Decision Making Technique with Internet Reference

The Decision Technique I chose to write about is the â€Å"Six Thinking Hats – Looking at a Decision from all Points of View.† This technique was created by Dr. Edward de Bono. Dr. Bono is regarded as the leading international authority in conceptual and creative thinking and in the teaching of thinking as a skill. Of all the decision making technique I researched, this is the one that I agreed with the most in regards to the situation that I had in mind when researching decision making skills. This technique was very interesting to me because it made you look at a problem from all points of view. You could not be biased on one opinion or force of influence. It forced you to think outside the box. When making a decision, I feel that you must look at the issue from all points of view and not just your own biases or emotions. At times making a decision can be very hard, especially when you are the supervisor and responsible for your department. When both the decision and outcome it may have will ultimately affect you and your department and add the fact that you are the one that has to answer to higher authority. This is why I really think this technique is great because you incorporate how it will affect everyone around you from the employee to higher management. How this decision making technique works is that there are literally six hat you wear and each hat has a different way of thinking. For example: the first hat you wear is the â€Å"White Hat.† This hat allows you to focus on data and/or information. This is where you identify the problem or issue with the information you have by researching the information. The second hat you wear once you have the problem is the â€Å"Red Hat.† This is where you bring in the human in yourself and others. By realizing your intuition, reflex reaction and/or emotions. You also allow others to come in by realizing how they will react to the issue, how they will feel, how they will want to handle it, etc. This is a very important step in decision making because no matter what you chose to do this is the step that will make you or break you, in my opinion. This is where you will get your decision across to others by considering their reaction/emotions as well. The next hat that will be worn will be the â€Å"Black Hat.† Just as the color is stereo typed as â€Å"bad† this is where you think of all the negative reactions and how your decision will not work. This is where you analyze the issue and your decision and see where the mistakes are in your decision. This is also an important step as you consider the impact of your decision and the â€Å"what ifs.† The next hat is the â€Å"Yellow Hat.† Like a beautiful day when the sun is out and the weather is great to be outdoors and it is your day off. This is where you think optimistically and you see the good in your decision, which is a great step from coming out of the â€Å"Black Hat.† The next hat is the â€Å"Green Hat.† This is the step that you take off on. Your have already looked at the bad side and good side of your decision. This is where you get to be creative and brainstorm your decision and/or ideas. You are free at this point to write down all your ideas with no one to stop you. Finally, the last hat is the â€Å"Blue Hat.† Not because you are blue as in sad, because the ideas are not coming out as freely or when there is a back up plan needed. Those you are presenting the decision to usually wear this hat. Blue is neither good nor bad but can lead you back to the green hat or when you need a back-up plan which will send you back to the Black Hat. Because the organization I work for deals a lot with the public investigating, the dress code is an important issue. Recently in our organization this topic came up and it was addressed in a more formal way than usual. What was sent to everyone via the email was an explanation of why a Dress Code was being presented along with a List of What is permissible and not permissible to wear. The reason I feel that the â€Å"Six Hat† Technique would have been very useful in this situation is because I do not think that whomever made the decision of what was allowed to be worn or not considered other's opinions or forces of influence. The list of what is allowed to be worn or not could be based on a person's perception, depending on which side of the fence you were on. They left it open for scrutiny and conflict among employees and supervisors. By using the â€Å"Six Hats Technique, it would of allowed those in command to bring into the decisions making the employees that this issue will affect as well as their perception or biases in regards to the list of clothes. It would of allowed them to think the process more thoroughly as it is very hard to have a dress code with a diverse culture in our organization. To speak on behalf of the Dress Code Committee, it is very hard to try to please everyone. I feel that neither this decision making technique or any other technique used would of produced the perfect Dress Code List that would please everyone. This is one of those situations that you acknowledge you will be open to a lot of criticism. Because there is such diversity in culture, age, religious backgrounds etc., the perfect Dress Code List does not exist. Whatever technique was used in this decision making issue I feel was the best that they could do. Perhaps they should sign up for this course and learn how to frame the problem and learn to use better decision making techniques when making such an important decision that affects so many employees.

Luxury goods in China Essay

Life is getting harder for purveyors of luxury in China, but the growth prospects are still fabulous Jun 8th 2013 | SHANGHAI |From the print edition â€Å"IT WAS AN AMAZING GOLDEN AGE,† REFLECTS GUILLAUME BROCHARD OF QEELIN, A CHINESE jeweller. From 2007 to 2011 many luxury-goods firms enjoyed double-digit annual growth in China, which became their most important market. The first blows came last year, with an economic slowdown and jitters about the political transition. Now, a crackdown on corrupt gift-giving and a populist backlash against ostentation have added to the woes. The outlook for luxury-goods firms appears to have dimmed. Internet users have posted incriminating pictures, for example of poorly paid bureaucrats wearing suspiciously pricey watches, which have caused heads to roll. Mobs have also disrupted banquets deemed to be too lavish, on occasions forcing officials to their knees to beg for forgiveness. This has traumatised some purveyors of conspicuous consumption. Beijing Xiangeqing, an upmarket catering outfit that is usually highly profitable, plunged into the red last quarter. Sales of shark fin, the key ingredient of a soup served at fancy dinners, are down by around 70% year-on-year. Imports of bottles of Bordeaux costing more than $800 have collapsed. But look beyond the lavish public banquets and a more complicated picture emerges —AND NOT JUST BECAUSE DEVIOUS OFFICIALS ARE NOW THROWING THEIR EXTRAVAGANT PARTIES IN private. It is true that some luxury-goods firms are grappling with slowing demand in China: imports of Swiss watches, for example, fell 24% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2013. But Andrew Keith of Lane Crawford, a high-end department store that first opened in Hong Kong in 1850, reports no slowdown at his stores there or in Beijing. Burberry, a British fashion brand, enjoyed sales growth in China of about 20% in the year to March. Sales of private jets in China are still soaring. So what is really going on? It seems that China remains the biggest prize in the luxury industry, but the low-hanging fruit is gone. Luxury firms must now venture beyond the coastal cities where they have made easy fortunes, cultivate new types of customers and market niches, and experiment with new business models. It will be worth the effort. Despite the recent troubles, Bruno Lannes of Bain & Company, a consultancy, insists that â€Å"Chinese have become, and will remain for a long time, the most important luxury consumers. † His firm estimates that luxury sales in greater China (which includes Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) will grow by 6-8% this year, ? 2 ? ? 3 ? to exceed $35 billion, making it a luxury market second only to America. But even that does not tell the full story. China’s rich are travelling more and farther, and do lots of luxury shopping on their travels, especially in Europe, whose weak currencies encourage Chinese visitors to splash out. Measured by the nationality of the buyer, China is now the world’s biggest luxury market, and growing fast (see chart). Last year mainland Chinese took 83m foreign trips, up 18. 4% on 2011. Global Blue, a big tax-free-shopping firm, says its refunds to Chinese shoppers shot up by 58% last year to more than 24 billion yuan ($3. 9 billion). To make the most of this trend, firms need to rejig their shops worldwide. They need Mandarin-speaking assistants, VIP rooms big enough to accommodate large tour parties and payment systems that can handle Chinese credit cards. Philippe Leopold- Metzger, who runs Piaget, a Swiss watch and jewellery brand, says he regards the firm’s outlets in China itself more as showcases than profit-earners: half of his global business comes from mainlanders, but they mostly buy while on foreign trips. That said, there are still plenty of opportunities to expand sales inside China. Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook, the world’s largest jeweller, with over 1,700 sales outlets on the mainland, says their takings are continuing to grow. Any weakness is seen chiefly in coastal cities exposed to China’s struggling exports. In the interior, where locals are not yet used to foreign shopping jaunts, â€Å"middle-class incomes are still rising. † Luxury firms are having to adapt to this fragmentation in the Chinese market. Whereas flashy â€Å"bling† still sells to the new money in smaller, interior towns, globetrotters from the coastal cities are returning from their travels as more knowledgeable and demanding shoppers. Armando Branchini of Fondazioni Altagamma, the Italian confederation of luxury brands, says such customers look for more subtle and modern designs. Digitally challenged Over two-thirds of Chinese use the internet to research brands, but most luxury firms have pitiful digital strategies. One study found that luxury websites take four times as long to load in China as elsewhere (because most firms do not put servers inside China’s Great Firewall, which slows access to foreign sites) and rarely offer yuan prices or purchasing options. Mobile commerce is growing in China, but few luxury firms’ websites are optimised for mobile devices. As the tastes of rich Chinese evolve, business models combining local flavour and global savvy are emerging. Qeelin, recently bought by Kering, a French luxury house formerly known as PPR, is one example. Another is Shang Xia, a homeware label inspired by local crafts, launched in 2010 by Hermes, also of France. Under orders ? 3 ? ? 3 ? from the government in Beijing, foreign carmakers and their Chinese joint-venture partners are creating new, local brands: BMW will produce cars with the Zhinuo badge, and Mercedes will market new models under the Denza brand. So far, Chinese luxury buyers, especially of cars, have turned up their noses at domestic brands. But the hybrid brands may prompt them to reassess the â€Å"Made in China† label, says Michel Gutsatz of the China Europe International Business School. At a conference the school recently held, He Haiming of CCTV, China’s dominant national broadcaster, pointed out that â€Å"Made in Germany† and â€Å"Made in Japan† were also once derided, but are now marks of quality. As Europe’s luxury-goods firms grow from low-volume exclusivity to semi-industrial scale—thanks in large part to China’s voracious appetite for their wares—Mr Gutsatz argues that they â€Å"must think of economics† and consider manufacturing in China itself instead of mainly exporting to it. The business of getting wealthy Chinese to open their wallets is bound to go on evolving, but the opportunities for growth make it irresistible. From the print edition: Business.

Why I Am in College

Channy Dr. Broussard 02/19/2013 The reason why I’m in college is for to better myself by obtaining a degree in Elementary Education, to show my family that I can achieve a degree and for my children. I been out of school for twelve years so this was a big step for me. Trying to juggle college and working full-time is going to be a challenge. I am in college because it is the best way for me to get a high paying job.By going to school and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education I will be doing what it takes to accomplish my goals. Pie- In order to become a teacher, I’ll have to go to a four year university, pass the Praxis, and the state board. Illustration- The information one learns in college classes will prepare them to teach because it provides the framework for future knowledge and growth. Explanation- Getting a degree is important to me because it allows me to follow in my mother footsteps and teach young children.In order to become a teacher, I’l l have to go to a four-year university, pass the Praxis, and the state board. The information one learns in college classes prepare them to teach because it provides the framework for future knowledge and growth. If I do not acquire this information I will be unfit to teach in a classroom setting. Getting a degree is important to me because it allows me to follow in my mother footsteps and teach young children.

There are 2 Either one Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

There are 2 Either one - Essay Example Therefore, the people would need not to worry about their security and living. To begin with, the expression of freedom of rights was a progressive measure in the country (General Assembly of the United Nations 2). This did not only protect the lives of Americans, but also protected the lives of other people across the globe. For instance, many countries have emulated the universal rights in their constitution. This is to show solidarity in the world. This marked the end of an era where people’s rights would be infringed without a course of action from law enforcers. Previously, there have been judicial and unconstitutional killings and infringement of rights. Unfortunate, the perpetrators did not face justice. This was due to absence of a stringent and stipulated law that governed such activities. Progressively, with the declaration of human rights, such activities have been minimized. Similarly, in the past, citizens used to lose property through unexplained circumstances. T he epitome of leadership was in vast control, which gave the elites more power. This power and control was inappropriately used to devour the citizens of the country. Many people lost property since they had inapt fear and respect to the leaders. Under such circumstances, many people did not know what action to take in repealing their belongings. However, with the initiation and declaration of human rights, such instances are minimized. In the first article, it is explicitly stated that all human beings are born free with equal rights and dignity (General Assembly of the United Nations 3). This has enhanced the freedom of people as every person is regarded equal. Apparently, this has been a supporting clause for women who feel discriminated. Equality and equity is not based on gender. Since everyone is equal, this has been a point of focus to women in the society. Under such circumstances, it is hard to discriminate women or any other person in the society. For instance, disabled pe ople are equal human beings and should be treated equally. Since this is envisaged in the rights of human beings, there is equal treatment irrespective of physicality, gender and disability. In the previous years, race, ethnicity, language, sex, colour, religion and sexuality was used as a distinction. Such factors affected the world in the most negative way. The rights of marginalised groups were infringed without any course of action to rectify such situations. This led to a drift in the society as many people discriminated each other. As a fact, this led to eruption of tension and communal wars in the fight for supremacy. However, with the inauguration of the human rights, such situations are under control. This was a revelation to the many communities that were involved in communal conflicts. Since the human rights entitled everyone to their rights without any distinction, this would end all their conflicts (General Assembly of the United Nations 4). Without such an approach, th e world would still be experiencing the supremacy battles. In the past, slavery was a manoeuvre to enhance the economy of a country. Some countries noted that cheap labour was appropriate for enhanced economic development. As such, many people were slaves, offering fee labour. In some instances, slaves were executed by their owners. This was an inhumane treatment to equal human beings. Apparently, this was a heinous

