Cigerette smoking among adolescents in Saudi Arabia Essay

Cigerette smoking among adolescents in Saudi Arabia - Essay Example More than 90 percent of adult smokers report that they started smoking as adolescents.†(Brody 2008). â€Å"A study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, concludes that cigarette manufacturers have marketed brands to what is called as â€Å"vulnerable population† of adolescents by â€Å"manipulating sensory elements of cigarettes to promote initiation and dependence.† (Saul 2008). â€Å"Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in secondary schools in Philippines. The male students are twice more likely than female students to have ever smoked cigarettes (57.0% vs. 32.0%, respectively). Prevalence of ever smoking increases with the students’ year level and age.† (Results, n.d. pp.11-21). A study was conducted by University College London, to determine the prevalence of smoking among Chinese secondary school students. Of the 6674 respondents, 15.9% (25.7% of the boys, 5.4% of the girls) were ever smokers. Only 0.3% was regular smokers. Of the ever smokers, 41.9% had smoked before 10 years of age and 7.9% before 5 years of age.† (Hesketh, Ding & Tomkins 2001, pp.1653-5). â€Å"Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in Philippines, which was a secondary school, based survey. Among those who have ever smoked, 13% reported to have first tried cigarette smoking before age 10 years, with female students more likely to have first tried than male students (15.4% vs. 11.0%, respectively). A greater proportion of younger students, age less than 12 years (30%) and those in lowest year level (15.3%), have reported to have first tried smoking before age 10 years.† (Results, n.d. p.1). In a study performed in male secondary schools in Saudi Arabia, between the ages of fourteen years to nineteen years;† Out of 289 school adolescents, 50 reported that they had ever smoked. Regular smokers (daily and weekly?) (this taken as such from journal) constituted 84% of all smokers (giving 14.5% prevalence); three were experimental smokers.† (Abolfotouch et al

Marketing Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing - Term Paper Example This is supposed to give women that watch their weight an opportunity not to eat more than they need to stay fit and easily control their weight. In addition, while previously sold 100-calorie packages will continue being present in the market, the newer option is 130- and 150-calorie portions. The decision to increase the number of calories in a portion is, according to the author, based on a number of studies that reported that a 100-calorie pack was usually not enough for one snack. At the same time, it is worth noting that the brand has 85 percent brand recognition. Since it is a great competitive advantage of the brand, the owner company is using it again to raise sales of newly developed products. Furthermore, good brand awareness will be of a great help to SnackWell in the process of product repositioning. The decision to go with the relatively old but well-established brand will help to company to reach its target audience faster. Though pretty much of resources will be spent on product repositioning, the business will save on building brand recognition, since it already exists. In general, it can be said that these actions are based on the concepts of market segmentation, targeting and positioning, all of which are some of the most important elements of effective marketing. Market segmentation, in this case, serves as a basis for targeting a specific group of existing and potential customers.

Television shows Essay Example for Free

Television shows Essay For the present society, television shows are almost considered as a part of the lifestyle and culture of the modern people. Almost every individual in the society have their own favorite television program which they patronize which varies basically due to the factor of preference, time availability, morality and others. Each television program in the modern broadcast industry as their own theme and cultural nature that the show creatively explores to entice the interest and enthusiasm of the public. For the broadcast networks, having a rated television program which the general public patronize is a good investment as this can promote their main line of revenue namely paid advertisement. By critically analyzing the television program in the present broadcast industry, one can actually see that majority of these programs tackle current social issues and trends however, these are presented in a different view. Usually, television programs offer a symbolical perspective on the subject making it more interesting and captivating to the audience as its offers a somewhat imaginative scenario where the public can relate with. A good example of this program nature is the primetime hit television show entitled â€Å"Lost†. The television program entitled â€Å"Lost† was actually written and designed to produce an imaginative scenario of surviving a plane crash and being stranded on a mysterious island that has an unknown location. While in isolation, the survivors must struggle against the environment for their survival, against themselves for personal development and against the mysterious inhabitants as their search for a way to communicate with the world. By critical observation, one can learn that the main objective of the show is to show a different view towards dominant social issues such as unity, cooperation, system of leadership and others through the eyes of