Unilever Case Analysis Essay -- Business Marketing Case Study, solutio

This analysis consists of three parts: External Assessment, Internal Assessment, and Aalysis & Recommendations External Assessment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although Unilever’s Path to Growth strategy involves all components of the general environment, two segments that are especially relevant are the global and sociocultural segments. A major strength of the company’s global environment is its geographic diversification of its major product markets. In 2003, Unilever had sales and marketing efforts in 88 different countries. The key is that it gave decision-making power to its managers in different countries so that they could tailor their products to the market’s specific preferences and consumers’ local tastes. Thus, it was the cross-country preferences of consumers that determined what products Unilever would carry. The global segment provides an enormous opportunity for Unilever. The case states that emerging country markets show the greatest potential for sales growth. Major competitors such as Procter & Gamble and Kraft Foods had sales in roughly 140 to 150 different countries in 200 3, and Nestle, Unilever’s main rival, had market penetration in almost every country in the world. If Unilever is able to expand its operations into 50 or more new countries and concentrate its advertising campaign on consumer preferences, it could significantly increase its market share in the global economy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another important piece of Unilever’s general environment is the sociocultural segment. One of the company’s founding values is understanding and improving consumers’ lives. A major strength of Unilever lies in its ability to anticipate consumer trends and demands and then cater to their needs. For example, market research indicated that nutrition was the number one concern in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and that weight was the number three concern. The focus of peoples’ attitudes became living healthier lifestyles. To move with the trend Unilever acquired SlimFast. SlimFast was the U.S. market leader in the weight management and nutritional supplement industry, with a 45% market share. The acquisition seemed promising in the beginning. Approximately 94% of SlimFast’s sales were in North America, which presented a huge opportunity to diversify into foreign markets such as Germany and the United Kingdom. Un fortunately the healthy lifestyle that peop... ...l investment costs. Unilever would likely have to spend millions just to enter a new country. It would have to deal with different governments and laws and regulations as well. If such investments were to go sour, Unilever could find itself with millions or even billions of dollars/euros of fixed costs in an unprofitable country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lastly, Unilever should focus on restructuring SlimFast and turning it into a profitable part of the company. One of Unilever’s major strengths is its ability to acquire and then integrate new firms. Unilever should focus its marketing and R&D departments towards finding products that will satisfy consumer needs. It needs to focus on healthy, low carbohydrate drinks and diet bars to get it back atop the market. At first, success could be measured in terms of whether or not SlimFast once again becomes profitable. If it achieves profitability, then it can measure success based upon market share. Some possible disadvantages would be compromising SlimFast’s values and principals. SlimFast is a company that used only natural ingredients in its products. If the company does not buy in to the new strategy, then the whole restructuring could be a disaster.

Congenital Cataracts in Children :: Blindness Vision Sight Essays

Congenital Cataracts in Children Cataracts are the primary cause of blindness worldwide. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens. The lens is transparent and is important for the focusing of a sharp image on the retina. There are several different types of cataracts. Congenital cataracts are present at birth, and will be the focus of this paper. An eye disease causes secondary cataracts. Traumatic cataracts are caused by an injury. Finally, senile cataracts are caused by old age and are the most common form of cataracts. Cataracts can be unilateral, meaning in one eye or bilateral, in both eyes. Congenital cataracts may be partial affecting part of the lens, or complete affecting the whole lens. If they are partial and not dense enough to interfere with light transmission, congenital cataracts are quite common and often visually insignificant (Vaughan, 1989). Dense central congenital cataracts require surgery. They cause a significant loss visually and must be detected early. A parent usually can not detect these cataracts. The doctor usually detects the cataracts in the newborn nursery immediately after birth. Unilateral infantile cataracts that are central, dense, and larger than 2mm in diameter will cause permanent damage if not treated within the first 2 months of life (Vaughan, 1989). On the other hand, symmetric bilateral cataracts demand less urgent treatment (Vaughan, 1989). The main treatment is surgery, followed by lens replacement / correction, and usually completed with occlusion therapy. The surgery is called phacoemulsification. In this procedure, ultrasound vibrations of up to 40,000 cycles per second are made by a hollow tube-like instrument. It is inserted and the vibrations break up the lens into little pieces. The pieces are then sucked out through the tube (Golstein, 1999). The lens replacement/correction may be done one of two ways. An intraocular lens is a plastic lens inserted where the real lens used to be. Aphakic contact lens correction is using contact lens to improve the images to the retina. I found that an intraocular lens might be a better choice compared to glasses or contact lens because the latter two tend to enlarge the image. The brain can not combine the two images if one of them is enlarged and the other is of normal size (Goldstein, 1999). Finally, I found that most treatments end with occlusion therapy. This therapy is lik e using a patch to cover the bad eye(s). Usually, 6 to 8 hours per day were prescribed.