Consumer behaviour assignment list Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Consumer behaviour assignment list - Coursework Example They are having their head quarter in the New York City. Aqua Gel Cleanser product will be having the features like it provides fresh and clean looks for the users. Exciting packaging and designing of the product will attract customers from various segments. Skin soothing policies of this cleanser are offered with cucumber, apple and aloe extracts. The cosmetic product is foam based product. Aqua Gel Cleanser is getting famous for the soap-free base and more skin friendly molecules. 1.2. Develop a tag line and a magazine ad (without the aid of a computer) by using creativity and not artistry. What can you build into your advertisements that will boost the chances that target audience members will take in the ad and send it along to short-term memory for processing? Are there elements in the ad that can be used to facilitate later retrieval of your message? Mainly, the cleansing gel products of Makeup Artistry Cosmetics will be facing closest competition from the Clinique and other Sephora products. Brand value of MAC increased due to extensive sensational makeup collection. MAC is adopting lucrative strategies to attract the customers towards cleansing products. Major aim of the advertising policies of MAC will adopt different features of the skin care gel. Nourishment factors of the MAC based cleansers and hydration quality aspects of cleaning skins are one of the major positive attributes of the new products. Features of more clearing and smooth facial skin provisions must be outlined in the advertising massage of MAC. In addition, MAC is offering more protection of the sensitive skins. Human skin will get more refresh policies with the use of such cleanser along with water. Advertisements of Aqua Gel Cleanser must have a proper tag line that will identify target audience and requirement of potential customers. Aqua Gel Cleanser will adopt the tag line of â€Å"hydra gel cleanser minimizing pores and smoothens skin

How lean management can be applied to a grocery retailer Essay

How lean management can be applied to a grocery retailer - Essay Example This is due to the limited resources; however, small businesses such as small grocery store can incorporate lean thinking in establishing a new business, expansion of the existing business or in placement of other branches in other regions. This paper discusses how a small grocery store owner can use lean thinking for the benefit of the business as well as of the clients. Generally, the application of the lean approach in the context of a small business such as a green grocery, allows the business to minimize its costs, minimize execution time, increase efficiency, reduce all types of wastes, as well as keep low inventories. Moreover, the approach contributes to attainment of customer satisfaction, enhancement of the general product quality as well as increase the management morale, in this case the grocer (Valentinova, 2015). The major objective of using lean retail is basically a commitment to the elimination of wastes. Some of the waste in the context of a grocery store include, excess supply that may result in the damage of the highly perishable products in a grocery. The grocer should ensure that the supply of products is directly proportional to the market demand. This reduces damage of some of the highly perishable products such as tomatoes, and kales. Moreover, the grocer should use preservative measures such as the use of freezers to preserve the perishable products. The owner should also ensure that the likelihood of defects of products is minimized to the lowest level possible. This can be ensured by taking all the required measures in the storage of products, for instance, while preserving perishable grocery products, the business owner should ensure that all the preservative measures are in place for instance, the refrigeration time, period and ensuring that the products are preserved in the best condition (Sen, n.d.). Moreover, the owner should avoid wastage of time

Professional paper (cloud computing for E-learning) Assignment

Professional paper (cloud computing for E-learning) - Assignment Example Cloud computing through its inherent property of being independent of resident platform or technology allows for the integration of multiple application and services under one single umbrella. It allows for sever virtualisation, thereby reducing the processing load on the end terminals with low configuration. As a result cost is drastically reduced The most important aspect of Cloud Computing Technology is the services that can be provided to end customers looking for an e learning solution or any other web based solution. Platform, Infrastructure and Software are provided by the services provider with the necessary customisation according to client requirements. Thus infrastructure, platform and software costs are drastically cut down allowing the client to only focus the core development of components that will run on the platform and use the infrastructure. Cloud computing vendors lease 4 services namely: Software as a service, Infrastructure as a Service and Platform as a Service . Cloud computing vend

Creative and effective curriculum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Creative and effective curriculum - Essay Example This brainstorm was done after guided reading. Children read in pairs about Viking shields and at the end they completed a brainstorm as a group and presented to the class. This brainstorm was done before designing the shield so that makes more sense and gives children ideas. Children benefit from this activity because they worked in pairs and groups (social skills), in the essay, this point can be extended Further, the teacher will provide a direction on the decoration by providing more information on the shapes, patterns, symmetry, tessellation and the use of a plan to remind the children of the designs. The students construct the longships on their own. In history, the approximate ratio of the longship’s length to the width was four to one almost the half the size of an egg carton. The construction should be carried out by at least two children. First, the children should cut the top half off the egg carton, as the bottom half will be the longships. The pieces left from the top portion will be glued over the leaks in the bottom portion of the carton. The item is then allowed to dry completely, and in the sink, water is allowed to flow and be filled close to a level of two inches. Demonstration of the longships during the Vikings age is carried out by floating the egg carton toy ship built by the students on top of the water in the sink. Further, items are placed on the egg carton to show weight. The weather conditions in Iceland and an explanation on the changes of the weather conditions in the country, particularly the fact that from early may to the end of July the weather conditions remain permanent daylight and that winters are have five hours of daylight from November to the end of January. (Feasey. 2007: 17)  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Teachers are expected to share lesson outcomes with the children†¦so that they may know the contents that they are going to receive†¦ and at the end of the lesson reflect on the success of the lesson†. Creative learning and

Energy use in developing countries ((In indea )) Research Paper

Energy use in developing countries ((In indea )) - Research Paper Example The countries that are under industrial revolution are three to four times less in energy consumption than the developing states. Energy supply is based on coal, whereby, the developing countries tend to rely on coal in conjunction with renewable energies rather than nuclear energy as gas and oil (Verma, 2008, P.124). Strategy documents for the reduction of poverty are hitherto under the control of the energy cooperation. Furthermore, there is framework strategy of cooperation that is; aspect in horizontal war where the basis is of two factors, reform of energy, and technology transfer. Moreover, there is demand-side and the supply-side cooperation. Diversification of energy is essential in that it enhances the use of different types of energy other than relying on the primary source such as gas, oil, and fossils. Long-term objectives are in place to guarantee the access of core energy servicing to individuals for a longer period of term (Anderson, 2008, P.87). Development plans of India should have horizontal energy integration in order to manage the long-term strategy. Furthermore, the institutional support should offer technical networking and assistance. The energy systems have several polluting factors that are alarming. They can cause harm to an individual, and if not put into consideration, its impact is massive. Some of the factors include; A-Bo, this contains elements like abatement, activism, and Addams that are harmful. In addition, there is air pollution which has hence put into propel the air pollution control act. Other factors might be br-co, co-ea, and the ec-fi factors. This is converter by a catalyst, the diesel dilution and lastly the electromagnetic fields, which usually cause harm to human era (International energy agency, 2009, P.2009). It is pertinent that the renewable energy and wastes forms about one fourth of energy use in India. Coherently

Lord Chesterfield Essay Example for Free

Lord Chesterfield Essay In a letter written to his son, Lord Chesterfield reminds him of his responsibilities that have been given to him and incites to his son of the ever crucial values that are held at a very high regard on his behalf. Lord Chesterfield hopes to steer his son back on the right path by reinstating what he considers to be the noble thing a gentleman of his son’s age should do. It is quite obvious from the letter that Lord Chesterfield is dissatisfied with the decisions his son has made while exploring his new found independence. Lord Chesterfield intends to bring reality back into his son’s view by saying, â€Å"I do not, therefore, so much as hint to you, how absolutely dependent you are upon me; that you neither have, nor can have a shilling in the world but from me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The value he is trying to show his son is responsibility and humility. His son needs to recognize that it is by his father’s hand that he is able to experience life and independence during this time and to be responsible enough to control himself and not waste this opportunity. Lord Chesterfield now prompts the importance of his son getting an education and the significance it can have on his life. In stating his opinion on education, Lord Chesterfield says, â€Å"Can there be a greater pleasure than to be universally allowed to excel those of one’s own age and manner of life? And, consequently, can there be anything more mortifying than to be excelled by them?† The use of rhetorical questions suggests the substantial amount of importance the value of education must mean to Lord Chesterfield. He hopes to prove to his son that having an education is worth so much more than the effort he is putting into it and that it will make his future easier in the business realm. The final point Lord Chesterfield intends to convey to his son is the eminence of experience. Lord Chesterfield starts off by saying, â€Å"I mean likewise to excel in the thing itself; for, in my mind, one may as well not know a thing at all, as know it but imperfectly. To know a little of anything, gives neither satisfaction nor credit; but often brings disgrace or ridicule†. Lord Chesterfield wants his son to be properly prepared for the social aspect of life. If you do not know what you’re talking about or have not experienced enough of life and you remain sheltered, then shunning and mockery may follow you wherever you go and that is what Lord Chesterfield aims to warn his son about. Lord Chesterfield’s entire purpose is to simply remind his son of his loving father’s expectations for him as a young man and also for very meaningful advice that will only better him for the future. He does not intend to teach his son new values but simply remind him of old ones that he’s been taught his whole life and the appropriate way of exploring his independence.

