Management Programme Term-End Examination

December, 2005 MS95 (S) : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS Time: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 (Weightage 70%) Note : (i) This paper contains two sections, Section A and B. Section A contains five questions. Attempt any four questions from this section. Section B is compulsory (ii) Statistical tables may be provided. (iii) Use of own non-programmable calculator is allowed. SECTION A 1. A local supermarket has experienced a decline in unit sales and little change in rupee value sales.Profits have almost vanished. The chief executive in searching for ways to revitalize the operation, was advised to increase the number of hours the market is open for business. He comes to you for advice in structuring a research problem that will provide relevant information for decision making, Define the research problem taking care to : (15) (a) state the relevant question. (b) enumerate the alternative answers. (c) clearly define the units of analysis and characteristics of interest. 2. A sample may be large yet worthless because it is not random; or it may be random but unreliable because it is small. † Comment upon the above statement and explain the importance of sampling in daily life. (15) 3. What do you understand by factor analysis ? Mention the purpose and uses of factor analysis. (15) 4. What are the seven elements of communication, which are relevant for making a presentation ? Discuss. (15) 5. Write short notes on any three of the following : (15) (a) Objective characteristics and Inferred characteristics (b) Editing of primary data c) Operating and Strategic decisions (d) Ordinal Scale (e) Audio-visual aids in presentation of reports SECTION B 6. Describe the semantic differential scale. Use the semantic differential technique to develop the profile of three television manufacturing companies in India. (20) 7. A random sample of 30 students obtained the following marks in a class test : (20) Test the hypothesis that their median score is more than 5 0. 58 55 25 32 26 85 44 80 33 72 10 42 15 46 64 39 38 30 36 65 72 46 54 36 89 94 25 74 66 29

Movie Review Spring Breakers - 2070 Words

Movie: â€Å"Spring Breakers† I chose the movie â€Å"Spring Breakers†, to illustrate how sexism, rape culture, and sexual assault play an enormous role in society. The movie is about 4 college best friends, Candy (Vanessa Hudgens), Faith (Selena Gomez), Brit (Ashley Benson) and Cotty (Rachel Korine) , who are in need of money so they can go to Florida for their spring-break trip. The girls end up robbing a diner and they head down to Florida. However, the police soon find the group of girls and arrest them. The four college girls are then bailed out of jail by drug dealer and aspiring rap artist, Alien (James Franco). Afterwards, Faith cannot handle the pressure of being a â€Å"bad girl† and decides to go home. The other three girls decide to join Alien in a life of crime. The movie â€Å"Spring Breakers† is not just a horrible movie, but it boosts rape culture. This movie turns young women into sex objects. In the beginning of the movie, we get a slow -motion shot of breasts as the college students’ dance and drink on the beach. Despite the fact that men are also involved, the camera only focuses on the females. The message is clear, the females are the ones â€Å"letting loose.† Even a scene in the lecture hall shows two of the female protagonists imitate â€Å"blow jobs† in the middle of their boring class. In the book â€Å"Language and Sexism† by Sara Mills, explains, â€Å"Language does indeed reveal to us the values of groups and institutions within our culture in the past who were instrumental inShow MoreRelatedMovie Review : Spring Breakers921 Words   |  4 Pagesnew normal if you buy into what the 2013 movie â€Å"Spring Breakers† promotes. While I can acknowledge the attempts of the director trying to make this movie a satirical commentary of college spring break, due to poor artistic decisions and script writing this film instead showcases partying until the point of hospitalizati on, violence, and the sexualization of young women. The movie Spring Breakers is not only an artistically bland and poorly written movie due to specific conventions and codes byRead MoreHydraulic Fracking Essay15746 Words   |  63 PagesField, Grant County, Kansas by Stanolind Oil Company (Suchy, 2012). On the Klepper No. 1, about 1,000 gallons of naphthenic-acid and palm oil, also known as napalm, was mixed in a thickened gasoline mixer and injected at 2,400 feet, followed by a gel breaker that was used to stimulate the limestone formation (Willie, 2011). As with the nitroglycerin, the napalm made the process extremely hazardous for the rig workers. The main goal of this â€Å"hydrafrac† was to compare fracking with the acidizing thatRead MoreAdidas Marketing Plan20779 Words   |  84 Pagesathlete†©lifestyle†©is†©running,†©which†©saw†©an†©increase†©in†©sales†©despite†©financial†©trouble†©in†©mostâ⠂¬ © other†©segments†©(Boyle).