Monday, January 27, 2020

Background and decisions of BMW

Background and decisions of BMW BMW Company Background BMW cluster, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is one of the mainly victorious multi kind finest motor manufacturers in the globe. BMW is a German motor; motorbike and appliance manufacturers founded in 1916 and have been widely trade since 1969. The companys slogan in English is â€Å"The Ultimate Driving Machine† and Sheer Driving Pleasure†. The original German slogan is â€Å"fraud am Fahren,† which translates to â€Å"joy in Driving† in English. The corporation produce, and market, a pied choice of senior end active cars and motorcycles. It is also own and make the tiny product and is the parent business of Roll-Royce vehicle Cars. BMW is known for its performance and luxury vehicles. BMW has a global presence with group subsidiaries in 41 countries and over 3000 dealerships and local importers in over 100 countries. BMW is a progressive company with salad of 1.2 million automobile and 101,000 motorbikes in 2008 generating revenue of 53.2 billion euros. It has a combined global workforce of 100,000 employees. In addition to cars and motorcycle, BMW operates an aircraft engine division under the brand name of Rolls Royce. The BMW group also has a strong market position in the motorcycle sector and operates successfully in the area of financial services. The Company operates its own financing company, which offers financing for vehicles. Automobiles accounted for 78% of 2000 revenues; vehicle finance leasing, 18%; motorcycles, 3% and other, 1%. UK is the third major souk and second main making base for the BMW group universal, and the only state where BMW groups three brands BMW, TINY and Roll-Royce vehicle Cars are represent {See Appendix-1} Chapter 1 1.1 What is marketing Marketing is a communal course by which person and group acquire what they want and want during creating, offering, and liberally exchanging goods and services of worth with former. (Kotler, 1991) 1.2 Marketing concept The marketing concept of BMW holds that the type to attaining organisational task consists of organism more victorious than competitors in integrating marketing activities toward formative and rewarding the needs and requirements of target markets.{See Appendix-2} The marketing concepts of BMW are as follow. Marketing focuses on the satisfaction of customer needs, wants and requirement. The philosophy of marketing needs to be owned by everyone from within the organisation. Future needs have to be identified and anticipated. There is normally a focus up on profit ability, especially in the corporate sector. However, as public sector organisations and non-profit organisations adopt the concept of marketing, which might not be the case as usual. More recent definitions recognize the influence of marketing upon society. 1.3 Marketing process of BMW Marketing process of BMW are as follows Under the marketing concept, BMW company find a way to discover unfulfilled customer needs and bring to market product that satisfy those needs. A model can be created to design the process using a targeted sequence of steps: The customer and market are analysed to identify opportunities. The market strategy is formulated to yield a value position. Tactical decisions regarding marketing strategy are made The marketing plan is implemented and the result is carefully monitored. The marketing course aim to distribute enlarged success in company through better marketing tactic and marketing plan increase. A better marketing progression provide a number of benefits, with more free time, higher visibility, stronger worker skills sets, easier management, reduced duplication of effort, and increased individual and team rewards, and overall, less headaches. This process in turn creates a marketing organisation thats more reliable, more responsible, with budget. The next paragraph will lay emphases on the advantage of BMW marketing. 1. 4 Benefits of marketing The benefit of marketing is that it enables company to exploit their budding and achieve the punter at the correct time. A right loom to promotion involve sympathetic the client and their require identify the genuine wants of the market. It is forever vital to appreciate bazaar wants, quite than to effort to â€Å"power† persons to purchase yours goods and services because you reflect they are enhanced than something else accessible. If the purchaser doesnt think they will not vend to them. It is as simple as that. A good advertising approach is base on the spot on level of explore in to a markets path and its key company. They have to spot precisely where your commerce strength fit into its souk, and how it will thrive inside it. Chapter 2 Internal and corporate analysis in terms of strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) will assist in gaining an understanding of where BMW is currently in term of strength and where improvement is required with in the business and what outside environment threats it may face as well as what new opportunities are available to the company in the short and medium term. This image of internal analysis which are as follow. {See Appendix-3} The Table below is a demonstrate of the BMW{See Table Appendix-1} 2.3. Macro environment The major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organisation decision making and affect its performance and strategies are as follows. 2.3.1 Political factors Laws and regulations had affected the automobile industry as a whole. {See Appendix-4} These laws generally revolved around the environment norms that were to be fulfilled by any car industry. Thus the car manufacturers had to take care of the environmental issues during manufacturing of cars. European Commission proposed binding rules to cut CO2 emission on new cars to 130 gms/km 2.3.1.1 Example According to my research 2005 BMW achieved only 40% of their emission target but today BMW groups with its efficient dynamics programme achieved a reduction of average fuel consumption and CO2 rating by 10.2% and has made a greatest progress in terms of efficiency of all car makers in the European automobile market in the year 2008. Extracting maximum driving pleasure from every drop of fuel; is the aim of BMW Efficient dynamics. 2.3.2 Economic Factors Economic factors relate to the exchange rates, economic growth globally and the business setting prevailing in the industry. Following are the economic factors which has affected the automobile industry. Economic Downturn. Increase in the cost of oil 2.3.2.1 Example Rapid increase in the fuel prices is affecting the demand and the buying power of customer. According to BBC News which crude oil prices at 22 year high, motorists are paying out up to  £1 a litre at the pumps. Moreover according to Automobile Association research showed that in June 2008, litre of unleaded petrol had achieved an average national price of 118.2 pence per litre, while diesel cost 131.6 pence per litre. He also claimed that the annual coast to the motorist of keeping a car worth between  £13,000 and  £20,000 on the road now stood at  £4,112. The impact of this price hike on the drivers of the UK is 28 million cars are clear and it shows how the increase in oil price is affecting the car industry as a whole. In order to cope up with the present situation and existing demand for more fuel cars, BMW efficient dynamic programme which aims at reducing consumption is proved to be successful. 2.3.3 Social environment factors Social factors include the changes in cultures and demographics globally a part from change in the buying pattern and capacity of the customer. Increasing population also has an effect on the car industry. 