Knauf Corporation Case Study

Knauf Corporation Case Study The following assignment is a case study, in which we are going to analyze the Knauf Corporation worldwide, but mostly the operation of the business in the European countries. The objective of this assignment is, by analyzing the operation of the company inside Europe to be able then to recognize, whether we see a common strategy or if there are any differences on it. In the first part, there is a research about the organizational function and the activities of Knauf worldwide and mainly in the European environment, starting from the past until the year 2009, where you can see the latest actions of the company. In the second part I will concentrate my analysis regarding how the general strategy of the company is differentiated depending on the local requirements, laws, cultures, market potentials, etc. In the end of the assignment we will make an analysis of the Greek market in order a close idea about the business operation. 1. Companys history and profile Knauf Group is a multinational producer of building materials and construction systems based in Germany, in Iphofen, where the head quarters and the master plan are located. In Iphofen exists also the historical museum of the company. Knauf is a family name. The Company began its operations in 1932, when the brothers Dr. Alfons N. Knauf and Karl Knauf established the firm Gebr. Knauf. It was a difficult beginning and at this time, no one could have thought the future big development of the company. Knauf finally became a multinational producer of building materials and construction systems, operating with more than 150 production facilities worldwide. Today the company ranks among one of the worlds leading manufacturers of building materials. Knauf has a workforce of 22,000 employees in 40 countries and in 2009 the company achieved sales of 5, 5 billion Euros. The product portfolio varies from the traditional plasterboard to the production of conveying machinery for construction site logistics, including the segments of gypsum plasters for interior and exterior use, insulation materials made of glass fibers or expanded polystyrene. The wide-ranging assortment also includes some other very special products as gypsum fiber boards for walls and floors, as well as a variety of special ceiling systems. The final aim, which comes out from this wide range of products, is that Knauf Group always focuses its efforts in being the leader producer in the construction sector by fulfilling any requirement of the architects, planners, building developers, etc. A strong characteristic of Knauf is the continuous courage for visions, innovation and investments as well as simple decision-making processes and a wealth of ideas on the part of its personnel. Despite the fact that the company is so large the CEOs of the company Nicolaus and Baldwin Knauf insist that the company is a family business, since it is still managed worldwide by the second and third generation of the family Knauf. The company doesnt belong in any stock market and every investment is created by their own profits without loans from the bank or any other external fund. 2. Companys structure and operation Gypsum plasters (core selling material of the company) The Group started to go international as early as the beginning of the Seventies of the last century and the trend has continued until today. Today the Group produces and sells its products in all European countries. In the developed countries such as E.E. countries, Turkey, Russia etc., the company has production facilities. According to the market demand in some occasions there are two or even three plants, whereas in small countries as Cyprus for example, there is only a local branch and the market is supplied with materials from Knauf Greece. Furthermore, there are factories located in North and South America, in the CIS states, in Northern Africa, in China and in Indonesia. Insulation materials Whereas in earlier times the sectors of dry construction and here we mention plasterboard as the primary product and gypsum plasters were the traditional areas of activity of the Group, meanwhile the insulation materials segment has developed into a further mainstay of the Group. The foundation stone for this was laid in 1978 when a glass fibre manufacturing company in Shelbyville, USA, was taken over. Today the company bears the name Knauf Insulation USA and operates a total of four production sites in the United States. The production of insulating materials on the basis of glass wool and mineral wool becomes more and more important. For about 30 years, the company has gained experience in the production of glass wool in North America. Within the last 5 years, Knauf has acquired 10 glass wool and mineral wool factories throughout Europe and additionally built new plants in Eastern Europe and Russia. Emerging and acquisitions activities Focusing before some years in the developing strategy into further segments of construction, where Knauf didnt have experience, the Company needed the knowledge and the facilities of existed companies well known for their quality in their field. Some of them were bought from the group in order to serve all the local Knauf companies with the special products that theyre producing. Some of the companies that have been bought and managed now from the group are AMF, Danogips, Marmorit, Sacret, Richter Systems, Knauf Perlite, Knauf PFT, Knauf Alutop. EUROPAK3 Most of these companies are selling their products only via local Knauf businesses. The interesting point is that the group doesnt hesitate to change its policy according to the target groups, different distribution channels and market needs. Being more specific, for example AMF Company is operating as a different business in the local markets, who sells products to the local Knauf businesses, but also to several wholesalers for example. PFT Company, which is occupied in machinery equipment (totally different market segment), is also developing separately from the local Knauf businesses in the European markets in order to serve other distribution channels and target groups. Knauf insulation, which is a totally different company is as well acting separately in the markets and sell its products directly to wholesalers without local Knaufs help. In many occasions in the European countries they are also selling only via local Knauf businesses. An interesting history is about a merging that the group has made with its one of the biggest competitors. The company USG is the market leader in United States producing and selling the same range of materials. United States of America is too much mature market in constructing with dry wall systems. Knauf group realized a big gap before some years in their product variety. They didnt have a board suitable for exterior constructions. Then the idea came from USG that had been producing a cement board, which is the ideal product, if someone wants to construct exterior walls facades for example. Then Knauf group in order to gain the technical knowledge and experience in cement board market, has been cooperated with USG. They have created together a joint ventured company under the name Knauf USG Systems, which is an independent company located in Germany and its aim is to produce and sell cement boards in Europe, Middle East, and Africa but only via the local Knauf businesses. 3. Organizational structure Knauf local businesses are managed by CEOs that usually are locals. The Local CEOs are supervised by the regional CEOs who are usually coming from the Knauf family. The local CEOs are fully responsible for the local organizational structure. Usually there is the plant manager, a logistics manager, sales and marketing managers, IT managers, technical department and sales department. Depending on how big the market is, sometimes as in Greece for example the technical department is merged with the sales department, which is finally consisted from sales engineers. 4. Vision and Mission The Knauf vision stems from the model on which the company is based: From a family company to a family of companies  [i]  . Knaufs mission is to remain a family which will always include its employees, customers and consumers. The company mainly emphasizes its philosophy on the following: Sustainability, Ecology and economy. The company produces economic construction systems based on raw materials that come straight from the earth and are completely friendly to people and the environment. Plan innovations to meet tomorrows requirements. To be the market leader in the building materials industry Focusing in long term growth and continuous increase of companys value To be as good as the sum of its total employees. The company depends on its employees skills, efficiency and creativity. In that sense production plants are designed to be pleasant to work in, efficient and to ensure a conscientious approach to resources and the environment. Quality management is a key factor for the group 5. Knauf Business and Marketing Strategy model 5,1 DISTRIBUTION Knaufs general strategy is to sell their products only via wholesalers. These dealers can then sell products further to second hand dealers, contraction companies and technicians (Knauf system installers). This model can be changed if a local market is used to work with another way, as for example in Northern Africa countries. In Europe this strategy is generally followed. 5, 2 TARGET GROUPS If we follow the whole chain of construction industry, we all know that Architects are planning the projects which means, that theyre specifying materials (they create the demand). This means that they are the main decision makers in the construction chain. Contractors are taking over to complete the project, and the technicians as sub contractors they are installing Knauf systems. As you can easily realize, Knauf target groups are all the above mentioned groups. Companys concept, is to follow the projects from the early start of the planning until the final procurement. And that means, that they support all the phases of the construction by being present and service with technical support all the groups referred. In addition they focus a lot to the individuals (private investors). Individuals are Knaufs long term objectives, since they strongly believe that they are at the end of the day the basic mean of continuously adding value in the company and make their products even better known to the market. This sector is going to empower the already famous Knauf brand in the market, and of course the materials demand. 5, 3 COMMUNICATION PR ADVERTISEMENT In this paragraph, Im going to show you a small part of the general ideas regarding the companys marketing approach. Knauf in Europe proceeds in specific advertising actions to introduce its products variety in its all target groups. This marketing approach operates since the start of the company and it is already very successful. A very important thing in business is to follow up your customers. Thus, Knauf via its CRM system saves its contacts and post them direct mails. In addition they are also sending e-direct mails, as is the Knauf monthly newsletter or any other subject they would like to promote. Moreover, theyre participating in exhibitions which are usually taking place in the construction concept with target groups from architecture, planning, decoration, etc. Another way of advertizing is by creating inputs in magazines for architects, contractors and technicians. Except of magazines, they also make inputs in newspapers and daily free presses, so they could be able to approach also the individuals. TV spots, radio spots are as well important ways of advertising their systems. Knauf invests a part of each turnover to offer free advertising gifts to its customers. These gifts might be templates, banners, signs, flags, samples, vehicles and memorial gifts, all having as design the Knauf logos and the Knauf partner s logos as well. Local technical documentation and web sites are other ways to find information for the companys products. These documents are very well developed and they obviously offer an assured technical support to the customers. The corporation invests a lot in education regarding its systems installation. Every local business has its own training center where seminars are taking place in certain dates every year. Those who have participated in the seminars are taking in the end a Knauf graduate clarification that writes Mr à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ has successfully participated in the Knauf seminars the datesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ And this small thing makes them feel that they belong in a special group. Consequently they spread this idea to other people. 5.4 POSITIONING Knauf continues to increase a premium brand and separate its position against competition. Thats why the corporation always invests in developing new products and improving the old ones. 6. Gypsum Industry Market Analysis Europe The gypsum industry belongs into the broader industry of building materials. For the scope of our assignment we will only analyze the gypsum industry and especially the European Gypsum Industry as Knauf is mainly active into the European market. The European Gypsum Industry is characterized as a growing industry in comparison with the US or Australian Gypsum Industries which are already in the maturity face of their life cycles. With a turnover of over 10 billion à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬, the European gypsum and anhydrite industry operates 160 quarries and some 200 factories and generates employment directly to 28.000 people and indirectly for 85.000 people. It is one of the few fully integrated industries within the construction products field. Thirty years ago, the Gypsum Industry was made up of many small manufacturing enterprises mainly producing building plaster and stucco for local markets. The emergence and growth of the plasterboard and the plasterboard solutions market in the 1980s requiring high capital investments, equipment, RD and securing access to natural resources led to a consolidation process within the European Gypsum industry. Currently in the industry nowadays three main operators cover 80% of the gypsum product market  [ii]  . These are Knauf Group of Companies, BPB (British Pasterboards) and Lafarge. BPB, a UK based manufacturer, acquired by Saint Gobain in 2005 and organized within the Saint-Gobains Construction Products Sector  [iii]  and Lafarge, the well known building material manufacturer, established in 1833 in France initially as a limestone mining company  [iv]  . 6.1 PEST Analysis In analyzing the macro-environment via a PEST analysis, we can configure the environment which gypsum industry producers compete and identify the factors that might in turn affect a number of vital variables that are likely to influence the organizations supply and demand levels and its costs. The European building material industry is not that vulnerable to Political issues but into the Greek Construction Industry political issues arise more frequently as the support from the European Union funds have major role into Construction Industry growth rates. From 2001 till 2009 where more and more privately funded big real-estate projects were implemented the industry was growing very fast but the economic pressure that affects, for the last year, all companies and investors involved is slowing down the rates of the industry. In such critical times, most governments are identifying its policies with social and environmental care policies. Into the construction environment there is the need, more than any other time, of energy efficient buildings and construction techniques that exploit those advantages, and governments in assessing the socioeconomic impact of energy spending reduction are already subsidizing such constructions through government or EU fund raising. Technology i tself was always the main concern of producers in order to find ways of reducing their production cost as well as to invest in new RD fields, such as antiseismic technology, for exploiting the unique advantages of gypsum. 6.2 SWOT analysis European Gypsum Industry is a growing one and most European countries only now capitalize the advantages that gypsum offers as a building material. Gypsum is virtually indispensable for the interiors of homes and offices and all types of building where people congregate, such as schools, shops, airports, etc. Its superior performance in providing everyday comfort, in fire resistance and in insulation, heralds an ever greater role for it in buildings of the future. In fact, the safety and protection of people and property against fire, and effective thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings depends, more often than not, on the unique properties of gypsum. And many of the attractive features of the modern interior would be impossible without the versatility of gypsum as a building material. The gypsum wallboard industry is highly competitive. Because wallboard is expensive to transport, does not travel well in large quantities and lacks of product differentiation, producers compete on a regional basis, primarily based on price, product range, product quality, and customer service. The sector is highly competitive especially in Europe and North America with production mostly concentrated among few international players. The drywall solutions are seen in growing countries as a substitute for traditional construction solution like for example cement and brick and block constructions. The unique advantages that systems offered to the engineers made them a huge threat of substitute for the traditional techniques. But, soon the industry will be into the maturity face and new innovative and evolution building materials like magnesium or perlite have already started to threaten gypsums raising empire. The industry has to invest into new materials, new technologies and diversify towards innovative building material and construction system solutions. The capital investment that is required in order to enter into the gypsum industry is high. Equipment is expensive, know how is difficult to acquire, access to natural resources is prohibited and investment in RD is mandatory. That is why in very few years the European Gypsum Industry from the state of many locally situated small producers it transformed into an extremely concentrated market where three companies cover approximately 80% of the market. In global level the same concentrated situation is observed where 81% of the market is covered by 7 players (Georgia Pacific, Knauf, Lafarge, National Gypsum, Saint-Gobain, USG and Yoshino) The Gypsum Industry covers the whole life-cycle of the product. Indeed, the companies which extract the mineral gypsum also process it and manufacture the value-added products and systems. The full integration that characterizes the industry is a fact that removes any danger of suppliers bargaining power but at the same time it leads to higher production costs for the producer. The ownership of the gypsum reserves is a power game between the main competitors of the industry as it is at the same time a main clue of product differentiation and product quality resulting from the mineral gypsum purity. Gypsum reserves are now rare around Europe and that turned the producers to invent new technologies by producing synthetic gypsum mainly from fly ash which is a byproduct of energy production plants. The industry is mainly selling through an extensive dealers network in each country. Those dealers are commercial companies selling a series of building materials either to contractors or consumers. In Western Europe more mature markets dealership is also concentrated into few very big companies (Praktiker, Leroy Marlene, OBI etc) which due to its size and concentration they have already obtained a big bargaining power over the producers. Into the Greek market the dealers network is still based on small, unorganized depots with no special power over the industry but big retailers are already into the market and soon the situation will change. 7. Key Success Factors of the Gypsum Industry The following factors have played a major role in a gypsum companys prosperity: Cost advantages and economy of scale: The recent trend of acquisitions and mergers exploit potential cost advantages to be found in RD facilities serving global operations. They create larger and more diversified market focused organizations. All the top performing companies in the industry have faced, at least once, a major merger in the past. In 2005, BPB, one of the top 3 companies of the industry in Europe, was acquired by Saint Gobain which invested 5.9 billion à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬, for setting itself a step ahead from its major competitors in the building materials industry. Access to natural resources: As previously noticed, the Gypsum Industry covers the whole life-cycle of the product and producers strive for securing reserves all over the world. In that industry, due to the cost structure, privileged access to the raw material is vital for the companys growth. For that reason, companies started investing either in finding new ways of composing synthetic gypsum from several sources (e.g. energy plant waste) or by implementing systems for recycling their the products at the end of their life cycle (demolition waste). Differentiation through technical specifications and customer service quality: The main target for all producers is to offer a complete solution with their systems of products in order for engineers to be able to substitute traditional ways of building. They managed to specify with standard norms the use of the plasterboard walls, ceilings, floor or any other use as well as their technical characteristics like fireproof, sound insulation, thermal insulation etc. With the combination of professional sales and technical support as companies are using only engineers for sales reps with extensive and professional training, in order to serve customers and specify the systems in a market that is constantly gaining market share from the traditional construction methods. 8. Greek market analysis As we previously noticed, into the Greek market there is also one competitor to Knauf, Rigips Hellas (BPB) with one production site situated in West Greece. Both companies have their own reserves of the raw material close to their factories which are both situated into the same geographical area resulting to equivalent quality levels of raw material. A main difference is the production capacities as well as the plants sizes. Knauf operates a plant that was build from scratch in 1991 in Amfilochia, while on the other hand Rigips acquired some years after Knaufs establishment in Greece an old gypsum factory from a local producer. That explains the estimated difference in local production capacities for the two producers. Having the appropriate capacity levels, Knauf can control its production cost and overheads better than the competitors and therefore result to higher margin levels. Knauf from 1991 invested a lot of money for differentiating through technical specifications and customer service quality. In order to achieve that high level engineers were recruited and were extensively trained into Germanys headquarters. The experience and professionalism of the mother company was soon transferred into the Greek subsidiary and the company culture was quickly transformed according to the following: The future lies in the hands of talented and highly motivated employees. An important aspect is the family culture which prevails in the company: Learn from one another, hold together, pass on knowledge, assume the role of mentor, take fast and direct paths and press for special achievements  [v]  . In very few years, almost 10 professional engineers were covering all the Greek territory offering technical support to contractors, extensive training to installers and professional customer service to retailers. Rigips which was established a few years later used same techniques for expanding into the Greek territory but always by following Knaufs steps. That was something that reduces its cost for training the market into new building materials but cost them the reputation of the leader in the market. Knauf was and still is characterized as the leader industry in the gypsum market in Greece. Their competitive advantage in the market is the ability of its people to open the market, train the customers and lead to a new age in construction industry. All the above are mainly achieved by the following: A huge database of active engineers is informed once every month by direct mail regarding new and innovative solutions. Over 7.000 installers are trained for efficient installing drywall systems into Knaufs Training Centre in Amfilochia. Retailers are supported by professional sales engineer all over Greece. Finally, Knauf has invest a lot in marketing by extensive advertising into press, technical magazines, radio and TV, by providing signs to all its retailing network and by participating into all main fairs in Greece. Rigips havent tried to differentiate significantly from Knauf into the market. They have not invest as much as Knauf into penetrating and training the market and their main position in the market is to let the leader open the way and then to follow. The main differentiation point for the two companies was the price. Knauf is the leader and for that the customer has to pay a premium. 9. Strategic recommendations Conclusion As we saw in this assignment Knauf Corporation is developing in Europe with a certain way which is driven by the values, the culture, the ethics and the historical success model, that the family developed for their business. However, we also saw that several differences exist, depending on the needs and the culture of the local markets. Such differences for example could be the style of the management, the variety of products, the developing of the other corporate businesses and so on. Knauf family believes a lot in the different local adaptation of their business model and this is visibly proven from their willing and trust to choose local people as general managers to run the business in the countries. They invest a lot of money and efforts in order to find the correct person who is going to implement Knauf successful business style according to the local needs. Knauf group has proven its ability to penetrate, train and lead new markets. As a group it has a promising future as it is in line with the major key successful factors for the industry. Its competitive advantage is very strong and it is implemented into most countries in the world as it is into the Greek market. The industry is highly competitive and it is getting more and more concentrated. In order for Knauf to continue growing into such a competitive environment it needs to diversify its building material portfolio into more developing and profitable markets. Such a market is the insulation material industry in which the group recently invested by acquiring a lot of local producers in Europe and becoming the worlds fastest-growing insulation manufacturer with full ownership of its activities since 2002. Finally, Knauf should invest into countries that are structurally unexploited like for example in Asian or growing African countries initially by securing raw material reserves into strategic places.