†©Ã¢â‚¬ ©This†©is†©due†©partly†©to†©its†©simplicity†©in†©nature,†©which†©is†©supported†©by†© the†©trend†©of†©post†recession†©consumers,†©as†©defined†©by†©the†©Harvard†©Business†©Review†©article†© titled†©Ã¢â‚¬Å"Understanding†©the†©Post†Recession†©Consumer†,†©to†©demand†©a†©return†©to†©simplicity†© (Flatters).†©Ã¢â‚¬ ©One†©possible†©further†©addition†©to†©this†©running†©segment†©could†©be†©a†©line†©of†© 10 minimalist†©running†©shoes,†©or†©shoes†©that†©have†©less†©Ã¢â‚¬Å"frills†Ã¢â‚¬ ©and†©that†©come†©closer†©to†©mimicking†©Read MoreAdidas Marketing Plan20768 Words   |  84 Pagesathlete†©lifestyle†©is†©running,†©which†©saw†©an†©increase†©in†©sales†©despite†©financial†©trouble†©in†©most†© other†©segments†©(Boyle).†©Ã¢â‚¬ ©This†©is†©due†©partly†©to†©its†©simplicity†©in†©nature,†©which†©is†©supported†©by†© the†©trend†©of†©post†recession†©consumers,†©as†©defined†©by†©the†©Harvard†©Business†©Review†©article†© titled†©Ã¢â‚¬Å"Understanding†©the†©Post†Recession†©Consumer†,†©to†©demand†©a†©return†©to†©simplicity†© (Flatters).â₠¬ ©Ã¢â‚¬ ©One†©possible†©further†©addition†©to†©this†©running†©segment†©could†©be†©a†©line†©of†© 10 minimalist†©running†©shoes,†©or†©shoes†©that†©have†©less†©Ã¢â‚¬Å"frills†Ã¢â‚¬ ©and†©that†©come†©closer†©to†©mimicking†©Read MoreWireless Technology Essay16392 Words   |  66 Pagestranslated into 5 (five) letter groups that were transmitted in Morse code and then decoded by a machine using the same settings. Unfortunately, these machines had over 150 000 000 000 000 settings which made the task of decoding for the British code breakers a Herculean one.† (Dubendorf, 2003) During the early parts of the war, the development of the RADAR system was accomplished. A key step in the development of wireless technology was the development of satellite communications. In 1957, PresidentRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 Pages Employee Involvement 20 How Organizations Involve Employees 20 Employee Involvement Implications for HRM 20 Other HRM Challenges 21 Recession 21 Off Shoring 21 Mergers 22 A Look at Ethics 22 Summary 23 Demonstrating Comprehension: Questions for Review 24 Key Terms 24 HRM Workshop 25 Linking Concepts to Practice: Discussion Questions 25 Developing Diagnostic and Analytical Skills 25 Case 1: Work/Life Balance at Baxter 25 Working with a Team: Understanding Diversity Issues 25 Learning an HRM Skill:Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesPrinciples of Management, Human Resources, Strategy, and Organizational Behavior that helps you actively study and prepare material for class. Chapter-by-chapter activities, including built-in pretests and posttests, focus on what you need to learn and to review in order to succeed. Visit www.mymanagementlab.com to learn more. DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT SKILLS EIGHTH EDITION David A. Whetten BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Kim S. Cameron UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Prentice Hall Boston Columbus IndianapolisRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pages....................................................................................................... 5 Examples of Good Reasoning............................................................................................................. 14 Review of Major Points ....................................................................................................................... 17 Glossary .................................................................................................Read MoreCrossing the Chasm76808 Words   |  308 PagesDefine the Battle 7 Launch the Invasion CONCLUSION Getting Beyond the Chasm About the Author Credits About the Publisher Front Cover Preface to the Revised Edition â€Å"Obiwan Kenobi,† says Sir Alec Guinness in the original Star Wars movie— â€Å"Now there’s a name I haven’t heard for a long, long time.† The same might well be said of a number of the companies that served as examples in the original edition of Crossing the Chasm. Reading through its index brings to mind the medieval lamentRead More_x000C_Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis355457 Words   |  1422 Pagesdata, a bar chart or a dotplot? d. Which type of graphical display would be an appropriate choice for summarizing the weight data, a bar chart or a dotplot? 1.16 ââ€"  Spider-Man and Star Wars: Episode II were the top moneymakers among the summer 2002 movie releases. ââ€" ¼ Video solution available 1.10 Classify each of the following attributes as either categorical or numerical. For those that are numerical, determine whether they are discrete or continuous. a. Number of students in a class of 35 who

Medieval Woman Book Owners Arbiters Of Lay Piety And...

