Bbusiness management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bbusiness management - Essay Example BMW focused on the market trends and strategies in order to get a hold on high share in the market. BMW Case Analysis What main trends are identifiable in the business environment in general and in the automobile market in particular in 2004 that might affect BMW’s strategy? The main trends that are identifiable in business environment mainly include the competition between the different brands of same product category. It is on the basis of the quality and differentiation that is created by every brand. In automobile market the most important trend that is identifiable is the uniqueness in terms of design, price, quality and convenience provided to every customer when it comes to use. Whether it’s for any segment, the prime objective of automobile industry is to provide the ease to use it. According to Porter’s Generic BMW is highly differentiated in the automobile market, and this differentiation was on the basis of brand itself that created different identity in consumers mind. BMW conveys a perception of prestige and dignity for the high-end users. Uniqueness in terms of design seems to be the most important weapon for any company to fight and to move in fast–paced automobile industry. But in 2004 the market for automobile industry became more concentrated and productive. ... ere was no issue of quality in this year because of rapid growth of automobile industry but consumers of North America and Western Europe started demanding cheaper cars due to economic instability which forced them to reduce the spending on non-essential goods, and this adversely impacted the matured car market. On the other hand the market of Asia especially in China the demand of high–end and expensive models increased. Henceforth, quality was not the issue in 2004 whereas every company was focusing on placing their brand on the top of automobile industry. The war was of branding not of quality because the quality was no longer an issue (Mathews, 2006). 1. Using Porter’s five-force framework, attempt an analysis of the competition in the automobile industry in 2004 (adopt the BMW perspective). Consider the time horizon of strategic planning and attempt to identify what future changes are likely for that period in the light of the factors at play in the macro-environme nt. Industrial Rivalry – The competition became so ferocious, there was no room for differentiation and growth was slow because industry was in the mature phase. So, the focus turned to price of the product in automobile industry. Those who set economical prices and uniqueness into their brands were ruling the market. Quality was the weapon and the design too but that no more be considered as factor for choice-making, it was necessary for car makers to look for quality of product. Profitability was affected badly due to various external factors as well as competition. Substitutes – In 2004 automobile industry was facing substitute like motor bike, boats and leisure cruises were immensely used. Potential Entrants – Deluxe cars like Ford entered the market with Jaguar and Volvo models and

An Invaluable Study with Slight Setbacks A Review of Weeks Coming Out Essay

An Invaluable Study with Slight Setbacks A Review of Weeks Coming Out - Essay Example A closer examination, however, of how specific social events influenced homosexual identity would have greatly aided in creating an understanding of the relationship and origins homosexual identity has in British society. Thus, Weeks emphasizes the structural existence of homosexuality, while failing to consider the forces that might have established this structure. "We tend to think now that the word 'homosexual' has an unvarying meaning, beyond time and history." Weeks writes. "In fact it is itself a product of history, a cultural artifact designed to express a particular concept." (3) Often who we define as a homosexual runs no further than the sexual acts in which a person engages. The basis of this definition, however, fails to consider what type of person is or is not a homosexual. Weeks suggests that the reasons for crafting this shallow connotation towards homosexuality appears to have been to provide a standard on which to label permissible and impressible behavior and also to limit the number of those who are viewed as untraditional. In addition to carefully describing the differences between historical and social aspects of homosexuality, Weeks makes sure to describe the differences in treatment towards various types of "homosexuals." Weeks pays particular consideration towards Lesbians, who Weeks describes as "invisible women" (80) and who debatably may have suffered even more hardships than homosexual men. Like most gender studies, Weeks also tackles the objective of showing that although the idea of "homosexuality" is a product of specific circumstances, homosexuality is wide ranging and alludes any historical or cultural constructs. After the introductory section of this book, these two objectives are placed in the background as tools for understanding the history of homosexuality in Britain.As Weeks linearly traces the development of homosexual struggles in England, he crafts the notion that the acceptance of homosexuality in England is growing significantly. Thus, homosexuality appears to be escaping the negative conceptions with which it has previously been associated. Weeks primarily bases his argument that the acceptance of homosexuality in England is growing by citing the increasing number of gay rights supporters. After levels of prejudice against homosexual rose to peak levels after World War II, radical movements in the 1970's by the Gay Liberation Front resulted in stagger numbers of supporters and gay badge wearers. Furthermore, Weeks makes a slight mention that homosexuality was once even more confined than is has been over the course of the previous centuries. Although homosexuality was prevalent, occurring in "knightly orders," "medieval scandals," and certain "monarch courts" (35), it was always confined. In Weeks's portrait of the widening acceptance of homosexuality throughout the previous century, he fails to create an in-depth portrait of how England's various cultural and economic transitions helped to impact perspectives of homosexuality. The book is not without its failures. I