Business in focus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business in focus - Essay Example However, this key environmental trend is causing many regional and international companies to rethink their existing business strategies in order to satisfy consumer demand for eco-friendly products through marketing and in areas of facilities management. This report identifies differing viewpoints on environmental consciousness along with an assessment of how this both positively and negatively impacts retail business operations and finance. Piell (2009) offers that certain regulatory entities, in international retail selling environments, are adding considerable pressure to companies to comply with energy usage reductions, which is especially noticeable in the consumer sales environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency created its Energy Star labeling system which was a regulatory effort for appliance manufacturers to clearly list the energy-efficiency rating of their products, such as dishwashers, refrigerators and microwaves (Piell). Additionally, Verizon, one of the largest international mobile communications technology companies, proudly promotes the Energy Star labeling system in over 30 of its international retail stores that are at least 5,000 square feet in order to comply with these regulations and also show interested consumers that the business takes energy consumption at its stores quite seriously (Piell). This regulatory pressure forces many appliance retailers (and other energy-consuming product manufacturers) to change the internal energy mechanisms of their products in an effort to reduce a product’s carbon footprint, the volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by the devices. From a manufacturing perspective, this key trend in regulatory activities related to the environment can be a costly business operation as it often involves devoting more financial resources to research and development in order to meet new standards of energy consumption. Energy

With specific reference to the two soliloquies Essay Example for Free

With specific reference to the two soliloquies Essay The first soliloquy appears after Hamlet has been deeply insulted and embarrassed by his uncle saying tis unmanly grief and being told that all he has believed in is wrong and childish, and he has just been told to forget about his fathers death because your father lost a father; That father lost, lost his; The final offense was that Hamlet had been told he cant go back to university, but has to stay home with his uncle and mother. I think Shakespeare has set the scene for the next soliloquy very well because of what has just happened to Hamlet. When the soliloquy comes after the moving scene in the banqueting hall, Hamlet speaks of his disgust at his mothers marriage to his uncle so soon after his fathers death. Hamlet also speaks of how he hates his uncle and that he is nothing like his good kind father. He is very upset about his mother and uncle being incestuous because it is against their religion. The final outrage he speaks of is that he believed his mother and father were so happy together, but then his mother marries his uncle not two months after his father had died proving Hamlet wrong. The second soliloquy I am studying appears after Hamlet has just discovered that his uncle has murdered his father and so Hamlet is trying to think of a way of revenge. Hamlet is distressed about everything that has happened to him and around him so Shakespeare makes him philosophize about death and what happens after you die. Throughout the speech Hamlet is always considering this point of death, as he is still very upset because so far he has done nothing physical towards avenging his fathers death and he cannot see how he can help his father. Also at the end of his first soliloquy Hamlet tries to apologize to Ophilia. The first Soliloquy is alone in the dark cold hall where everything is quiet and dreary, this is a large contrast from the previous scene which had lots of people in it who were all happy and celebrating the marriage of Hamlets uncle and mother. This is an important part shown by Shakespeare that Hamlet is all alone physically and mentally and that he has no one to turn to or confide in because he promised the ghost of his father to tell no one of what was said in their meeting. This shows to the audience Hamlets true state of mind as being utterly alone. This speech appears spontaneous, although Shakespeare in fact carefully structures it. Hamlet keeps changing the subject and then quickly returning to it, which gives us the impression that he is just speaking his thoughts as they come into his head, and can therefore be trusted. In the second soliloquy I am studying, Hamlet is in a public place and even though he is alone the audience dont feel as close to him because Shakespeare has made the soliloquy so that at any time someone like Claudius or Polonius could walk in and catch Hamlet speaking in his current state. Also Hamlet is very distressed because he now knows that his uncle, Claudius has murdered his father in cold blood and Hamlet has done nothing yet towards revenging his fathers death. This soliloquy could be dangerous because if he got caught speaking as he was he would get into trouble and Claudius might lose his temper and do something drastic. In the first Soliloquy Hamlet talks about his mother, he feels disgraced with her, he cant really see why she married his uncle, and he does not like to think about it. I think at this point, he is too upset to be suspicious of his fathers death; he still believes a snake really did kill his father. I can see this from the line But two months dead! -Nay, not so much, not two. He then talks about Claudius, I think he now associates his mother with Claudius as a couple, so every time he talks about his mother; he feels he has to mention Claudius. He thinks that his uncle corrupted his Mother, and thinks as a result of this, his mother and all other women are weak. Frailty, thy name is woman tells us this. This could affect his relationship with Ophelia, as he thinks all women are weak and frail. The second soliloquy I am studying is a lot more philosophical and deep than the first because of Hamlets mood and he tries to persuade himself that after death is a good place where good things happen but he is held back by conscience and fear, the reason fear is such a big part of this play is because Shakespeare wrote it for an Elizabethan audience and a ghost appearing would have a tremendous affect on the audience in those days because they felt a lot more strongly about souls not at rest. Hamlet also tries to apologise to Ophilia in this soliloquy even though she is not