Financial Ratios. Jardine Cycle and Carriage Research Paper

Financial Ratios. Jardine Cycle and Carriage - Research Paper Example SWOT Analysis from Financial Perspective 13 5. Conclusion and Recommendation 14 6. References 16 16 7. Appendices 21 7.1 Appendix 1: Profit and Loss Account of Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007) 21 7.2 Appendix 2: Balance Sheet of Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007) 24 7.3 Summary/Workings for Financial Ratios 27 1. Introduction 1.1 Financial Health of the Company Jardine Cycle and Carriage Limited is an investment bearing company. The company is engaged in the processes of manufacturing, assembling, distributing and selling through retail chains various motorcycles and motor parts. The company operates in various parts of the world: Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia (Bloomberg Business Week, 2011). The paper has been designed with the aim of assessing the financial position of the company. Although Jardine Cycle and Carriage is a company dealing with diversifying businesses, the focus of the company is upon the market of Southeast Asia . In the list of Singapore’s top companies, Jardine Cycle and Carriage is raked within the top 20 positions. The company is holding a stake of 50.1% in Astra and has strong strategic interest upon it. However, the company undertakes its business within the automotive segment of the market. In the recent times, the financial health of the company is much influenced by its record performance due to its stake in Astra. Though the conditions of trading in Singapore and Vietnam stock markets are challenging, the company has depicted satisfactory performance for its stakeholders. The satisfaction was provided through announcement of proposed 69% enhancement in the full year dividend of the company. The financial health of the company can be summarised through the fact that the chief businesses of the company had achieved a tremendous growth during the year 2010. The financial health even strengthened through the firmness of Rupiah in Indonesia (Jardine Cycle & Carriage, 2010). 1.2 Investment (Investors’) Objective of the Company The investment objective of Jardine Cycle and Carriage from the perspective of enhancing investors’ stake in the company is to attain a wider foundation of earning for the investors. The company aims at continuously striving for investment opportunities with sustenance of its investment position in its various business segments, i.e., financial services, automotive, agribusiness, infrastructure and logistics, heavy equipment and mining and information technology (Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd., 2011). The group Managing Director (MD) is confident about the future outlook of the company in the coming days and hopes that the company would definitely succeed in sustaining its strong position within the region’s automotive market. The investment decision that the company wants to sustain for maintaining its strong position within the market is with regards to extension of its assortment of dealerships all around the wo rld (Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd., 2011). 2. Company Financial Background The financial background of the company is much dependent upon the business activities that it performs. The following figure depicts the groups of business activities performed by Jardine Cycle and Carriage: Source: ((Jardine Cycle & Carriage, 2010). Astra, where the company holds its major stake, had depicted great performance during the year 2010 with record profit earnings. Astra performed excellently in each segments of its businesses apart from contract mining. The functions of Astra with respect to its consumer finance segment were able to generate enormous profits with the improvement in the debt position, constant margin of interest rates and proficient liquidity

The effect of various types of electoral balloting on election results Research Paper - 1

The effect of various types of electoral balloting on election results - Research Paper Example Paper ballots for political elections first appeared in America in 1889 (Fund 7). Originally, voters would write the name of their candidate of choice on a piece of paper (Fund 9). In modern times, parties preprint ballot papers, and the voter selects their preferred candidate by ticking or crossing (Fund 9). Incidence of human error that may occur while utilizing such a ballot is high. However, the reason why this system is ineffective is the laws that govern the likely occurrence of these errors. The Supreme Court set standards that ensure objectivity and fairness in the vote counting process (Segal et al 309). However, these standards seem prejudiced because they allow the skilled vote counters the privilege to utilize arguments such as technicalities to disqualify a vote even in situations where the voter displays intent (Streb 74). The ruling party in most instances may use these standards to reduce the votes for the opposition. For instance, the party may ensure its voter offic ials train better than those of the opposition allowing them to detect â€Å"technicalities† with much more ease than the opposition’s officials (Fund 35). As such, the officials favor voter intent for their party while rejecting voter intent for other parties. Currently, less than 2% of American voters utilize this system (Streb 92). Hand counting ballot papers is a time consuming cumbersome process (Streb 91). This may lead to errors as the electoral officials become overwhelmed by the counting. This method also has a high level of fraud as it is easy to steal or misplace them (Streb 91). Mechanical lever machines first appeared in America in the 1892 elections. Their popularity over the years that followed reflects on the fraudulent nature of the paper ballot that people were trying to escape (Avaliktos 160). The citizenry trusted technology (hence the machine) over human

External Forces that have brought Cross boarder restructuring in the Essay

