Dexit †A Marketing Opportunity

The case study discusses the marketing opportunity of Toronto-based Dexit Inc. for the new electronic payment system for retail transactions. The CEO of the company, Renah Persofsky, faced two traditional questions of marketing strategy: the preferable target group and the choice of optimal strategy, â€Å"push† or â€Å"pull†. Marketing opportunity The advantages of for the new electronic payment system for retail transactions were obvious. First, its implementation could make the transactions faster and safer for the end user.Second, the using of similar payment systems gained the wide popularity. Third, the popularity of digital payments without dealing with the cashiers is growing nowadays, and this trend existed in 2002 when Dexit made a decision to launch its new payment system. At least, the competition on this sector was rather low. Thus, the implementation of new payment system was reasonable solution. However, even in this favorable market opportunity the comp any faced two dilemmas.First was the choice between consumers (the users of the Dexit tag) and merchants (the users of the Dexit POS terminals). It was necessary to define which segment would be most profitable to serve. Besides, the issue of different customers approach was topical. The new payment system could gain fast popularity among that group of the customers, which was known as â€Å"early gainers†, but as usual this group couldn’t transform to the group of the most â€Å"heavy customers†.At last, the implementation of new system demanded the new wave of marketing, and it was needed to make a solution about the preferable marketing strategy. â€Å"push† or â€Å"pull†. The choice also depended from the target customer group. Conclusion It can hardly be decided what marketing strategy could be optimal for Dexit; however, the study of the latest trends allowed recommendation to aim the strategy on the â€Å"heavy customers† and make th e system merchant-oriented. References DEXIT — A MARKETING OPPORTUNITY. 905A02. Copyright  © 2005, Ivey Management Services

Curfews: Law and Certain Regulation Apply

Brittaney Weeams Mr. Dutro-Adkins 4TH Hour English November 27, 2012 Curfews Do they really work? â€Å"Yes† What is a Curfew Curfew is an order specifying a time after which certain regulation apply. In other words an order made by the government or your family to be home at a certain time. Many cities have imposed curfew over the past years and in most of those cities the curfews has reduced several crimes. Curfews are used to discipline and to keep young teens off the streets and out of trouble.Although people feel that there’s no point in curfews and it doesn’t keep our youth out of trouble, I on the other hand feel that curfew does keep our youth out of trouble and is very much needed all over the United States. Why? Because if we didn’t have curfews, there would be way more convicted crimes. There is currently 276 cites that enforced curfews so far. There’s 6 ways to put curfew into place, involve your teen, communicate clearly, except the con sequences, set limits, be reasonable, Negotiate, and communicate.For example In San Diego, California crimes have dropped by 20% and in Dallas Texas and New Orleans theirs have dropped by 40%. This is a prime example why curfews been a big help so far. I feel like curfews shouldn’t be the government’s job. Since they are the ones who enforced it, parents should respect that by taking on the responsibility for their own child and should know where their child is at every given time. Parents can also give their child open space to work and attend after school activities, If they’re willing to obey. And once they feel that their child is responsible then they could give them the freedom they deserve.I believe the interdiction of curfews will help control the importance of curfews all over America if it’s enforced right by parents. There are many penalties for breaking the law, not only children face penalties, parents do to. Parents can face up to a 500 doll ar fine and if they refuse to pay their fines they’ll be placed in jail for a limited time of 90 days. Their only able to get charged if their aware of their child lingering around after curfew hours. Teens caught after midnight is taken home by an officer. Every city has a different penalty.For example in Peoria IL my home town the child is fined 500 dollars and the part is sometime ordered by the court to do community service. Friends are sometime the blame for your child disobeying and breaking curfews. Some children hang around the wrong crowd. Being younger they just might be little followers and think it’s cool to break curfew and to do all the things that their bad friend do. Some friends could put your child under peer pressure and could force them to do the wrong thing. That’s why it’s best for parents to know who their child friends, their background and are and are they good leaders.Yes it may sound a little over protective but sometimes you ha ve to do what you have to do for your child’s own safety. I used to hate curfews when I was younger growing up. I thought it was cool too stay out super late and kick it I mean why not everyone else was doing it. As I grow older I made a promise to not only myself but my family as well to follow all the laws. And growing up seeing other people give the law and their parents hard times made me want to do better. After reaching Curfews I still believe that curfews will work if they are enforced right by not only the law but parents as well.As long as you stay aware of your child’s where abouts and stay on them about curfew and get a good understanding with your child about the law and what’s suppose to be and what’s not suppose to be done everything will be okay. It’s not only your child’s decision it’s yours as well. You make the decision for your child. SOURCES: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/curfew http://debatepedia. ideba te. org/en/index. php/Debate:_Child_Curfews http://www. boston. com/community/moms/blogs/child_caring/2009/12/city-imposed_curfews_do_they_really_keep_kids_safe. html www. ncpa. org/sub/dpd/index. php? Article_ID=11240 Curfews: Law and Certain Regulation Apply Brittaney Weeams Mr. Dutro-Adkins 4TH Hour English November 27, 2012 Curfews Do they really work? â€Å"Yes† What is a Curfew Curfew is an order specifying a time after which certain regulation apply. In other words an order made by the government or your family to be home at a certain time. Many cities have imposed curfew over the past years and in most of those cities the curfews has reduced several crimes. Curfews are used to discipline and to keep young teens off the streets and out of trouble.Although people feel that there’s no point in curfews and it doesn’t keep our youth out of trouble, I on the other hand feel that curfew does keep our youth out of trouble and is very much needed all over the United States. Why? Because if we didn’t have curfews, there would be way more convicted crimes. There is currently 276 cites that enforced curfews so far. There’s 6 ways to put curfew into place, involve your teen, communicate clearly, except the con sequences, set limits, be reasonable, Negotiate, and communicate.For example In San Diego, California crimes have dropped by 20% and in Dallas Texas and New Orleans theirs have dropped by 40%. This is a prime example why curfews been a big help so far. I feel like curfews shouldn’t be the government’s job. Since they are the ones who enforced it, parents should respect that by taking on the responsibility for their own child and should know where their child is at every given time. Parents can also give their child open space to work and attend after school activities, If they’re willing to obey. And once they feel that their child is responsible then they could give them the freedom they deserve.I believe the interdiction of curfews will help control the importance of curfews all over America if it’s enforced right by parents. There are many penalties for breaking the law, not only children face penalties, parents do to. Parents can face up to a 500 doll ar fine and if they refuse to pay their fines they’ll be placed in jail for a limited time of 90 days. Their only able to get charged if their aware of their child lingering around after curfew hours. Teens caught after midnight is taken home by an officer. Every city has a different penalty.For example in Peoria IL my home town the child is fined 500 dollars and the part is sometime ordered by the court to do community service. Friends are sometime the blame for your child disobeying and breaking curfews. Some children hang around the wrong crowd. Being younger they just might be little followers and think it’s cool to break curfew and to do all the things that their bad friend do. Some friends could put your child under peer pressure and could force them to do the wrong thing. That’s why it’s best for parents to know who their child friends, their background and are and are they good leaders.Yes it may sound a little over protective but sometimes you ha ve to do what you have to do for your child’s own safety. I used to hate curfews when I was younger growing up. I thought it was cool too stay out super late and kick it I mean why not everyone else was doing it. As I grow older I made a promise to not only myself but my family as well to follow all the laws. And growing up seeing other people give the law and their parents hard times made me want to do better. After reaching Curfews I still believe that curfews will work if they are enforced right by not only the law but parents as well.As long as you stay aware of your child’s where abouts and stay on them about curfew and get a good understanding with your child about the law and what’s suppose to be and what’s not suppose to be done everything will be okay. It’s not only your child’s decision it’s yours as well. You make the decision for your child. SOURCES: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/curfew http://debatepedia. ideba te. org/en/index. php/Debate:_Child_Curfews http://www. boston. com/community/moms/blogs/child_caring/2009/12/city-imposed_curfews_do_they_really_keep_kids_safe. html www. ncpa. org/sub/dpd/index. php? Article_ID=11240

Education Is Not Luxury

In † Education Is Not Luxury†, Stephen Joel Trachtenberg discussed about that people should take school seriously and in his opinion, † Topics like these may be putting a squeeze on the time spent on literacy and numeracy. † Years ago, most American worked in farming or in finishing agricultural crops. However, † Agrarian calendar continues to dominate one facet of American life–education. â€Å", even we are no longer agrarian.Schooling was a luxury and it is a long process of educating the young but â€Å"America will never take schools seriously as long as they operate on the ancient agrarian calendar† or â€Å"they are open from only nine to three o'clock or some equivalent. † So people thought that â€Å"this schooling business is a part-time occupation. † So the schools have to do the right thing to make them important to people by spending time on literacy and numeracy. So the schools should be able to teach both acade mic subjects and other things.This would at least show that schools are serious. It could also help teachers to find a job and getting paid. Students would learn what they should learn. † Universities are driven by their double missions of learning and service and the compelling. However young students do not take the class seriously and they do not desired to learn, even have the opportunities to learn. In † Expanding Offerings†, † many students come to school without any training in foreign languages, or that only couple of languages.And † many school districts must deal with immigrant children. † School calendar can help teachers to keep their teaching on track and teaching more. But there are some objections which against to achieve more cause they do not have money, most of learning do not take place at school and extending the school days and making the day longer. Response I strongly agree with Stephen's opinion cause these suggestions whic h he discussed about can really help students to understand why they have to study, what they have to study about and how to study more efficiently.Schools should make people to realize that they are important by spending time on literacy and numeracy. Schools also have to be responsible to the students like making sure they do not spend † additional time to teach what is already being taught. † They are also responding to what is available. † An atmosphere of learning without the first-rate instruction or the various tangibles and intangibles that make learning possible is nothing but a disappointment.† What's more, lengthening the school years can really help to convince † the rest of the world that schools are, at least, serious. † Secondly, â€Å"teachers working conventional hours and a typical work year, it would be possible to begin to pay teacher. † Finally, † it would accommodate all the things that teachers need to teach and young people need to learn. † In my opinion, these are good way to go through and making education more important and common.