the small community of the survivors. In this show, the large global community with cultural diversity and other issues has been minimized through the contingent of the survivors as they establish a mutual relationship between each of them and their temporary home. In this show, there are several examples of reality warp or presentation of mystery. For example, the presence of a polar bear in a tropical island, uncharted location of the island, and the presence of laboratory hatches in an isolated place produce certain mysterious characteristic to the program. As the story develops, other mysteries are also explored such as the reason for the plane crash and the nature of the island and its native inhabitants. Much of the story is presented through the use of symbols. General concepts and ideas in the show are mainly represented through certain materials and items that are explicitly used in the program’s story. Foe example, the item of guns and other armaments represent power in the issues of struggle between the plane crash survivors and the inhabitants of the mysterious island. Another is the item of wireless intercom or â€Å"walkie talkie† presents the idea of difference between the two struggling factions making the inhabitants more sophisticated and better organized than the survivors as they have a mean for communication. All throughout the program’s story, each episode is centralized on a certain character wherein several flashbacks in his or her life will be presented to explain his or her present ideology or philosophy while in the island. Through this approach, viewers will better understand the story characters and their personal reason as to why he or she did his or her decision. Regarding the program advertisements, by analyzing the selection of products and/or services that are commercialize during the program’s timeslot, once can actually argue that the show is intended for general viewing mainly on the adult bracket making them the main marketing target for this program’s advertisement. Some specific commercials are cars, dress or fashion accessories, children’s apparel, technological gadgets and household products which are generally products for economically-capable adults. In general, the television program entitled â€Å"Lost† is a show that offers an alternative scenario in a creatively enhanced reality. Surviving plane crash and being stranded on a mysterious island is indeed a captivating storyline for the adult society who are basically looking for some thrills and adventures in the routinary life. Through this program, viewers are offered an interesting experience to witness how to survive in an island, establish harmonious and cooperative relationship in a group and struggle against forces that are more advance and familiar with the environment while struggling to be rescued and competing against oneself for personal development.

History Of The Fiat Strategic On The Market Marketing Essay

History Of The Fiat Strategic On The Market Marketing Essay The intention of this marketing strategy proposal is to examine FIATs current and historical marketing strategies and apply academic models and principles to make recommendations for their future marketing strategy. We will examine what the Agnelli family and its shareholders want to achieve for the company, which direction they are prepared to take the company to achieve their goals, and what techniques they use to evaluate their success. It is important to refer to FIATs long history, to understand some of FIATs marketing strategy options available today, and appreciates that even in this modern constantly changing environment, FIAT understands that it cannot completely lose sight of its underlying principles. History The FIAT brand was started by Gianni Agnelli in 1899 under the name Società   Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Turin). In the 1920s, utilising the same methods as those employed by Ford, FIAT began mass producing its first four seat automobile, the 509. Post World War II, Italys economy was booming and much of this can be attributed to the automobile industry. FIATs cars and farm machinery production grew rapidly due to the new production facilities that FIAT set up worldwide. In 1967 FIAT released the 124 model, a model that went on to win FIAT its first title of Car of the year  [1]  . FIATs success continued into the mid 1970s when the world experienced the oil crises which began when the Middle East declared an embargo on the U.S. During the 80s and 90s when it was experiencing heavy competition, FIAT promoted itself-lf as an innovative brand proposing avant-garde technological solutions at affordable prices.  [2]  and turned its focus to producing vehicles i n developing markets. Post Millennia Fiat was falling behind with the times and invested into changing its core structure, examining its corporate culture and building a relationship with the customer through quality and design innovations and to symbolise this new start, FIAT changed its traditional round badge to a square more formal badge. Chapter II 2.1. The FIAT BRAND FIAT has changed and developed as a car manufacturer through more than a century of existence. The company has had seven logos, symbolising the different development stages, time, age and current position. FIAT has been selected nine times directly and three times through its subsidiaries as the overall winner of the European Car of the Year award. No other company has received this premier automotive award more times than FIAT. The FIAT brand today has the power to evoke all the stages that have made the history of FIAT and its cars: being close to people, their needs and desires, with concrete answers that are flexible and customised.  [3]   2.2. Why did FIAT need the new start? Once the primero name in the Italian automobile market, due to increasing competition from international manufacturers such as the Japanese, Fiat had been unable to hold on to the number one spot. Historically imported cars were prohibitively expensive as high taxes were levied at customs so most people bought domestic cars, which contributed to the success that Fiat enjoyed for decades. Today these tariffs have been removed and Fiat is losing out to the Asian car producers who have the technological advantage with processing and production.  [4]   FIAT has been struggling and losing business over the past 10 years. A failed collaboration with General Motors (GM) only made this position worse.  [5]   FIAT has concentrated in designing small cars, rather than producing a gamut of models like its peers. The lack of segregation of Fiat model range and the placement of the brand means that its almost unidentifiable in the market. Fiat is predominantly reliant on the home market and concentrates its efforts there. Fiat cars are sold at competitive prices, but it is these low prices that are potentially having a detrimental effect on sales. FIAT cars are considered by many as being of an inferior quality which might very well be the physiological consequence of FIAT targeting a lower price. 2.3. Automotive Industry The automotive industry is one of the largest industries in the world. Although the traditional markets have reached saturation point for the conventional combustion engine (excluding vehicle replacement), emerging markets such as China and India are driving new demand. 2.4. Internal and External Analysis 2.4.1. S.W.O.T. Analysis The Internal analysis of strengths and weaknesses focuses on internal factors that give an organisation certain advantages or disadvantages in the market. 2.4.1.1. Strengths Fiat has a strong historical brand name. Fiat is very good at producing small cars such as the Fiat 500. Fiat has a strong presence of Plants overseas. The senior management of Fiat are open-minded to new technologies and are very good at reviewing different ways to organise the organisation. Fiat has a strong senior management team. 2.4.1.2. Weaknesses Poor economies of scale. Fiat tries to put into operation economies of scale, even though it does not the financial power to sustain them. Fiat is rarely a pioneer in introducing new models for the target market. Fiat has a weak marketing network. Their marketing department does not understand market trends and customers expectations. Meaning that Fiat tries to sell something which is not in line with what the customers wants. Poor product quality. Focus on small car segment which has lower margins. The External analysis of opportunities and threats focuses on external factors that exist in the environment. Both of them exist separately of the firm. 2.4.1.3. Opportunities Emerging markets such as the Chinese market or the Indian market. The Chinese automotive market is one of the most rapidly growing in the world. Fiat wishes to focus on expanding into third world countries, markets believing that they are the only markets where firms can expect growth. With less stringent safety requirements, and people happy to trade off non-essential features for a cheaper car, Fiat does not need to invest in development of new models and features. For example, most lack air-conditioning. In fact, Fiats specialisation in smaller cars puts it at a benefit in those markets. A general trend of reintroducing classic models, or models inspired by classic models to try and take advantage of the prestige on the cachet and cool that they generated the first time around. For example, the Beatle by VW and the Mini by BMW. The technology of fuel cells, and hybrid cars presents new opportunities for the industry, and the environment. Government scrappage schemes that encourage people to purchase new cars with the incentive that their old vehicle will be scrapped in exchange for a generous minimum payment, even when this far outweighs the value of the car. 2.4.1.4. Threats The recent macroeconomic downturn has also affected the demand for automotive products worldwide. Manufacturers have had to resort to widespread sales tactics to stimulate demand. Most automobile manufacturing companies around the world face innovation rivalry from Japanese manufacturers, from high technology, through just-in-time production to extensive warranties. Raw material costs are increasing. In the last decade, North American, Japanese and European markets saw a slow progress in demand. Conversely, strong demand is present in emerging Eastern European and especially in Asian markets. Both developments may stimulate price competition between firms as we approach world over-capacity. Safety standard requirements are increasing which requires more research and development, more testing and other costs associated with compliance with external bodies. 2.4.2. P.E.S.T. ANALYSIS FIAT GROUP This type of analysis is used to determine the external driving factors in the automobile industry which can affect the performance of FIAT and the automobile industry altogether. These encompass political, economical, social and technological factors. 