Kingfisher Beer Company Case Analysis free essay sample

Kingfisher Beer Company (KBC) has enjoyed being in top position in premium beer segment for the past fifty years and is now facing a potentially identity–changing challenge: the traditional premium beer market has been declining due to changes in consumer preferences at a compound annual rate of 4% and KBC for the first time is experiencing a decline in revenue, whilst a change in leadership infuses new energy to bring a change in their product line. Jake Hope, son of the retired president and owner of KBC faces the challenge of whether to introduce a ‘light’ beer in a growing beer segment, as maintaining status-quo would no more be an option to sustain their existing position in marketplace in the next few years (see Exhibit 2). I recommend that Jake would go for the light beer product venture. The recommendation is based on a complex assessment of the company’s financial viability and of more qualitative reflections. We will write a custom essay sample on Kingfisher Beer Company Case Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Even if for the year 2007 (the case is restrictive for only a 2-year horizon quantitative analysis) projected Operating Margin does not reach levels KBC had enjoyed in prior years, it is positive and growing substantially. Growth from $599,734 to $2,205,235 ($1,605,601 in absolute growth) from 2006 to 2007 with introduction of Light Beer versus of decline from $4,015,024 to $3,414,586 ($600,438 in absolute decline). If KBC will manage to reduce its lost sales of famous Lager (due to market conditions in the premium beer market) from 20% to slightly lower levels then the company could break-even in 2 years (Exhibit 1). From the case’s limited data it is still certain that introducing Light Beer and managing relatively moderate levels of cannibalization (20% or below – Exhibit 3) of the Lager sales opens opportunities to increase the firm’s financials. Moreover, it is essential to capitalize on growing light beer market (4% annually) which also will help fuel possible future expansion or to retain sustainability. According to market research, targeted segment where light beer drinking segment holds â€Å"anti-big-business† values, is already aware of the KBC brand so the firm can leverage on being independent family owned small regional company. In addition, the introduction of a new product will eliminate the risk of being on a single product brand and reduce risk of being in an unfavorable position with regards to distributors who favor more product offerings. On the other hand the introduction of the light beer will affect the brand image, alienate core customers, and squeeze margins. In addition, it is most likely the Company will not be able to sustain advertising and distribution cost against bigger competitors (high entry barrier, competitors strong presence in light beer market). This will lead also to additional unwanted cannibalization of Lager sales and more uneven relationships with distributors and retailers. My recommendation rests on several assumptions (exhibit). The key assumption is that the KBC will attain the 0. 25 market share to break even in 2007. Another assumption is that the light beer market will sustain its growth and consumer preferences will hold in the nearest future.

Victim-Blaming Rape Myths

Victim-Blaming Rape Myths Question: What are Rape Myths - Why Do Myths About Rape Often Blame the Victim? Answer: Rape myths are assumptions about the act of rape and the victims of rape that frequently reduce empathy for and even shift blame to the victim. Often unproven or downright wrong, rape myths are nonetheless widely accepted. A concept first introduced by sociologist Martha R. Burt in 1980, rape myths are defined as prejudicial, stereotyped, or false beliefs about rape, rape victims and rapists. Rape myths can lead us to justify acts of sexual violence by rationalizing that the victim did something wrong and therefore is at fault. When women believe rape myths, they frequently separate and/or distance themselves from the victim by saying, That would never happen to me because.... The following are common rape myths: Its not rape if theyre datingthere was no force/violence involvedshe didnt fight itshe went home with himshe wasnt aware of what was happeningshe said no but really meant yesshes a prostitute She wouldnt have been raped if she wasnt drinking alcoholwearing tight/sexy clothingleading him onslutty/a bad girl/sleeping aroundasking for ityoung and attractivein the wrong place at the wrong time the LA Weekly blog described her The tendency to take a judgmental view of rape victims is s direct result of viewing this violent crime through the lens of rape myths. Sources:Beere, Carole A. Sex and gender issues: a handbook of tests and measures. Pages 400-401. Greenwood Publishing Group. 1990.Raja, Sheela. Rape Myths Persist - Reactions to the Assault on Lara Logan. WomensMediaCenter.org. 17 February 2011.Wilson, Simone. Lara Logan, CBS Reporter and Warzone It Girl, Raped Repeatedly Amid Egypt Celebration. Blogs.LAWeekly.com. 16 February 2011.

