Benefits Of Scenario Planning And Systems Thinking Business Essay

Benefits Of Scenario Planning And Systems Thinking Business Essay Scenario Planning Introduction Today, organizations are increasingly affected by the growing uncertainty from the macro-environment.. In recent years, it is very common to see some organizations suddenly get into a recession or even fall into crisis because of some changes of external factors. These companies have one thing in common, that is, they all fail to take into account the future. And now a powerful tool which used largely by businesses to solve this problem Scenario planning. It is a tool which can help organizations think about the future , grasp the trend to look for new profit growth in an uncertain future, help decision makers reshape the mental models and find the correct direction of the future.( Bill and Ian , 2008 ) In order to make us have a better understanding of scenario planning, the following issues will be discussed: Benefits of Scenario Planning, difficulties of implementing scenario planning, PEST Analysis over the period to 2030, risks and opportunities organisations will face and the action plans. Benefits of Scenario Planning Scenario planning is a tool of strategic decision-making that does not focus on accurately predicting the future, but is a process that creates a number of possible futures that are credible yet uncertain (Schoemaker, 1995). There is no doubt that companies can gain benefit from scenario planning, and here are the several strengths of scenario planning. Systems thinking By using the scenario planning manager can have a systems thinking. Like smart chess players always think clearly and have a variety of possible scenarios in the next steps , the scenario planning can provide manager a preventive mechanism , before problems occur, manager can deduction the possible scenarios based on a series of logic and empirical facts through the business acumen and the immediate perception, seeing trends in the evolution of things ,shape and the impact of changing trends in the structure. (Mbalib,2007) In addition,through scenario planning, managers can use systems thinking, take into account the various factors which they think will influence the decision to make a overall well-depth analysis, and to avoid narrow personal bias. The optimal allocation of resources Using the scenario planning , companies can predict the possible future scenarios, so that managers can be more aware of the external environment and their companys status and future directions therefore they can match internal resources to external environment to allocate the resources more effective and rational. Risk Reduction: Scenario planning help us understand today better by imagining tomorrow , it is good to help organizations deal with the future uncertainties by aware of the weak signals and let them get better prepare to handle new situations to keep business alive and flourishing. Difficulties of implementing Scenario planning Scenario planning as a business tool which is aim to help organizations make right decisions, reduce risk, save time and maximum profit. Though the aims of organisations who adopt the scenario planning are the same, there are many inherent difficulties for organisations of differing sizes in implementing Scenario Planning for the first time. Usually, all the company will faced with these difficulties: Cost The costs of scenario planning really depends on the numerous variables such as the organization size, timeframe of the scenarios, teams and those partnering in the strategic planning process and methods of analysis and data collection involved in the planning process Time To make an accurate predictions of scenario is very time-consuming. Usually, scenario planning could take around 6 to 12 months for some organizations engaging in depth, multi scenario planning. Data and information from different sources have to be collected and interpreted which makes scenario building even more time-consuming. Resources Scenario planning need to use various resources, in addition to money, with the propose of forming a scenario management team it need the external experts to cooperate with internal staff, whats more, it also need the companys data resources from different departments. Small companies For a small business, such as self-employed and partnerships, they generally just have a short-term plan with the goal of maximum profits, and usually make decisions relatively easy just simply focus on cost, price and output decisions. As for a small business, they has few competitors and the external business environment is relatively stable and certain which has little effect on their business. Since the first time implementing scenario planning, companies may not well aware of the real needs of the company, though they do not need a complex scenario planning, do not need to have such high sensitivity of external influences, do not need such resources, technical staff they may still spend too much time and money on it which will increase the costs of company and may not take advantage from scenario planning. Large, multinational companies With the turbulent external business environment and the increasing competition it is necessary for large, multinational companies to adopt Scenario Planning in order to survive and prosper. Although large companies have abundant resources or access to the necessary resources in terms of expertise, time and money, there are still many inherent difficulties for organisations in implementing Scenario Planning for the first time. How far ahead should organizations predict The time horizon for scenarios must be short enough to create scenarios that are probable, but long enough for us to imagine that important changes with an impact on the future business can take place. (Lindgren, M. and Bandhold, H. (2003))How long should organizations take into consider ,it is a vital issue. With the accelerated pace of world change, the further predict, the more complex. More aspect need to consider, and the predictions are less accurate. However, if the prediction of the time too close it will not achieve any effect. How many scenarios For a company it is not necessary to say that the more scenario planning the better future of the company and of course, it make no sense of the company development if company has too little scenario planning. All the scenario planning need to prepare action plans and corresponding measures, have too much scenario planning not only take times and waste money but also may increase the operational costs of the company, however, if with few scenario planning it cannot help company