Films Addressing Controversial Issues free essay sample

Regardless of the film being made delicately and with massive regard to those saints with no harries, individual shows or augmentations, it was still condemned for its trailer. Numerous individuals said that the trailer looked as though it were a regular trailer. There were some who thought it was too early after the occasion. General got analysis that a national disaster was being misused. Another film, The energy Of The Christ, the dread, fervor, desire, enthusiasm, tears, wonder that this film produced was huge.The extraordinary encounters credited to this film are many. This film is about Jesus Christ and the ruthless portrayal of his enduring during his most recent 12 hours on Earth which, as indicated by Christian convictions, was achieved by his unqualified love for us. It raked impressive discussion in view of the execution scenes that are wicked, horrendous, and agonizing. Strict pioneers were vexed about the Catholic translation of the Bible and Jews called the film against Semitic and accepted that Jews would be accused for the passing of Jesus. At the point when the film was at last discharged, it broke all records and turned into the most noteworthy earning free film ever. Finally, another film that strikes me as being political is JEFF, this film is about Dadaism Garrisons examination of the death fjord F. Kennedy. It was intended to exhibit that Kennedys death was not the demonstration of an upset Marxist maverick but rather the aftereffect of a conservative trick. It incorporates a great deal of hypothesis about the unfortunate behavior of the legislature and the declarations of numerous untrustworthy individuals.The film got involved in contention when it was being recorded. Stone was accused by the Media for spooning out mysterious theories. American papers ran a few articles that condemned the freedoms taken with recorded realities, including the suggestion that President yond B. Johnson was additionally engaged with the trick. I think for the one of a kind title, I might want to discuss these said motion pictures and how they have affected American History. I imagine that throughout the years watchers decipher their own feelings on each film. Onto believe that the executives intended to condemn Christians or Jews in the film The Passion of The Christ, and I dont think in the movie JEFF, the chiefs planned on talking about unfortunate behavior of the administration I think these movies are intended to delineate later as well as previous history and attempted to actualize the real occasions that happened on these significant dates in American History. Part sitting in Biology class when watching the subsequent plane strike the World Trade Center.I was crushed and didnt recognize what the result would be for America. I never thought there would be two or three motion pictures produced from the arrangement of occasions that had occurred on that terrible day. Be that as it may, presently watching these movies I do think it was an extraordinary method to appear previous history in our nation. Indeed there possibly things taken outside of any relevant connection to the issue at hand or some contention about what really occurred yet over the long haul it is a piece of our history and it is extraordinary to have these movies to all the more likely instruct our more youthful ages. What has been the heritage of the portrayal of the American West in Hollywood westerns? At the end of the day, do you think the constructive or adverse depictions of gatherings of individuals has gotten more profoundly accepted than they in any case would be? Investigations of the American West have looked to refine the examination of Hollywood classifications, as in crafted by John Celestial and Edward Becomes, among others.Genre pundits, for example, Steve Neal and Rick Alton have accordingly discovered the Western a helpful model for investigating the bigger job o f sorts in film history. Amusingly, the decay of the western has been counterbalanced by consistent ascent in basic consideration regarding the class, which has included continuous thoughtfulness regarding the portrayal of Native Americans all through the westerns history, just as ways to deal with the jobs of ladies in the genre.Influenced by women's activist film hypothesis just as eccentric hypothesis, ongoing pundits have additionally directed their concentration toward one of the class progressively clear yet unexplored concerns, the portrayal of manliness: in this way researchers, for example, Jane Tompkins, Paul Willed, and Lee Clark Mitchell have examined what for a considerable length of time appeared to be a protected and unproblematic introduction of traditional sexual orientation arms.The westerns frequently only male world takes into consideration a hidden homoerotic, and that the class fundamental savagery deceives strains Of masochism in the two its characters and its fans. All the more as of late, analysis of the western has just started to consider the effect of what has been known as the New Western History, spoke to by inventive recorded reevaluation, for example, Patricia Nelson Limericks The Legacy of Conquest (1987), which contends that land bargains as opposed to exciting shoot-outs might be at the core of the triumphant of the West.Related work has enormously enhanced authentic comprehension of the job ladies played in western development, just as the complex mental avocation for the close to annihilation of Native Americans. The western has commonly been fruitful at keeping the realities of history under control, yet revisionist westerns have regularly endeavored to all the more intently adjust dreams of the West to accessible facts.It is not yet clear whether the historical backdrop of the West that is as of now being reexamined by antiquarians will give another source to stories for the close lethargic type. Regardless, the assemblage of bas ic work on the western alone shows the class criticalness in American culture and film; in any case, it is telling that for crowds in the twenty-first century the western is more averse to be experienced at the neighborhood cinema, where it was before a staple, than in a school study hall, as a relic and a portrayal of American social history.

Two Poets and Two Cultures :: Culture Poetry Literature Essays

Two Poets and Two Cultures Two writers from two distinct sides of the planet whose societies are similarly as far separated trade letters that are themed on single words. The main stunt, the word, depends on a retained self-assertive blending between a sound and a significance. [S. Pinker pg.2] A word is a basic idea when pondered from the start. A word is a subjective sound used to speak to some irregular thing. Remember what each discretionary sound and the irregular thing it represents and that ought to be everything to fill your psychological lexical database. Words are the structure squares to sentences, however before you're prepared to construct a sentence there are scarcely any principles you should retain. At that point the film Letters not about affection ought to have been basic. Express a word at that point express its significance. For instance, 'Pooch' four-legged warm blooded animal that barks (ceaselessly on the off chance that it lives close to me) and pursues felines. End of proclamation, well with the exception of there is quite a lot more. These writers and artists when all is said in done act like foragers in a dim corner of a cellar scrounging around in the messiness and discovering treasure covered there. The fortune they are finding is some wanderer importance for an idea. Bakhtin's announcement Language doesn't travel through uncluttered space. is a genuine portrayal of this. Each time somebody expresses something it must move past your lexical database of implications. This wanderer portrayal can add a measurement to a word like the strokes of paint from a paintbrush. Artists utilize this messiness like mud to form a picture of something in our brains; a portion of the things they upset in this storm cellar of messiness will make no difference to a few and everything to other people. When Arkadii Dragomoshchenko composed of his Grandmother and how he felt liberated from dread about her tight lips, her dim eyes, the entirety of the various ways he portrayed her, were words that truly filled in the image of who his grandma was. A portion of these 'words' weren't so out of sight the standard however liberated from dread, there is some messiness toppled here. I promptly get the sentiment of security when I consider free. My sentiments of being liberated from dread originated from elsewhere, I recall as a youngster, late around evening time I would have unnerving musings before nodding off, at that point I could hear my dad strolling around first floor, this filled me with a sentiment of wellbeing, liberated from dread, the alarming contemplations wouldn't be so terrifying any longer.