2.4.2.1. Political Factors 2008-2012 According to the Kyoto protocol, all the participating countries including the UK have to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by an average of five per cent over the five-year period. Nearly 200 countries have deposited their ratification paperwork. The most notable country that has not ratified the protocol is the United States of America The recent expansion of the EU between 2004 and 2007 should be taken into consideration, which in May grew from 15 to 27 States, including the following countries; Poland, Slovakia, Malta, Estonia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria. 2.4.2.2. Economic Factors The Chinese automobile market is growing rapidly. In the past decade it has gone from an also ran to the largest producer and market in the world. Recent instabilities in the price of oil have affected the price at the pump. The price swings have been so great that fuel retailers have been unable to smooth out the price using the recognised method of buying exchange traded futures contracts or over-the-counter forward contracts. The general move to hybrid and all electric vehicles is being assisted by penalising conventional combustion engine vehicles by offering discounts on more environmentally friendly models and governments introducing progressive taxes based on carbon dioxide omissions. 2.4.2.3. Social Factors Most world conflicts relate to oil production/transportation (e.g pipelines) or at least involve a country that has a significant oil supply/infrastructure, which adds to the price volatility. The increasing importance of environmental factors and the effect this has on consumers spending should not be ignored. People are gradually becoming less interested in owning a high performance, petrol guzzling car, and would rather drive a more efficient, less polluting green vehicle. This social consciousness of population extends to people who use public transportation, which is well supported in Europe. 2.4.2.4. Technological Factors The demand for oil will outstrip global oil (ASPO, Association for Study of the Peak Oil Land Gas, 2005). Consequently, automobile producers are researching into alternative fuels. For instance, Iceland hopes to be self-contained in energy in another 40 years by using hydrogen fuel cells. 2.4.3 PORTER GENERIC STRATIGIES Porter summarised that there are three main strategies for a successful business model. Cost leadership, differentiation and market segmentation. Companies that pursued moderate market share often suffered the hole in the middle problem, giving them the lowest profit. Fiat Group utilises all three of these strategies, cost leadership through its relatively low cost small cars, differentiation through commercial and agricultural vehicles, aviation, financial services and publishing, and niche markets through its acquisition of Ferrari and Maserati. So one might instantly consider that by covering all three strategies, it runs the risk of spreading itself too thinly and suffering the fate of low profitability. However, Fiat has been careful keeping its different activities separate, allowing each business to focus on its core strategy, so that each one can achieve optimum success. These successful enterprises are then combined at the group level for the purpose of differentiation to make the group more resistant to market shocks. 2.4.3. FIAT FIVE FORCES 2.4.3.1. Competitive rivalry within the industry There is always intense competition between companies in the automobile industry that focus both on the international and national markets. Fiat has pursued advancing itself compared to its competitors through product differentiation, improving quality and implementing producer process innovations. For example, Fiat began to look seriously at outsourcing more contracts and cutting component costs in the 1990s. FIGURE 1: Porters Five Forces for FIAT (Cammarata et al., 2006) In a continuously changing market, there is always a threat of rivalry from overseas. Intense competition from Japan and Korea has rewarded them with piece of Fiats domestic market share. 2.4.3.2. Threat of the new entrants Fiat strategic aim is to expand its portfolio through acquisition. Firms can choose to merge in order to remove barriers to entry in new markets. Nearly all the main automobile companies, for instance, Toyota, Honda, Renault and Nissan acquired separate divisions or merged into a group such as Volkswagen Group and many find themselves in a very complicated cross-ownership network. In addition, Fiat has to be able to manage brand identity to keep away the threat of new entrants to its markets. 2.4.3.3. Threat of the substitute products Although in the strictest sense there is not an equivalent substitute for the car, there are many alternative brands. Fiat is focused on cheaper models, good design and quality. 2.4.3.4. Bargaining Power of Customers Selecting a low price point compared to its competitors reduces the ability that customers have when bargaining over the price. With its range of models and levels of equipment it can find a suitable vehicle to satisfy the customers wallet. 2.4.3.5. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Fiat produces many components in house, or from within the Fiat Group. Fiat has a strong relationship with its outsourced partners. 2.4.4. PRICING STRATEGIES 2.4.4.1. Premium Pricing . The practice of setting a high price for desirable and/or unique products. Fiat Group utilises this strategy for its premium marques such as Ferrari and Maserati as they have a substantial competitive advantage due to their prestige and brand loyalty. 