predict the future to avoiding the risks PEST Analysis over the period to 2030 Today, due to increasing concern for sustainable development, global economic competition and technological advances ,change is happening faster than before which increased the business uncertainty . For this reason, scenario planning has been unprecedented attention. In order to make the correct prediction of what might happen in the business environment over the period to 2030 , it is important to have an understanding of what are the key drivers of external change .The best way to do this is to monitor and analyze trends and scan the current environment. There is a particularly useful tool -PEST (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) analysis can help organization to identify the different forces. http://www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/tools/scenario-planning/trend-analysis Political: BRICK adding new memberSouth Africa. BRICK expanded five-member bloc known as the BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China, and, for the first time, South Africa. (Mainichi,2011) The expansion of the BRICS have a great impact in the western business environment over the period to 2030. Since BRIC countries are facing a great historical opportunity for development, their development will bring a significant impact on the global economy and global structure .According to the global economic report of Goldman Sachs: (Dreaming with BRICs: The Path to 2050), BRICs will guide the world economy in 2050 coquettish. And BRIC has been trying to expand its influence which make the western countries have to be careful to look at the next step plans of these emerging economies . In addition, more and more international investors are divide their asset allocation according to the BRIC. And ONeill, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, said the BRIC will catch-up G6 in the next 20 years. Economic Globalization It can be said that the developed countries led economic globalization as they master the worlds most advanced productivity and technology. However, according to the annual World Economic Report which published by The World Bank reported that by 2030, the global economy will grow from 35 trillion U.S. dollars in 2005 to expand to 72 trillion dollars, the share of total global output of developing countries will from the current 1 / 5 to nearly 1 / 3 and the share of the global purchasing power will occupy more than 1 / 2. Report also highlighted a general underlying trend: in the next 25 years, developing countries will be a major force in global economic growth. (Sujingxiang,2006) Over the period to 2030, with the spread of new technologies such as the Internet, developing countries will go from the periphery to the center of the world economy, and gradually grow into an important engine for global growth, however , the developed countries, the influence on globalization is weakening , some organization and workers of developed countries were impact by the developing countries, particularly in emerging economies competition. Manufacturing and other traditional industries were in trouble which increased unemployment and the downward pressure on wages.(Haoran, 2009) Social Change in consumer behavior pattern As technology developed, people gradually changed their consumption habits, staying at home, online shopping has become a way of life that are interested by Internet users. The eMarketer estimates that over 68% of UK web users ages 14 and older will buy online at least once per month in 2011-a total of more than 27 million people. It estimated that between 2009 and 2014 he size of the UK online shoppers will continues to grow, penetration rate of online shopping users in 2014 will reach 71.1%. And the UK online shoppers will continue to increase in the future. http://www.emarketer.com/Report.aspx?code=emarketer_2000779 Since more and more people prefer online shopping and the number of people seems keep increasing, it can be said the online shopping represent the future direction of business. Face with this huge online consumer groups, organizations should seize the opportunity to develop the online shopping channels. However, The online shopping will change the business environment over the period to 2030. It will change the competitive basis and competitive approach among the organizations. E-commerce is information-based, the level of the access to information determine the market competitiveness of organizations . Technological Web 4.0 is transforming the Internet landscape according to Spivaks predictions, by the year of 2031 the next generation of internetWeb 4.0 will appear which further convergence of the online and physical world http://www.zmogo.com/web/web-40trip-down-the-rabbit-hole-or-brave-new-world/ Technology innovation will also influence the business environment during the period of now to 2030, With Web 4.0 which increase speeds and bandwidth, coupled with high-speed wireless access will enable information exchange on an unprecedented level. Risks Competition: The expansion of the BRICS and the increasing globalization will lead to more competitors from developing countries such as China and India. Similarly, with the increasing number of Internet users and network development, e-commerce appears which changes the business environment, reducing the trade entry barriers, blurred industry boundaries and expanding the scope for competition. Information management The improvement of network technology will allows us to enter an information age, as the network is free and open which will make the global information more transparent, everyone can master the competitors product information and marketing dynamics. Opportunities E-commerce E-commerce can significantly reduce inventory costs. Compared with the traditional commerce, E-commerce with high speed and fewer links, whats more, it does not have pressure on inventory, a well-run electronic store can even be zero inventory, no bear any pressure on the stock which will save a considerable costs. Internet Over the past 20 years the revolution of Internet has changed business model, and similarly, in the next 20 years, the networks development will bring new opportunities to the organization. With increasing speeds and bandwidth, coupled with high-speed wireless access will enable information exchange on an unprecedented level organizations can use business information effectively to fully serve their customers and attract more customers. Whats more, they can also open up international markets and change production environment in order to gain more profits. Action plans Since We have