12 sentences on each of questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

12 sentences on every one of inquiries - Essay Example They contained the subject of Dharma. The first plan proposes four Ä Ã¥â€ºrama which are; the understudy, householder, renouncer and the recluse. By the excellence of being named as the Ä Ã¥â€ºrama, the four methods of life have their free strict and social establishments. Moreover, they were given their own authenticity and religious valuation. This plan places the Ä Ã¥â€ºrama as required methods of life which are reasonable for different stages in the life of a human. The old style detailing takes out the part of decision which was focal in the first definition. The Ä Ã¥â€ºramas, for this situation are changed over to brief periods instead of already lasting jobs. Renunciation is the last stage which possesses a man’s life. All things considered, an individual goes through various Ä Ã¥â€ºramas in a deliberate way. This happens at various occasions in a man’s life. The principal stage starts when a kid experiences decision commencement. This is what is considered as section into the Ä Ã¥â€ºramas and the initiatory studentship is viewed as the first Ä Ã¥â€ºrama. This stage finishes up with a custom birth which shows that the understudy can come back to his parent’s home where he finds an accomplice. The â€Å"bare-bones† origination of Karma guarantees that good and bad activities produce great and awful ramifications for the specialist who performs them. Numerous researchers have come to agreement to propose that the hypothesis of karma can be comprehended as far as samskaras, which implies demeanors or propensities to rehash comparative activities later on. The contemporary translation of karma is that sankaras produce phala. The contemporary understanding can be supposed to be conceivable as an individual needs not focus on the hypothesis of Karma as such to concede that activities add to propensities, some of which lead to progress, others of which lead to disappointment. The love can be communicated in the two different ways, for example as though God is one’s youngster or as though one is

Construction Management Sustainable Construction

Question: Portray about the Construction Management for Sustainable Construction. Answer: Presentation Over the most recent couple of decades, Oman has been encountering a gigantic financial development inferable from the prospering of its oil and gas creation. This improvement has added to the blossoming of development division as a few new framework ventures. Nonetheless, inferable from the countrys falling apart ecological condition, the nation is concocting methodologies to actualize maintainable development rehearses. The accompanying report distinguishes the ways and to what degree has the Omani Government been effective in advancing maintainable development rehearses and what are the quick difficulties in the manner. Development Sector in Oman Oman is jettisoning the cliché building plans to consolidate ecological agreeable developments. A few development ventures have just begun attempting to follow supportable structure rehearses. A legislature claimed speculation, resource, and improvement Management Company called Omran is by and by creating four the travel industry division ventures following maintainable structure rehearses. Omans gas and oil creation is moderately lower than the other GCC nations and accompanies expanded creation cost (S. Saleh and Alalouch, 2015). Because of quick development in economy and populace, the requests for force and water are expanding at a fast rate. Omans government is elevating maintainable development practices to decrease water and force utilization and to limit the evil impacts of the fast development of development. To learn the act of supportable structure development, a contextual investigation has been done by Sultan Qaboos University to distinguish difficulties in actualizing such practices. The contextual analysis included structuring, assembling, and working a house which will be both vitality and financially savvy. The structure plan appraisal included surveying the reasonable structure and the structures were contrasted with LEED models plans for manageable structure structures (S. Saleh and Alalouch, 2015). The Research Council is directing all the more such occasions and rivalries to advance creative thoughts and research on green structure, eco-plans, maintainable development rehearses, and ecological security. A philanthropic and non-administrative association, Oman Green Building Council was set up in the year 2012 with an endeavor to advance green structure idea and manageable structure rehearses (Zainul Abidin and Powmya, 2014). The board is effectively advancing green structure idea through courses and gatherings. By and by, Oman has more than 15 practical structure ventures enlisted with the green structure advancing organization LEED. Remarkable foundations in Oman holding hands for LEED affirmation incorporate Oman Botanic Garden, The Oberoi Resort at Bander Al Khiran, Salalah Internationa; Airport, Muscat International Airport, the Novotel lodging, Muttrah, Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, and The Ibis Hotel, Sohar (Zainul Abidin and Powmya, 2014). The Alila Jabal Akhada resort, created by the Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC, is the countrys first to have picked up the LEED accreditation for green structure (Jabal Akhdar, 2015). Green structures created by LEED are built by following condition well disposed strategies and are completely asset proficient all through a particular structures life cycle (Norplan, 2016). Job and adequacy of current government methodologies inside Oman to conveying supportable development One of the viable and basic main thrusts in empowering reasonable structure rehearses in Oman is the countrys Governments inclusion. The administration offers financial help, motivators so as to urge building development organizations to go to green structure ideas. Money related motivating forces as charge decrease or waiver, charge credits or reduction, and advances and awards are being offered by Omans government to urge designers to follow reasonable structure practices and green structure ideas (Zainul Abidin and Powmya, 2014). The countrys government has additionally settled a lot of comparing approach instruments to help the structure enterprises in Oman. Oman government is effectively occupied with empowering an ever increasing number of supportable developments. A nearby subsidizing association and arrangement creating body called The Research Council was set up in the year 2005 with means to advance developments in Oman. The administration body is effectively advancing green structure idea and economical practice look into endeavors by leading Oman Eco-House Design rivalries (S. Saleh and Alalouch, 2015). This and numerous other such rivalries are available to colleges, schools and advanced education organizations in Oman to think of imaginative thoughts and structures on practical developments. The rivalries end up being testing scholastic activities. Such sort of activity by the legislature will maneuver youthful personalities into intuition in the way of maintainable and green structure rehearses. T he Governments way to deal with advancing practical structure idea is being upheld by The Oman Green Building Council (OGBC). OGBC built up in the year 2012, further, underpins examining and inquiring about into Omans early eco-development plans. OGBC is additionally effectively advancing green structure ideas through different classes, gatherings, discussions, and other open gatherings wherein the thoughts and the benefits of such practical thoughts are advanced and disclosed to the normal open and development industry (S. Saleh and Alalouch, 2015). Key boundaries which are limiting the advancement of conveying supportable development in Oman Numerous ongoing examinations have discovered the presence of potential difficulties and boundaries confining the execution of green structure idea and following manageable structure rehearses. Monetary difficulties While developing any sort of building, the fundamental goal of financial specialists is the monetary income. Financial income is in this way a basic factor that impacts the execution of condition cordial green structures. Building a green structure with productive vitality and cost adequacy is no uncertainty going to expand the development costs. Numerous development enterprises working in Oman capture that the expense of building feasible structures will outrageously raise the expense of development and the monetary income from a similar won't be gainful. Studies show that for building green structures, the cost will go high by just about 18-20%. In addition, development time is additionally a major factor. Development defers will most likely further increment the expense of development as the development of manageable structures will require joining green advancements alongside other development prerequisites (S. Saleh and Alalouch, 2015). Cultural Challenges Open mindfulness about the approaching ecological issues is a major errand and further clarifying them the need of profoundly costly condition neighborly structures is an additional undertaking. This is an exceptionally basic boundary to the accomplishment of conveying supportable structure rehearses. Moreover, despite the fact that a significant segment of Oman populace knows about the rising natural issues, they regularly opine that condition security is exclusively the neighborhood governments obligation. Absence of adequate monetary motivations from the administration of Oman is another basic hindrance to the usage of green structures and economical structure rehearses (S. Saleh and Alalouch, 2015). Mechanical difficulties To develop structures that follow the economical structure rehearses and have proficient expense and vitality adequacy, it is imperative to utilize cutting edge innovations. Utilization of hardware and green materials for developing such natural amicable structures is of essential significance. Restricted accessibility of such mechanically propelled hardware and green materials in the indigenous markets represents a critical test in actualizing feasible structure rehearses. Another enormous test is the exhibition vulnerability of such materials and innovations. Building developing ventures and financial specialists consider it monetarily dangerous to use such hardware and green materials for developing green structures and later discovering they have no helpful capacities (S. Saleh and Alalouch, 2015). SWOT investigation to assess how the development business inside Oman can turn into a worldwide innovator in reasonable development Qualities Governments technique to redirect its monetary income from Omans oil-creating parts is as a rule decidedly created. This progression to lessen the countrys reliance on their oil-delivering segments will help decrease natural worry somewhat. This methodology will likewise assist with expanding the development of framework and the advancement of the travel industry. The Omani government has communicated its enthusiasm for working with remote financial specialists and organizations. Omani government is attempting to draw in the private area to accomplish more business with them and diminish their reliance on oil trades. Omani government has likewise communicated their perception to take estimates which will draw in promoted banks. This progression will pull in very much promoted banks that can finance Omans money related exercises (EBSCO Host Connection, 2012). The administration is likewise advancing manageable structure rehearses in the open structure developments and the travel industry division. This will, thusly, pull in various remote speculators; help lessens natural issues, and diminish the expanding interest for vitality and water (EBSCO Host Connection, 2012). Shortcomings The nation doesn't yet have any sort of railroad systems. The nonappearance of railroad systems has debilitated its exchange relationship with neighboring nations. The nation is just subject to its system of streets, these street systems should be extended. Political turmoil is yet to vanish totally. Despite the fact that open fights with respect to different political and social issues have facilitated,

Consider the View That Only Form Matters When Properly Appreciating Art Essay Example for Free

Consider the View That Only Form Matters When Properly Appreciating Art Essay Workmanship thankfulness is the comprehension of the ageless characteristics that describe all extraordinary craftsmanship, and actually I feel is an emotional issue; what I find stylishly satisfying may not have any significant bearing to every other person. There are numerous reasons why we esteem workmanship; since it advises us, on account of its expressive quality, and as a result of its imaginative quality. For this situation, the last is being talked about, that great workmanship is acceptable as a result of tasteful happiness regarding structure, the equalization and structure and extent. Its contended that substance isn't significant, simply the conventional characteristics make it great workmanship, for instance Jackson Pollock, his work depends on lines and hues and is esteemed exceptionally, consequently content is irellevant. Anyway the view that workmanship ought to be esteemed for its expressive characteristics or purgation as Aristotle called it; the enthusiastic cleansing and purifying. He accepted individuals watched disasters to make themselves enthusiastic and upset however in a manner glad, as they at that point have cleansed any negative feeling they had. On the off chance that workmanship was just something that caused feeling it would be trifling, however the way that craftsmanship can pass on something that is otherworldly lies its worth. Anyway the contention that structures matters gives us that anything can trigger feelings, for example, pity or dread, without being workmanship, however formal characteristics are novel. Numerous individuals esteem workmanship becuase it can educate us, we esteem it in the event that it is consistent with nature or to life. Platos impersonation hypothesis applies here, that all craftsmen are just duplicating the structure so it can not be acceptable workmanship, yet all perceptual experience includes translation, so there is nothing to duplicate. Extraordinary verifiable artistic creations can give us visual information on specific focuses in time, however constraints with this is anything can illuminate us without being workmanship, a book can educate us yet isnt craftsmanship. This capacity to advise us isn't what cause sus to welcome it yet the aesthetic characteristics it holds; the structures, is the thing that causes us to value it. Yet, at that point there is the contention that structure isn't sufficient, without anyone else, to keep the auidence caught as magnificence alone isn't sufficient. That there must be substance to value it, for example, a significance, a story behind it, structure comes up short on this capacity. I for one accept that while acknowledging craftsmanship, structure does make a difference. It makes a bit of craftsmanship remarkable yet I additionally belive that it exclusively matters, I value its enlightening characteristics and its expressive ones, so a decent bit of work of art for me, ought to contain every one of the three characteristics.

