Description of a Religious Festival Essay

Write an essay describing a religious festival you celebrated, mentioning what you saw and did in the festival Religion is a â€Å"collective conscience†, a shared outlook created by ceremonies. Most common religion in India is Hinduism. Hindus celebrate thousands of events every year and each in a similar manner, including chanting prayers to the gods and making sweets. Ram Navmi is also one of the event celebrated Hindus. This occasion has great momentousness therefore it’s a nationwide holiday. It is celebrated two days after the seven navratras. Navratras are the days of ‘pooja’ in which Goddess Durga is worshipped by the people for bringing peace and prosperity in their life. People especially ladies keep fast for the first eight days and open on the ninth day. Goddess Durga have nine different incarnations, worshipped one each day. Havans are done, which is also believed by the people that it’s smoke purify the homes. On the ninth day a bigger ‘havan’ is done and then ladies in the family prepare meals for seven young girls and one boy. These girls are treated with respect as they are considered the different forms of Goddess Durga. They are also given offerings in the form of cash. We also celebrate Ram Navmi and so my mother kept a fast for two days. We could not do havan on the first eight days due to lack of space but on the ninth day we had a ‘pandal’ built, made up of tent cloth which was all red in colour which was to give the event its effect supported by thin logs. A pandit was called to conduct the rights and rituals and my mother prepared food for the girls. The eighth day was hectic for me bit I enjoyed it . my sister and I prepared the invitations cards for the children. They had a silver colored fringe with text in golden and a picture of Lord Ganesha with red background. I went to each one’s house to invite them. I also went to buy eight gifts and keeping in mind their ages I found all the appropriate gifts. Then came the ninth day, I was woke up from my sleep by the ‘shank’ sound. I took my bath and got ready for the function. The ‘havan’ started and gradually the girls also came and there was deluge of tasks poured upon me. I had to bring the bucket full of water to wash the ‘kanyas’ feet. Then I went to help the pandit with ‘ghee’,’yoghurt’, etc.

Kraft Food’s Case Study

KRAFT FOOD COMPANY Chapter I INTRODUCTION A. COMPANY’S HISTORY According to Frank (2010), in 1903, there was a man named James Lewis Kraft who had begun cheese delivery service at Chicago area after he had been eased out from a cheese company at Buffalo. Every morning, he will buy cheese wholesale and resold it to the local vendors in order to avoid the cheese melt or spoil. The business was successful and several of his brothers who are known as Charles H. , John H. , Fred Walker and Norman had joined the company named J. L Kraft & Bros. Co. in 1909 as permanent employees (MAC 2011).James L. Kraft is a president of the company who had invented a revolutionary process in 1915. This process helps to pasteurize the cheese, thus it would not spoiled easily and can be transported long distances (NNDB 2009). Fundamentally, according to Phillip (2010), in 1920, Kraft purchased a Canadian cheese company and changed it to Kraft Cheese Company in 1924. Kraft Cheese Company had obtained a lot of sales which enable J. L Kraft to expand the company into Germany, Australia and Britain. During World War II, Kraft had supplied 4 million pounds of cheese to Britain.It had showed that Kraft was a main food supplier at that time. In 1945, the Kraft Cheese Company became Kraft Food Company (NNDB 2009). B. COMPANY’S DESCRIPTION Kraft Food Company’s headquarter had been located at Cheltenham, United Kingdom since Kraft has a close connection with the rest of Europe. The manufacturing site had been established at the Ban bury as a global manufacturing base that will supply a variety type of products worldwide in 155 countries including Malaysia, China and United State (Kraft Food Inc. 2010). Kraft Food Company was having more than 100,000 diverse employees all over the world.Currently, Kraft Food Company is a second largest food and beverage company in the world after Nestle. C. TYPE OF PRODUCTS Furthermore, according to Joel (2010), Kraft Food Company is popula r with cheese and dairy, snack foods and confectionary, beverage and convenient foods. However, Kraft Food Company is basically focusing more on cheese and dairy products such as cottage cheese and sour cream. Kraft produces a wide variety of natural cheese and American cheese slices. Besides that, Kraft also been known as snack food brands especially cookies and crackers.Some of popular snacks food offers by Kraft are Kraft cheese Nips, Wheat Thins crackers, Corn Nuts and Garden Harvest toasted chips (Kraft Food 2011). Instead of that, sweet and confectionary food brands produced by Kraft are Oreo cookies, Kraft Mayo with olive oil, Jet-Puffed Marshmallows and Kraft salad dressings whereas for beverage and convenient foods are Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, California Pizza Kitchen and DiGiorno frozen pizzas, Yuban Coffee and Maxwell House (David 2009). Chapter II STRATEGY FORMULATION A. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS 1.Kraft Foods Mission Statement: â€Å"Make Today Delicious† I n order to fulfill this mission Kraft Foods Inc. focuses on consumers in everything that they do. The company also understands that actions speak louder than words, so at Kraft Foods, they: – inspire trust. – act like owners. – keep it simple. – are open and inclusive. – tell it like it is. – lead from the head and the heart. – discuss – decide -deliver. 2. Kraft Foods Vision Statement: â€Å"Helping People Around the World to Eat & Live Better† Their vision captures the essence of who they are.Everything they do flows from their vision. They just don't happen to be a business that sells food – it's what they're all about. Their vision is about meeting consumers' needs and making food an easier, healthier, more memorable, and enjoyable part of the life. Revised Mission Statement Here at Kraft Foods we strive to produce superior products and services (2) to our customers (1) ranging from wholesalers to households. The 21st century is sure to bring more innovation, new products, and new food technology (4), thus enabling us to create and deliver better and healthier products.Kraft Foods continues to lead the food industry as the largest food supplier in North America (7) with plans to continue expansion into new and existing global markets (3). We support the goals of the company by applying the highest ethical conduct within our corporate philosophy in all our business transactions (6), treatment of employees (9), and social and environmental policies (8). We at Kraft Foods focus highly on our consumers’ lifestyles and aim to grow profitable in the worlds’ food market and provide a higher than expected return to shareholders (5).Our company takes pride in making today and the future-delicious. 