English vs. Mother tongue as a medium of instruction Essay

I. Introduction Background of the Study Before we discuss the so-called Gullas bill or the proposed act strengthening and enhancing the use of English as a medium of instruction, let’s get a backgrounder on the state of education in the Philippines. For every 100 children that start grade one in our country, only 65 will reach Grade 6, the others having dropped out along the way (with 18 of the dropouts occurring between Grade 1 and Grade 2). What this means is that even before these children are 12 years old, more than one third of them are essentially condemned to poverty. That is not all. The net enrollment ratios have been steadily decreasing between 2003 and 2007, and for the Philippines, that has gone down from 90.3% to 83.2%. The quality of that education is abysmal. Only 26% or a little over  ¼ of 6th graders have a mastery of English, where mastery is defined as obtaining a score of 75% or higher in English, 31% of those students have a mastery of Math and 15% have a mastery of Science. And if that is abysmal, that means the quality of high school education has to be the pits because only 7% of them have mastery in English. 16% have mastery in Math†¦ 2% have mastery in Science. Even college does not help: only 2 to 7% of college graduates who apply for positions in BPOs show English mastery, and even then, they have to undergo another three months of training to increase their competence. This is where the Gullas bill comes in. The rationale of that bill is that if we want to have greater competence in English, and be in a position to take advantage, or compete in a globalized world, English must be used as the medium of instruction from Grade 3 onwards. Now everyone will agree that we need greater competence in English to be competitive in a globalized world. But educators or those who have done education research will disagree that using English as the medium of instruction will accomplish that goal. As a matter of fact, they point out that research findings are unequivocal, that to achieve greater mastery in English or Filipino, the most effective medium of instruction is in the child’s mother tongue that is her first language or the language spoken at home. Studies in country after country bear this out. Teaching in an official school language that is not the mother tongue is a major barrier in the child’s learning. In the Philippines, the experiment was conducted in Kalinga, where teachers use Kalinga to teach children from Grades 1 to 3 to read and write. It is also the medium of instruction for teaching other subjects, including Filipino and English. Out of the 10 districts in the Kalinga division, the Lubuagan district topped the 2006 national achievement test Grade 3 reading test for both English and Filipino, with mean scores of 76.55% and 76.45 respectively, which indicates mastery. The Tinglayan district came in a far second, registered only 63.89% and 53.58%. The Gullas bill has very good intentions. But, as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Statement of the Problem 1. Between the two medium of instruction, which is effective? 2. Do you agree that English is effective as a medium of instruction? 3. Do you believe that English is a barrier in child’s learning? Significance of the Study Our study determines whether the English or the mother tongue is the effective medium of instruction, to determine the affectivity of English as medium of instruction and give justice to the belief of English as a barrier in child’s earning. Scope and Limitations This particular study focuses on the topic â€Å"English versus mother tongue as a medium of instruction. This study will also explore the issue of whether the English or mother tongue is an effective medium of instruction Operational Definition of Terms English is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England and is now a global lingua franca. Gullas Bill is the proposed act strengthening and enhancing the use of English as a medium of instruction, let’s get a backgrounder on the state of education in the Philippines. Medium of Instruction is the language used by the teacher to teach. Teaching the language, or educational content, through the target language increases the amount of exposure the learner gets to it, and the opportunities they have to communicate in it, and therefore to develop their control of it. Mother tongue one’s native language; the language learned by children and passed from one generation to the next II. Methodology A. Sampling Who are your respondents? Students who are English majors Elementary students who already undergone mother tongue subjects