Informative Speech Outline Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Informative Speech Outline - Essay Example Therefore, how many of you belong to a fraternity or a sorority for that matter? Do any of you know the background information of any sorority you have ever heard of or belonged? I’m going to provide you with the background history of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated as well as the accomplishments attained by the organization. B. Tie to the audience: By show of hands, how many of you have ever heard or belonged to a sorority or a fraternity? Today I’m going to talk about the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. From your show of hands I have noticed that most of you either belong or have heard of sororities and fraternities. C. My credentials: I and my siblings belonged to sororities along with fraternities while we were in college. I want to inform everyone who is here that there is a lot interesting stuff regarding sororities and fraternities. The history of almost every sorority is very captivating. D. Main topic/Thesis statement: Unfortunately, there is no way we can make it back there since we are all out of college. That is the reason it is crucial to know the history and purpose of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. 5. Evidence: A sorority is a group of people usually women that is formed by a sisterhood of common aspirations and goals making a commitment to each other for life. The members that usually form the sorority share their knowledge, friendship and efforts (Torbenson & Parks, 2012). Delta Sigma Theta was established in 1913 by a group of 22 women at Howard University. The women were dedicated to service especially targeting the African-American community. 9. Evidence: As cited by Giddings (2009), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is the largest Greek-lettered African-American organization. It is also open to any woman who qualifies for the membership requirements. 10. Analysis: The sisterhood has more than 300,000 initiated members who are majorly black. It has a global presence in countries such as, Japan,

With close reference to a small business of your choice, submit a Essay - 1

With close reference to a small business of your choice, submit a written analysis highlighting the relationship of theory to practice - Essay Example There are standardized as well as customized products offered by the company. In current scenario the company encompasses a total employee base of 2,410. This employee base constitutes 547 R&D experts who develop application technologies, new products, core platform technologies, etc. Business behavior reflects upon strategies undertaken by managers in order to solve critical scenarios. The owner manager of Shenzhen Inovance Technology was approached through sending official emails. The concerned people were convinced through highlighting outcomes of this study which can be utilized later in business operations. Shenzhen Inovance Technology is regarded as the top-most small business in China. Owner manager has been chosen for the study since they are the ones who can state appropriately business behavior in varied circumstances (Johnson and Christensen, 2008). It was an opportunity to interact with owner manager directly in order to identify basic principles implemented by small busi ness for long term survival. Research methodology forms an essential part in this kind of study. It sets a framework that helps in accomplishment of research objectives. There are two forms of research study – qualitative and quantitative study (Tracy, 2012). Quantitative study encompasses analysis of market related data whereas qualitative study is centred towards opinions or views given by experts. This is a qualitative study where opinions and ideas shall be acquired from owner manager in context of small business management. Data collection measures are usually of two forms like primary and secondary data collection tools (Silverman, 2010). Primary measure will be suitable for this study where data shall be collected through structured interview process. The first question asked to owner manager was – ‘What do you feel are essential factors behind small business success?’ Factors highlighted

Global Management of Cineworld Group Plc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Global Management of Cineworld Group Plc - Essay Example This paper illustrates that Cineworld Group plc is among the leading cinema group originated in the United Kingdom. The founder Stephen Wiener established the company in the year 1995 and now it operates in 83 locations in the UK under the Cineworld Cinemas Brand. The report deals with the Global management system of the Cineworld Group Plc. It focuses on the learning and development programmes held by Cineworld for its employees as well as recognize the CSR activities of the company. The report would evaluate the performance of Cineworld Group in both the field and suggest viable recommendations based on it. The training and development strategies for the employees is the process of educating and guiding subordinates and management to enhance their knowledge, skills and behaviour to achieve the common organisational goal as well as utilise these learning in individual development for the long run so that they prove to be a valuable asset for the company and its growth. Learning and development process is a characteristic of the employee engagement as it bridges the gap between the employees and the organization and increases their long-term relationship. The term â€Å"engagement† is used in terms of motivation, passion, and assurance. The organization should ensure that the employee engagement programs which help in training and developing the employee to upgrade the quality of their performance must inspire the people, care about the staff as well as instill a sense of challenge and competition among them to perform better. These initiatives enable the organization to perform better as it correlates with the firm’s retention, turnover, loyalty, productivity and services in terms of employees as well as customers. Stuart Holdsworth, the national learning and development manager of the Cineworld Group plc has launched a training and development program for its managers to enhance their skills.

Astronomy123 assignment2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Astronomy123 assignment2 - Essay Example All this was proved during the study of the Milky Way Galaxy. The astronauts believe that the things that exist in the universe are all within the perimeters of our galaxy. With the measurements, the galaxy is proved to be of a 300000 light years in diameter. This also was proved that the sun was not at the center. The galaxy also had spiral nebulae that was seen by the use of the telescopes and the clouds which were just like gases were seen in the Milky Way. In his points, he argued that the Milky Way was large as the star clusters. The distance between the clusters was 13m and they were all of the same size. This made him to know their actual distance and said that the objects diminished in size as the distance within them increased. The clusters also had a halo on the other body of the galaxy making the galaxy to be 300000 light years in diameter and the sun was 50000 light years away from the sun. He believed that the spiral nebulae was within the galaxy’s boundaries and he came up with a theory that the spiral were formed from the late solar forming systems. This confirmed that the galaxy is the one which forms the entire universe. 3. The discovery of the microwave background was explicit by the fact that Europe had a sociological problem and it was in a disastrous war. Since the war were also to be extended to the United States, the discussion of the theory was not possible because of the disaster. The discovery was to be discovered after the end of the Second World War but unluckily, the world recovered very slowly until in the year 1952 when the discussion was discussed at the IAU meeting although the files had been

Functions of Management Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Functions of Management Paper - Essay Example The ideology of law enforcement field started sometime during the ancient Greek period where slave-prisoners were being used as guards of the prominent persons in several functions they attend to. The first organized structure of law enforcers started under the rule of King Louis XVI of France which was considered the largest but dangerous city of Europe that time. From then on, the development of the law enforcement organizations started to progress until the modern police organizations were given the blessing of the law to enforce the tenets of the society. For centuries now, there have been many changes in terms of the structure of the law enforcement. Thetford (2001) stated the three major periods of technological evolution: the agricultural, industrial and information period. In terms of law enforcement, progression occurred from the agricultural to the industrial period. However, at the mark of the early information age especially during the year 1987, based on several studies (Law Enforcement News, 1999), there were very minute changes in the structure and organization. Moreover, no change was recorded in terms of centralization and decision-making. Bureaucracy was also a growing tendency of the organization which makes it very procedural and complex. Extreme formality and hierarchy is becoming unhealthy in the said environment. The worldwide hope for a shift in this law enforcement procedures were already increasing. In the study stated by the Law Enforcement News which involved the survey for police organization’s development for a span of some years, it has been found out that during the 1993 until the present, there were significant changes, although still low, regarding the decentralization of decision-making. More than that, emphasis on geographical command and authority is already being manifested. This kind of

Comparison Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Comparison - Essay Example At the end of the play, Nora’s secrets get reveled to Torvald and she discovered that despite of her eight years marriage with Torvald, she must find courage to leave him. â€Å"Trifles† written by Susen Glaspel is based on a true story. It revolves around investigation of the murder of a farmer John Wright. The prime suspect of the murder is John Wright’s wife, Mrs. Wright; who claims she was sleeping when someone strangled her husband. The investigation is carried out by the sheriff, his wife, the attorney and two neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Hale. In this play, it has been shown that men discourage women and their capabilities. The investigation carried out by the men is entirely based on forensic evidence where women critically analyzed the case accordingly. Therefore by comparison, we will be able to observe that both dramas discus about what it means to be a woman; how men are found to be holding power over women; role of two genders have always seen to evolve an d change especially in the case of women that they have always struggled for their rights. Also we shall see how women can take an action and stand up for themselves. However we shall also put light on the difference of both women’s character. In comparison of both dramas, gender identity has found to be the main aspect in which a evaluation can be made. In â€Å"Trifles†, it has been seen that the sheriff, the attorney and Mr. Hale ignore the point of view of Mrs. Wright and neglect the critical evidences of the dreary marriage life that Mr. and Mrs. Wright had. Basically the argument of this drama is ‘how woman worry over trifles’ and one can analyze that the play successfully depicts the qualities of women as they tend to worry over minor things. In the same way the play â€Å"A Doll’s House† depicts the characters of woman living a troublesome married life. Nora’s husband Torvald in

Transnational Criminal Organizations Research Paper

Transnational Criminal Organizations - Research Paper Example â€Å"Organized crime is both a social system and a social world; the system is composed of relationships binding professionals, criminals, politicians, law enforcers, and various entrepreneurs†1. Evidently, globalization has intensified transnational criminal activities, and the strong existence of these groups has become a new social system which allows reciprocal services to be carried out by professional criminals. Although global financial system has undergone tremendous deregulations, the growth of transnational criminal groups still remains steady. Admittedly, globalization has numerous benefits with regard to international trade and associated activities; but at the same time, the same advantages are accessible to transnational criminals including traffickers and smugglers also. The more alarming threat to the modern world is the apparent linkage between terrorists and transnational criminal groups.    Unrestricted cross-border transaction is one of the major reasons of the increasing rate of transnational crime. Wide use of modern telecommunication technology also has benefited the transnational criminal groups. Today terrorism and transnational crime are the two central threats to our national and international threat; and the both use the similar means to exploit the modern technology, both use the same operators and same systems to move their fund, and both jointly run a good network. Organized crime is so powerful to influence the industrial sectors of many of the developed countries2. For instance, the legal industries rely on the precursor chemicals in large quantities for the cocaine and heroin processing, and attempting to restrict these chemicals can hinder legal trade and have been resisted by the chemical manufactures in the US and Europe3. Organized criminal groups make their income through trafficking weapons and dreadful explosives, drugs. They involve in smuggling, sex rackets, money

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 5

Assignment Example This process of accommodation is known as Homeostasis. All living things respond to a stimulus that is a given force or energy form. This energy is formed though a combination of sunlight and chemical energy. The whole process involves chemical energy that in turn lead to certain reactions. This can be related or human body can be used as specimen. As man continues with his struggle of maintaining diet, vitamins have remained one of the darlings that he always seeks. The scientists have considered vitamins as having relatively equal importance, to that of carbohydrates and proteins, in maintaining the life of man. Its importance led the scientist into studying deeply what the vitamins may comprise. This leads to the categorization of the vitamins into types depending on how they contribute to the life of man. Among the categories included vitamin c also known as ascorbic acid. The characteristics of the ascorbic acid, as a compound, contribute to its uses in the life of man. Some of the known characteristics include less stable, soluble in water, only slightly stable in acids and presence potent. Human or nature contributes to the sources of the ascorbic acid in the daily life activities. ... The following is the structure of vitamin C Ascorbic acid/isoascorbic acid exists on earth as radicals at a physiological ph. As indicated in the structure, the ascorbic acid has unpaired electrons contribute by the C atom. The differences between the two radicals occur when there is application of the electron spin technique. The compound radical forms a cyclic structure composed of hydrogen bonds between the carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, and carbon atom to HO (Kastner, 2). The hydrogen bonds surround the sodium ion in ascorbyl radical while in isoascorbyl the bonds surround the potassium ion. Both of the radicals are electroneutral especially when considering the reasoning that they comprise sodium and potassium. The presence of glutathione normally triggers the action, which alters the electronic configuration of the carbon atom back to its original value of 4 (Biophys, 207). This together with the electroneutral properties allows for the transportation through of sodium and the potassium ion through the membrane. The optimum temperature for the function of the radicals is approximately 370C while it has a neutral ph at around 7. The temperature and the ph features always occur at the physiological values. Considering the physiological conditions, there is the presence of the specific enzyme systems, which helps in maintaining the stability of balance between the two radicals (ASC and Iso-ASC) and their corresponding semi- and fully oxidized states (Biophys, 207). The balance of these two (forming the mechanism of complex redox) helps in ensuring that there are suitable physiological conditions. The unbalance between the two may form a platform for the occurrence of many diseases. Uses and application They