Studyguide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Studyguide - Essay Example Tesco has maintained lower costs of procurement and production of goods which has enabled it to sell the products at cheaper prices as compared to the other retailers in the market. This has ensured increased competiveness as well as greater sales margins in the business. Tesco Corporation has continued to grow and has expanded the stores of the company into a number of foreign markets. This has made it necessary for the company to have an in-depth understanding of the opportunities presented in the international trading systems. Tesco has successfully attained economies of scale in its production capacities in different foreign countries and as such has become able to lower the costs of production. The company has been an early mover into taking up the principles of comparative advantage by reducing the production and operational costs in the business. In order to maintain lower operating costs, Tesco has implemented a number of comparative advantage theories in their daily operatio ns. The company has used the Ricardo’s comparative advantage theory in the production activities and in the export activities of the goods of Tesco in foreign locations (Kelly 200). Tesco has been extremely selective about the sourcing of the raw materials. The company has made careful selections of local and international suppliers in order to reduce the production costs in the business. The company outsources the production activities of different goods in countries where the production cost of the specific goods are comparatively lower than on other locations. This helps to decrease the production expenses and allows Tesco to sell the final products to the consumers at comparatively lower prices. For example, Tesco focuses on producing rice and other cereals in countries like Japan and clothing goods in countries like China and India where the manufacturing costs of these products are much lower as compared to the home country of Tesco. The

Media and Religion in Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Media and Religion in Conflict - Essay Example serious issues, news of other areas like entertainment, spiritual or religious etc are primarily targeted for the common man who can relax and rejuvenate with the information. I therefore, disagree with slinger’s assertion. Religion is intrinsic part of one’s life and is primarily used as a guideline for leading a moral and ethical life. Slinger’s claim that television has subverted the value system of contemporary society is biased not because as Postman (1987) says that it redefines the truth but mainly due to the fact that but for the television, world would not have known about the 9/11 catastrophe or quickly brought help to the victims of natural disasters from all corners of the world and habilitate them in the shortest possible time. The television news, howsoever gross they may be, nevertheless inform public about what is going on different part of the world. Newman (1996) says that some Christians are of the view that selective religious news should be broadcast. Their major fear is that television distorts news so how will one know if the selective news is correct? There are wide variety of channels that show all kind of shows, some may be offensive but then it becomes one’s choice to see it or not. One can exercise one’s choice according to one’s religious guidelines. In fact, television becomes one of the best critics to test one’s sincerity in one’s religion. If the person can be swayed by the images or content of the television, then religion plays not so significant role in his/her life. Television is the mirror of society and reflects its values and hence, cannot be antithetical to religious

Grammar as an Essential Part of Each Language Assignment

Grammar as an Essential Part of Each Language - Assignment Example According to the research findings, a teacher’s language is just required to be correct because it will be the examples for students to follow. It is especially true for those, whose first language is not English. Consequently, an ESL/EFL teacher has to know both descriptive and prescriptive grammar in order to teach students to communicate correctly. While descriptive grammar can be learned by students from examples (via reading, listening, and then imitation), it is important for them to know prescriptive grammar as well in order to be able to form own sentences correctly and independently from the models provided in class. Therefore, in my opinion, a future ESL/EFL teacher should know, and be ready to teach the prescriptive grammar rules. This knowledge will help to both structures the teaching process and clarify certain grammatical aspects for the students. In addition, knowledge of the basic rules of grammar will help the teacher to form own sentences correctly, and, as a result, be a good example for the students to follow. So, the correctness of the teacher’s speech adds to the students’ learning. Besides, the teacher must understand the basic rules of grammar because otherwise, one will not be able to teach grammar effectively. While such understanding involves the correctness of the teacher’s own speech, it also requires some additional knowledge that will help to explain to the students why this or that sentences is formed in a particular way. If students do not understand the reasons, they are usually unlikely to be able to form own correct sentences without the supportive examples. On the contrary, when students know the rules to follow, they are more likely to use them in independent speech or writing. Another important aspect of language for the teacher to know is ‘metalanguage’ – vocabulary used to describe the language. It is a tool for the teacher to explain grammar rules to the students.