2.4.4.2. Penetration Pricing Here the price is set low initially to encourage take up, and then increased once the popularity rises. The initial low offering may result in losses which will be covered once the price is raised. Fiats pricing strategy is always to be low cost, so there is less scope to reduce prices at launch. Some naysayers might say that its Fiat motor car brand is lower quality than other mainstream produces, so this strategy might not be available to Fiat. 2.4.4.3. Economy Pricing Costs of marketing and manufacture are kept at a minimum to create a product that is available to the masses. Fiat has always had the strategy of penetrating the market by setting consistently low prices, partly due to concentrating on producing small cars and partly due to avoiding competing on quality. Only recently has Fiat started investing more heavily in marketing. 2.4.4.4. Price Skimming Is where a new product is released at a high price point and typically targeted at those that are early adopter and are price insensitive, or need the product at any cost. Having high prices, and more importantly high margins attracts competitors, which drives the price down. In a mature market such as the car market, price skimming is not a viable option except for possibly in the car accessories market e.g. satellite navigation when it was first introduced. Along with the four main pricing strategies, there are other approaches to pricing 2.4.4.5. Psychological Pricing This approach targets the consumers emotional responses, rather than their rational response. One common trick is to select a price point such as  £19,950,  £19,990, or even  £19,999 rather than  £20,000. 2.4.4.6. Product Line Pricing This is where the product is priced based on the benefit relative to other products in its range. Fiat sells its cars based on size and performance which helps the buyer understand the price relative to a, for example, a smaller model with a lower price and a high performance variant with a higher price. 2.4.4.7. Optional Product Pricing Here a basic product is advertised and sold. Optional extras will then be adding to the overall price of the vehicle. Fiat, as well as all car manufacturers create a fully safety compliant vehicle with a standard engine to get people interested in their car. Once the buyer is interested then it is up to the retailer to promote the advantages over performance, styling and functionality of the optional extras 2.4.4.7. Captive Product Pricing Manufacturers will charge a low price initial and recoup its margin through complementary purchases or maintenance. A recent trend in the motor industry is to sell the vehicle at low price but recoup extra money through after service and high costs of parts and labour. To counter this other companies have introduced up to a 7 year warranty. 2.4.4.8. Geographical Pricing Geographical pricing is where there are variations in price around the world. Variations may occur due to shipping costs, local competition, laws and regulations. Most of Fiats vehicles sell to mainland Europe and so have the steering wheel on the left. However in the UK and elsewhere in the world the steering wheel is on the right. In tropical countries cars do not need to be fitted with a heating system, likewise in cold climates air condition need not be fitted. Car manufacturers usually create a basic model to be sold in developing countries 2.4.4.9. Value Pricing In the current recession, people have less disposable income and are more likely to put off large purchases such as a vehicle, hence Fiat has to reduce margins further to present extra value to the customer. 2.4.5. MARKET SEGMENTATION Market segmentation is the process of identifying subsets of a market made up of individuals demanding similar products based on attributes such as price, function or style. A true market segment is distinct, homogenous, reacts to stimuli and behaves in the same way to stimulus. Market Segmentation, includes but is not limited to the following bases Geographical continents, countries, town, region Demographical Age, Gender, Social Class, Family Type Psychographic Cultural, Activities, Interests, Opinions, lifestyle, religion Geodemographic a combination of Geographical and Demographical Behavioural usage rate or loyalty Fiat selects models and equips vehicles based on the geographical segment of the market that they are to be sold. For example, in countries with unsealed roads it sells 4 wheel drive models, rather than sports models. In hot countries air conditioning is standard and heating is optional, likewise in cold countries the opposite is true. In South America, cars are modified to run on compressed natural gas, and ethanol fuel is used as an alternative to petrol or diesel Demographically, Fiat aims smaller, economical models at the young, performance cars at 25-45 year old men, estate/hatchback cars at young families and large saloons at senior businessmen and retirees treating themselves to a quality car that will last. Psycho graphically, electric/hybrid models aimed at the environmentally conscious. The redesigned Fiat 500 or other stylish models at trendy young people, who consider themselves a bit different Behaviourally, Appeals to those who have owned a Fiat before. The Fiat 500 is also targeted at nostalgic middle aged people who probably had one, or at least wanted on the first time around, as a second car. 2.4.5.1. Fiats Four Ps Jerome McCarthy proposed the 4 Ps for describing the marketing mix Product Various models, sizes, configurations, equipments standards Price Fiats cost leadership means that its