External Forces that have brought Cross boarder restructuring in the airline industry - Essay Example The cause of this crisis was the increase in the fuel prices as in the worse economic fiasco faced by many nations across the globe. This led to the falling down in demand of fuel in USA and Britain. Breaking out of Gulf War saw many airlines shutting their business down, among these were the Eastern Airlines -US, British airline Air Europe, Pan American and a few smaller airlines like Midway-US and TEA in Belgium. The end of Gulf War was not any better for any of these airlines. From the worlds top-20 airlines only British Airways, Cathay, SIA (Singapore Airlines) and Swissair made a net surplus in each of the three years 1991-1993. The worst hit was the North-American airlines; on the contrary many Asian airlines functioned beneficially. Many airlines needed huge capitals to survive in those years among them was Air France. The member states of the European Union received US $ 10.4 billion in state aid in the year 1995. This was government support offered following authorization by the European Commission. In 1997, Alitalia was given $ 1.7 billion of state aid. Several Airlines received government funds about $ 1.3 billion that were not classified as state support. Subsequently, in 1994 and the years to follow, with financial prudence a number of airlines returned to stipulate development and gain profits. Generally, this was the time when a boom occurred in the airline business. In addition, 1998 was the most lucrative year ever. (Doganis, 2001) By and large, joblessness in the New York state remains towering, at 7.4 percent, and current statistics illustrate that more or less 40 percent of those laid off subsequent to 9/11 are still jobless. Even though billions of dollars in centralized support have been billed to help the airlines affected by the rebellious assault, removed airline employees have by and large been unsuccessful to profit up

Female Offenders: Harsher Sentences In Courts

Female Offenders: Harsher Sentences In Courts Most research implies that there is a significant difference in the way women and men ware treated by the criminal system and that these differences are mainly due to the operation of gender stereotypes. Research studies have hypothesised that gender does affect sentence in a number of ways. The effect is not necessarily explicit and it may or may not to the woman offenders apparent advantage. This implies that it may be harsher or more lenient as compared to that of the male offenders. It has also been suggested that the fact that men and women enter the criminal justice system in ways that are different and the fact that they also have different characteristics might have an effect on the way they are treated by the system. Based on this, this paper seeks to discuss whether female offenders receive harsher sentences in courts than do their male counterparts based on their gender status. In discussing whether female offenders are treated differently from their male counterparts by t he criminal justice system, this paper will also review the various theoretical frameworks from early feminists and classical theorists. It will also include explanations on the historical background of the issue and on some features of the maleness of law. Pollak (1961) argues males in the criminal justice system are captivated by women offenders causing them to treat them leniently. This thesis is however criticised by Heidensohn (1985), one of the known feminists who argues that Pollaks theory is based on female biology making it unsociological, ahistiorical and ideological. He goes on to suggests that apart from the committing the crime, female offenders are also tried for their femininity hence face double jeopardy. As such, they receive harsher sentence and crime as compared to the male offenders. Female offenders are also usually punished for their sexual misbehaviour, in the event it exists, which is not the case with the male counterparts. Based on this argument, the courts apply a double standard for female offenders. This paper will therefore look at cases in which women offenders buy into the gender contract and other cases in which women receive harsh treatment as well as sentences by the criminal justice system. The paper will discuss at how the law views females and how this is connected to the way in which women offenders are treated differently (either harshly or more lenient) from men. The question of whether female offenders are treated less harshly by the criminal justice system is also inherently related to the debate of why there has been an increase in female offenders. Simon (1975) and Adler (1975) argue that due to the womens liberation movement, a theory referred to as the liberation thesis, women have over the years become more men-like. Simon Landis (1991), explain that feminist calls for equality has caused a decline in chivalry within courts in the way they treat female offenders. Based on these arguments and theories, this paper will discuss how the courts, one of the agencies of the criminal justice networks treats women offenders during passing of sentences. In discussing this question, it is worth to note that historically and even presently, women commit less crime than males. According to the British criminal statistics, there are various differences between male and female offenders. According to the Home Office (2003), women constituted only 19 percent of the known offenders. The statistics also show that women commit also commit crimes that are violent such as theft, fraud and robbery. 75 percent of crime committed by women is theft and handling according to these statistics. It is however worth to note that women commit less violent crimes as compared to their male counterparts (Lise, 2009). They however participate in all types of criminal activities (Lise, 2009). Statistics also imply that female offenders are more likely to be cautioned for crimes and offenses that are indictable than men. Figures show that the cautioning rate for women was 44 pe5cent as compared to 27 percent for men. Research also showed that women were less likely to be charged after being arrested for offenses than men. 52 percent of women arrested were charged as compared to 60 percent of men arrested (Lise, 2009). According to Lambrose Ferrero (1995), there are less criminals among females than there are among males and that female criminals have more anomalies than the normal women. According to these theorists, female offenders do not act in accordance with the standards pre-defined and are regarded to be pathological hence require to be removed from the society or undergo treatment to make them normal. Courts therefore tend to punish female offenders for their offenses and for not complying with the pre-defined standards. This is implies that they receive double punishment which is not so with the male counterparts. As such, female offenders receive harsher sentences than males by courts. Market Demographics | Marketing Essay Market