Differences Between Travelling In Malaysia Cultural Studies Essay

Differences Between Travelling In Malaysia Cultural Studies Essay Malaysia has tropical climate. The weather of Malaysia is the hot and humid, subject to the monsoon rains. Malaysia has the warm days and fairly feel cool when the night (Climate: WHEN TO GO TO MALAYSIA,n.d). On average, the temperature hold at 86of of which is 30oc with the cooler temperature in the highland which the average daytime temperature year around at Kuala Lumpur which is 82of of 27oc.(Weather in Malaysia-Climate, Local Condition, and Recommend Clothing,n.d). The Kuala Lumpur has the well- distributed rain and fall in form of intense downpour at the afternoon when March and April and September and November but driest at the months of June and July (Climate: WHEN TO GO TO MALAYSIA,n.d). The north east monsoon is bring the maximum rains between October and February follow the east seaside of the Peninsular Malaysia which in the north east of Sabah and west of Sarawak(Climate: WHEN TO GO TO MALAYSIA,n.d). At there, the monsoon bring the rains when September until December(Cli mate: WHEN TO GO TO MALAYSIA,n.d). The humidity of monsoon of south- west seaside of Sabah is less than the north-east of monsoon(Climate: WHEN TO GO TO MALAYSIA,n.d). Besides that, the rainfall is more in the highland and arriving in the Maxwell Hill to 5000mm at year(Climate: WHEN TO GO TO MALAYSIA,n.d). Besides that, Malaysia has mountain, highlands, and coastal. The famous of mountain of Malaysia is Gunung Tahan. The highland in Malaysia is Cameron Highland. Japan has four seasons such as winter, summer, spring and autumn (Weather:n.d). The winter is occurring when December, January and February(Weather:n.d). When the winter season come, a lot of snows occur on the Sea of Japan side; but it dry on the Pacific Ocean side(Weather:n.d). That season was cold, had dry air masses from Siberia move down to the Japan, which is they meet to warm, moister air masses from Pacific(Weather:n.d). It will cause the huge snowfall which is on the side of country will faces to Sea of Japan. (Weather:n.d) The Pacific Ocean side of Japan receive the less snow but still it is cold weather but the big cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya have the winter with high in the single digit or above 0oc but at the low few degree(Weather:n.d). It will be the cold but these cold snaps will not be lasting when January and February(Weather:n.d). The summer time is June to augus(Weather:n.d)t. It will be warm and moist air currents from Pacific and it make the tempe rature and humidity is high(Weather:n.d). It also have the rainfall at the mid of May June which is lasting a few week that start at south and gradually work its way northwards(Weather:n.d). Spring is the time when sakura broken to bloom during between March and May(Weather:n.d). Sometime, the sakura start from Kyushu, the sakura zensen advance northwards and mostly pass to the main cities of Honshu in early of April(Weather:n.d). The autumn time is September until November which is the pleasant temperature and soothing colors(Weather:n.d). The autumn folige pattern reverses that of the Sakura and start in the north and sometime in october and peaking step over to the most of Honshu around the November(Weather:n.d). Besides that, The Japan mostly have rugged goround and mountanious(What is Japan terrain, nd). 2.2 People, language, religion, culture and others A) People language Malaysia Malaysia is a multi-racial country. There has many different races in Malaysia but the three major races in Malaysia are Malays, Chinese and India. The race in Malaysia is Sikh people. Besides that, east of Malaysia such as Sarawak and Sabah have their own races such as Iban, Kadazun, Kenya, Kelabit, Melanau, Bidayuh, Murut. Unlike Malaysia, japan just has the Japanese people. The different of mother tongue is based on their different of races. In Malaysia, the Malays mostly speak in Malays as their mother tongue. For the Chinese people in Malaysia, they speak mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese and Hokchius as their mother tongue and the Malay language as the secondary language. Besides that, the mother tongue of India people is Tamil and their secondary languge is Malay language. The Sikh peoples mother tongue is Punjabi and their secondary language is same as the secondary language of Chinese and India people in Malaysia. However, the English for all the races in the Malaysia is their third language. ii. Japan Japan just has the Japanese people. The language of Japanese in Japan is Japanese language and the English is their secondary language. B) Religion Malaysia Malaysia is multi-cultural society.There have the different region because there have different races. The religion of Malays people in Malaysia is Islam. The religion of Chinese people in Malaysia is Buddhism and Taoism. They have celebrated Wesak days. Besides that, the Hinduism is the religion of India people in Malaysia. Another religion is Sikhism which is the religion of Sikh. However, there are also having Chinese and Indian people who are Christians. The Muslim people have celebrate Hari raya Aidil Adha, Hari Raya Adilfitri. Japan For Japan, Shinto and Buddhism are the two majors of the religion (Religion In Japan,n.d). Most religion had made themselves in Buddhist, Shintoist or both. Shinto is the indigenous beliefs of that people and as old as Japan it(Religion In Japan,n.d). It still is the Japans major alongside the Buddhism(Religion In Japan,n.d). The shinto is means that theway of the gods and shinto god are called as kami (Religion In Japan,n.d).Shinto shines are the places of odore and the living places of kami (Religion In Japan,n.d). Besides that, the another religion is Buddhism(Religion In Japan,n.d). It follows the teaching of Buddhism(Religion In Japan,n.d). In the main branches of Buddhism, it is the mahayana which is called as Greater Vehicle. (Religion In Japan,n.d) C) Celebrations Malaysia There have many celebrations in Malaysia which is based on cultural. The examples are Chinese New Year and Moon Cake Festival is celebrated by the Chinese people in Malaysia. Besides that, the Sarawak and Sabah also have their own celebrations which is Keamatan Festival in Sabah and Gawai Festival in Sarawak. The traditional wedding is the kinds of celebration. For Malays people, the engagement (Malay Wedding Culture, Traditions and Custom, n.d) will be done. After the engagement, the henna- staining ceremony will be beginning three days after wedding (Malay Wedding Culture, Traditions and Custom, n.d). Next is the nikah ceremony which is religious solemnization of the marriage and take place on the wedding eve(Malay Wedding Culture, Traditions and Custom, n.d) and this rite is required by the Islamic and civic law(Malay Wedding Culture, Traditions and Custom, n.d). Finally is to be sanding which is the actual wedding day and it mean that sit together between bride and bridegroom on the bridal couch (Malay Wedding Culture, Traditions and Custom, n.d). For Chinese traditional wedding, they select the date of wedding and auspicious (Chinese wedding in Malaysia,n.d). Next step is bet horal gift or ceremony in order to meet their parent to agree and settle about their weeding (Chinese wedding in Malaysia,n.d) . That is known as grand money as mean that a token for the brides parent to let their daughter in order to marry to her groom.(Chinese wedding in Malaysia,n.d).t After that, hair dressing ceremony will be done. (Chinese wedding in Malaysia,n.d). India also has their traditional wedding and the east of Malaysia such as Sabah and Sarawak also have their own traditional wedding base on their dialect. Japan The celebration of Japan Japanese have celebrate the Japanese New Year.Another celebration is Seijin No Hi which is known as Coming of age day and it is the first holiday after the over of Japanese New Year(Japan Festival and celebration,n.d).This celebration is for all the women which is 20 years old as the legal adult(Japan Festival and celebration,n.d).Hina Matsuri is also the celebration of Japan which is called as doll festival(Japan Festival and celebration,n.d). It celebrated on 3rd March every year(Japan Festival and celebration,n.d). Cherry Blossom(Traditional Japanese Weddings,n.d) is one of the celebration of Japan and the Shichi Go San or 7-5-3 festival(Traditional Japanese Weddings,n.d). The wedding also the celebration of Japan. Firstly is the arragement of marriages which arraged by their parent(Traditional Japanese Weddings,n.d).Next is decide the date of marriage(Traditional Japanese Weddings,n.d).After they choose the date of marriage,they choose the ceremony location (Traditional Japanese Weddings, n.d)They will wedding at there. They wear kimono at the wedding ceremony(Traditional Japanese Weddings,n.d).After the ceremony,they welcomes the guest at the reception(Traditional Japanese Weddings,n.d). D) Culture Foods Malaysia Malaysia have many variety of foods which is Malay food, Chinese food, Indian foods and have nyonya foods (food in Malaysia,n.d).The Malay food mostly are popular for the Malays people in Malaysia .For examples, nasi dagang, sate, rendang, ketupat, laksam, fried chicken, nasi lemak(food in Malaysia,n.d). For the chinese foods, it mostly popular for the Chinese peoples. For examples, dimsum, seafood, mooncake which is for moon cake festival food in Malaysia,n.d). The Indian foods are mostly popular for the Indian peoples in Malaysia. The examples are chapati, canai bread, tandoori, nun and hot pork curry (food in Malaysia,n.d). For the nyonya foods, it is mostly popular by baba and nyonya in Melaka. For examples, nyonya assam curry fish, popiah brinjal curry, onde-onde, bubur cha-cha, nyonya fried rice (food in Malaysia,n.d). Besides that, there are also have the famous foods in Sabah and Sarawak. The examples is Sarawak laksa(the most famous food from Sarawak,n.d) which is the famous foods in Sarawak. Japan The Japanese food is most popular. The Japan food can be categorized into the rich dishes, seafood dish, noodle dishes, nabe dishes which is prepared into the hot pot, usually used at table and the ingredient are vegetable such as negi and hakusai which is called Chinese cabbage and other dishes(popular dishes,n.d). The examples of rice dishes are rice bowl, which is same time mixed with a raw egg and soya sauce which is called tamago kake gohan or natto or other tappings be enjoyed, sushi, damburi, onigiri, kare Raisu, Chazuke, kayu(popular dishes,n.d). The examples of noodle dishes are Saba, Udon, Ramen, Somen and Yakisoba (popular dishes,n.d). The examples of Nobe dishes are oden, sukiyaki, Shabu- shabu and Chonka Nobe(popular dishes,n.d). The examples of soya bean dishes are Yudofu, Agedashi Toufu and Miso Soup(popular dishes,n.d).The examples of Yoshoku dishes are korokke, Omuraisu, Aayashi Raisu, Hamubagu(popular dishes,n.d). The other dishes are tempura, Okonomiyaki, Monjayaki , Gyoza, Chawanmushi and Tsukemom.(popular dishes,n.d) Traditional music and dances Malaysia For Malays people, the popular music instruments are the aerophone such as the serunai, pinai, seruling and selumprit, flutes. (Traditional music dances,n.d) Besides that, it also has membranophone such as gendang, gaduk, gedombak, rebang, kompang, tar and jidor drum. . (Traditional music dances,n.d) In addition, it is also have idiophone such as the gong, kesi, canag, saron, kenong, gambang kayu and banang. . (Traditional music dances,n.d) Other type of instrument is chordophone such as the rabib. It also has the nabot which is special royal orchestra which is the nafiri, serunai, gendang nobat besar and kecil and gendang negara. . (Traditional music dances,n.d) The wayang kulit music also is the popular of type of music in Malays culture. The Malays traditional dances are joget, lilin candle dances, zapin, kuda kepang . (Traditional music dances,n.d) For Chinese peoples, their traditional music are erhu,guzheng, guqin, Xun, Pipa(music,n.d). The traditional dances of Chinese people in Malaysia are fan dances, dragon dances and lion dances which is performs when Happy Chinese New Year and launching ceremony of a business. The traditional music of India people in Malaysia are qawwali, Ghazal, Bhaja and Kirtan, Shabad, Bhavageete,Ganasangeet (Traditional india music,n.d). The traditional dances of India are bharata naytam and bhangra .The traditional dances at Sarawak are datun julud and ngajat and traditional music at there are sape(traditional dance and music,n.d). The traditional music of Sabah is Bungkau, Sompoton, togunggak, gong, kulintangan(SABAH TRADITIONAL MUSIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS,n.d). The traditional dances of Sabah are sumazau, sumayau, limbai , magunatip, adai-adai, daling-daling dances( abah traditional dance,n.d).The bhangra is also popular dances for Sikh people in Malaysia. Japan The traditional dance of Japan is Bon Odori. The dances that come around to be a welcoming for spirit of the dead (JAPANESE DANCE,n.d). This is performs during the Bon Festival(JAPANESE DANCE,n.d). Another is Kabuki which is the dance that done on stage and is a type of theatre(JAPANESE DANCE,n.d). The Noh Mai is other traditional dances of Japan which is the dance that is done to music that is made by flutes and large and small hand drums(JAPANESE DANCE,n.d).. Japan also has other traditional dances such as nihon buyo, sparrow dances(JAPANESE DANCE,n.d).. The traditional music of Japan is gagaku which is ancient court music from China and Korea, Biwagaku, Nohgaku which played during Noh, Sokyoku which is play with koto, types of zither with 13 strings. (Traditional music,n.d) F) Traditional clothes Malaysia The Malays man at Malaysia wear the baju melayu with a songkok on the head (Malaysia:Clothing, n.d) . Besides that, the men wear batik shirts with trousers but the malys women wears the baju kurung with wear the kurung on their head to cover their Hair(Malaysia:Clothing, n.d). The chinese women at the Malaysia wear the cheongsam (Malaysia:Clothing, n.d) and the traditional clothes for Chinese man is samfoo with the songkok. The traditional clothes of India women is sari and salwar kameez or punjabi suit and the kurta is the traditional clothes of india man (Malaysia:Clothing, n.d). The peranakan ladies as kown as baba and nyonya which is Chinese immigrant who is married with Malays partners (Malaysia: Clothing, n.d). They wear the elegant kebaya that can be described as the traditional high fashion (Malaysia: Clothing, n.d). Sabah and Sarawak also have their own traditional clothes such as the iban man wear the baju burung or the vest and sirat woven loin- cloth which is a warriors o utfit ( Traditional Costumes in Malaysian.d). They also have wear the accessories such as belt, armlet and anklet which is made from the silver and headgear to decorate with the hornbill feathers and the iban maiden wears the ceremonial dress which is consist of the bidang clothes, marek empang which is called chest adorment, the sugu tinggi headdress and other silver ornament such as the coil belt and bangles( Traditional Costumes in Malaysia,n.d). For kadazan people, the male of Kadazan wear a ceremonial costume which is usually for worn when they dance the Sumazau dance( Traditional Costumes in Malaysia,n.d). .It comprises of a jacket and trouserswith gold trimming and a woven destar clothes hedgear is called siga( Traditional Costumes in Malaysia,n.d).. The kadazan female is wearing a cereminial Kadazan Paper costumes made of the embroidered color and gold thread( Traditional Costumes in Malaysia,n.d). It is worn with headgear and made of bamboo a strip which is called the suing and silver coin belt( Traditional Costumes in Malaysia,n.d).. These clothes are mostly made from the velvet or silk( Traditional Costumes in Malaysia,n.d).. However, they wear the normal shirt, blouse, skirt or pants. Traditional clothes of Japanese Japan have their own traditional clothes. The traditional clothes of Japanese are Kimono(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d) which is the most famous in Japan. Another traditional clothes are hakama which is cosists of wide pleated of skirt(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d), junihitoe which is theworn only for the court ladies in the Japan(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d),yukata(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d), uwangi(Japanese Traditional Clothin g,n.d), footwear and sock(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d), zori(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d), geta(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d), waragi(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d) and sash obi(Japanese Traditional Clothing,n.d). 2.3 Natural beauty Malaysia In Malaysia, there are a lot of sights worth seeing by tourists such as islands, mountains, forest and so on. These natural beauties also can help our country earn more money from the tourists. For example, our country attracts more than one million tourists every year. Besides, this may also increase the reputation of our country and let others know our culture. (Personal preview) One of the natural beauties that attract many tourists is the island in our country. There are many tourists from other countries visit to the island on their holiday. There are also many islands in Malaysia such as Langkawi Island, Pangkor Island, Sipadan Island and so on. These islands are cover by virgin jungle, powdery with beaches and surrounded by sapphire-blue waters. The islands also have resorts provide exceptional services and facilities. (Cuti-cuti Malaysia) The most tourists like to bask when they visit to the island in our country. This is because the weather in Malaysia is hotter than their c ountries. They also enjoy diving and look the life under the sea. On the other hand, mountains also are one of the natural beauties. There was also got tourists like to visit the mountain in Malaysia such as mount Kinabalu, mountain Torq Via Ferrata, mount Trusmadi and others. (Virtual Malaysia) These mountains got more than 1200 species of flora and fauna and also have a lot of birds and animals. (Virtual Malaysia) Japan In Japan, waterfall is the most popular natural beauties and also is the tourism destination. There are a lot of beautiful waterfalls such as Mifune waterfall, Shiraito waterfall, Yasunotaki waterfall and so on. These waterfalls attract many tourists come to visit every years. (Joy site) The falls are particularly attractive in spring as the snows of the mountain melt. It also strengthens the flow. Besides that, mountain also is another natural beauty. There just only have several bird species which are danger of extinctin. (Japan Altas) Conclusion Travel is mean that a person move to another country from their own country in order to improve their own knowledge about that country. The travel also can make a person feel relax, release stress beside to improve their knowledge. Traveler can choose their any favorites country for travel besides travel at their own country. The travel can show the differences between their cultural, people and language. The travel also can show the differences between the natural beauty and tourist spot, religion and superstitious beliefs between their own country and another country. Therefore, different countries have their different famous building and places. Besides that, different countries also have culture, religion, beliefs, language and people. (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })() http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/mountain%20climbing-cat.html http://joyfujii.multiply.com/photos/album/28/The_Natural_Beauty_of_Japan_ http://web-japan.org/atlas/nature/nature_fr.html