Castle’s Family Restaurant Business Plan Essay Example for Free

Castle’s Family Restaurant Business Plan Essay Castle’s Family Restaurant is a medium sized business of approximately 300-340 employees with eight restaurants in the Northern California that is currently facing issues related to HR administration. Jay Morgan, the HR manager has to travel weekly to each restaurant location in order to take care of scheduling, recruiting, hiring, and answering employees’ questions. His biggest issue, however, is related to Payroll Administration since Jay Morgan is currently using an Excel spreadsheet with a computer application to print payroll checks manually instead of using automated HRIS software to assist on payroll activities to all employees. In fact, Jay Morgan needs to implement a HRIS Payroll software system to manage payroll information in order to provide fast, accurate and efficient payroll services to all restaurant employees while staying in compliance with industry regulations. HRIS Payroll type of software will definitely provide more accurate and efficient results to what concerns to calculation of employee’s rates differentiation for full and part time employees, hours worked and missing hours, taxes deduction, etc. A efficient payroll software will also automate all these functions that will be easily be managed from anywhere, which means that Jay Morgan will no longer have to travel to all restaurant location to take care of employee’s payroll related issues or inquiries. He also will not have to use an Excel spreadsheet and a computer application to print payroll checks because he can now offer direct deposit option, so employees can have the convenience of having their paychecks automatically deposited into their checking accounts at their payday. The use of HRIS Payroll type of software to be implemented will definitely make a significant difference on HRIS management of Castle’s Family Restaurants. HRIS VENDOR CHOICE A variety of payroll vendors is available in the market to assist Jay Morgan  to better manage all restaurants employees’ payrolls. This assessment however has the purpose to compare two vendors and indicate the most suitable for Castle’s Family Restaurant. 1) Payroll Cafe is a software package designed for all company sizes and a variety of industries that provides automated payroll tools to take care of employees’ payrolls, direct deposits, taxes deductions, etc. â€Å"Payroll Cafe Software is a Windows software package that includes a relational database backend to maximize single data entry which applies in multi-state, multi-location, and multi-department corporations.† (Payroll Cafe) In fact, Payroll Cafe Software offers efficiency and accuracy with their easy to use package, with technical support and development of a Certified Payroll Professional. (Payroll Cafe) Castle’s Family Restaurant can purchase the Payroll Cafà ©-Restaurant version, which is the software specific for restaurants, which includes in/out tips calculations, etc. More details for Payroll Cafe can be seen on link below: http://www.payrollcafe.com/index.htm 2) Paycom is another payroll vendor that offers web-based payroll services to manage employee data and process payroll quickly and accurately. Paycom software processes payroll, runs reports and accesses data regarding to employees Payroll, Time and Attendance, HR, Background Checks, Benefit Administration and COBRA Compliance. Paycom also supports storage of all payroll and HR information in a single database that offers more comprehensive reporting options with consistent data. (Paycom) More details for Paycom can be seen on link below: http://www.paycomonline.com/services/payroll-services/ Although both software vendors can be very beneficial to Castle’s Family Restaurant’s payroll administration, as HR consulting firm we suggest the implementation of â€Å"Paycom† opposed to â€Å"Payroll Cafà ©Ã¢â‚¬  because Paycom offers more payroll features than Payroll Cafe and Paycom is also a payroll software specifically developed for restaurant needs and provides all tools necessary to processes all restaurant-related payroll functions. Payroll Cafà © also offers a version of this software specific for restaurants, but it is not as complete as the one offered by Paycom. Paycom offers a variety of services with online convenience, which means that Jay Morgan will no longer have to travel to each location weekly to take care of scheduling, recruiting, hiring, and answering questions for employees. Paycom offers free training at client’s location and 24/7 live agent assistance to assist Jay Morgan with any inquiry he may have regarding to payroll taxes, time and attendance, garnishments, or a general software question. Payroll Cafà © does not offer training or 24/7 assistance- only regular business hours assistance regarding to software use, which is a downfall since Jay Morgan might need assistance after hours or weekends as well. Both vendors offer good and affordable pricing, but Paycom also has the convenience of â€Å"pay as you go† without upfront software costs or annual costs increase, which is not offered by Payroll Cafà ©. In fact, Paycom is definitely the best choice of HRIS vendor for Castle’s Family Restaurant since it will create a more efficient process for payroll issues and will also assist Jay Morgan with data management for all 300-340 employees, running payroll from anywhere and tracking employee information, such as Liquor Licenses, Permits, Training, I-9 filings, Workers’ Comp injuries, OSHA, FMLA, EEO information, disciplinary actions, turnover reasons, etc, which is not offered by Payroll Cafà ©. (Restaurant Payroll Services) Jay Morgan will no longer have to use an Excel spreadsheet and a computer application to print payroll checks because Paycom will automate all these processes, along with the option for direct deposit, so employees can have their paychecks automatically deposited into their checking accounts at payday. Paycom software will also integrate payroll with POS system, receive free new hire reporting, manage garnishments, comply with minimum wage, and claim tax credits with Paycom’s FICA Tax Tip Credit Report. In addition, earnings and deductions can be customized to the unique needs of restaurant, tips as In/Out earnings can be easily managed and Paycom’s Standard Reports can help Jay Morgan to manage turnover, overtime, labor distribution, and workers’ compensation. (Restaurant Payroll Services) The variety of easy to use functions and features offered by Paycom makes a great difference when  compared to Payroll Cafà © which offers accurate, efficient, but limited restaurant related features. As such, Paycom is a more complete software package and its implementation will eliminate previous payroll issues. Paycom can be easily managed from Jay Morgan’s office with the efficiency and variety of automated features offered by this HRIS software. REFERENCES: Kavanagh, Michael, Thite, Mohan. (2009). Human resource information systems: basics, applications and future directions. Thousands Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Paycom. Retrieved on 11/27/2010 from http://www.paycomonline.com/see-the-difference/ Payroll Cafà ©. Retrieved 11/28/2010, from http://www.payrollcafe.com/index.htm Restaurant Payroll Services. Retrieved on 11/26/2010, from http://www.paycomonline.com/solutions/industry/restaurants/

