Thursday, October 31, 2019

Why the Spanish Carribean was unable to maintain control over its own Essay

Why the Spanish Carribean was unable to maintain control over its own Industries - Essay Example Production continued to increase up to 1925 well production deteriorated thereafter because of a series of restrictive policies first on the Cuban government and then on the part of the United States aimed at reducing overproduction and restoring prices. The division of labor and the existence of major production and processing machinery meant that workers were separated from the means of production and subjected to industrial discipline. (Ayala, 50) The plantation systems created a capitalist form which was dominated by the oligopolistic giant in the world sugar market. The Spanish Caribbean was unable to maintain control over its industries because of the introduction of the most modern forms of economic organization which lead to the emergence of wage labor based on the inability of the labor to handle the new technology. This was coupled with the poverty and inequality and the lack of capital for investment. Furthermore, the development of the free labor market and the introducti on of the latest technological advances in the sugar mills, and the fast-paced economic integration to the US economy were the major causes of the persistence in poverty and underdevelopment. (Langley, 271-5) The entrance of the US in the market caused a massive ripple in the industry because of the US had the latest technology and trained workers to handle the production process. The US easily captured and dominated the market because of the inability of the Spanish Caribbean to contain the massive raw material production due to lack of sophisticated industries and technologies that were owned by the US. Furthermore the US had the capital required to invest and run the business effectively which was lacking in the Spanish Caribbean. Innovative technologies and increase in the scale of production radically transformed the business of sugar production. The idea of land concentration also created a scenario in which a few land owners acquired most of the land resulting in the majority of the population being landless and also the immigration of more workers for the sugar industry without any changes in the land tenure further aggravated the landlessness situation in the areas and local class relations were transformed and the workforce proletarian by large-scale investments in sugar centrals. (Langhorn, 10) The large landowners received economic compensation, but workers were simply expelled from the land and their houses were demolished. The eviction of the agricultural workers disregarded traditional usufruct rights over parcels of land, which provided access to means of subsistence above the monetary wages of the workers. The destruction of garden plots and closure of access to fruit trees implied, over the long term, impoverishment for these rural workers. Some of the sugar plantations were converted to military bases by the US due to its ability to acquire the land from the large land owners with only a few transactions. (Langhorn, 10) The sugar companies o ften purchased already existing mills which were small in size and hence unable to handle the large quantity of the raw materials produced; this gave the US an upper hand in the industry since it had large size mills that were able to handle a large quantity of the raw materials and the vertical ownership structure extending across the border to the north subdued local interests or prevented them from surfacing. Further, the increase in employment in other sectors such as construction and other sectors promoted by military contracts during the Second World War to the decline of employment in the sugar industry. In addition the new jobs paid better wages; this therefore transformed the economy from an agrarian economy to one dependent on the US Navy also

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

External and Internal Environments Research Paper - 5

External and Internal Environments - Research Paper Example The issues related to this segment include obesity and health concerns and product quality concerns, including concerns related to the ingredients of the beverages (Coca-Cola Annual Report 2013). Another segment is the global segment, as the company operates globally, and is planning to expand its operations in developing and emerging markets. The company might fail its global growth strategy because of adverse economic and political conditions, different cultural attributes, limited purchasing power or inability to acquire local bottling companies (Coca-Cola Annual Report 2013). In the soft drink industry, fierce rivalry between dominant producers Coca-Cola and Pepsi Co and the threat of substitution are strong, while the threat of entry, the bargaining power of buyers and the power of suppliers are more benign. The Coca-Cola Company is facing fierce industry competition, and in order to keep its competitive advantage, the company has created and implemented integrated marketing programs, aimed to increase consumers’ awareness and raise appeal for the Coca-Cola’s brands (Coca-Cola Annual Report 2012). Moreover, in order to raise customer preference for Coca-Cola’s brands, the company has been undertaking some joint brand-building initiatives with the customers (Coca-Cola Annual Report 2012). As the threat of substitution is high in the soft drink industry as the popularity of tea, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages is growing, the Coca-Cola has also diversified its brand portfolio with new products, substitutes for soft drinks, such as bottled waters (Dasani, Ciel), sport drinks (Powerrade), juices (Simply Orange, Del Valle), vitamin water and smartwater (Glacà ©au), tea (Fuze tea, organic bottled tea Honest Tea), etc. (Coca-Cola Company, n.d.). With the same two forces in mind, high industry rivalry and threat of substitution, it is possible to suggest that the Coca-Cola Company might introduce coffee drinks and more healthy (sugar

