Marketing Plan †Halal Diet in the United States

Marketing Strategy The Halal diet is consumed mostly by the Muslims in different countries of the world. The diet has been accepted in various countries, and this makes it popular in many countries where Islamic faith is practiced. Countries advocating for religion diversity, such as the United States, have accepted the use of such products in their markets.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Marketing Plan – Halal Diet in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This means that the product is not limited to Muslim countries but also other countries globally (Brazin, 2006). For this reason, the diet is intended to be marketed across the religious and other sects in the United States. The diet is to be marketed across different eating cultures. This means that the diet is to be marketed to Muslims and people of other religions because it helps in weight loss reduction. The health benefits of the product will make it acceptable by other religions, cultures, communities and countries. Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) has been an efficient method of accessing and maintaining a product in the market (Shimp, 2010). Firms use IMC to improve their market position by delivering the important information that consumers might require. The marketers also collect important information about the behavior of consumers. This helps develop products which match the needs of the customers. On the other hand, the consumers are able to deliver the information they feel is important about the products being offered in the market by the company. The major importance of IMC is that it makes a product to have a stronger competitive advantage in the market (Shimp, 2010). This strategy will be adopted in the marketing of the Halal Diet in the United States. Since Halal Diet is not a new product in the market, the difference has to be brought about in order to make distinction from the norma l Halal diet in the market. Therefore, issues that will be given maximum attention in strategizing the marketing process are: branding and advertising, promotional activities, budgeting and media rationale and publicizing of the diet.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The first thing will be the branding of the diet since it will give the diet the aspect of uniqueness in the market (Franzen Moriarty, 2009). The diet will have a single brand name which is ‘Special Halal Diet for Weight Loss.’ This name will be enclosed in a caption on a packet in which the diet will be packaged for delivery. The color of the packages will differ for the vegetarian diet and for the non-vegetarian diet, and this will be written on the packet for ease of differentiation. This is because the diet is meant for customers with differing consumption habits. A clear distinction has to be made when packaging and branding in order to make it easy for the customers to identify their taste of the diet. Since the diet will be introduced as a new product in the market, massive advertising is required in order to make the product known to the market (Ishikawa Tsujimoto, 2008). Advertisement will be done through the internet, the radio and the television and posters. The internet will be used because modern marketing embraces the use of e-marketing; which has proven to be very effective because many people in the United States have adopted e-shopping and marketing (Kurtz, 2011). In addition, most people in the US have access to the internet, and the internet also gives a room for explaining the diet to the customers in a quite detailed manner. Amazon.com, which is one of the widely used marketing and advertising websites, will be used in advertising the Halal diet. Television and radio are also common tools of advertisement, and adverts of the diet will be aired on the radio and the television in order to reach more customers who do not visit the internet regularly. Moreover, the products will be posted on the billboards and posters in order to instantaneously alert people of the diet. Mission For any business to grow, it has to have a strong vision and mission which are the guiding factors that always put the business on truck. The vision of this business is â€Å"preparing high quality and healthy food for all Americans.† The mission of the Halal Diet business is â€Å"preparing and delivering of quality and healthy diet for all Americans.†Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Marketing Plan – Halal Diet in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The objectives of the business are to produce food that cuts across the cultural divides of America, making food that is healthy for the population and which will help in addressing the healthy and c onsumption needs of all Americans. In summary, the mission and objectives of this business centers on marketing across cultures, addressing the modern health needs of the customers in the diet and addressing different eating habits of the customers. These three diversities are important and will help the firm in capturing a big market for the business; and therefore propel the growth of the business in the United States. This diet intends to help customers tackle the problem of overweight, thus as they continuously consume the product and achieve this goals, they will yearn for more diet. Also, both vegetarians and non-vegetarians will have their needs captured by the business, making it to have a more competitive advantage more so over the normal halal diet. Marketing Objectives The objectives of marketing the Halal Diet are as follows: The first objective is to introduce the new Halal Diet to the customers in the market. As such, the main aim is defining the diet to the customers in order for them to know that such a diet exists in the market. Advertisement and promotional activities will be greatly deployed to see that this objective is fulfilled. The second objective is the familiarization of the diet in the market. After customers have known that such a diet exists in the market, it is important to make them get used to all the aspects of this diet which include the different tastes and flavors of the diet and the benefits that come from eating the diet. The third objective is to promote the sales of the diet. The sales of the product will be largely dependent on the marketing strategies used in achieving both the first and the second objective.