Private Schools vs. Public Schools Essay -- Education

(Thrust for Educational Leadership 1999) wrote: Voucher proponents claim that public school educators could learn a lot from private schools and their "superior" practices and outcomes. However, a report from the non-partisan Economic Policy Institute has found that the most important variation between schools lays in the type of community in which they are located (affluent, suburban, inner-city), not whether they are private or public. Researchers conducted case studies of eight public and eight private elementary schools in California to determine whether there are any identifiable and transferable private school practices that public schools can adopt to improve student outcomes. They discovered: †¢ Private elementary school employees are not necessarily more accountable to parents than are public school personnel. †¢ Private school expectations for student outcomes are not more clearly defined. †¢ Private schools do not provide more meaningful evaluation, supervision or mentoring of teachers, nor are they more selective in hiring teachers than their public school counterparts. Private schools also did not necessarily have more flexibility in firing teachers. †¢ Private schools do not necessarily focus more on issues such as values and behavior. †¢ Private school innovations do not necessarily stimulate improved practices at the public schools with which they compete. The report found that inner-city private schools shared more characteristics with public schools in low-income communities than with affluent suburban private schools. Likewise, suburban public schools had more in common with suburban private schools than with urban public schools. The researchers conclude that the report's findings "could have importan... ...erybody can get on a team in a smaller school." Similarly, a child who needs more individual attention might benefit because "it can customize a child's experience a little more." Finally, I think it is up to each parent to establish what is best for their children. Some children need more attention than others and they learn better in smaller classrooms. What ever route you choose make sure your children are getting a good education. References (1999). Differences between public, private schools overstated, study finds. Thrust for Educational Leadership, 29(2), 4. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Lawrence, L. (1997, April 28). The pros and cons of public vs. private schools. Christian Science Monitor, p. 12. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database

The Fall of the House of Usher :: Essays Papers

The Fall of the House of Usher The story starts out with the narrator riding up to an old and gloomy house. He stresses that the overall persona of the house is very eerie. The reason he is at this house is because he received a letter from an old friend by the name of Roderick Usher. Roderick and the narrator were intimate friend at a young age but they had not spoken to each other in several years. The narrator examined the house for a great time as he rode toward the house, he noticed that the house had been severely neglected over time. That the house’s beautiful woodwork and Gothic type of architecture have not been maintenance to any degree since he had last seen it. When he arrived at the home the servant who took his hoarse and directed him to the room that Mr. Usher was in greeted him. Inside the house was also very ornate, but it to had also been left alone for to long. The entire house had a gloomy atmosphere that would put a chill down most people’s spines. When he entered the room his friend was staying in he was warmly welcomed. He could not believe the changes that his dear childhood friend had endured. Roderick was very ill for he was not able to do many things. He could only listen to certain types of sounds, eat certain foods, and he could only look at certain things. Together they to loved to read books of Gothic natures that only added to the ora of the house. Usher had a great collection of books but his favorite was the manual of the forgotten church. Roderick’s sister was also very ill with something that was never diagnosed. In the first few days of the narrator’s visit Ethelred died. She was put into a casket and then the two men carried her to a vault that was below the narrator’s room. Several night later the men noticed sound coming from the vault and went down to investigate. They began to read to each other again, but Roderick paid no attention.