1. ) Customers 2. ) Products and services 3. ) Markets 4. ) Technology 5. ) Concern for survival, growth, and profitability 6. ) Philosophy 7. ) Self-concept 8. ) Concern for public image 9. ) Concern for employees Revised Vision Statement Global leadership in offering the best food products enabling people to eat and live better. Explanation-This revised vision statement incorporates a vision for the Kraft Foods Inc. to become a global leader among its competitors-that is to be the number one.This statement shall encourage the whole organization of the corporation to think not only for the good but for the best. The corporation shall offer not only quality products but the best quality products helping their global market to live better through the consumption of their products. B. EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 1. Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) Table 1. Competitive Profile Matrix(CPM) for Kraft Foods Inc. Critical Success Factor | | | | | Rating | Rating | Rating | 1. Advertising| 3| 4| 2| 2. Financial Position| 3| 4| 2| 3. Global Expansion| 3| 4| 2| 4. Market Share| 3| 3| 2| . Product Diversity | 4| 4| 3| 6. Consumer Demands | 4| 3| 3| Average Rating | 20/6= 3. 33| 22/6= 3 . 67| 14/6= 2. 33| Note: 1=major weakness, 2=minor weakness, 3=minor strength, 4=major  strength The Competitive Profile Matrix shows  the relative strength of  Kraft Foods Inc. compared  to its competitors by using the critical success factors in  its industry. By identifying its strengths, we can also identify its relative weaknesses and address them to formulate effective strategies. Kraft Foods Inc. is relatively competitive in its industry, showing 3. 33 as its total score.The company has to improve on global strength, market share and attractiveness as an employer to improve on brand loyalty and customer retention. Its profit margin has a rating of 3 just like the other industry because it is considered as a minor strength for they all want to focus on their brand and customer satisfaction. 2. PESTLE Analysis The PESTLE analysis contains the analysis of Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental environments of a country with reference to a  particular object. The PESTLE analysis of Kraft Foods Inc. is as follows: POLITICALThey support candidates who understand and appreciate the public policies that impact their  business, brands and employees. The company has started a political action committee called Kraftpac or Kraft Political Action Committee which makes  funding to state political parties, committees and candidates. ECONOMIC Kraft is making good earnings from its market involvements via  its products and brands. The company is delivering high quality earnings to  its shareholders despite the difficult economic environment. They are continuously investing in their brands and businesses to further  provide excellent product offerings to their customers.As a result of their investment strategies, the Kraft Foods is very well positioned to deliver sustainable top-tier  performance, with or without Cadbury (Kraft foods financial news, 2011). In 2008, Kraft Foods was once again named to the Dow Jones Sust ainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index in recognition of the  company’s economic, environmental and social performance. SOCIAL The company took  initiative to improve the  living standards of more than 1 million farmers with effective partnerships with them.They  increased their cocoa and coffee purchase to further benefit their partner farmers. Kraft Foods reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 18% and water consumption by 30% since2005, as measured against total production. Furthermore, the  company improved the nutritional profile of more than 5,500  products during the last five years. They removed nearly 6. 5 million pounds (3  million kg) of salt from products in 2010 and helped to provide more than 1 billion servings of food since 1999 in the United States alone. TECHNOLOGICAL The company keeps consumer needs in  their minds  before designing their strategies.They adapt  and anticipate their needs in order to  mee t them efficiently. The company has employed SAP Net weaver technology platform to ensure effective information and business transformation strategy within all the business units (FBR, 2008). Kraft foods have established a hub and spoke model where a centrally led team focuses on the overall strategies, systems, enabling tools, networks and metrics. And, they have complemented that central team with R&D people the open innovation â€Å"technical scouts†? embedded in each  of Kraft's business units. LEGALThe company abides by the laws, rules, and regulations of the national as well as  international countries in order to sustain its  profitability and its business operations. Almost all of the activities of the company’s food operations outside of the United States are subject to local and national regulations similar to those applicable to Kraft Philippines  businesses and, in some cases,  international regulatory provisions, such as those of the European Uni on relating to labeling, packaging, food  content, pricing, marketing and advertising and related areas.ENVIRONMENTAL Kraft Foods has set an example  in the global industry by determining a push  to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment in the U. S. and  around the world. The company released  its CSR report in 2010 which stated its environmental goals agenda to reduce the effects of energy and the carbon dioxide emissions in food plants to the conservation of water and minimizing excess packaging. They are creating packaging that uses less material, weighs less and reduces impact  on landfills without compromising food safety or freshness.As part of their plan to  reduce our â€Å"carbon footprint,† Kraft foods are improving their energy efficiencies, using  less energy and finding new and cleaner sources of energy. Kraft Foods look for opportunities to reduce the use of water to  minimize the  impact of water discharge and even reuse wat er  in ways that help the