Major Strategy Frameworks

Major Strategy Frameworks WHAT IS  VALUE CHAINThe Value Chain is easily identifiable in the production industry, where a company takes raw material and turns it into a useable product that it sells to customers. It is more difficult to recognize the value chain in other industries. Nevertheless, companies in any industry that wish to find ways to optimize their processes while creating an advantage in the marketplace must study the Value Chain. The Value Chain is used to find potential competitive advantages.The goal of the strategy is to identify the most valuable activities to the company and take action on the activities which can be improved upon to add competitive advantage. There are two advantages within the value chain: differentiation and cost. A differentiation advantage indicates that a company performs the activities of the business better than the competitors. A cost advantage demonstrates that the company performs business activities for a lower cost, leading to greater profits.There is a direct relationship: the higher the competitive advantage, the more likely people are to purchase the product or service. Further, the more they buy increases the likelihood of them continuing to purchase from the company. A close scrutiny of a company’s processes can lead to superior products, higher profits and a greater market share through the use of the value chain.An Introduction To Value Chains[slideshare id=8698270doc=valuechainsintro140711-110726211033-phpapp02]WHEN IS THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGY USEFUL?The value chain is useful for any industry that sells products or services to consumers. For the company that wishes to remain competitive in the new global economy, a value chain analysis should be considered mandatory. It can be beneficial to any company that wants to identify areas to reduce costs while adding value or for the company that is seeking to distinguish itself from a sea of competitors. The process of evaluating a value chain can be lengthy. This can be discouraging to a business owner who wants to ‘fix’ whatever is wrong, or who is looking to maximize profits. However, the process will be worth the additional time it requires.COMPONENTS OF THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGYThere are  two main components of the value chain: primary activities and support activities. Within the two categories are additional processes that help to narrow down the specific areas within a company that adds value.Primary Activities within Value ChainThe primary value activities are directly tied to the creation, sale, support and maintenance of the product or service. These primary activities will vary depending on the industry or business, but a general look at each one can identify areas that any company encompasses. Primary value activities add value directly to the product.Inbound Logistics:  The Inbound Logistics component focuses on all of the methods used to bring raw materials, or company inputs, into the business. This can include retrieving, storing and distribu ting material internally.Operations:  As the raw material makes it way though the company, Operations adds value by transforming the material into a useable product. This is the stage of the value chain that produces a product for customers.Outbound Logistics:  Once the product has been completed, the process of moving it from the company to the consumers is called Outbound Logistics. Collecting, storing and distributing products, as well as preparing the company for additional growth is part of this stage of the value chain.Marketing and Sales:  The methods used to convince consumers to purchase products or services over another’s business are called  marketing  and sales. Value can be found by the addition of benefits and the success of communicating those benefits to customers.Service:  After the completion of a sale, the Service component in a value chain considers the value in maintaining their product.Support Activities within Value ChainIn addition to the primary value acti vities, the value chain also considers support activities. Support activities are the behind the scenes aspect of a company that indirectly add value to products or services. There are four major components within support activities.Firm Infrastructure:  This includes the control systems, culture of the company and the overall structure of the organization. Within this component are the company’s accounting systems, administrative organization and other structures that allow the company to operate.Human Resource Management:  Concerned with the human element of the corporation, this section of the value chain accounts for employee interactions. It encompasses hiring, firing, training and compensation, and is one of the largest components in the value chain.Technology Development:  An important feature of the value chain, the technology development component regulates technology costs, managing information and maintaining current technology standards.Procurement:  This component stu dies how the company acquires the needed resources to operate. It includes vendor and supplier negotiations.CREATING THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGYTo create a value chain strategy, it requires careful analysis of the activities that the company engages in to generate revenue. This analysis should be a step-by-step look at the processes that are used during the course of business and will include not only the primary value activities but the support activities as well.The process of conducting a value chain audit can be performed by a top-level manager, department head or other high-level executive who is looking to increase profits. In addition, it can be handled by a team or advisory committee. Generally speaking, having several people who would be willing to participate in the exercises will provide a more comprehensive look at the company and the opportunities to strategically improve. Once the decision of who will participate in the exercises has been made, the process can begin.It ca n be helpful to ‘follow’ a product from the moment the raw materials enter the process until they are purchased by a consumer. Along the way, note the areas where the process can be improved or value can be added. Be sure to include how staffing is recruited and compensated, the use of technologies and customer feedback. It can be helpful to list the items on a chart paper or spreadsheet.For the listed activities, generate a list of value factors. Value factors are developed from the customer point of view and identify what a customer would consider important. Next to the value factors, detail the methods the company can use to improve in each area. These action steps â€" the Value Analysis â€" can be used to formulate a strategy for improving company profits.USING THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGYThe Value Chain is a worthless exercise if it is not followed by an  analysis and planning of action steps. Depending on the type of advantage the company desires to focus on, the resulting ana lysis and action plan will have different strategies.Differentiation StrategyThe advantage of a differentiation strategy is found in the production of better products, availability of more features and meeting customer demands. To accomplish this advantage, it may require a higher cost structure, but can ultimately pay off in higher profits if managed correctly. To create an action plan based on differentiation, the Value Chain Analysis is completed with a slightly different approach. The Value Chain Analysis should focus primarily on identifying and optimizing the activities in the process chain that create the most customer value. In addition, the company should focus on adding additional features to their products, while maximizing the customer service experience and increase the potential for customization. The ultimate goal of the value chain strategy for the company desiring differentiation is to generate opportunities for sustainable differentiation.Cost StrategyA company tha t wishes to compete in the marketplace on cost must evaluate the value chain data from a different perspective.An exhaustive study of the primary and support activities of the company must be done â€" detailing how the work is completed at each step of the process.Attached to each part of the process must be the cost of the activity. This allows for inefficiently performed activities or large sources of cost to be recognized and evaluated.Evaluation of the cost drivers must be performed for each step of the process as well. Determining what drives the costs allows the company to develop ways of reducing costs at each stage of the production.Identification of the connections between the parts of the process can assist the company in the understanding of how cost changes in one part of the process may affect a different part.Reduction of cost through the identified areas will generate opportunity for a successful value chain.After completing a  Value Chain Analysis, it can be tempting (and overwhelming) to consider the dozens of areas that can improve value as imperative. Select several easy-to-implement opportunities and put them into motion immediately. This creates excitement and buy-in by the employees who will be enthused with the quick amount of success that can be had. Screen the list of action steps and prioritize them according to feasibility, cost of implementing and necessity. Begin to implement changes according to the strategy type desired. As the marketplace changes, additional evaluation of the value chain may be necessary to maintain a competitive edge.EXAMPLE OF VALUE CHAIN STRATEGY: STARBUCKS As a company strives to create strategies that will increase revenue, they study the processes that affect their production. Deciphering the ways that a company adds value â€" transforming business inputs into outputs by optimizing the value chain is a fundamental strategy to increase profits. One method used by companies is the Porters Generic Value Chain. Knowing how a company can optimize the processes within its value chain, as well as understanding how to increase the efficiency of the production process overall is essential in developing a competitive strategy. © pixabay | PublicDomainPicturesIn this article we look at 1) what is Value Chain, 2) when is the  Value Chain strategy useful, 3) components of  Value Chain strategy, 4) creating the  Value Chain strategy, 5) using  Value Chain strategy, and 6) example of  Value Chain strategy: Starbucks.WHAT IS  VALUE CHAINThe Value Chain is easily identifiable in the production