Small Business Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Small Business Management - Case Study Example During their initial stages, the economic conditions were not very supportive for a start up, as the economy was going through a recessionary period; thus, they could only manage to start off with $25,000 but within first six months, they were able to launch their first anti-virus program. This was a major success and also due to this, they could get funding from 'Korea Technology Credit Guarantee Fund' for the amount of $33,500 and this had become their seed money. The anti virus market in Korea grew from 4 billion in 1998, to 26 billion in 2002, and the firm grew with it. Of late, the firm has broaden its product line by adding in data recovery with announcement of 'DataMedic Solution'. Problems and challenges are a part of routine business activities but analyzing them is the only source that leads to an appropriate solution with long term viability. This section utilizes some tools and techniques for analyzing the problems, so that appropriate solutions can be proposed: SWOT is one of the widely used tools for analyzing the internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) factors prevailing in the industry under consideration. Thus, SWOT is very helpful in determining the environmental situation, matching the internal and external variables. Following is the SWOT analysis of the firm based on the learning from various sources: 1. Strengths The firm has great potential in terms of the research and development skills The initiators and the owners are five professional programmers Since the owners are directly involved in the work, it gives the firm a cutting edge over the competitors The learning curve is a quicker one since the ownership belongs to professionals rather than the businessmen Most of the anti-viruses developed are primarily windows based, and windows being a widely used operating system is definitely an advantage Financial stability is another important strength for the firm 2. Weaknesses One of the major weaknesses of the firm is its weak brand image; since it lacks professional marketers, it hasn't been able to develop its image as such The firm has a fairly narrow and focused product line, and customers prefer one window solution for all problems The recently done diversification was also unrelated (data recovery solutions) It can be seen that there is lack of vision about where the firm wants to be in the next five or ten years 3. Opportunities The growing market of anti viruses is a big time opportunity for the firm Reduced customer loyalty is also an opportunity because with customers switching all the time, the firm can easily hunt for the share of the pie of other anti virus software makers 4. Threats Reduced customer loyalty is a threat in itself as well as customers are not loyal to any single firm Increasing competition is another major influence particularly with competition coming from foreign products The life cycle of these products has reduced drastically and needs regular updates and newer versions The market is rapidly moving towards maturity which means that firms need to be innovative and proactive in terms of launching the latest

Californian Wine Clusters Essay Example for Free

Californian Wine Clusters Essay Identify the players in the Californian wine cluster, who are they? Main players are growers, vineyard owners, wineries and automated processing facilities. Moreover, there are many supporting players such as bottle, cork and barrel producers, CAGR, Research and Education Institutions which are addicted to improve wine production and services, Distribution Channels to business and direct customers, Bank for financing, Tourism Clusters for presenting, Government, wine magazines, restaurants and bars, food cluster, U.C Davis, producers of equipment which are used in production of wines and grapes. As types of those equipment, fertilizers, labeling machines, trucks, scissors, etc. can be listed. Government role is important, because taxation, production regulations, supports for exporting and production quotas all are in hand of government. What are the reasons behind the Californian wine cluster success? Two key factors in success of Californian wine cluster are price and taste. Those two are decision making factors for consumer. Firstly their price is cheap, because Californian wineries’ yield amount is high, tax amount for a bottle is low, production efficiency in the mean area is high, labor cost is low, there is no production quota by government and they are using automated systems for wine production which is more efficient. Those are the reasons that present low price opportunities. Taste comes with wisdom of years in production. Research facilities, wine production and gourmet schools, good quality grapes, fine barreling materials and supporting spices in wine make Californian wines’ taste better and better in years. As support elements, Californian Food and Tourism clusters are helping wine cluster as brothers and sisters. Food cluster has many different kind of best chefs and restaurants which serve very best of dishes with wines which mixture of taste calls for new customers. Tourism cluster brings new possible customers to food cluster and wine cluster. Wine tasting tours and winery tours are big chances for presenting Californian wines to the rest of the world. Beyond all of those, California is in one of the strongest countries and  government, trade unions, institutions, powerful people give support to wine clusters in presenting, producing and transporting. Other big competitors as Italy and France are stricken about regulations and taxation which bring Californian wine’s success. How is the situation regarding the wine industry in France, Italy, Australia, Chile? In competition, Italy, France, Australia and Chile are main actors against California, and old big players are France and Italy. In exporting, France takes the lead and Italy takes the second row. They are the closest ones to EU consumers which are main consumers and they are old player. Over passing decades, Australian and Californian wines have kept the quality up and caught France and Italy. As a result, especially French and also Italian wine price levels remained high besides of California and Australia. Also, French government put regulations for production amount and taxation. Australia is a very fast growing wine producer and their price level and quality is very fine. Besides, many farmlands turned into vineyards and consumption level is demanding day by day. Also government supports export and regulates wine sided. Furthermore, they are very close to Asia which is a growing business in wine sector. Chile has a lower consumption and production according to Australia and California, but their price level is low and taxation and regulations are helpful in terms of improving production and growing wine business. Their wines are carton packed and acidic, and also those give the opportunity of cheap wines. If you were the governor of California, what would you do about the wine cluster? Regarding wine clusters, firstly I probably offer some marketers to market premium products with better price, and create better brands. I would try to open gourmet, chef and wine expert schools, also more research institutions for not also wine production but also their materials and grape species. I push tourism sector to create especially wine tasting and winery visit tours. Moreover, placing wine and best brands into Californian advertisement  campaigns. Reason behind all of those, Californian wine needs presentation, awareness and marketing, moreover good labeling and better brand image in minds. So, to create all class of brands from premium down to simple versions, they need premium marketing advises and campaigns.