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Putting in place efficient and effective marketing strategies will automatically lead to the achievement of this objective. More sales will be gained through effective application of public relations by the firm and the manner in which the business will carry out its corporate social responsibility (Pride Ferrell, 2011). Financial Objectives Just like any other business, this marketing plan has financial implications. The ultimate goal of marketing the halal diet is familiarizing the diet to the customers which will help the product to be known and purchased by these customers, thereby helping advance sales and increase the earnings from the business. Huge sums of money will go to branding, packaging and advertisement of the diet to the potential customers. Since the US is a very big country in size, it will be very costly to market the diet in the whole country at a go. To limit the cost of marketing, the diet will be marketed in different phases. The first phase which is the dete rminant one will take place in one state – New York. Thus, owing to this fact, it is only the Internet advertisement which will cover the whole country. The posters and billboards advertising the diet will only be used in the city of New York. Promotional activities which are equally important in introducing a product to customers will be confined to the city of New York. Once the diet has been sufficiently marketed in the State of New York, it will be easy for access the markets in other states. Sufficient marketing will be determined by observing the number of customers and the amount of sales that are made in the state of New York. This progress will be assessed after every quarter; that is after every three months and adjustments made at after every quarter depending on the marketing achievements that will have been made. Target Market(s) The target market for the Halal diet is so diverse. The diversification is aimed at going beyond the market of the prevailing Halal die t. The advantage of this diet is that it will traverse the religious lines, thus it is expected to attract more customers. The diet is meant for the youths, the adult people as well as the aged population. There is also the special category of people; that is people who have overweight and obese cases. The cases of obesity in the city of New York have been rising since the year 2000 (City University of New York, 2007). The diet will be made known to these customers through the advertisement that will be done. Potential customers will be given a chance to order for the diet. Customers will order for the products online or come to the established restaurants and order for the product from there. Customers will make a choice of either having the food delivered to their homes or get it direct from the restaurants. References Brazin, L. R. (2006). Internet Guide to Medical Diets and Nutrition. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth press Inc. City University of New York. (2007). Reversing the Diabe tes and Obesity Epidemics in New York City: A call to action to confront a public health, economic and moral threat to New York City’s future. Web. Franzen, G., Moriarty, S. E. (2009). The science and art of branding. Armonk, N.Y: M.E. Sharpe. Ishikawa, A., Tsujimoto, A. (2008). Creative marketing for new product and new business development. Hackensack, NJ: World Scientific. Kurtz, D. L. (2011). Contemporary marketing. Australia: South-Western Cengage Learning. Pride, W. M., Ferrell, O. C. (2011). Foundations of marketing. Mason, OH: South Western Cengage Learning. Shimp, T. A. (2010). Advertising, promotion, and other aspects of integrated marketing communications. Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning. This term paper on Marketing Plan – Halal Diet in the United States was written and submitted by user Kallie Riggs to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Understanding Finance and the Current Crisis The WritePass Journal

Understanding Finance and the Current Crisis Abstract Understanding Finance and the Current Crisis ). Credit Booms The other area of relevance is seen to be the areas of credit and how the credit markets influenced the financial behaviours leading up to and during the financial crisis (Brusco and Castiglionesi 2007). To a large extent, it can be argued that the increase in the asset price of housing across the US and UK was due to relatively easily available credit conditions that allowed a wide variety of individuals to purchase properties that were stretching their financial position to such an extent that, when fundamental factors changed, such as employment, the asset price could no longer be maintained. Based on the research, it has been suggested that the recent economic crisis was, in fact, down to a credit situation within the financial markets and not necessarily the asset itself, namely houses. Immediately prior to financial crises, there is indication that there was also a rapid increase in the amount of credit being made available, and during the recent financial crisis, the focus has been on credit availability for the purposes of purchasing property. However, similar issues have also emerged in short-term credit, such as personal loans and credit cards allowing individuals to gain access to credit streams that their income would not necessarily suggest should be available to the rational lender (Calomiris and Kahn, 1991). Interestingly, research has indicated that a credit boom will often happen as a result of a prolonged period of positive economic shock or following from a particular, economic growth in a region or market. This will suggest that where there was a great deal of growth and buoyancy within the housing market, this was a precursor to the credit boom (Claessens et al., 2010). It is also