Demographics | Marketing Essay Executive summary: When you ask for Kleenex, everyone knows you are asking for a tissue. Although the number of rivals has been increased especially during the last decades, today, Kleenex with its worldwide popularity and its strong brand that built within its eighty years old understands needs of its different customers. Obviously, one of the major group of the customers, are men. Although the mens beauty care market lags the womens by some time, a new report pointed that the male grooming market has been increasing at double digit growth rates over the last decade in the US that in turns widespread in the other parts of the world. The economic downturn has tempered optimism but the mens beauty market remains one of the best performing segments in the personal care sector, according to a new report by Diagonal Reports. Men are now catching up with women with demand for mens hair coloring and fair skins having now taken off, decades after the womens coloring boom. A fundamental change in male behavior towards their appearance is responsible for this growth. Very large numbers of men are much more interested in their appearance than previously and interested in a different way than was the case. As one male grooming expert pointed out, Many men have a new attitude to appearance, it is no longer just functional, and they want their appearance to be in fashion. Hence, we have just concerned about men as women, children and others that in turns directed us to think about providing a new product for them. For this reason, we thought about producing new tissues that have some unique aspects especially for men and could help to protect and improve their skin and their appearance. Even though, the traditional categories like ultra- soft tissue and Kleenex lotion continue to be the most purchased products, a growing number of men are beginning to experiment with other, less traditional cosmetics and toiletries products, such as facial cleansers tissue, as well as face and body tissue with rejuvenate property by adding vitamins like vitamin E, sun block, green tea extract and exfoliation substances in the middle layer of the tissue. These core materials are the most sought after by dandy man who want to keep skin full of life in tissues daily use. 2.0 Situation Analysis Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Kimberly-Clark) is one of the leading consumer product companies in the world. It holds the first or the second position globally in terms of market share in more than 80 countries. It has operations in 36 countries and sells its products in more than 150 countries. The companys well-known family care and personal care brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Andrex, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex, Poise and Depend are top ranking brands in terms of market share in more than 80 countries. High consumer loyalty and strong brand recognition help the company garner a substantial market share. However, economic slowdown in the US and Eurozone could adversely affect demand for Kimberly-Clark products. 2.1 Market Summary 2.1.1 Market Demographics The profile of the interior views customer consists of the following geographic, demographic, psychographic, and behavior factors: Geographics We have set first geographic target area, which is Malaysia. After successful hit the Malay market, we will expand our new product in Asia area then spread across the world. According to Malaysia demographics profile 2009, male population between 15-64 years is now 8,210,373(31.9% of total population of 25,715,819) we assume the population between 18 to 45 years old to be 20%. Demographics Male Have attended college Able and young, affluent customers A combined high annual income The age range from 18 to 45,more than 60% clustering around 18-25 years old Social class cover from the working class to middle class, upper uppers Psychographics All men who take care of themselves, concerned with their appearance Protect and improve their skin is important for them He perceives himself as tasteful and able, and they insist on Many men have a new attitude to appearance, it is no longer just functional, and they want their appearance to be in fashion. Behavior Factors The behavior of target customer is what accepted as masculine has shifted considerably throughout the times, so the modern concept of how a man should be differs from the ideal man of previous eras. Some styles and behaviours that are today considered feminine, in the past were, part of the mans domain (e.g., makeup, jewellery). He take pride in having an active role in using man care products Once they try, it is hardly to convertible They often show up at following places: Man SPA centers Mens salons and barbershops Golf club 2.1.2 Market Needs Kimberly-Clark Corporation is providing the men who are living in urban districts with facial tissues; The Company seeks to fulfill the following benefits that are important to its target consumers: High Quality: Based on our target market, the costumers are pursuing a higher quality of life. Attitudes and habits are changing among male consumers regarding their hygiene, grooming and physical appearance, as well as the purchasing habits among men. Rejuvenate property: Add vitamins like vitamin E, sun block, and green tea extract and exfoliation substances in the middle layer of the tissue. These core materials are the most sought after by dandy man who want to keep skin full of life in tissues daily use. Customer service: Exemplary service is required to build a sustainable business that has a loyal customer base. 2.1.3 Market Trends With men becoming more involved with their grooming habits and the explosive growth in the mens segment we saw a huge opportunity to introduce the male consumer tissue to a new proposition in skincare. Younger men are clearly more interested in taking care of themselves than their fathers or even their older brothers. But is it because metro sexuality has become more widely accepted by the masses or simply because of their generations habits? Its a generational thing. The guys in these generations get their bodies waxed, work out, style their hair, go to tanning salons, etc., more than their predecessors. they were raised on MTV, the Internet and reality shows, every minute of their lives is a photo-opportunity, they always want to look like theyre ready for their 15 minutes of fame, and dont think theres anything feminine about that. Using metro sun block among groups of friends going to beach or swimming pools which is really relevant in Malaysia because of its climatic situation is a notable trend. Another trend is using metro aroma in groups of boys parties and special ceremonies and weddings with wide range of aromas which can satisfy different tastes in wide range of groups. The other trend is using of Kleenex  ®metro with vitamin E for nourishing and rejuvenating the skin especially among men between 30 to 45 years old who strongly have desire to be always in centre of attention still keeping their skin nourished and shiny to make them more attractive. 