In the journal article Medieval Woman Book Owners: Arbiters of Lay Piety and Ambassadors of Culture, written by Susan Groag Bell, explains the cultural changes in the Middle Ages. She give details on how the increase in lay piety and vernacular literature were both connected with one another. In addition to this, these two topics played key roles in the changes taking place. The increase in lay piety is said to be a response to the political conflicts, religious demographic, and climatological factors. Susan Groag Bell believes that the role of the women have been overlooked, and says their influence can be found by, looking at the women’s special relationship to books. Looking at manuscripts, articles written by other authors, textbooks, and other primary and secondary sources she breaks her points into three parts. First she looks at medieval laywomen’s’ book ownership, then special relationship the women have to the books, and lastly the influence that the wom an had on the cultural changes because of their relationship to the books. Many advancements played roles, in the growth of peoples’ hunger, to obtain books. Technology had to be one of the bigger factors, as to why books became more available, and easier to read. The invention of the fireplace, allowed people to have more privacy because it allowed people to have smaller rooms, that provided more privacy. Eyeglasses also helped many people be able to read. Since people could be near or far sighted, it was hard, if

Old Majors Speech In Animal Farm By George Orwell

Old Major’s Propaganda†¦ Speech After reading George Orwell’s Animal Farm, one may take better care of his or her fluffy white cat! Easily recognized as a fable, in his book Animal Farm, Orwell uses free willed, self-thinking animals to struggle for their freedoms in much the same way man does. It is not just a fable though; it is based on reality. George Orwell (or Erik Blare) dealt with conflict with social democracy, communists, and capitalism his entire life, and it sparked his novel. The one who sparked the movement on Manor Farm was the visionary elderly boar, Old Major, who had a dream that the animals could be in charge of the farm. Old Major’s heart was for the idealistic benefit of the farm animals. Old Major, who was respected†¦show more content†¦In addition to hasty generalization, there is also fallacy of exclusion peppered in his speech. â€Å"In the fallacy of exclusion you fail to look at how the given quality is common among many groups, not just one.† (uidaho) Old Ma jor claims that, â€Å"Man is the only animal that consumes without producing.† (pages 7-8) but this is false. Just because man cannot produce the same things that animals produce, such as milk, eggs, and meat, does not mean that man is incapable of producing anything. He makes the animals think that man is not of value. Moreover, Old Major further implies man’s unimportance by affirming the consequent. Now, according to the University of Idaho, affirming the consequent means, â€Å"reversing an argument or confusing the general category with the specific/sub-category.† Old Major obviously used this fallacy in his speech, intentionally or not. Old Major declares that, â€Å"All man are enemies. All animals are comrades.† (page 10) This sounds all fine and dandy, but really it is a false statement. He does not know any other man accept Mr. Jones, so he has no evidence to support his declaration. On the other hand, he does have evidence that animals are comrades, but does not have evidence that ALL animals are comrades. Old Major also confidently says, â€Å"Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork isShow MoreRelatedOld Majors Speech in Animal Farm: A Book by George Orwell1787 Words   |  8 PagesOld Major Speech Essay The Old Major’s speech was at the very start of chapter one of the book. It illustrates how animal farm was based on the Russian Revolution and how the Old Major character was modeled on Karl Marx who wrote the communist manifesto which was a guiding principle of the Russian Revolution. The Old Major used a huge amount of persuasive techniques in many different ways. He used emotive language to make the animals have an emotional, rather than a rational response to his speechRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Animal Farm922 Words   |  4 Pagesthe novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, the wisest boar of the farm, Old Major, mimics Karl Marx, the â€Å"Father of Communism,† and Vladimir Lenin, a Russian communist revolutionary. George Orwell introduces direct parallels between the respected figures through their mutual ideas of equality and profoundly appreciated qualities. Furthermore, his utilization of dialect and descriptions represent the key ideas of the novel. Throughout the novel, Orwell continues to show comparisons between Old Major andRead MoreAnimal Farm/ Pov Essay1549 Words   |  7 Pagesof the characters in Animal Farm, are there any who seem to represent the point of view of the author? Which of the animals or people do you think come(s) closest to achi eving Orwells perspective on Animal Farm? George Orwell brings to life many characters in the novel Animal Farm. He introduces very interesting characters like Boxer, Benjamin, and Napoleon. All of which are very interesting, however, none of them fully represent Orwell’s point of view. In Animal Farm, Orwell shows the reader theRead MoreCharacter Analysis Of George Orwells Animal Farm923 Words   |  4 PagesAnimal Farm Character Analysis Essay â€Å"Old major†¦ was so highly regarded on the farm that everyone was quite ready to lose an hour’s sleep in order to hear what he had to say† (Orwell 1). The author, George Orwell, portrayed Old Major as the wisest of all the animals on the farm, and without being said, Major was a big part of Animal Farm. In fact, he influenced the lives of all the animals with just one speech. On the day of this speech, Major taught all the animals his wise ideas in a kind supportingRead MoreCommentary on Old Majors Speech Essay879 Words   |  4 PagesCommentary on Old Majors Speech Old Majors speech was directed to the animals. It was about over throwing the man and the animals should take over. It was all a rebellion. In this short essay I will describe the persuasive techniques used by Old Major to persuade his fellow animals to follow his dreams. I will include quotes and other important features used by Orwell. The main part of his speech is on his dream. Old Major the Middle White Boar chooses the placeRead MoreAllegory in Animal Farm, by George Orwell Essay1024 Words   |  5 PagesGeorge Orwell wrote the novel Animal Farm. Orwell uses the genre of allegory to illustrate his satirical views of the Russian Revolution. As Britain and Russia were allies during the War, Orwell was forbidden to straightforwardly express his opinion. During the Second World War, George Orwell wrote the novel â€Å"Animal Farm†. Orwell uses the genre of allegory to illustrate his satirical views of the Russian Revolution. As Britain and Russia were allies during the War, Orwell was forbiddenRead MoreAnalysis Of George