present in this soliloquy because he has finally thought of something physical to do to help his father but it uses Ophilia in a nasty way. Also the idea of suicide was taken a lot more serious in the days this play was targeted at and it was also considered worse than it is today. So everything in Hamlets life has been turned upside down or destroyed because, his father is dead, he cannot see his friends at university and he has just been told to stop making a fool of himself. This is a very dramatic speech with lots of pauses, which is shown by the Hyphens, questions, and exclamation marks etc. Fie on t! O, fie! is a good example of this from the first soliloquy because Shakespeare breaks up the words using pauses so there is more strain on certain parts of the word and certain parts of the soliloquy. Rhetorical questions are used To be or not to be shows Hamlets state of mind because he is asking himself questions that he does not expect an answer for. The dramatic pauses are used to put emphasis on different parts of Hamlets soliloquy showing the more important and serious parts of it. Hamlets sentences are generally short and disjointed in this soliloquy To die, to sleep-showing Hamlets mood is agitated and he is distressed. Iambic pentameter is used in both soliloquies because it is a recognized poetic device and can reflect normal speech, which is the way Hamlet is supposed to be speaking. In the second soliloquy Shakespeare again includes lots of dramatic pauses to break up the speech and also to give a climax to what Hamlet will say next. The sentences are long because Hamlet is almost talking to himself and so does not slow down or pause very often and so he rambles on. Also in this soliloquy Hamlet is philosophizing about death and whats after death and so he does not speak as he would if somebody else was there. The soliloquy is more realistic because if it rhymed then it would have to have been already thought up and it is supposed to be spontaneous. The sentences are rather disjointed showing Hamlet, at this moment in the play, as a slightly mad character. In this speech Hamlet repeats the words To die, to sleep- which helps to show that even though Hamlet tries to talk about something other than suicide he cannot help thinking about death as something as peaceful as sleep because thats what he wants to think. The use of comparison between death and sleep shows that Hamlet is considering death and he hopes it will be peaceful like sleep. But as he considers death for in that sleep of death what dreams may come. must give us pause he wonders what happens after you die and if it is worse than the problems he has now and so because of that he has to stop and think about what to do, this shows that he is indecisive over this matter. The imagery slings and arrows of fortune shows that Hamlet thinks he has been almost attacked individually by fortune and he feels he is vulnerable. Also Hamlet questions the point of life because everyone dies eventually and he says that Humans are subject to lots of hurt. Hamlet compares after death to an undiscovered country where no traveler returns so this shows that Hamlet realizes that death is a one way process where there is no turning back, which shows that Hamlet is still sane and rational. When Hamlet uses the image of an un-weeded garden because Hamlets father died in a garden but also because Shakespeare tries to make Hamlet use the imagery of his father being the gardener of the family and without him the garden goes out of control and falls apart. Hamlet compares his father with Claudius. He describes his father as Hyperion, God of the sun, meaning that in Hamlets mind, the world would not go on without him. This shows his great respect for his father and how he looks up to him. He then compared Claudius to a Satyr, which shows that Hamlet has a very low opinion of Claudius. The main reason he thinks of Claudius as a Satyr, is because Hamlet thinks that Claudius took advantage of his mother when she was so distraught over his fathers death. Shakespeare uses a soliloquy to put Hamlet alone showing his mental state as being alone. Shakespeare uses soliloquies because they are an insight into a character because they are not actually speaking to anyone In this case Hamlet lets out his innermost and personal feelings and so the audience like the play more because in a soliloquy it is more personal and so people in the audience can relate to what Shakespeare makes Hamlet say. For an actor, playing Hamlet, I would have Hamlet moving around the stage. The main reason for this is because in a theater there are no cameras to zoom in on facial expressions so, if Hamlet was not moving around on stage, (because of the nature of the theater, some people being closer to the stage, whilst others are father away), the people further away would quickly loose interest. All they would see, would be a person just stood there doing nothing. The best way of acting out the soliloquy would be to use hand motions, Hamlet could also move around making the best use of the stage. I dont think the audience would loose interest because Hamlet is walking around, in fact they would probably be more interested as they could follow him through his actions. He should start in the middle of the stage, so the audience can tell immediately that Hamlet is the center of attention right from the beginning of the soliloquy. Hamlets voice should change considerably throughout the soliloquy. In some parts of the soliloquy, Hamlet talks continually, without full stops. At these times, his voice should become dramatically louder, and it could also speed up. This would show the audience he is getting angry, or upset. His voice should soften, and slow down when he feels as though the whole world is on his shoulders. As Hamlet is acting, he should try to convey his emotions through speech, facial expressions and body language. Shakespeare has made an excellent character that a person reading the play or watching it as part of an audience, can really believe in Hamlet as being a real person. This is because of the two soliloquies I have studied make Hamlet look like a real person because he is alone and so the audience can feel more close to Hamlet. Also because it becomes more personal when Hamlet is not talking to anyone and it seems that he is talking to the audience. Also because he lets his emotions come out in such detail the audience can actually relate to what he is saying and so they feel they know what he is going through. Because of all these points I believe that Shakespeare has really captured the essence of creating a person in this case Hamlet and then managing to make the audience believe he is real not just a fictitious character.

