. Eurosclerosis she explains further that it is the time period when the political integration in Europe mired. Fundamentally, it was the outcome of authority decisions in member states and by extension acute prevailing lack of public concern in regarding the condition of the European integration. There was also member state party politics as well as ethnicity issues (Bache, Ian & Stephen George 2006; 273). The principal issue here was how member states made policy decisions to shape their preferences regarding the EU (Folke, C., T. Hahn, P. Olsson, & J. Norberg, 2005; 361). The independent member states held varied political culture as well as big picture opinions of their national interest and preferences. These factors are by extension shaped by complicated bundles of issue-specific factors which further depends on negotiations between the EU27 members and t he apparent constantly shifting patterns of domestic politics within each member states. A pretty good example, according to Cini (2007, p. 450) is the French 'Non' to the Constitutional Treaty motivated by the then president. The French resisted the recommended liberalization of services in the Single Market which has been a prime EU policy, commonly called Bolkestein Directive. There is therefore divergent views on

Nokia Strategic Plan

Nokia Strategic Plan In this project I have covered various topics of marketing which are strategic planning, strategic planning process, the domestic strategic planning while the international strategic planning and also the difference among them. For more clearly understanding this topic I have also briefly discussed the case study of NOKIA. I have deeply studied Nokias strategic planning in India that is what all measures it took to grow and capture the Indian market. For understanding its international strategic planning and the reason for its success by properly implementing its strategic planning globally. Even the PEST, porters five stage model and SWOT of the company also made the concept and analysis more clear. Table of contents (jump to) 1.Introduction: Definition of strategic planning Definition Strategic Planning Process International/global strategy Difference between domestic and global strategy planning 2. Nokia Case Study Domestic strategy 4 Ps Marketing Mix of Nokia Porters 5 Forces Analysis of Nokia SWOT Analysis of Nokia 3. Conclusion 4. Recommendation 5. References Introduction Definition of Strategic Planning: Strategic planning is the process by which it maintain its competitiveness within its work environment by determining where the organization is and where it want to go, and how it wish to get there. In other words examining what all strategies will enable the corporate or association to prosper in the future. This definition applies to the largest profit oriented as well as to the nonprofit organization. Definition Strategic Planning Process: The strategic planning process is a rational approach firms use to achieve strategic competitiveness and earn above- average returns. Thus it is an essential most and foremost step in development of result based accountability system which is defined as the process of addressing the following questions: Where are we? What do we have to work with? Where do we want to be? How do we get there? These are the various steps involved in the strategic planning which has to be achieved or ensured one by one. The first step is to answer where are we? Thats where the company or the organization going to survey or conduct its activity. Then the next step is making themselves clear about on what they have to work thats their product or services. Then future knowing what is their future goal, where they want to reach and lastly planning that how they will achieve their goals. The Strategic Planning Process Mission and Objectives: Mission and objective of the business describes about the companies values and beliefs. They show what is the goal of the business for which it is working. The objective can also be in financial term as well. Environmental Scan: This includes the internal analysis of the firm itself which is done by SWOT analysis of the firm. While the second is analysis of the firms industry which is done by porters five forces model and third is microenvironment analysis which is done through PEST analysis. Strategy formulation: From the above scan the firm will get to know where it stands among the other firm. And then accordingly they have to make their strength into opportunity and also reduce their weakness and threat which can give them competitive advantage. This competitive advantage can be in form of low cost as well as differentiation. Strategy implementation: As and now the strategy is been prepared for the firm, so now its time to implement it. As and when it is implemented then only company can know how much successful is the strategy for the firm. Evaluation and control: The implementation of strategy must be monitored and tested and whatever necessary changes required should be made. Thus this process is done in following steps: Define the parameters that is to be measured Define target values for those parameters Then the performance measurement Compare the results from the targeted result Make necessary changes required in it. International/global strategy: An international strategy is a strategy through which the firm sells its goods and services outside its domestic market. The steps in international strategy are: Identify international opportunities Explore resources and capabilities Use core competences Strategic competitiveness outcome. The international strategy has two basic types: business level, corporate level international strategy. There are three corporate level strategies which are -multidomestic, global and transnational. Global strategy: is the strategy which assumes more standardization of product across country market. Thus global strategy is centralized and controlled by the home office. Difference between domestic and global strategy planning: Domestic strategy is basically defined when the company is been formed while the global strategy is defined when the company enters into the new market. Domestic strategy are the goal or the vision mission through which the company was been formed. While the global strategy are been decided according to the customers need, preference and the countries suitability. Domestic strategy is been fixed and rarely changes while the global strategy changes according to the need of that country. There are chances that the domestic strategy is similarly to global strategy while it can differ also. ( strategic management-ireland.hoskisson.hitt) The major challenges that international managers/marketer faces when strategic planning for the global markets:- The greater geographical dispersion across country border increases the cost of coordination between unit and distribution of product. Trade barrier of the global country also a major challenges for the managers. Even the cultural diversification and other differences by country like (access to raw material and different employee skill levels) greatly complicate the implementation of strategy planning for global market. Differences in consumer needs, wants, and usage patterns for products is also one of the major challenges for the manager during their strategy planning. Some time the religion of the particular country also affects the strategy planning of the company. This is also one the important challenge for the manager to understand. Nokia Case Study Domestic strategy: Vision for future: The main vision as stated on website and an punch line of Nokia Connecting people is now connecting people to what matters whatever that means for each person giving them the power to make the most of every moment, everywhere, any time. Connecting the we is more powerful than just the individual. Thats how Nokia is needed to help make the world a better place for everyone. (http://www.nokia.com) Strategy of company: The Nokia website states on its blog that To do this we will become the leading provider of mobile solutions. Our solutions strategy leverages one of our greatest assets a portfolio of outstanding devices, with unmatched scale and geographic reach. We couple them with smart services, integrated via an intuitive and seamless user experience. We differentiate these solutions offerings based on our in-depth consumer understanding, with a strong focus on social location (people and places). (http://www.nokia.com) Now NOKIA in India: The Indian market is huge and diverse and also undraped. As the rural India is the main unexploited which could be captured. But these rural markets have its own challenges in it. This brought Nokia to India and captures its huge market. Nokias marketing strategy planning in India- MISSION: The mission of NOKIA in INDIA is to provide the customer with the best durable, economical stylish and low cost cell phone with best feature for the common use of customers. MARKETING OBJECTIVES Maintain positive, strong growth every quarter by selling more and more no. of cell phone. Achieve a steady increase in market penetration To maintain its position of Indias no. 1 cell phone producing company. Maintaining its reputation. 4ps of marketing mix: 1. Product: Domestic strategy: Nokia in its domestic strategy had developed many model of cell which been updated time to time. Global strategy: The product Nokia brought for Indian market was more of user friendly and very durable product. As Indian market always demanded more of rough and tough mobiles which could be used and handled by every person. Even one of the main product features for India was that Nokia came out with the cell phone with torch in it. Which was a good strategy to attract the Indian rural market. As after the analysis Nokia came to know that 60percent of Indian population stays in India. And rural India is facing big problem of electricity. Thus this kind of torch in cell phones attracted the rural India So Nokia came with the product which was desirable by the market. 2. Price: Domestic strategy: The prices of mobile phones are comparatively according to the economy of the country. So the call rates in Finland are also comparatively high. But as there are very less competition so price of cell phone is high. Global strategy: The Indian mobile market has an over 170million subscribers making it the most cost effective player in this industry worldwide. More over India has the most lowest call rates and apart from this mobile phone calling from anywhere around the world is just two cents per minute, as in front of China it is four cents. The market is also aiming at immense growth. But so far Nokia is aiming at its Penetration-Led strategy which means having a mobile phone with every single person of the world. They are targeting at retaining their costumser which they have termed as replacement-Led. From a survey its been known that costumers in India tend to change their mobile phones very frequently. And whenever they come to change their phone are willing to pay an extra penny for a new upgraded handset. Thus in this way Nokia have managed to keep their price change as per the demand of its customers In India. 