A Report of Acer

Acer India (Pvt) Ltd. [pic] An Internship Project Report on â€Å"Study of Brand awareness of Acer in Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore† JANANI SESHADRI In partial fulfillment of the Master’s Program in Business Administration, Ohio University, Athens, USA OHIO University Christ College Academy for Management Education Christ College Campus Hosur Road, Bangalore-29 May14th, 2007 DECLARATION I Janani Seshadri here by declare that the project entitled â€Å"Study on the awareness of the brand Acer† at Acer India Pvt. Ltd. , is an original and genuine work carried out under the guidance of Mr. Darryl Gray from march 12th to April 25th 2007 in partial fulfillment for the Ohio University Christ college academy for management education. I declare that the report submitted by me is a bonafide work of my own effort and it has not been submitted to other university or published any time before. Place: Bangalore Date: 03-07-2007 Janani Seshadri ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Thanks to God for showering his blessings and for granting me the chance and ability to successfully complete the summer internship program I had taken up. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to ACER INDIA Pvt. Ltd. , head office Bangalore for giving me this valuable opportunity in doing my internship amongst them in their esteemed organization. I would like to extend my special thanks and gratitude to Mr. Rajendran general manager marketing for giving me this opportunity. Also I would like to sincerely thank Mr. S. Raghu marketing projects and Mr. Darryl Gray marketing programmes for their genuine support, valuable advice and sincere comments which helped me a lot to accomplish this project. This internship would not be complete without the support and guidance of our Director Mr. Shivprakash. I also want to express my gratitude to the official referees and the project coordinators Dr. Amalendu Jyotishi and Mr. Girish (Ohio University Christ College) whose valuable comments and valid criticism helped me in refining my project from the draft stage to this final report. I also want to express my thanks to Prof. Venkatesh Bhagwat (Ohio University Christ College) for assisting me in the data compilation and analysis which helped me a lot in fine tuning my report. I cannot forget the assistance and encouragement that made this work possible towards the end. My special thanks to my co-student and dear friend Mr. B. Venkata Ramana who supported me throughout my Internship project with his valuable suggestions and ideas which helped me to approach my project wisely and accomplish it successfully without which I could have not completed my work efficiently and effectively. His consistent help kept me motivated throughout the internship period. Last but not the least, my endless thanks and gratitude goes to my parents Mr. S. N. Seshadri and Mrs. Sasikala Seshadri who has stood by my side, encouraged and given me moral support at all points of time. I would also like to thank my brother Mr. Koushik Ram for all his support and advice. Thank You! EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Marketing is an activity present in all companies where marketing strategies determine the outcome of the products and the company itself. To test to see if marketing is successful, it is necessary to measure where the company was and where it is now. This can be carried out with tracking studies monitoring the market position and changes to the brand image over time or, for particular campaigns, measuring pre- and post- event to see what has changed. This is project report is a market survey study to check the Brand awareness of Acer and thereby figure out the measures that can be implemented to lift the current level of awareness. This study is based on the data collected from the (customers) people regarding their awareness of the PC vendors in the market today then zeroing it into the brand Acer. The means of collecting data were through personal interviews, distributing the questionnaire, and online survey questionnaire. Also observation during the interviews helped a lot in the analysis. To facilitate the analysis of the study I concentrated in two different segments which were based on the demographic segmentation (occupation-Students, working profile and SME) and geographic segmentation (places-Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore). Acer stands number four behind Dell. The visibility and awareness for the brand Acer among people is average. About 20% of the people have not heard about Acer. Moreover on an average about 55% of the segmented people perceive Acer to be a national brand in collaboration with Wipro India (Wipro Acer). The perceptions on few product parameters were also measured which resulted in a good quality, fair or average service, and good affordable price, fair performance and good features. Though Acer has the highest network of retail outlets less number of people has actually visited them. Comparatively HP has more number of visits. Lenovo though being a new entrant in the market has already made its place. There is a tuff competition being faced by Acer with Lenovo. All these things finally zero into average awareness of the brand and the awareness which is already there is also through word of mouth, so this may lead to negative or positive propagation of the brand. The data (300 samples) was compiled in SPSS and analyzed with respect to the two categories of segments. Acer is number one in Europe and other countries globally. Considering the primary data available Acer India is one of the youngest players in India. It has performed very well in the recent years (2001 to 2006). In the past five years it faced a tremendous steady growth rate of about 49% in India. Therefore though the awareness amongst people was not all that good Acer still lies in the area where if prompt and good advertising strategies were formulated and implemented the awareness will lift to a great extent. TABLE OF CONTENTS ? PREFACE7 ? ABOUT THE COMPANY 1. Back ground – Acer India8 2. Growing with time – milestones9 3. Product portfolio and key features11 ? PROJECT ? RESEARCH DESIGN METHADOLOGY17 1. Research task17 2. Research tool17 3. Research nature17 4. Research scope17 5. Analysis19 6. Findings53 ? CONCLUSION63 ? SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS64 ? APPENDIX65 PREFACE THE BRAND increasingly is becoming the key source of differentiation that guides customer purchase choice. It is the focal point around which an organization defines how it will uniquely deliver the value to the customer for a profit-effectively embodying the â€Å"heart and soul† of that organization. The brands promise is delivered through its products and services, and consumer communication- the total consumer relationship and experience. The act of creating public awareness of a specific brand in order to maximize its recognition, successful brand awareness strategies should define a company's uniqueness and set it apart from competitors. Quite simply, if potential customers do not know about a company, they will not purchase from it. Therefore, one of the preeminent goals of any business should be to build brand awareness, although in as cost-effective manner as possible. Consumers tend to make purchasing decisions based on peer recommendations and direct experience, as well as traditional advertising methods. This is why it is necessary to build brand awareness strategies out by instilling trust among consumers. This trust must be achieved through credibility, rather than just a catchy advertising campaign. Promotional marketing involving a one-to-one component is proving increasingly effective at building trust and acquiring new customers. Brand building begins with awareness. Consumers first must be aware that there are different brands for the product they want to buy even before making a purchase decision, for which visibility is very important to create awareness. BACKGROUND – ACER INDIA Acer India was incorporated in September 9, 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc. , the world’s No. 4 PC brand. Acer’s mission in India is to translate the group’s goal in making computer technology easier to use and more affordable-to everyone in this country. In shot span, Acer has managed to bridge the gap between product launches worldwide and in India and also offer fresh technology without any inventory backlog. Headquartered in Bangalore, today Acer India has offices in twelve cities including Ahemedabed, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur,New Delhi, Pune, Secunderabed and has its uniload facility in Pondicherry. I has now a customer base of over 180,000 in India. There are over 125 human resource team in India comes with over 700 man-year of IT experience, geared to listen and provide to the IT user in India the very best in sales & marketing support, after-sales support backed up with infrastructure to bring fresh technology to India. GROWING WITH TIME The history of ACER starts from a long way back making its steps of success in every step it takes. 1976-1983 Commercializing microprocessor technology Acer is founded under the name Multitech Designs Taiwan’s first mass-produced compute for export. Becomes the first company to promote 16-bit PC products in Taiwan 1984-1994: Build brand awareness and globalize Acer Peripherals, now known as BenQ corp. , and Multiventure Investments Inc. established Acer beat IBM with 32 bit PCs Acer Inc. launches IPO Acer creates the world’s first 3865x 33 chipset Acer introduces the world’s first dual Intel Pentium PC Acre introduces Chip Up technology, the world’s first 386-to-486 single chip CPU upgrade solution 1994-2004: Transform from manufacturing to services Acer introduces the world’s first dual Intel Pentium PC Aspire Park, acer’s multifunctional high-tech intelligence park inaugurated Acer launches Aspire, the multimedia PC, creating a new bench marks for home computers Acer re-engineers its OEM unit to create Wiston Crop. , an independent design and IT manufacturing company Acer reveals a new generation of e-business: MegaMicro e-Enabling Services Acer notebook ranked first in Western Europe. 2004: Acer wins awards in all product categories AC 713 rated the best performance Monitors Altos G 520 Server gets Digit Best Buy Gold Award Veriton 7600 rated the Editors Choice TravelMate 292 LCi rated Best Performance Notebook KEY SUCCESES IN 2005/2006 2005 †¢ World’s no. 4 total PC and notebook brand, with highest growth rates among the top five. †¢ No. 3 for total PCs in EMEA. †¢ No. 1 notebook in EMEA. †¢ No. 1 notebook across 13 European countries: France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. †¢ No. 3 notebook in Asia Pacific, with highest growth rate among top ten. †¢ No. 1 notebook in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. †¢ No. 1 for total PCs in Taiwan. †¢ Enjoyed highest growth rates among the top-10 vendors for total PCs and notebooks in the U. S †¢ No. LCD monitors worldwide. †¢ No. 3 notebook worldwide 2006 †¢ World’s no. 4 total PC and notebook brand, with highest growth rate. †¢ No. 3 for total desktops WW †¢ No. 1 notebook in Europe and ASEAN block PRODUCT SUITE Powered To Perform Few IT companies offer the breadth and depth of products tha t the Acer Group does. Acer is the only PC vendor in India that has a product for each market segment-be it a large corporates, the SME, SOHO or even the corner office enterprises. The product line includes a broad array of personal computing products segmented under the desktop, laptop and server categories. Acer India Pvt. Ltd. has a vast product portfolio. The four main product categories are as follows 1) Desktops 2) Notebooks There are many more sub- divided products under each different product variety. Those are as follows: DESKTOPS In the desktop segment, Acer’s product range spans the SOHO segment, corner office, manageable desktops, SMEs, STPI etc. this makes Acer the only PC Company that offers such a wide range. Most other companies have products that are not distinct, and overlap each of these segments. Acer Aspire Series Desktops built to cater to a growing demand in the home segment. Acer’s continuing commitment to bring technology closer to our customers has resulted in a core technology that is now integrated into our entire product range. Acer’s Empowering Technology presents users with friendly and intuitive interface by presenting a single key and following a simple â€Å"123† process, gives fast and easy access to cutting-edge hardware and software solutions. Veriton Series Ideal for enterprises large or small, Veriton PCs are built for peak performance, with security features, proven system reliability, and convenience offering that amplify productivity and perfect business sense. The current desktops range are as below with a wide variety of product line. ASPIRE V820 The fastest dual core DT from Acer, the Aspire V820 is powered by a latest Intel Pentium D 820 (2. 8 GHz); is configured with 256 MB RAM for powerful performance; features a DVD/CD-R/W combo drive; comes fitted with a 80 GB SATA HDD for ample storage space; connects to a set of functional speakers for the multimedia experience; offers a 56 Kbps fax/modem port and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for flexible connectivity; and, displays vide a 17†³ CRT monitor for comfortable viewing. COMMERCIAL MODELS: Acer Power (945GZ) The Acer Power 945GZ offers users’ high end features like Gigabit LAN and PCI Express X16 technology at value for money prices. Acer Power M8 Acer becomes the first in India to commercially launch the new Socket AM2 based AMD products offering the power of DDR-II SDRAM on AMD platform. Acer Power 335 Acer Power 335 is the Entry level product for customers looking for Value machine with complete specifications Notebooks Acer was among the first to build notebooks with Intel Centrino mobile technology, liberating users to work witj wireless environments, offering wireless mobility for the new age road warrior. Acer’s laptops have revolutionary features that offer an astounding battery life, thermal management- more than nay other laptop offering. Acer TravelMate Series A range of the world’s most award wining notebooks, Acer TravelMate is designed to empower enterprises SMB and SOHO users with the ultimate in mobile computing performance. Available at every possible price point, and offering unmatched value through innovations like Disc Anti-Shock Protection System, Smart Card Security, and high-speed wireless capability to name a few. Acer Ferrari Series This is the result of the victorious partnership with Scuderia Ferrari; the Ferrari series of notebooks sport the patented Ferrari-Black& Red color, and offers sheer performance that’s truly worthy of Ferraris passion and Acer’s technology. The various types of products in the notebook series are showcased below. TravelMate 2420 Series Rich entertainment with long lasting mobility Driven by an Centrino @ 1. 7GHz Processor, 14. 1†³ Wide Screen XGA TFT Screen, 6-cell battery and wireless 802. 1b/g connectivity for long lasting mobility, the TravelMate 2428NWXCi is extremely rich in features. This trendy notebook is packed with Centrino Mobile technology, dual-channel memory, 60 GB huge storage- giving users everything they need for work and play – for unrivalled value! KEYFEATURES †¢ Pure portability- Weighing just 1. 40 kgs and measuring the size of an A4 notepad, the TravelMate 3000 is easy to take from one meeting to another †¢ Centrino with 915 Chipset- The TravelMate 3000 adopts the new generation of Intel ® Centrinoâ„ ¢ mobile technology- Sonoma Platform (915 hipset) †¢ Phenomenal battery power- Another first in the industry, Acer has bundled two batteries with the TravelMate 3000, delivering full-day performance for on-the-go users. †¢ Acer GridVista, an innovative software utility, boosts convenience and efficiency. Especially useful for making the most of 12. 