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Assessment of the Red Bull Business Plan

Assessment of the Red Bull Business Plan Red Bull is an adaptation of the Thai energy drink Krating Daeng, which means Red Bull. The company was founded by Thai national Chaleo Yoovidhya and Austrian national Dietrich Mateschitz. Together with his son, Chaleo owns a controlling 51 percent interest in the company; however, Mateschitz is responsible for the companys operations through the Austrian company Red Bull GmbH.[1] 1.1 Product Red Bull is a sweet, caffeinated drink aimed to give consumers the high energy kick. Available only in rather expensive 250ml cans, 350ml bottles, with 4 packs and only two flavours (original or sugar-free). It contains caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, and B vitamins. Founded in 1984 by Austrian businessman Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull has become the worlds leading energy drink, a staple in many young, and active peoples lives. 1.2 Competitors Big global companies such as Coca Cola and Pepsi have introduced their own energy drink versions to their product base. Mother (by Coca Cola), Amp (Pepsi), V, Battery, 180, RedEye and Bennu being just some in the ever-growing energy drink market. Competition also presents itself in original sports drinks, such as Gatorade (Pepsi) and Powerade (Coca Cola). Furthermore, premixed alcoholic drinks like the Smirnoff range form part of the competition. 1.3 Industry Red Bull has becoming hugely successful and operates within the global soft drink marketplace. Within the soft drink industry its niche is the energy drink market, of which Mateschitz was largely responsible for creating. Red Bull currently is the leading energy drink across the entire globe. It holds 70% of the market worldwide (Gschwandtner, 2004). Once the drink was passed by health ministries, Red Bull entered the Austrian market, soon thereafter then moved into Germany, United Kingdom and the USA by 1997. 2. Needs, Wants and Demands satisfied by Red Bull 2.1 Needs There are three basic human needs that Red Bull satisfies, physical, social and individual needs. Human needs are states of felt deprivationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ marketers do not invent these needs; they are a basic part of human makeupà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦People in industrial societies might try to find or develop objects that will satisfy their needs. (Kotler et al. 2006) Firstly, a physical need is when 4.1. Recommendations For Red Bull To Sustain Their Marketing Momentum The marketing strategy of Red Bull can be considered as one of the most successful one over the years. Red Bull has been famous for building a beverage brand without relying on mass-media. The central component in all marketing activities of Red Bull was Word- of mouth. Besides, Red Bull also created adult cartoon advertisement, pushed trial programme, invented an extensive network of events, sponsored leading athletes of extreme sports and branded refrigerated sales units to complete their marketing strategy. However, in order to sustain the marketing success, besides their traditional marketing campaign, we think that Red Bull need to take the following actions: Ø Boosting mass-marketing campaign to embed the image of Red Bull an energy drink- in customers minds: in the current harsh competition market, where multiple brands of energy drinks are available, it is hard for Red Bull to keep their position as the first choice in customers minds when they need an energy drink if customers do not have chance to see the image of Red Bull regularly. Therefore, now it is the time for them to use other tools like billboards, banner ads or posters at the public places to maximize contact with customers. Ø Increasing advertising on the internet: as the internet is so popular now and more and more people spend much of their time surfing the internet, Red Bull also needs to popularise their brand through some activities on the internet like creating some extreme games online and advertising on appropriate websites which are quite familiar with students and business people in different countries. Ø Diversifying their products: Red Bull should show their innovation to customers to freshen the image as well as to create entry barriers against other competitors through product diversification. They can introduce new kinds of drink with more vitamin plus or more flavours but they have to make sure that the new kinds are also energy drinks to maintain the Red Bull Equity Red Bull Brand Equity According to Keller (2008, p 53), brand equity is the strong, favorable and unique brand associations in the memory of customers. He goes on to identify (p 54) two sources of brand equity: 1.) Brand Awareness; and 2.) Brand Image. Red Bull has well defined tactics for both sources. The Brand Awareness Source for Red Bull Brand Equity Keller (p 54) notes the key elements of Brand Awareness: 1.) Recognition; and 2.) Recall. He postulates that if buy decisions are made at the point of purchase, then brand name, logo, packaging and the other elements of brand recognition are important factors. If the buy decision is made before arriving at the point of purchase, then brand recall is