environment and save money. Lastly they are not only focusing on creating less waste in the manufacturing process, they are also finding new and better  ways to reuse, treat and even put waste to work. 3. Porter’s Five Forces AnalysisBARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS The food and beverage industry is quite high and competitive in nature. The  prices offered are usually competitive to  remain in the market. THE BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS The buyers preferences changes with the passage of time and they are likely to switch to the seller who offers good  quality at  less price. Wal-Mart has played a  major  role in this case. It offers less priced goods to  attract the buyers ¶ attention. There is a significant opportunity for the buyers to  extract industry and firm profits. THE THREAT OF THE ENTRY OF NEW COMPETITORSThere are already so  many competitors present in the market that there are very less chances for the new comers to se t foot in and enjoy their share in the market. The existing companies have already spent  so much on their brands, quality and positioning that it will be difficult for the new comers to entice switching among consumers. RIVALRY AMONG ESTABLISHED COMPETITIONS Intense competition lies in the food and beverage industry. The main vehicle by which firms in the industry preserve market share  is through brand loyalty and diversification.In general, the products of these  firms are highly elastic with consumers weighing the tradeoff between price and quality between companies and products. Consumers in the industry have minimal switching costs and there is never the guarantee of brand loyalty. Therefore, the way these firms maintain market share is by providing  brand quality at an affordable price. Thus, there is some cooperation among  firms against the erosion of market share to  private label products. With all firms promoting brand quality, there are signals passed onto t he consumer that brand name products are superior  to private label products in quality and elegance.There have been restructurings and realignments at Kraft and at other companies in the industry in order to increase volume and profitability despite increasing input costs, sluggish top  line growth, margin contraction, and rising pension costs. THE THREAT OF SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES The consumers evaluate the quality of products and their prices with that of others to decide which product to  buy. The treat of substitutes is medium in this case. The  private label products, also referred to as  ? generic? products, pose a serious threat to industry and  firm profits. 4. Input Tools Table 2.External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. Key External Factors| Opportunities| 1. Operates in many fast growing categories| 2. Growing demand for health and wellness products| 3. Decreased input costs [raw materials]| 4. Changing lifestyles. | 5. Increased tr ends of flavor enhancer for bottled water. | 6. Growth in the market overall. | 7. Cadbury acquisition provides new products. | Threats| 1. Increasing trend of dining out| 2. Health concerns| 3. Inflation [transportation]| 4. Unfavorable impact of foreign currency| 5. Customers switching to generic brands. | 6. Intense competition from Mars Inc. Nestle SA| C. INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 1. Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Table 3. Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. Key Internal Threats | Strengths| 1. Strong R;D| 2 Increased organic revenues| 3. Availability| 4. Innovative advertising methods| 5. Diverse range of leading brands| 6. Focus on consumers| 7. Strong distribution network| 8. Strong brand image| 9. World’s second-largest food company| 10. 25% of global revenue from emerging markets| Weaknesses| 1. Difficulty in launching new brands| 2. Most of growth is dependent on acquisitions or expanding into new market. 3. Strong competition from Nestle , Hershey, etc. | 4. Poor performance of North-American segment| 2. Matching  Tools a. Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Matrix   The  opportunities  and  threats  that  Kraft  Foods  Inc. possesses  are  now matched against its  strengths and  weaknesses by  using the SWOT matrix in order to generate appropriate strategies. Table 4. SWOT MATRIX for Kraft Foods Inc. 1| Strengths| SWOT MATRIX SWOT MATRIX | 1. Strong R;D| | 2. Increased organic revenues| | 3. Availability| | 4. Innovative advertising methods| | 5. Diverse range of leading brands| | 6.Focus on consumers| | 7. Strong Distribution network| | 8. Strong brand image| | 9. World’s second largest food company| | 10. 25% of global revenue from emerging markets| Opportunities| SO Strategies| 1. Operates in many fast growing categories| Focus on retailers and restaurants (O1,S1)Position itself as a healthy food producer (O4, S3, S8)Focus on ready to eat products (O4 S6)Promote r eady to drink beverages (O4, S5, S8)| 2. Growing demand for health and wellness products| | 3. Decreased input costs [raw materials]| | 4. Changing lifestyles. | | 5. Increased trends of flavor enhancer for bottled water. | 6. Growth in the market overall. | | 7. Cadbury acquisition provides new products. | | Threats| ST Strategies| 1. Increasing trend of dining out| Introduce low fat products (T3, S6)Outsource operations to cheaper logistics partners (T4, S7)| 2. Health concerns| | 3. Inflation [transportation]| | 4. Unfavorable impact of foreign currency| | 5. Customers switching to generic brands. | | 6. Intense competition from Mars Inc. , Nestle SA| | SWOT MATRIX SWOT MATRIX | Weaknesses| | 1. Difficulty in launching new brands| | 2. Most of growth is dependent on acquisitions or expanding into new market. | | 3.Strong competition from Nestle, Hershey, etc. | | 4. Poor performance of North-American segment| Opportunities | WO Strategies| 1. Operates in many fast growing categor ies| Look for divestiture in poor performing segmentsSell packaged coffees to cafes (W4, O1)  Ã‚  | 2. Growing demand for health and wellness products| | 3. Decreased input costs [raw materials]| | 4. Changing lifestyles. | | 5. Increased trends of flavor enhancer for bottled water. | | 6. Growth in the market overall. | | 7. Cadbury acquisition provides new products. | | Threats| WT Strategies| 1. Increasing trend of dining out| Launch a sub-brand (brand extension) for ealthier range of products(W3, T2)Market dependent; look into closing lower value markets and look to switch to higher value economies  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  | 2. Health concerns| | 3. Inflation [transportation]| | 4. Unfavorable impact of foreign currency| | 5. Customers switching to generic brands. | | 6. Intense competition from Mars Inc. , Nestle SA| | | | | | IP IP c. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix Division| Revenue (millions)| Percent Revneues| Profit (millions)| Percent Profit| Relative Market Share| Indus try Growth Rate (%)| Company| $ 42,201| 100%| $2,901| 100%| 0. 38| 6. 41%| In the BCG matrix, Kraft Foods Inc. ervices are presented and compared with industry’s growth rate. The percentage market share of Kraft Foods Inc. was computed as follows: (2010 Kraft Foods net sales/ 2010 industry total net sales) X 100%= $42,201/$111,507= 38% The percentage industry growth rate was obtained from the annual increase in revenues. Table 5. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. (Global Market Share) Relative market share in the industry (percentage) Relative market share in the industry (percentage) 1. 0 . 50 0. 0 2. . 50 0. 0 +20 0 20 +20 0 20 Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) Question Marks I Question Marks I Stars II Stars II Dogs IV Dogs IV Cash Cows III Cash Cows III Kraft Foods belongs to Question Marks Group seen in Quadrant I, it remains to be competitive enough although its market share is not that high but its g rowth rate in industry is high enough to cover the market. In order to be on Stars the company must pursue an intensive strategy to strengthen the company and meet its goals in the industry. Table 6.Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. (Domestic Market Share) Relative Market Share Position in the Industry Relative Market Share Position in the Industry 1. 0 . 500. 0 2. 0 . 500. 0 Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) +20 0 -20 +20 0 -20 Question Marks I Question Marks I Stars II Stars II Dogs IV Dogs IV Cash Cows III Cash Cows III Kraft Foods belongs to Stars Group seen in Quadrant II, its market share is high and highly competitive in the industry, but because of fast growing market, Kraft is required to have a huge investments to maintain their lead.Division| Revenue (millions)| Percent Revneues| Profit (millions)| Percent Profit| Relative Market Share| Industry Growth Rate (%)| Company| $ 42,201| 100%| $ 2,901| 100%| 0 . 70| 6. 41%| The percentage market share of Kraft Foods Inc. was computed as follows: (2010 Kraft Foods net sales/ 2010 industry total net sales) X 100%= $42,201/$60,287= 70% The percentage industry growth rate was obtained from the annual increase in revenues. d. Internal-External (I/E) Matrix IFE Total Weighted Scores IFE Total Weighted Scores Table 7. Internal-External (I/E) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc.Strong Average Weak Strong Average Weak 4. 0 High 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 Medium 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 Low 1. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 4. 0 High 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 Medium 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 Low 2. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 1. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 1. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 Grow and buildGrow and build I| 2. 57, 3. 14 2. 57, 3. 14 II | III| IV | Hold and Maintain Hold and Maintain V| VI| VII| VIII| Harvest or Divest Harvest or Divest IX| EFE Total Weighted Scores EFE Total Weighted Scores Division| Revenues (millions)| Percent Revenues| Profit (millio ns)| Percent Profit| IFE Scores| EFE Scores| Company| $ 42,201 | 100%| $ 2,901 | 100%| 2. 57| 3. 14| Kraft Foods Co. is in the Grow and Build position which means that its internal strengths are on the average and response to the external factors are on the above average.This means that Kraft can proceed in doing intensive and integrative strategies as suggested by the IE Matrix. e. Grand Strategy (GS) Matrix Rapid Market Growth Rapid Market Growth Table 8. GS Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. Quadrant II| Quadrant I 1. Market Development 2. Market Penetration 3. Product Development 4. Forward Integration 5. Backward Integration 6. Horizontal Integration 7. Related Diversification| Quadrant III| Quadrant IV| Strong Competitive Position Strong Competitive Position Weak Competitive Position Weak Competitive Position Slow Market GrowthSlow Market Growth Kraft Foods Inc. falls under Quadrant I which is characterized by rapid market growth and strong competitive position. For Kraft Foods Inc. it would be best for them to continue their concentration on their current markets and strategies that would be best to use are market penetration and market development as suggested earlier in the other matrixes. If Kraft Foods is too heavily committed to a single product, then related diversification may reduce the risks associated with a narrow product line. g. Functional areas of the firm MarketingKraft's management performed an international consumer survey to determine if consumers were aware of the product quality and whether they were receptive to Kraft's product quality. After receiving a favorable survey response, KFI decided to produce an adaptive, revitalization, and business acquisition marketing campaign; tailored for specific foreign markets. An organization can make a creditable business case for product adaptation when the product modification develops into higher revenues and profits. Kraft's product brand managers developed ways and methods to revitalize existing food products to sell in foreign markets.The brand managers revisited products that were more than 35 years old and revitalized them by positioning the products as mild, hot, or spicy and microwavable. Consequently, product revitalization influenced consumer behaviors. Shortly after product revitalization, the initial response occurred when new customers became enticed by the repositioned products and younger consumers became interested in Kraft products. Finance At Kraft, cash is king When Kraft Foods needed to cut costs and free up cash, its supply chain organization rose to the challenge.Better inventory turnover played a leading role in boosting cash flow by 20 percent. If the company could make just the right amount of goods for a market and get them quickly into the hands of the consumer, it would speed up the cycle for converting products to cash. The relationship between inventory and cash flow put Kraft's supply chain organization front and center in the multiyear project. Research, Development ; Quality When