2.1.4 Market Growth With changing men habits of fashion life and tending to show more and more attention to be sensitive about their appearance, the market for men care products is growing. As men using these kinds of products, a lot of companies are trying to establish new product line in their portfolio specially designed for men. By increase in number of producers and variety of men products, the companies should try to set the prices still competitive to remain in this market and grow in the same time to satisfy rate of growing people in this market segment. 2.2 SWOT Analysis The following SWOT analysis captures the key strengths and weakness within the company and describes the opportunities and threats facing Kleenex. Strengths Weaknesses Strong market position and brands Diversified business portfolio Strong growth in revenues and profits Lack of scale Business concentration Opportunities Threats Growth in Asian markets Acquisition and alliances Increasing preference for natural personal care products Intense competition Increasing oil prices 2.2.1 Strengths Strong market position and brands Kimberly-Clark has a strong market position. It has operations in 36 countries and sells its products in more than 150 countries. The company is well-known for its family care and personal care brands. It holds the first or the second position globally in terms of market share in more than 80 countries. Focus on building brands has helped Kimberly-Clark capture a strong market position. The companys brand portfolio includes some of the most popular brands of the world such as GoodNites, Cottonelle, Kleenex, Scott, Andrex, Hakle, Huggies,etc. The companys brand recognition has helped it to achieve consumer loyalty overtime ensuring a high market share. Diversified business portfolio Kimberly-Clark has a diversified business structure. The companys operations are carried out through personal care, consumer tissue, Kimberly-Clark professional and others, and health care segments. The companys personal care segment contributed 41.4% of the total revenues in 2007; consumer tissue derived 35.4%, Kimberly-Clark professional other 16.6%, health care 6.6%.The companys revenues grew by 9.1% in 2007, because of higher sales volumes, favorable currency effects, increased net selling prices and an improved product mix. The company is not over dependent upon on any one business. A diversified business portfolio helps the company cope with fluctuations in any one of its businesses and has led to a stable revenue growth. Strong growth in revenues and profits Kimberly-Clark has recorded a strong growth in revenues and profits in the last few years. Its revenues have increased at a compounded annual growth rate, CAGR (2005-2007) of 7% from $15,902 million in 2006 to $18,266 million in 2008. The companys profitability has also increased in recent years. Its operating profit increased at a CAGR (2005-2007) of 6% from $2,311 million in 2005 to $2,616 million in 2008. Similarly, the companys net profit also increased during (2005-2007) from $1,568 million in 2005 to $1,823 million in 2007. Robust financial performance strengthens the financial position of the company and provides a platform for future growth. 2.2.2 Weaknesses Lack of scale The company lacks the scale to compete with large players in the industry. Many of the companys competitors are much larger in size in terms of revenue generated and number of employees. Kimberly-Clark generated $18,266 million and employed 53,000 people in 2007, while one of its key competitors, Johnson Johnson (JJ) generated revenues of about $61,095 million in 2008 and employed about 119,200 people worldwide. Another competitor, The Procter Gamble Company (PG) generated revenues of about $76,476 million and employed 138,000 people in 2007. Owing to its relatively small scale of operations, the company could find it difficult to face competition. Business concentration Kimberly-Clark has concentrated operations both in terms of geography and customers. In the fiscal year 2007, the company derived approximately $10,192.1 million (53.9%) of its revenues from North American region; out of which $9,875.6 million (52.2%) came from the US alone. In terms of customer concentration, Wal-Mart, the companys largest customer, contributed approximately 13% to its revenues since 2005. High dependence upon a single large customer like Wal-Mart could reduce the bargaining power of the company. Any decrease in revenue from this customer could have an adverse effect on the companys revenues and profits. Moreover, the company is exposed to risks associated with the single economy, while its competitors such as The Procter and Gamble Company with significant operations in other countries are guarded against such a risk. 2.2.3 Opportunities Growth in Asian markets The consumer products and personal care products businesses are driven significantly by three basic demographic factors: population growth, household formation and household income growth. These factors are now driving strong growth in many of the companys developing markets including Asia, especially India and China. The companys sales increased in developing markets by 12% in 2008. In addition, in the categories in which Kimberly-Clark competes, developing countries currently represent a $4.5 billion market that is predicted to reach $5.2 billion by 2010. Moreover, the company has its operations in 36 countries. This provides Kimberly-Clark with the opportunity to enhance its market share as well as expand its presence in other categories. Acquisition and alliances Kimberly-Clark has been expanding its portfolio of services by entering into strategic agreements, and acquiring organizations to strengthen its position in the industry. For example In January 2007, ICG Commerce a leading procurement services provider signed a five-year contract to provide certain sourcing and supply management activities for Kimberly-Clark Corporation. This