2.3.3.1 Example According to the Mintel data, UK population will reach 64 million people by 2013. The strongest growth will be witnessed among the age group 25-34, 45-54 and over 65 age groups. Out of these two age brackets, the 25-34 age groups will be a potential key age group for the used car market where the highest proportion of demand is accounted for by younger adults. The age group 45-54 is a key age group for new and used car demand. Moreover during recession consumers spending priorities also changes and they are doing cost cutting on many areas of their expenditure. But the purchase of a new or second hand car has been one of the few areas to show an increase as a spending priority in 2009. This may increase the demand for the cars in the near future and car industry including BMW will again get a positive response from the existing and new customers. 2.3.4 Technical environment Factors With every spin of time technology is also changing which also reflects the consumers buying patterns. Nowadays, people are more concerned with the new and latest technology. In order to cope up with the current demands, BMW efficient dynamic technology tries to stay one step ahead. BMW has launched an I Drive in its all new cars. BMW is also spending a huge amount of money on its research and development department in order to innovate latest techniques like BMW car 2-x communication in their AMULETT project with the aim of improving pedestrian safety and thus creating a more competitive image in the car market. 2.3.5 Legal Environment Factors. Restrictions and strict pollution norms set up in European market and health and safety rules on all cars by (EURO NCAP) is affecting the whole motor industry. The European New Car Assessment Programmed (Euro NCAP) is a European car safety, performance assessment programmed. Euro NCAP publishes safety reports on new cars, and award ‘star ratings based on the performance of the vehicles in a variety of crash tests, including front, side and pole impact, and impact with pedestrians. The entire car manufacturing companies including BMW has to abide by these legal rules and regulations. 2..3.6 Environment Factors With the increasing effect of awareness of global warming and greenhouse effect, people are more diverted towards the use of more eco-friendly cars, hybrid and fuel cars. With the change in consumer taste and preferences the automotive industry has to be more focussed on the changing demand and patterns of the consumers. In order to cope up with the changing behaviour of the consumer, BMW is working on managing resources efficiently and eliminating or recycling all forms of waste wherever possible and thus moving to the hybrid cars. BMW group was the first car manufacturer in the world to create a vehicle Recycling Network. Chapter 3 3.1 Market segmentation BMW had worn three ladders to targeting which is advertising segmentation, target option, creation position.(See Appendix-5) BMW use segmentation to spot exact trade description. To find additional information BMW at Geographic segmentation. Demographic behavioural Psychographic Segmentation Behavioural Segmentation 3.1.1 Geographical segmentation Geographic segmentation calls for dividing the souk into different geographical element such as nations, regions, states, countries, cities, or neighbourhoods. A business can choose to work in one or a few geographical areas, or to function in all areas but pay notice to geographical differences in requests and requirements. 3.1.1.1 Example Lets take a Pakistan and UK BMW market. In Pakistan most of people live in low level society they cant effort BMW. But in UK people live in high Statius society they could effort BMW. 3.1.2 Demographics behavioural The demographics of those who are bright to purchase a BMW are men and women aged 30-50 lifetime old. Behaviourally these folks have a winning picture in their brain facing trade cars. They also estimated to wish a faultless current look or activity look, and the sense fine factors of a recognized trader system. The benefits are required by these folks are dominance, act, dependability excellence. 3.1.3 Psychographic Segmentation BMW Psychographic segmentation divides buyers into different groups based on social class, existence, or character characteristics. One forward-looking grocery store found that segmenting its self-service assembles goods by lifestyle had a big repay: 3.1.4 Behavioural Segmentation Behavioural segmentation divides buyers into groups based on their information, manner, employ, or reply to a creation. Many marketers consider that performance variables are the best starting tip for structure market segments. 3.2 Targeting BMW have the target new customer group that are not primarily targeted by BMW yet. But are interested in the brand and have high buying potential in BMWs products currently or in the near future. These groups include students and women, with students becoming part of the target market with the start of their careers, and women providing sales opportunities due to increasingly higher level of completed education as well as higher paid jobs compared to a decade ago. 3.3 Positioning The position of these company and their brand has been build up over numerous lifetime but BMW has dazed their blot winning the community in an optimistic way with the help of superior community relative and pioneering publicity agitation. This has led to rolling sales expansion throughout the global car market. Chapter 4 4.1 The Marketing Mix. Marketing mix is the combination of marketing activities that an organisation engages in so as to best meet the needs of its targeted market. Traditionally the market mix consisted of 7Ps. Marketing mix can be put under seven headings, often referred to as the seven ‘Ps. {See Appendix-6} Products Promotion Price Place Physical evidence Public purchase 4.1.1 Product The generally central constituent in the selling is the companys produce because this affords the positive desires required by patrons. For example a car that does not start in the Moring will be like by clients. Marketing manager expand their creation into brand that assist to make a single place in the brain of clients. The current models are {See Table Appendix-2} 4.1.1.1 Lifecycle of BMW Each creation goes during what is known as a life cycle procedure. When explore what combine is best matched to the creation. We need to deem where in the life cycle sightsee goods lie which is revealed in the below shape and then depending choose if there is want to make transform in the produce and re-launch. {See Appendix-7} 4.1.1.2 Example BMW X5 launched at 2000 and then corporation lunched the senior or new description of X5 in 2006, for 3 series its 7 years lifecycle and for 7 years only for the 1st model lifecycle of three merchandise. These are the 3, 5 and 7 Series Saloons. This PLC scheme not only helps to ensure more steady profits, but also allow for the growth of substitute produce on a steady base. BMW has also been growing its selection of late and this can be seen by the company of some new product launch in the last few years. The above goods are all moderately established. Many of them have been creature affected for many years now with some redesigns and re-launches. 4.1.2 Price. BMW cost variety is from about  £16,000 to  £60,000 minus. There are many factor that can influence their car price such as mechanism size, vehicle activity account etc. 4.1.2.1 Example Price such as mechanism dimension has been used by BMW for the 3- series is opposition leaning price. Most of the investigate show that all other competitor such as VW, Audi, and Alfa Romeo etc. in the 3 Series manufacture price sore not so vital and create the main revenue is not as required as it would be for a lesser business.