industry, where a company takes raw material and turns it into a useable product that it sells to customers. It is more difficult to recognize the value chain in other industries. Nevertheless, companies in any industry that wish to find ways to optimize their processes while creating an advantage in the marketplace must study the Value Chain. The Value Chain is used to find potential competitive advantages.The goal of the strategy is to identify the most valuable activities to the company and take action on the activities which can be improved upon to add competitive advantage. There are two advantages within the value ch ain: differentiation and cost. A differentiation advantage indicates that a company performs the activities of the business better than the competitors. A cost advantage demonstrates that the company performs business activities for a lower cost, leading to greater profits.There is a direct relationship: the higher the competitive advantage, the more likely people are to purchase the product or service. Further, the more they buy increases the likelihood of them continuing to purchase from the company. A close scrutiny of a company’s processes can lead to superior products, higher profits and a greater market share through the use of the value chain.An Introduction To Value Chains[slideshare id=8698270doc=valuechainsintro140711-110726211033-phpapp02]WHEN IS THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGY USEFUL?The value chain is useful for any industry that sells products or services to consumers. For the company that wishes to remain competitive in the new global economy, a value chain analysis should be considered mandatory. It can be beneficial to any company that wants to identify areas to reduce costs while adding value or for the company that is seeking to distinguish itself from a sea of competitors. The process of evaluating a value chain can be lengthy. This can be discouraging to a business owner who wants to ‘fix’ whatever is wrong, or who is looking to maximize profits. However, the process will be worth the additional time it requires.COMPONENTS OF THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGYThere are  two main components of the value chain: primary activities and support activities. Within the two categories are additional processes that help to narrow down the specific areas within a company that adds value.Primary Activities within Value ChainThe primary value activities are directly tied to the creation, sale, support and maintenance of the product or service. These primary activities will vary depending on the industry or business, but a general look at each one can identify ar eas that any company encompasses. Primary value activities add value directly to the product.Inbound Logistics:  The Inbound Logistics component focuses on all of the methods used to bring raw materials, or company inputs, into the business. This can include retrieving, storing and distributing material internally.Operations:  As the raw material makes it way though the company, Operations adds value by transforming the material into a useable product. This is the stage of the value chain that produces a product for customers.Outbound Logistics:  Once the product has been completed, the process of moving it from the company to the consumers is called Outbound Logistics. Collecting, storing and distributing products, as well as preparing the company for additional growth is part of this stage of the value chain.Marketing and Sales:  The methods used to convince consumers to purchase products or services over another’s business are called  marketing  and sales. Value can be found by the addition of benefits and the success of communicating those benefits to customers.Service:  After the completion of a sale, the Service component in a value chain considers the value in maintaining their product.Support Activities within Value ChainIn addition to the primary value activities, the value chain also considers support activities. Support activities are the behind the scenes aspect of a company that indirectly add value to products or services. There are four major components within support activities.Firm Infrastructure:  This includes the control systems, culture of the company and the overall structure of the organization. Within this component are the company’s accounting systems, administrative organization and other structures that allow the company to operate.Human Resource Management:  Concerned with the human element of the corporation, this section of the value chain accounts for employee interactions. It encompasses hiring, firing, training and compensa tion, and is one of the largest components in the value chain.Technology Development:  An important feature of the value chain, the technology development component regulates technology costs, managing information and maintaining current technology standards.Procurement:  This component studies how the company acquires the needed resources to operate. It includes vendor and supplier negotiations.CREATING THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGYTo create a value chain strategy, it requires careful analysis of the activities that the company engages in to generate revenue. This analysis should be a step-by-step look at the processes that are used during the course of business and will include not only the primary value activities but the support activities as well.The process of conducting a value chain audit can be performed by a top-level manager, department head or other high-level executive who is looking to increase profits. In addition, it can be handled by a team or advisory committee. General ly speaking, having several people who would be willing to participate in the exercises will provide a more comprehensive look at the company and the opportunities to strategically improve. Once the decision of who will participate in the exercises has been made, the process can begin.It can be helpful to ‘follow’ a product from the moment the raw materials enter the process until they are purchased by a consumer. Along the way, note the areas where the process can be improved or value can be added. Be sure to include how staffing is recruited and compensated, the use of technologies and customer feedback. It can be helpful to list the items on a chart paper or spreadsheet.For the listed activities, generate a list of value factors. Value factors are developed from the customer point of view and identify what a customer would consider important. Next to the value factors, detail the methods the company can use to improve in each area. These action steps â€" the Value Analysis †" can be used to formulate a strategy for improving company profits.USING THE VALUE CHAIN STRATEGYThe Value Chain is a worthless exercise if it is not followed by an  analysis and planning of action steps. Depending on the type of advantage the company desires to focus on, the resulting analysis and action plan will have different strategies.Differentiation StrategyThe advantage of a differentiation strategy is found in the production of better products, availability of more features and meeting customer demands. To accomplish this advantage, it may require a higher cost structure, but can ultimately pay off in higher profits if managed correctly. To create an action plan based on differentiation, the Value Chain Analysis is completed with a slightly different approach. The Value Chain Analysis should focus primarily on identifying and optimizing the activities in the process chain that create the most customer value. In addition, the company should focus on adding additional featur es to their products, while maximizing the customer service experience and increase the potential for customization. The ultimate goal of the value chain strategy for the company desiring differentiation is to generate opportunities for sustainable differentiation.Cost StrategyA company that wishes to compete in the marketplace on cost must evaluate the value chain data from a different perspective.An exhaustive study of the primary and support activities of the company must be done â€" detailing how the work is completed at each step of the process.Attached to each part of the process must be the cost of the activity. This allows for inefficiently performed activities or large sources of cost to be recognized and evaluated.Evaluation of the cost drivers must be performed for each step of the process as well. Determining what drives the costs allows the company to develop ways of reducing costs at each stage of the production.Identification of the connections between the parts of th e process can assist the company in the understanding of how cost changes in one part of the process may affect a different part.Reduction of cost through the identified areas will generate opportunity for a successful value chain.After completing a  Value Chain Analysis, it can be tempting (and overwhelming) to consider the dozens of areas that can improve value as imperative. Select several easy-to-implement opportunities and put them into motion immediately. This creates excitement and buy-in by the employees who will be enthused with the quick amount of success that can be had. Screen the list of action steps and prioritize them according to feasibility, cost of implementing and necessity. Begin to implement changes according to the strategy type desired. As the marketplace changes, additional evaluation of the value chain may be necessary to maintain a competitive edge.EXAMPLE OF VALUE CHAIN STRATEGY: STARBUCKSUnderstanding the process of a value chain can provide a company wit h real-time information that can be used to generate increased revenue or gain an advantage over the competition and determine where profit-pitfalls may lurk within the corporate structure.As an example of a value chain strategy, consider the global coffee supplier, Starbucks.Primary ActivitiesInbound Logistics:  As Starbucks’ primary source of revenue, the inbound logistics of their coffee beans is imperative. This requires a high quality of beans, a steady supply chain and a continuous relationship with suppliers in the global market.Operations:  This aspect of Starbucks’ corporation is handled through direct operations and licensing agreements. The company is almost evenly split between the two, with nearly as many corporate stores as there are franchises. In addition, Starbucks offers its products in retail locations such as grocery and specialty stores.Outbound Logistics:  Distribution to the company and franchise stores, as well as the retail/grocery stores is the main foc us of the outbound logistics.Marketing and Sales:  