Spiritual Insights in Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe :: Robinson Crusoe Essays

Crusoe’s Spiritual Insights Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is considered to be the first novel of incident. Before I read the novel I knew something about poor Robinson Crusoe--shipwrecked on a desert island, lived on the island for a lot of years, and acquired a friend by the name of Friday. As I began to read, I had the preconceived notion that Robinson Crusoe was just an adventure book. However, I read no more than a few pages before my mind was greatly enlightened. Robinson Crusoe does not suffer just one shipwreck, but two of them. He is captured by Moorish pirates, escapes, and goes to Brazil to become a planter. After his second shipwreck, Crusoe gives details about his techniques for survival. Also, the ending of the novel is quite surprising with a setting that is quite a contrast to the desert island. Arguably, one of the funniest scenes in all of literature is recorded in the final chapters. If the book is not holding the reader's attention because of the suspense, then it is held by the profound spiritual insight that Defoe includes within the pages of his work. This was the biggest surprise to me of all. For example, in chapter 12, Robinson Crusoe states: "From this moment I began to conclude in my mind that it is possible for me to be more happy in this forsaken solitary condition, that it was probable I should ever have been in any other particular state in the world, and with this thought I was going to give thanks to God for bringing me to this place." Crusoe was convinced that the reason for all of his calamities was the result of his disobeying the counsel of his father. The theological discussions with Friday are wonderful. Indeed, every Christian can relate to Crusoe's wrestling with faith and fear. I finished the book with the conclusion that this book should be standard reading for every Christian, particularly preachers. Preachers will find a wealth of sermon illustrations in Robinson Crusoe. So, why is Robinson Crusoe so sadly neglected among Christians when it is obvious that the book is a Christian classic? No doubt, abridged versions of the novel removes the incentive for readers to read the actual work. Many people have read a children's version of the novel or worst yet, they "have seen the movie.

Civil engineering (outline) :: essays research papers

Civil Engineer I.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A construction engineer can plan, design, and build any thing from roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, bridges, dams, and water systems all over the world. II.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Job Information A. Pay 1. In Idaho they get paid $17.50 to $41.88 2. Nationally they get paid $19.65 to $44.24 B. Special requirements 1. Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering 2. Engineering license a. 4 years as an engineer in training b. Pass the professional engineer exam C. Employment 1. About 228,000 work as civil engineers in Nationally 2. About 1,180 civil engineers work III. Preparations A. Complete a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering 1. A lot get a master’s degree B. Have strong observational skills C. Be creative IV. Specific Activities A. Plan, design, and build 1. Roads 2. Buildings 3. Airports, 4. Tunnels 5. Bridges 6. Dams 7. Water systems B. Test for strength 1. Soil 2. Materials C. Conduct studies 1. Traffic patterns 2. Environmental conditions V. Work conditions A. Physical 1. Work both indoors and outdoors 2. Exposed to contaminants 3. Exposed to very hot or cold weather 4. Exposed to hazardous equipment A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hours/ travel 1. Usually work standard 40-hour weeks 2. May work longer to meet deadlines 3. Travel a lot to get to work sites B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Interpersonal relationships 1. Deal with external costumers or associates 2. Sometimes placed in a conflict situation VI. Common Activities A. Think creatively B. Use computers C. Provide information 1. Devices 2. Equipment 3. Structures D. Estimate 1. Size 2. Time 3. Cost 4. Quantities 5. Materials needed VII. Skills and abilities A. Use math and science 1. Choose a mathematical method 2. Use math skills to solve problems