move will allow Kimberly-Clark to direct its resources on innovation, brand-building and other capabilities that will drive long-term sustainable growth. Further, In March 2008, Kimberly-Clark reached an agreement to purchase the remaining stake in its South African subsidiary, Kimberly-Clark of South Africa (K-CSA) from The Lion Match Company wholly-owned subsidiary of FASIC Investment Corporation Limited. K-CSA is a leading manufacturer and marketer of tissue, personal care and business-to-business products and also markets Kimberly-Clarks line of health care products. Kimberly-Clarks increased ownership in K-CSA will enhance its growth potential in African region. The companys alliances in these areas would allow it to further strengthen its existing business or gain a strong foothold in new sectors and markets. Increasing preference for natural personal care products Some consumers are realizing the power of treating their skin with vitamins, botanicals and avoiding such ingredients as parabens and sulfates. Consequently, natural and organic products are being seen and appreciated as being safe, efficacious, earth-friendly beauty solutions that are better for ones well-being. Another reason why natural ingredient based skincare and personal hygiene products are perceived as healthier and better is that natural as a standalone word/concept strongly implies a healthy balance. In that way, it can elicit an emotional response from consumers and therefore has strong relevance to emotional wellness. Kimberly-Clark can capitalize on this growing trend by launching more natural personal care products. 2.2.4 Threats Intense competition The personal care businesses are characterized by intense competition throughout the world. The company competes in selected product categories against a number of multinational manufacturers. In addition to products sold in the mass-market and demonstrator-assisted channels, the companys products also compete with similar products sold in prestige department store channels, through door-to-door or mail-order marketing or through telemarketing by representatives of direct sales companies. Brand recognition, quality, performance and price influence the consumers choice among competing products and brands. Advertising, promotion, merchandising, the pace and timing of new product introductions, line extensions and the quality of in-store sales staff also have a significant impact on consumers buying decisions. Kimberly-Clarks major competitors include Georgia-Pacific Group, Johnson Johnson, Playtex Products and Procter Gamble Company. Increasing oil prices Fuel costs for the company represent a significant portion of its distribution cost, thereby, affecting its operating margin. A number of the companys products, such as diapers, training and youth pants, incontinence care products, disposable wipes and various health care products contain certain materials which are principally derived from petroleum. These materials are subject to price fluctuations based on changes in petroleum prices, availability and other factors. The company purchases these materials from a number of suppliers. The crude oil prices have been increasing in recent years. The crude oil prices rose from $60 per barrel in October 2006 to $126 per barrel in May 2008. The price of natural gas has also increased. The short-term outlook indicated further increase in oil and natural gas prices. The surprise fall in US energy stocks and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)s decision to stick to its current output levels are expected to keep oil prices above the key $100 mark. Higher fuel prices are likely to have a direct impact on the companys distribution cost and may directly affect its margins. 2.3 Competition Kimberly-Clark Corporation is forming its own market for male tissue products. Although there are companies that do make tissues and toiletries, So far the Kleenex is the only brand thoroughly designed for men, especially metro-sexual. 2.4 Product offering We decide to offer three products for the first run, all of them have been designed to attract the target market of metrosexual men, although have potential attractiveness among other groups. These products are designed to be easily hold and used by target market and have a clear advantage because of their special life style: Tissues with Vitamin E: Nourishing and rejuvenate the skin Tissues with Sun block creams: protect skin from UV damage Tissues with Aroma: perfume attracting, relaxing and anti stress effect They also have been designed in three packs for ease of use and different rate of use: 50 tissue pack 25tissue pack 10 tissue pack 2.5 Marketings key success factors The key to success is designing and providing something special for a relatively high portion in market that matches their needs and have potential to go further of their expectation because of its high quality material and special features which have been introduces new to market and has the support of one of the best brand tissue companies (Kleenex), so it already has a good name because of the brand and by combining it with high quality and special features according to customer needs and demand can achieve a reasonable success in the market. 2.6 Critical issues Using the Kleenex brand reputation this product should be always monitored in order to keep the quality high and constant. Pursue and control the growth rate to ensure that this product line revenue always exceeds the expenses to ensure the profitability of this product line. Customer satisfaction should be carefully monitored to prevent the thread of new similar products. In other word it should always exceed the customer expectation. 