listed the key factors of the changes of macro environment in the next 20 years and also found out the opportunities and risks which company may experience in the future .In order to survive and make the company prosperous, companies should make some corresponding countermeasures. Improve management systems With the next generation of internetWeb 4.0 appears and the increasing online shoppers , organizations should improve their management systems in order to catch the pace of business. Organization can adopt the commodity cloud computing and during the production process , using the computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD / CAM) based on the management information systems (MIS) to establish the computer integrated manufacturing system (CIMS).Using these new manage methods to combine the production technology and information technology together and to upgrade the traditional mode of management system. (Shizhenxi,2010) Focus on global strategy It can be said that with the economic globalization, the increasing integration of world economy is becoming an unstoppable trend, the world is entering an era of borderless competition. Only focus on the domestic market is not enough, organization should develop foreign markets. Organization should develop and allocate resources in global in order to survive and prosper in the future.Organization can gradually develop and allocate the capital, labor, technology, resource from domestic to global. Distribute the capital according to different regions to reduce financial risks, establish appropriate technology development centre in different regions to gain the local advantage in order to enhance their technology competitiveness . Conclusion Lindgren, M. and Bandhold, H. (2003) Scenario Planning; The Link Between Future and Strategy. Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan. (pg53) Scenario Planning Handbook Bill Ralston)à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Ãƒ ¤Ã‚ ¼Ã…  Ãƒ ¦Ã‚ ±Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ·Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ °Ã¢â‚¬ Ãƒ ©Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…  (Ian Wilson2008 http://product.china-pub.com/826843ref=browse 2007, http://wiki.mbalib.com/wiki/%E6%83%85%E6%99%AF%E8%A7%84%E5%88%92 http://www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/tools/scenario-planning/trend-analysis (Mainichi,2011) http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110414p2g00m0bu044000c.html (Sujingxiang,2006) http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2006-12/22/content_5518332.htm (Haoran, 2009) http://www.zh09.com/lunwen/jjx/gjjj/200912/373158.html (à ¥Ã‚ ¯Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ §Ã‚ »Ã‚ Ãƒ ¦Ã‚ µÃ… ½Ãƒ ¥Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ §Ã‚ Ã†â€™Ãƒ ¥Ã…’-à §Ã… ¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¥Ã¢â‚¬  Ã‚ Ãƒ ¦Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Ãƒ ¨Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™) 14 Web 4.0,Trip Down the Rabbit Hole or Brave New World?, zmogo.com: http://www.zmogo.com/web/web-40trip-down-the-rabbit-hole-or-brave-new-world. Accessed 7th June 2009. (Shizhenxi,2010) http://www.fenghuang163.com/blog/article/327.html http://www.chinact.org.cn/Html/200672714031-1.html http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=192147837462567 http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_65e8dd750100ny4h.html(à ¥Ã‚ Ã… ¡Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ®Ã‚ ¢) Schoemaker, P.J.H. and van der Heijden K. (1992) Integrating Scenarios into Strategic Planning at Royal Dutch/Shell, Planning Review. Vol. 20 (3): pp.41-46.

Wal Marts Global Expansion Plan Management Essay

Wal Marts Global Expansion Plan Management Essay EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this assignment is to evaluate opportunities and threats for Wal-Mart for expanding globally. For global expansion plan, Wal-Mart must have to adapt to the rapid technological changes world-wide. These types of expansions also posses some challenges to the business which Wal-Mart have to find the solution for. This report also gives some recommendations to Wal-Mart for successfully expanding globally facing the challenges of the new markets. Wal-Mart is one of the leading retailers of United States and is based on the vision of Sam-Walton. The company has very successfully served its community during the period of its existence. In this report, we have identified three main threats which Wal-Mart will face if it goes for global expansion. One of the most important threats is the supply chain management of Wal-Mart. This supply chain management process is currently doing very well at home, i.e. in the home country. Secondly, the understanding of culture of the country in which the company is operating is very necessary because producing quality products is not enough in international markets. A company must have to consider the culture of that particular community in which it is providing products or services. Thirdly, the pricing strategy of Wal-Mart can also pose a threat to the company if it goes global because in home country might fail in case of host country. In order to become a total success, Wal-Mart will have to adopt differentiation strategy and this differentiation will not only be made in product preferences but also in the channels of distribution. In case of Wal-Mart, strategy of transition will help the company to focus on local responsiveness and world-wide efficiency. STRUCTURE OF THE ASSIGNMENT This assignment is segregated into four major parts. First part is the introduction, in which we have detailed the purpose of the assignment together with some highlights on the current situation of the company. Additionally, we have also shed light on the purpose of going global for Wal-Mart. In the second section, we have identified some key threats and opportunities for Wal-Mart in expanding globally. Third section consists of an analysis of the current strategy. Last, but not the least, section provides some recommendations for Wal-Mart to expand globally. INTRODUCTION Wal-Mart can be said as one of the founders of global expansion. It has set an example for local retailers to expand globally. It is Wal-Mart who is currently operating in many countries and has proved that borders are not boundaries for businesses. (Keegan 2007 102) The origin of Wal-Mart goes back to 1962 when Sam Walton began a retail shop operating on a premise that customer wants low-priced products with high quality. Initially, the quality of this business products was not that high, but low price led it to sell more. It