Crime Reduction

Mohammed N. M. Sayan ESL 0405 ESL Advanced Writing Date: February 13th, 2013 Dr. J. Parla Palumbo Topic: Crime Reduction Title: What can I do to reduce crime? Thousands of crimes happen all over the world and increase exponentially every year. According to Nations Master’s website, more than twelve million crimes committed in the United states last year. â€Å"Crime statistics. † nationmaster. com. Rapid Intelligence, 2002. Web. 25 February 2013. All of these crimes have happened due to high poverty rates and a poor education system.Although there are more police to govern the streets and strict punishment is being enforced, it is still not enough to reduce crime. I believe there are many ways to reduce crime; however, paying attention to surroundings, self-protection, and taking some common sense precautions are basic ways not to get ? nvolved in crimes. Reducing crime is a job for everyone. The majority of crime is opportunistic. For example, valuables left in view in a car, an open window in an empty house, walking alone on a dark street, carrying large sums of cash, unlocking your car door, or leaving furniture and play things in the yard overnight.Criminals always seek people who do not pay attention to their surroundings. To avoid becoming a victim, people must take charge of their own safety. There are no guarantees against crime prevention except their self-protection which can help reduce the chances of becoming casualty. For instance, In case of armed robber, it is best to hand over your wallet and do not resist because â€Å"criminals do not want to get caught,† says Tony Farrenkopf, Ph. D. , a clinical and Forensic psychologist in private practice in Portland.Dulce Zamora. â€Å"How to protect yourself against crime. † webmd. com. 2006. Web. . 25 February 2013. Danger may be lurking around any corner, and taking some common sense precautions will protect them from potentially dangerous situations. Firstly, people can make it difficult for criminals to victimize them. Every human has an internal alarm which usually alerts them when they are walking into a bad situation. To fine tune their personal alarm, they must take some precautions such as, trusting yourself, be aware of the eighborhood, pay attention to people around the area, understand the effects of alcohol and drugs, and react properly. These are all examples to warn them before they get involve in crime and eventually help reducing crime, too. Criminals are always looking for someone who is vulnerable. Therefore, every citizen has a responsibility to keep their surrounding areas safe by reporting any kinds of suspicious activities to the police. Some people setups a burglar alarm system in their property to protect themselves against burglary or  property damage.Others, training their guard-dogs to alert them against danger. On the other side, government must also provide high security cameras in places where crimes are frequently happen. Taking all into account, people have to take the responsibility in order to have a better life by following some basics rules such as self-protection and precautions. They might be simple but they are effective in decreasing crime. As they say, prevention is better than cure. Works Cited Bustamante, Karina. â€Å"Reducing Crime. † Blogspot. 14 May 2008. Web. 25 February 2013 â€Å"Crime statistics. † nationmaster. com. Rapid Intelligence, 2002. Web. 25 February 2013 . â€Å"Protecting yourself from crime and abuse†. Beechwood Neighborhood Coalition. . Zamora, Dulce. â€Å"How to protect yourself against crime. † webmd. 2006. Web. . 25 February 2013 .

Summary of To Kill a Mockingbi essays

Summary of To Kill a Mockingbi essays The book To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a magnificent story about guilt, fairness, race relations, and about life itself. It is told in the eyes of an already mature six-year old girl named Jean-Louise Finch, Scout for short. In the midst of the story Scout and her older brother Jeremy Finch, also known as Jem, grew more in their maturity by seeing certain events that happened around them. The stories major conflict is self-against-community while at the same time self-against-self. When Scouts father, Atticus, was faced with defending a black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white girl, he new that his family would be ridiculed due to the racial prejudice of the time and place; that being Alabama in the 1930s. Additionally Tom Robinson, the accused, was a friend of Atticus. Atticus was faced not only with defending Tom throughout the trial, but also faced with defending his action to his children, whom he was trying to raise without prejudice. Tom Robinson was ultimately found guilty of rape and sentenced to death by a jury of white farmers. Atticus convincingly showed that, due to an injury to his right arm, he could not have inflicted the bruises on Mayellas face. He was further able to prove that Mayellas father was the rapist. Unfortunately, Tom was killed while trying to escape from a prison camp. Mr. Ewell felt ridiculed in court and swore to take revenge on Atticus. Another self-against-self conflict within the story is Scouts and Jem s dealings with their neighbors, the Radleys. Afraid of the adult son Boo Radley, whom they have never seen, they have been led to believe through stories of other children in town, that Boo is a vicious, horrifying looking monster. They always ran past his house so he wouldnt get them. Yet dared, Jem ran onto Boos porch and slapped the house one-day in attempts to get Boo to come...