it comes to bold thinking, Research, Development ; Quality is the place to be exciting new tastes. Packaging that extends the shelf life of our products – and is biodegradable.State-of-the-art machinery. That’s the kind of thing we’re aiming for. And what we come up with. Kraft Foods R;D Center At Kraft Foods, we have been focusing on inventing delicious foods and improving life quality. Thus we sincerely invite the best R;D staff and establish 6 R;D centers in world. All of our professional knowledge in nutrition and food safety allow us to accelerate product research and development, bringing the best technologies and products to benefit people all over the world. Kraft Foods Global R;D center located in Glenview, Illinois, has established professional labs for hemical and flavor analysis. We attract excellent R;D staffs and provide strong technique supports of product development for North America and other areas in global . We believe innovation is a journey. In 2010, Kraft Foods China launched a strong pipeline of innovative products including OREO Ice Cream Flavor and Mini-snack biscuits. Pacific Whole Grain is the first real whole grain biscuit on the market that has enjoyed great success among Chinese consumers. Production/operation Kraft Foods Inc. is a holding company, our principal source of funds is from our subsidiaries.Our wholly owned subsidiaries currently are not limited by long-term debt or other agreements in their ability to pay cash dividends or make other distributions with respect to their common stock. Reportable Segments We manage and report operating results through three geographic units: Kraft Foods North America, Kraft Foods Europe and Kraft Foods Developing Markets. We manage the operations of Kraft Foods North America and Kraft Foods Europe by product category, and we manage the operations of Kraft Foods Developing Markets by location. Our reportable segments are U. S. Beve rages, U. S. Cheese, U. S. Convenient Meals, U.S. Grocery, U. S. Snacks, Canada ; North America Foodservice, Kraft Foods Europe (formerly known as European Union) and Kraft Foods Developing Markets. †¢ We transitioned our European Biscuit, Chocolate, Coffee and Cheese categories to fully integrated business units, further strengthening our focus on these core categories. To ensure decisions are made faster and closer to our customers and consumers, each category is fully accountable for its financial results, including marketing, manufacturing and R;D. Category leadership, based in Zurich, Switzerland, reports to the Kraft Foods Europe President.These business units now comprise the Kraft Foods Europe segment. Information Systems Innovation can only happen if we’ve got the infrastructure to support it. And everything we do, every minute of the day, relies on having the right technology and information immediately available. Information Systems are the key. But they do mu ch more than just answer helpdesk calls and fix our computers. Information Systems also invent neat solutions to our technological problems, and work out what systems and equipment we need to support our ideas. Chapter III STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION A. EXECUTIVE DECISION RESPONSIBILITIESKey decisions at Kraft are made by the following three organizations: †¢ Global Marketing and Category Development †¢ Commercial Units †¢ Functional Areas Global Marketing and Category Development is responsible for decisions on global category strategies, new product growth platforms and marketing excellence. Commercial Units are responsible for determining the marketing and sales programs that best meet the needs of local consumers and customers, with profit and loss responsibility for the results. Functional Areas are strongly aligned and linked to the Global Marketing ; Category Development group and the two commercial units.The functions are centers for excellence, with responsibilit y for identifying and sharing best practices and using Kraft’s global scale to best advantage. The leaders within these organizations all report directly to the CEO. The leaders are: †¢ Global Marketing and Category Development: – EVP, Global Marketing Resources ; Initiatives – EVP, Global Category Development †¢ Commercial Units: – President, North America Commercial – President, International Commercial †¢ Functional Areas: – EVP, Global Corporate Affairs – EVP ; Chief Financial Officer – EVP, Global Human Resources – EVP, General Counsel ; Corporate Secretary EVP, Global Strategy ; Business Development – EVP ; Chief Information Officer – EVP, Global Technology ; Quality – EVP, Global Supply Chai B. EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT ; SUCCESSION †¢ Executive development at Kraft takes place on the job. Unlike other companies where executive development takes place in an academic setting, Kr aft creates management opportunities on the job for its employees. †¢ Beginning even with their earliest assignments, young managers are expected to demonstrate an ability to carry responsibility and sophisticated thinking that’s usually reserved for top tier executives at other companies. As managers ascend the ranks, Kraft encourages them to develop leadership skills such as creativity, the power to persuade and influence, and the willingness to take risks. †¢ Kraft gives its young managers broad authority that helps to challenge themselves and spur their leadership skills. †¢ Each function within Kraft has an Advancement Planning Policy in place. This policy provides the guidelines for identifying replacements for executives. Generally, there are two to three potential replacements already identified for any executive in case he or she leaves the company.C. INSIDER’S VIEW ON KRAFT CULTURE †¢ Insiders have commented that Kraft is very diverse and that they have many qualified minorities in management positions. †¢ Even though working at Kraft is stressful, insiders have commented that many people enjoy working there. †¢ However, insiders have also commented that morale is low due to layoffs and the resultant heavy workloads on the remaining employees. There have also been comments made that employees from acquired companies suffer from low morale because of difficulty in adjusting to Kraft culture.Chapter IV STRATEGY EVALUATION Table 8. Balance Scorecard for Kraft Foods Inc. GOALS| STRATEGIES| MEASURES| TIME COMPLETION| Customer Perspective| | | | Provide quality products for all customers| Product Development| Developing quality products such as low fat and less cholesterol| Immediately after 2013| Internal Business Process| | | | More