{See Table Appendix-3} 4.1.3 Placement. BMW use better market dealership and significant for non merchant network countries they have four car developed vegetation in the UK. There are additional than 156 dealers in the UK who are franchise to retail BMW cars, moreover 148 dealers are franchised to sell Minis. Universal BMW work in more than 100 dissimilar countries with about 4,000 plus dealers which are authorised to retail both new and second-hand cars, parts and after sales service goods. Pattern of allocation for BMW is shown below in the drawing which followed by the business Producer >>>>>Dealers>>>>>>Customers 4.1.4 Promotion BMW has forever focused completely on their cars with same promotion business, WCRS being the worn since 1979. A broad variety of publicity is used by this organization such as TV for branding campaign and new carriage launches, the press with sensationalist weekend dye addition, regional publication and magazines, outside campaign, sales fiction, fliers etc. publicity Campaigns/Slogans used by the corporation in the past. 4.1.4.1 Example According to my research in 1983, 1994, 1997 and 1999 when James bond used in every movies BMW car, James Bond movie â€Å"The Catcher† 4.1.5 Physical Evidence Physical Evidence is the element of the BMW company mix which allows the customer again to create decision on the establishment. 4.1.6 Public A necessary ingredient to BMW company condition is the use of fitting workers and people. Recruiting the right workforce and training them appropriately in the company is essential if the establishment wants to attain a form of competitive advantage. 4.1.7 Purchaser Refers to the systems used to assist the establishment in deliver the service. An efficient service that replaces old credit cards will further customer faithfulness and poise in the company Chapter 5 5.1. Buyer behaviour Customer trade performance is the production of how person or domestic customers behave or the choice creation on business any merchandise or services. Customer trade activities is a significant part of promotion, which studies the reason of why, when where, what and how the customers are behave on their trade decision. customer purchaser actions depends on dissimilar types of marketing (product place, price, promotion, physical evidence, public, purchase) and other stimulus ( Economic, Technological, Political and Cultural) these factors in fluencies the customer black box to make response for creation choice about selecting goods, brand option, price etc. Cultural, social, individual and mental these four factors have great power on customer buyer performance. Person wants, insight, values, performance erudite from culture, relations other institution. Social factor consists of a persons orientation collection relations, friends organisations. Private factor is incorporated age of lifecycle, financial circumstances, vocation, qualities and other individual kind power buyer choice course. Different mental factors like inspiration, perception, attitude, conviction have pressure on customer export conclusion. 5.1.1 Example Driving with friend A- class which in turns affects attitude towards BMW Mercedes and change behaviour in purchasing an automobile. Attitude is not constant and change over time since they are result they are experience. A car crash might change the attitude towards the brand and one might decide to exclude BMW Mercedes as an option buying a car. Chapter 6 6.1 Marketing mix BMW is considered with a single purpose in mind: to augment the joy of driving. BMW engineers have high priorities of providing more exhilaration, more comfort, and pretty driving safety. The target market of BMW is typically the upper middle class with the average takings of about 150,000 dollars a year. Two thirds BMW owners were male, married, and did not have children. In most recent times, the target market has had a focus on the middle aged but continues to have a wide choice of target market from ages 25-35 years old. The BMW Group has unstated about the recent economic attitude of the United States and other countries as well. They have taken ladder to help by opening kindling and expanding to create jobs. 6.2 Consumer market Consumer markets deal with final customer. Each customer buys the product for their direct scarification and has no other intended use for it 6.2.1 Example The market for magazine is consumer market- the customer doesnt resell the magazine and buys it for their own enjoyment. 6.3 Business market Business market is an online marketplace that matches business buyers with franchisors and business opportunities {See Table Appendix-4} 6.5 Domestic market The market for goods and services in the country where the company is based. 6.5.1 International market International marketing is the application of marketing orientation and marketing capabilities to international. {see appendix 6.5.1} ( muhlbacher, Helmuth, Dahringer 2006) 6.5.2 Compression Domestic and International market {See Table Appendix-5} Chapter 7 Conclusion It has taken a lot of referencing and researching for me to write this report and I have learnt a lot from this report, I started off with very little knowledge about this topic and worked my way Through the assignment and I would conclude that BMW is a very powerful name in the automobile industry due to its reputation of providing high quality products and services. BMW and person actor has yearly shown burly monetary results and has reserved its market shares. This become of curiosity to study more greatly, in direct to find the factor last a unbeaten concern and burly product. Scrutiny the progress of BMW through the past five years. Not only are the monetary account taken into reflection that BMW is the most flourishing vehicle producer in top sector. BMW is a well known and greatly cherished brand and has high miscellany in the merchandise range. BMW possesses high inner aptitude and the corporation develop a big part of the car by themselves. The rising market in South East Asia, Russia Eastern Europe and South America has shown obvious swelling growth. Produce, transport and raw fabric outlay have both dampened margins and affected the export power of customers like a s lofty oil price.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Every Child Matters

There is no duty more important than ensuring that children’s rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and that they can grow up in peace. Kofi Annan, the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations The aim of this paper is to review and critically analyse the Every Child Matters (DfES, 2003) framework as well as to discuss the impact of Every Child Matters agenda on a specific role within an educational setting.For this purpose, information was gathered through elements of practitioner-based research and observations along with the study and analysis of materials presented in books, research journals and professional publications, so as to evaluate the main aspects of the policy Every Child Matters and identify the issues it has raised for professionals working with young children, and particularly early years practitioners, as well as to propose some strategies that could support those practitioners throughout the process of inevitable changes associated with the introduction of the policy.In 2003, the Government launched Every Child Matters, a comprehensive programme of reform for children’s services with wide-reaching implications for education, health, social services, voluntary and community organisations, and other agencies. Every Child Matters constituted the Government’s policy response to the findings and recommendations of Lord Laming’s Inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie, the young girl who died as the result of severe physical abuse and neglect in her family. It was published as a Green Paper for consultation on September 2003.Its proposals have since been further developed in subsequent documents including Every Child Matters; Next Steps and Every Child Matters; Change for Children. Many of the reforms proposed in Every Child Matters—including the establishment of a Children’s Commissioner for England—required amendments to statute. Consequent ly, a Children Bill was presented to Parliament in March 2004 and subsequently received royal assent on 15 November 2004. The Children Act 2004, as it now is, provides the legal ‘backbone’ for the programme of reform. House of Lords and House of Commons, 2005) The