Apple's International Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Apple's International Strategies - Essay Example The business sells in Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Australia. Apple has considerable brand loyalty established in China, The United Kingdom, and Australia. This loyalty occurs as part of a broad international marketing communications strategy that includes social media, press releases, transparent market research targeting consumers (i.e., attitude surveys), and the strong emphasis on customer relationship management. In all international locations, the majority of target customers that maintain strong loyalty are professional businesspersons, those in arts and entertainment, and are generally between the ages of 18 and 34 (Rubicon Consulting, 2008). Apple conducts considerable volumes of marketing research to determine attitudes, preferences, and lifestyles of consumers to ensure it is producing relevant products internationally and creating effective advertising that meets with these lifestyles and demands. In China, Apple entered this market with a licensing stra tegy, due to the high volume of technology competition with pre-established brands (Ramadugu & Samad, 2009). Apple desired to link its brand name with China Unicom, one of the largest telecommunications companies that had considerable growth in consumer satisfaction in China. This licensing agreement was also the chosen strategy for entering this market as there is an unpredictable distribution of mobile technology in China and by having China Unicom control distribution, it would improve the costs associated with setting up an Apple-specific distribution system in this new market. In Nigeria, as another example, Apple chose a turnkey market strategy, which is when technical processes and technology is exported to the market. Once a turnkey contractor is identified, the contractor establishes the operational model, construction, and implementation of Apple production and sales strategies in the new market (Evans, 2005). This is a country with limited competition and where the costs of new market entry are high to competitors. By establishing an operational foothold in Nigeria, this would potentially open new opportunities for local distribution from the newly constructed manufacturing facility. Apple maintains a different market entry strategy based on consumer characteristics, the level of competition in these markets, and identified brand recognition and loyalty for Apple premium products. In the UK, the target market consists of 18-34-year-olds in which branding occurs related to their lifestyle and the linkage between their perceptions of Apple products. Robinson (2010, p. 2) identifies that gaining market attention in the UK includes focusing on emotions, hopes, aspirations and lifestyle passions in a market saturated with competition and where there are high brand recognition and preference. Market entry in this country included licensing agreements and exporting since there was already a well-developed mobile and consumer technology distribution system established in this country. The level of price sensitivity in customers, the distribution networks available in the country, the level of competition, and the ability to provide relevant promotion to meet consumer lifestyles determine the market entry strategies selected by Apple.

Civilization by Bernard Lewis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Civilization by Bernard Lewis - Essay Example Meanwhile, religion plays a crucial role in the definition of civilization. Two of the most popular religions defining civilizations are Christianity and Islam, which interestingly display some similarities while manifesting some differences from each other. In most of the languages in the world, we have two words: "Christianity" and "Christendom." The word "Christianity" would refer to the system of religion itself while "Christendom" would refer to a civilization that basically incorporates both non-Christian and anti-Christian on it. And we also have "Islam" and "Islamdom." Those civilizations are mainly bounded by religious practices that are known all throughout the world. On the other hand, those civilizations defined by region and ethnicity may include perhaps Buddhism and Communism. Buddhism, although, once known as religion, cannot be defined by religion since it was not actually successful in the proliferation in the world unlike Islam and Christianity.

William Bradfords Relationship with the Indians Essay

William Bradfords Relationship with the Indians - Essay Example o would later come to the New World and interact with the Native Americans, the Pilgrim’s relationship with them was â€Å"largely peaceful, despite profound cultural misunderstandings† (â€Å"Plymouth Colony†). Bradford and his followers became friends with Native American leaders and established a policy of tolerance and trust between their cultures. Native Americans in the area had previously interacted with English traders and fisherman before Bradford’s arrival. Relations were not positive and 20 Indians were kidnapped by Thomas Hunt, who tried to sell them as slaves. In 1621, the Indian, Somoset, came to the Plymouth colony and began speaking with the Pilgrims; he had previously learned some of the English language from those earlier traders and fisherman. He returned a few days later with the famous Indian, Squanto, who was one of the Indians kidnapped by Thomas Hunt. Squanto and Somoset talked with Bradford and other Pilgrim leaders and arranged a meeting with their Chief, Massasoit. The Pilgrims then established a peace treaty with the Indians that, under the Governorship of Bradford, would last for over 50 years. Later in 1621, when Bradford became Governor of the Plymouth colony, he invited Massasoit to what would later become known as one of the most famous events in American history, called Thanksgiving ( "Plymouth Colony†). Before the plentiful harvest of that first Thanksgiving, Plymouth was struggling to survive. The Indians played a significant role in saving the colony from starvation. Because of his ability to speak fluent English and his willingness to help the Pilgrims, Squanto was revered by the people of the Plymouth colony. He taught the Pilgrims how to plant their corn, where to fish, and led them to places where they could more easily live off the land. In his History of Plymouth Plantation, Bradford explains his belief that the Indian, Squanto, was sent as an â€Å"instrument of God† to help them (95). Bradford was a devoted friend