3.0 Marketing strategy The marketing strategy for introducing and maintaining this product is focus on male care and increase in attractiveness of this issue among the group which covers a high portion of Malaysia population (20%) that prepares the grounds for achieving reasonable and successful growth in this market. Special differentiation of this product is its nourishing and rejuvenating feature. (3) 3.1 Corporate mission Kleenex ®metro strive to provide the finest special application tissues in combination with best quality resources. We recognize that only companies that build sustainability into the way they do business will have enduring success. Our business relies on natural resources such as wood fiber, energy and water. It is clearly in our best interest to design products and manufacturing processes that conserve these resources and secure their availability for the future. Measurable and attainable objectives: short term / long term goals 3.2 Marketing objectives of the plan Maintain positive growth by diversifying products for different purpose of usages, for example developing new products using during body building or other physical exercises, (Product development strategy.) Trying to steadily increase demand by penetrating among other male and/ or female groups (using in beauty salons, sport teamsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) 3.3 Financial objectives Increase sales by 2% in the year 2011. (1) According to Malaysian demographic profile (2009), population growth rate is 1.7%, we use this figure in financial growth rate and assume that financial growth rate is 2% accordingly. Allocate 10-15% of sales revenue to RD projects each year Allocate 5% of sales revenue to corporate social responsibility each year Achieve 30% sales growth rate till 2013. (10% growth each year) (2) We have used NIVEA for men annual report, using its sales growth forecast here. 3.4 Target markets profiles Now the number of men who are changing their purchasing habits towards personal hygiene, grooming and physical appearances products is increasing. So, all men who take care of themselves and concerned with their appearance are our target market. We call them Metrosexual Men. The age interval of this segment is between 18 to 45 years old, with 60% concentration on men around 18-25 years old, men who really care into rejuvenating and protecting skin during their daily life. The income of dandy man is the secret of attractiveness of this segment which is relatively high. In addition the growth rate of this phenomenon is tremendous over the past several years. (3) According to Malaysia demographics profile 2009, male population between 15-64 years is now 8,210,373(31.9% of total population of 25,715,819) we assume the population between 18 to 45 years old to be 20%. More than 27% of men are using these products nowadays. However, another 35% of men today say that they are interested in trying them, but have not yet made the leap. (4) These figures are based on the results of our questionnaire survey. 3.5 Positioning Kleenex ® Metro, using Kleenex brand tissues trademark and industrial experience in the market since 1924, wants to position itself as the premier company in producing and offering high quality nourishing, rejuvenating and anti- UV tissues especially designed for dandy men. 3.6 Strategies Using Kleenex as a well-known brand among the society the marketing strategy tries to attract customers among groups in several ways. First one is redesigning the Kleenex website, allocating a dominant position to Kleenex  ®metro. Second and major one is promoting by viral marketing as our target segment have rigorous relation and connection to internet, specially websites, blogs and emails. The third strategy is using famous brand ambassadors for promoting the product on boards in cinemas, fashion magazines and related literatures. Using brand ambassador is relatively high cost advertising but has a great effect on this target market. After customer awareness we focus on other comparatively low cost options especially viral marketing and websites. 3.7 Marketing Mix Product positioning product description, value added features Value Proposition Statement (VPS): The extra ordinary new feeling of new Kleenex Metro-softness with fabulous odor, more lively rejuvenated skin for those who indulge in metro-sexuality. Point of Parity (POP): Softness and fabulous odor are the two major similarities of this product and others. Point of Difference (POD): Nourishing and rejuvenating the skin could be considered as the two main differentiations of the product. Price- Pricing strategy, incentives (sales, discounts): The pricing objective is a combination of four subjects; first and for most, affordable luxuries is the most considerable objective for this product, since it characterized by high levels of perceived quality and status among the consumers. Secondly, as the company has been produced tissues for many years it plagued more with intense competition and changing consumers wants. Hence, survival could be mentioned as another objective in this situation. Thirdly, it is better to set the price that provide maximum marginal profit that in turns lead to maximum current profit, cash flow or rate of return on investment. Therefore, maximum current profit is the other objective for the company. Last but not the least, as producing the new product requires a relatively new technology, it is better at first to set higher price compare with normal product and slowly lowered over time. Then, market- skimming pricing is the other objective. Price setting method: We select a method of combination of the value perceived by the consumers and their assessments and the competitors price and the price of substitutes. In fact, there is a mutual relationship between consumers and product; on the one hand the product should deliver the value promised by its value proposition and on the other hand the customers must have perceived this value, so the premium pricing could be charged in this situation. Although, our product has some unique aspects, we considered the some products that maybe seem to look like our product in some other criteria too. Therefore, we have mentioned the price of those products based on the survey that we have done through some supermarkets, super stores and pharmacies (Carrefour, Cold Storage, Watson and Vita care). Elasticity of demand: Since the luxuries aspect of the product is more dominant, its demand relatively hardly changes with a small change in price, hence, we can consider that it is inelastic. Price: With consideration of especially these two previous items (the method and inelasticity of demand) and some other criteria like tendency of customers to process the prices in left-to-right manner we set the price for our product as below: Incentives for increasing sales volume: Discount and Allowances are two major categories that we could mention in this situation, especially for early payment (below than 15 days) and more volume purchases by the customers. Furthermore, we can consider some functional discount or trade discount for some channel members if they will perform certain functions that specified by the company; for instance if they could keep the records, the company can allocate extraordinary discount to them. C- Place-sales area, distribution At the beginning we have just considered Malaysia as our distribution area. Channel of distribution: Selective distribution: All the retailers and intermediaries willing to carry the products. Marketing channels: retail stores, wholesalers/distributors and sales force. Retailers: Department store; Parkson, Metrojaya, Isetan and Jusco Supermarket; Cold Storage Superstore; Carrefour, Tesco and Giant Specialty stores; Guardian, Apex, Prima Health and Watson SPA centers; that regularly visited by our target customers Mens salons and barbershops Wholesaler: All merchant wholesalers (full-and-limited service jobbers and distributors) Competing brand: No relevant competitor most likely have a lower price range D Promotion advertising methods, public relations We want to use two major marketing communication mixes: Personal influence channels: 1-Distribution of free 10-15 tissue sample packs at strategic business locations during the rush hours (especially at weekends nights). 