customers pay a low price Place Fiat has a worldwide presence for direct sales and distribution. Promotion How effectively Fiat can market its products through direct and indirect advertising, public relations, word of mouth and point of sale. The original four Ps can be extended by a further three Ps for marketing services People: includes employees, management and consumers Process: Procedure, mechanisms and flow of activities Physical Evidence: The environment in which the service is delivered. Both tangible goods that help to communicate and perform the service, and the intangible experience of existing and potential customers 2.4.6. Bowmans clock An expansion of Porters three generic strategies, Bowman compares price against value. The strategies form around the central spoke hence the comparison to a clock. ValuePrice Low Price Medium Price High Price High added value Hybrid. By carefully off-shoring, Fiat can reduce production costs whilst still delivering the same product Differentiation. Investing in exciting new models to build its customer base and brand loyalty Focus Differentiation. Hybrid cars and Electric cars currently have a high price, to recoup the costs involved to bring this high value attribute to the market Mediocre added value Cost Leader. Through low prices, Fiat attempts to be a cost leader Raise Price. High Margins for its premium car brands. There is a possibility of losing sales to competition, but it is unlikely to be price related Low Added Value Fiat retails budget, low specification variants to developing nations Increased Price and Low Value. With the amount of competition in the car industry, this option is not really viable. Selling such a big ticket item, people weigh up the cost vs benefits 2.4.7. Boston Matrix Created by the Boston Consulting group, this chart is used to plot a companies business units to allow a company to make decisions on strategic marketing and brand marketing. Detailed in the chart are 4 specific business units of the Fiat brand. Its important to note that even with low market share and low growth, satisfactory profits are still possible. High market share low High Star question mark / problem child growth of market cash cow dog Low European Car Market Chinese car market South American market Financial services Chapter III 3.1. Direction of Growth 3.1.1. Ansoffs Matrix 3.1.1.1. Market Penetration This theory advocates the strategy that the company markets its existing products to its existing customers. By promoting the product and repositioning the brand the company can gain competitors customers, increase sales to existing customers and gain new customers that are considered part of the existing market but have not yet invested. 3.1.1.2. Market Development This theory advocates the strategy that the company markets its existing products to new customers. The product remains the same although it may be repackaged physically and metaphorically for a new audience. The product may be exported to reach a new international market. FIGURE 2: ANSOFFS MATRIX (Source:http://tutor2u.net/business/presentations/strategy/ansoff/default.html slide3) 3.1.1.3. Product Development This theory advocates the strategy that the company markets new products to its existing customers. The company may develop innovative replacement products, complementary products to existing products, or sell entirely disconnected products to its existing customer base. For FIAT this means updated existing models or replacing them to be marketed to existing customers, or offering complementary products such as car accessories or finance. However, Fiat divested its insurance sector in 2003. Fiat also offers aspirational brands to its existing customers in the form of Maserati and Ferrari. 3.1.1.4. Diversification This theory prescribes the strategy that the company markets new products to new customers. The company diversifies into new markets where it previously had no presence. This diversification takes two forms, related diversification, where the diversification remains in the industry or market where the company is established, or unrelated diversification, where the company enters a new industry in which they have no market experience Fiat diversified itself in the related personal transportation market through its Piaggio motorcycle brand, which in 1999 it sold to Morgan Grenfell Private Equity, through the related, components, metallurgical products, production systems, commercial vehicles, buses and services vehicles, agricultural and construction equipment. It also diversifies itself into less related and unrelated industries through aviation, IT, finance, leisure, publishing, communication and even sponsorship of the Jamaican bobsledding team!  [6]   Chapter IV 4. The Method of Development 4.1. Merger or Acquisition of FIAT Apart from in its home country where FIAT is well received, it cannot rid itself of the perceived and genuine quality issues internationally. To combat this FIAT should consider recommencing its attempted allegiance with General Motors or seek a well known domestic manufacturer with a track record of delivering quality. If neither of these options are viable, FIAT could look to other strategic alliances perhaps with the Japanese, or with a German Manufacturer, highlighting the qualities that these partnerships bring when promoting their vehicles in the UK. Only by pursuing a joint venture or by associating itself with a recognised service provider will FIAT be able to be a contender in Europe. This approach will invariably be a costly one, but if the sincere objective is to increase the market share of the brand, FIAT has to follow this determined approach. Along with the failed allegiance with General Motors, over its history FIAT has had many associations (and attempted associations) with various European producers which have all ultimately failed. The reason for failure is down to two imperative reasons. Firstly any substantial agreement with an external entity would require a considerable shake-up of the production capabilities which would result in a substantial reorganisation for the employees of both parties. Secondly the outcome would change the dynamics of the Agnelli family involvement and control of the company, vastly reducing its impact in the management and running of the company. If FIAT had reached a satisfactory resolution with General Motors the combined business would have been able to win market share from its competitors by leveraging off of the synergies created by the two entities in engine, and component design. The union between the two would have allowed for the Agnelli family to control the implementation of the agreement in the Europe market.  [7]   This united company would surely be a definite force in the emerging markets of Russia, Brazil and other South American countries, particularly with its existing exposure unsurpassed by its Chapter V 5. Conclusion The analysis shows that Fiat is not a well represented and truly desirable universal brand. Its goal, and therefore its marketing effort must be to change consumers attitude and perception of the brand and promote Fiat as being superior to its competitive peers such as Vauxhall and Peugeot. By identifying rivals in the industry such as these, its possible to access relative strengths and weaknesses, similarities and disparities so as to gain an insight into the changes that must occur for the company to be successful in achieving the companys target. Similarities Differences FIAT vs. Vauxhall -Both are targeted as familiar or traditional (associated with practicality over style.) Impersonal sales -Similar notion about prices (but FIAT is considered cheaper) Vauxhall target customers are slightly older FIAT is poor quality while Vauxhall is medium quality Vauxhall is recognised for the full range of car types, FIAT is recognised for its small vehicles FIAT is less popular Fiat vs. Peugeot -Similar notion about prices -Equally reliable Peugeot is considered good quality (well built and comfortable to drive) while FIAT is poor quality. Peugeot is well designed with more has better performance Due to Fiats competitive price strategy, and its position of being a cost leader, it is considered by many as offering an unreliable, low quality alternative to the other majors. However, it is not the actual quality of FIAT cars that is driving this belief, but the customers perception of quality based on their competitive price point. Purchasing a motor vehicle is an expensive investment, and an investment that will reduce in value over time. Buyers use a combination of rational values and emotional elements when making their selection decision. Rational values involves all the costs associated with the vehicle and affordability and the emotional elements involve the selection process of choosing a vehicle or brand that you identify with and which one you would be most happy living with for a number of years. One must consider the Points of Parity and Points of difference when marketing a brand. This table is related to the points of parity and difference of each brand. Points of parity Points of difference FIAT   Traditional, rudeness Leader in cost Vauxhall   Familiar, comfortable, rust Many models (you can choose for different purposes) Peugeot   Comfortable, good design   Sportive design People need to identify with a car, feel that the car represents them. Fiat does not employ a strong enough emotional message to distinguishing it from its competitors, and offset its negative perception and creating desire am

Little Women Essay -- essays research papers

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott Book Theme: In the arduous journey from childhood to adulthood, a young woman is faced with two things that need great attention and balance - the progress of her individual social standing, and the welfare of her immediate family. Main Conflict: The book does not really follow the traditional single plot line characteristic of many stories (especially during the time it was written). Alcott illustrated the roads the four March girls Amy, Beth, Jo, and Meg take in their lives as they become young women. The storyline includes many mini-conflicts, such as Jo’s writing, or Beth’s illness, or Laurie’s inclination to love Jo despite Amy’s affections. Generally speaking, the one overlying conflict stands as the girls’ growth - the journey they took, and the intermediate obstacles they conquered to get to where they were. The Plot: The girls resolve to focus not on themselves, but on their immediate family’s needs, much thanks to an inspirational letter from Mr. March during the Civil War. Eventually, the girls grow and begin to follow their own aspirations in hopes of accomplishing their dreams. Soon enough, Meg and Beth both come back to carry for their families, and Beth also dies of scarlet fever. Amy and Jo continue on in their own artistry, but soon conform to society’s idea of womanhood and also marry their respective partners. At the end of the book, the girls are reunited once again, as a family, just as they always have been. My...