was Sam Walton and his experience that Wal-Mart was able to find out how to differentiate the product. Wal-Mart was one of the highest sales retailers in year 2007 with sales going high above $300bn. This was a turning point for the than retailers for whom, Wal-Mart had set a benchmark. Sam Walton believed that it is the mission of the company which is making it fly-high. It is the vision of the founder that Wal-Mart has retail outlets, franchises, production facilities, etc. all over the world. (Jaffee 2005 2) In 1991, Sam Walton passed away. But since this business was created on the basis of mission and values, therefore, the business is still a success. Here, one can think that what was the need for Wal-Mart to expand globally. Expansion into global market requires a different set of strategies, tactics, planning and training. These all cannot be duplicated with the local ones. Most of the companies are directing their expansion towards third world countries especially China due to decreased labor costs, friendly tax structure and raw material costs, etc. Supply chain management was one of the cornerstones of the Wal-Mart success. Wal-Mart gained market share due to its strong supply chain management and well-trained employees. These employees are called Associates. Additionally, a mixture of strong branding and low-price with high quality products adds up to the success of Wal-Mart as a market leader. With all these strengths and plusses, Wal-Mart is still facing problems in global expansion due to very bad political and economic conditions added with instability all over the world, especially in markets where Wal-Mart is currently serving. Also, the company is facing intense competition from the local competitors as well. There was a strong dependence on ethno-centrism approach by Wal-Mart. But this perception of dependence on ethno-centrism approach was suddenly changed after the expansion experiences of the company in Korea, Japan, Germany, China, etc. Wal-Mart was producing standardized products all over the world where it operates. These experiences make it very clear that global strategy should be changes as standardized products are unable to satisfy the needs of consumers all around the globe. While identifying strategy for Wal-Mart expansion, we discovered that United States governments subsidies play a vital role in the success of retail businesses. These subsidies help the company to make foreign ventures overseas. This is generally true in case of stable financial markets. But in todays instable market, it is not necessary that Wal-Mart will become a success by following this strategy. But there is still a hope for Wal-Mart that with the increase in world population, the potential market of Wal-Mart will increase but this will require Wal-Mart to integrate latest technological advancements in its delivery process. In this report, we are arguing that Wal-Mart should adopt the strategy of making joint ventures with local players (leaders). This will definitely make Wal-Mart a success as it is one of the leading brand names and possess well-reputed supply chain management throughout the world. With the death of Sam Walton, the doors of opportunities for Wal-Mart were restricted in United States. This was not the main reason. The primary reason was that the market of US was saturated for Wal-Mart which forces Wal-Mart to expand its operations to global markets. (Das 2008 19-33) OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Threats Expanding globally is not an easy task. It seems that expansion to international market is not difficult for a retailer like Wal-Mart. But this not the true case. There are certain threats for markets for expanding to international market. There are discussed below: Supply Chain Management It is a fact that Wal-Mart is considered to be the pioneers of implementation of systems and processes. In fact, when it comes to information systems, Wal-Mart can be called as the founders. It is Wal-Mart, who possesses a very strong and reliable information system from production to delivery. The distribution network of Wal-Mart is said to be the most effective and efficient in the world. It was in 1997 when Wal-Mart realized that the existing supply chain management is not enough to fulfill the needs of Korean market. The existing supply chain was more than sufficient for the local market, but it proved to be a failure in the host market. One of the major reasons for this gap was that in Korea, there was no existence of any compatible supply chain infrastructure which can provide support to the supply chain integration technology of Wal-Mart. Additionally, the Koraen distribution channel was a mismatch to high-tech and system supported supply chain strategies of Wal-Mart. A soluti on to this problem was for Wal-Mart to create some relations with supply-chain partners, but this process was too slow due to lazy market attributes and non-technical mindsets. (Sandelands 2004 5-14) National Cultures and Sub-Cultures Another key issue for Wal-Mart in global expansion was the difference of cultures. Management of Wal-Mart believed that standardized products will meet their targets all over the world. They forget that different people belong to different cultures and have different cultural needs. An example of such attribute is that Wal-Mart insisted its sales representatives not to pass a smile during sales. Many of the shoppers complained that it seems that the sales representatives are flirting with customers by passing a smile. Similar case occurred in China. Chinese customers wanted fresh food which is harvested in front of the customers. Or at least the animal should be killed spontaneously. There was a high resistance for this demand by Wal-Mart but later the company recognized this as a cultural need and implemented the same in China. (Malnight 2005 119-141) Global Pricing and Discounting Strategy People want discounts. Different cultures have different pricing strategies. The global expansion in China, Germany and Britain posed a pricing threat to Wal-Mart. In these markets, the local retailers have very well established pricing strategies which creates a best match between the pricing patterns and the demands and habits of the respective local customers. Breaking the ice in these markets and setting competitive prices is one of the most challenging tasks for Wal-Mart. (Terptsra and Sarathy 2004 88) Opportunities Wal-Mart has an opportunity to create alliances with the local retailers or other entities in order to cater the global market more effectively and effectively. Global expansion will create an opportunity for Wal-Mart to introduce