2-Appointment with spokesperson, celebrities and brand ambassador Non personal communication channels: Sales Promotion: we intend to draw stronger and quicker response from buyers, moreover, we want to highlight our product offer, hence we can mention about consignment booths, product samples and prominent shelf displayers in the outlets. Place Advertising; we want to increase the number of spontaneous buying decisions, so we can apply for using ads on shopping trolleys, shelves, floor space, in-store demonstration. Publicity and PR; we intend to attract attention to the product launch and instill credibility, therefore we had better to consider about special events, sponsoring celebrations the national and conventional events, press releases in this situation. Advertising; as we want to increase the number of consumers who utilize the product and recognize it as a value product, we must apply for advertising on Newspapers, Magazines; especially for Male, Outdoor, highway billboards and Internet) We will also focus on Kleenex website and use of viral marketing in our strategy for advertising and promoting the product. Finally, as we have specified our audiences; all men especially Juvenile and young men (18-45 years old), we can follow the communications process model effectively in most of the relationships and communications with our customers. 3.8 Marketing Research As Kleenex is a very well-known brand and has a strong experience in launching and establishing many kinds of tissues, it has a good opportunity in testing its new products using its facilities, laboratories, scientists and experts. It has also a good position in tissue market to convince the customers in free toll zones for example for tourists and people who go holidays in special zones, such as Penang or Lankawi in Malaysia to achieve a strong feedback from its customers and improve the product. 4.0 Financials: This section will offer the financial overview of Kleenex Metro, from the sales forecasting perspective. We do believe that we should take into consideration the conservative sales forecasting in order to have a more realistic estimation. For making related the financial overview to marketing activities and marketing expenses, we can expect to cover the marketing expenses from the sales of the second year. The expenses forecast will be used as a tool to keep the department on target and provide indicators when corrections or modifications are needed for the proper implementation of the marketing plan. The purpose of the financial part of Kleenex Metro marketing plan is to serve as a guide for the organization. The revenue, expenses, customer satisfaction, and etc will be monitored to gauge performance. Key planning assumptions (sources of information) (1) According to Malaysian demographic profile (2009), population growth rate is 1.7%, we use this figure in financial growth rate and assume that financial growth rate is 2% accordingly. (2) We have used NIVEA for men annual report, using its sales growth forecast here. (3) According to Malaysia demographics profile 2009, male population between 15-64 years is now 8,210,373(

Dark Matter :: physics science space

Dark Matter For centuries, physicists and philosophers alike have wondered what makes up our universe. Aristotle thought that all matter came in one of four forms: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Since then we have come a long way, with the discovery of the atoms and the subatomic particles they are made of. We can even guess at what makes up protons and neutrons. We have since then discovered and predicted the existence of particles other than the atom, such as the photon, neutrino, axion, and many others. Despite all our advances in particle physics and astrophysics, we still don't know what form of matter makes up 95% of the universe. Physicists have named this mysterious substance dark matter, for it can not be detected by observation (it does not emit visible or other frequency light waves). However, we know that dark matter must exist, following Newton's universal law of gravity. There are two ways to prove the existence of dark matter. We know that the universe must have a certain mass in order for its attractive gravitational forces to slow the expansion of the universe which started at the big bang. We can precisely calculate the rate at which the universe is expanding currently, and how fast it has expanded in the past. From this we get the theoretical mass of the universe. This figure falls far short of the visible mass of the universe, which consists of stars, planets, and hot gas. This is how scientists are able to prove that we can only see about 5% of our universe. We can also prove that dark matter exists in galaxies by examining how they spin. When an object rotates in a circular orbit, the object has a tendency to fly off in a path tangent to the orbit. If the stays within the orbit, it has a radial acceleration which is equal to its velocity squared over the radius of the orbit. The only force which is keeping the body in the orbit is the force of gravity, which is dependent on the mass of the system. Knowing this, physicists can calculate the mass of a galaxy by looking at how fast stars orbiting its center are moving. Physicists can also calculate where the highest percentage of dark matter should be in the galaxy. In most cases, it is located in a ring just outside the galaxy. In the case of the galaxy shown in the photo, dark matter must be present in the dark space between the nucleus of older yellow stars and the outer ring of young, blue stars.