centrally important. Duncan (2005, p 140) concludes that low-involvement purchase is usually done for products that are relatively cheap, bought frequently, and are low risk. In such cases, in addition to traditional advertising with its reach and frequency drills, it would be productive to spend time getting the name, logo and packaging correct. Red Bull did just this. The Pearson Case Study 4 (2006, p 70) describes how Red Bull selected a distinctive, slim can. They also created a prominent and eye-catching logo of two bulls and a yellow sun. Package wording effectively communicates the products benefits: Energy Drink. The packaging is an important part of the branding, as we might expect for a low-involvement product. Pearson Case Study 4 goes on (p 70) to note that changing the carefully selected package elements, in Germany substituting a glass bottle for the slim can, resulted in a dramatic drop off in sales. To increase brand recall, Keller (p 55) advises that a slogan or a jingle can establish the memory linkages that improve recall. Pearson Case Study 4 (p 69) relates that Red Bull developed an effective slogan, Red Bull gives you wiiings. They use little advertising but when they do it consistes of unusual animated shorts that end with the Case 2 Red Bull Red Bull, using unconventional marketing tactics, has uniquely positioned itself in the beverage industry. Red Bulls unique positioning has allowed it to capture a considerable amount of the energy beverage market share in the countries it is distributed in. Although the companys financial information is not released to the public, it appears Red Bulls marketing strategies have been successful in terms of market share, revenue, and units sold. While I personally think overall the tactics will prove successful for years to come, the same mysterious quality surrounding the drink that has proven successful currently likewise has the potential to erode the brands equity in the future. Unique positioning strategies targeting high-school burnouts and college students, nightclubbers, and athletes have built the brands equity. Grassroots marketing campaigns emphasize the drinks image as being a cool and trendy drink for cool and trendy young adults. Word of mouth and an intentionally vague strategy have made the brand mysterious. By not emphasizing what the company itself feels are the products strengths, it allows consumers to decide for themselves, as well as facilitates the emergence of rumors, some quite outlandish, adding to the drinks perceived value and increasing the brands equity. Red Bull does not have a passive hand, however, in the marketing of its energy drink. The company provides college students free drinks to give away at parties and owns sports teams and events. All of these branding events, unconventional as they are, align well with the products perceived unconventionality, and are strong elements of the brands strong equity, many of the tactics, including those contributing to the lack of public information concerning the company and the Red Bull drink, also provide the potential to erode the brands equity. Health officials have concerns over its ingredients and it has not been approved for sale in Canada or France. It has been linked to a number of deaths and it appears particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol. The company also has created untrue documentaries. As Bob Walker states in his article Observer Bull Marketing, Red Bull has never let the truth get in the way of its brand message. As more and more consumers are becoming health conscious consuming less carbohydrates and sugars, seeking out organic foods, and being weary of what they put in there bodies, they will be less likely to drink Red Bull, especially with the uncertainty regarding the effects of its ingredients. I have never had a Red Bull and would not put something made of ingredients of uncertain effects in my body. Further, although the company contends it does not market Red Bull in bars or for use in conjunction with alcohol, many bars carry Red Bull and the majority of Red Bulls college-aged consumers drink it in conjunction with alcohol, particularly with vodka, an obvious dangerous mix, as Red Bull is an upper and alcohol is a depressant. Although I may not be representative of the majority of consumers, the companys somewhat deficient corporate ethics make me cautious of trusting the brand and wanting to try its drink. As the number of reported deaths increase and speculation over its potentia lly harmful health effects grows, brand equity will likely erode. While one might argue these factors serve to further contribute to the brands mystique and therefore increase equity, over time I think lack of public information and an increase in negative publicity will erode the brands equity. The fact that France and Canada have not approved Red Bull for sale in their countries is indicative of a less than inconsequential health issue surrounding the drink and the lack of ability of the company to reach these markets prevents the company from building brand equity in these locations, no matter how well marketed the product may be.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Algebra As Thought Experiment :: Education Mathematics Learning Essays