Reflective Portfolio: Self-Evaluation Report

Reflective Portfolio: Self-Evaluation Report Executive summarize In this self evaluating report the main task is to evaluate the progress achieved during this term and to determinate in which skills I need to work the most to make an improvement. It is mainly base on my personal skills development and theories learned during the seminars and lectures, I will do an analysis of my strengths and weaknesses, for that I am doing a SWOT analysis, a future skills development program and how I am going to achieved it, As supporting evidence I am going to attach in-class works and exercises done through out the semester. Introduction During the term I have had the opportunity to improve and learned interpersonal skills that are essential for what managers are looking now days in graduate students. For this self analysis report I have chosen the skills that I think are the ones I have improve the most and the ones in which I need to work more, these are: Strengths; Good communication and writing skills and good group working skills Weaknesses; Bad time management and poor knowledge in the use of IT Opportunities; Improve my leadership skills in group works, my time management, career management and my IT knowledge Threats: Having difficulties with my communication or writing skills because English is my second language, have disagreements with group members Learning reflection throughout the term and skills performance Throughout the term and especially at this module I have been encouraged by my seminars leaders to improve my interpersonal skills by doing many different activities. I feel that the skills that I have improved the most are my communication, writing skills and my group working skills. Communication skills I believe this skill is one of the most important skills that a person need to have in todays employability market because this is the principal method we use to communicate with each other, Talking and Listening are consider as essential interpersonal skills that graduates should have according to QAA key skill list [2009]. I have improve this skill through out the term by doing presentations at the different course modules, for example the ICT presentation, where me and my partner were asked to advised a small company if it was convenient for them to put their business online and we had to give a formal presentation in front of the class, in other modules such as Theory and practice of business we are going to have a group presentation about our result on our fancy share portfolio and at Interpersonal skills for business module we had to do a group presentation about an activity that was called ISLAND ESCAPE: ISLAND SURVEY were we were asked to convinced the audience or ISLAND SURVIVERS that our island was the best choice for coming to live at. Writing skills This is another point in which I have improved since I started the term. The main reasons for my personal improvement I think are; the reports and course works I have had to write for the different modules, for example the Electronic portfolio, for interpersonal skills and innocent report for theory and practice for business, I have being able to achieve this with the recommendation given throughout the lectures and also with the information that is in the module book [Second edition, Chapter 9] where I could find: The four distinct stages for writing any type of report Types of report Terms of reference Researching and organizing the source material In this skill the main improvements I have made are; learning the difference types of data which are: Source material and Diagramming, according to Saunders et al. (2003), Source material is the data that you will use to support your key points and provide evidence to support your recommendations. And according to Buzan (1995), Diagramming is a useful technique for abstract the main themes from the detailed background information, and also how to do a correct reference and bibliography. Group working Throughout the term I have had the chance to improved my group-work skill at all the modules, this skill is now is being considered as one of the most important factors for business development, as ACAS, [April, 2003] has point out To remain competitive organizations need to make and optimum use of equipment and people if they are to thrive or even surviveIn general sense people talk of team work when they want to emphasize the virtues of co-operation and the need to make use of the various strengths of employees. This skill was mainly develop at this module throughout different activities for example, the ISLAND ESCAPE, and the BOARD GAME and the NASA exercise. At other modules we also had the opportunity to improve our group-work skills for example the theory and practice SHARE PORTFOLIO was done in groups of 5 to 6 people and all the group members had to decide how we were going to invest the money, in this activity many people had disagreements and some times it delay the entire group performance, one analysis we learned in the lecture and that is used to analyze the group behavior according to their results is the Interaction analysis it was develop from the work of Bales, [1950] and the principle of this analysis is to describe the group process and indications of factors influencing the process of it. The main thing that make all of us improved in our group work skill at this module was that we did not have the chance to choose our groups so for every different activity we had to work with different people and that make us have to take different roles at each group-activity, according to Belbin, [1981], Groups that are composed by entirely of cleaver people, or of people with similar personalities, display a number of negatives results and lack of creativity, in general group working make us improve our communication skill with other people because we had to expressed our ideas and also listen to others peoples ideas, some studies have demonstrate that there are five main types of communication networks between group members which are; Wheel, Circle, All-channel, Y and Chain, this researches was done by Bavelas, [1951] and studied by Leavitt. [1958]. Time management This skill is not one of the strongest skill that I have but I have being working on to improved it for example I did the time management action plan, were I was able to find were I loss most of my time and what unnecessary activities I did during the day, and since then I have being able to organize better my time and give it a better used, one positive thing I have manage to do is that throughout the semester I have not miss any death. IT skills For me this is one of the skills in which I need to work the most because in this century everybody needs to know how to used and work with IT, also a large amount of work places this days requires you have IT knowledge for qualifying for the job, also as Belbin, [1951] said in her theory about Team roles there are some roles that are different from the nine-roles key roles she that where needed in a team she called them Functional Roles because for these roles members are chosen for their experience and specialize knowledge, one example is IT knowledge. For improving