Global Transportation and the Logistics Industry

Global Transportation and the Logistics Industry The Transportation Logistics sector spans a wide range of service offerings such as by air, road, rail, sea as well as related services such as warehousing, handling, and stevedoring. The extent of coverage includes value added services such as packaging, assembling, labelling etc. In addition to these, Transport Logistic providers undertake the management role of planning, administering and coordinating. Over the years, the sector has reshaped in manner where most players have a tendency to consolidate; resulting in larger, integrated groups operating in more than one of the Transport Logistics sub-services/sectors. As a result, the limits between the sub-services/sectors become more and more indistinct. The benefits of globalisation and business process outsourcing of logistics services generated double digit revenue growth in the industry in the early part of the 21st century. However the co-existence of other pressures, threats and limitations such as the economic downturn, and fuel price hike contribute to the dramatic changes faced by contenders in the sector. With privatisation and liberalisation, more complexities were introduced to the sector. In addition, trade routes are changing and networks have become increasingly complex as have the agreements between companies sharing resources. There have been several regulatory requirements which have changed substantially in the recent years. Due to more IT enabled interconnectivity in companies, it operates across national. Hence, issues pertaining to customs, tax compliance, accounting and governance have increased. Companies looking to build a sustainable business need to continuously offer value additions to its stakeholders. Therefore with the changing business models in the industry, many companies are evolving from forwarding and warehouse managing businesses to highly industrialised, IT driven supply chain providers; adopting a holistic approach in their service. Impact of the economic downturn Over the past years, the Transport Logistics industry has been profiting considerably from positive economic conditions and the demand for raw materials, capital and consumer products. Since 2008 though, the trade was suddenly faced with some of the most complex market conditions in history. A tightening global credit crisis and economic downturn that began in the U.S. quickly spread throughout the globe, impacting many organizations in nearly every aspect of the business. Changes in consumer buying patterns have led to less significant transport volumes, and shifts to less expensive delivery modes, with a sizeable impact on the express business. The volatile oil price coupled with a stronger focus on emission reduction has increased pressure on transportation companies, especially airlines, leading to a record in airline insolvencies. In addition, the economic recession places more fundamental challenges on the Transportation Logistics industry: consumer patterns and a general cur b of demand thereby causing a lower level of the flow of goods. Opportunities in the emerging markets For a countrys economy, in addition to the tourism sector, even the transportation sector is often viewed as an important indicator of growth. With the rise in commercial trade activities, the location of manufacturing facilities and distribution centres can have a major impact on the growth of a countrys transportation sector and transportation infrastructure. The relative location of these manufacturing facilities and distribution centres can dictate whether the country becomes a centre within a logistics network or a spoke in the wheel, serving in effect as a transit passage. Such matters are of particular importance to emerging economies where the transport and logistics infrastructure is making rapid development. Logistic providers are faced with clients who wish to source out of low-cost countries or access these new markets. They need to ensure that they can help their clients meet their objectives, understand the emerging markets environment, and expand their competencies and resources. These companies are at a crossroads in their development and have several strategic questions to consider. Should they expand or try new a niche? Should they move into an acquisition? Should they look at a stock-exchange float? Should they invest in IT/new technology? Should they look at optimising their cost base to counteract the trend towards smaller margins? How can they differentiate from competition by convincing customers that they add value to the business? About FedEx Corporation Introduction http://www.csustan.edu/manage/harris/case4.html Federal Express is an express transportation company, founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1973. During his college years, his intuition that the U.S. was becoming a service-oriented economy and needed a reliable, overnight delivery service company designed for dedicated transportation of packages and documents was the cornerstone of the companys existence today. He started Federal Express with over $80 million, making it the largest company of its time ever funded by venture capital. He found investors willing to contribute $40 million, used $8 million in family money, and received the rest from bank financing. Background Federal Express became successful due to the fact that they pioneered in advanced IT interventions ahead of its competition. They built a super-hub in Memphis, Tennessee, where all packages from the United States would be loaded and shipped out each night. Today, Federal Express has over 143,000 workers worldwide, and delivers more than 3 million express packages to 211 countries daily. One major change has affected Federal Express. In January of 1998, Federal Express the company re-launched as FDX Corporation. FDX Corporation now includes Federal Express, Roadway Packaging System (RPS), Viking Freight, Roberts Express, and Caliber Logistics. Even though FDX owns all these companies, Federal Express still remains independent. Federal Express CEO is currently Theodore Weise. FDXs strategy is to corroborate on selling and synergies for all FDX companies, but run operations separately and keep each companys strengths and markets separate. Therefore, some information will be about FDX, but most will be for Federal Express as its own company. FDX Corporate Subsidiaries All business units of FDX follow the corporate mission statement of the parent company. This synergy allows for growth. It also puts the entity in a position to acquire more companies whose operations are similar. Currently, these are the names and descriptions of the companies under FDX, other than Federal Express. 1. RPS: North Americas second-largest provider of ground small-package delivery. It also services 28 European countries and Puerto Rico. 2. Viking Freight: The premier brand name in less-than-truckload freight movements throughout the western United States. 3. Roberts Express: Engineer and execute time-specific, door-to-door surface and air-charter delivery solutions that solve special-handling challenges for FDX customers within North America and Europe. 