outlets at various global locations. This will help Wal-Mart to enlarge its market share by expanding to a number of consumer markets in Asia and all over the world. Expansion to global markets will provide an opportunity to Wal-Mart for reducing costs of production. The new markets will also give Wal-Mart an opportunity to benefits from various tax structures which are business-friendly. Also the company can benefit from low cost of labor and raw materials in different parts of the world. (Philip and Doole 2004 332) ANALYSIS The strategy currently followed by Wal-Mart is termed as everyday low prices strategy. This strategy is very profitable in United States. But if we talk about Korea and Japan, this strategy is totally a failure. The reason for this everyday low price strategy failure is that consumers in Korea and Japan are prestige conscious. They feel good buying expensive products but with highest quality. (Paliwoda 2008 192) The market saturation of United States and ethnocentric predisposition of Wal-Mart made a gateway for global expansion. In global strategy, companies generally standardize their products which results in ignorance of the needs of local customers. This really is a big flaw and Wal-Mart should address this by creating a separate local strategy for US. (Bradley 2007 69) The main problem in global expansion for Wal-Mart was integrating the cultural needs of the customers. This was faced by Wal-Mart in Japan and Korea. Wal-Mart was unable to create culturally acceptable stores in both locations. (Axtell 2009 45-49) Additionally, Wal-Mart faced some distribution channel problems in these locations as well. In case of Japan, customers want highest quality even if they are bound to pay maximum price. This trend of pricing made Wal-Mart a failure in Japan as Wal-Mart was focusing on low price strategy. (Dixie 2008 72) RECOMMENDATIONS Supply Chain Management Formation of Joint Ventures (JV) with Local Retailers Joint ventures are a major source of entering in a new market. Wal-Mart should create joint ventures in major locations where profitability has been forecasted. For joint ventures, foreign entities require brand name and repute which Wal-Mart already has. For example, if Wal-Mart choose to expand to Brazil, it would be mandatory for Wal-Mart to create local presence. This can be in the form of joint ventures or partnerships. This is a governmental requirement which has to be abide by. This will help Wal-Mart to share the risk of doing business in a new location as the partner or joint venture firm will be there to help Wal-Mart cater this. This is also very true for Asian and Arab countries. (Mkandawire 2006 129 -132) Divide Products into High-End and Low-End Categories Product division into high end and low end categories can prove to be a very significant strategy for Wal-Mart. As discussed earlier, Japanese want highest quality products and they are willing to pay higher prices. Categorizing products into high end and low end categories will definitely provide support for these types of markets. Additionally, the food products in local markets might vary which requires Wal-Mart to maintain a wide portfolio of food products. In order to meet these needs, Wal-Mart should have enough knowledge about local tastes and preferences.    (Cain 2005 58) Differentiation against Others that Offer Low-Price Store-Brand Products Wal-Mart should adopt the strategy of making some differentiation between the stores that are in urban areas with that of their counterparts in the suburbs. This should be done to cater the demands of the individual customers as the customers in urban areas are very different from those in suburbs; their demands, shopping habits, preferences, etc. Additionally, it is a fact that local retailers have a very strong grip over the market. So, in order to expand in an international market, Wal-Mart should focus on the needs of customers according to their respective areas. Wal-Mart should adopt local norms, strong distribution channels and information system integration in order to expand internationally. (Helmberger and Patson 2009 102) National Cultures and Sub-Cultures Cultural Awareness Cultures and behaviors play a very significant role in development of habits and preferences of the customers. Wal-Mart should consider the cultural preferences of individual markets internationally so as to have a grip on market instantly. For example, in Japanese culture, low price means that the quality is also low and it is very insulting for Japanese customers to opt for a low quality product. On the other hand, in third world countries, people are always looking for low price and high quality. So, Wal-Marts strategy of low prices can be a success in third world countries like Pakistan, India, etc. while the same strategy would be a failure in case of Japan or Korea. So, Wal-Mart should frame its strategy according to the local culture of individual markets. Introducing a standardized strategy all over the world will be a failure for Wal-Mart.         (Dixie 2008 72) Make Public Relations a Core Competency Core competencies are those strengths on which the company can rely in its hard times as well. In order to succeed internationally, Wal-Mart should work on making public relations its core competency. Also it is very important for Wal-Mart to contribute something to the society or community in which it is operating and expanding. This will definitely create a very positive image of Wal-Mart on the host community/country.   (Mkandawire 2006 129 -132) Global Pricing and Discounting Strategy One price fits all doesnt suits while the company is expanding internationally. Wal-Mart should find out different pricing and discount packages which match the demands, preferences and purchasing power of the individual customers in the host country. Different cultures have different pricing preferences. Wal-Mart should design its pricing and discount policy according to the preferences and acceptance of local customers. This will definitely help Wal-Mart to successfully expand in international markets. (Cain 2005 58) CONCLUSION In conclusion, we can say that Wal-Mart should adopt different strategies for different markets. It would not be wrong to say that One Strategy Doesnt Fits All. This requires Wal-Mart to identify and analyze different markets having opportunities for it. In case of Japan, Wal-Mart will have to change its strategy but in case of third world countries, the same strategy of Always Low Price can reap the fruits of success for Wal-Mart. These are some recommendations which Wal-Mart should adopt to remain one of the largest retailers of the world.