on this skill I received lectures and seminars about the correct used of excel, power point and even word in the ICT module, also using blackboard and submitting works through it had make me feel more comfortable with the use of computer programs and electronic academic tools. Leadership skills During the activities that we did during the term we had the opportunity to developed our leadership skills when working in groups, as we learned at the lectures and seminars there are a lot of different types of leadership, according to the Managerial Grid Questionnaire that we did in at the seminar my leadership style is Team Leader, Black Mouton (1964). Being a leader for me is not only to make other people do what I said, is to earn their respect, in other words is that the people must accepted; the other persons ideas or what he is offering and voluntarily decided to follow him as his leader. According to the module book there are two different approaches for the study of leadership; one is the Descriptive approach and the second one Functional approach, [Module book, unknown author, page 251], the Descriptive approach focus on whether a leader is a special type of person or whether there is a most appropriate style for a leader to adopt and the Functional approach according to Bower and Seahores, (1966), Leadership is behavior that results in a difference in the behaviors of others. One theory that is being used for leadership training in the Industrial society, (Module book, page 252), is the Action-centred theory of leadership, John Adair [1984] It consists in three sets of interrelated needs, that increase the three functions a leader must have; The task related function The team related function The individually oriented function As a result it recognizes how these three areas affect each others in terms of group performance. In management most of the times leaders are not choose by the people it normally is someone that posses a higher rank in the organization, this is known as a Headship who is someone that has a formal authority over its subordinates, [Module book, page 254], according to Kotter, [1990], Is far more realistic to regard management and leadership as two complementary activities, each one having its own unique function. During the group activities we did during the term we were able to find that all of has different types of leaders each one with its own characteristic, positive and negative aspects, our leadership types are based on Lewin et al. [1939],study that divided them in three categories: Autocratic leader Democratic leader Laissez-faire leader Conclusion During my time at the University of Westminster I have had the chance to develop and improve my interpersonal skills, knowing that now days this skills are what employers are looking for when they are planning to hire someone makes me think about the importance of develop, learn and practice those skills more. Interpersonal skills are really useful not only for business practice bur also for every day activity. We do not realize how often we use these skills in our daily life and how helpful they can be if we applied them well, for example time management it would help us to improve it and decrease the amount of time we waste, another skill that is very necessary in any kind of situation is communication skill, because we are always needing to express our thought or ideas to other people and if we do not know how to expressed our self correctly, specially when you are giving a first impression to an audience or to a person you are not going to be able to delivered our message correctly and the receiver of our message will not be able to understand what we are trying to said. Other skills such as leadership and team working are essential when working as member of a group, because if you do not know how to manage different situation the final work result is going to be very poor, and also these skills are very important for employers because they want someone that is able to adapt in different groups and that is able to perform different roles in those groups. Specialized skills such as IT or essential skills such as writing skills are also very important, specialized skills gives you more opportunities when searching for a job and essential skills are important because those are the skills that managers are looking for in their future employees. Recommendations There are some skills that I have already mention before but I considered that I have the opportunity to work more on them and be able to improve these essential skills which are: Management As I already said time management and particularly punctuality is something I feel I need to improve because is one of the first impressions that you give to a person, as Goffman, [1959], said on in his self presentation theory, and particular on first impressions, The opening impression we give is not just and impression of what kind of person we are, it also conveys our definition of the situation Each individual entering a conversation projects by dress, manner, and opening remarks proposal for what the basis of the interaction shall be, for example arriving late for a business meeting will probably make you loose the job or at least loosing the appointment, for that I would have to focus more in the starting hour of the activity and planned better my time so in that way I will arrive on time, specially to my lectures and seminars. Planning my career path is another area in which I have to work because as I am not sure what I am going to do after I graduate, until now I have decided to do an internal transfer from business management to a combined degree of Economics and socio legal studies. I will manage to decide during the two years that I have left which path I am going to follow after getting my degree and where I will continue my studies. IT knowledge The best way to improved in this area is by taking modules that are related with it, for example next semester I am taking a module call essential data analysis and by doing home study and personal researches. For succeeding on my future plans development I not only have to improved the areas in which I have the opportunity to do it but also I need to pay attention to external factors that might delay my improvements, which could be: English as a second language As English is not my first language I think these might become a problem when writing reports or essays and when doing oral presentations it might not go along well because I might not know how to express some idea, but I think as I get more English practice this will not be a problem. Group disagreements When working on groups sometimes you might have the opportunity to work with people that you get along with but some other times you might find yourself in a group that does not work well together or everybody is trying to get individual recognition so at the end the result will be unsuccessful, I think the way to improve this is by focus on the work, and leave individual problems outside the group, also by to developing our own personal type of leadership according to the different theories we have learned is going to ne easier to everyone to adapt to different groups and become a member of it.