Orwells Animal Farm1142 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it,† said Spanish philosopher George Santayana. This brilliant message shows to be present in George Orwell’s satirical novel Animal Farm. In this book, Orwell uses farm animals to illustrate the true nature of the communist Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. There are many examples in this book and in real life that show the truth of aforementioned Santayana’s statement, for if one does not remember the past, they are only allowing it toRead MoreThe Reality Of Animalism In Animal Farm, By George Orwell937 Words   |  4 Pagesfiction novel, Animal Farm, by George Orwell, opens with the farm’s prize pig giving a speech. Old Major discusses his dream where animals don’t have to live under the harsh rule of humans, and are completely free. He preaches equality among animals, wher e no animal hurts another. â€Å"No animal must ever kill any other animal. All animals are equal† (11). The concept of a world in which animals were in power came to be known as Animalism. Following Old Major’s death, the animals of the farm tried to implementRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Animal Farm993 Words   |  4 Pages In George Orwell’s Animal Farm despite how great a government system is, it is only as good as the people who govern. Animal Farm is a story about oppressed animals overthrowing their humans and taking control over the farm. However things were fine up until the pigs started turning corrupt. The story is told through the eyes of a common animal and the events that occurred on Animal Farm. The narrator is never known but it is apparent that is it just a common animal and this gives the retellingRead MoreGeorge Orwells Animal Farm Essays2826 Words   |  12 PagesGeorge Orwell includes a strong message in his novel Animal Farm that is easily re cognizable. Orwell’s Animal Farm focuses on two primary problems that were not only prominent in his WWII society, but also posed as reoccurring issues in all societies past and present. Orwell’s novel delivers a strong political message about class structure and oppression from the patriarchal society through an allegory of a farm that closely resembles the Soviet Union. George Orwell wrote Animal Farm: A Fairy Story

Reflection on the Learning Style for Educational-myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theReflection on the Learning Style for Educational Program. Answer: Usefulness of the learning experience With the changes in the educational program offering, many universities are focusing on preparing the effective learning program for students. I have taken admission in the Holmes Institutes Sydney in which I have learned several courses and learning program. The courses offered in Holmes Institutes Sydney have helped me to increase my own divergent thinking related to the particular matter. It has also assisted me to make positive changes in my own work and my future carer. The main outcome of these courses is based on creating divergent thinking. It has also increased my understanding on the particular subject matter and assisted me to analysis the cases in deep. How this learning process will be useful to you The main usefulness of the learning courses in Holmes Institutes Sydney is related to increase my understanding on the particular work which will increase my own understanding to solve the complex issues and problems. The learning process will be useful to make me prepared and proactive for the possible complexity and issues. It will assist me to identify my own independent viewpoint on the particular subject matter. This learning process will divulge the core requirement which I need to develop to make me more employable and understanding towards the complex issues. The learning experience serves me to make my future career effective. It will not only make me more employable but also increase my divergent thinking in effective manner. The main intent of the future career is based on course material and course work which will not only increase the overall outcomes but also increase the overall value of my learning intents. The divergent thinking which I have gained from this course will assist me to solve problems and prepare me for the future problems. Objectively what happened in the learning process My opinion about the learning experience is related to the process. Holmes Institutes Sydney should have used innovative and creative technologies to increase the learning outcomes of the students. The value of experience will make me more prepared and proactive with the challenging situations and problems. Evaluate what you learn My new knowledge and learning courses will assist me to make proactive plans for the future problems. The leadership skills and group participation skills will also assist me to manage the team conflicts in easy and determined approach. The divergent thinking and different understanding will also help me to make the strategic planning in the company to deliver the best results. I have also learned to influence others in positive manner. I have considered that if I could consistently adapt my learning skills then it will not only increase my working effectiveness but also prepare me to deliver the best outcomes in easy and determined approach. The business research will help me to analysis all the internal and external factors which divulge the possible base factors to prepare the strategic planning for long run. I have learned that due to the ramified change in economy, business organization should consistently change its strategic planning. Explain your learning process The learning process of Assignment-1 and Assignment-2 assists me to evaluate all the internal and external factors which influence the business research process. The main reason of doing particular activity-1 is based on creation of the divergent thinking and develops proactive approach to solve the complex issues. In addition to this, activity-2 was undertaken to develop team work and group discussion which will eventually assist me to learn how to eliminate the team conflicts. It has been observed that both activities have assisted me to evaluate all the possible issues and problems in effective manner. I have learned how to implement effective strategic planning to draw the best results in the particular situation. Particular Description New insight Development of divergent thinking Connection with learning Team work Feeling Proactive approach Hypothesis The estimation of future on the basis of historical data Conclusion Always keep the project escalation amount for the future strategic planning The learning experience which I have gained from the courses offered in Holmes Institutes Sydney will assist me to set up new business and implement effective strategic plans. I have learned to analysis all the possible issues and problems which I might face while setting up new business. Now in the end, it could be inferred that there should be proper equilibrium in the theoretical and practical knowledge while implementing the proper strategic plan in the business research.