argued that monetary policies are also seen to be linked to the credit crisis, and that an understanding of the financial decision-making within the financial market can have a detrimental effect on whether or not the credit boom takes place. For example, it is suggested that low interest rates encouraged the US housing market and that more people were able to borrow money, at this lower interest rate. This shows an indication that a monetary policy decision, namely to reduce interest rates can have a knock-on effect on asset prices and credit availability, all of which has been arguably fundamental when it came to the recent economic crisis (Lansing, 2008). This type of activity has been referred to as financial liberalisation, whereby investors of every kind are more inclined to take financial risks and to pursue new financial opportunities, such as purchasing property. This type of liberalisation could also be seen as inherently linked to the willingness of banks to lend to customers and to have less stringent lending criteria which would appear to be linked to the volatility within the housing market, as having such financial flexibility within the banking sector allowed for the housing assets to boom, at an irrational level. This again suggests the notion that external factors and policies can ultimately change behaviours of agents within the financial markets and the decisions that they make, in terms of their own investments and their own decision-making (Dell’Ariccia, Igan and Laeven, 2012) Combined Impact on Financial Markets Having identified that there are the two factors in the unnaturally high price of assets, namely housing assets and the lenient credit conditions which were placed on the market through policy decisions such as low interest rates and low interference with banking regulations that have been deemed to be inherently linked to the recent credit crisis, it is unsurprising that a wide amount of research has been undertaken to look at how these factors came together to create the shift in the financial markets that have occurred, in recent years. By looking at the combined movement within the credit markets and within the housing market, it was established that there were substantial differences between the movements experienced as a result of external factors during a period of economic crisis and the reactions of similar changes during periods of stability. This suggests that the financial markets behave differently during a crisis, something which may be very relevant to how policymakers should behave when looking to navigate their way out of the financial crisis period. It has been identified that one of the key factors linked to a bust which is likely to result in a credit crisis can be seen in the volatility of the movement within the financial markets. Having identified that the two issues of available credit and the increasing house prices are inherently linked and that both factors led to the credit crisis, the researchers largely moved on to identifying how these factors have created the behaviours seen within the economy, in the last few years. Banking institutions have been perceived to be central to this, as these were the institution that lent the money and made credit available in the first place and also the first institution to suffer when the asset price dropped from the exceptionally high level and borrowers began to default. Research has looked at the way in which the banking institutions operate under these conditions, as it is perceived to be a particularly important means of determining the impact that the financial market is having on the credit crisis and the potential recovery. An argument has been presented which suggests that, where borrowing and lending is collateralised in some way and the market price of that collateral changes for the negative, the organisation simply cannot rely on this collateral, in order to continue its operations (Schleifer, 2000). In this case, collateral is deemed to be housing assets, although many of the financial institutions use complex arrangements in order to bundle the deb ts and sell them on to third parties, although fundamentally they were linked to the housing assets which were dropping as a result of changes in monetary policies and increasing concerns over the sustainability of house prices. Crucially, it is therefore argued according to rational behaviours where investors (in this case house buyers) opinions on the likely future for the assets and their own ability to sustain the assets change, so do the financial markets surrounding these assets, something which is particularly exacerbated when policy decisions result in an increase in interest rates and fears relating to employment levels, all of which creates a spiralling situation and potentially volatile reactions from investors. Implications of the crisis A large portion of the research and the literature in this area looks at the causes of the economic crisis and attempts to identify patterns that could offer explanatory value as to why the crisis happened in the way that it did. However, it is contended in this literature review that the real value comes from identifying the implications of the asset and credit crisis, in terms of the reactions of financial institutions and how this can potentially be used as a means of recovery for the future. Specific research looking at the reasons for the financial bubble indicated that banking institutions were central to the crisis, in terms of encouraging excess lending and therefore also encouraging the unnaturally high house prices, which became unsustainable, in the long run. Some of the literature has focused almost entirely on the economic crisis and the impact that this has had on longer-term economic activity (Claessens, Kose, and Terrones, 2012). Research has indicated that, whilst the economic crisis itself created problems in the housing market, it also ultimately led to greater widespread recession than would normally be expected in the typical cycle associated with the performance of the economy. Various different research approaches have been taken in order to