4. Caliber Logistics: Develops and implements customized logistics solutions that help FDX customers manage costs, improve customer service and focus on their core business activities. In the Sales Breakdown for these FDX companies, Federal Express still accounts for 83 percent of total revenues. The next largest is RPS, bringing in 11 percent of FDXs total revenues. Strategic vision http://apps.shareholder.com/sec/viewerContent.aspx?companyid=FDXdocid=784953 FedEx Corporations vision is a world where goods and information move quickly and seamlessly. A world where businesses source raw materials and parts globally, then move high-value goods quickly between continents and across time zones. A world where global information and transportation networks can shrink time and distance, creating competitive advantages for customers. FedEx has experienced consistent growth in terms of net income in just about every year of its operation, which has meant three decades of growth. One of the companys greatest strengths is undoubtedly its business concept. No matter what the economy is doing, there will always be a need for package delivery of some sort by companies and individuals involved in nearly every industry. Even when times are tough and companies are seeking to save money, FedEx has less expensive delivery alternatives from which to choose. Of course, being the originator of the express delivery concept is also a key strength. FedEx became a household name before any of its competitors ever arrived on the scene, and thus has become synonymous with the idea of express package delivery in the minds of many, if not most, consumers. Visionary leadership (introduction to founder CEO) Fred Smith recognized the need for a reliable, overnight delivery service. Smith presented the idea in a Yale term paper in the 1960s, and received a C grade for his efforts. Between 1969 and 1971 Smith, however, secured $90 million ($40 million from investors, $8 million from his family, and $42 million in bank financing) to launch Federal Express as the then largest startup funded by venture capital. Federal Express began offering overnight and second-day delivery to 22 American cities in 1973. Today, The FedEx Express unit is one of the five subsidiary organizations that comprise Federal Express. The FedEx Express unit is the primary focus of this study. FedEx Express is the global market leader in express transportation. The firm moves an average of three million packages daily. FedEx Ground is a subsidiary of FedEx Express. FedEx Ground provides ground delivery of packages in North America. FedEx Freight is a less-than-truckload carrier. FedEx Freight operates throughout the United States. FedEx Freight has two operating subsidiaries à ¹ FedEx Freight East and FedEx Freight West. Access is what makes all forms of interaction and exchange possible between people, businesses and nations. Increases in Access boost opportunities and empower people with the ability and confidence to improve their current conditions and future prospects. Mission Statement The Mission Statement of FDX is to produce superior financial returns for stockholders, by providing high value-added logistics, transportation and related information services through focused operating companies. This mission statement shows that FDX has a clear focus. (1) The main focus is to bring returns to stockholders. (2) They will emphasize adding value above and beyond just their service of transporting an object from one place to another. (3) Their focus of operations will be logistics, transportation, and related information. This mission statement is focused enough to keep FDX from diversifying into for example, food products; yet vague enough to allow growth in all of those areas. Philosophy FDX and Federal Express, in particular hold a People-Service-Profit philosophy. The ‘People goal is the continuous improvement of managements leadership. The ‘Service standard is 100 percent customer satisfaction. The ‘Profit goal is much like any other companys goal, and is essential to long-term viability. This philosophy governs how FDX runs its business, and defines strategies. Customers Markets, Globalization and Services The scope of the Federal Express operation covers business-to-business, business-to-individual and individual-to-individual accounts. Federal Express markets include more than 200 countries where 90 percent of all the worlds revenues originate. Federal Express provides both document and freight deliveries as well as supporting services. Stemming from the visionary leadership of the CEO, the company follows market reach global footprint and a business strategy. Competitors Federal Express list of competitors include: United Parcel Service (UPS), Airborne Express, Emery Worldwide, BAX Global, DHL Worldwide, and United States Postal Service. Federal Express holds 46.5 percent, the largest portion, with UPS and Airborne Express as the largest competitors. As shown from the preceding information, Federal Express is clearly a large, strong, and growing express transportation company. Environment screening analysis This section will show the services Federal Express provides; its strengths and weaknesses as an organization; the opportunities and threats, current problems and issues faced. Services Federal Express provides delivery on documents and packages both domestically and internationally. Further, the company also provides supporting services. In the United States, Internationally Supporting Services Priority Overnight Priority interNet Ship Standard Overnight Economy Collect on Delivery Same Day Next Flight Location Service First Overnight First Dangerous Goods Service Express Freight Priority Freight Worldwide Logistics Weekend Shipping Economy Freight U.S. Government Shippers Alaska and Hawaii Airport to Airport International Government Guide S.W.O.T. Analysis Company Strengths and Resource Capabilities: Globalisation: Federal Express largely operates on a global scale. They operate in 211 countries. They provide services that appeal to most of the world. They have such a large market in which to operate which generates tremendous revenue for the business. Benefits of global economies of scale become available to players that operate in such a large playing field. Innovation: Federal Express took the first-mover advantage by identifying airplanes and trucks as a source and resource to gain business advantage. This helped them to remain the industry leader since 1973. Technology and Communication: Federal Express uses and continues to search for new technology. They allow spending of $1billion a year, 10% of total revenues on IT interventions such as integration. The companys commitment to introducing new customer centric service models through IT keeps customers from switching to other providers. Federal Express also has excellent communication with their customers. They use tracking devices on all shipments and customers can trace their shipment through many different avenues including a user-friendly Web site. Federal Express customers can feel assured that FedEx will always be on top of technology. Strategic Vision: Company CEO Frederick Smith built an industry leader, and sustained the title since 1973. The strategic vision of the company is cascaded through top managers who are in charge of the strategic direction of the business. First-Mover Advantage: The company has had first-mover advantage in several areas: (1) Being a global express transportation logistics company (2) Advanced IT interventions that attributed to the continued success of the company (3) Incorporating smaller business units with similar operations under its belt to synergize and control more of the market. Consolidating its resource capabilities at an optimized level has attributed greatly to its success. Strong Brand