The Dependency Of Technology

The Dependency Of Technology Throughout history, mankind have been developing different types of technologies that allow him to simplify and enhance his lifestyle, since ancient times humans were developing new technologies to help them in activities to use a smaller amount of time and more do it more easily. Over the centuries, these rudimentary technologies were improved, and new ones have emerged in some cases replaced earlier technologies and others who came to meet new needs. These new technologies introduced at the same time, changes in the socio-cultural practices; therefore the world has begun to be characterized mainly by presenting a rapid development of technologies that enable the ease of communication. But the very rapidity of these has also generated a significant impact on society; this can be observed in the young people who excessively use specific technologies such as cell phones and the Internet, to the point that we are talking about a possible dependence of these new tools. The technology se ctor lives in constant motion. Each year we see more and better products and services that facilitate our daily and professional life and no doubt, in the coming decades we will see newer developments in this area. Most people who live in this world make use of new technologies, but we must consider a little that these new technologies not only have a positive side, but also a negative side. Most people only see the positive side of this and the fact that they can count on technologies such as social network and mobile phones that contain everything that a person needs to communicate; this has made us dependent of these new technologies. It sounds terribly dramatic, but the truth is that if we do not use one of these media for one day, we would not be satisfied. Maybe we should ask ourselves this question: are we dependent on new technologies? There are many advantages that technological advances have brought, but we must think that we have to pay as users of this new technology. Technological dependence is clearly seen when we look around and realize that we are surrounded by technological advances ranging from mobile phones, computers, ipod, and television; that have become part of our common lives causing in us a certain dependence. Technological development has grown at considerable speed and the consequences on society, countries and individuals are enormous. Technological development has a unique course we cannot alter, nor stop; It defines our lives. In the present, technological change is determined by a few large multinational corporations that in turn influence the behavior of consumers by advertising, so the consumer is directed to where they want. For example, for the people that must be continuously checking their e-mail; cell phones were invented, which already have mobile internet so that they can connect at any time and anywhere. Another example of how consumerism is relate to new technologies is the company Apple who release every years a new iphone and consumers often are content to upgrade for even the smallest improvementsa phenomenon that many people attribute to Apples advertising acumen. (Rachael Duane) It is important to emphasize that the same consumerism perceived by the people today in everyday life; it is the same that induces to the purchase of new and improved artifacts focused more than anything else as a whim and not as a necessity. The gap between consumption and need becomes increasingly close and more difficult to discern. At first glance, one might have the tendency to dismiss such aberrant cell phone use as merely youthful nonsense a passing fad. But an emerging body of literature has given increasing credence to cell phone addiction and similar behavioral addictions. (Roberts and Pirog). Technology is a means that on one hand brings us many advantages, but in the other hand, we have to establish that the use of artifacts such as the Internet and mobile phones are becoming of excessive use in young people, for Roberts and Pirog it is definite that all these artifacts are becoming a way of life for each one of them, and they say that the same young people are at a stage where they will become addicts to this devices if they do not know how to control themselves. They argue further that technology isolates people because it is now very common to see how many hours are devoted young to be on the network, because humanity is involved in a technological world, thats where people are starting to talk about the term technophile which is becoming more common every day. In addition several people are starting to consider technology dependency as any unhealthy dependency such as alcoholism or drug addiction. Jane Demerica thinks the opposite to what is set out in the article of Roberts and Pirog she says, that these new technologies are extremely beneficial for all and that it is difficult to speak of dependence in these technologies. New technologies in communication are optimal for better knowing people and expand the social circle. Meeting new friends- Shy kids can make new friends on the internet. (Jane Demerica) She also claims to have solved the problems of introversion and even ensures that parents feel reassured that their children are talking to friends who already know and are under supervision to help lower the risk. Another point where she is in favor is the mobile phones because she mentions, Cell phones make it easier for parents to keep track of their children. (Jane Demer ica) It can be seen that the technologies have a great potential to enhance and change the education system, which can break the prevailing cultural patterns so that technology does not bring so many prejudices and steers away from becoming a dependency. When schools in different parts of the state, country or world connect, students can meet their counterparts through video conferencing without leaving the classroom. (William McCoy). According to him, there is no abuse of technology rather this is the current key of teaching so children and youth should be therefore more exposed to the media. As a source of information the Internet provides immediate access to almost all knowledge collected by mankind in the history of civilization. In times where knowledge is power, access to the Internet puts a person in complete advantage over those who do not. With the internet a person can read the latest news on different topics, obtain information on employment opportunities, find out the latest f ashion trends, and learn from the written responses of millions of people in specialized forums and blogs. The downside is that many people infringe copyright because they are tempted by so much information and end up copying and pasting text and then present them as their own. This promotes laziness and dishonesty. Also, many people take advantage of the vast amount of personal information available on the Internet to blackmail or steal identities. Deferring to the thoughts of Demerica and McCoy. Psychologist Patricia Greenfield indicates that technology is causing the loss of critical thinking in students. She states that because of the incredible boom that technologies have on societies can begin to talk about the concept of dependence on technology, estimates that there are already hundreds incidents of Internet dependency. Although she is not totally disagree with the new technologies, she indicates to use both As students spend more time with visual media and less time with pr int, evaluation methods that include visual media will give a better picture of what they actually know. (Greenfield ). Addiction is increasing, it is giving following alteration in social and physical habits of young people and identifies these as other addictions, producing anxiety about being in touch with a computer and the need to be using it every minute, so that has made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹a huge gap between use and abuse. Another person who is in favor with the views of Roberts and Pirog with regard to the mobile phones is Josip Ivanovic who says Teens natural tendency to follow trends may result in an emotional attachment to a cell phone (in its latest model) that is out of scale with its actual value. (Ivanovic) It can be said that many people, especially young people tend to use this device in a manner disproportionate, making it an addiction. Most people overuse the cell, nowadays users cannot leave it off for minutes, and if so they tend to turn it on a fter a short time to check for text messages or voice mails. People who are dependent of cell phones need to feel their devices in their hands, otherwise they will not feel good and this will generate anxiety, stress or despair. This new addiction attack to hundreds of people, and the worst thing of all is that they do not realize that they are addicted because they see it as something normal. The overuse of cell phones has become a social problem for tens of thousands of Americans not much different than other harmful addictions. (qtd in Chris Knippers) In addition, cell phone addiction can cause serious damage to the home environment; because it causes alienation when a member moves away to make a call or send a text message this generates a detachment of the family environment. We live in times where the use of technology is applied in every aspect of the society, which explains the technological dependence in which we live. Nowadays society applies new technology almost anywhere such as scientifically, socially and financially, But as a foundation for an important enconomic pillar in our country, I suspect were pushing the envelope of sane thinking. There is no such thing as an unhackable computer system. There is no such thing as a 24/7/365 computer system. (John M. Grohol). For example, if we go to the bank and the system goes down we cannot do anything because all the information about the clients is stored online; If a person wants to be served in any unit of government health, he has to make an appointment, but if it is rush hour in which all users want to make an appointment, the system will flood, and they wont be able to handle the appointment. Other problem could be if a system fails Because hospital systems are so complex, and require the careful integration of disparate, specialized software and hardware systems, single component downtime can greatly interrupt workflow. (Campbell, Guappone, Ash) New technologies have entirely changed the way of life of young people. In some respects very much improved. For example, in order to perform the school work children have to use a computer to do some research. In the last few years there has been a considerable advance in the technology, each time improving more what we already have, which is beneficial to our quality of life. The problem is that goes awry and creates addiction among children and adolescents, and presently technology can be considered as a drug. At first, results from the ease of communications appear valuable because it helps people to communicate with others who are far away, but if this trend persists, people who use this technology often will isolate. Young adults who use Facebook more frequently show more signs of psychological disorders, including antisocial behavior, mania and aggressiveness. (Larry Rosen). An example of this is Facebook where more and more people spends hours attached to this virtual community, and thus ignore their interpersonal relationships in the real world. For young people, I believe that new technologies have become a property of first need that gives them independence with respect to the outside world. Some of the things that stand out are the media such as television, social networks, the consoles such as the video games, mobile phones, the Internet, and photos and videos from digital cameras. This has caused a radical change in the socialization and how they relate. The presence and contact now have become a thing of the past. Friendships are now not visible by the use of technologies. For example, with the use of Facebook many people can meet new friends. The advantages that young people see in the new technologies are many and varied. For example, in social networks allows them to have a continuous communication. They can choose a person to talk or keep hidden until they feel confident most of the time they use it at home where they feel safe and uninhibited, which causes parents to lose and control of their children. These technologies also have an impact on family relations, creating privacy for the children, which is hardly controllable by the parents, because most of the population now has a computer at home with internet access. The computer is a useful tool in everyday life as it helps us to make academic work and non-academic work. Although it is a very important tool in our daily lives today we have also become very dependent on it because we can not do anyt hing if we do not have a computer, this mainly happens because our environment demands the use of this tool each day at work or school, and nobody denies that it is a very useful tool for everyday tasks, but when a person rely on something that is what we dread to think what will happen when this technology is not around us. From a computer with internet connection a person can buy anything, from books to a house. There is no need that could not be met with the Internet and a credit card with funds. Someone with Internet connection could live his entire live without having to leave his home. This also means that the Internet offers an endless variety of business opportunities, from basic Web page creation, sales of traditional products, to even sales of stranger things. The negative side of these are of course spam, phishing, and other forms of fraud; through which unscrupulous people look for to get rich quick. Fraud can also come from the buyers side, because many thieves of credi t cards use the Internet to make purchases under the name of their victims, emptying their bank accounts and ruining their reputation. In conclusion, technology is a phenomenon that surrounds us all with artifacts and technical devices on a daily basis, is an element that is maintained for the length of time and we remain equally or more wrapped up in a technological world that teaches us a new way of learning, and adaptation. Technological dependence is part of our lives because nowadays no one is free of this phenomenon on the global level. An example of this are the universities which indirectly involve students in this system, the same applies to jobs or simply with the Chat, which is limiting personal relations, replacing them with virtual communication. All this becomes dependence when individuals cannot perform their daily activities without the use of some device, or better said function in society without occupying any technological tool. Historically, technology has been used to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing. But also for other negative purposes such as, create weapons to persuade an d dominate people. Technological activity affects the social and economic progress, but also produced the deterioration of our environment. Technologies can be used to protect the environment and prevent the growing needs cause depletion or degradation of material and energy resources of our planet. Avoiding these negative aspects is the task not only of governments, but of all the people living on the planet. Although technology has a number of disadvantages, I think the advantages of these are more favorable to mankind. In fact, one could say that without sustainable development of the technology, the humans would not be more than an ordinary living being on this planet. The inventions of man are indicators of the cognitive evolution of the same, and in their eagerness to learn, can overcome evolutionary barriers such as adaptability to certain climates, and defense against diseases. Unfortunately, it is man who decides how to use it. Certain types of men see technology as weapons for war, others as tools that help us improve the quality of life of the species.

Themes Shown In A Country Doctor English Literature Essay

Themes Shown In A Country Doctor English Literature Essay A Country Doctor is a narration in which the main character, Franz (the country doctor), faces a number challenges and frustrations some of which are beyond his control. In the whole tale, Franzs Kafka is troubled by proceedings that are beyond his control. The surreal unfolding of the story by Kafka gives it a nightmarish eminence that is manifested at the commencement when two horses crawl out of the pigsty (Corder 26). The story A Country Doctor puts across a number of themes. The first defy that the doctor faces is that he has to attend to a patient so as to obtain transport for the reason that his personal horse died the preceding night. As the story unfolds, no one is eager to let him use his horse for such a trip and this makes him think very much. By saying distracted and tormented, I kicked my foot against the cracked door of the pig sty (Corder 29) Franz informs us that the doctor felt frustrated and betrayed by the society he is committed to serve, a society which should be willing to give him a helping hand. The second challenge the doctor is faced with is to surmount the stern weather. The doctor arrives to the patients farm after traveling through a storm of snow to attend him. As a result of the stern winter conditions, the doctors horse dies. As the story nears the conclusion, consequently the doctor doesnt arrive at his destination after having been dragged all the way through the snowy desert. The third challenge the doctor faces is that of urgent journey that he has to make across the country to respond to a call to see a very sick man several miles away. His efforts are frustrated because he has no means of travel. He does not know how to travel although he has a very suitable carriage for the journey, he is dressed up warmly for the weather, and he has his medicine bag. He has no horse to pull his carriage. He has sent his girl savant to try to borrow a horse from the village but she comes back empty handed because no one wants to expose his horse to such bad weather conditions as are prevailing at that time (Corder 22). The grooms issue posses the fourth challenge to the doctor. The doctor finds if difficult to deal with the groom. He is in a dilemma of whether to attend to his ailing patient or protecting Rosa, his house help, from the ill intentioned groom. Throughout the story he is tormented by thoughts of Rosa being exposed to danger after deciding to save his patient. Franzs story is a nightmare because the doctor differs from the other normal doctors in the bona fide world. Against the pragmatic society prospect, the story doesnt present anything of a country doctor. After briefly examining his patient the doctor comes to a conclusion that the patient has feigned illness so as to get communitys attention. A nightmare is an experience or event that is intensely distressing and may cause fear (Mifflin) hence the classification of Franz Kafkas A Country Doctor as one. This is proved when he kicks the pigsty and admits that he doesnt know what to do to get to his patient. The doctor fantasizes horses with long legs crawl out of pigsty. This is a clear diverge from the real world where the same may be vied as abstract. A major theme realized and brought out clearly in the story is placing blame on other people. The doctor place blame on others for his inadequacies. He blames his lack of a horse for inability to get to his patient. After getting to the patients home, he is brazed out by the genuineness of the patients illness but still blames the patient for lack of confidence besides believing that he is feigning illness. The doctors failure to get a horse from the neighbors can be owing to his poor liaison with them, but he insists that they are showing no gratitude and not ready to counter his good deeds to them. He places culpability for his reduced performance in his service to a predecessor who is robbing him off his line of work. The theme of fantasy is also brought out clearly in the story. The unanticipated emergence of the groom manifests this. It is like a leprechaun tale. The sudden grabbing and leaving of teeth marks on Rosas cheek gives rise to the question of whether the groom is a vampire. He also breaks down the entrance of the doctors quarters as the doctor is being carried away by the horses over which he has no command of. The horses too behave as you wouldnt expect, stopping on their own when they get to the house of the ailing man; waits for the doctor and then takes him away again, when he escapes from the bed of the sick man. There is also the size of the worms in the lesion at the side of the ailing man. These are themes that are seen as fantasy. There is also the place where the doctor is stripped naked and thrown into bed with the sick man. This is a flight of the imagination because it cannot come about in the daily practice of a doctors life. Lastly, the theme that is also explored in the story is opportunism. Opportunism is the actions of someone who takes every opportunity to gain an advantage and is willing to behave in unfair way (Mangat 889). The groom in the story appears with two horses at the time when the doctor is in dire need for one to enable him travel to his patients home. He grabs the chance to have Rosa for himself by allowing the doctor to use his horses for the journey. The doctor loves and takes is concerned about Rosa; nevertheless he has no option but to leave her in the hands of the cruel groom in substitute for the two horses. The doctor leaves for the patients farm signifying that the journey is unavoidable. The groom realizes this opportunity when the doctor says or Ill give up the journey, no matter how urgent it is, (Corder 33).