compute the precise impact that the recent economic crisis has had on financial markets and how this can ultimately be used to pave the way forwards. The approach taken by Claessens, Kose, and Terrones, 2012, used traditional methodology of analysis the business cycles, in order to identify whether or not a recessionary period is being entered into. This theoretical approach argued that recessionary periods, which are associated with a form of asset crisis, in this case a credit and housing would cost more to the economy overall than any drop associated simply with equity prices, e.g. as part of the traditional business cycle. Of perhaps more interest regarding this topic, going forward, is the way in which the financial markets are likely to recover from the period of recession, with research suggesting that recovery will typically be low and weak in comparison with the volatility of the drop, in the first place (Kannan, Scott, and Terrones 2013). This body of research is deemed to be highly relevant, as it not only looks towards linking the concept of credit crisis with the way in which the financial markets are behaving, but also explores how these two factors can interact, in order to deal with the recovery, in the most appropriate way, something which is likely to be of interest to policymakers and those within financial markets, for the future. Future possible research and conclusions Despite the myriad of different research papers which focus on different aspects of the credit crisis and have looked at the interaction between credit and housing, as well as external monetary factors, the real value comes from understanding the reactions and behaviours of an economic crisis, as a means of improving recovery prospects. One particular area of research that would be beneficial in this regard is the way in which the financial markets fluctuate, even where there is no ultimate crisis. This is deemed to be important, as there is a cycle that emerges within the financial markets which must necessarily be understood, if the true measure of a crisis is to be established, in the future. Without understanding what is perceived to be ‘normal’, it is simply impractical to appreciate the cause and effect of abnormal periods within the economic cycle and how these can be reduced or mitigated, in the long run. References Blanchard, O. J., and M. W. Watson, (1982), â€Å"Bubbles, Rational Expectations and Speculative Markets,† in Crisis in Economic and Financial Structure: Bubbles, Bursts, and Shocks, P. Wachtel, ed. Lexington Books: Lexington Brunnermeier, M. (2001). Asset Pricing under Asymmetric Information: Bubbles, Crashes, Technical Analysis and Herding, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Brusco S. and F. Castiglionesi (2007). â€Å"Liquidity Coinsurance, Moral Hazard and Financial Contagion,† Journal of Finance 62, 2275-2302. Calomiris, C. and C. Kahn (1991). â€Å"The Role of Demandable Debt in Structuring Optimal Banking Arrangements,† American Economic Review 81, 497-513. Claessens, S., G. Dell’Ariccia, D. Igan, and L. Laeven, (2010), â€Å"Cross-Country Experience and Policy Implications from the Global Financial Crisis,† Economic Policy. A European Forum, April 2010, Vol. 62. PP. 269-93 Claessens, S., M. A. Kose, and M. Terrones, (2012), â€Å"How do Business and Financial Cycles Interact?† Journal of International Economics, Vol. 87, pp. 178-90. Dell’Ariccia, G., D. Igan, and L. Laeven, 2012, â€Å"Credit Booms and Lending Standards: Evidence from the U.S. Subprime Mortgage Market,† Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Vol. 44, pages 367-84. Garber, P. M., (2000), Famous First Bubbles: The Fundamentals of Early Manias, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press Gorton G. and G. Ordonez, (2012), â€Å"Collateral Crises,† NBER Working Papers, No. 17771, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. Kannan, P., A. Scott, and M. E. Terrones, (2013), â€Å"From Recession to Recovery: How Soon and How Strong,† in S. Claessens, M. A. Kose, L. Laeven, and F. Valencia, eds., Financial Crises, Consequences, and Policy Responses, forthcoming. Keynes, J. M., (1930) The Great Slump of 1930. London: The Nation Athenà ¦um. Lansing, K. J., 2008, â€Å"Speculative Growth and Overreaction to Technology Shocks,† Working Paper Series 2008-08, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Marazzi, C. (2010) The Violence of Financial Capitalism, NY: Schleifer, A., (2000), Inefficient Markets: An Introduction to Behavioral Finance, Oxford University Press, Oxford Zheng, Z., (2005) From Rationality to Bounded Rationality, Australian Economic Papers, December, 455-474.

Demand and supply Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Demand and supply - Essay Example These factors have been pointed out and discussed by several authors (Stiglitz and Walsh (2002), Pindyck and Rubinfeld (2004), Mansfield (1992), Reynolds (1988), Colander, (2004) etc.). Stiglitz and Walsh (2002) demarcate these factors into economic and non-economic factors. Below is an elaboration of these ‘other factors’. An increase or decrease in the income of consumers may lead to a rise or fall in the demand for a product. This change by and large depends upon the nature of the commodity; i.e., inferior good or normal good. In case of an inferior good, an increase in the income of consumer will lead to a fall in the demand of that particular commodity and vice versa, because consumer will then shift to a product much better than the previous commodity in his/her perception. On the contrary, in case of a normal good, an increase in the income of the consumer will cause the demand for that commodity to rise shifting the demand curve to the right and vice versa. This is another economic factor responsible for bringing about a shift in the demand curve. A change in demand of a particular product can be effectuated by a change in price of its close substitutes. The demand for a product will rise if the price of its substitute commodities increases, shifting the demand curve to the right and vice versa. For instance, the demand for coffee for some people will increase as the price of tea rises and vice versa. On the other hand, more tea-consumers would shift to coffee if the price of coffee declines in the market, because a rational consumer will mostly opt for a cheaper substitute, once the price of any of the product rises. Complements are the products that are used or preferably used with another product. Any change in the price of complements will also lead to a change in the demand for the product. For instance if the price of milk increases, the demand for tea or coffee will also fall down, causing a leftward shift to the demand curve. It