With a strong and loyal customer base, Starbucks is able to maximize their marketing efforts through customer loyalty programs, member only incentives and other methods. In addition, they rely heavily on  word of mouth advertising  and product samples to generate additional sales.Service:  Customer service at Starbucks is considered to be the pinnacle of the coffee-buying experience. Employees are encouraged to go out of their way to provide exceptional customer service.Support ActivitiesInfrastructure: The infrastructure at Starbucks includes their accounting, legal support and other governmental regulations for establishing locations around the world.Human Resources:  Considered the largest and most valuable resource Starbucks has, their workforce is highly trained, well compensated and motivated through staff training, competitions and incentives.Technology Department:  The use of technology within the Starbucks Corporation is es sential to the daily operations of the company as well as the long-term effect on the day. Using the latest in technological advances to roast coffee, enhance the customer experience and maximize cost saving is paramount for the company.Procurement:  Ensuring a steady stream of coffee beans as well as other raw food materials for the local shops is essential to the success of the company. In addition, the development of additional locations, materials and equipment necessary to open those locations will be important. Finally, the development of the materials used in retail locations requires additional materials and supplies that must be obtained.A value chain is a thorough investigation into a company’s processes, and provides corporate officials the information and tools needed to remain competitive in a changing economy.Image credit:  pixabay | PublicDomainPictures under Public Domain Dedication. Major Strategy Frameworks Developed in the late 1950’s by Harry Markowitz, Modern Portfolio Theory was introduced as a means of managing an investor’s financial portfolio. According to Markowitz, an investment portfolio cannot be made up of assets (or investments) that are chosen individually. Before selecting companies to invest in, there needs to be a consideration of how the portfolio as a whole unit will change in price.As with any investment, there is an understood amount of risk involved. By its vary design, then, there is a direct correlation between risk and reward. Typically, investments that are riskier will bring a higher element of return. Portfolio Theory establishes two possible ways of handling risk and return: If the desired amount of risk is known, then the Portfolio Theory will guide the asset selection process to choose investments with a high level of expected return. If the desired expected return is known, the Portfolio Theory explains the steps in selecting investments that offer th e lowest risk.Similar to a financial investor, while investing in several assets an entrepreneur has usually to optimize his  portfolio of products / projects. Hence, Portfolio Theory can be applied in selection of products / projects with either higher returns given the level of risk or with lower risk given the level of return.Portfolio Theory, then, is a system of diversification. Using precise mathematical equations that determine risk and reward, along with a set of assumptions about investors and the financial markets, the Portfolio Theory provides a process of developing an optimal strategy for diversification. © Shutterstock.com | Syaheir AzizanIn this article, we will look at 1) what is Portfolio Theory, 2) when is the Portfolio Theory useful, 3) components of the Portfolio Theory, 4) creating the Portfolio Theory strategy, 5) using the Portfolio Theory strategy, 6) examples of Portfolio Theory strategy â€" General Electric.WHAT IS THE PORTFOLIO THEORY STRATEGYTo understand Portfolio Theory, it is helpful to consider an example: a company that has an oil refinery business. This oil company has several oil fields in its portfolio and tries now to select the oil fields with the highest return given the same level of risk. The returns for oil company are the revenues from oil projects devived from its volume of oil production, the oil price, operating costs to maintain the oil refinery, as well as the initial investment in the starting the oil refinery. On the other side, the risk for oil company contains in the ultimate volumes of oil reserves, the change in the oil price and operating cos ts, as well as unpredicted additional amount of investment for getting the oil field start producing oil. Using the principles of the Portfolio Theory, the company can let its portfolio  of oil refinery be diversified, but optimize it by comparing the oil projects based on return and risk profiles. In this example, oil company can for example define the level of risk, which it can handle and select then the oil fields with the highers returns given this level of risk. In doing so, the company can generate a diversified and optimized portfolio of oil projects. It has then minimized their risk, and maximized their return. © Wikimedia commons | ShuBraqueWhile the nuances of the Portfolio Theory are difficult to grasp, the basic ideas are clear: diversification and risk/return optimization leads to a stronger portfolio.WHEN IS THE PORTFOLIO THEORY STRATEGY USEFUL?Investors have used the Portfolio Theory strategy to compile an investment portfolio for years. As an investor, it is useful to diversify and to optimize investment holdings that will generate returns. The Portfolio Theory is beneficial to a company or an investor who wishes to have a deeper understanding of the risk and reward relationship. By looking closely at the amount of acceptable risk, an investor gets an idea of the type of investments they should select. Many investors consider themselves as ‘risk-takers’ but when confronted with actual data about the risk involved, prefer to take a safer, more traditional route. Other investors consider themselves as conservative but would be comfortable with a higher level of risk. Evaluating t he level of risk that can be tolerated gives an understanding of an investor’s risk tolerance.In corporate applications, the Portfolio Theory is useful to establish a strategy for increasing and optimizing a corporate portfolio. Again, it gives an indication of risk tolerance, but it also provides opportunity for discovering methods of diversifying a company’s holdings and offerings. Developing areas that can increase rewards, while balancing the risks is essential in stable companies.Finding the perfect balance of risk versus reward is the fundamental basis for the Portfolio Strategy â€" making it extremely useful for the company that wishes to minimize their risk.COMPONENTS OF THE PORTFOLIO THEORY STRATEGYThere are four main components in the Portfolio Theory: risk, return, efficient frontier, and diversification.RiskThe Portfolio Theory assumes that when given a portfolio of investments with equal returns, the investor will select the one with the lower level of risk. Accordi ng to the assumptions of the theory, an investor will only take on additional risk if there is an expected level of higher reward. The relationship between risk and return is affected by the number of assets in the portfolio.ReturnWith the framework of the Portfolio Theory, an investor who wants to generate a higher level of reward, or return, must be willing to have a higher level of risk. The implication, then, is that an investor will choose to invest in a portfolio that offers a lower level of risk with the highest level of return.DiversificationMarkowitz’s theory demonstrates that an investor who wishes to reduce risk can do so by establishing a diverse portfolio. Using mathematical principles and formulas, the return variance of the portfolio can be established. Simply put, the sum of the assets, over the square of the fraction of assets is multiplied by the asset’s return variance. When the assets are completely uncorrelated, the portfolio is diversified and the investor can experience a higher level of reward.Efficient FrontierAlso known as the Markowitz bullet, the Efficient Frontier is the graphical representation of the Portfolio Theory. By plotting the possible combinations of assets to risk, the risk-free area is clearly identified on a hyperbola graph. Moving along the risk-free rate line, an investor can begin to identify what level of risk is comfortable based on the expected level of return.CREATING THE PORTFOLIO THEORY STRATEGYThe basis for the Portfolio Theory is mathematical. A long, complex formula for investing is used to determine the risk/reward ratio and establish a diversified and optimized portfolio. Typical entrepreneur might not have the desire or know-how to establish a mathematical formula to determine investments in products and projects within her/his business, however, and the statistical data for the strategy is lost on many.Creating a true Portfolio Theory strategy for a company, then, requires the assistance of financia l planners and potentially fund managers who have access to tools and data streams to provide information. The concepts of the strategy, however, can be clearly understood and used by even the most novice investor or entrepreneur in her/his business.Investors can establish their portfolio two ways. Identifying the acceptable level of risk gives an idea of the expected level of returns. Conversely, identifying the desired returns will identify the amount of risk necessary. Applying diversification will spread the risk over a number of assets, lessening the individual risk but increasing the overall return.USING THE PORTFOLIO THEORY STRATEGYThe Portfolio Theory has a wide range of applications outside the world of finance. Modern users of the theory have applied it to scientific processes, charting the possible outcomes of experiments. It has been used to find relationships in the workplace with studies of variability and economic growth in the labor force. Social psychology has adapt ed the theory to develop a model of self-concept. According to psychologists, an individual’s self-esteem is stable when their self-concept is more diverse.The same principles can be applied in a business setting, where the fundamentals of Portfolio Theory can be applied to corporate strategy. For companies that have multiple divisions, offer a line of products or services, using the Portfolio Theory can lead to a more stable and consistent revenue stream. In addition, it can offer a company clearer vision of how to increase their market share, while minimizing risk.A company that wishes to increase their reward (or, put another way, to generate more revenue) can institute the Portfolio Theory. Adding a diversified set of assets will lessen the risk of diminishing returns. In the oil refinery company example used above, the company selected diversity of oil fields based on their risk/return profiles. It reduced the risk on the portfolio level (by selecting lower level risk oil fie lds), added diversity (by selecting several oil projects), and increased revenue (by selecting higher revenues for defined level of risk). Finding ways for adding diverse projects with optimized risk / return profile can help a company grow and profit.Finding ways to apply the Portfolio Theory to a business’ strategy will increase their stability within the marketplace. Looking at a company’s portfolio of products / projects overall will help drive decisions about adding or reducing the number of products / projects, in direct correlation to the amount of return desired. If one department or division is not performing well, it will not be as detrimental when other divisions can offset the deficit. The company can then make decisions regarding the addition of a new asset to replace the poorly performing section or to develop methods to increase that division’s revenues.EXAMPLES OF PORTFOLIO THEORY STRATEGY â€" GENERAL ELECTRICIt is helpful to evaluate the corporate application of the Portfolio Theory by examining a company that uses the strategy to determine their growth. One of the largest companies around, General Electric (GE) has a long history of diversification and product portfolio optimization. Within the last few years, however, they have streamlined their corporate structure into six main areas: banking, transportation, appliances and lighting, aviation, energy and health care. © General ElectricTo apply the Portfolio Theory, consider each industry as an asset. Limiting their assets to six, they have optimized their risk/reward formula. By selecting industries that operate independently of each other, they have a range of diversification without high elements of risk. The reward component of the formula can be seen in the potential for double-digit growth in earnings for 2014. With a focus on developing within the industries they have chosen, they are increasing their organic revenue in an environment that allows for low reward in one area balanced by the higher rewards in another.Over the last several years, the largest growth revenues have come through GE’s banking industries. The smallest revenues have been through their transportation division. Based on the Portfolio Theory, they can still achieve high levels of reward, due to the relationship between their risk factors. In an effort to further stabilize their revenues, GE has been putting their effo rts into bolstering their transportation division, while pulling back from their banking industry. As the recession has receded, demand for GE’s locomotive has increased with the recovering railway industry.By achieving industrial growth that is sustainable, GE has managed to remain a stable force in the marketplace. Examining the relationship between the different industries that GE offers, it is clear to see how the Portfolio Theory can be applied to a corporation with success. Considering the overall portfolio of GE shows a company that has a high level of revenue, with an overall low level of risk, making GE a strong investment opportunity.The Portfolio Theory as a strategy for business can demonstrate the elements of acceptable risk and reward helping companies to diversify and to optimize their portfolio of products and services, as well as to establish a strong market presence. While critics of the theory have held that the idea is based in an unreal world of perfect condit ions, the principles of the strategy have clearly worked. Variations of the Portfolio Theory have developed since its inception and it still continues to be a much-used method of investing and business planning today. By taking this investment strategy and applying it to other areas of business, the long heralded method is still as effective as it was over thirty years ago. Image credit:  Wikimedia commons | ShuBraque under Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported. Major Strategy Frameworks No matter the size of the company, it is essential to the growth and success of the business to periodically evaluate the direction it is moving. This process can be done in a variety of ways, but finding a method that is cost effective, reliable and useful often intimidates business executives. For the company that is new to the idea of strategic planning or who wants a simple, quick method of finding direction the SWOT strategy is ideal. Aptly named for its features, the SWOT is an analysis of the Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats that a company experiences. © Shutterstock.com | TheGigerRangerIn this article, we will look at 1) what is SWOT, 2) when is SWOT useful, 3) components of SWOT, 4) creating SWOT, 5) using SWOT, and 6) example of SWOT.WHAT IS SWOTThe SWOT strategy focuses on two areas: internal factors and external factors. When considering the internal factors, the company must focus on the areas within the company that they can control. The internal inspection will be centered on the strengths and weaknesses of the business. Before starting any campaign to expand the company or trying to advance in the marketplace, it is vital to take inventory of the current company standing.Beginning with an investigation that looks inward, it is possible to establish a realistic picture of the state of the company. To begin, the business must evaluate the factors of the company that are strengths, or advantages in the marketplace. These items may include staffing, assets, position in the industry â€" any features that set the company apart from the competition in a positive way. In addition to the strengths of the company, a similar examination of the internal weaknesses of the business must be conducted. Weaknesses may be processes that aren’t fully functioning, limited use of technology, access to shipping lines â€" the hurdles that the company faces in order to do business.Conversely, a thorough understanding of the external factors that the company faces must also be established. This is done through the last two features of the SWOT: opportunities and threats. In a business environment, these items are aspects of business that a company cannot control. In many applications, external factors deal primarily with what is considered ‘the competition’, but for a successful SWOT analysis, it must include factors beyond that. Opportunities for the company include market awareness and growth, public perception and economic trends. Threats may be the most difficult to establish, but should be carefully considered. T hreats can include funding delays, opposition to new processes or products or timing issues.WHEN IS SWOT USEFULThe SWOT analysis can be beneficial to a company in a variety of scenarios. Most scenarios can be categorized into either developing new business or evaluating existing business. Companies that wish to develop a strategic plan for the expansion of their business would be well served by performing a SWOT analysis before engaging in action. The SWOT can be used when a company is beginning to implement an expansion into a new market area, when considering a new product line or when developing new policies. Evaluating the new venture in light of the existing company structure can provide guidance into the feasibility of adding new products or ideas.In addition, SWOT strategies can be implemented when considering a change in the focus of the company. The possibility of transitioning from a local market to a global scale, for example, could be evaluated using a SWOT analysis. Ano ther consideration for a SWOT analysis is when a taking on new business that could largely impact both productivity and scope of the company.For new businesses, using a SWOT analysis strategy can help guide the company through the early stages of development. Establishing a clear and definitive course of action will be beneficial as a company identity is being formed. By clarifying the unique aspects of the company, employees have a better understanding of the focus of the company and are better equipped to make the company successful.COMPONENTS OF SWOTThe four components of SWOT: strengths, weakness, opportunity, and threat must be individually evaluated. © Flickr | jean-louis ZimmermannInternal factors: StrengthsThe features of the company that are benefits and can be both tangible and intangible are the strengths of the business. These positive features are within the control of the company. Strengths may include: resources (both human and otherwise), advantages over competition, facilities and more. To determine strengths, a company may consider the following questions:What does the company do better than any other company in the industry?What are the advantages that the company has?What are the resources that the company has that others don’t have?What human resource advantages does the company have?What positive features does the company have that gives an edge over the competition?Internal factors: WeaknessesIt may seem counter-productive to focus on the negative internal aspects of a business, but to truly achieve success, the weaknesses must be addressed. Being realistic and honest provides a true picture of the company and prevents complications and issues later. Some of the areas to consider weaknesses will be discovered by using questions such as:What are the areas that the company can improve?What causes the company to lose business?What areas are lacking in the business?Are the resources available to the company limited?Does the location of the business hinder success?What continuous training efforts are in place for employees?Considering the external aspects of the SWOT are equally as important. These issues that are beyond the control of the company must be included in a strategic plan for success. Externally, there are Opportunities and Threats. By maximizing the opportunities and minimizing the threats, the successful company will be able to move beyond their current position in the marketplace.External factors: OpportunitiesThese positive features outside the company are reasons that the company will be successful. By taking advantage of the opportunities the company faces, the company can r each their potential for growth, expansion and success. Opportunities can be evaluated through discussion of some of these questions:What opportunity for growth exists in the current market?What legislation or