Succeed :: essays research papers

When I chose to attend any university I knew I wanted to live in a good Christian environment where the word of God was believed and practiced through the classroom. My entire family had gone to major public universities, but I knew that I needed a good sound environment without all the distractions one would see at a public institution. Now that I’m here, I know it is going to take hard work on my part to accomplish my degree in whatever field I choose. In order to survive here at a higher learning institution, I will need sacrifice some social, physical, and emotional things will be hinging on whether I succeed or not.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First off, there will be many social sacrifices that will arise at times. People will come to my door, doing there best to distract me while I’m doing homework. I will need to think over the situation, and either leave the room or ask them to leave. However, this will not be easy. To maintain an â€Å"edge† I will have to find times when not many people are around and get my work done at those times, instead of waiting till the last minute to do my work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I will also have to make some physical sacrifices. There will be times when I am up till at least 1 or 2 in the morning, and have to get up for an Eight am class. I will just have to adjust to the fast paced schedule here at college. One thing I could do to solve a late night study session is to do the homework right when I get out of class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The last sacrifice I plan to overcome will be emotional stress. Stress is one thing that many people today have troubles with, including myself. At school, stress can and will build up. At a Christian institution, they will expect me to keep on spiritual issues such as daily devotion and prayer. Finding times to do this will only enhance my personal relationship with Christ.

Shakespeares Othello - The Character of Iago Essay -- Othello essays

The Character of Iago      Ã‚   In Othello, by William Shakespeare, one of the most intriguing characters is Iago. At first glance he seems to be pure evil, but I think his actions are much more complex. Through thought-out words and actions Iago is able to manipulate others to do things that benefit him and move him closer to his goals. This character is consumed with envy and deceit that leads to theft and killing. Iago is the main driving force in this play, pushing Othello and the other characters towards their tragic endings.    Iago is not your ordinary villain. He is smart and an expert judge of people's character and uses this to his advantage. For example, he knows Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and figures Roderigo would do anything to have her as his own. Iago states, "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse." By playing on his hopes Iago is able to swindle money and jewels from Roderigo, making a substantial profit and making him a pawn in his plan. Iago is also quick on his feet and able to improvise when the unexpected occurs.    Being of smart mind, Iago is quick to recognize the advantages of trust, thus using it as a tool in forwarding his goals. Throughout the play he is often referred to and known as "honest Iago." He even states, "I am an honest man..." Trust is a powerful emotion that can easily be abused. As seen with Othello who, "holds (him) well/The better shall (Iago's) purpose work on him." Iago's use of his trust is greatly abused and beneficial only to him. His "med'cine works! Thus credulous fools are caught..." Iago slowly poisons people's thoughts, implanting ideas in their heads without implication to himself. Iago, a masterful deceiver, says, "And what's he t... ...to be a person "of exceeding honesty, (who) knows all qualities, with learned spirit of human dealings." Iago does know all about human dealings, but he is far from honest. He uses the trust Othello puts into their friendship to turn him into a jealous man. Iago told Othello that his wife was cheating on him thus Othello thought he was killing for justice. He even said he "loved not wisely but too well." When the opportunity occurred Iago was lurking, waiting for the chance to take advantage of Othello. Iago succeeded in destroying all he sought out.    Works Cited and Consulted:    Bradley, A.C. Shakespearean Tragedy. New York: Penguin Books, 1991.    Shakespeare, William. "The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice" The Norton Shakespeare. Ed. Stanley Wells & |Gary Taylor. New York/London, W.W. Norton Company,1997. 2100-2174      

Cutting Down Trees

Cutting down too many trees will result in nature being gone very soon. We will not be able to survive because we live on the oxygen that trees and plants breathe out. Because we need O2 and give off CO2, and because trees and plants breathe CO2 and give off O2, if one group is not there then the other will die. It is a bad thing if we keep cutting down trees in an unlimited way. In addition to the impact on the balance of gases (O2-CO2), trees and plants provide habitat for huge numbers of creatures. It is possible to kill off many whole species of animal by destroying their habitats. Losses like that (large-scale habitat destruction) are not easily reversed, and will drive large numbers of creatures into extinction. Taking away the homes of creatures, allowing them to completely die off, and then restoring the habitat won't bring them back. Trees should not be cut down because most of the paper used is not RECYCLED so therefore it is a waste of time from God to make and plant the tree! Well it has air and oxygen and if u are cutting the trees down u re hurting the enivorment and animals that live near trees or on trees like rabbits and all could die and the it causes flooding to the world and near the forest so all the animals can die. Also school is wasting mire paper by thinking they have enogh but they dont. Some people also do littering and people who do that i would like to remind them that when u are older and u litter and the police caches u then u can get arrested. Schools are all coverd in litter and it very important that u dont because u can still get in trouble even when u are younger. By the lack of litter that i have found in this street and i am very dissapointed please dont litter it is very important that u dont. Headteachers at school are doing a brilliant job by picking up the litter. Even if it is not ur litter please just pick it up. If u see someone chucking rubbish on the floor say to them dont do that it is not gd for the enviorment. One of the most significant impacts of cutting down trees is that they are a source of shelter to many animal species and they become homeless because of this and it becomes difficult for them to survive. As a result the entire food chain is affected. Cutting down trees means that we have lesser number of tree species left and this decreases the biodiversity. Plants release oxygen into the environment and lesser number of trees means that we will have lesser oxygen content in the atmosphere. Tree leaves also give off water molecules to the environment that become a part of the water cycle and come down as rain. Fewer trees means lesser rains. Trees refresh the air we breath so by chopping them down we will have a poorer air type No shelter for animals. No oxygen for humans.

Automobile and Business Model Essay

?Introduction In 2000, Inspired by car-sharing concept in Europe, Chase and Danielson started Zipcar to pursue the opportunity of car sharing in U. S. market. By mid-October of 2000, Zipcar had enlisted nearly 250 members with 19 vehicles located throughout Boston. I will evaluate this potential venture and its progress based on the framework of â€Å"OUTSIDE1†, including opportunity, uncertainty, team, strategy, investment requirement, deal and exit. Opportunity Market – The market size of this industry is estimated at 26,400 members, which is 0. 04%2 of general population3 lived in Top 20 U. S. Markets. Usage of this industry grows rapidly at 30% annually. There are two competitors in U. S. market, but they focused on the environmental impact rather than convenience and cost effectiveness. Customer – Target segment are college-educated costumers who drive less than 6,000 miles per year and live in urban area. Acceptance of this business is very high referring to Major players in Europe market, whose marketing investment in this industry is low but the growth rate is continuously high (30% annually). Uncertainties Competition – Two current competitors in U. S. market and potential competitors from car manufactures Acceptance – Customer acceptance is to be proved in Boston before the business model could be replicated to other cities Management team – Co-funder’s commitment is not very convincing and the structure of the management is poorly organized Financing – Overhead continues to grow against limited financial resources Team. There are missing pieces in its team as founders are lack of experience in operation and relationship with car manufactures As a co-founder, Danielson commits not enough as she still have full time job and focus more on family Strategy Chase keeps pushing to start business operation maintain their promise to investors although the company is not ready. This Strategy would have negative impacts in the future. Using technology platform to improve cost effectiveness and adopting word-of-mouth are consistent with its current situation. Investment Requirement. Zipcar’s cash flow requirement is very high. It spent $375,000 in first year, and need additional 1. 3 million to complete technology platform, prove the business model and better understand demand. Overhead excess the projection and continues to grow, which will further increase the requirement of cash. Deal The current investors holds plenty of convertible loan, which would have negative impacts on future share holders. Exit The options for exit are available as this industry grows rapidly. The founders are not in a very strong position to potential exit. Business Model Car sharing business provides a hassle-free â€Å"ownership† for urbanite who don’t need to own a car but need the convenience to run occasional errands4. In the model before December 1999, it’s revenue comes from $25 application fee and $300 annual subscription fee, plus $1. 5 hourly driving charge and $0. 4 driving charge per mile. However, Chase decided to change the pricing model with a lower membership fee and a tiered pricing structure, increasing hourly charge to between $4. 5 and $7 and adding a maximum daily rate. The data from actual operations in September gives me a concern as seen in Exhibit 1, that the net contribution from actual operation in September is negative because of the very low revenue, though cost is only a little bit over the estimation. Conclusion The next step for Zipcar is to adjust its pricing model to increase its revenue. Chase need to pitch investors in Springboard forum by focusing on this: Though its cash flow is negative now, Zipcar is a unique business model with cutting-edge technology and well-established customer base. Zipcar will provide a great chance for investors to be rewarded a new market with 30% annual growth. Citation: 1 This framework is developed by Professor Steven Kaplan from University of Chicago 2‘At The Wheel, Volkswagen Pioneers Car Sharing Programs,† Fastlane, October 1997 3U. S. Census, http://census. gov/population/censusdata/90den_ma. txt, December 9, 2002 4According to the case Exhibit 1 Financial Plan in May 2000 September Operation Data Total Revenue 29,616 14,645 Number of Cars 12 19 Revenue per car 2,468 771 Lease per car 367 400 Access Equip 42 42 Fuel 90 99 Insurance 142 142 Maintenance 33 33 Parking 50 63 Cost per car 723 778 Net Income per car 1,745 (7) Source: Company Data.