Hilton Embraces Collaboration with Information Technology Partners Assignment

Hilton Embraces Collaboration with Information Technology Partners - Assignment Example It was also crucial to embrace collaboration with technology leaders because then, it would be possible to focus more on the company’s core competencies. It is much easier for them to do so without having to worry about things such as systems implementation, research and development practices, and also technological solutions (Webb 1). One of the major problems associated with collaborating with five IT leaders might be their lack of cooperation. It may be hard trying to get these companies to work together and share ideas, and also work through their interdependence (Webb 3). For example; If AT&T and IBM refused to identify each other’s importance, it would be impossible for them to work together for the greater good of the company. Furthermore, it would be a major problem if the IT companies fail to adhere to the governance process that exists in the company. What this means is that, if there is a failure to follow the governance procedures that exist prior to the commencing of the contracts, there might be a loss of contract

Enterprise Resource Planning of Nike

Enterprise Resource Planning of Nike Nike was founded by Mr. Phil Knight and his past coach Bill Bowerman in 1964 and they started Blue Ribbon Sports. Knights first shoe was called Tiger and then began distribution of shoes. Blue Ribbon got great success in 1971 and Knight changes the company name Nike. In 1971 it introduced Nikes first brand line. Nike launched its product line in 1979. The new version of its Air shoe which was very successful and it was known as Air Jordan; introduced in 1985. Nike opened its first retail outlet in Portland, Oregon in 1990. In 1991 the company was very successful and its revenue reached USD $3 billion. Company began selling its products directly to customers from its website. Nike is the worlds leading sports and athletic shoes. Nike is the major manufacturer of sports equipment with $18.6 billion USD in the year of 2008. Nike has 30000 employees in worldwide. (Nikebiz:company overview, 2010) Nike Mission Statement To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world * If you have a body, you are an athlete. (nike, 2010) Introduction Nike had generated profits of $97.4 million and its profit dropped down by 50% in February 2001. Nike said that it was because of the failure of supply chain software produced by i2 technologies. Both companies blamed each other. This failure also effected Nikes reputation. The supply chain software was the first segment of NSC (Nike Supply Chain) project from SAP and also customer relationship management software from Siebel System. Analysts pointed out the fault of customization of the software and over demand forecasting. (Koah, 2004) Company successfully implemented (NSC) Nike Supply Chain project by 2004. The (NSC) Nike Supply Chain project is centralized planning moving and manufacturing. At last Nike got success in Implementing ERP and it became the desired approach for those who want to implement the ERP systems in their company. Christopher Koch (Editor of CIO Magazine) stated that If it was easy, everyone would just do it. In the late 1990, most companies avoided to adopt ERP because of the huge cost of ERP systems. (Koch, 2004) The lesson of Nikes failure and subsequent rebound lies in the fact that it had a sound business plan that was widely understood and accepted at every level of the company. Given that resiliency it afforded the company, in the end the i2 failure turned out to be just a speed bump. (Koah, 2004) Products Range Nike has wide range of sports equipment, running shoes, and jerseys and may other products as shown in figure 1. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) ERP entitles a companys information system which can bring more closely the companys departments and functions like human resources, finance and inventories. It also creates the link between customers and producers. Introduction of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Enterprise Resource Planning is the enterprise system tool which manages demand and supply. It has the ability to make link between customers and suppliers. ERP also provides the high degree of integration between purchasing, manufacturing, marketing, sales, logistics and marketing. ERP is the tool which can provide high level of customer services and productivity and also lower the cost. (Wallace Kremzar, 2001) Enterprise Resource Planning is a company which increase it sales by 20% because of ERP. The vice president states that ERP has provided the key to becoming a truly global company. Design can be made with the accurate data and with the process that concretes demand and supply across border and oceans. This change is worth billion to us in sales worldwide. (Wallace Kremzar, 2001) The Director of ERP For the first time ever, we have a good handle on our future requirements for components raw and materials. When our customer demand changes, weà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ourselves and our suppliersà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬can manage changes to our schedules on a very coordinated and controlled basis. I dont see how any company can do effective supply chain management without ERP. (Wallace Kremzar, 2001) Origin of the Term ERP The Enterprise Resource Planning ERP developed from Manufacture Resource Planning (MRP). The ERP was introduced by an analytical firm