Image: In 1990, Federal Express became the first organization awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the service category. Further, in 1994, the company was the first in global express transportation to obtain simultaneous system-wide ISO 9001 certification in international quality standards. Federal Express has also developed its own quality system that matches their customers standards. Company Weaknesses and Resource Deficiencies: Escalating prices: Federal Express prices are priced above its competitors. This can be a weakness if their customers do not perceive a difference between Federal Express and its competitors services. Labour Disputes with Pilots: Federal Express pilots have formed the FedEx Pilots Association. This organization demanded changes in the pilots salaries, retirement benefits, and suggested outsourcing some foreign flights instead of giving their own pilots the job. The pilots have a Web site where news is posted and any grievances are communicated. During the busy Christmas season in 1998, the pilots threatened to strike. Federal Express and the FedEx Pilots Association have developed a tentative agreement, which is published on the pilots Web site. However, the pilots do not believe this agreement fully meets their expectations. The pilot dispute is definitely an internal weakness for Federal Express, considering they have 3,500 pilots employed with them. The business operations would suffer if there were strikes. When UPS employees went on strike in 1997, Federal Express took the extra 800,000 shipments a day. If Federal Express employees went on strike, their competitors could gain an immediate advantage. The reason for running subsidiaries separately: FDX has deliberately chosen to keep its subsidiaries separate. According to FDXs 1998 Annual Report, CEO Frederick Smith states, Simply layering the unique resource and operating requirements of a time-definite, global, express-delivery network onto a day-definite, ground small-package network would surely result in diminished service quality and increased costs. Under the FDX umbrella, we will leverage our shared strengths while operating each delivery network independently, with each focused on its respective markets. Frederick Smith is confident this will be a strength, instead of a weakness. Company Opportunities: Expansion Globally: Federal Express can continue to expand its global footprint. Expansion Internally: Federal Express can continue to acquire more similar smaller business which could offer Federal Express leverage to expand into new technologies or areas in their industry. Run Subsidiaries Together: If FDX doesnt profit from running the subsidiaries separately, they can change to integrating their operations to achieve better synergies and economies of scale. Contracts with Large Corporations: To stay the industry leader, Federal Express should form contracts with companies who will add cost-saving or value-adding benefits to their services. Joint-Ventures: Federal Express can form joint ventures, such as already with Netscape and American Express, to enjoy the growth of integrating their customer bases. Expansion of e-commerce: Federal Express already has a major presence of shipping online. They should keep finding Internet companies to contract delivery of their products. Since the growth of e-commerce is rapid now, Federal Express could enjoy both profits and brand name recognition from this kind of expansion. Company Threats: Y2K Problem: If Federal Express communication and tracking systems arent actually Year 2000 ready, they will experience lost shipments, lost customers, and lost profits. This is a threat for every business, but a global company will be affected on a larger scale. Community Responsibility in the U.S.: Federal Express might be subject to community disapproval in expansion within the United States. Right now, Federal Express has plans to build a second super-hub in Greensboro, NC. The airport is supportive, but the citizens of the community are not. Federal Express has to decide whether the community support or building the centre is more important. Relations with Foreign Countries: Through Federal Express expansions globally, they are subject to laws and regulations of all foreign countries. There could be major problems in this area, stunting growth and raising costs. Already, Great Britain will not let Federal Express fly their own planes for shipments. Federal Express must either load their cargo on to British planes, or use ground transportation. This is very inefficient for Federal Express; however, it keeps competition out for British Air Transportation companies. Everywhere Federal Express goes, they are at risk for regulations that hinder their operations or efficiency. Economic and Political Conditions: Federal Express is subject to the entire worlds economic and political condition in the areas of fuel prices and supply, customer purchase of their services, and relations with foreign countries. As a global company, they are subject to much more risk than domestic companies. Current Problems and Issues Federal Express has several current issues and problems. Decisions about these issues will affect Federal Express profits and brand name in the future. Federal Express Pilots disputes with the company over their salary and compensation, retirement benefits, and Federal Express outsourcing some foreign flights. Federal Express spends only 13.17 percent of total operating expenses on their labor expense. The industry average is 14.81 percent. However, Federal Express main competitors spend 20 and 24 percent of total operating expenses on labor. This is why the pilots are voicing their disagreements, and demanding change. Fuel Price Fluctuation: Federal Express raised their prices and developed contracts with oil suppliers to cover fluctuating fuel costs and volatility of supply. Creation of super-hub in North Carolina: Federal Express does not have the communitys support. Alliance with Netscape: FDX created an alliance with Netscape in order to simplify the world of electronic commerce. FDX will offer delivery services on Netscapes Internet portal site. This will allow both companies to achieve mutual business targets that could not be achieved otherwise. Alliance with American Express: Federal Express offers a 10 to 20 percent discount on many delivery services to customers using an American Express Small Business Corporate Card. Federal Express offers many different services spanning the globe; this is why Federal Express has many strengths, and opportunities. However, Federal Express must also be concerned with their weaknesses and current problems. Industry Analysis Dominant Economic Characteristics Federal Express is in the Air Freight or Air Cargo Transportation Industry. This industry had sales of $34.2 billion in 1998. This industry is in the early maturity life cycle because entry is difficult, yet current competitors are still growing. Companies can realize economies of scale in this industry in marketing and purchasing. Services in this industry are essentially identical, with the exception being the value-added services. General Economic Conditions The current global economic crisis can affect this industry by stunting foreign expansion and reduced utilization of express shipping services. The current crisis in Kosovo may affect business for these companies if any countries they do business in feel the United States is wrong and want to boycott American-originating products and