Pfizer Strageic Plan

OUTLINE FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN Please bullet your responses. Staple the completed assignment; do not spend any money binding the assignment. Make sure to respond to every item. I. GETTING STARTED A. Steps in Strategic Management Process Step 1 |Identify the organization’s mission, vision, and value statement | |Step 2 |Determine the firms main business and organizational objectives | |Step 3 |Conduct a SWOT analysis identifying the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats | |Step 4 |Construct a Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) | |Step 5 |Construct an External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix | |Step 6 |Construct and Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix | |Step 7 |Construct a Value Chain Analysis | |Step 8 |Prepare a SPACE, BCG, TOWS Analysis, and QSPM Matrix | |Step 9 |Use the data above to weigh alternative strategies, make strategic recommendations, develop a plan of action | | |(implementation), and convey the ROI | |Step 10 |Construct Conting ency Plan | B. Information and/or materials used to complete assignment †¢ Resources used in completing the assignment are as follows: Strategic Management Concepts and Cases’ 12th edition textbook, S&P 500 website, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg. com, Pfizer. com, Google Finance, Reuters. om, and Google search engine including the web pages cited on the Works Cited page. C. Time Frame †¢ My goal is to actively work on a portion of the outline everyday and have it completed to its entirety by the time it is due; therefore I will not have to rush to get it done last minute. D. Resources Needed – all resource your team used to complete this assignment †¢ FAMU database, online articles, company website. II. MANDATES (â€Å"MUSTS†) -CLARIFYING/UNDERSTANDING A. History/Evolution of the Organization †¢ Pfizer was founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart in Brooklyn, New York and has remained dedicated to improving the health and well being o f individuals around the world.The demand for Pfizer’s products soared throughout the Civil War as the demand for painkillers, disinfectants and preservatives increased. In 2000, Pfizer and Warner-Lambert merge to form the new Pfizer, which created the world’s fastest growing Pharmaceutical company. In 2008, Jeff Kindler, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, announces the next step in the company's evolution and outlines the company's plan to establish smaller operating units designed to enhance innovation and accountability, while drawing upon the advantages of Pfizer's scale and resources. On October 15, 2009, Pfizer acquires Wyeth, creating a company with a broad range of products and therapies that touch the lives of patients and consumers every day and at every stage of life.In 2010, Pfizer announces a diversified R platform named Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, supporting excellence in small molecules, large molecules and vaccine research and development. As ap art of the acquisition of Wyeth in 2009, Pfizer initially implemented a two-division structure for research and development (BioTherapeutics and PharmaTherapeutics) to ensure the progress and steady integration of both legacy organizations. Due to the speed and effectiveness of that integration, Pfizer progresses to this new model while maintaining the same breadth and research programs. On December 1 and 2 2011 Pfizer completed the acquisitions of Excaliard Pharmaceuticals and Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business, respectively. B.Identify formal aspects of the organization †¢ Corporate Governance Include: Board of Directors, Board Committees, Code of Ethics, CEO/CFO Certifications, Executive Officers, Policy and Procedures for Accounting and Legal Complaints †¢ Pfizer has created two distinct research organizations. The PharmaTherapeutics Research & Development Group focuses on the discovery of small molecules and related modalities; and The BioTherapeutics Research & Development Group focuses on large-molecule research, including vaccines. The goal with Pfizer doing this is to maximize opportunities within the Biomedical research sector. †¢ Pfizer has also developed an enhanced commercial operating structure.Pfizer has nine diverse health care businesses: Primary Care, Specialty Care, Oncology, Emerging Markets, Established Products, Consumer Healthcare, Nutrition, Animal Health and Capsugel. Each of these businesses is led by an executive with clear accountability for results – from product development following proof of concept to providing access to patients and through to the end of the product's life cycle. B. Identify informal aspects & culture of the organization †¢ Pfizer is sustained on innovation, which seeks a nourishing environment in which ideas and perspectives can flourish. It is an array of unique characteristics, perspectives, and life experiences. Pfizer Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) are organized by coll eagues who join together to provide a positive forum for professional development. By embracing diversity of thought and experience, our CRGs help drive innovation and build on our success. †¢ David Simmons, the president and general manager of the Established Products Business Unit at Pfizer. Simmons has been highly successful at building a new, non-traditional culture within Pfizer for his business unit. One example of this was that Simmons was able to product high quality drugs at affordable costs, and he did this as high grossing patents were near expiration III. VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT & VALUES STATEMENT ANALYSES A. Vision StatementAt Pfizer, we're inspired by a single goal: your health. That's why we're dedicated to developing new, safe medicines to prevent and treat the world's most serious diseases. And why we are making them available to the people who need them most. We believe that from progress comes hope and the promise of a healthier world. B. Vision S tatement Analysis – Does it answer the question â€Å"What to do we want to become? † If not, revise it. If organization does not have one, create one. †¢ Yes, I believe that it answers the question as to what they want to become. Its states that they are dedicated to developing new ways to prevent and treat diseases. C. Values Statement Pfizer does not have a value statement. D. Value Statement Analysis – Does it represent the organization’s guiding principles? If not, revise it. If organization does not have one, create one. †¢ Pfizer will work to provide the best quality drugs that will cater to the most people. We will ensure that as a company we will work to do what is best for our patients, physicians and consumers. B. Mission Statement †¢ We will become the world's most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business partners, and the communities where we work and live. D. Mission Statement Analysis – Do es it have the 9 components? If not, revise it to include all 9 components.If organization does not have one, create one. †¢ No, the mission statement does not include all the nine components. After revising the mission statement, it should be read: o We will become the world’s most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business partners, and the communities where we work and live. We will ensure that we provide products of the best quality at affordable prices to all. We will work hard to ensure that we keep up with the needs and problems of our consumers and provide what is best. We will continue to promote the well-being of our consumers as well as the well-being of our shareholders and employees as well as promote diversity.We will keep abreast of the ever-changing technology to ensure that they needs of our consumers are met at all times and also that we will not become obsolete to our customers. We will forever be dedicated to developing new , safe medicines to prevent and treat the world's most serious diseases. And why we are making them available to the people who need them most. |List each of the 9 components |Excerpts from Mission Statement addressing the component | |1. Customers |We will work hard to ensure that we keep up with the needs and problems of our consumers and provide what is| | |best. | |2.Products or Services |We will ensure that we provide products of the best quality at affordable prices to all. | |3. Markets |We will ensure that we provide products of the best quality at affordable prices to all. | |4. Technology |We will keep abreast of the ever-changing technology to ensure that they needs of our consumers are met at | | |all times and also that we will not become obsolete to our customers. | |5. Concern for survival, growth, and profitability|We will keep abreast of the ever-changing technology to ensure that they needs of our consumers re met at | | |all times and also that we will not become obsolete to our customers. | |6. Philosophy |We will forever be dedicated to developing new, safe medicines to prevent and treat the world's most serious| | |diseases. And why we are making them available to the people who need them most. | |7. Self- Concept |We will become the world’s most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business | | |partners, and the communities where we work and live. | |8.Concern for public image |We will continue to promote the well-being of our consumers as well as the well-being of our shareholders | | |and employees as well as promote diversity. | |9. Concern for employees |We will become the world’s most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business | | |partners, and the communities where we work and live. | IV. ASSESSING EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT A. Identify Opportunities / Threats – Analyze trends in the following areas: political, legal, competitive, economic, social, cultural, demo graphic, technological, environmental, and governmental. Provide at least 1 opportunity & 1 threat for each of the 10 areas. Provide responses in bullet format. Political | |Opportunity |Threat | |Measures taken to close the Coverage gap also known as the donut hole may |New Health care Reform Bill was put in place 2010. This law requires drug | |result in people using more brand name drugs rather than buying generic. 9 |producers to make rebates to state Medicaid agencies based on their costs to | | |provide prescription drugs to Medicaid beneficiaries. | | |Constant pressure to lower prescription drug prices from the government2 | |Legal | |Opportunity |Threat | |Acquisitions and in-licensing /co-development opportunities such as recent |Expiration of Patents for drugs, face a loss of up to billions of dollars due | |acquisitions of Excaliard and Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business in December |to generics taking market share.For example, Lipitor, which grossed 11 bil lion| |2011 may help Pfizer meet unmet needs of their customers. 23 |in revenues last year expired November 28, 2011. This means that other | | |companies are allowed to produce the generic version of the drug. 2 | | |Number of New Molecular Entities approved by the FDA has declined. In 2009, | | |NMEs approved were 26 and 2010 were 21. 2 | | |Beginning of 2011 was a series of new fees in the form of excise taxes payable | | |to the federal government. 12 | |Competitive | |Opportunity |Threat | |Barriers for additional companies to enter the market are high. 4 |French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis’ $20 billion acquisition of Genzyme Corp. | | |completed in April 2011 | | |Fierce competition among Pharmaceutical companies such as Proctor & Gamble and | | |Johnson & Johnson. | | |Japanese drug sales are also expected to expand with current sales of 60 | | |billion, 11% of the world market share. | |Economic | |Opportunity |Threat | |Demands for certain drugs are relatively in elastic. 4 |Based on the projected losses due to loss of market share, Pfizer has shed | | |53,000 and 61, 000 jobs in 2010 and 2009 respectively | | |The decline in spending in the US in the last few years | | |Revenue may be hurt by ongoing negative effects from U. S. ealth care reform | | |and austerity pricing in Europe | | |Inflation will cause an increase in cost and raise drug prices | | |Competition from newer, better drugs may be a threat to sales. For example, | | |Vivus is a new ED drug that may be able to compete with Viagra. 3 | |Social | |Opportunity |Threat | |450 million Americans are over the age of 65 and healthcare spending is the |Number of NMEs approved by the FDA has declined12 | |highest among these individuals2 | | |Humana and Pfizer Form Research Partnership to Improve Health Care Delivery for| | |Seniors in 2011. | | |Cultural | |Opportunity |Threat | |Like GlaxoSmithKline and Abbott Labs in particular — Pfizer has its sights on |Number of legis lative proposals seeking to allow importation of medicines into | |developing countries for a revenue bump. 13 |the U. S. and revenues could be affected | |Demographic | |Opportunity |Threat | |Asian drug sales are also expected to expand.For example, Takeda |77 million people by 2031 will be enrolled in Medicare and Health care and | |Pharmaceutical Company, Asia's biggest drug maker, reported an 18 percent jump |Medicare will not be able to finance this many people2 | |in first-quarter profit, helped by the sale of new medicines in the beginning | | |of 2011. 