Venus :: essays research papers

The Planet Venus Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The planet we know as Venus is the second planet from the Sun in our solar system. The Planet is also the brightest if we were looking at it from earth. According to a some information I have found it â€Å"is the third brightest celestial object in the sky (after the Sun and Moon)†¦[And] is also one of the few bodies in our Solar System that rotates east to west (retrograde) (http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hanger/9188/venu.html).† It takes Venus around two hundred and twenty-four days on Earth for it to complete one full rotation. This makes Venus the planet with the slowest rotation in our Solar System. Venus’s year is shorter than its day being only two hundred and twenty-five days on Earth. Venus is also the Planet that comes the closest to our planet Earth. Venus comes about twenty-five million miles or fifteen million kilometers from the Earth’s surface. â€Å"Venus has a thick atmosphere and extreme atmospheric pressure, 9 2 times the Earth’s pressure. The clouds are composed primarily of sulfur compounds, most notably sulfuric acid (Http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hanger/9188/venu.html).† The Surface   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We gathered data from a satellite we sent to Venus showing us that Venus is a highly Volcanically active planet. With more and more satellite images being produced we see that the surface of the planet is changing. We have found that some Volcanoes that were on Venus some odd years ago have become dormant and new Volcanoes have been made, Thus proving the Plates under Venus’s surface are still moving and the planet is not dead; actually, it is very alive! Venus has many Mountains and Volcanoes on its surface. â€Å"There are also several board depressions: Atlanta Planitia, Guinevere Planitia, Lavinia Planitia. There two large highland areas: Istar Terra in the northern hemisphere (about the size of Australia) and Aphrodite Terra along the equator (about the size of South America). The interior of Ishtar consists mainly of a high plateau, Lakshmi Planum, which is surrounded by the highest mountains on Venus including the enormous Maxwell Montes (Http://sed s.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/nineplanets/venus.html).† The Atmosphere   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I copied the following chart to show the comparison of the atmosphere between Earth and Venus. (Davison E. Soper, Institute of Theoretical Science, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403 USA soper@bovine.uoregon.edu) Earth Venus N_2 0.79 3 O_2 0.20 < 0.002 Ar 0.01 small CO_2 0.0003 86 H_2O ~ 0.02 ~ 0.01 Total 1.00 90 -------------------------- H_2O 3 km 30 cm liquid + vapor Clouds (50 to 70 km above surface) H_2SO_4 (sulfuric acid). (http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~soper/Venus/atmosphere.html) Because of all the gasses in Venus’s atmosphere it has been named one of the most poisonous planets in our solar system.

Food Dye Lab Essay

Abstract: The purpose of this lab was to determine the food dyes present in a selected beverage, their concentration, and then replicate the solution within a 20% margin of error. The beverage we chose was Gatorade Frost Riptide Rush. A spectrometer was used to determine which food dyes were present in the sampled beverage, red 40 and blue 1 were determined to be present. The next step was to determine the concentration of the dyes, this was done by testing the absorbance of the red 40 and blue 1 dyes at varying concentrations; 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%. The results for each dye were then plotted in a graph and a trendline was added. The slopes of the trendlines (y=mx) for red 40 and blue 1 were then used to determine the concentrations, which were found to be 15.34% (0.0000138 mol/L) and 14.12% (0.0000028 mol/L) respectively. To replicate the color of the original beverage a 100mL solution was designed, containing 15.34mL red 40, 14.12mL blue 1, and 70.54mL deionized (DI) water. Introduction: This lab was divided into three sections; identifying which dyes are present, determining the concentration of those dyes, and finally to recreate the solution within a 20% margin of error. To identify the dyes present a sample of the beverage was tested in a spectrometer, the highest absorption rates were found to be at 503.7 nm (A=0.281) and 630.7 nm (A=0.270). This lead to the conclusion that the beverage contained red 40 and blue 1. To determine the concentration of the dyes a series of dilutions was prepared for both dyes and tested with the spectrometer. This data was converted into point graphs and a trendline was established. The slope of the trendline (y=mx) was then multiplied by the Absorbance of the associated dye to find the concentration. The final goal was to replicate the beverage using the data gathered. To accomplish this a solution was designed consisting of 15.34% red 40 and 14.12% blue 1. Experimental Procedure: To complete the experiment a variety of materials and equipment was required. The spectrometer tests required a computer with Logger Pro software, samples of Gatorade Frost Riptide Rush as well as red 40 and blue 1 dyes, DI water, a spectrometer, cuvettes. In order to prepare the dilutions and replicated solution 10mL & 100mL graduated cylinders, various beakers, a 200mL erlenmeyer flask, and a glass stirring rod. To identify the dyes present in the Gatorade, a test was performed with the spectrometer. The first step was to set-up the spectrometer and calibrate it using a sample of pure DI water. Following this a cuvette was partially filled with a sample of Gatorade and inserted into the spectrometer to be tested. The points of highest absorption were determined to indicate the presence of red and blue dyes. The initial step to determine the concentration of the dyes previously found was to prepare a set of serial dilutions at 20%/40%/60%/80%/100% dye concentration. To prepare the 20% dilution 1mL of red 40/blue 1 was combined with 4mL of DI water. This method was used to produce the remaining dilutions with 2mL/3mL, 3mL/2mL, 4mL/1mL, and 5mL/0mL (mL dye / mL DI water). Each of the previous dilutions was tested in the spectrometer and data was recorded. Using the data obtained two Beer Law plots were plotted for both dyes and trendlines were added. The slope of the trendline was found and used to calculate the actual (mol/L) and percent concentrations of red 40 and blue 1 in the selected Gatorade. In order to replicate the color of the Gatorade, a 100mL solution consisting of red 40, blue 1, and DI water. This was accomplished by combining 15.34mL red 40, 14.12mL blue 1, and 70.54mL DI water in a 200mL erlenmeyer flask. A sample of this solution was then transferred into a cuvette to be tested in the spectrometer. The solution was tested alongside the data from the Gatorade sample, and the margin of error was calculated to conclude how similar the two solutions were.