Fatehpuri Sikri free essay sample

Here he commenced the construction of a planned walled city which took the next fifteen years in planning and construction of a series royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private quarters and other utility buildings. [2]  He named the city, Fatehabad, with  Fateh, a word of Arabic origin in Persian, meaning victory. it was later called Fatehpur Sikri. [3]  It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the  nine jewels  or  Navaratnas, were born[citation needed]. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collection of  Mughal architecture  in India. [4] According to contemporary historians, Akbar took a great interest in the building of Fatehpur Sikri and probably also dictated its architectural style. Seeking to revive the splendours of Persian court ceremonial made famous by his ancestor Timur, Akbar planned the complex on Persian principles. But the influences of his adopted land came through in the typically Indian embellishments. We will write a custom essay sample on Fatehpuri Sikri or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Easy availability of sandstone in the neighbouring areas of Fatehpur Sikri, also meant that all the buildings here were made of the red stone. The imperial Palace complex consists of a number of independent pavilions arranged in formal geometry on a piece of level ground, a pattern derived from Arab and central Asian tent encampments. In its entirety, the monuments at Fatehpur Sikri thus reflect the genius of Akbar in assimilating diverse regional architectural influences within a holistic style that was uniquely his own. 5] The Imperial complex was abandoned in 1585, shortly after its completion, due to paucity of water and its proximity with theRajputana  areas in the North-West, which were increasingly in turmoil. Thus the capital was shifted to  Lahore  so that Akbar could have a base in the less stable part of the empire, before moving back Agra in 1598, where he had begun his reign as he shifted his focus to  Deccan. [6]  In fact, he never returned to the city exc ept for a brief period in 1601. 7][8]  In later Mughal history it was occupied for a short while by Mughal emperor,  Muhammad Shah  (r. 1719 -1748), and his  regent,  SayyidHussain Ali Khan Barha, one of the  Syed Brothers, was murdered here in 1720. Today much of the imperial complex which spread over nearly two mile long and one mile wide area is largely intact and resembles a  ghost town. It is still surrounded by a five mile long wall built during its original construction, on three sides. However apart from the imperial buildings complex few other buildings stand in the area, which is mostly barren, except of ruins of the  bazaars  of the old city near theNaubat Khana, the drum-house entrance at Agra Road. The modern town lies at the western end of the complex, which was a municipality from 1865 to 1904, and later made a notified area, and in 1901 had a population of 7,147. For a long time it was still known for its masons and stone carvers, though in Akbar time it was known and fabrics of hair and silk-spinning.