9 | | |Technological | |Opportunity |Threat | |Pfizer has plenty of drugs in its pipeline with blockbuster potential. 3 | | |Environmental | |Opportunity |Threat | |Adoption of new environmental strategies to be more socially responsible |Adverse effect on drug prices due to threat of imported drugs and threat of | | |counterfeited drugs due to importing and exporting. | B. Monitor Major Stakeholders/Stakeholder Analys is – Customers, Competitors (list at least 3 of the organizations major competitors, Individuals in the community, Employees, Stockholders, etc. 1. Identify Stakeholders |Identify Internal Stakeholders |Identify External Stakeholders | |Ian C.Reed- President, CEO, Director |Johnson & Johnson | |Frank A. D’Amelio- CFO, EVP of Business Ops. |JP Morgan Chase & Co | |Mikael Dolsten- Pfizer Worldwide R&D |Northern Trust | |Freda- Lewis Hall- EVP, Chief Medical Officer |Proctor & Gamble | 2. Stakeholder Matrix – classify the internal & external stakeholders identified above into the appropriate boxes. High Interest/Importance, High Influence |High Interest/Importance, Low Influence | |Ian Reed |Proctor & Gamble | |Frank D’Amelio |Johnson & Johnson | |JP Morgan Chase & Co |Dow Chemical | |State Street Corporation |Merck and Co Inc. | | |Customers | | Employees | |Low Interest/Importance, High Influence |Low Interest/Importance, Low Influence | |Governme nt |Lenders | |Insurance Companies |Suppliers | | | | | | | | | | 3. Stakeholder Analysis |Stakeholder |Responsibility of |What does organization |Stakeholder’s potential |Stakeholders’ perceived |Stakeholder Management | | |Stakeholder to the |expect the stakeholder to |impact on the organization |attitudes and/or risks to |Strategy (SMS) | | |organization |provide? (high, medium, or low) |the organization | | | | | | | |N/A | |Investors |Fund the organization |Provide funding and |High |High Risk; Conservative | | | | |liquidity to the | |Attitude | | | | |organization | | | | | |Strategic plans and |Provide expertise, | |High Risk; Positive |Bottom-Up | |Employees |operations.Supports the|knowledge and value |High |Attitude | | | |functionality and | | | | | | |operational processes | | | | | | |Make critical decisions |Provide conceptual |High |High risk; Conservative |Top-down | |Shareholders | |knowledge and top-down flow| |Attitude | | | | |of decision maki ng | | | | | |Meet market demands |Provide products and | |Medium Risk; Positive |N/A | |Suppliers | |services |Medium |Attitude | | External Factor Evaluation |Opportunities | | | | | |Weight |Rating (1-4) |Weighted Score | |1. Measures taken to close the donut hole may result in people using more brand |. 07 |3 |. 1 | |name drugs rather than buying generic | | | | |2. Acquisitions and in-licensing /co-development opportunities |. 06 |4 |. 24 | |3. 450 million Americans are over the age of 65 and healthcare spending is the |. 07 |4 |. 28 | |highest among these individuals | | | | |4. Expansion of the biologic pharmacy market. |. 07 |4 |. 28 | |5. Bought King pharmaceutical for $3. 6 billion which would open up more |. 06 |4 |. 4 | |manufacture and sales adding to the capital of the company (Carrie, 2009). | | | | |6. Barriers for additional companies to enter into market are high |. 05 |4 |. 20 | |7. Demands for certain drugs are relatively inelastic. |. 07 |4 |. 28 | |Threats | | | | |8. Japanese drug sales are also expected to expand with current sales of 60 |. 08 |2 |. 6 | |billion, 11% of the world market share. | | | | |9. In 2009, Pfizer got assessed a 2. 3 billion fine for which they employed illegal|. 08 |1 |. 08 | |marketing strategies. | | | | |10. Large manufacture and low research for new inductions in the market could |. 07 |2 |. 14 | |decline the profitability. | | | | |11. Constant pressure to lower prescription drug prices from the government |. 5 |2 |. 1 | |12. Number of NMEs approved by the FDA has declined |. 04 |2 |. 08 | |13. The decline in spending in the US in the last few years |. 07 |1 |. 07 | |14. Inflation will cause an increase in cost and raise drug prices |. 06 |1 |. 06 | |15. Number of legislative proposals seeking to allow importation of medicines into|. 05 |2 |. 1 | |the U. S. nd revenues could be affected | | | | |16. 77 million people by 2031 will be enrolled in Medicare and Health care and |. 06 |2 |. 12 | |Medicare will not be able to finance this many people | | | | | | |Total |2. 64 | Pfizer seems to be taking advantage of the opportunities presented as well as avoiding threats but there is still room for improvement.For example, Pfizer seems to be taking advantage of some of the acquisitions that they have had over the last two years. They are seizing the opportunities of the expanding biological pharmacy market. Starting with the acquisition of Wyeth in 2009 and then the acquisitions of Excaliard and Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business. Pfizer saw that they were not meeting the needs of some of their customers but their competitors were. Excaliard is a privately owned biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drugs for the treatment of skin fibrosis, more commonly referred to as skin scarring. Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business focuses on dietary supplements and lifestyle products.In addition to this, although New Molecular Entities approved by the FDA have declined, Pfizer has managed to get 3 drugs approved by the FDA in 2011 alone. Lastly, Pfizer has responded relatively well to the governmental pressure of lowering their prices as well as the Lipitor patent expiring at the end of November. Pfizer has implemented multiple rebate and discount programs to help assist their consumers. For example, Pfizer has recently partnered with Wal-Mart to offer a $4 prescription program allowing consumers to obtain their prescriptions at that low price. This helps to mitigate the complete loss of revenue and market share if consumers were to go to generic all together.I believe that the reason Pfizer did not receive a score of higher than a 3 was because a lot of these new policies have been recent (2010, 2011) and Pfizer seems to be trying to figure out how to remain profitable as well as cater to their consumers and these acquisitions are all relatively new and Pfizer seems to be just getting adjusted. Competitive Profile Matrix | |Pfizer |Johnson & Joh nson |Eli Lilly | |Critical Success Factors |Weight |Rating |Weighted Score |Rating |Weighted |Rating |Weighted Score | | | | | | |Score | | | |Organizational Structure |. 05 |2 |. 10 |4 |. 20 |1 |. 5 | |Price Competitiveness |. 10 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 | |Advertising |. 04 |1 |. 04 |1 |. 04 |4 |. 16 | |Product Quality |. 10 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 | |Sales Distribution |. 10 |4 |. 40 |3 |. 30 |2 |. 0 | |Customer Loyalty |. 03 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 09 | |Global Expansion |. 11 |4 |. 44 |3 |. 33 |2 |. 22 | |Market Share |. 11 |4 |. 44 |4 |. 44 |3 |. 33 | |Demographics |. 03 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 9 | |Financial Position |. 15 |4 |. 60 |3 |. 45 |2 |. 30 | |Research and Development |. 13 |4 |. 52 |4 |. 52 |3 |. 39 | |Innovation |. 10 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 |2 |. 20 | |Total |1. 00 | |3. 52 | |3. 16 | |2. 58 |From constructing the Competitive Profile Matrix, it is apparent that Pfizer is the strongest among the three competitors compared. V. ASSESSING INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT A. Stren gths/Weaknesses |Management | |Strength |Weakness | |In June 2011, Pfizer announced strategic partnerships with ICON plc and PAREXEL|Sometimes Pfizer may have to discontinue the production of drugs; therefore the| |International Corporation, both of which will serve as strategic providers of |demand for that drug increases. |clinical trial implementation services over a five-year period beginning in | | |June 2011 | | |Adoption of new environmental strategies to be more socially responsible | | |Working with numerous companies to do collaborative work in research and | | |development. | | |Pfizer is continually developing new strategies such as plant restructuring and| | |energy master plan. | |Pfizer is divided into multiple sectors so that most leaders have a specific | | |rather than general role. | | |Pfizer expects to increase its market share from 4% to 6% by reinforcing its | | |leadership, expanding developments in high growth markets, building leadership | | |in oncology and taking advantage of R&D in Asia and other countries. | |Marketing | |Strength |Weakness | |Renewed emphasis in the faster growing fields of specialty pharmaceuticals, |Co marketing with other pharmaceutical companies may slow down its global | |biologics, vaccines, and, in some cases, even generics. |growth. | |Its number one pharmaceutical from sales point of view and its marketing |Decreased amount of advertising | |infrastructure is well established throughout the world. | | |Pfizer as six markets, which include Brazil, China, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, and| | |India. | |For the ninth consecutive year, the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Sales Force was voted| | |as first overall in Verispan's â€Å"Pharmaceutical Sales Force Structures. | | |Human Resources | |Strength |Weakness | |Global working network with 95,000 workers |According the glassdoor. om, the company morale is at an all time low | |Accounting/Financials | |Strength |Weakness | |7. 5% ranking corporation market share | Prices, according to the federal government, are too high and are currently | |Sales have increased from 16. 02% in 2008 to 22. 89% in 2010. |trying to get Pfizer to cut their prices. | |High budget pharmaceutical industries having the revenue of $50 billion |Lowest Earnings per Share among competitors. For example, Pfizer has an EPS of | | |$. 48 and Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly have an EPS of $1. 5 and $1. 11, | | |respectively. | | |The integration of large acquisitions including a pair by Pfizer — hasn’t | | |resulted in s great return on equity. | | |Each new drug can cost as much as $1 billion to develop, with no guarantee of | | |success. |Internal Technology | |Strength |Weakness | |Due to the expectation of the drugs expiring and the decline and market share, |Delays caused by regulations and the unsuccessful completion of clinical trials| |Pfizer has focused most of the R&D on Biotech based treatments |reduce the potential recovery and returns of investme nts such as R&D. | |Their research and development sector is highly established and in good | | |strength. | | |Renewed emphasis in the faster growing fields of specialty pharmaceuticals, | | |biologics, vaccines, and, in some cases, even generics. | | |Pfizer Announces Licensing Agreement With Puma Biotechnology, Inc.For The | | |Development And Commercialization Of Neratinib, An Investigational Pan-HER | | |Inhibitor | | |U. S. Food And Drug Administration Approves Pfizer’s XALKORI ® (crizotinib) As | | |First And Only Therapy Specifically For Patients With Locally Advanced Or | | |Metastatic ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. | | | | |Other | |Strength |Weakness | |Chance to acquire new patents for new technological products |Currently only serving American, European and Asian markets. They are not | |Pfizer has been public in its efforts to address climate change. Our Energy and|serving African or Australian markets. | |Climate Change Program seeks to minimize the cost and operational restrictions | | |arising from a carbon-constrained environment, reduce Pfizer's contribution to | | |GHG emissions, and assess the risk presented to Pfizer's operations from the | | |potential physical changes resulting from a warming global climate. | |Pfizer has committed to ensure that their quality is top notch and no | | |counterfeit products have been purchased by their consumers. | | |Pfizer is committed to its outsourcing. The key considerations for outsourcing | | |decisions include the ability to supply and capacity flexibility, regulatory | | |compliance and safe practices, technology and cost competiveness. | | |Pfizer has a structure for quality.Some components include creating, | | |implementing, and upholding standard operating procedures for trial execution, | | |a quality scientific and medical design of the protocol, clinical investigator | | |and site pre-assessment and selection, regulatory agency and ethics committee | | |approval, dev eloping and providing appropriate informed consent, adequate | | |recording and reporting of data, periodic monitoring and audits. | | B. Value Chain Analysis – Graphically depict the organization’s value chain |Infrastructure: | |-Pfizer's Executive Leadership Team is the company's senior-most leadership and decision-making management body. It brings together our top leaders to focus on major | |financial, strategic and operational decisions for the company. | |-The Governance structure of Pfizer consists of an Executive Board (CEO, CFO, President), Board of Directors (Dennis Ausiello, Michael S.Brown), Shareholders (JPMorgan,| |Northern Trust, Ian Reed, State Street Corporation). | |-Pfizer has made several initiatives to ensure a diverse company culture. They also have recognized their responsibility towards their customers. Certain policies | |include: Business conduct, Lobbying and Political contributions, Sales and Marketing, Research and clinical trials, workpl ace standards, and laboratory animal care. 10 | |Human Resource Management: | |Pfizer has agreements with different universities and recruit from different areas of study. This serves to create a diverse environment and fosters a challenging and | |open culture.Some of their values with regards to their employees are: sustain focus on performance, create an inclusive environment, exchange open discussion and | |debate, manage change, develop people, and align across Pfizer. 