My Philosophy of Education :: Philosophy on Teaching Teachers Essays

My Philosophy of Education My philosophy of teaching is based on theories or ideas of philosophers and psychologists such as the Sophists, Plato/Socrates, Functionalists, Rousseau, Experimentalists, and Piaget as well as others. I will discuss my views on the nature of humans, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of education, the method in which I intend to conduct my classroom, the importance of library media in schools, as well as my plans of professional development. The nature of humans is a combination of both heredity and environment. Everyone has the ability to learn to some degree (Sophists). Piaget’s stages of cognitive development are to be considered when selecting materials for students of respective age groups. However, there are exceptions to the age ranges provided in Piaget’s stages. The Functionalists’ idea of one’s own choices, efforts, and merits directly effecting one’s success is good, but I feel other factors such as economic conditions, contribute to the outcome. As for the nature of knowledge, it is both relative and absolute. Knowledge is relative because views change, for example the concept that the Earth was the center of the universe was believed as fact at a particular time, but was disproved later. Mathematics is an example of absolute knowledge, because anytime you add the same numbers the answer is the same. I feel the purpose of education is to improve society by helping every individual reach his or her potential. I believe that every child is capable of success. As a teacher it will be my responsibility to find ways to help each child in my class achieve his or her greatest potential. I want to encourage my students, and instill a feeling of accomplishment and self-satisfaction. I hope my students will realize the untapped possibility of human potential. In my classroom, my teaching method will consist of hands-on activities, as I feel from personal experience that this is the most effective way to learn. I also know from personal experience that learning must be applicable to real life, so I intend show as much as possible the relationships between lessons and life. Some lecture will be required, but I intend to keep lecturing minimal and use the Socratic method of questioning. Discipline is essential in the classroom and in life. Discipline starts with rules, which should be reflective of the students’ input as well as any necessary regulations not covered by the students.