Garner. Enterprise Resource Planning has all the functions of an enterprise except organisation business or charter. Many organisations like IBM, Dell and HP Microsoft, Intel and many other organisations are now using ERP systems. The ERP systems are typically for large and more broadly based applications although it is also used in small and medium sized businesses. The ERP systems provide standardization, lower maintenance and it can store all data in one database. So, we can say that it has greater reporting capabilities. ERP includes other applications like Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Financials Resource Management (FRM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Human Resources Management (HRM). (Leon , 2008) Overview of ERP Many organisations choose to implement one part for ERP systems and stand-alone systems for the other ERP applications need to develop an external interface to the other ERP system. Because in an organisation one vendor choose to use human resource management system and the financial system choose another and integration between those systems. It is very common in midsized retailer and the retail sector will have a point of sale (POS) and financial application then they have a specialized application to handle other business requirements like logistics and merchandising. (Leon , 2008) The quality of ERP system is that it provides a single database which contains all the data for the software module also shown in figure 3: Manufacturing Supply Chain Management Financials Projects Human Resources Customer Relationship Management (Leon , 2008) Reasons for Buying ERP Software In these days when the business environment is increasingly complex and highly competitive then the organisations need the IT system which is highly competitive with time management. The organisations need the outstanding performance in their business by utilizing the time in the correct way. Enterprise system utilize the company time correctly. Enterprise Resource Planning is the planning in which the business resources like material, employees and customers moved from one state to another state. An ERP system maintains the data which connects with the business functions like manufacturing, supply chain, Management, finance, human resource, customer relationship management. (Leon , 2008) Reasons of ERP projects Failure Sometimes ERP projects fail if you do not implement them well. There are some of the reasons for the failure of ERP failure. The company selected the wrong software of ERP for the company. The training of employee is also very important and some organisations dont train well their employees. Some software is heavily customized and if these are not match with the companys IT infrastructure then there can be problem. If we do not implement the effective change management strategies then it can be the result of failure of the project. If the business merger leaves out the work in the process then it can be also a big loss.(Glenn, 2008) There are also some factors from where we can achieve the successful ERP projects by selecting the right software for the company. Give the right training to employees. For implementing the ERP we have to manage each approach and utilize the best practices for implementing ERP software. (Starinsky, 2001) I found some important realities about ERP are that there is no perfect ERP system exists. We cannot say that any ERP implementation is ever perfect. If two companies have the same ERP software but the implementation cannot be the same because every company has its own style of implementation. (Leon , 2008) SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT Supply Chain Management is a network that is involved buying, making, moving, selling and distribution. (Hugos, 2006)

Business Meta-Ethics: an Analysis of Two Theories

Article Review? In the article â€Å"Business Meta-Ethics: An Analysis of two theories† written by â€Å"F. Neil Brandy and Craig P. Dunn† he has examined the two popular theories of ethics viz. traditional ethical theory (utilitarianism and deontological) and a recent model (consisting of utility, rights, justice). The writer differentiates and supports the traditional ethical theory by giving facts and practical examples. The writer starts the article by saying that presenting an ethical theory is impulsive. But, no doubt the theory of deontology and utilitarianism by Kant can’t be ignored.Many writers have added several other perspectives like egoism, virtue theory, theories of justice, rights, universalism, ethical relativism, ethics of caring etc. so, the writer says that the foundations of ethics are not secure. Humans are complex creatures and are hard to understand. No one theory will be able to prove it. Conversely, it would be quite interesting to under stand human behavior from different perspectives. After that the writer explains the human behavior by giving a very interesting example of automobile engine.He says that the engines have benefited by over and over refinement, but the fundamental design that came early (piston, turbine, electric etc. ) were not altered. Similarly, we need to make some fundamental decisions related to the basic understanding of a human behavior instead of hindering it. The main purpose of the writer is to focus and assess two dominant ethical theories for the managers. The first one is the â€Å"traditional ethical theory† viz. Kant’s theories of deontology and utilitarianism (DU) that have been considered competing but the recent research shows that they are complementing, not competing to each other.Kantian deontology and utilitarianism provides the ideals for decision making. The second one is the recent model of â€Å"utility-rights-justice model† (URJ). It opposes that there are three instead of two main requirements that completes the ethical business decision making namely, questions of utility, questions of rights and questions of justice. The writer intends to claim the precedence of traditional DU model. He proceeds by discussing three important points. First, that the URJ model can easily be simplified into the DU model. Second, he