PJ Smoothies Essay Example

PJ Smoothies Essay In the world of business we live in today, marketing has a crucial role. In the previous days, back in the first days of the industrial revolution, entrepreneurs believed that it only production that was important. All resources are dedicated to increase the capacity for producing good and services with little worries of whether the products were going to get sold. This sentiment lasted for decades because people in the past were still craving at the marvel of technology and mass production, which entrepreneurs have little care of the amount they produce, because generally, no matter how much they produce, the society absorbs.Of course, this is nothing like the present day. Today, mass production and technological advancements have become natural parts of people’s lives. There is no sense in producing without considering how much the market would be willing to absorb. There are times when people are easier to influence using many kinds of marketing efforts and ‘tricksâ⠂¬â„¢. However, people of the day have seemed to go pass that stage. Marketing jargons and propaganda can no longer dictate what people want. Consumes are more critical and selective. Today, marketers must be sensitive of where the market’s interest are growing today, and act upon it.Today, marketing should be the guide of any production decision. Moreover, marketing should be involved in almost all stages of product design and even pricing. This is important because in the end, only marketers have the most vivid idea of what consumers want and how much they will pay to obtain it. This concept is well known and there are many companies turn into market-based companies. However, there are those that get tangled-up in the complexity of their own businesses and deviate from their existing market niches.Within this paper, I will discuss the marketing strategy that is appropriate for smoothies, the new trend of drinking in United Kingdom. The paper will contain suggestions of stra tegic position and the appropriate marketing mix to support that strategic position.II.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Product and Corporate BackgroundII.1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Product BackgroundSmoothies are the new trend of drinks in United Kingdom. In simple definition it is a fruit drink. Some may refer to it as a fruit juice, but PJ refer to them as crushed fruit. There is a rather different understanding regarding the two definitions. The first is smoothies made of juiced fruit, which has more of a juice-flavor and nutrient contents. On the other hand PJ smoothies are made out of concentrated fruit juice, which is closer to the ‘crushed fruit’ definition and sets the differences between ordinary juice and smoothies. Other characteristics that created differences between smoothies and juices are that smoothies uses yogurt as a mixed ingredients along with the various fruits (‘Pulp Friction’, 2004).The drink became popula r because it has a recreational sense within it and it is in line with the health sentiment to have at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. Nevertheless, there are also analysts who stated that PJ Smoothies are rich with natural sugar and has a low proportion of fiber. In other words, other supplements of fruity vitamins are still necessary despite having a bottle of PJ Smoothies a day. The inventor, Harry Cragoe, stated in his defense that the drink is not meant to be an exclusive and expensive health drink, but rather an affordable healthy drink.As mentioned previously, the trend of Starbucks have gained new competition as the society looks for a healthier ‘fun’ in their drinking habit. The product has been around for a long time in the United States, but has recently been popular in United Kingdom. The UK smoothies market was created no longer than 12 years ago in 1994, when Harry Cragoe decided to import the products to UK markets because he was surpri sed not to find this delicious treat anywhere in UK. He had to sell his flat as a part of financing the business at first. Afterwards, in 1998 the company purchased a former bottling facility in an industrial estate in Newark, and began to make smoothies in the United Kingdom (‘How to Make’, 2004).The smoothies industry has developed from zero to a  £ 33 million business in just 10 years. PJ are still the market leader in respect of volumes in 2002, but sometimes, their tight competitors, Innocence, took over for several months. The competition is tight as both has controlling shares of the UK smoothies market (about 40% each)II.2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Corporate Background ‘Pete and Johny Smoothies’In its first years of production, the company gained tremendous profit because of the lack of competition. However, after the year 2000, the prices have come down to a competitive level, leaving the company with decreasing profitability. The decreasing profitabil ity continued as competition gets tighter with Innocence. By 2003, the company already reported losses instead of profits, despite its increase in sales number (John, 2005).In early 2005, the company sells itself in efforts of gaining capital to repair and develop the business. The buyer was Pepsi, who has similar market segment with the brand named Tropicana and Copella. Many considered this as a good step to restructures and further develop the business. Nevertheless, Innocent was pessimistic toward the deal. They doubt if the combination could help enhance a business with such a low profit margin (John, 2005). However, they are also taking the positive side that the deal would help the UK smoothies market to grow (‘PJ Smoothies Sells’, 2005). After the purchase, Pepsi sent its representative to help develop the product personality of the brand (‘Landor’, 2006).III.