funding opportunities have been created that can benefit the company?What timeline exists for these opportunities?How does the physical location of the company affect the future?What changes in demographics can increase sale opportunity?What changes in technology can the company take advantage of?External factors: ThreatsThese external factors put a company at risk. The threats to the business include competition, legislation, or other factors that are beyond the control of the company. While it is impossible to plan for every contingency, it is helpful to be aware of the threats and have an established plan in place for dealing with them.Who are the direct competitors in the industry?What changes can affect marketing strategies?What shifts in consumer habits could affect sale s?Are changing legislations putting the company at risk?Does new technology or products make current products or offerings obsolete?These questions are by no means an exhaustive list of items to consider in the creation of a strategic plan. By beginning an investigation of each component of the SWOT, it will help create a clear outline of direction.CREATING SWOTThe creation of a SWOT can be a short, simple process or it can be a more complex process that involves a wider range of people and time. The only limitation to the size and scope of the SWOT analysis is the intent and desire of the company developing the strategy.Creating a SWOT analysis can be completed by the head of a department, the CEO of the company, or the chairman of the strategic development committee. For maximum effectiveness, however, the analysis should be completed by a group of people from various segments of the company. By selecting people in different areas of the business, they will have different inputs i nto the positive and negative aspects of the company which will be essential in creating a true picture of the company. Additional insight can be gleaned from the inclusion of customers in the process. One reason the SWOT strategy is so effective is the simplified process for creation. A basic SWOT can be created during a staff meeting, a company retreat or spread out over the course of several weeks. Depending on the desired use of the SWOT, it can be helpful to schedule a planning session that will span several hours specifically to conduct the analysis.Establishing a casual, relaxed environment and inviting key people to the SWOT strategy session will help generate an opportunity for employees to collaborate while sharing their knowledge and insight for the betterment of the company.Appoint a discussion facilitator to move the group through the exercise. Progress, in order, through the S-W-O-T categories of the strategy. Ask for group feedback regarding each area, using the suppl ied questions, along with any others that may be relevant. Allow for discussion within each category, making notes of comments and ideas. Encourage answers that may be contrary to the overall perception of the company â€" a range of ideas and comments will provide the means for honest discussion about the business. Once the lists of each category have been compiled, identify the top 5 â€" 10 items in each section based on the group discussion. After the analysis has been completed, assemble the results into a chart that lists the results in an easy to see format. Distribute the results to the members of the group to allow for final consideration.SWOT Analysis: How To Perform One For Your Organization USING SWOTAfter completing the SWOT analysis, compiling the reports into useable results is the next step. The analysis identified and prioritized the biggest internal and external factors of the company. The SWOT analysis may have identified issues or problems that need to be addressed . It may have reaffirmed goals and strategies already in place. In addition, it brought attention to factors that can generate growth. In order to successfully use the SWOT, those factors must be turned into short and long term strategies.One of the primary benefits of the SWOT analysis is the ability to focus on maximizing strengths while minimizing weakness. This can be done through a careful consideration of the areas highlighted in the analysis. Look for ways to use the company strengths identified to capitalize on the opportunities assessed. In the same way, develop solutions to minimize the threats that are present by using the existing strengths of the company.By focusing on the positive aspects of the company, the negative factors can be minimized and negated while creating opportunity for growth. Use the list of opportunities developed to establish strategies that will reduce weaknesses. Further, focus on minimizing weakness to avoid potential threats in the marketplace.Gen eralities are the enemy of a successful SWOT strategy. Use only verifiable and precise claims when identifying strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize the list of factors, ensuring that the most important areas are dealt with first. Revisit the SWOT analysis and subsequent strategy plan frequently to ensure that the company direction is still in accordance with the expected strategies.EXAMPLE OF SWOTGenerating a SWOT for a famous company will give an idea of the potential uses for this type of strategic planning. Consider the possible SWOT analysis of IKEA, the retailer famous for home furnishings. The global company has taken Scandinavian style to the forefront of the furniture retailing industry and has utilized the SWOT philosophy to generate direction and planning.A potential SWOT analysis for IKEA may include the following features:StrengthsLow priced, functional products in a wide range of stylesVision for giving people a better lifeConsistent global quality and brandWeaknessesQu ality control in manufacturing countriesBalance between low costs and quality productsCommunication between consumers and shareholdersOpportunitiesIncreased market demand for environmentally conscious productsMarket increase for low carbon footprint corporationsEconomic downturn forcing consumers to consider lower cost productsThreatsMarket slowdown of first-time homebuyersCompetition entering the low price marketDisposable income shrinking due to economic downturnBy maximizing the opportunities for growth, IKEA can continue to dominate the home furnishings market. Fitting in with their vision to create a better life for people, they can focus on the environmentally conscious aspects of their company by using sustainable, renewable resources. Consistent use of their existing global network will help to reduce their carbon footprint through creative packaging and shipping.The use of the SWOT analysis and strategy can be an essential part of a company’s development. Critics claim th e limited scope of the process make it ineffective in truly determining future growth, but used as part of a larger strategic plan it can be a powerful tool. By using the plan to develop a framework for success, the company will be able to minimize weakness while maximizing the potential for the future. Image credit:  Flickr | jean-louis Zimmermann under Attribution 2.0 Generic. Major Strategy Frameworks Consider planning a trip that will require several nights’ stay in a hotel. There are three to choose from in the town: Hotel A has no amenities beyond the basics. A bed, a bathroom and a tiny pool in the back are all that is offered at the low cost accommodations. Hotel B is a pricey resort, loaded with options; has a free breakfast buffet, an on-site spa, several pools and a well-apportioned room with a view of a nature preserve. Hotel C is a smaller hotel that caters to business travelers in the state. They offer business services, studio rooms with full kitchen facilities, catered business dinners and late check-out options to allow for longer meetings. Travelers choose one of these three hotels based on their personal needs and preferences. Each hotel, however, is an example of a particular type of Generic Competitive Strategy that businesses use to set themselves apart from the competition.Hotel A is betting on the premise that cost is one of the primary decision making facto rs when choosing a hotel. They don’t offer fancy extras, but the rooms are clean and cheap. Hotel B draws clients who want to be pampered and who will wear the hotel’s monogrammed bathrobe proudly on their way down to breakfast. The rooms are expensive, but are larger than some of the homes people live in. Hotel C has narrowed their attention to the weary business traveler and has mastered the art, while maintaining prices that are middle of the road. © Shutterstock.com | Sira AnamwongIn this article, we look at 1) what is generic competitive strategy, 2) when is the generic competitive strategy useful, 3) components of the generic competitive strategy, 4) creating the generic competitive strategy, 5) using the generic competitive strategy, 6) examples of generic competitive strategy.WHAT IS GENERIC COMPETITIVE STRATEGYHarvard professor Michael Porter coined the phrase “generic competitive strategy” in his book, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Since the writing of his book, the phrase has become known in business circles as one of the primary methods of business planning and strategizing for businesses across all industries. The Generic Competitive Strategy (GCS) is a methodology designed to provide companies with a strategic plan to compete and gain an advantage within the marketplace.According to Porter, a company can leverage its strengths to position itself within the competition. When classifying the strengths of a company, they can either be placed under the heading of cost advantage or differentiation. Within those two strength categories, the scope of the company is either broad or narrow. As a result, there are three strategies that can be applied to any business or industry at the business level (explained later in the post).WHEN IS THE GENERIC COMPETITIVE STRATEGY USEFUL?The GCS is useful when a company is looking to gain an advantage over a competitor. If a company wants to ‘win’ the advantage over other businesses, it does so by winning sales and taking customers away from competitors. An advantage in business, though, does not come easily. It must be developed and established firmly within the framework of a company. Using a business strategy is not a one-off or a weekend exercise; it must become the driving force of the company.In order to do this successfully, a company must implement a Generic Competitive Strategy. Not confined to a specific indu stry or company, the methodology can be used in for-profit companies of any kind, as well as not for profit