Serendipity and Great Expectations :: Movies Films Love Fate Essays

Serendipity and Great Expectations Directed by Alfonso Cuarà ³n and written by Mitch Glazer, Great Expectations is a movie about the love of a man for an unreachable woman, and how fate ultimately brings them together. Serendipity directed by Peter Chelsom, is a more predictable romantic comedy that relies on destiny to bring a couple together, after the many coincidences that linked them to one another. Serendipity and Great Expectations both revolve around life’s great coincidences due to fate, and how their characters indulge in the direction fate leads them. Loosely based on the Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Great Expectations is a tale of a young man's unforgettable passage into manhood, and the three individuals who undeniably changed his life forever. Through the surprising interactions of these vivid characters, Great Expectations takes a unique and contemporary look at life's great coincidences. In a small Florida town on the Gulf Coast, eight-year-old Finn Bell lives with his sister Maggie and his "Uncle" Joe. They barely scrape by, but aspiring artist Finn enjoys his simple life, drawing pictures in the colorful Gulf waters. Finn's journey to adulthood begins suddenly with the shocking appearance of a dangerous convict who forces the boy to aid in his escape from prison. With this experience still freshly etched in his mind, Finn is summoned to the decaying mansion of Ms. Nora Dinsmoor, the richest woman in the gulf, who had lost her mind thirty years earlier when her fiancà © left her standing at the altar. There, Finn meets Dinsmoor's niece Estella, who, even at age 11, displays an upper class iciness toward the young, impoverished boy who instantly and hopelessly falls in love with her. Finn's meetings with Estella and her crazed, wealthy aunt fuel new dreams: to paint for the rich, to enjoy their freedom, and to love Estella. Once Ms. Dinsmoor realizes Finn is there for his love for Estella, she warns him that Estella will break his heart. The crazed woman's warnings become Finn's harshest reality when Estella abrupt ly leaves without saying goodbye. A hopeless Finn stops painting, stops dreaming ... until a mysterious benefactor sends the now grown young man to New York. Pursuing his dreams in the glamorous world of the New York art scene, the once-poor artist seems to finally have it all; wealth, status, fame and a reunion with the newly engaged Estella. Serendipity and Great Expectations :: Movies Films Love Fate Essays Serendipity and Great Expectations Directed by Alfonso Cuarà ³n and written by Mitch Glazer, Great Expectations is a movie about the love of a man for an unreachable woman, and how fate ultimately brings them together. Serendipity directed by Peter Chelsom, is a more predictable romantic comedy that relies on destiny to bring a couple together, after the many coincidences that linked them to one another. Serendipity and Great Expectations both revolve around life’s great coincidences due to fate, and how their characters indulge in the direction fate leads them. Loosely based on the Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Great Expectations is a tale of a young man's unforgettable passage into manhood, and the three individuals who undeniably changed his life forever. Through the surprising interactions of these vivid characters, Great Expectations takes a unique and contemporary look at life's great coincidences. In a small Florida town on the Gulf Coast, eight-year-old Finn Bell lives with his sister Maggie and his "Uncle" Joe. They barely scrape by, but aspiring artist Finn enjoys his simple life, drawing pictures in the colorful Gulf waters. Finn's journey to adulthood begins suddenly with the shocking appearance of a dangerous convict who forces the boy to aid in his escape from prison. With this experience still freshly etched in his mind, Finn is summoned to the decaying mansion of Ms. Nora Dinsmoor, the richest woman in the gulf, who had lost her mind thirty years earlier when her fiancà © left her standing at the altar. There, Finn meets Dinsmoor's niece Estella, who, even at age 11, displays an upper class iciness toward the young, impoverished boy who instantly and hopelessly falls in love with her. Finn's meetings with Estella and her crazed, wealthy aunt fuel new dreams: to paint for the rich, to enjoy their freedom, and to love Estella. Once Ms. Dinsmoor realizes Finn is there for his love for Estella, she warns him that Estella will break his heart. The crazed woman's warnings become Finn's harshest reality when Estella abrupt ly leaves without saying goodbye. A hopeless Finn stops painting, stops dreaming ... until a mysterious benefactor sends the now grown young man to New York. Pursuing his dreams in the glamorous world of the New York art scene, the once-poor artist seems to finally have it all; wealth, status, fame and a reunion with the newly engaged Estella.