Young Entrepreneurs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Young Entrepreneurs - Assignment Example His latest project in the solar-powered (LED) lantern has been described by many as the greatest innovation in recent time to cushion those who cannot afford the electricity. This project also aimed at providing light to school going children from poor families who could not stand the smoke of the local kerosene lamp The idea of developing the solar-powered lantern was originally presented by Wadongo at a local congress of young innovative youth’s forum in Kenya and was picked as a promising one with the potential to solve the problem in their communities. Wadongo did a lot of his research on the design and the sizes that most suited the targeted population. Through his various attempt to design the sustainable product that would not only last for long, but also provide a cleaner source of energy, he came up with something that has been appreciated worldwide. His bright idea that only started in a small village in Kenya has been recognized worldwide in various forums. According to the locals, Wadongo’s project is one that has helped more children go back to their schools and the impact being felt almost immediately. The performances have increased in most schools that have adopted the use of the solar-powered lantern. According to Wadongo, his project has not reached its peak yet w ith several additions intended to be made. He wants to extend the scheme to cover more areas in the country, and the same time sells his solar tapped power to major towns. He said that â€Å"this approach will work best for him due to the frequent power blackouts experienced in those towns’’. His idea was driven by the fact that 90% of the country’s power is generated from hydropower stations and the need for other reliable means of power generation was needed. According to Wadongo, the current power rates in the country are very high, and the consumers will welcome any form of cushioning. With the rates currently at Ksh 75 per Kw unit, he intends

Social networking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Social networking - Essay Example The particular study would be evaluated by referring to a variety of its characteristics, such as structure and content/ evidence. Also, the contribution of the study, for understanding the potential implications of social networking sites could be explored. Hak has divided the study into thematic sections, so that all aspects of the issues under discussion are covered. In this context, Introduction is used for explaining to the reader the paper’s key points and objectives. Then, two sections have been used for presenting the findings of the literature in regard to the study’s subject: the first section, entitled as ‘Social Media Networking’ (Hak 2012, p.12) shows the structure and role of social networking sites, as these issues have been analyzed in the literature. The second section, entitled as ‘Security Risks and Trust Zones’(Hak 2012, p.14) explains the security issues involved in the use of social networking sites and describes the struc ture of Security Trust Zones, as tools for protecting the privacy of these sites’ users. At the next level, Hak refers to the ‘Analytic Hierarchy Process’ (Hak 2012, p.15), a tool developed by ‘Saaty in 1970s’ (Hak 2012, p.15). The potential use of this tool for assessing the security risks of social networking sites is analytically explained (Hak 2012, p.15-16). ... Literature is used for showing the various aspects of study’s subject. It should be noted that the literature chosen is recent; mostly studies of 2010 and 2011 have been used, reflecting the actual status of social networking sites as tools for communication. Moreover, academic journals have been preferred, instead of books, aiming to use, as possible, empirical evidence for supporting the assumptions made. Also, a methodology is suggested for facing a key problem in regard to social networking sites: the assessment of security risks related to these sites. In addition, graphs and tables are used, where appropriate, for making the explanations given clearer. In other words, Hak has covered successfully both the theoretical and practical aspects of the issues under discussion. At this point the following issue should be discussed: which is the value of the study of Hak in regard to the understanding of risks related to social networking sites? At a first level, the study of Hak shows that social networking sites can be related to risks, especially security risks. These risks are analytically explained using appropriate literature, so that no doubts can exist in regard to the security implications of social networking sites. Then, the structure of social media networking is explained, so that the users of social networking sites are aware of the potential security gaps involved. The use of graphs, as possible, increases the value of the study of Hak in presenting the security risks of social media networking. Also, the study of Hak provides a methodology for assessing the security risks related to social networking sites. This methodology is based on a model that was first introduced in 1970s but which was never used, up today, for assessing the