organizations. No matter what type of business, the principles behind the GCS are universal and can be applied to any company.The primary benefit using a GCS is to establish a methodology of doing business that will drive the company in a certain direction. Rather than simply maintaining the status quo, a GCS gives a company a blueprint to follow that will create the structure of the company.Critics of Generic Competitive Strategy denounce the idea that a company must choose one strategy and use it exclusively. Today’s global economy and workforce is a far from the environment that brought Generic Competitive Strategies to the forefront. There is still a use for the GCS plan in today’s business marketplace, however.COMPONENTS OF THE GENERIC COMPETITIVE STRATEGYGCS is based on three generic strategies: cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. Each strategy has a differe nt mechanism for reaching success. Companies within the same industry may not choose the same strategy â€" it is a choice that must be made with the company’s management, based on the desired outcome for success and the company’s strengths. Each strategy has unique components that shape the company. © Entrepreneurial InsightsCost LeadershipA business that wants to achieve an edge through cost leadership will become an expert in lowering costs while maintaining prices. The goal should always be to reduce the costs associated with doing business, while continuing to charge the same price as its competitors. This gives the company a greater profit, without having any extra expenses. Another method of maximizing the Cost Leadership position is by lowering the selling point. Because the costs associated with the products are already low, the company is still making a healthy profit. This allows the company to under bid the competitors while still preserving profits.DifferentiationThe differentiation strategy seeks to set a company apart by creating products that are different than a competitor’s. The specific ways that a company differentiates itself from the competition will depend on the industry of the company, but may include features, support and functionality. The uniqueness of the company â€" the differentiation â€" must only be a feature that a customer is willing to pay a premium price for. A company that focuses on differentiation may be disappointed to realize that their market share is continually changing and comes with a set of risks.FocusThe company that uses the Focus strategy is selecting a niche market, and then determining the scope of the focus. Within the Focus strategy is the option to use either cost leadership or differentiation. It may be confusing to keep in mind that the Focus strategy is dealing with a specific, niche market. Focus does not mean a smaller market simply because the company is small â€" it means that the company has chosen to add value to their products and offer them to a select number of customers. Because the company who chooses a Focus strategy deals exclusively with their client base, they develop a loyal relationship which can generate sales and profits for the future.CREATING THE GENERIC COMPETITIVE STRATEGYB efore creating a Generic Competitive Strategy, a company must decide which strategy to employ. Taking into account the strengths of the company may give an indication of the best strategy to choose, but should not be rushed simply to move to the next item.To determine the best strategy for the company, follow a few simple steps:Create a Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) chart for each of the three strategies. Once that is completed, it may be clear that a strategy would not be appropriate. If that is the case, eliminate that strategy, and continue to the next step.Conduct an analysis of the industry the business is in. Finding out specifics about the business industry can lead to an increased understanding of the market and how to best position the company.Compare the SWOT analysis to the business industry results. Select the most viable options from the SWOT analysis and compare to the business industry analysis.From the comparisons, a company can begin to answer q uestions such as:How does this strategy help manage supplier power?How does this strategy help reduce the threat of substitution?How does this strategy help reduce customer power?As the company begins to answer the comparison questions, a clear choice should emerge. To decide on the correct strategy, choose the strategy that provides the company with the best set of options for the future.There is an implied danger in not selecting a strategy. Porter referred to the company that had not chosen a definitive strategy as being ‘stuck in the middle’. A firm that doesn’t make a clear choice of strategy may become a company that has little to no profitability, has no competitive advantage and may become a target for companies that chose to differentiate. However, recent studies have indicated that there may be benefit of using a hybrid method that combines more than one strategy. Regardless of what strategy is used, one thing is clear: a company must have a directional strategy to m ove forward.USING THE GENERIC COMPETITIVE STRATEGYPrioritizing the company’s activities based on the chosen strategy will help maximize the success of the plan. The Generic Competitive Strategy will affect the daily decisions of a company, and the industry forces that a company has to deal with may change the way the company operates. The five industry forces (entry barriers, buyer power, supplier power, threat of substitutes, rivalry) would all be affected differently based on the GCS chosen.Using the Cost Leadership strategy requires an aggressive stance towards cost in every aspect of the company’s operations. With low-cost as the defining quality, the company’s management must be ruthless in the pursuit of lower costs.The Differentiation strategy, on the other hand, leads to profits but does not lead to a large market share. By focusing on specific traits of a product or service, a portion of the marketplace is automatically disregarded. This leads to a smaller number of p otential customers, but may generate more profits due to their loyalty and willingness to spend more.Establishing a Focus strategy means the company is choosing to prioritize their activities for a specific market segment. That segment may respond in kind by conducting their business exclusively with the company, thus providing higher profit levels. The company will not be successful, however, if they fail to provide their niche market with differences from what the rest of the consumers receive.Porters Generic Competitive Strategies[slideshare id=9666693doc=portersgenericcompetitivestrategies-111012204625-phpapp01w=640h=330]EXAMPLES OF GENERIC COMPETITIVE STRATEGYWal-Mart is perhaps one of the most well-known companies that use Cost Leadership as their business strategy. With efficient distribution methods, huge volume discounts from suppliers, and their control of manufacturing and inventory, they are able to offer low prices. They have minimized costs and are able to pass the sav ings on to customers, resulting in higher number of customers who spend an average amount of money in their stores. By specializing in low costs, they appeal to a wide number of customers who flock to the store in search of a bargain.Once a fledgling computer company, Apple has set itself apart through their Differentiation strategy. They developed an operating platform (iOS) and then designed products that use that system. The hardware for their products is designed by Apple engineers and designers and their products are compatible and top-notch. Apple not only set itself apart from the competition, it has created a subculture of loyal customers who flock to be the first to receive new devices and products. By designing every component that is used in their products, they have set themselves completely apart from the rest of the industry â€" leaving competitors far behind.For drivers, there are a few choices: car, truck, motorcycle. The market for motorcycles is relatively small an d the market for luxury motorcycles is even smaller. Harley Davidson has established itself as an industry leader in the niche market of motorcycle riders. They use Differentiation Focus as a competitive strategy, and they do it well. Harley riders expect a certain standard from their bikes, along with responsive customer service. This niche market has evolved almost to the point of being a ‘club’ where members find their common ground in the machines they drive. Harley has set itself apart, and established itself as the standard for the true bike rider.Porter began a movement that is still active in today’s business world when he introduced the Generic Competitive Strategy idea. Establishing a company without considering the advantage it wishes to pursue is effectively setting the company up to fail. Careful consideration of the different advantages will give even the most novice entrepreneur an idea of which direction the company should be moving. A correctly implemented str ategy will help keep the company on target, while ensuring that they maintain a competitive edge within the industry.

Dartmouth Early Decision Figures

Dartmouth Early Decision Figures December 14, 2013 The Dartmouth Early Decision figures are in. 469 students earned admission in the Early round (photo credit: Gavin Huang). The Dartmouth Early Decision figures are in for the Class of 2018. In the Early round, 469 students earned admission to the College on the Hill. As you may remember, 1,678 students applied for Early Decision admission to Dartmouth this fall. That number marked an increase of over 6 percent from last years Early Decision applicant pool. This group of 469 admitted students will eventually comprise approximately 40 percent of the overall Dartmouth Class of 2018. So that leaves 60 percent of the class to be filled through the Regular Decision pool. According to Dartmouths website, Among the admitted students, the mean SAT score was 2156 and the mean ACT score was 32.1. Among students who attend schools that report rank, 31 percent are ranked first in their class and 94 percent are ranked in the top 10 percent. The mean ACT score of accepted students is in the 98th percentile, and the average SAT score placed in the 97th percentile. Maria Laskaris, the Dean of Admissions at Dartmouth, expressed satisfaction not only with the increase in the size of the Early Decision applicant pool but also in the increased quality of the pool. As Dartmouth has an Early Decision policy, students admitted in the Early round are bound to attend.