proposals of the Government for reforming children’s services aimed to combine the development of an overall framework for universal children’s services with the need for targeted services to protect vulnerable children. The framework has introduced five outcomes for children’s services as being of key importance during childhood and adult life: being healthy; staying safe; enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution; achieving economic well-being.As Benton, Chamberlain and Rutt (2003: 30) point out, Thirty-nine quantitative indicators have been identified relating to these outcomes. For example, one of the key indicators of children being healthy is the infant mortality rate, w hereas achieving economic well-being might be partially assessed by the percentage of young people accessing FE and training after completing compulsory schooling. Each of the 150 local authority areas can be assessed using any of these indicators that are available at the local level.The research (Anning, Cullen and Fleer, 2004; Williams, 2004; Roche and Tucker, 2007) suggests that the introduction of the quantitative indicators along with other expectations of the Every Child Matters agenda has transformed the educational landscape in recent years. The need for effective and coherent multi-agency working has become apparent, and that was not just to ensure that abused children like Victoria Climbie no longer fall through the net, but also to bring together health, social care and education services for collaboration in the interests of all children and with effective provision at all levels.It is worth to mention that the story behind the development of the Every Child Matters sti ll presents â€Å"uncomfortable reading† (Roche and Tucker, 2007: 213) for politicians, children’s service managers, practitioners and academics alike due to the fact that the Every Child Matters framework emerged out of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Victoria Climbie as well as many other child abuse inquiries.The study suggests that Every Child Matters has indicated the emergence of the notions of â€Å"a child† and â€Å"childhood† as the central subjects in New Labour’s social policy. Recently Gordon Brown declared: â€Å"Nothing is more important to the future of our whole country than that, with the best schooling, services and financial support, every child has the chance to develop their potential. † (Guardian, 2003: 19) Similarly, former Prime Minister Tony Blair stated: â€Å"For most parents, our children are everything to us: our hopes, our ambitions, our future. (DfES, 2003: 1) The above claims suggest that c hildren today are no longer seen as incomplete adults not yet able to participate in social life, but as â€Å"co-constructors of childhood and society† (Qvortrup, 1994: 14) In the same context, Moss and Petrie (2002: 40), talk about it being â€Å"time to welcome children as young citizens, equal stakeholders with adults† and state that â€Å"the child has a voice to be listened to† (ibid: 101).However, it is important to acknowledge that this notion of childhood does not seem to be the only one that shapes the status of children in the sphere of political and economic priorities. Tomplinson (2008) uses an example of Home Office activity linked to the Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), which is being used to restrain children and make information about them public within their communities. According to Walker (2008: 149), â€Å"ten young people a week are being jailed as a result of ASBOs†.This activity is in clear contrast to the aims of Every Child Ma tters, one of which is â€Å"to minimise the use of custody† (DfES, 2004: 3) Prout (cited in Jones et al, 2008: 29) explains that â€Å"public debate swings between children as victims, in need of protection from harm, and children as threat to social order coming from problem families producing unruly and uncontrolled children. † The study also suggests that Every Child Matters possibly does not put enough emphasis on the importance of children’s participation and respecting of children’s opinions.Some acknowledgement of those issues is evident in Paragraph 1. 13 of the document, which states some factors that foster children’s resilience against disadvantage: Strong relationships with parents, family and other significant adults Parental interest and involvement in education with clear and high expectations Positive role models Individual characteristics such as an outgoing nature, self-motivation, intelligence Active involvement in family, schoo l and community life Recognition, praise and feeling valued† (DfES, 2003: paragraph 1. 3) Paragraph 5. 47 also mentions â€Å"Involving children in developing services† (DfES, 2003: paragraph 5. 47) As Williams (2004) rightly points out, the Every Child Matters framework refers to children’s consultation only twice. The first reference is in setting out its outcomes: â€Å"When we consulted with children, young people and families they wanted the Government to set out the aims in terms of a positive vision of what as a society we want to achieve for our children† (DfES, 2003: paragraph 1. 2).The themes of staying safe and enjoying and achieving are reinforced by the second reference to children’s opinions, when â€Å"somewhere safe to go and something to do† is mentioned in relation to the need for recreational activities (DfES, 2003: paragraph 2. 39). The study also revealed that, surprisingly, the theme of â€Å"enjoying† is hardly d eveloped in the framework. The section â€Å"Enjoying and Achieving† focuses mainly on educational achievement without taking into the consideration the fact that â€Å"enjoyment† was the main theme that came from children.Not only does it give the impression that children’s views are not very important but it also characterizes a rather dreary vision of childhood which is about getting through your exams and keeping out of trouble. This registers more about the processes of becoming an adult rather than the active enjoyment and negotiation of childhood and young personhood with friends and siblings. (Williams, 2004: 412) In addition to criticism towards the lack of emphasis on children’s participation, the study also revealed that there are some points of tension in the Every Child Matters document which reflect a weak framework of values.Walker (2008) expresses concern regarding the fact that no advice is given in the document to the agencies on how to cooperate together effectively and how to overcome difficulties and barriers, especially when it comes to a clash of different values. Williams (2004) shares this concern, arguing that while the document opens up new possibilities for the way society can transform the lives of children and their parents, it also, at the same time, closes these off due to its failure to be much more explicit about its vision and its values: There is an underestimation f the need for services and policies to underpin both trust and respect, and for strategies that can build consensus around such values. To some extent a case is put in the Introduction to the Every Child Matters: ‘Underpinning this must be not just the resources but an attitude that reflects the value that our society places on children and childhood’. But the values that might support a change in attitude are not spelled out. (ibid: 410)Nevertheless, despite the mentioned concerns about the conflicting nature of some serv ices and a failure to offer effective legislation in ways that will work for all children and families, it should be noted that the introduction of Every Child Matters and the legislation to support its implementation should be viewed as a staging post (my emphasis) for a government that is on a significant journey of reform for child-related policy and practice (Parton, 2005).The study suggests that the Every Child Matters agenda raised a number of important issues within the roles of all professional involved in children’s and young people’s services, including