Not Your Dream Team Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Not Your Dream Team - Assignment Example The first stage is formation where the team members will come together with the aim of fulfilling a goal. The second is the storming stage where each member is struggling for his or her ideas to be heard and therefore marked by chaos and conflicts. The third stage is the norming stage where now the members come to know each other and start accepting each other’s ideas. The next is the performing stage where the group now focuses on achieving the goal and hence no conflict at this stage. Finally, having achieved its purpose, the group adjourns. 2. Mallory joined Think Link as assistant marketing manager for new products; two software programs were being designed to help high school students learn algebra and geometry. Murray’s manager is Lin Chen (marketing manager). Other members on the cross-functional development team with her are Todd Schlotsky (senior programmer); Sean Traynor (vice-president for marketing); Joyce Rothman (a former high school teacher who co-founded Think Link; she works only part-time in the company); and Harlow Gray (educational consultant). In this paragraph, the bases of power are mentioned and this will determine the decisions made in the organization. Sean for example is the Vice president and he has therefore the most authority in the company based on the positional power he is holding. The decisions Sean will make will therefore not be contested or argued with as a result of his prestigious position in the organization. Sean holds legitimate power due to his position as the vice-president, Lin and Todd and Mallory hold expert power as a result of their knowledge in their different fields. Mallory, Joyce and Harlow also hold referent power due to their ability to be consulted by others in different places. Sean also holds coercive power which is portrayed later when he fires Lin. The above team also hold reward power which they use to give bonus on software. 3. After her first week on the job, Mallory was considering qu itting. â€Å"These people are so opinionated and competitive,† she complained. Sean, Joyce and Harlow, in Mallory’s opinion, don’t listen to anyone’s ideas at team meetings; they only talk about their concerns. â€Å"Sean thinks his rank entitles him to make all the decisions in the team. Joyce thinks her opinions should carry more weight because she was instrumental in creating the company. And Harlow views everyone as less knowledgeable than he is and discounts their information as â€Å"out-of-date†, because he consults with the â€Å"outside† – other software firms and school districts. Lin, who is supposed to have the leadership role in this team, is passive and quiet. While he sends out agendas, and organizes meetings, people ignore him at the meeting; when he is speaking, people interrupt him or talk over him. He appears to avoid all the conflict and lack of progress by rushing off to another meeting. The team didn’t a ccomplish any agenda items at the first meeting I was at.† When a group is forming, it undergoes several stages and the hardest and most challenging one is the storming stage where every member wants his or her opinion to be taken into consideration. This is exactly the stage this group is in where the members are not willing to listen to each other’