efficient internal control| Semi-centralization of the organization| A main branch per areas which controls other branches| 4th quarter 2007-2008| Financial perspective| | | |Attain ment of 2011, 2012, and 2013 revenue target| Having a large share in the global economy| Using effective marketing and extensive product developmentCutting cost if possible| 3rd quarter 2013| Learning and growth| | | | Increase industry awareness regarding service in other country. Development of intensive training program for human resources| Intensify marketing promotionsOffering seminars that will enhance skills in communicating and decision-making| Use the partner company’s expertise regarding the marketability of the countryIncrease of effectiveness and efficiency of skill performance| 2nd -3rd quarter 2014Immediately after 2013|As an evaluation tool, the balanced scorecard shows the various selected key strategies on aspects of consumer perspective, interval business processes, financial perspective and learning growth. A set of quantitative measures has been enumerated for each strategy to enable the company to monitor progress or strategy attainment on a regular basis and review whether these need to be changed or revised SUMMARY Kraft Foods remains to be competitive enough although its global market share is not that high but its growth rate in industry is high enough to cover the market.The company must pursue an intensive strategy to strengthen the company and meet its goals in the industry. Its domestic market share is high and highly competitive in the industry, but because of fast growing market, Kraft is required to have a huge investment to maintain their lead. Kraft Foods Co. internal strengths are on the average and response to the external factors are on the above average. This means that Kraft can proceed in doing intensive and integrative strategies as suggested by the I/E Matrix. For Kraft Foods Inc. t would be best for them to continue their concentration on their current markets and strategies that would be best to use are market penetration and market development as suggested earlier in the other matrixes. If Kraft Foods is too heavily committed to a single product, then related diversification may reduce the risks associated with a narrow product line. CONCLUSION Food industry is one of the fast growing industries ever since it started to appear  in the global market. United States is the home where leading food companies are  principally  located.Indeed  the  advance  technological  adaptation  in  this country led the food industry to become innovative and more eager to develop new products as time goes by. The challenge in this industry is the tough competition of the various companies belonging in the same industry. On how they could penetrate the market and what would be their advantage over their  competitor. Kraft Foods is one of the companies belonging in this category. It can achieve its leadership and growth by doing intensive promotion and management of its existing clients and venturing other countries to promote business. RECOMMENDATONSRECOMMENDED REVISE ORGANIZATIONAL STR UCTURE. The organizational structure of the company is fully a centralized one. It is only compose of the top executives of the company. We suggest the that company develop a line and staff structure wherein the middle and lower level of the organization is seen and have a direct communication in terms of decision making and finding solutions to the problems both on top to lower level management. RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES Upon the using the matrixes presented, the following are the recommended strategies that Kraft Foods Inc. should use. Market Penetration Increase advertising expenditures and specifically target the household population. †¢Offer extensive sales promotion during peak season and creating bonus packages. †¢Decrease the cost of the product if it would be possible so that buyers will be attracted to patronize it. Product Development †¢Develop  products  containing  low  fat  and  calories  for  those  healthconscious individuals. †¢Dev elop  confectionary  products  that  are  sugar  free  to  attract  retiringindividuals. †¢Package products that are inter-related †¢Improve technological systems, especially the  online  shopping  center for  mothers at home.BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www. kraftfoodscompany. com/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/KFT_RDQ_Innovatio n_Investments_FactSheet. pdf http://www. kraftfoodscompany. com http://www. Kraft. com http://www. Kraft's Cadbury Deal May Force Cocoa Consolidation, Moneynews. com http://www. scribd. com/doc/77538204/Kraft-Matrixes http://www. management480. wikispaces. com/file/view/Kraft. ppt http://www. mondelezinternational. com/ph/en/home/index. aspx CURRICULUM VITAE JENEVA V. VICENTE Rizal East, San Isidro, Isabela Mobile No. 09358723111 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Manage ment Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYSan Isidro National High School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYSan Isidro West Central School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:March 9, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’ Weight:45 kgs. Religion:Pentecostal Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Jeneva V.Vicente JOANA MARIE S. MARQUEZ Mabini,Alicia, Isabela Mobile No. 09267907457 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYAlicia National High School Paddad, Alicia, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYMabini Elementary School Mabini, Alicia, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:March 30, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’1 Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Roman Catholic Nationality:FilipinoLanguage Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Joana Marie S. Marquez Reila A. Abenojar Rizal East, San Isidro, Isabela Mobile No. 09358194873 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYSan Isidro National High School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2006-2007 * PRIMARYSan Isidro West Central School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2002-2003 PERSONAL DATA:Date of Birth:July 20, 1990 Age:22 Civil Status:Sing le Gender:Female Height:5’ Weight:40 kgs. Religion:Methodist Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Reila A. Abenojar Angela V. Almolanida San Fabian, Echague, Isabela Mobile No. 09068334307 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYEchague National High SchoolSan Fabian, Echague, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYBanaba Elementary School Banaba, Dapdap, Bamban, Tarlac S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:October 21, 1992 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’2 Weight:40 kgs. Religion:Roman Catholic Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Angela Almolanida Joylyn M. Adop Catabban, Burgos, Isabela Mobile No. 09359504631 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business AdministrationMajor in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYCatabban Elementary School Catabban, Burgos, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:February 22, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’3† Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Born Again Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Joylyn M. Adop Gaymarie A. FelipeBagong Tanza, Aurora, I sabela Mobile No. 09359029090 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYBagong Tanza Elementary School Bagong Tanza, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:September 26, 1992 Age:20 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’4† Weight:58 kgs. Religion:Latter-Day Saints Nationality:FilipinoLanguage Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Gaymarie A. Felipe Ryan A. Darang Silauan Sur, Echague, Isabela Mobile No. 09352083261 ————————————â €”———- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYEchague National High School San Fabian, Echague, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYEchague West Central School San Fabian, Echague, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:November 23, 1992 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’6† Weight:55 kgs. Religion:Born Again Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Ryan A. Darang Vic Rodriguez Catabban, Burgos, Isabela Mobile No. 09359504631 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYCatabban Elementary School Catabban, Burgos, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:February 22, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’3† Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Pentecostal Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Vic Rodriguez Fernando Ramos Catabban, Burgos, Isabela Mobile No. 09359504631 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYCatabban Elementary School Catabban, Burgos, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:February 22, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’3† Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Pentecostal Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Fernando Ramos

Important Events in Contemporary History

INT1010 Contemporary World One Event #1: The Korean War 1950 On June 25th 1950, communist North Korea proceeded to invade western- supported South Korea to unite Korea by force. Significance to contemporary history: Event #2: Malayan Independence 1957 What happened? Significance to contemporary history: Malayan Independence reinforced the ending of colonialism in South East Asia. Also, it signified the ability and right to self-rule for previously colonized states. Following independence, Malaya’s tin and rubber export also gave a significant boost to the US dollar. Event #3: The formation of the Berlin Wall 1961 What happened? In August 1961, a physical partition of between East and West Germany was put in place in Berlin under the command of President Khrushchev. Significance on contemporary history: The Berlin Wall symbolized the acceptance of the status quo in Europe by both sides. The most significant aspect of the Berlin Wall is arguably the fact that it clarified worldwide the difference between the two superpowers and their varying political system. The Berlin Wall went on to become the symbol of the ultimate measure of inadequacy of communism. Event #4: The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 Significance to contemporary history: The Cuban Missile Crisis marks the first and only time the world has come close to a nuclear war. As a result, both The Soviet Union and The United States worked towards improving their communication and easing tensions, which led to the creation of a ‘hot-line’ between American and Soviet capitals. However, both parties also continued the development of their nuclear weapons, which resulted in a world of mutually assured destruction (MAD). Event #5: Islamic Revolution In Iran (also known as the Iranian Revolution) 1979 What happened? Significance in contemporary history: The revolution brought much attention to Islam and interest in the concept â€Å"neither East nor West† that is, not American or Soviet policies. The newly Islamic republic also called for the overthrow of or other monarchies and the replacement of them with Islamic leaders. Internally, the revolution gave rise to the improvement of healthcare and education while also, eliminating secularism and the American influence in the government. Bibliography Timon Singh, ‘The Construction of The Berlin Wall’, 2009, http://www. euinfrastructure. com/news/construction-of-the-berlin-wall/, accessed 23 March 2010 Anthony Best, International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond, Oxon 2004, p240-242, 250-253, 463-466.

Strange Heaven by Lynn Coady Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Strange Heaven by Lynn Coady - Coursework Example And here adds to the hilarious, complicated life of the Joan his husband, Robert. Joan tries to keep the lid on, but she's no match for Robert's wild profanity. Facing all these dilemmas, anyone would wonder how she is trying to handle her dysfunctional family. Uncle Albert arrives to whisk her back to the bedlam of home and the booze-soaked social life that got Bridget into trouble in the first place. Uncle Albert, a kind man who saves his eloquent wrath for outsiders, springs Bridget from the hospital for Christmas. He was the only person who thought of Bridget and has concerns about her depression or maybe the only person who feels how tough was Bridget’s experience was. He’s the only person who sees the problem while everybody is working on their own dysfunctions. He was the only person who observed that she was changed. Byron, an acne-ridden geek with bizarre delusions of grandeur. As described by Coady, life on the ward is both a nightmare and laugh-out-loud funny experience. Byron seems to be annoying and arrogant, continues his desperate bids for Bridget’s attention. He explodes and have to be put in the quiet room where he'd sit cross-legged and howl like a hound.