Algebra As Thought Experiment ABSTRACT: This paper addresses the problem of understanding what mathematics contributes to the exceptional success of modern mathematical physics. I urge that we give up the Kantian construal of the division between mathematics (synthetic a priori) and physics (experimental), and that we ask instead how algebra helps synthetic a posteriori mathematics improve our ability to study the world. The theses suggested are: 1) Mathematical theories are about the empirical world, and are true or false just like other theories of empirical science. 2) The air of artificiality in mathematics lies exclusively in the use of algebraic method. 3) This method is constructive much like all fiction is, but this construction is for the purpose of experimental investigation of the physical world to the extent that anything in the world has objects like those in the fictional world of a particular algebra. 4) This is why algebraic techniques are successful even when the assumptions of the system are fal se: they may still be applicable to some things considered from some perspective. 5) The success of mathematical physics is also due to Descartes' discovery of a remarkable truth: we live in space and time which can be described as a whole. 6) Therefore, what distinguishes modern science from earlier and later philosophy is not a general method of science, but the fact that it happened to find a truth, and a particular way of studying reality which bore fruit. In the sixteenth century, physics was a part of the general subject known as philosophy. When Galileo wrote the Dialogues Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, he was commenting on some aspects of Aristotle's Philosophy. He was more favorable to the use of mathematics in various problems of physics than was current in his day. He may be described as trying to revive an Archimedean conception of motion in terms of geometry, which may be called "kinematics." Galileo also introduced the experimental method into physics. The experimental method had been very successfully utilized in Alchemy, which was a low or a clandestine science at the time. Its success in physics brought the issue of experimentation into the spot light. Since there are few claims original to Galileo that we may still wish to defend, we may want to describe his success as the introduction of these techniques which he invented or adapted for subsequent physicists to employ. Experimental techniques have improved considerably since Galileo's day.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Ancient Art: How It Affects Society Today Essay