services. Porters 5-Forces Model Rivalry Among Competing Sellers: This is a strong force in this industry because the competitors use price cuts to compete, there is a low cost and ease to switching brands, and the companies in this industry diversify and acquire other companies for strategic growth and synergy. Competitive Force of Potential Entry: This is a weak force in this industry. Each company currently in the industry has strong brand images, leaving a harder job for new companies. The capital expenditures to start an express transportation company are large, and the companies currently are achieving economies of scale by going global. Any smaller company will not be able to achieve these right away, not allowing them to compete on prices. Another factor threatening potential entrants is trade tariffs and international regulations. Most companies currently in the industry have already established relations with foreign countries. New companies will have to prove themselves to foreign companies, suppliers, and customers. Competitive Pressures of Substitute Products: This is a weak to moderate force in this industry. Businesses and individuals that wish to ship cargo and packages can do it with other modes of transportation such as trucks, trains and boats. However, the customers that use air freight transportation usually desire convenience, speed, and low cost. Traditional transportation modes do not offer all three of these. Businesses and Individuals who want to ship documents can use e-mail, the Internet, and Facsimiles. However, these can take some time to scan and load, and then it is uncertain that your document will get to its destination. Power of Suppliers This is a strong force if the suppliers serve industries other than Air Freight. If a supplier only has accounts, or the majority of their accounts with these companies, they will not be able to control prices and supplies. Suppliers that are involved in this industry are: vehicle manufacturers, airplane manufacturers, fuel suppliers, labor, airports, and shipping materials manufacturers. Power of Buyers This is a moderate force in this industry because competition keeps prices similar among the companies. The only difference is companies, such as Federal Express who have value-added services that allow a higher price. Also, the buyers of the services in this industry are reactionary. They do not know the technology before it happens. They become dependent on the technology, service and speed offered by the companies in this industry and will pay for it. Industry Prospects and Overall Attractiveness A trend among Air Freight shippers is to use the Internet for communication with customers and even obtaining shipping contracts with companies selling on the Internet. This alliance with the fastest-growing industry will bring exponential growth to the Air Freight industry, above and beyond what they would normally have realized without this. This industry should remain attractive, with concentration on competition for market share, service differentiation, and brand image. Current Advertising has been aimed at being better than the competitor for different reasons. Performance Analysis FDX has an impressive performance record for example in 1998 they had revenues of $15.9 billion. We can also look at their Net Income for 1998, as well as for the last five years. This information is shown in 4 on Page 3 of the Appendix. As you can see, sales have been growing steadily for the past five years. Looking at the net income, though, it isnt that impressive. It even declined in 1997, from the rising fuel costs during that year. However, in 1998 it grew from $200,000 to $500,000. That could be from reduction in operating costs, or from the acquisition of the subsidiaries which had lower operating costs compared to Federal Express. The financial ratios for FDX compared to Airborne Express (ABF) are in Table 2 on Page 3 of the Appendix. Most of the ratios show Airborne Express in better financial condition than FDX. However, this can be explained through FDXs size as compared to Airborne Express. Airborne Express does not offer as many services or types of shipments as FDX, and it only has half the market share as FDX. Since UPS does not have air shipments, we could not benchmark FDX to them. Clearly though, FDX and Federal Express is the market leader in this industry, have outstanding sales, a healthy profit, and a safe amount of debt. A 5-Year analysis of Federal Express profitability and activity ratios is in s 5 and 6 on page 4 of the Appendix. These ratios over time show a steady increase, except for year 1997, where fuel costs hurt Federal Express deeply.TNT N.V. is an international express and mail delivery services company with headquarters in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, TNT operates the national postal service under the name TNT Post. The group also offers postal services in eight other European countries, including the UK, Federal Express Five-Point Strategy Federal Express has five strategies that govern business tactics. These are to improve service levels, lower unit costs, establish international leadership and sustain profitability, get closer to the customer, and maintain the People-Service-Profit Philosophy. Major Strategic Issues FDX is focused on three primary growth strategies. A collaborative sales process that leverages their shared customer relationships, aggressive global marketing of the broad FDX portfolio to targeted prospective customers, and a strategic application of information systems to reduce costs and improve customer access and connectivity. Introduction to the business strategy Expanding Access Through Our Networks While the benefits and mechanisms of Access are too vast and complex to attribute to any one creator, FedEx is proud to have been the driving force behind many milestones and advances, beginning with overnight express delivery in 1973 from our hub in Memphis. At first connecting 25 U.S. cities — and today, 220 countries — express delivery was a historic breakthrough in Access, collapsing the time and distance between places and connecting people everywhere. Through our expanding networks, anyone shipping a package can now tap into unprecedented speed and worldwide reach. Shaping the Way the World Connects FedEx delivers systems and solutions, not just packages. In recent years, weve increased Access by moving information in the form of bits as close to its destination as possible before converting it into atoms. For example, when one customer planned to host a leadership seminar in New Delhi, FedEx Kinkos transferred tons of materials digitally to China, printed them in one day, and shipped them to India the next. With FedEx Office Print Online capability, any individual can do the same — printing documents remotely and having them delivered locally. Its one major new way FedEx is contributing to greater Access. Today, thanks in part to the Access provided by the internet and FedEx, its possible for a leading electronics company to synchronize its microchip factories in China to the pulse of global demand, flying the finished chips as needed to manufacturing lines in Shanghai, Seoul or Singapore. The chips are bound for laptops and phones that create personal connections in their own right, while the corresponding transformation of China into the worlds factory is expected to lift half a billion people out of poverty by 2020. New FedEx hubs in Guangzhou and Hangzhou will increase the global Access of homegrown Chinese companies and contribute to greater quality of life, while helping companies outside this market to navigate and grow their business here. Changing Whats Possible For 35 years, FedEx has been dedicated to changing whats possible and improving life for people everywhere by promoting greater Access. Every day around the world, we see first-hand how Access empowers people to improve their lives, their businesses and their communities. Because we see this power, we have a unique perspective on Access. Infrastructure/supply chain value chain FedEx has done several things with its value chain to develop new business. First they have always recognized the need to have technology and IT work to communicate the logistics that they run. They have developed internet technologies that work simply and efficiently to enable customers and sellers to use FedEx as a go between. This has enabled many companies to integrate FedEx technology into their own web sites for customers to use. However, up until January 19, 2000 the organization of Fe