2 | |Research and Development: | |Pfizer is prioritizing its research and development efforts in areas with the greatest scientific and commercial promise: immunology and inflammation, oncology, | |cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neuroscience and pain, and vaccines.Through major research efforts across multiple modalities including small molecules, | |biologics and vaccines. | |Pfizer has set up the phases of clinical development from making the drug to administering the drug through clinical trials and then manufacturing and selling the drugs. | |2 | |Procurement: | |Pfizer is expected to increase outsourced manufacturing of products from approximately 17 percent to 30 percent over the next three years. Key considerations for | |outsourcing decisions include the ability to supply, capacity flexibility, cost competitiveness,and technology. | |Inbound Logistics: |Operations: |Outbound Logistics: |Marketing and Sales: |Service: | |Pfizer procurement professionals |-Pfizer has nine diverse health|-Pfizer has trained over 95 |-Channels of marketing include:|-Pfizer is committed to providing a | |regularly |care businesses: Primary Care, |percent of colleagues worldwide|Television, print ad and online|quality drug to their customers. | |engage with suppliers to reinforce |Specialty Care, Oncology, |in basic problem solving, which|ads. Pfizer has created programs such as | |Pfizer’s expectations in all |Emerging Markets, Established |has resulted in over 8,000 |-Pharmaceutical sa les |the $4 Wal-Mart prescription program| |operational business areas. This |Products, Consumer Healthcare, |improvement |representatives are among the |to provide their drugs at a fraction| |collaboration leads |Nutrition, Animal Health and |projects across the world in |top in the nation. They receive|of the cost. | |to improvement projects with |Capsugel†. 8 |the last five |extensive training so they are |- | |significant performance benefits, | |years. Significant improvements|knowledgeable of the drugs. | |such as reduced | |to Pfizer’s |They have knowledge of Pfizer | | |packaging and transportation costs, | |key products have delivered a |products as well as their | | |and elimination of undesirable | |40 percent reduction in both |competitors. 2 | | |chemicals through process | |the time to make and ship the | | | |improvements†. 8 | |product as well as allowing a | | | | | |reduction in inventory†. 8 | | | Primary Activities Financial Ratios: Finan cial Ratios |Pfizer Inc |Industry |S&P 500 |How Pfizer is doing in | | | | | |comparison to the industry? | |Growth Rate % | | | | | |Sales (Qtr vs. year ago Qtr) |7. 5 |5. 90 |14. 40 |Better | |Net Income (YTD vs. YTD) NA |NA |NA | | |Net Income (Qtr vs. year ago Qtr) |185. 10 |66. 00 |46. 30 |Better | |Sales (5 Year Annual Avg) |7. 42 |7. 59 |8. 28 |Worse | |Net Income (5-Year Annual Avg) |1. 68 |2. 38 |8. 48 |Worse | |Dividends (5-Year Annual Avg) |-1. 08 |9. 81 |5. 9 |Worse | | | | | | | |Financial Condition | | | | | |Debt/Equity Ratio |. 46 |1. 14 |1. 05 |Better | |Current Ratio |2. 3 |1. 7 |1. 4 |Better | |Quick Ratio |1. 9 |1. 4 |1. 0 |Better | |Interest Coverage |9. 6 |23. 5 |316. |Worse | | | | | | | |Investment Returns % | | | | | |Return on Equity |11. 4 |30. 0 |26. 3 |Worse | |Return on Assets |5. 2 |8. 8 |8. 9 |Worse | |Return on Capital |6. 1 |11. 7 |11. 9 |Worse | | | | | | |Management Efficiency | | | | | |Income/Employee |91,763 |84,518 |130,228 |Better | |Re venue/Employee |616,998 |539,073 |1 Mil |Better | |Receivable Turnover |4. 5 |5. 5 |15. 9 |Worse | |Assets Turnover |0. 4 |0. 6 |0. |Better | |Inventory Turnover |1. 8 |2. 7 |12. 5 |Worse | * http://moneycentral. msn. com/investor/invsub/results/compare. asp? symbol=pfe* C. Assess all Functional areas using the internal checklists Management Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1. Does the organization use strategic management concepts? |Yes, Pfizer is continually developing new strategies such as plant restructuring and | | |energy master plan.For example, In June 2011, Pfizer announced strategic partnerships | | |with ICON plc and PAREXEL International Corporation, both of which will serve as strategic| | |providers of clinical trial implementation services over a five-year period beginning in | | |June 2011 | |2. Are organization objectives and goals measurable and well |Yes, some of Pfizer’s goals include maximizing opportunities in Biomedical res earch, | |communicated? |forging relationships with ey customers, etc. | |3. Do managers at all hierarchical levels plan effectively? |Yes, Pfizer is divided into multiple sectors so that most leaders have a specific rather | | |than general role. Pfizer is divided into 2 sectors, the PharmaTherapeutics Research & | | |Development Group and the BioTherapeutics Research & Development Group. Each sector has | | |its own managers; therefore it becomes easier to be able to plan effectively. | |4.Is the organization’s structure appropriate? |Yes, their leadership brings together top leaders to focus on major financial, operational| | |and strategic decisions. They have managers for every sector who work specifically to | | |foster the success of that sector. This creates an atmosphere for managers and employees | | |to focus on their specific sector rather than divide their attention. | |5. Are job descriptions and job specifications clear? Yes, Pfizer provides a detailed descript ion of the top managers and what they do as well | | |as what they expect from all their employees. | |6. Is employee morale high? |No, according to glassdoor. com, the employee morale is at an all time low. | |7. Is employee turnover and absenteeism low? |Yes, Pfizer currently has over 110,000 employees and they have managed to maintain their | | |staff turnover at a rate lower than 10% per year for the past 10 years, despite the | | |industry's average rate of 15%. | |8.Are organizational reward and control mechanisms effective? |Yes, Pfizer has recently raised its salary for its employees from the 50th to the 75th | | |percentile of markets rates. | Marketing Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1. Are markets segmented effectively? |Yes, Pfizer as six markets which include Brazil, China, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, and India | |2. Is the organization positioned well among competitors? |Yes, Pfizer ranks #2 right behind Proctor and Gamble | |3. Has the organiza tion’s market share been increasing? Yes, Pfizer expects to increase its market share from 4% to 6% by reinforcing its | | |leadership, expanding developments in high growth markets, building leadership in oncology| | |and taking advantage of R&D in Asia and other countries. | |4. Are present channels of distribution reliable and |No, according to Pfizer. com, globalization has made channels of distribution easy targets | |cost-effective? |for counterfeiting products. Drug Importation also poses a difficult task of closely | | |monitoring these drugs to prevent counterfeiting and damaged goods. | |5. Does the organization have an effective sales organization? Yes, For the ninth consecutive year, the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Sales Force was voted as | | |first overall in Verispan's â€Å"Pharmaceutical Sales Force Structures. | |6. Does the organization conduct market research? |Yes, this is the basis for their business. They have to research the causes and effects | | |for the drugs that they manufacture and produce. | |7. Are the organization’s products and services priced |No, the federal government has been trying to get Pfizer to decrease its prices to be more| |appropriately? |affordable for customers. | |8.Does the organization have an effective promotion, advertising,|Yes, Pfizer products have become a household name for most. Pfizer has a marketing | |and publicity strategy? |strength in major geographical and therapeutic areas. | |9. Is marketing planning and budgeting effective? |Yes, one of Pfizer’s plans is to cut the budget of R by 12 million dollars by the end of| | |2012. | |10. Do the organization’s marketing managers have adequate |Yes, from inspection of the top marketing managers, they all have experience prior to | |experience and training? |Pfizer. | |11.Are product quality and customer service good? |Yes, Pfizer has committed to ensure that their quality is top notch and no counterfeit | | |products have been pur chased by their consumers. They have implemented numerous plans in | | |order to assure top quality. This stems from their procurement strategies such as making | | |sure that their suppliers only produce the utmost quality of products. | Finance Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1.Where is the organization financially strong & weak as |Yes, the company has a high gross profit margin at 81. 5%, which indicates a strong | |indicated by financial ratio analyses? |position in the market. | |2. Can the organization raise needed short-term capital? |Yes, their operating activity ratios for the most part have improved. For example, their | | |inventory turnover decreased in 2009 to 4. 03 but then increased in 2010 to 8. 07. | |3. Can the organization raise needed long-term capital through |Yes, most of the company’s ratios seemed to have decreased in 2009, but most recuperated | |debt and/or equity? |in 2010. For xample, total asset turnover decreased in 2 009 to 0. 23 but then increased in| | |2010 to 0. 35. | |4. Does the organization have sufficient working capital? |Yes, the company’s working capital increased since 2009. In 2010, the working capital was | | |$18,991 million. | |5. Are capital budgeting procedures effective? |Yes, the company has decided to cut back in R costs in order to save capital | |6. Are dividend payout policies reasonable? |No, the payout for dividends is currently $. 20 per share which is $. 3 less than its | | |number one competitor, Proctor & Gamble | |7. Does the organization have good relations with its investors |Yes, all the financials are reported online and there is a sense of transparency with the | |and stockholders? |investors and the company. | |8. Are the organization’s financial managers experienced and well |Yes, all managers have experience prior to working at Pfizer | |trained? | | R Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1.Does the organization have R facilities? Are they adequate? |Yes, Pfizer has the world’s largest research. Pfizer has six main research locations, | | |which include: New York, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, UK and Missouri. | |2. If outside R organizations are used, are they cost-effective? |N/A, Pfizer does not use outside R organizations. | |3. Are the organization’s R personnel well qualified? |Yes, Pfizer has a rigorous screening process for their scientists that work in R. This | | |is done to ensure a quality product. | |4. Are management information and computer systems adequate? Yes, Pfizer engaged PA Consulting Group to create and implement a rapid, insightful | | |information management solution that would help the company manage and derive value from | | |the wealth of project and agreement information. 14 | |5. Is communication between R and other organizational units |Yes, communication has to be effective when it comes to R and the other sectors. This | |effective? |has to be done to ensure safe, effective products. | |6. Are present products technologically competitive? |Yes, Pfizer has some of the leading medications in areas such as Internal Medicine.The | | |drug Lipitor is the leading drug for the reduction of cholesterol in the industry as of | |