teachers and practitioners of early years childcare and educational settings. One of the main issues is related to the introduction of multi-agency approach, which encourages professionals to work in multi-disciplinary teams based in schools and Children’s Centres.An early manifestation of multidisciplinary approaches to work could be seen in relation to the rapid development of early years provision. T he mandatory introduction of Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships (EYDCP) in every local authority area clearly signalled the intention of the Government to build multi-agency working relationships across the public, private and voluntary sectors that would encompass education, social care and health.Crucially, the local education authority was given the lead role in bringing together related agencies â€Å"to draw up an annual local plan, linked together into the Government’s targets for early education places for 3- and 4-year-olds and the expansion of childcare† (Pugh, 2001: 15). Following the Every Child Matters agenda on integrated multi-agency approach put an obligation on early years practitioners to restructure and refocus their roles. The agenda for safeguarding children based on integrated pproach had to be carefully reviewed from the perspective of all those working with young children. While the traditional protection functions remained the sa me (looking for signs of abuse, reporting suspicion of abuse, etc. ), the other functions, specifically related to multi-agency involvement, had to be introduced, such as involvement in common assessment process, sharing and analysing information, reviewing outcomes for the children against specific plans.Within such a perspective the practitioners based at an early years setting have become central figures in developing services for socially excluded children and families and those who are considered to be at risk. The contribution of these practitioners has been viewed as vital, as it is argued that â€Å"health, education and social services all have an important role to play in improving and safe-guarding the well-being of vulnerable children and their families† (Abbott et al. , 2005: 230). However, Abbott et al. ibid) also note that there have been difficulties in promoting the vision of multidisciplinary working across organizations, and go further in their criticisms, arguing that there is a â€Å"lack of evidence to support the notion that multi-agency working in practice brings about benefits for children and families†. (Abbott et al, 2005: 23) The introduction of multi-agency multi-disciplinary approaches also is having an impact on the practitioners working with older age groups of children. The changes in those practitioners’ job roles are mainly related to the issue of developing extended schools.According to research conducted by Cummings et al. (2003) specific grounds for the development of extended schools appear to be emerging, however the evaluation of the extended schools revealed that there is no single model of the extended school, and there is considerable variation between the existing models depending on community need, geography and access to funding. The ‘full-service’ school in which services are located on the school site is less common, though many schools are working towards this (ibid). The chall enge to those working in extended schools to deliver effective practice seems to be considerable.The study suggests that, perhaps, the greatest challenge lies in the area of changing the culture of some schools. Smith (2005) supports the idea that multidisciplinary work challenges the isolated position of many schools: â€Å"where schools have had to work with other agencies their relative size, statutory nature and high degree of control over what happens within their walls have often made them difficult partners† (ibid: 13). Clearly, these issues have put additional pressure on all staff working in schools in terms of demands of being accountable to both schools and outside agencies.The study also revealed that those occupying teaching roles in extended schools have been faced with new expectations placed on them. Cajkler et al (cited in Rochea and Tucker, 2007) emphasize that the safeguarding agenda pursued in extended school along with the creation of extended education, leisure, care and health opportunities make teachers to undertake different forms of work. As the â€Å"Lead Professional† they find themselves working more closely with families, especially when it comes to improving their access to services that are based on school premises.At the heart of Every Child Matters agenda lies recognition that all practitioners working with children will require new skills and knowledge to work more within multi-agency systems. This demand instigated another change in the roles performed by the practitioners as the policy agenda also emphasises the reform of training schemes. As Abbott and Hevey (2001: 180) point out, â€Å"the development of new and innovatory ways of working will ‘require something more than benign cooperation across existing professions†.The authors go on to argue that the development of a new children’s workforce has put forward the need for flexibility in approach and a sharing of values and attitudes tha t had been advocated much earlier in the Rumbold Report (DES, 1990). Indeed, the Every Child Matters agenda implies that all those working with children will require knowledge and skills in six wide areas of expertise, which is referred to as the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the children’s workforce.The areas of expertise include: the development of effective communication skills; an understanding of child development; promoting children’s welfare; supporting transitions; multi-agency working; sharing of information (DfES, 2005). Advocates of the ‘common core’ specifically argue that the roles and responsibilities outlined within the Every Child Matters framework require individuals and groups to develop such a range of skills and knowledge in order to increase their ability to work across professional boundaries (Tucker et al. , 2002).Along with the demand related to the new training schemes, the Every Child Matters agenda also challenges the p ractitioners to meet new requirements of OfSTED inspections, which require the practitioners to report the way they are meeting the â€Å"five outcomes†. Personal experiences as well as discussions with the professionals show that, in some ways, the delivery of the Every Child Matters agenda has been transformed from a framework of aspiration to one where evidence is apprehensively sought in relation to specific targets against each outcome.The paper so far has attempted to review and critically analyse the Every Child Matters (DfES, 2003) framework and to discuss the impact of Every Child Matters agenda on a role of practitioners within educational settings. One of the key intentions has been to provide a brief overview of the main issues of the Every Child Matters agenda, an agenda profoundly influenced by a consistent failure to safeguard and protect children and young people and, therefore, promote their welfare.Specific areas concerned with multi-agency approach, the dev elopment of extended schools and workforce training and OfSTED issues have been reviewed to demonstrate the scope and complexity of the changes in the roles of practitioners working with children. The impact of Every Child Matters certainly appears to be influential in terms of the way it has been transforming structures and processes at both the national and local levels.Every Child Matters has provided a framework for shaping practice, specifically in relation to multi-agency multi-disciplinary approach and the expectations of professionals within educational settings to improve the quality and outcomes of safeguarding children. The study also suggests that, notwithstanding efficiency or inadequacy of specific aspects of the framework, no all-embracing package has been devised, which proposes a perfect solution for safeguarding children and promoting their rights and participation.It seems unrealistic to expect a selected framework to offer ultimate solutions in the context of edu cational system in view of the fact that a wide variety of different initiatives and approaches continuously develop to meet new sociological, legislative and educational needs. Today children are seen as â€Å"social beings, active in the construction of their own realities and subjectivities and therefore potentially active in the construction and deconstruction of dominant ideologies† (Osler, 1998: 34). However, in the face of changes that ime brings into our society every day we must recognise that there is no objective truth about children; and there is no single, objective description of how we should protect and safeguard them. The process of developing the ideas of childhood is a continuous non-stop practice, which helps us to comprehend the children and their lives as they really are and in this way give the children's views a central role in our explorations and perceptions.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