Old Man and Old Woman as Marital Guide :: Old Man Old Woman Essays

Old Man and Old Woman as Marital Guide  Ã‚   "Old Man and Old Woman," a retelling of a Native American myth by Chewing Blackbones, a Blackfoot Indian, should serve as a lesson to all couples in how a good relationship works. In today’s society there is a great need for people to understand how to make their relationships successful. As the divorce rate gets higher every year; small children have begun to think that getting a divorce is something that is normal and to be expected. This story shows how to work through problems with a give-and-take approach where you make compromises, yet still stand up for yourself when you believe your convictions cannot be compromised. The Old Man and Old Woman agree on certain rules from the beginning. It is important for couples to agree on certain points when they begin a relationship. Problems might arise later if certain ideals and standards for behavior are not established from the onset. The man and woman in the story agree that the man will have the first say in all decisions and the woman the second. For couples in today’s society the ideals that are established are more likely have something to do with religion, the number of children a couple wishes to have, or who should work in the family. The establishment of these principles will help couples to stay together longer and also be happier. While the Old Man and Old Woman agreed, from the beginning, that the man should have first say and the woman the second, they both had equal input into decisions. When they were discussing the duty of tanning the hides, the man said "the women will have the duty . . . they will rub the animals’ brains on the hides to make them soft and scrape them with scraping tools. All this they will do very quickly, for it will not be hard work" (539). The woman did not completely agree with the man’s ideas about how this should be done. The woman suggested, "they must tan hides in the way you say; but it must be very hard work, so that good workers may be found out" (539). The Old Man and Old Woman used compromise in making this decision. While the woman had the final say, she did agree to part of the man’s original idea, while also adding some input of her own.

Personal Narrative - Working While Attending College Essay -- Job Work

With the cost of college nowadays, you almost have to be rich to finish without working at least part of the time. When I came to New Jersey from India, I thought it would be easy to get a computer science degree and pursue the career of my choice. It turned out to be much harder than I expected. Working full-time and taking much more than two years, but I have discovered that you can turn the problem of working full-time while attending college into a big opportunity to improve your life. First of all, you have to learn how to live with a double schedule. When I first came to this country, I got a full-time job in a bank. When I began my studies thinking that I would work only part time. Instead, I quickly realized I could not afford to pay my rent and other expense without working full-time. This meant I would have to maintain a forty-hour or more work every week and fit my courses in whenever I could. Luckily, the community college I wanted to attend had an evening program that allowed me to take courses in the evening and weekends. On paper this looked like a good schedule, but I was shocked to learn that I had no time for social activities or shopping, and very little for homework. The first semester I slept only five hours a night and became so tired that I thought I wouldn’t make it. By the end of the first term, I was sure that with enough determination I would reach my goal. A working also has to overcome academic difficulties and make sensible choices. I didn’t... Personal Narrative - Working While Attending College Essay -- Job Work With the cost of college nowadays, you almost have to be rich to finish without working at least part of the time. When I came to New Jersey from India, I thought it would be easy to get a computer science degree and pursue the career of my choice. It turned out to be much harder than I expected. Working full-time and taking much more than two years, but I have discovered that you can turn the problem of working full-time while attending college into a big opportunity to improve your life. First of all, you have to learn how to live with a double schedule. When I first came to this country, I got a full-time job in a bank. When I began my studies thinking that I would work only part time. Instead, I quickly realized I could not afford to pay my rent and other expense without working full-time. This meant I would have to maintain a forty-hour or more work every week and fit my courses in whenever I could. Luckily, the community college I wanted to attend had an evening program that allowed me to take courses in the evening and weekends. On paper this looked like a good schedule, but I was shocked to learn that I had no time for social activities or shopping, and very little for homework. The first semester I slept only five hours a night and became so tired that I thought I wouldn’t make it. By the end of the first term, I was sure that with enough determination I would reach my goal. A working also has to overcome academic difficulties and make sensible choices. I didn’t...

Freak the Mighty and “Ability” Extended Response Essay

Believing in one’s self is common, and it thrives throughout the novel, Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, and the poem, â€Å"Ability,† by Selina E. Matis. There are several lines in the poem, â€Å"Ability,† that relate to the novel, Freak the Mighty. For example, one of the lines in the poem was, â€Å"Ability is to look at a blank page, and create a poem.† An example from Freak the Mighty that relates to that line is that Max didn’t know how to write, even when Freak gave him the empty book. However, in the end, Max ended up writing a whole book. Another line from the poem was, â€Å"For many, ability is never found, but for all, ability is within.† The way this line relates to, Freak the Mighty, is that Max was able to read and write all along, he just had to take a chance and try, and also, not be lazy. One more line from the poem, â€Å"Ability,† is, â€Å"Ability is to stare into the eyes of fear, and come out stronger because of it.† The way that this line relates to, Freak the Mighty, is that when Max’s father, Killer Kane, was choking him, Max fought back. This also shows that, â€Å"what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.† As one can see, throughout the novel, Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, and the poem, â€Å"Ability,† by Selina E. Matis, they both had many similarities. Both the novel and the poem showed believing in yourself.