A formula for parish practice Essays -- Legal Issues, Wengert

Wengert in his â€Å"A formula for parish practice† book, indicated the dispute over the relation between faith and works can be traced back to an attack on the Lutherans by John Eck prior to the Diet of Augsburg 1530 ( 63). Eck claimed that evangelicals ban good works from their teaching and preaching, later this phenomena grid Melanchthon to come up with the 20th article in the Augsburg confession. The reality that the leipzing Interim failed to use the phrase â€Å"faith lone† upset the Bishop of Naumburg , Von Amsdrof lead up to writing a tract against the Leipzing Interim. Later George major came up with Sermon that implies good works are necessary for salvation. George Major writings in favors of the absolute necessity of good work for salvation lead up to the emergence of Majortistic controversy. As Luther predicted what controversies will inevitably arise after his death; many reformers would compromise and sell out to the papacy. Luther prediction turned true and many controversies had arose from within and without, among these is the Majoristic controversy that named after George major who was the chief proponent of the idea that enunciate good work justifies. The Majoristic controversy was in fact started before the death of martin Luther and later intensified ( ). George major was a Lutheran theologian who lived from 1502-1574. He was one of the several theologians who joined Melanchthon in making concession to Rome. There is no way we can measure faith. However, good work can sometime be measured, in physics we can calculate work by multiplying the force applied to certain object by the distance traveled. Faith is not something we produce, reduce, earn or donate; generally we do not have control over faith. It is... ...ng of the Lord’s Supper should not be general but should be specific and personal; each recipient should understand why and how they should receive the true body and blood of Christ. The Lord’s Supper of the moment to proclaim the Word not time we assert announcement or preach to the public. The precious golden words â€Å"This is my body, given for you† and â€Å"This is my blood shed for you for the forgiveness of sins† are not the words to be sprayed to the public but rather to be injected in the system of each individual receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ in the form proclamation to their soul. The Word â€Å"you† is by no means plural during administration of the Holy Supper it must refer to each receipt. Such specific proclamation â€Å"given for you† and â€Å"shed for you† destroy our heavy burdens and give rest through forgiveness of sins (Matthew 11:28).

The Sniper :: essays research papers

In 'The Sniper'; Liam O' Flaherty suggest the horror of war not only by presenting its physical dangers but also by showing its psychological effects. The story takes place in Dublin around the beleaguered Four Courts in the middle of the city where gunfire of heavy guns, machine guns, and rifles break the silence around the sniper because of a civil war that is especially dangerous because the enemy looked similar to yourself. The sniper is on the roof in a vulnerable situation because there is no cover, no place to hide. Besides that it's June around the twilight hour when it is fading into night and when the smallest amount of light attracted attention to the enemy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bullets fired also make the danger of the sniper's location clear. When he lights his cigarette, almost immediately a bullet is shot against the parapet of the roof. Just as he raised his himself cautiously over the railing of the roof another bullet whizzed by him, just missing his head. Soon he sees a tank commander and a women informer pointing out his location on the roof, he first takes out the tank commander, followed by the old lady that is giving the information. Suddenly from the opposite side there is a flutter of bullets that come from the opposite side of the street.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The psychological effects on the sniper suggest the horror of war. The sniper's feeling of excitement shows a lack of concern for other people. The sniper's fanaticism is known when it mentioned that he had not eaten because he was so excited to be there. Although when the armored car pulled up, the very sound of the engine and the color of the 'gray monster'; stuck fear in his heart. When the sniper was aiming at the other sniper his hand trembled with eagerness, proving his lack of concern for others. When he finally shot, he uttered a shout of joy releasing his 'lust for battle';.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Finally the horror of the war is made clear because the sniper can only think of other people as the enemy. Before he lights his cigarette he wonders if the 'enemy'; is watching.

Citizen Kane Essays -- essays research papers

The film Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, is a great example of how a man can be corrupted by wealth. Through the characters in the film we can observe how Charles Foster Kane, an idealistic man with principles, can be changed and misguided by wealth and what accompanies wealth. The film takes places during the late 19th century and early 20th century, a time in American history when the world is changing and wealth is a great power to change it with. Through the story telling of Kane’s life we are able to see how wealth changes, not only Kane’s ideals, but his actions and how he perceives the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The corruption of idealism by wealth can be seen throughout the film, especially through the thoughts and actions of Kane and the other characters. For example, when Kane publishes his first newspaper for the Inquirer he prints his â€Å"Declaration of Principles†. Jebediah Leland remarks at that time that he would like to keep it because he feels that it will be an important document one day. As Kane becomes more wealthy and more corrupt by his wealth, Leeland returns the document and we see that Kane understands that he is no longer the same man he was before or the man he set out to become. From this we also see that Leeland and the other characters in the film have come to the same conclusion. Furthermore, in the film, Kane states more than once, that people will think or do whatever he wishes them. Kane, with his wealth, tries to create his i...