L’Oréal’s brand portfolio Essay

1.Review L’Oreal’s brand portfolio. What role have target marketing, smart acquisitions, and R&D played in growing those brands? The success of L’Oreal is a result of tactical choice of markets, targeting them wisely, thorough research and development and smart acquisitions. It is one of the leading cosmetic companies in the global market. Over the years it has created a successful brand value and expertise in the field of cosmetic and beauty products. Targeting the market was one of the factors that play pivotal role in L’Oreal success, the company targeted the audience with products as per their requirements, like, in Japan they marketed mascaras specially designed and volume as per the requirement of Japanese women. Acquisition of local beauty companies like Soft Sheen Products and Carson Products helped them to eliminate competition and also gain huge profits in U.S. and African Markets. L’Oreal spends 3% of its annual sales in research and deve lopment with 14 research centers around the world. Clear concepts about the different skin and hair and their different needs around the world helped them to design diverse products for all. 2.Who are L’Oreal’s greatest competitors? Local,global, or both? Why? The major competitors for L’Oreal are companies like, Lakme, LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton, Estee Lauder and Chanel etc. The skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care businesses are characterized by intense competition over the world. As each company products are close substitutes to one another. 3.What has been the key to successful local product launches such as Maybelline’s Wondercurl in Japan? The eyes and eyelashes of the women in the Western Asia is different. They have small eyes and their lashes are short and straight. Thus, when the R&D team of L’Oreal companies came up with the idea of Wonder curl Mascara, it became a instant success. 4.What’s next for L’Oreal on a global level? If you wereCEO, how would you sustain the company’s global leadership? L’Oreal is already a successful brand in the global market. Its success is seen especially in the areas of make-up and hair product, and not in the skin care. It is now required to come-up with different skin care products for people. Also, the price factors have to be kept in mind. Most brands are distributing their products at a reasonable cost. L’Oreal can achieve  success in the middle-class people by setting a reasonable price for them.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Shattering Of The Faith - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 13 Words: 3809 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/03/22 Category Religion Essay Level High school Tags: Faith Essay Did you like this example? The blood of the lamb, was shed for me on the cross at Golgotha. The choir continued to sing while the Bishop walked around the church,solemnly, pouring incense. Other than the choir singing, there was dead silence among the congregation. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Shattering Of The Faith" essay for you Create order He died today, like he died so many years ago. For you! You sinners caused our dear Lord his life. Oh children! Why? Why couldnt you stay away from sin? Even as he died, you ungrateful sinners still live in sin, punishing our Master for what he believed he didnt do but still paid for it. The Bishop cried out in agony, in an effort to prick the conscience of his members. Oh come to him, come you sinners to the feet of he who hung on the cross for your sake. He added. Some members went out to kneel at the base of the altar. All crying as they begged for forgiveness. They confessed how they were sorry for partaking in murder by being the reason Christ died. Oh yes, for his blood was shed. His innocent heart ripped by the swirling whip. Do you not know? Your sins killed him and hung him on the cross at Golgotha. The choir continued their special Easter song. The Bishop stood over the crying sinners begging to return home. He sprinkled Holy water and anointing oil on them as he prayed to God to forgive their sins because they had no idea of what they had done to his son, the Christ.Anna, an elderly woman whispered to the young lady sitting by her, Anna, go and beg for forgiveness. Go now as the Bishop is pacifying the wrath of God. Auntie, I will not go. Anna replied sharply. She didnt want to be there. She didnt want to be sitting among the people she believed to be liars from the pit of hell. Yaa! You want to burn in Hell? I told your father, dont let this child live in the world, but he wouldnt listen. Listen to yourself, you dont want to go and beg for forgiveness for the crime you committed. Yee! Auntie was clearly stimulated and loo ked as if she would drag the reluctant Anna to the altar herself. Auntie, God has seen my heart. If he says I have sin, then I will beg him. God please dont send her to Hell for killing your son. She will come to her senses soon and beg you. Amen. Auntie said a quick prayer as Anna scoffed at her. Time is going. The blood is shed. Come and fall at his feet and confess. The Bishop kept speaking through the choirs song. Anna Jacobs wasnt always apathetic towards religion or life. There was a time in her life when she walked the path of a true believer starting from the tender age of five,she had been actively involved in the choir, even getting to lead in worship services. Everyone loved the pretty little chocolate skinned girl with the wide innocent smile and eyes that shone with ecstatic enthusiasm. She was the second of the three children her parents had birthed, and now, the only one living child. The misfortune that had befallen the Ade-Jacobs was one that not even a seer could fathom. They went from being one happy and thankful family to being resentful and separated units. On a sunny Tuesday afternoon, Victor Ade-Jacobs Jnr, the eldest of the children had been scheduled to return home from his study over-sea and the entire family, especially the father was thrilled. His son meant the world to him because. He was still one of those African men who believed that a family without a son is a lost cause. And now his son was coming home after a decade in a foreign land, he wanted to make it special. Being a middle-class worker, he had just enough to keep his family in a very comfortable lifestyle. Mr Ade-Jacobs requested that everyone be in their best wears as they all got ready to go to the airport and wait for the arrival of his flight. Hey! Daddy I think thats him! The youngest girl, Olivia said while tugging at her fathers left arm and pointing in the direction of the person she had seen.You have the eyes of an eagle. Yes, that is your one and only brother, dear. Her father replied and gave her a pat on her head making