CAPM Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CAPM - Assignment Example CAPM has theoretical limitation, which include impractical assumptions and instability of the beta values. The Arbitrage Pricing Model and Rolls have criticized the theory indicating that it may be unreliable and invalid. This study will examine the theoretical limitations and criticisms of the theory. Theoretical Limitations of the Theory The theory argues that all investors are risk avoiders and that the returns are normally distributed (Ma, 2011). This is not the case because investors are normally risk takers who are willing to make huge returns when their predictions favor them and lose when they fail. Assuming that returns are normally distributed is also unfounded because investors are not usually sure of the yields on their assets (Ma, 2011). The assumption that assets are free from risk is also unrealistic because it is hard to find such stocks in the real world. The theory argues that short-term securities offered by the government are free from hazards because the state as sures investors certain returns on the assets. This is not the case because the risk on the assets is in the form of inflation, which is the instability of prices in the market (Ma, 2011). Inflation leads to the loss of value of money, and this means that, assets also lose their worth when prices rise in the economy. Since money loses its value then it means that investors face the risk of lower returns when their stock matures. For example, when the state pays 10% on its short-term bonds then inflation rises in the country by 2%, investors get 8% returns on their securities in real terms. This means that investors face the risk of inflation, which reduces their earnings. This also indicates that the CAPM model is applicable in an ideal world, an occurrence that is impossible (Ma, 2011). Roll’s Critique of CAPM Roll criticizes the validity of the Capital Asset Pricing Model equation. The equation is as indicated below: E(Ri) =RF +?i [E(RM) - RF] Where E(Ri) represents the yie ld on security i. RF is the risk free rate of return. Bi is the market risk that security i faces. Roll’s first critique was that the model could not be tested using current data because it is constructed based on historical data. The impossibility of testing the model arises from the fact that it is based on market values of stocks, real estates, jewelers, and labor. Rolls argue that it is impossible to find the market value of this portfolio because no accurate data of these factors exists in reality. Thus, Roll argues that the CAPM cannot be proven right or wrong because of the impossibility of getting accurate data (Ma, 2011). Roll argues that economic models should be easy to test using future data because they simplify the real life. However, according to him, CAPM is complex because of the inability of being tested using future data, and this makes it unreliable. Roll also postulates that it is impossible to get efficient stocks whose values and rates of return have li near relationships ideally (Ma, 2011). Therefore, Rolls argument generally argues that CAPM is unreliable because it has never been tested using real data, and it is still impossible to do so because of uncertainty of prices, which is common in the real world. Arbitrage Pricing Model (APM) The APM addresses the weaknesses of CAPM by doing away with the assumption that the

Twitter (Marketing) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Twitter (Marketing) - Essay Example Twitter’s marketing strategy includesboth short-term and long-term activities in a formulation of market-oriented strategies. The main goal of Twitter is to increase the membership all over the world tosupport reach for its advertising clients.    The Twitter Social Media Company has many services such as self-service ads, tweets, user-sharing photos that are used by individuals as businesses alike.iii Today, Twitter has more than 500 million members, of which 284 million members are considered active users. In terms of the number of users, Twitter is far behind Facebook, its closest competitor.iv As Twitter is introducing new services and improving its Internet reach over the last few years, itsmarket position is improving.v In the last three quarters what year, the revenue generation of Twitter is increasing with the fast user growth. However, although the revenue is growing at a fast pace, the amount of users has slowed in comparison to Facebook. For the first time in history, the company has posted revenue of more than one billion dollars.vii The firm uses various types of advertising and marketing mediums to enhance the reach of the product and services that are connected to the Internet. Twitter uses all mediums in an effort to increase the members such as email, search engines, back links to websites.  This popular website also uses many mediums such as TV, movies,  etc.  as a part of advertising  strategy. Twitter is also an important part of SEO or Search Engine Optimization strategy. One of the main advantages of this service is that the signing up of the account is free and the site offers free publicity for the members, whether it is the company page or an individual.  They can offer a free link to the customers by clicking on a short link offered by the company. In exchange, the site also gets free advertising in every medium. This paragraph is not clear. What is the mix of advertising that they use to

Does your state have any exemptions to the NICS background check Essay

Does your state have any exemptions to the NICS background check requirements - Essay Example The initial purpose of this waiting period is to ensure that there is sufficient time for processing all documentation including a background check. In addition, individuals may purchase a firearm due to an external impulse and may act irrationally if they are given a firearm immediately. Therefore, this period is designed to allow the individual to relax and consider his reasons for purchasing the firearm (FBI, 2013). According to the NICS, a waiting period is not obligatory and an individual may attain possession of his or her firearm immediately. Florida state laws require a three ay waiting period for handguns; however, riffles have no waiting period (FBI, 2013). 3. A permit is a document which is issued by a state allowing an individual to carry out a certain action, which in this case is the purchase or own a firearm. The permit often documents certain conditions that have to be met. In addition, the permit often has some restriction. These are often associated with background checks and storage requirements which are intended to ensure safety within the community. The permits also vary from state to state as some may allow the use of the gun for hunting and target practice, however, prohibit its use for self defense. In Florida, no permit is required for the purchase of shot guns, hand guns or rifles (FBI, 2013). 4. Gun registration is not required in Florida for all firearms. Once an NICS background check has been conducted, the individual has full ownership or his firearms and there are no other obligations in the purchasing process (FBI, 2013). Florida also recognizes licenses from other states. In addition, unlike most states, Florida allows both residents and non residents to carry firearms (FBI, 2013). 5. All dealers of firearms in Florida have to register with the Department of Law enforcement and they have to meet the requirements of this institute when they conduct their sales. In addition, they have to gain approval from the Department of Law E nforcement before every sale and afterwards a record of sales is sent to the police (FBI, 2013). 6. Florida state law allows all individuals to possess firearms upon their consent; however, all legal requirements have to be met. Only illegally purchased firearms are prohibited in Florida. Another restriction of firearm ownership is age and individuals are obliged to be above 21 years old (FBI, 2013). 7. Throughout Florida all firearm regulations are similar, and a license is valid throughout the state. However, there are some specific areas which prohibit concealed carry of a firearm. These places include areas of nuisance according to s. 823.05, highway patrol and police stations, prisons or correctional facilities, courtrooms, schools, universities, polling areas, legislature meetings, career centers, in any establishment which sells alcohol and in passenger terminals such as train stations and the airport. The only exception of this law is that the weapons carried are for shipmen t or are being legally transported to another location. It is also prohibited for individuals to carry a concealed firearm in the Savanna Preserve Park unless he or she is a law enforcement agent. Seaports are also obliged to show a notice for the prohibition of firearms. The possession of a firearm in restricted areas s regarded as a misdemeanor of the