Plan of Champ de Mars, Paris 1889 Essay examples -- Architecture Histo

Plan of Champ de Mars, Paris 1889 This is a twenty-six by forty-eight centimeter plan of the Champ de Mars during the Exposition Universelle of 1889, used by visitors at the time of the fair, a bold political statement on the part of France, as well as an overwhelming success. The Third Republic was established in Paris in 1870, and by 1884, when preliminary studies for the the Exposition Universelle were launched, many political issues were still largely unresolved. In 1870 Napoleon III surrendered at the Battle of Sedan during the Franco-Prussian War. Two days after the defeat Republicans proclaimed the advent of the Third Republic. The Franco-Prussian war ended with Paris's capitulation in 1871. A group of Parisians found Prussia's terms humiliating and wanted to keep fighting. Later dubbed the Communards, they established a dictatorship in Paris known as the Central Committee of the National Guard, later renamed La Commune. However, before La Commune could put its principles into effect, The National Assembly sen t troops into Paris to eradicate the uprising. Even with the elimination of La Commune, there was great dissention within the government. There were conflicts between and within the Left and Right movements. An economic depression began in France in 1873 and worsened into the 1880s, affecting agriculture, industry, and small-scale trade. Citizen unrest was clearly evident in the popularity of General Georges Boulanger, who promised a reform, if not revolution, of the existing government.. In 1888, when Boulanger was at the height of his political esteem, the threat of governmental crisis was very palpable. It was under these circumstances that the Paris exposition of 1889, to commemorate the centennial anniversar... ...pride, it secured France's rank in the eyes of Europe. Bibliography Corporate Author, United States Commissioner to the Paris Exposition Washington: Government Printing Office, 1891 Findling, John E., Historical Dictionary of World's Fairs and Expositions, 1851-1988 New York: Greenwood Press, 1990 Jourdain, Frantz, Exposition Universelle de 1889 Paris: Librarie Centrale des Beaux-arts, 1892 Levin, Miriam, When the Eiffel Tower was New: French Visions of Progress at the Centennial of the Revolution South Hadley, MA: University of Massachusetts Press, 1989 Silverman, Deborah L., "The Crisis of Bourgeois Individualism", Oppositions 1977, vol. 8, p.70-91 Walton, William, Chefs-d'oeuvre de l'Exposition Universelle de Paris 1889 Philadelphia: Barrie Fr res, 1889 Watson, William,Paris Universal Exposition Washington: Government Printing Office, 1892

How to Become a Crisis Hotline Volunteer

First of all, a crisis hotline is a number that one may call when they are in need of immediate emergency telephone counseling by trained volunteers. To start, you need to assess yourself; meaning to make sure all your own problems are set aside in case you come in contact with someone who has a similar situation that you have been through but isn’t resolved. Then, the training begins. You will need to learn to react under emergency situations and under pressure. You will also learn different counseling techniques, although through the hotline you will be having the person in the crisis situation be the decision-maker. You will need to have them gain your trust and be able to open up freely to you. The length of training depends on the program of which you are volunteering for. There also may be a screening/background check to make sure there is a clear record. After reviewing all of the information about volunteer program, I am actually considering on doing this. It would greatly affect my future because it will help me be able to figure out if this is something I would be able to handle and do on a daily basis. I just recently watched a movie called The Call and I was touched by it. This movie had me thinking afterwards about being put in that situation. It’s about this operator (dispatch station) and she is trying to keep this young girl calm because she has been kidnapped in the back of a trunk. She is trying to use different techniques such as asking what her favorite movie is. At one point she asked the young girl what her sign was and she said â€Å"Capricorn† and the operator responded back, â€Å"You are? I am also a Capricorn and you know what we Capricorns do? and the girl replied, â€Å"No. † The operator said, â€Å"We fight and we will fight and get you home safely. † I feel like being put in this situation, hearing those in a crisis and need immediate assistance, it would be difficult especially if something happens to them and it is way out of your control. But, then again, you could also be somebody’s hero because you were able to save them somehow-someway. This would be good for my career because it will show that I have experience in the Human Services field. Not only that, but as a volunteer.