presents 3 practical cases to prove the superiority of DU model.Third, is the difference between universals and particulars. The writer explains the DU model first; he says that this model is often cited as dominant theory for application in business ethics. Other writers like Pastin (1986) say that this model is quite useful from a practical point of view. Pastin says that the two views â€Å"rule ethics† and â€Å"end-point ethics† are both included in his tool box for handling the hard problems of management. In 1985, Brady proposed a â€Å"Janus Headed† relationship of deontology and utilitaria nism are complementary and taken together, a reasonably comprehensive model of managerial decision making.In 1992, Cody and Lynn presented this idea in their book â€Å"honest Govt. † By saying that in real life, none of us is exclusively utilitarian or deontological. Our personal values reflect a mix of these view points, depending on issue. Sometimes we act solely as a matter of principle and sometimes we act practically utilitarian. Then the writer evaluates the URJ model. He says that this model attempted to act on the need to evaluate the political behavior in organizations. So, they made the 3 basic types of moral theories: utility, rights and justice. They urged that this model could be applied to political uses of power in organizations†.Two years later, Velasquez combined this model into his well-known book â€Å"Business ethics: Concept and Cases. Where he argued that the philosophy of Kant supplied â€Å"a more satisfied foundation for moral rights and he a dded a short discussion of categorical imperative with his claim. After introducing both the models, the writer gives the argument for the supremacy of DU model. Writer says that the URJ model abandons the deontological theory of Kant. It relies on the lesser known works The Metaphysical Elements of Justice (1797). Why did they cite Kant for his work on human rights but not cite him for his much important.And he says that the 3 basic kinds of moral theories; utilitarian, rights and justice seems imperfect. Writer says that the DU model encapsulates much of the URJ model. First, the issues of individual rights and duties are included under Kant’s deontological ethical theory. The DU model merges the rights and duties. Where one has rights, others have duties. Kant argues that the duties are strategically more important. Duties not only include duties to each other, but duties to family, community and environment. Certain duties are can’t be converted into someoneâ€℠¢s rights like paying taxes and towards environment.So, the idea of moral duty is more comprehensive than the individual right. DU model also encapsulates the justice prescription. URJ model says that the organizational rules must be clearly stated and consistently and impartially enforced. And the people must not be held responsible for the things they cannot control, if people are injured, the injuries must be compensated by those who are responsible for the injuries. The writer says that the same things are suggested by the existing theories and there is no need to for separate theories of justice.So, the URJ model is incomplete, as it neglects the historical deontological theory and it requires 3 categories, when only 2 are necessary. Now the writer illustrates by three short cases. 1. Political clout In this when there are to proposals that are equally at merit. So the dilemma is to be resolved procedurally. Now, on applicant applies pressure and succeeds in influencing the cho ice. For a utilitarian point of view, the decision makers did was wrong in the long term because it sets an example and it may encourage political behavior and risk the integrity of organization.A fair way would be to flip a coin. So the DU model gives a simple and appropriate analysis of case, without separate theories of justice. 2. Letter of recommendation Now a manager has to write a letter of recommendation for a problem employee. Now, he wants to be honest but it would be nice for a voluntary employee exit. If you look at it with a URJ model, utility would want a positive letter, because it would benefit the org. if we look at the rights, then the employee has the right to expect appraisal or not. In contrast to the DU model can do a better job, as the moral duty is to be honest. 3.Making an offer Suppose there is a position open at an org. and the supervisor responsible for it knows the exact person required for the job but the co. policies says to announce and publicize all openings, giving everyone a chance to apply. Should the manager open the chance or make an offer? Utility would say to make an offer but that will ignore company’s policy. So a deontological approach will recommend opening the search. So now, there’s no dilemma. But when we talk about the URJ model, then the dilemma will arise because of duty and utility conflict. After that the writer tells us about the status f universals and particulars in ethics. Deontological ethics thinks that all ethical prescriptions can be expressed as universal obligations. Rough examples include â€Å"do not kill’ and â€Å"always tell the truth†. Such principles try to observe the ways in which all humans can be alike. While, utilitarianism is a situational ethics. It requires that we attend to particularities of human living in case we fail to achieve good ends. In the conclusion the writer says that the advantages of DU model includes that it provides a genuine theory and l ays a secure foundation in the field of business ethics.The DU model has a relation to hold among the two variables of complement. Another advantage includes Kant’s universalizability. The writer has addressed the topic very nicely and has used a lot of references to prove and support his argument. But still I didn’t find the article very clear and it was confusing at times. The part of the article where he says that the moral duty is more strategic than individual right is not very persuasive. The writer didn’t end the 3 illustrations clearly. Otherwise, the writer explained the differences and advantages of DU model over URJ model very smoothly.