Unhealthy America

American is supposed to be the strongest nation in the world however we have managed to grasp the largest and most unhealthy nation trophy along with it. Americans care more about how quickly they can grab a meal rather than what that meals consists of and how bad the food is for the body. Americans are becoming increasingly unhealthy with every meal they consume. My aunt went on a trip to Greece recently where she says the food was exquisite and utterly delicious. While she was crashing a Greek wedding she got to experience some of the traditional food. She said the meats were fall off the bone tender with more explosive tastes than her taste buds could handle. She said the salad was a rainbow of green lettuce with mixed with reds of all colors for tomatoes. She produced a tiny bottle that once was full of homemade Greek salad dressing that the mother of the bride had made especially for her daughter’s perfect day. She recalled how immaculate the food was saying specifically she had never seen such amazing foods in America and wished she could bring the cooks back with her. She later told me that when she got back to the states, she realized just how bad she ate before she went on her trip and she sees more clearly now just how unhealthy Americans really are. Her story prompted me to step back and look closer at how we as a nation choses what we are eating. I took my son to the grocery store to get food for the next couple weeks. I made all of his food myself instead of buying processed baby food because I know it is much healthier for him and it makes me think about what I eat. While we were in the fruits and vegetables isle, I noticed we were one of three people shopping in this area while the rest of the market place was packed with people. With the previous conversation stuck in my head, I decided to look around at what others were purchasing around me. I spotted a woman with a shopping cart mounding over with food. The looks of her cart reminded me of a contest I watched on TV where the mom got 5 minutes to get as much stuff as she could and by the end of her 5 minutes her cart was overflowing with stuff. As I watch her carefully choose what she was placing in her cart I realized we were in the frozen foods section. She was staring at a glass door intensely. Behind that glass door sat probably 20 different variations of ice cream. While this stranger and her overweight daughter discussed the options together, I watched her pick up two different one gallon containers of ice cream. One container had chocolate swirls throughout the off white vanilla ice cream and the other had the same chocolate swirls accompanied by pink strawberry swirls. I could hear her daughter asking for one kind and her mother saying she wanted the other kind. So instead of having to choose between the two different gallons of ice cream, she placed both containers in her already overflowing cart. I could sense both of their insulin levels increasing as they began to walk away with their prized frozen treats. While I was standing in the isle with this mother-daughter duo, I was able to get a good look at what they had stuffed in to their cart. I saw several blue boxes of Mac-N-Cheese paired with packages of processed animal intestines otherwise known as hotdogs. I could count six boxes of Hamburger Helper and each one a different variation but all boxes had the detail in bold of being doubly cheesy. I would think that a box of processed food that only needs to have water added to it is not the healthiest meal a mother could make for her child. I also spotted a couple 12 packs of various types of soda. I saw short green soda containers of individual bottles of Mountain Dew placed neatly on the side wall of her cart. Thinking to myself I remembered something I read saying that Mountain Dew has the most sodium per bottle than any other soda drink in the business. I came to the conclusion that my aunt was right. We as a nation are not only eating unhealthy but teaching our children to do the same as well. After leaving the grocery store with our fruit and veggies in hand, I decide to stop at fast food restaurant to grab a salad for lunch. While in line the person ahead of me places his order. The young lady taking his order is a very short woman with a very wide stance. As he gives his order I recount the experience that I had just had, watching this stranger and her daughter purchase mass quantities of food that were processed and extremely unhealthy. The gentleman tells the cashier he would like a Quarter Pounder with cheese. He asks for an extra slice of cheese, extra pickles and no lettuce or tomato. While the young lady quickly punches thing in to her computer screen to detail the order to his specific wants, he also adds that he would like to supersize his meal and requests a fresh batch of French fries. In my head, still reeling from my conversation with my aunt, I thought about how much grease this man is going to eat in just his lunch sitting. The woman waddled over to the fryers that were full of what looked like grease that had not been changed in a week, pulled out a new bag of frozen French fries, filled the container full of them and slid them in to the hot, boiling grease to cook. With his order being made, I couldn’t help but to think of all of the calories in his meal that he was getting ready to devour. He stepped aside waiting on his food and I placed my order for a grilled salmon salad with no dressing. I quickly realized our two orders couldn’t be more on the opposite sides of the nutrition chart as his meal was nothing but fat and grease and mine containing lettuce, fish, cheese and tomatoes. Another stranger opting to eat absolutely nothing good for them. As I sit down to enjoy my salad I look around and see the meals of others in the restaurant. I take out a package of already cut up bite size pieces of peaches for my son to each since he is only 7 months old. Trying to be inconspicuous, I look at the table next to me. A mother and her two young children are sitting, enjoying their lunches. The mother had a cheeseburger with so much ketchup running out of the sides you would think there was more ketchup that meat. Her youngest son had a 10 piece chicken nugget meal. The nuggets were obviously fried but the meat inside was a strange color of grey leading me to believe it was imitation meat. The little boy devoured each nugget only after carefully dipping each one of the nuggets in to a tub of barbeque sauce, making sure to lather each inch of the nugget to his desired amount. The oldest boy had the same fried, strangely grey food but was dipping his nuggets in to ketchup. In my head I couldn’t help but to sum up their lunch as to being fried fat and fried imitation meat, all lathered in a sodium filled dipping sauce. I quickly finished my meal and headed for the door. I had set my mind that I would not be like that mother, teaching her sons that eating unhealthy was acceptable. As I started putting away my groceries, I also started riding my cupboards and refrigerator from anything processed. It was clear to me that the word unhealthy was quickly becoming our nation’s primary adjective. As I reflect on my conversation with my aunt and the experiences I had with the unknowing strangers I watched purposely chose fatty, processed, fried and ultimately the most unhealthy foods possible, I realized obesity is not just a term used to define a plus size individual but a growing epidemic that is quickly spreading across our great nation. Unhealthy Americans are more prominent in society today and the growing trend does not look to be slowing down any time soon.