her short afro hair look bumpy and uncombed. Turning towards the direction of the boy, he began smiling broadly and waving both hands in the air, he whistled out loud to signal him. Victor turned immediately to see his family standing about 500 fts from him when he heard that familiar bluebirds sound. He and his dad always announced each others presence to the other with that particular whistling sound. In an excited attempt, he threw down his luggages and ran arms open wide to go meet his family and in a moment of ignorance, he did not notice the yellow WET FLOOR sign and he slipped, falling face-down. A woman screamed in the crowd when she saw him hit the floor, others either made the cross sign or shook their heads and continued to their different destinations. He stood up, still smiling and made a calculated attempt to move away from the wet area. However, luck was not to favour him because he did not notice his shoelace had come undone and he fell once again, this time hitting the back of his head on the marble floor. His mother came running to him first before the others got to him, but he reassured them that he was okay. The airport security offered to call a doctor for him to check if he had a concussion or something but Mr. Ade-Jacob held out a hand to stop them.If my son says he is fine, then he is fine. He is a man and a man must fall down in his life once in a while. He has proven that he can withstand any pressure life throws at him. He said to the securities while smiling at his son, he said, get up my son, your father is here. Wont you hug me?Are you sure youre okay? We can just go and check for clarification. You hit your head pretty hard. Linda, his mom asked him as she squatted on the floor beside her son, examining him for any physical injuries.Mrs, he said he is ok. He is my son, he is like his father, strong and capable of swimming through even the coldest of waters bare-chest. Anna, Olivia, why are you girls still standing there? Go give him a hug, let him feel the warmth that he has missed for the past 10 years! Victor was helped to his feet by his mom, he hugged her and then his sisters. He bowed his head in respect to his father as he touched his feet. Mr Ade patted his back then lifted him up to his full height and crushed him in a bear hug. There was no describing the emotions that was shared between the family members. Anna, who was 13 years old at the time felt left out. It was normal for the middle child to always feel unloved from time to time, hence why she stood in the background. They all made their way to the car and then back home where they all changed their dresses and got ready to go for the surprise welcome party Mr Ade had arranged for his son. Every family members and friends of the family were present. Buffet was neatly arranged at the corner of the event hall and food was in exquisite abundance. The hall had floor to ceiling glass windows, the chandeliers were well polished and they shone brightly, casting ethereal figures on the wall. The father had clearly gone out of his way to make sure the party would be one to remember forever, and it sure was. Towards the far end of the west wing, Auntie Grace stood with her plate of food on one hand and a champagne flute on the other, she was looking around for her brother, Mr Ade. her eyes fell on Victor and she went over to welcome him home.Look at you, youre no more the little boy your father called me to the hospital to witness his birth. Goodness! How time flies! Youre now a grown man. She literally shouted as she dropped her plate and glass on the floor so she could engage Victor in a hug. I missed you so much. Thank God for a successful life journey. My dear, on sunday, make sure to give testimony in Church. That is the right thing to do, this party is beautiful but just out of line. Give thanks to him who thanks is due. She said and released him from the suffocating hug and left the same way she came to go look for her brother. Are you alright? Linda asked Victor when she saw him rubbing his temple with an excruciating look on his face.I dont know mom. My head is thumping really b ad. It feels as if theres a construction work going on in there. Victor replied looking as if he was about to cry.I knew the idea of not going to see a doctor after such a fall may be a bad idea. Come on, let me take you home to rest. Ill give you some pain relievers and by tomorrow morning, well go see the doctor. Linda replied, looking more worried than ever. Excuse me, she turned to a family friend, can you find my husband? Tell him that i am in the car with the children, Victor is not feeling too well, therefore i am taking him home. Thank you. On their way out of the call, she caught sight of the two girls and signalled them to follow her. While waiting in the car, Mr Ade came and met them looking rather displeased.What are you guys doing out here when the party inside has only just begun?Dear, Victor is sick. I am taking him home to get some rest. You can stay back till the party ends. Apologize to the people on behalf of Victor and I.Son are you okay? He asked but only got a mumbled reply, Okay then, Ill see you guys at home. He waved at them as they drove off.Back home, Linda helped her son change into comfortable clothes and handed him two tablets of pain relievers a nd a glass of water. After he swallowed it, she watched him go under the bed covers. She placed a warm towel on his head in an attempt to reduce the pressure. It wasnt up to an hour when she heard him screaming for help, she and the girls ran to his room and found him rolling on the floor. He had gotten up to go to the bathroom but fell because he had been dizzy and could not see clearly. Everything appeared blurry and foggy, and his head hurt even more. She knelt by him, cradling his head to her bosom.Anna, go and call a taxi! Hurry up! She screamed instructions at the girls, Olivia, go get my purse from my room and also a shawl. Meet me outside. She tried to get coax her son to stand up and walk outside while she supported him. They got into the taxi and she directed the cabman to the Family Health Specialist Hospital. She dialed her husbands number on her cell but Auntie Grace picked the call, without wondering why someone else was with his cellphone, Linda told her to let Mr Ade know that they were on their way to the hospital.Its okay baby, we are almost at the hospital, she tried to coo her son into being calm, can you please step on the brake? She said to the driver. The ER was notified and they came out to meet them at the hospital entrance when they arrived. He was placed on a stretcher and then taken into the theater. Mr Ade came running into the hospital lobby with his sister, Auntie Grace, looking angry and disturbed.Where is my son, what did you do to him? He asked his wife, ignoring the two scared girls who came to him for comfort.Hes in there with the doctors. They havent told me anything yet. Linda answered the first question. Auntie Grace sat down on the steel lobby seats, saying nothing as she watched her brother pace back and forth, invisible steams came out of his nostrils and ears. The doctors came out and asked for the parents of the boy, Linda and Ade indicated that they were the parents. I dont have good news. The MRI scans show that your son has intracranial hemorrhage. Has he had any head trauma recently? He asked none of them in particular.Well, he fell twice on the wet marbled airport floor earlier today, hitting the back of his head really hard the second time. And, he fell at home not too long ago because he was dizzy. He must have hit his head again, I didnt see that. Linda answered plaintively.Why didnt you have him checked out when he first fell? He wasnt happy at the information he was given. Well, we will see what we can do. We may likely have to operate on him. He said.Please, do whatever you can to make my son better. Mr Ade pleaded with the doctor. He nodded in affirmation and walked back to the ward where Victor was