The Common Application (Definition, Tips, and More)

The Common Application (Definition, Tips, and More) In the 2017-18 academic year, The Common Application is used for undergraduate admissions by nearly 700 colleges and universities. The Common Application is an electronic college application system that collects a wide range of information: personal data, educational data, standardized test scores, family information, academic honors, extracurricular activities, work experience, a personal essay, and criminal history. Financial aid information needs to be handled on the FAFSA. The Reasoning Behind the Common Application The Common Application had modest beginnings in the 1970s when a few colleges and universities decided to make the application process easier for applicants by allowing them to create one application, photocopy it, and then mail it to multiple schools. As the application process moved online, this basic idea of making the application process easier for students has remained. If you are applying to 10 schools, you will need to type in all of your personal information, test score data, family information, and even your application essay just once.   Other similar single-application options have emerged more recently, such as the Cappex Application and the Universal College Application, although these options are not as widely accepted yet.   The Reality of the Common Application The seeming ease of using one application to apply to multiple schools certainly sounds appealing if you are a college applicant. The reality, however, is that the Common Application isnt, in fact, common for all schools, especially the more selective member institutions. While, the Common Application will save you time entering all that personal information, test score data, and details of your extracurricular involvement, individual schools often want to get school-specific information from you. The Common Application has evolved to allow all member institutions to request supplemental essays and other materials from applicants. In the original ideal of the Common App, applicants would write just a single essay when applying to college. Today, if an applicant were to apply to all eight of the Ivy League schools, that student would need to write over thirty essays in addition to the common one in the main application. Moreover, applicants are now allowed to create more than one Comm on Application, so you can, in fact, send different applications to different schools. Like many businesses, the Common Application had to choose between its ideal of being common and its desire to be a widely used application. To achieve the latter, it had to bend to the whims of potential member colleges and universities, and this meant making the application customizable, an obvious move away from being common. What Types of Colleges Use the Common Application? Originally, only schools that evaluated applications holistically  were allowed to use the Common Application; that is, the original philosophy behind the Common Application was that students should be evaluated as whole individuals, not just as a collection of numerical data such as class rank, standardized test scores, and grades. Every member institution needed to take into consideration non-numerical information derived from things such as letters of recommendation,  an  application essay, and extracurricular activities. If a college based admission solely on GPA and test scores, they could not be a member of the Common Application. Today this is not the case. Here again, as the Common Application continues to try and grow its number of member institutions, it has abandoned those original ideals. More colleges and universities do not have holistic admissions than those that do (for the simple reason that a holistic admission process is much more labor intensive than a data-driven process). So in order to open the door to the majority of institutions in the country, the Common Application now allows schools that do not have holistic admissions to become members. This change quickly resulted in the membership of many public institutions that base admission  decisions largely on numerical criteria. Because the Common Application keeps shifting to be inclusive of a wide range of colleges and universities, the membership is quite diverse. It includes nearly all top colleges and top universities, but also some schools that are not selective at all. Both public and private institutions use the Common App, as do several historical black colleges and universities.    The Most Recent Common Application Starting in 2013 with CA4, the newest version of the Common Application, the paper version of the application has been phased out and all applications are now  submitted electronically through the Common Application website. The online application allows you to create different versions of the application for different schools, and the website will also keep track of the different application requirements for the different schools to which you are applying. The roll-out of the current version of the application was fraught with problems, but current applicants should have a relatively trouble-free application process. Many schools will ask for one or more  supplemental essays  to complement the essay you write on one of the seven personal essay options provided on the Common Application. Many colleges will also ask for a short answer essay on one of your extracurricular or work experiences. These supplements will be submitted through the Common Application website with the rest of your application. Issues Related to the Common Application The Common Application is most likely here to stay, and the benefits it provides applicants certainly outweigh the negatives. The application is, however, a bit of a challenge for many colleges. Because it is so easy to apply to multiple schools using the Common App, many colleges are finding that the number of applications they are receiving is going up, but the number of students they are matriculating is not. The Common Application makes it more challenging for colleges to predict the yield from their applicant pools, and as a result, many schools are forced to rely more heavily on waitlists. This uncertainly can come back to bite students who find themselves placed in waitlist limbo because colleges simply cant predict how many students will accept their offers of admission.