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 15

8 months earlier†¦ Ella â€Å"You're not seriously going to climb up that tree, are you?† Micha frowns at me through the dark. He's dressed in a pair of sexy jeans that make his butt look good and his black t-shirt fits him perfectly. â€Å"You're gonna break your neck.† I rub my hands together and give him a devious look. â€Å"You know how much I love a challenge.† From behind him, the moon shines from the sky and his blonde hair nearly glows. â€Å"Yeah, but you're a little out of it right now and I don't think you should be climbing up any trees.† â€Å"I'll be fine.† I wave him off, pushing the sleeves of my leather jacket up. He always worries about me. I like that he does, but it doesn't mean I always listen to him. â€Å"Besides, if my dad catches me coming in, and he happens to be sober, I'm going to get chewed out for sneaking out and being drunk, especially because I was supposed to be on mom duty tonight.† Gripping a branch, I attempt to wedge my foot up in the tree. But it falls to the ground and I grunt with frustration. Micha laughs, shaking his head as he walks around behind me. â€Å"If you break your neck, pretty girl,† he says. â€Å"It's not my fault.† â€Å"You know your nickname for me is not fitting.† I grab the branch again. â€Å"You need to think of a new one.† He sweeps my hair to the side and puts his lips beside my ear. â€Å"It's completely fitting. You're the most beautiful girl I know, Ella May.† Through my foggy brain, I try to process what he's saying. â€Å"Are you trying to be funny?† He shakes his head. â€Å"I'm being completely serious. But there's no need to panic. I'm sure you'll forget all about it by the time morning rolls around.† I bob my head up and down. â€Å"You're probably right.† He laughs again and his warm breath tickles my ear, sending a shiver through my body. I almost turn around, rip open his shirt, and thrust my tongue into his mouth, but I don't want to ruin our friendship. He's all I have at the moment and I need him more than air. So I bottle my feelings up the best I can. He spreads his fingers across my waist where my shirt rides up, making the situation a little awkward. â€Å"Okay, on the count of three I'm going to boost you into the tree. Be Careful. One†¦ Two†¦ Three†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He lifts me up into the tree and I swing my legs up. The bark scratches at the back of my legs a little and the palms of Micha's hands cup my ass as he pushes me up the rest of the way. It makes me giggle. Once I'm up, he climbs up himself. His hands reunite with my waist and he assists me up the tree and into my window. I tumble through it and onto the floor with his quiet laughter surrounding me. â€Å"You're going to regret this in the morning,† he says with laughter in his voice. â€Å"You're going to have a headache from hell.† I kneel beside the window as he steps back out onto the branch. â€Å"Hey, Micha.† I crook my finger at him and he rolls his eyes, but tolerates me and returns to the windowsill. I throw my arms around his neck. â€Å"You're my hero. You know that?† I kiss his cheek. His skin is so soft. I start to move away when his head turns toward me and our lips connect briefly. When he pulls back, I can't read him at all. â€Å"Sweet dreams, pretty girl.† He grins and climbs back down the tree. My head becomes even foggier as I shut the window. Did he kiss me on purpose? I shake the thought away and wrestle my arms out of my jacket. The house is silent, except for the sound of flowing water coming from the bathroom. I head out into the hall, figuring my mom's left the bath running again. She does that sometimes when she's distracted. The door is locked, so I knock on it. â€Å"Mom, are you in there?† I call out. Water swishes from inside and I realize the carpet beneath my feet is sloshy. I sober up real quick, and rush to my closet to grab a hanger. Stretching it out, I shove the end into the lock of the bathroom. It clicks and I push the door open. The scream that leaves my mouth could shatter the world's happiness into a thousand pieces. But the silence that follows it is enough to dissolve it completely. Micha â€Å"What are you so happy about tonight?† my mom questions when I walk into the house. â€Å"I'm as happy as I always am.† I join her at the kitchen table and steal a cookie from a plate. She takes off her glasses and rubs the sides of her nose. There's a calculator, a checkbook, and a whole lot of bills stacked in front of her. â€Å"No, I haven't seen you smile like this in a while.† â€Å"I just had a really good night.† I take out my wallet and hand my mom a couple of twenties and a hundred dollar bill. â€Å"Here, this is what I got for working a weekend at the shop.† My mom shakes her head and tosses the money in my direction. â€Å"Micha Scott, I'm not going to take my son's money.† I throw it on top of the bills and push away from the table. â€Å"Yes, you are. I want to help out.† â€Å"Micha I – â€Å" â€Å"Stop arguing and take it young lady,† I warn with humor in my tone. She sighs, defeated, and collects the money. â€Å"You're a good son. Do you know that?† â€Å"Only because I was taught to be.† I head for my room, but hear a scream from outside. I backtrack into the kitchen. â€Å"Did you just hear that?† My mom's eyes are wide as she stares at the back door. â€Å"I think it came from the Daniel's house.† A billion different scenarios rush through my head as I run outside, hop the fence, and burst into her house. â€Å"Ella!† It's quiet, except for water running upstairs. I dash up the staircase, skipping steps. â€Å"Ella†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My body chills like ice. Ella is standing in the doorway and her mom is in the bathtub filled with red water that's spilling out all over the floor. â€Å"Ella, what happened?† She flinches and then turns to me. Her pupils have taken over her eyes and the look on her face will haunt me for the rest of my life. â€Å"I think she killed herself,† she says numbly and holds out her hands, which are smudged with blood. â€Å"I checked her pulse and she doesn't have one.† I take out my cell phone and call 911. When I hang up, Ella collapses into my arms and stays there, unmoving until the ambulance shows up. She doesn't cry – she barely breathes and it nearly kills me because I can't do anything to help her.