placed. Linda was in shock, she retreated her steps till she was leaning on the wall and her two girls stood by her, all silently crying.Auntie Grace stood up from where she was sitting and went to console her brother, she brought out her cell and sent a text to the pastor of the church where they attended, telling him what had transpired. The devil is trying to destroy this family, but his plans will not work. I have called Bishop Josef, he will be here soon. Dont get yourself overly worked up. She told her brother. But he seemed okay after the fall at the airport. That was the reason I didnt bother about getting him checked out. Grace, hes my only son, I cant lose him. He sobbed as put his palms over his face.Everything will be alright. Just have faith. Auntie said to him while patting him on the shoulder. The doctor came out to them again and informed them that he had contacted a neurologist and the surgery would take place as soon as he got there in about an hour or two. He went back into his office as he gave a nurse in teal scrubs a prescription to ring up from the pharmacy. As if on cue, Bishop Josef walked in wearing a purple cassock with a heavy wooden cross hanging from a chain on his neck. On his left arm, he was clutching a big leather-bound bible and a brown satchel dangled on his side. Auntie turned her head and their eyes collided, she grinned and said, Bishop Josef is here, everything will be alright now. Mr Ade turned to greet him but Linda stood where she was, unmoving, her girls by her side.Bless you all. Mr Ade, you didnt tell me that your son returned from overseas, Bishop said to them looking disappointed. It doesnt matter anymore, I am here, the God that I serve will see him through this ordeal. Amen?Amen. They answered in unison. Their hopes were uplifted, the girls even smiled in relieve. Anna prayed in her heart that God would use Bishop Josef to heal her brother, she didnt want to lose him.Can you take me to where he is? The Bishop asked no one in particular.Yeah sure. Right this way. Linda opted to take him towards the room she had seen them wheel Victor into. Everyone else stayed back in the lobby. Linda spoke to a nurse and explained that the Bishop was there to pray for Victor. They were then allowed into the room where her son was laying. Inside the room, Victor laid on the bed with wires all around him attached to a beeping monitor. He had been placed on anesthetics in order to keep him in a stable mood. The Bishop moved towards him and placed a hand on his forehead, then prayed for a couple minutes. He then reached into his satchel and brought out Holy water, anointing oil and salt. He requested for a cup but Anna told him that the sign on the door said DO NOT FEED PATIENT. He said, Child, I am not feeding him mere food. These are but instruments to facilitate his healing. On that note, Linda asked Anna to bring him one of the disposable cups that was sitting by the fountain in the corridor. The water, oil and salt was mixed together, he then lifted the cup up and prayed over it. Victor, though barely awake was made to open his mouth and the mixture was forced down his throat while his mom pressed his nostril closed. This was to make him gasp for air and in the process swallow the drink.Oh yes, Father thank you because your son has been made well. Amen? He finished his prayer and the others answered Amen. Grace, it was a good thing for you to have called me here. Anna and Olivia, cry no more okay? Wipe your tears for the God of zion never fails us. He laughed heartily as he spoke with them in the lobby. He bade them farewell and left the hospital. Everyone was looking relieved and hopeful. They all sat down on the steel chairs looking less worried. The neurologist walked in and the doctor introduced him to the family, after they gave them their word to do the best they could, they both walked away to go do what they knew how to do best.While waiting, the girls both laid on the cold chairs and slept off. Even Auntie was gradually dozing off. Linda sat beside her husband, both holding hands and praying in their heart. His heart rate is becoming too rapid, nurse, check if his anesthetics is still active. The doctor said to his team members. The patient, Victor was becoming more unstable. The room was becoming increasingly fast paced, everyone was running around trying to see what they could do to steady the patient. The machines kept beeping incessantly. Victor began to retch and cough as well. However, because of the anesthetics, he was unable to consciously spit out the vomit and in the process he inhaled the it. The doctors saw this and became worried. Earlier, when he had been examined, he was not at risk for aspiration but now, the doctor was confused. He stepped out of the room to the lobby and found his parents. He asked them if they had fed him any liquid or food while they were all waiting for the surgery, they told him that the Bishop came and gave him some mixtures to help heal him. There was no phrase that could describe the emotions the doctor experiencing. But the sign clearly says Do Not Feed? Moreover, he was under sedation! He nearly yelled at them but had to comport himself. Doctor, a nurse that was also in the OR signalled to the doctor and he walked over to her, we lost him. He aspirated on something. She said to him and walked away to go perform post mortem care on him. The doctor looked like he was about to cry, he looked at his wrist watch and the time was well past 2am. Anna and Olivia had woken up and were staring at their parents wide-eyed and a little dazed as to where they were. The doctor came up to them and shook his head, gave them his condolence and walked away. Linda screamed and shot daggers at both her husband and his sister who were quietly taking the information in. No, mummy no, Vic cant be dead,no!!! Olivia screamed and then ran outside. Anna ran after her to console her but she was not fast enough because Olivia ran straight into a backing ambulance vehicle and fell flat on the ground. Anna stopped in her tracks and pierced the night with her high pitched scream. She ran to her sister, just as her family came out to see what made her scream. As the paramedic nurse felt Olivias carotid pulse, she shook her head, saying she was sorry. Linda went mad with rage. She began to tear at her clothes and hair and had to be chemically subdue d. Mr Ade went numb with shock, he had not just lost two children but his legacy as well. He sat on the ground and wailed like a child whose candy had been taken from him. Auntie was torn between weeping and trying to console Anna and her brother. Its been five years. Five long lonely years for Anna and the leftover of her family. She had to grow on her own because her mother had long been admitted into a support group home for psychologically disturbed people. It wasnt like the psychiatric hospitals. There, she could try and live a normal life, interacting with people who shared similar experiences with her while also getting therapeutic help. Anna and Auntie visited her during the weekends, even though she most of the times wont remember who they were. Mr Ade cared less for his life let alone the life of those around him. He was living on autopilot all he did was go to work and come home to drink till sleep overpowered his insatiety. And now, she found herself sitting in the same environment she told herself she would never step her feet in. How she loathe the Bishop and his teachings and his supposed miracles. Her life had been ripped from her, even though she turned out quite okay. She was at the top of her class and was aspiring to be a civil rights activist lawyer. The pew became harder as she continued fuming inside her. Every word, every movement Pastor Josef said or did irritated her. Auntie, I am going. I can not bear to sit through any of this anymore. She finally said to her aunt. You can meet me at home. And she walked out of the church amidst the dozen pair of eyes staring in her direction.