1†³ WXGA wide-aspect LCDs, Acer GridVista automatically resizes open application windows to fit the screen, simultaneously SERVERS In the server category, Acer dominates the entry and mid level space, which actually constitutes 90% of the total server market. Acer offers everything from basic data storage to full fledged enterprise solutions. Acer Altos Series Commercial users and enterprises derive unmatched value from Altos Servers and storage solutions. These ranges of servers accentuate reliability and manageability features, along with unrivalled flexibility in terms of implementation. For business applications that demand high performance, high availability and more flexibility, Acer Altos rack-mounted servers provide the ultimate solution. Under this type of product there are a large number of differentiated products. Some of which are as given below KEY FEATURES Scalability and Performance: Provide excellent performance and scalability beyond 40TB in a highly cost-effective SATA-based package for small companies. †¢ Consolidation: Reduce the number of storage systems, maximize storage utilization, improve storage administrators’ productivity, and lower management costs. †¢ Application QoS: Dedicate cache to specif ic applications and volumes to enhance performance. †¢ Configuration Flexibility: Dedicate to specific mission-critical applications, deploy as part of a first SAN in small enterprises, or integrate into a tiered storage infrastructure for rchive, backup, or tape replacement in larger companies. Peripherals Acer Handheld PDAs These support a variety of mobile platforms and operating systems, giving customers easy access to their critical data. Streamlined and fashionable, Acer handhelds are available in both standard and wireless models for both work-related and personal tasks – any time, any place. Acer Displays Acer offers a rainbow-spectrum of devices that suit all kinds of working environments and user needs, including TFT and LCD monitors, optical drives, projectors and multi-function drives. Acer Projectors Acer's projectors bring you an incredible investment to satisfy all home entertainment and business needs. There are three different peripherals the Acer India Pvt. Ltd. is focusing on. They are the LCD monitors, the CRT monitors and the projectors. Some of them are explained below: LCD monitors: Acer AL900 Series – LCD Monitor Benefits: †¢ 500:1 contrast ratio – For strikingly vivid images †¢ Wide viewing angle – Allows more enjoyment for more people †¢ Quick response time – Offers dynamic graphics and advanced animated games †¢ VESA wall mounting – Allows easy mounting Kensington lock – Secures your monitor from theft †¢ Built-in speakers – For freedom from bulky boxes †¢ Auto-scale – Gives full-screen display †¢ Auto-adjustment – Provides self-adjusting screen settings †¢ True color support – Renders picture-pure viewing PROJECTORS: There is a wide product range in project ors section which comprises of 1) Acer PD115 2) Acer XD 1150 3) Acer XD 1170D 4) Acer XD 1270D 5) Acer PD113 6) Acer PD725 7) Acer PD523 8) Acer PD523 All these have a common display system working with called the DLP system, and also all these products have the capacity of displaying 16. 7 million colors. They mainly vary in their computer compatibility, video compatibility, projection lens, projection screen size (diagonal), projection distance, lamp life etc. RESEARCH DESIGN METHODOLOGY Research task: Study the brand awareness of Acer India in the cities Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore focusing on the segments students, SMEs and working profile. Research nature: This project is a complete market research. Market research is the only function that relates or links the organization to its market and in turn to its customers by first studying the consumer behavior which then helps in proper planning accordingly. This is the valid information which allows the organization to identify and define the market related opportunities and problems. This information allows for the generation, refinement and evaluation of marketing activities. Regular market research and thorough study of the consumer behavior towards a company’s products permits the organization to be on par with the changing consumer attitude towards their products. It thus facilitates monitoring the marketing performance and improved understanding of marketing as a business process. Research scope: The scope of this market research can be divided into two major divisions which include Demographic segmentation: In demographic segmentation, the market is divided into groups on the basis of variables such as age, family life cycle, gender, income, occupation, education, religion, race, generation, nationality and social class. Here the survey was taken by dividing the groups on the basis of age and occupation. The three main segment groups were college students, working profile (first and second job people) and the Small and Medium Enterprises (taking 40, 40 and 20 respectively). The age factor was also set to be between18 to 40 and throughout the survey care was taken about the age limit. The data was collected from college students belonging to professional, agricultural, textile and arts background. To name a few the different colleges include PSG tech, Kumara guru college of technology, Alliance business academy, Indian Institute of Planning Management, Ohio University Christ college, Loyola college, Crescent Engineering college, Agricultural university( Coimbatore). This variety was chosen so as to find out if any new market segment or untapped market can be spotted. The working profiled people also includes professionals from companies like Accenture, Oracle, Travel Guru, Roots, Pricol, Numeric power systems and so on Geographic segmentation: Geographic segmentation calls for dividing the market into different geographical units such as nations, states, regions, countries, cities or neighborhoods. The survey was carried on in three different cities namely Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore. This was done in the intension of collecting information from two first tier cities where a large population already uses laptops and desktops. This was done to study the variation in the behavior and attitudes of these people and their inclination towards branded PC vendors. The choice of the two tier city Coimbatore was to study the perception of the laptops and desktops and their usage in the people’s mind. Also the perception of the different brands was noted with the main concentration on Acer products. This was done with the intention to explore the potential market there and their requirements. Research tool: The research instrument used was a structured questionnaire covering the areas that lead to the solution of the objective. This includes measures like Acer’s market penetration, its visibility in comparison with other brands, awareness to their advertisements and promotions, the customer media habits, their perception towards Acer etc. Data compilation and analysis methodology: The sample size of three hundred was integrated and compiled in software called Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). This is comprehensive statistical software that includes the capabilities for data analysis, data management and programming which enables the analysts in generating decision making information quickly using powerful statistics. ANALYSIS BASIC ATTITUDES AWARENESS CHECK: 1) Channel through which Acer was first heard Geographically The means through which people came to know about Acer for the first time was noted. This helps in reengineering the channel that can be adopted to penetrate market. [pic] (Sample size 100 per city) TAB 1 Parameters/ |Friends/relatives/ |TV |Newspaper |Magazine |Internet | |Segments |Associates | | | | | |Coimbatore |33% |11% |9% |9 % |10% | |Chennai |27. 3% |11. 1% |18. 2% |7. 1% |9. 1% | |Bangalore |27. % |13. 1% |17. 2% |19. 2% |8. 1% | Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) TAB 2 |Parameters/ |Friends/relatives/ |TV |Newspaper |Magazine |Internet | |Segments |Associates | | | | | |Students |33. 1% |16. 1% |12. 1% |12. 1% |8. % | |SME |21. 4% |7. 1% |19. 6% |14. 3% |10. 7% | |Working profile |30. 0% |9. 2% |15% |10% |9. 2% | BRAND VISIBILITY CHECK: Geographically Awareness of a brand can be created only when it is made visible to the people and especially to the potential customers. The three segments considered here shows varied visibility of the brand Acer. [pic] (Sample size 100 per city) TAB 3 |NO Visibility |Low visibility |Average visibility |Good visibility |Very good visibility | |Coimbatore |36% (36) |19% (19) |20% (20) |18% 18) |7% (7) | |Chennai |34. 7% (34) |17. 3% (17) |23. 5% |17. 3%(17) |7. 1% (7) | | | | |(23) | | | |Bangalore |12. % (12) |30. 1% (28) |21. 5% (20) |30. 1% (28) |5. 4% (5) | Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) TAB 4 |Parameters/ |No |Low |Average |Good visibility |Very good visibility | |Places |visibility |Visibility |Visibility | | | |STUDENTS |32. 8% |15. 6% |23. % |20. 5% |7. 4% | |SME |27. 5% |23. 5% |19. 6% |23. 5% |5. 9% | |WORKING PROFILE PEOPLE |24. 2% |27. 5% |20% | 22. 5% |5. 8% | ADVERTISING AWARENESS–Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100 each) Awareness towards Acer’s promotional activities [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) TAB 5 Parameters/ Places |Seen Acer advertisements Seen Acer | | |Promotions | |Coimbatore |51% 9% | |Chennai |53. 5% 16. 2% | |Bangalore |62. 6% 33. % | The advertisements and promotional activities which come under the bottom line projects were checked if it contributed to the awareness. The Acer advertisements were noticed by most of the people in all the three cities. But still on an average almost 50% of the crowd has not seen Acer advertisements which create a lot of gap for the brand in reaching people completely. The promotions which Acer conducts were also not noticed much by the people. On an average more than 70 to 80% of the people do not have any idea of the promotional activities done by ACER. Demographically Awareness towards Acer advertisements and promotional activities [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Awareness of promotional activities [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) TAB 6 |Parameters/ occupation |Seen Acer advertisements Seen Acer Promotions | |Students |63. 7% 22. 6% | |SME |44. 6% 12. 5% | |Working profile |53. % 20. 0% | THE MEDIA HABITS Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100 each) Demographically TAB 7 |Parameters/ occupation |MEDIA—TV MEDIA– | | |NEWSPAPER | |Students |65. 3% 50. 8% | |SME |46. 3% 42. % | |Working profile |61. 7% 65% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Media habits—newspaper Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100 each) Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Media habits—Magazine Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) [pic] (Sample size 100) TAB 8 |Parameters/ occupation |MEDIA—Magazine MEDIA– | | |Internet | |Students |37. 9% 15. 3% | |SME |21. 4% 16. 1% | |Working profile |45. 8% 33. 3% | Media habits—internet Geographically [pic] Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) 4) Visibility check through the number of visits to the retail outlets: Geographically This check is mainly done to measure the visibility by the frequency of visit to Acer retail outlets. The brand HP has the highest hit for the customer visit to retail outlets. Very less number of people has visited the Acer malls (the retail outlets) in all the three places. On an average much less than 10% of the sample have visited the Acer malls, which is very less to the 40% visit rate to the HP retail outlets. pic] (Sample size 100 each) [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Purchasing decision – evaluating the product: Geographically Since the awareness rate differs between different cities the purchasing decision and the evaluation of the products may also vary. Before the purchase decision occurs there is a stage called the evaluation stage where people compare and examine the products of the brand they are aware off which finally leads to the procurement of the product. [pic] (Sample size 100) TAB 9 |Parameters/ |Word of |Comparing |Media Checking |Seeing demo | |Places |Mouth |Specifications | |Offer | | |Coimbatore |32% |71% |28% |22% |32% | |Chennai |25% |62% |27% |22% |32% | |Bangalore |38% |52% |26% |22% |28% | Means That Facilitate the Purchasing Decision – Demographic Segmentation Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Purchasing decision can be influenced by a lot of factors which can totally change the buying pattern itself. When analyzed here on the basis of the demographic segments the inferences and major findings were as follows STUDENTS – †¢ 35. 5% through comparing specifications †¢ 12. 1% word of mouth & checking specification. †¢ 5. 6% checking offer & checking specification. 5. 6% checking & media. SME – †¢ 10. 7% Checking specification& comparing specifications †¢ 10. 7% comparing specif ication †¢ 8. 9% word of mouth †¢ 8. 9% word of mouth & checking specification †¢ 8. 9% word of mouth and checking offer WORKING PROFILE – †¢ 20% comparing specification †¢ 12. 5% checking offer & checking specifications. †¢ 11. 7% checking specification & media †¢ 9. 2% word mouth & checking specifications BRAND PERCEPTION Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100) TAB 10 Parameters/ Places |Acer perceived as an MNC brand | |Coimbatore |62% | |Chennai |67% | |Bangalore |71% | Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) TAB 11 |Parameters/ |Acer perceived as an | |Segments |MNC brand | |Students |42. % | |SME |17% | |Working people |40. 7% | Rating the parameters concerned with the products of Acer Geographically Some parameters linked with the product of Acer were also asked to rank like quality, price, service, features and performance. Rating quality pic] (Sample size 100) TAB 12 |Parameters/ |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Place | | | | | | |Coimbatore |3. 1% |19. 4% |35. 7% |15. 3% |10. 2% | |Chennai |1% |11. 2% |43. 9% |18. 4% |12. % | |Bangalore |4. 3% |23. 7% |47. 3% |14% |4. 3% | Demographically Rating quality TAB 13 |Parameters/ |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Segments | | | | | | |Students |4. 1% |22% |42. 3% |13% |8. % | |SME |2. 0% |18% |38. 0% |22% |8. 0% | |Working profile |2. 5% |13. 6% |44. 1% |16. 1% |9. 3% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) On an average all the three segments feel that the qualities o f Acer products are good. This comes around 41. 5% of the population. Rating service [pic] (Sample size 100) TAB 14 |Parameters/ |Poor |Fair |Good Very good |Excellent | |Places | | | | | | | Coimbatore |7. 1% |25. 5% |36. 7% |13. 3% |1% | |Chennai |3. 1% |26. 5% |39. 8% |16. 3% |1% | |Bangalore |2. 2% |32. 2% |33. 3% |25. 6% |O% | Rating Acer’s service Demographically TAB 15 |Parameters/ |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Segments | | | | | | |Students |5. 0% |33. 1% |35. 5% |16. 5% |0% | |SME |4. 0% |46% |30% |20% |0% | |Working profile |4. % |33. 4% |27. 3% |18. 8% |1. 7% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Rating price Geographically TAB 16 |Parameters / |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Place | | | | | | |Coimbatore |2% |17. 3% |35. 7% |26. 5% |2. 0% | |Chennai |2. % |12. 4% |32. 0% |33. 0% |8. 2% | |Bangalore |4. 3% |9. 7% |28% |36. 6% |15. 1% | [pic] (Sample size 100) Rating price Demographically Tab 17 |Parameters/ |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Segments | | | | | | |Students |1. % |14. 6% |39. 8% |28. 5% |5. 7% | |SME |4. 1% |16. 3% |22. 4% |34. 7% |12. 2% | |Working profile |3. 4% |10. 2% |28% |33. 9% |10. 2% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) RATING PERFORMANCE Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100) TAB 18 Parameters / |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Place | | | | | | |Coimbatore |2. 0% |10. 2% |33. 7% |29. 6% |8. 2% | |Chennai |2. 0% |7. 1% |37. 8% |34. 7% |5. 1% | |Bangalore |3. 3% |30. 4% |22. 8% |34. 8% |2. % | Rating performance Demographically TAB 19 |Parameters/ |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Segments | | | | | | |Students |3. 3% |16. 3% |39% |28. 5% |3. 3% | |SME |4. 0% |12. 0% |26. 0% |38. 0% |8% | |Working profile |0. % |17. 1% |26. 5% |35. 0% |6. 0% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) RATING FEATURES Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100) TAB 20 |Parameters / |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Place | | | | | | |Coimbatore |2. 0% |10. 2% |38. 8% |21. 4% |11. 2% | |Chennai |1. % |3. 1% |41. 8% |29. 6% |11. 2% | |Bangalore |5. 4% |20. 7% |30. 4% |28. 3% |8. 7% | RATING THE FEATURES Demographically TAB 21 |Parameters/ |Poor |Fair |Good |Very good |Excellent | |Segments | | | | | | |Students |3. 3% |13. % |45. 5% |22. 8% |4. 9% | |SME |2. 0% |10% |22. 0% |36% |18% | |Working profile |2. 6% |10. 3% |34. 2% |25. 6% |12. 8% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) DEGREE TO WHICH ACER PRODUCTS ARE RECOMMENDED Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100 each) TAB 22 |Parameters/ |Def. not |Not sure |Probably not |Would probably |Would def. |Places | | | | | | |Coimbatore |1% |38% |10% |42% |9% | |Chennai |2% |38. 4% |8. 1% |42. 4% |9. 1% | |Bangalore |6. 1% |19. 2% |7. 1% |51. 5% |16. 3% | Demographically TAB 23 Parameters/ |Would def. not |Not sure |Probably not |Probably would |Def. would | |Segments | | | | | | |Students |4% |36. 3% |10. 5% |45. 2% |4. 0% | |SME |1. 8% |23. 3% |3. 6% |53. 6% |17. 9% | |Working profile |2. 5% |32. % |8. 3% |40. 8% |15. 8% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) On an average 46. 5% of the people would probably recommend Acer products to his/ her friends/ associates or relatives. About 30. 7% of the people on average are not sure if they would recommend and around 12. 55% of the people would definitely recommend. Demographically—consideration set for Acer desktops Frequency of peopl e having Acer in their consideration set †¢ STUDENTS – 31. 