Ancient art has a timeless value on how it affects society today. In order to interoperate each work of art, an individual must have a full knowledgeable concept of how to define each piece. This essay defines each the Mona Lisa created by Leonardo Da Vinci and the Venus de Milo sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch. It defines the form, subject matter, and content for both pieces. The comparison between both pieces is very much different in concepts, but the meaning of both, hold so much of value is very similar by level of representation. Ancient Art Art within itself defines who we are as individuals through the way we express our; feelings, emotions, expressions, and things we create. Looking at the â€Å"Mona Lisa† created by Leonardo Da Vinci, this was certainly a masterpiece that captured the eyes of many through its meaning and design. In a resemblance to art, the â€Å"Venus de Milo† created by Alexandros of Antioch, was a spectacular sculpture that was dated back to 100BC and speaks too many about its characteristic. There are many different aspects to define each artwork such as; the form, subject matter, and its content. Relating art to its time is a crucial aspect to know and understand what possessed meaning during that time. The form of the work is a very crucial aspect to apply when looking at art work. The Mona Lisa is a two-dimensional oil painting on a panel of wood. The painting technique Leonardo da Vinci used was called sfumato (the Italian word for smoke) which involves using several translucent layers of color to produce depth in the painting. I t is still unknown how Leonardo applied the paint as there is no obvious evidence of brush strokes or use of fingers. As for the Venus de Milo, it was a three-dimensional sculpture created out of Italian marble which is a hard stone that has a fine grain which allows for it to be carved with a high degree of detail. According to Lee (2013), â€Å"The Venus de Milo was carved from at least six to seven blocks of Parian marble: one block for the nude torso, another block for the draped legs, another block apiece for each arm, another small block for the left foot, another block for the inscribed plinth and finally the separately carved herm that stood beside the goddess.† Obviously the two differ in many different perspectives. First, sculpting and painting are two different forms of art but the intensive meaning behind both of them represent how much impact art has on society. The material and techniques varied in many different aspects as well and the color, whereas marble wasn’t available in different color schemes. The subject matter behind each piece was a representational outlook for highly respected and loved individuals. From what an individual can gather immediately looking at the Mona Lisa is that, from the sad expression on her face shows meaning behind her life. As for the Venus de Milo, individuals could gather it was someone of value in that era of time. Each with a powerful meaning behind each, but for those who know very little about art could not literally depict what it was actually representing. The content to these two masterpieces are very significant in meaning. The Mona Lisa Possessed a very interesting meaning behind the painting. The name of which the Mona Lisa was given was from Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of a wealthy Florence businessman. In modern Italian, â€Å"mona† means â€Å"my lady† or â€Å"madam,† so the title means â€Å"Madam Lisa†. According to Gwen Bruno (2009), â€Å"the portrait really represents the former Duchess of Milan, Isabella of Aragon and that her sad expression is due to her unhappy marriage.† The sculpture of Venus de Milo is the representation of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, is meant to be the depiction of pure beauty and perfection, (Mike De Rose, 2008). The action and modernized drapery give the Venus great nobility of a goddess. According to Mike De Rose (2008), â€Å"the Venus de Milo represents the girl that this man can never have, and acts as a fantasy for him. When Dario writes â€Å"in the impossible embrace of the Venus de Milo†, he is portraying how it would be impossible to hold or even touch this girl.† The time periods from which these were created were of substantial value to those of its time. The Mona Lisa more accurately fits the description of so by customs and values during that time. The Venus de Milo was more theory opposed to a literal value because she was of creation. Both of the timeless pieces of art will forever hold their value and meaning and will always be cherished. References * Gwen Bruno. (2009). â€Å"What Does the Mona Lisa Represent?† Demand Media Inc. RetrievedJanuary 25, 2013 from; http://www.ehow.com/facts_6175839_mona-lisa-represent_.html * * Lee. (2013). â€Å"What was the Venus De Milo made of?.† Yahoo Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2013from; http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070220141508AA8kRqO * * Mike De Rose. (2008). â€Å"The impossible embrace of the Venus de Milo.† Mercyhurst.edu.Retrieved January 25, 2013 from; * http://plato.mercyhurst.edu/english/breed/www/I%20Seek%20A%20Form/Venus%20de%20Milo.htm *

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Behaviour in the Classroom Essay

Everybody shall: use properly and carefully the school facilities, classrooms, wood and metalwork, fittings, furniture and things made available to us, as well as ours and our teacher’s and class-mates’, at all times; and bring to class the material needed (coursebooks, hand-outs, homework done, white sheets of paper, a plastic folder and something to write with) and have it out on the desk, ready to start working, as soon as the teacher goes into the classroom. No other material shall be on or in the desk. If you forgot to bring in any of the things needed, you must ask someone to share hers with you before the teacher gets in. Those who aren’t ready and haven’t done their homework are given a written assignment and dismissed. If the majority haven’t done it, they will do it on their own and expect a question about it on the next exam. PARTICIPANTS will either – speak, when the teacher chairing the meeting asks to do so, after raising one’s hand up, doing it in a polite way (not judging -‘That is .. ‘-, but expressing personal reactions and reasons -‘I agree/disagree with that opinion because †¦ ‘-), in a low voice, without fear nor shame, to truly (not hiding one’s contradictions, handicaps and mistakes and getting rid of the masks and disguises) ask for clarification or say something that has to do with the matter dealt with (relevant) as clearly and briefly as possible, based on the notes taken while listening; – be silent (mouths closed), listening actively (ears open, eyes looking to the person speaking or the text read and with the mind focused on understanding what it is being said and, then, thinking further meanings of it like: Do I agree? What are the reasons that base it? Does it explain anything? What details and nuances should be taken into account? Can I think of an example? ) and taking notes on the interesting ideas said and on one’s own doubts, questions and visions; – be with one’s hand up and silently miming or gesturing the answer to a question made; or – nod to show agreement with the person speaking. In PAIR & GROUP work, voices shall lower & everybody will speak taking turns clockwise.