Legal Case

Legal Studies In December 2002 Dominic Li answered his front door to two men (Richard Nimmo and Maua Sua) both armed with guns. Sua and Nimmo were being paid by Yonky Irvin Tan, a drug dealer whom Li’s brother in law owed money to. Both Sua and Nimmo poured hydrochloric acid onto Mr Li where he suffered burns to his face, became blind and burns to his oesophagus. Mr Li painfully passed away three weeks later due to these injuries sustained as they led to a blockage in his throat that blocked his breathing. Tan was found guilty of plannng the murder and sentenced to life in prison.Sua and Nimmo were found not guilty to the murder but found guilty on other offences. Identify the correct legal citation of the case Name: Dominic Li – Satorre v R, R v AB, R v Tan – Acid attack and murder Date: 13th December 2002 Outline the elements of the offence In this case the elements of this case include the planning of the event by Tan. This is known as the men’s rea (gu ilty mind) this is proven by Tan admitting he had planned out the act and paid Sua and Nimmo to kill Li for him. Also acts rea is established in this case.Acts rea is the guilty act and is revealed in the case by Sua and Nimmo pouring the acid on Li’s face which eventually led to Li passing away three weeks later due to the injuries suffered in the attack. The overall offence of this act was murder. Describe the factors that might have led to the criminal behaviour. Economics was the factor/motive for this murder. Li’s brother in law (Phillip Ma) owed Tan money and had disappeared. Tan then planned out the murder of Li as a way of finding out where Ma was and to portray to Ma that it was a sign that Tan was coming after him.Outline the reporting and investigation of the crime Mr Li’s murder was reported to the police by his wife who looked on in horror as her husband had the acid poured down his throat and on his face at gunpoint. The evidence that was discovere d at the crime scene was the DNA of Sua and Nimmo (Fingerprints on guns and acid bottle). Explain the role of the courts The role of the courts is to hear cases being put forward by the two parties and decide the outcome of the hearing. In this case the case was heard at the NSW Supreme Court.It was heard in Supreme Court as the offence committed was too severe for the local courts as it was a murder case. Outline the legal representation The legal representation in this case is the roles of both the crown and the prosecutor. The role of the crown in cases is to act as the prosecuting party against the defendant. The Crown is usually abbreviated or represented by R. e. g. R v Smith. The role of the prosecutor is to assist the court in that the truth of the offence has been arrived and achieved. Identify the PleaIn the case of Dominic Li’s murder the offenders involved in the crime Tan, Sua, Nimmo and Sattore all pleaded innocent but were found guilty on various offences. Firs tly Tan was found guilty of planning the murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Secondly Sua and Nimmo were found guilty but were acquitted because one of Tan’s associates that was involved in proving Sua and Nimmo’s guilt and been in prison on previous occasions was seen as unreliable. However, both Sua and Nimmo were found guilty of drug offences and both prisoned to 24 years prison.Finally Sattore, who was found guilty of driving Sua and Nimmo to Li’s house was charged with being an accessory to the crime as he admitted to having prior knowledge of the planned murder and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. After the sentences were handed down Sattore expressed his sympathy and sorrow towards the victim’s friends and family. Discuss the factors that affect the sentencing decision Factors that affect sentencing decisions are conditions that may influence the final outcome and affect the result e. g. educe or increase the punishment handed down. The se conditions are considered by the court when determining whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. Some conditions may reduce the severity of the charge. These conditions are known as mitigating offences. In addition, conditions that may result in the charge becoming more severe are known as aggravating offences. In Mr Li’s case the mitigating offence shown was that of Mr Tan’s associates being labelled as unreliable therefore leading to the murder charges on Sua and Nimmo being dropped.Explain the penalty given Penalties given to the defendant may include time in prison. The judge determines the time that the defendant has to serve in prison based on the severity of the case that is being heard. In the case of Mr Li’s murder the judge handed down the sentence of life in prison to Mr Tan, 24 years in prison to both Sua and Nimmo and 16 years imprisonment to Sattore. Analyse the extent to which the law balances the rights of victims and offenders.In cases pr esented in court, the courts have to ensure the both the rights of the victims and the offenders are upheld. These rights must be met without any bias or unfairness towards one party. In the case of Mr Dominic Li’s death, his family and Mr Li himself have had their rights maintained as they know that the people responsible for Mr Li’s death are serving a long time in prison for what they did. On the other hand the rights of the offenders have also been upheld. Justice has been served to Tan, Sua, Nimmo and Sattore.This has been done by Sua and Nimmo being acquitted because of an unreliable source being used as a witness and providing an unstable statement. However, the rights of Li’s family were once again maintained as both Sua and Nimmo were still charged for other offences and face lengthy prison sentences. Furthermore , Sattore has been dealt justice as he is still serving time for his part in the murder but hasn’t been given as severe punishment as t he other member because he did not actually take part in the killing he just drove the murderers to Li’s house.He also admits to feeling extremely sorry for his actions and all of the offenders must live with the guilt of murdering Mr Dominic Li for the rest of their lives. In conclusion, the rights of both the victims and offenders have been upheld throughout the case by the final outcome. The family of Mr Li can get a sense of security and satisfactory out of knowing that the people who killed their beloved family member are serving time behind bars. Finally, the rights of the offenders were maintained because each member was given a fair trial and received a reduce punishment except for Mr Tan. Bryce Donovan