3. Promotion: Domestic strategy: Nokia is already a Finland company. So it is already a famous brand. Thus it does not require much of promotional activities to be done. Global strategy: Nokia made its promotion in various ways to capture Indian market. Among this the main focus was the rural market which was huge. Various film stars were been hired to promote Nokia. Even Nokia sponsored various cultural activities and sports activities and sports teams. 4. Place: Domestic strategy: In its domestic strategy it is already defined the places it has to cover. Which include whole of the country? Global strategy: For Nokia it was very important to keep a strong distribution channel so that the customer gets a product at right time and at a right place. Thus for this Nokia started its website, showrooms, marts and etc. Main strategy: The most foremost strategy for the company was to maintain the No 1 position in India among the cellular companies. This could be achieved if the firm keep on surveying the huge rural as well as the urban market. For the rural India Nokia adopted low cost strategy while for urban it adopted differentiations. Nokia external analysis | Porters 5 Forces Nokia a. Threat of New Entrant: Domestic strategy: there is low threat of new entrant. Because it is the first company of Finland with its big brand name. Global strategy: As Nokia has already built a good brand image in the Indian market. Thus it has a very weak effect of new entrants if any enters the market. Because Nokia has become number 1 as well as most reliable brand in the market now. So it will not be affected by any new players. b. Threat of the Substitutes: Domestic strategy: even in the domestic field there is no proper or exact substitute for Nokia cell phone. Global strategy: As in now there is no direct substitute available for the mobile phones and especially Nokias advanced feature mobile phone. c. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Domestic strategy: the bargaining power of substitute is low. Global strategy: As in now Nokia is been No 1 brand thus it holds a strong position in the market. So bargaining power of supplier is very low. d. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Domestic strategy: the bargaining power of consumer is moderate. When a new model is been manufactured it is thrown in the market. Thus consumer has less influence on it. Global strategy: As in mobile phone market is very price sensitive. Thus in that case the buyers demand and supply pattern matters a lot for the company. As it is been working under the assumptions of the buyers demand. Thus they have a stronger influence. e. Rivalry among Competitors: Domestic strategy: there is less competition. So rivalry among competitor is also low in this case. Global strategy: There is a high competition in this industry. There are many competitors like: Motorola, Samsung, LG and etc. thus it can be a problem for the company in the long run. SWOT analysis of Nokia: Strength: Nokia has the largest selling and distribution network compare to other mobile phone companies. It is backed with high quality HR and IT professional as compare to others. The financial part is very strong as it has much more profitable business. Wide range of product for all class. The re-sell value of its hand set is more compare to any other company. People trust it more compare to others. Weakness: Price offered by the company for few handsets is high. So products are not user friendly. Not concern about the demand of lower class people. Service center are very less and scare. After sales service is not good. Opportunity: It has a great opportunity in this huge. Opportunity to capture the rural Indian market. Most reliable company so people trust it more compare to others. India standard of living is also increases, so people are becoming more and more trend oriented. Threat: New players are entering with new features to attract the customers. Previously other companies were not providing user friendly mobile but now they have started meeting customers need. Conclusion Thus at the last I want to conclude the following points: The domestic strategy should always consist of future oriented goals. They should also have some or few global strategy also. When a firm enters a new market, its global strategy should be such that it should suit to the customers needs and requirement. Nokia case study helped to understand the global strategy. It also helped me to understand the various reasons and strategy Nokia adopted due to which it become no 1 in India. The main and the most important thing which Nokia kept in mind while entering the Indian market was its culture and values. Which any company should take care when it is entering into global market with its global strategy. Recommendation: When firm is going to enter a new market it should first study the global market. Proper analysis of the market should be done. The perception of the customer, their religion, there values all should be studied very well before entering into global market and before preparing global strategy. Thus manager good strategy can make firm earn more profit and vice versa.