The Diversity Board Assignment Essay Example for Free

The Diversity Board Assignment Essay 1. 2-3 pages typed, double-spaced, using 12 pt. Times New Roman font. 2. 2-3 sources required using APA format—Magazines, Books, Newspaper Articles, Internet Articles, etc. a. Resources for using APA format and for evaluating internet sources: i. Pg. 237 of Guidebook: Sample Bibliographic Citations in APA format ii. Purdue OWL: APA formatting guide: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ iii. Pg. 239 of Guidebook: â€Å"Checklist for Evaluating Information Found on the Internet† 3. Title page required. 4. Use at least 3 of the class topics listed on pg. 50 of your guidebook (under â€Å"7 Written Responses†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) b. Please BOLD these terms within your paper so they are easy for me to find. 5. Answer the 7 written responses—1 paragraph per question. c. The first question is more of an introduction to your diversity role and should contain a thesis statement previewing your paper as its last sentence. d. Include an 8th conclusion paragraph at the end—reiterate your main points/thesis and give a solid conclusion. 6. Write in 1st person—i.e., â€Å"My morning is much like everyone else’s†¦Ã¢â‚¬  e. Feel free to be creative and create a completely new character with a unique name, job, lifestyle, etc. 7. Edit your final draft for grammar and punctuation errors. At LEAST hit â€Å"spell check†!! 8. Please only print on one side of the paper. 9. Rip out pg. 53 of your Guidebook (the grading rubric) and staple it to the back of your final paper. This is what I will use to grade your essay. Guidebook Page Numbers: * pp. 49-50: Full Description of Assignment * p. 53: Grading Rubric that you must turn in to me BLANK * p. 55-60 pp. 61-65: Sample diversity board papers (your papers should look and sound like these!) I am A Muslim In America David Poku My name is Ahil, my name is from Arabic decent and means Prince. I was born very dark skinned. I am now 21 years old man living in America and I am Muslim, it is for this reason that I have been both blessed and cursed. As a Muslim, we are just like most any people aside from the fact that we are not entitled to drink alcohol, have any type of pork, and no sex outside of marriage. I live in Austin, TX. The people here are very different yet in many instances can seem to be the exact same. The word Muslim is an Arabic word that means â€Å"One who submits to Allah and Allah as the one and only one God with no partner, no son, no companion, no associate, and no equivalence.†(). I came to America for an opportunity that I could not be granted in the place of my birth. Since I could remember I have aspired to be a great car salesman. When I was young and living in Jordan, everyone always spoke of doing whatever they could to try and get an opportunity to come and find success in t his so called wonderful place called America, but I am here to tell my fellow people that why there is a great set of opportunities beset upon those who travel here, there is also two sides to this story. My religion is a s just a part of me as the air that I breathe, or the food that I eat, or the very water that I drink, but for the life of me, I have tried to in almost every way possible to conceal this. All of the stories and the things that I heard from the place of my birth were crammed with positive affirmations of achieving a dream that can be attained with hard work and time, but like I said before there is two sides to every story. When I came here, I was told that people were more accepting to various cultures, but after a terrorist incident that the people in America call 9/11, the public eye has since seemed to scrutinize people who follow the Islamic foundations. Apparently the people tied to the terrorist attack were of Middle Eastern decent and because of that fact the masses of America seemed to have all adopted the inconsistent notion that these people followed this religion. This is the first curse and a blessing that I have been brought acknowledge. The ignorance of people permeates me, I have tried to educate the few that I was unfortunate enough to engage in a conversation that dealt with this, thinking that maybe if I educate a few the word would somehow get out and spread to those who belief this faulty notion that everyone who is Muslim is a part of some secret terrorist regime and cannot be trusted. Five years passed as I spread the word to many and many more. I started my own church and preached the true word of Islam to everyone, it didn’t matter what religion they were, what the color of their skin was, or what the once thought before, as long as I could burden them with the truth. Do not be confused, I was not pressing my religions beliefs to change or convert the religion ideologies of others, I just wanted to let everyone know the true meaning of y religious foundation. I was now 26 years old, with a wife, Sara, and 2 kids, and I had spread around 3 different church facilities in Austin. My boy who was 6 years olds name was Aaban, and my daughter, who was 8, was named Manha. One day I was taking my family to the airport to go visit the place of my birth. I realized something very peculiar, as we were boarding, the people in the airport stared at my family, as if we were doing something wrong. You see some people can easily identify Muslim people sometimes; my wife and daughter were wearing Shawls that day. In the Muslim religion, women are supposed to cover their hair as means of being modest. Many people in American may not know or understand this. As a people we tend to fear or express caution to things we do not understand. It was then and only then did I realize that no matter how many ears I reached with my initiative to spread the true meaning of Islam that it would not change a thing. These people seem to hold the people who identify with Muslim as a whole responsible for the terrorist attack that took place on 9/11. It was because of the realization of this fact that I handed off the ownership/pastoring of my churches to another individual who I had met that was willing to take it over. I sought to become the car salesman that I had always aspired to be. I sent out more than a thousand applications in one month, driving from place to place. I met with over 100 managers for different car salesman jobs, and on my own free time took all the spare time I had to learn about cars. Every single meeting I went to, I was met with a sort of indifferent look, that always followed wit where are you from? By the time I was 30, I knew everything there was to know about cars, I even at times impressed interviewees that were questioning me because I had known things that their staff did not, but one small fact remained, I still had not found a job. I was beginning to lose hope, but my nature was to strive for success at any cost, I could not let my family down. One day when I was at a Starbucks parking lot, I saw a very young man with the hood of what looked like his car up and there were clouds of smoke engulfing the engine. I went over for assistance, and saw that this man was a well versed with car mechanics, yet he was flawed with one aspect of what he was doing. I asked the young man if I could fix his car for him. I saw a very arrogant smile on his face, and he said you can give it a try. Ten minutes later I had his car running. When I waked to go shut the hood of his car, I was met with a very firm handshake of another man, an older man, the man looked familiar. He shook my hand, and said, I thank you for fixing my car. He looked at my kind of funny and said: â€Å"aren’t you the man who started that set of churches a couple years back?† I replied yes, but I am no longer running those churches. The man replied: â€Å" I have always was admired your way with people and wanted to tell you about an opportunity. You see.. I run a car dealership wanted to see if you would be interested in working with me? I smiled and told the man, that the foundation of Islamic faith is peace and at this very moment I have found it, through all of the prejudice, the ignorance that has beset itself upon my family and I, I am now in a place where I can surrender myself to my god and derive peace and it is for that, that I thank you. So this message is for everyone that plans to come to America, this is the other side of the story, you will be faced with prejudice, with people who fear you because they do not understand you, you will hesitate and may start to resent your decent or question your religion, but I am here to tell you when you find peace you will finally see that the curse is a blessing in disguise. References Associated Press, (10/24/12). Spying on the Muslim Community. Muslim In America, pp. 1-2. Rauf, Feisal. A. (April 1, 2011). Five Myths About Muslims. American Muslims, N/A pp. 1-2.