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Strategic Positioning SuggestionsIn or der to provide this paper with a more analytical structure, I am using the Porter’s five forces analysis and the SWOT analysis to help develop a deeper understanding of the smoothies industry and what competitive advantages doe PJ Smoothies have. The results of this analysis are suggestions of what PJ Smoothies should do or should be aware of in the near future. The final suggestion will be made in the four Ps marketing mix form.III.1  Ã‚  Ã‚   Porter’s Five Forces AnalysisIII.1.1. RivalryAs revealed previously, the company –which has been a separate company owned by Pepsi- currently in tight competition with Innocent, its only worthy rival. The UK Smoothies industry has a highly concentrated market with only two large companies holding up to 80 % of the entire market share. However, the competition between these two is tight. In early years, PJ, who had the first start, led the way by 70% of the market. However, the last development reveals that the company i s losing in terms of market share to Innocent. The latest available information revealed that innocent now has 46% of the market, while Smoothies has only 33%.I believe that rivalry is the most important factor that will influence the condition of PJ Smoothies in years to come. Although some stated that harsh competition might scare away customers, but acknowledging the threat is necessary nonetheless. Competition should not be sees as a way to knock each other down; rather it is a way of learning from each other. I believe that PJ Smoothies have a lot to learn from this competitive atmosphere.III.1.2. Threats of SubstitutesSubstitutes are products of another industry or from the smoothies industry itself that consumers could use as a replacement of the original smoothies. The substitutes generally have lower level of quality and smaller cost structure that allow cheaper prices. However, it might not contain all the nutrients that are offered by the original smoothies. Regarding the smoothies’ product, substitutes come from fruit juice drinks products.The low cost of production allows just about anyone to produce fruit juice by themselves. The threat of substitutes does not necessarily come from companies of PJ’s scale. Rather, a small-scale stores or restaurant that sold good blend of fruit juice could take away market share from the company. There are many shops in UK that provided such fruit juice, and they have daily basis customers. In respect of this condition, it is largely necessary to differentiate the product in prices and flavors. I believe distinctive flavors and product personality are crucial for PJ Smoothies to gain a place in the market.III.1.3. Buyer PowerThis factor represents the threat that comes from consumers that overpowers producers. In some industries, due to the small amount or concentrated consumers, they posses a strong influence to the producers. Regarding the smoothies product however, such threats do not exist becau se consumers are from various level of social and economic stature. They are many and fragmented in nature. There is no sense in thinking that customers would integrate themselves and pose as a new threat to PJ Smoothies.III.1.4. Supplier PowerSupplier powers are the extent of influence possessed by providers of materials and equipment of the company’s production facility. They would have considerable influence if they are small or concentrated in number, or the materials are unique in nature. This factor also hold no threat toward the company. The business has simple ingredients structure and there are many providers. The type of tools and equipment necessary to produce also has numerous providers in such market as the United Kingdom. Thus, the supplier holds little influence.III.1.5 Barriers to EntryThis factor, on the other hand, has significant influence in the business. There are considerably small factors that could prevent anyone form entering the industry. The cost of capital to start the business is comparatively small and there are no restrictions form the government or patents that pose as a significant barrier. Technological issues pose some but insufficient barrier to keep competitors away. In other words, there is little reason to think that competitions would not appear out of nowhere and take portions of the market share. If PJ smoothies prefer a room for growth in the UK markets for the future, it must move fast to create a brand that has the capacity to obtain stronger consumer basis in most of the markets in UK.III.2  Ã‚  Ã‚   SWOT AnalysisIII.2.1 StrengthsOne of the strengths of the product came from the fact that there are few, or even non of similar products in United Kingdom. However, this advantage has passed away as innocent enters the market. Furthermore, due to the lack of notable barriers to enter the business, there is no reason to rely on the non-existence of competition. Other strength of the company is its place as the original smoothie maker in United Kingdom. PJ brings the product to the country and redesign them in its Newark production facility.The most powerful competitive advantage of the product is its promotion toward healthy living. The product is a way of creating joyful as well as healthy lives at the same time. In the middle of a society, that has grown great consciousness toward health and a healthy life, the product has found a good place in people’s heart. The company has taken advantage of this fact by inserting the health image into the product personality designIII.2.2 WeaknessesOne of the weaknesses of the product is related to its strength. The drink is fill with natural ingredients. Harry Cragoe, the inventor, is proud of the fact that the drink does not have any preservatives as a part of its ingredients. However, fresh fruit means shorter life span, and shorter life span could only lead to shorter shelf time. The company should have rather precise market estimation be cause a short estimation will cause customers to loose trust over the product and a long estimation will cause the products to be unproductive expenses.Other type of weakness that I would like to underline is the weak differentiation strategy of the product. As mentioned previously, the product would receive considerable competition from its surrounding environment and the only way to face such threat is by developing a strong differentiation strategy. The product must be distinctive and deliver unparalleled value to consumers (Doyle, 2000).Currently, the strategy of the company is not to be an elitist drink. In a way, the company directed its product to foster simplicity that would create the image of everyone’s drink. Concerning the importance of having a differentiation strategy as mentioned above, this simplicity image is not a good idea at all. People would see it as another drink in the market and they will go for competitor’s product who manages to deliver a hig h class and attractive image with competitive prices.The third weakness is the fact that the industry seem to have a very low selling price and a considerably high cost structure. The profit margin within the business has apparently been lower than expected. This could pose as a great threat as the product expands to larger volume of production.III.2.3 OpportunitiesOpportunities for the company come from its reputation and its new market all around the United Kingdom. Articles of various newspaper stated that smoothies is the new trend after Starbucks. This type of publication