5% were sure that while making decisions they would consider the Acer products. SME – Around 50% of the people would consider Acer while making purchase decisions †¢ Working profile – About 41. 7% of the people would consider Acer during purchase decisions. [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Acer notebooks in the consideration set Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100 each) TAB 24 |Parameters/ Places |Acer desktops |Acer notebooks | |Coimbatore |35% |56% | |Chennai |36. % |55. 6% | |Bangalore |46. 5% |52. 5% | Demographically [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) †¢ STUDENTS – 47. 6% were sure that while making decisions they would consider the Acer notebooks. †¢ SME – Around 58. 9% of the people would consider Acer notebooks while making purchase decisions †¢ Working profile – About 59. 2% of the people would consider Acer notebooks during purchase decisions. P reference set—Acer desktops Geographically Acer’s share in the preference set of the people TAB 25 |Parameter/ |First preference |Second preference |Third preference | |Places | | | | |Coimbatore |10% |30% |60% | |Chennai |9. 4% |28. 1% |62. 5% | |Bangalore |17. % |41. 2% |41. 2% | [pic] (Sample size 100 each) TAB 26 Demographically |Parameter/ |First preference |Second preference |Third preference | |Places | | | | |Students |60. 6% |33. 3% |6. 1% | |SME |46. 2% |38. 55 |15. 4% | |Working profile |48. 8% |34. 1% |17. 1% | [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) Preference for notebooks: Geographically [pic] (Sample size 100 each) TAB 27 |Parameters/ |First preference |Second preference |Third preference | |Places | | | | |Coimbatore |10. % |57. 9% |31. 6% | |Chennai |12% |36. 0% |52% | |Bangalore |27. 3% |29. 5% |43. 2% | Demographically—Acer notebooks in preference set [pic] (Sample size 40, 2 0 and 40) TAB 28 Parameter/ |First preference |Second preference |Third preference | |Places | | | | |students |52. 8% |30. 6% |16. 7% | |SME |45. 5% |36. 4% |18. 2% | |Working profile |39. 4% |44. % |20. 9% | FINDINGS The general attitudes and awareness of the brand Acer is analyzed Channel through which Acer was first heard of: Geographically †¢ People came to know about Acer products and brand to a greater extent from friends/ relatives / associates which contributes to about 30% in each city on an average. †¢ Newspaper awareness contributed to around 14. 8% and magazine contribution was around 12%. Demographically †¢ Students came to know about Acer through friends /relatives / associates which contributed about 33. 1%. About 12. % each through newspaper and magazine. Nearly 17. 8 % of the people have not heard of Acer. †¢ SME came to know about Acer through friends / relatives and associates to about 21. 4%. Newspaper contributed to about 19. 6% and magazine to about 14. 3% to the awareness of Acer for the first time. 25% of the people have not heard about Acer. †¢ Working profile about 30% contribution was due to friends / relatives / associates. 15% contribution by newspaper. About 23. 7% of the people have not heard of Acer. Brand visibility Index: Geographically †¢ The visibility index from the analysis is Coimbatore – 2. 41 Chennai – 2. Bangalore – 2. 65 This indicated that Acer as a brand lies between low and average visibility zone. Demographically †¢ The visibility index is Students – 2. 54 SME – 3. 45 Working profile – 2. 58 This indicates that Acer has low visibility for the student and working profile segment. It has average visibility in the SME segment Awareness towards Acer advertisements and promotional activities: Geographically: †¢ On an average 55. 6% of the people have seen Acer advertisements taking all the three cities in to consideration. †¢ Acer promotional activities were not noticed in a very negligible pattern. Coimbatore – only 9% of the people have noticed an Acer promotion. †¢ Chennai – around 16. 2% have seen Acer promotions †¢ Bangalore – about 34. 3% of the people have noticed Acer promotional activities. Demographically Acer advertisements †¢ Students – 63. 7% has noticed Acer advertisements †¢ SME – 44. 6% has noticed Acer advertisements †¢ Working profile – 53. 3% has noticed Acer advertisements Acer promotions †¢ Students – 22. 6% has noticed Acer promotions †¢ SME – 12. 5% has noticed Acer’s promotional activities †¢ Working profile – 20. 0% has noticed Acer’s promotional activities Number of visits to Acer retail outlets (in the past six months): Geographically Coimbatore †¢ On the whole HP has the highest count of about 44% †¢ Visit to Acer retail outlet is 1% Chennai †¢ Again HP being the highest with about 33. 3% of visit †¢ About 6% of the people visited Acer retail outlets Bangalore †¢ HP with 21. 2% is again the highest hit. †¢ About 19. 2% visit to Acer retail outlets. Demographically Students †¢ On the whole HP has the highest count of about 44% †¢ Visit to Acer retail outlet is 1% SME †¢ Again HP being the highest with about 33. % of visit †¢ About 6% of the people visited Acer retail outlets Working profile †¢ HP with 21. 2% is again the highest hit. †¢ About 19. 2% visit to Acer retail outlets. Measures that people undertake before their purchase decision—evaluating the product Geographically Coimbatore †¢ 71% purchases occur by comparing specifications †¢ 50% purchases also happen by comparing specification and checking offers †¢ 32% word of mouth Chennai †¢ 62% purchases occur by comparing specification. †¢ 45% purchases through comparing specification and checking offers. †¢ 27% through media †¢ 32% seeing demo Bangalore †¢ 52% comparing specification †¢ 38% word of mouth †¢ 30% comparing specification and checking offers †¢ 26% through media Demographically †¢ Students – 35. 5% of the purchases through comparing specifications 12. 1% through word of mouth 5. 6% each through checking offer and comparing specifications †¢ SME – 10. 7% of purchase through comparing specification and checking Offer 10. 7% only comparing specification 9% each through word of mouth & checking offer, word of mouth & Checking specification and checking specification and seeing demo. Working profile – 20% of the purchase through comparing specification 12. 5% through checking offer & comparing specification 11. 7% checking specification & media BRAND PERCEPTION CHECK: Perception linked with the brand name: Acer is still perceived to be in collaboration with Wipro. So it is giving a perception of a national brand amongst most people. Geographically †¢ Coimbator e only 62% of the people are aware that Acer is an MNC †¢ Chennai 67% had the awareness †¢ Bangalore 71% of the people knew that Acer is an MNC. Demographically †¢ Students – only 42. 5% perceive Acer as an MNC SME – only 17% of the SME perceive Acer as an MNC †¢ Working profile – 40. 7% perceive Acer as an MNC. Perception on the product parameters An index is got from the analysis which gives the quality index in the three different cities. This is done on a scale of 1 to 5 indicating where the parameter actually lies. †¢ Quality Geographically Coimbatore – 2. 56 Chennai – 2. 84 Bangalore – 2. 65 From the above data it is clear that Acer quality vice it lies in the fair zone but far towards good. Demographically Students – 1. 9 SME – 2. 8 Working profile 2. 72 Students perceive Acer’s quality to be fair. Both SME and working profile perceive Acer’s quality to be good. †¢ Service Geographically Coimbatore – 2. 22 Chennai – 2. 41 Bangalore – 2. 42 From the above data it is clear that Acer quality vice it lies in the lower fair zone. Demographically Students – 2. 43 SME – 2. 38 Working profile – 2. 05 The weighted average shows that the service of Acer perceived by the three different segments is invariably fair. †¢ Price. Geographically Coimbatore – 2. 55 Chennai – 2. 87 Bangalore – 3. 06 From the above data it is clear that Acer quality vice it lies in the fair zone in Coimbatore and far towards good in Chennai. In Bangalore price vice perception for Acer is good Demographically Students – 2. 9 SME – 2. 69 Working profile – 2. 9 The data above shows that the price of Acer products is perceived to be good invariably in all three segments. †¢ Performance Geographically Coimbatore – 2. 77 Chennai – 2. 88 Bangalore – 2. 60 From the above data it is clear that Acer quality vice it lies in between the fair and good zone. Demographically Students – 2. 82 SME – 2. 98 Working profile – 2. 86 The data shows that the performance of Acer products is perceived to be in between fair and good but more inclined towards good. Features Geographically Coimbatore – 2. 75 Chennai – 3. 01 Bangalore – 2. 71 From the above data it is clear that in Coimbatore and Bangalore Acer quality vice it lies in between the fair and good zone. In Chennai it lies in the good zone. Demographically Students – 2. 829 SME – 3. 22 Working profile – 2. 92 The data shows indicates that students and working profile perceive the features of Acer products to be in between fair and good. The SMEs’ perceive the features of Acer products to be good. Degree to which Acer products are recommended Geographically Taking the weighted average mean into consideration and rating the different parameters on the scale of 1 to 5 people feel that †¢ Coimbatore – 3. 2 †¢ Chennai – 3. 15 †¢ Bangalore – 3. 49 The respondents feel that they would probably not recommend Acer products to their friends / relatives / associates. Demographically †¢ Students – 3. 05 †¢ SME – 3. 625 †¢ Working profile – 3. 35 Students and working profile people feel that they would probably not recommend Acer to their known ones. SMEs response lies in between probably not to probably would and more inclined towards probably would. Checking if Acer desktops falls in the consideration set and in the preference set Geographically †¢ Coimbatore – 35% people considers Acer desktops while they are considering buying one. But when it narrows down to the preference set out of the 100 respondents only 30 respondents’ preferred Acer desktops and their preference level in the scale of 1 to 3 is 1. 5. This represents somewhere between third and second preference. †¢ Chennai – 36. 4% of the people have Acer desktops in their consideration set when they are to buy desktops. But it comes to the preference set the response is 1. 68 in the scale of 1 to 3. That is it somewhere between third and second preference. †¢ Bangalore – 46. 5% of the people consider Acer desktops when they plan for a purchase but their preference level in a scale of 1 to 3 is 0. 629. That is even below third preference. Or could be taken as a few people prefer Acer desktops as their third preference. Demograph ically †¢ Students – 31. 5% of the people feel that they would consider Acer desktops when they go for a purchase. Out of which when it comes to the preference set only 33 responses were there. In the scale of 1 to 3 it lays around 1. 5 which indicates their preference lies between third and second preference. †¢ SME – Around 50% of the respondents would consider Acer desktops while they decide a purchase. In the preference set only 13 responses where there and their preference lies between third and second preference more inclined towards second preference. †¢ Working profile – About 41. 7% would consider Acer desktops when they go for a purchase. Out of the consideration set only 41 responses preferred Acer desktops. Their preference lies between third and second preference (1. 68) in the scale of 1 to 3. Checking if Acer laptops falls in the consideration set and in the preference set †¢ Coimbatore – 56% people considers Acer laptops while they are considering buying one. But when it narrows down to the preference set out of the 100 respondents only 19 respondents’ preferred Acer laptops and their preference level in the scale of 1 to 3 is 1. 789. This represents somewhere between third and second preference. †¢ Chennai – 55. 6% of the people have Acer desktops in their consideration set when they are to buy laptops. But it comes to the preference set the response is 1. 6 in the scale of 1 to 3. That is it somewhere between third and second preference. †¢ Bangalore – 52. 5% of the people consider Acer laptops when they plan for a purchase but their preference level in a scale of 1 to 3 is 1. 8. That is even below third preference. Or could be taken as a few people prefer Acer desktops as their third preference The preference fro an Acer laptop, on the whole is between third and second preference and more towards third preference. That for Acer laptop is also between third and second preference but inclined more towards second preference. Demographically †¢ Students – 47. % of the people have Acer notebooks in their consideration set out of which only 36 people have it in their preference set and their ranking for preference in the scale of 1 to 3 is 1. 638. this indicates that their preference lies between third and second preference inclined towards second preference. †¢ SME – 58. 9% of the respondents say that they would consider Acer pr oducts but their preference level in the scale of 1 to 3 is 1. 7, heading towards second preference. †¢ Working Profile – 59. 2% have Acer in their consideration set and their preference level in the scale of 1 to 3 it lies at 2. 1 indicating that working profile people have Acer notebooks as their second preference. CONCLUSION The awareness of the brand Acer is average which is due to the low visibility of the brand to the customers. There is not enough advertisement and promotional activities that is undertaken to boost the brand. There must be a lot of investment made make the brand more visible. This will help the brand to build itself strong. The channel through Acer became aware to many people is through word of mouth. But to some extent even through internet and newspaper. There must be another research conducted to check if the word of mouth propagation is ctually causing a positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement. There are about 20% of the people who ha ve not heard of Acer. The amount of advertisements and promotions that we undertake is also comparatively low and it is not being noticed much. This is in turn affecting the visibility of the brand compared to the other brands that really pump a great amount of advertisements even being a new entrant in the market. This also is leading to the relatively low number of visits to the Acer retail outlets though having the highest network. Acer is also being perceived still as a national brand which is in collaboration with Wipro. People are not sure if Acer is an Indian or a foreign brand, which actually creates a wrong vibration in the purchase decision chain of the customers. SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS First thing that we need to do is change that perception and project ourselves as an MNC with the Indian emotions filled in it. We need to target our customer segment properly and advertise our product and brand We must focus on the other means of throwing light on the band like TV commercials, internet banners and magazine printed ads because the amount of people with media habits as TV, newspaper, internet is really huge. Acer has to be made awareness first regionally and then nationally. †¢ Tying up with educational institutions will increase the awareness and also the leads. †¢ Acer needs to redefine its target segment as to which is potential. The segment suggested is SMEs and college students. †¢ Acer needs to set its target properly and focus Advertisements to hit them especially the TV commercials. †¢ Designing gift offers and vouchers with the product also will help a lot to draw the attention of the customers. †¢ Online banner Advertisements can be designed and can be displayed on the widely used sites especially in messengers like Yahoo and Google talk. Popup inviting users to participate in online survey can be designed and implemented so that the perception of the people can be known periodically. †¢ Huge hoardings with the endorsed celebrity can be designed and put o places where are forced to see such as in the signals, near direction boards, outside famous malls, on road dividers etc. †¢ Service and support is one factor which has to be worked out properly. †¢ Providing good incentives and schemes to the dealers as Acer in India will help a lot as it is still a push product. †¢ Sponsoring for big events like the filmy events which happen and also sport. APPENDIX Dear Respondent: I am a student of Ohio University, Christ College carrying out a research project titled brand awareness and consumer perception of the branded PC vendors. I request you to kindly fill in this questionnaire. All the information provided by you will be strictly confidential and will be used only for academic purposes. Please put a tick mark or circle the bullets where ever necessary. 1. Do you own a Personal Computer / Notebook? Desktop Yes If yes, which brand? ____________ No Notebook Yes If yes, which brand? ____________ No 2. Which brand would you prefer to buy while buying a desktop or notebook? (HP, Lenovo, Acer, Dell Inc. Toshiba) 2. (a) Desktop ( rate your preference) |Rank | 1 |2 |3 | |Brand | | | | |Reason | | | | | | | | | 2. (b) Notebook ( rate your preference) Rank |1 |2 |3 | |Brand | | | | |Reason | | |