will keep people curious of how the product really taste. If the company manages to provide new consumers with quality that fulfill their expectations, the company will gain new daily customer as a result.The second opportunity is the children market. There is a great chance that the product will receive a good welcome by the children market because of its healthy traits. Parents would be glad to give their ch ildren a healthier drink compare to soft drinks or any other lack-of-nutrition drinks. However, this would only work if the company is able to insert some element within the product personality that is appealing to children. The sense of fun, friendly and cheerful in the products is important to obtain such achievement.III.2.4 ThreatsOne of the most apparent threats seems to attack the strength of the product itself. Some analysts claim that PJ smoothies have a high content of natural sugar and low fiber, which means that the health-promoting role is not as dominant as the company might want. The second threat comes from competitors like Innocent. If the company fails to deliver the right product image and make a worthy distinction out of itself, there is little chance that PJ will be able to maintain its 30% share of the smoothies market.IV.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Marketing MixIn spite of the various factors of strategic positioning mentioned above, marketing decision eventually comes down to four types of decisions. They are called the marketing mix. They are tools to help marketers implement their strategic considerations into more actionable forms (Borden, 1994. Lauterborn, 1990). It is considered the final step of designing a marketing plan. In this paper, these four aspects of marketing strategy are the outcomes of the considerations mentioned in previous chapters.IV.1  Ã‚  Ã‚   ProductThere are several aspects of the product’s characteristics. The first is the name. Pete and Johny are not real names. They are fictional character created by Harry Cragoe to create the image of simplicity toward the product. He wanted the product to provide the sense of closeness to its consumers, away from exclusiveness and anything that will cause consumer to feel not at home. Prior to the buyout with Pepsi, the packaging and styling of the product is designed with similar intention. It was design to be simple and away from any i mage of an elitist drink.In a review of the competition between PJ and Innocent, Innocent stated that instead of mixing yogurt with pure fruit juice, PJ mixed concentrated juice as the primary ingredients. Many considered this would reduce the flavor of the drink, but Harry Cragoe said that it suit his statement that he is selling crushed fruit instead of fruit juice. This unpopular choice is also a part of Cragoe’s plan to maintain a certain image simplicity of the product.As a part of my conclusion within this paper, I believe that the simplicity and the ‘drink for all’ image is not working as good as Harry Cragoe might have expected. As said in several magazine articles, the company never performs adequate marketing research prior to determining the product strategy. The product strategy started the moment PJ Smoothies open their producing facility in Newark. The strategy worked for several years because their competition, Innocent, has not fully developed the ir strategy yet. After Innocent revealed their ‘more exclusive’ strategy, the market seemed to turn to Innocent instead of PJ.Therefore, as a part of the new marketing strategy for PJ Smoothies after the acquisition by Tropicana, I believe that the company should design a bolder strategy. One that would involve a much more recognizable, attractive and outgoing packaging. This could also work with the new children market. The image of simplicity is unattractive and rather boring. The image should turn from simplicity to fun and popular, an image that make people see PJ Smoothies as what the newspapers said about them these days, the new drinking trend that replaced Starbucks.IV.2  Ã‚  Ã‚   PriceAs mentioned previously, the product seemed to have a much smaller profit margin than expected. The profit margin stumbles as a result of the tight competition with Innocent. Harry Cragoe stated that the company was trying to deliver consumers with the drink-for-all smoothies. T his unavoidably means cheaper prices as well. Nevertheless, in spite of having cheaper prices than Innocent has, the competitor still took away market leadership by 2003. This revealed the fact that price was not the sole factor that contributes to sales number.As a part of the new and bolder strategy, I believe that the company should focus on changing the image of the product first. If the change is performed with adequate marketing research and consumer behavior considerations then the price of PJ Smoothies will rise along with market share (Culliton 1968).IV.3  Ã‚  Ã‚   PromotionDue to the new nature of the product and the wide range of ‘untouch’ market available, promotion has a crucial role in the development of PJ Smoothies, especially to target the upcoming children market. By experience, the most effective method to introduce such product is by giving free trials to people. Beside free sales promotions, aggressive marketing using billboards and advertisements is also important to keep the product in people’s mind (Frey, 1961).IV.4  Ã‚  Ã‚   PlacementSince there are many people in Britain that have not had a taste of PJ Smoothies, the product has a wide range of area to cover. Moreover, as stated previously, it is important to develop presence in most market of the United Kingdom to ensure brad loyalty and make it easier for future expansion of the brand. The company has only 25 days of shelf time, which demanded a quick delivery system to prevent deterioration. The product also need to be frozen in delivery, thus, the delivery system will cost the company a little more than other companies.To safe money and shelf time, the product should be delivered directly from the Newark factory to retailer’s stores rather than converging them into distribution warehouses in each area. Therefore, transportation is an important element of PJ Smoothies’ distribution system. There are two choices of distribution model. A private distribution model, which requires the company to have its own delivery fleet, and an outsourcing distribution model, which involves external transportation services in delivering the products. In a small scale, outsourcing would be a preferable distribution strategy. However, after the merger with Pepsi, the smoothies segment would most likely collaborate with distribution system of other Pepsi brands (Klinger, 2005).