Free Essays on Nullification Crisis

Nullification Crisis In 1828, John C. Calhoun had began the protracted Nullification Crisis by asserting the constitutional right of states to â€Å"nullify† national laws that were harmful to their interests. The Nullification Crisis had a major impact on the United States. Congress passed a tariff to protect the northern manufacturers and businessmen. Southerners thought that the industrialization of the north would lead to the downfall of the southern economy. They named the tariff the â€Å"Tariff of Abominations.† Vice-president John C. Calhoun of South Carolina led the movement of people who thought that â€Å" a combined geographical interest should not be able to disregard the general welfare and turn an important local interest should not be able to disregard the general welfare and turn an important local interest to its own profit† (Coit 12). Calhoun did not agree the secession of South Carolina so he tried to think of a substitute. His idea was nullification. Calhoun viewed nullification as the right of a â€Å"single state to veto, within its own borders, a federal law that it deemed unconstitutional subject to the later approval of at least one fourth of the states. If such approval was not forthcoming, the state shou ld, if it wished, be allowed to secede from the Union† (Coit 12). The South knew that nowhere in the constitution did it give Congress the right to simply protect industry. President Andrew Jackson was forced to confront the state of South Carolina on the issue of the protective tariff. Business and farming interest in the state had hoped that Jackson would use his presidential power to modify tariff laws that they had disagreed with. To the South, all the benefits of protection were going to Northern manufacturers, and while the country as a whole grew richer, South Carolina grew poorer because the planters at to pay higher prices. The president asked Congress to lower the tariffs, to make th... Free Essays on Nullification Crisis Free Essays on Nullification Crisis Nullification Crisis In 1828, John C. Calhoun had began the protracted Nullification Crisis by asserting the constitutional right of states to â€Å"nullify† national laws that were harmful to their interests. The Nullification Crisis had a major impact on the United States. Congress passed a tariff to protect the northern manufacturers and businessmen. Southerners thought that the industrialization of the north would lead to the downfall of the southern economy. They named the tariff the â€Å"Tariff of Abominations.† Vice-president John C. Calhoun of South Carolina led the movement of people who thought that â€Å" a combined geographical interest should not be able to disregard the general welfare and turn an important local interest should not be able to disregard the general welfare and turn an important local interest to its own profit† (Coit 12). Calhoun did not agree the secession of South Carolina so he tried to think of a substitute. His idea was nullification. Calhoun viewed nullification as the right of a â€Å"single state to veto, within its own borders, a federal law that it deemed unconstitutional subject to the later approval of at least one fourth of the states. If such approval was not forthcoming, the state shou ld, if it wished, be allowed to secede from the Union† (Coit 12). The South knew that nowhere in the constitution did it give Congress the right to simply protect industry. President Andrew Jackson was forced to confront the state of South Carolina on the issue of the protective tariff. Business and farming interest in the state had hoped that Jackson would use his presidential power to modify tariff laws that they had disagreed with. To the South, all the benefits of protection were going to Northern manufacturers, and while the country as a whole grew richer, South Carolina grew poorer because the planters at to pay higher prices. The president asked Congress to lower the tariffs, to make th...

American Imperialism essay

American Imperialism essay American Imperialism essay American Imperialism essayAmerican foreign policy generally grew more interventionist and aggressive from the 1890s into the twentieth century because of considerable changes in political, social and economic sectors of the country. The key moments in that development include changing American diplomacy that demonstrated respect to other nations; the promotion of peace and dignity; expansion of foreign commerce, construction of a powerful Navy Fleet, the growth of oversees military bases, promotion of stability and security of the nation. As a result, the ties to Latin American countries became stronger. The greater oversees involvement of the United States improved the country’s social and political position.   Political and economic issues led to the Filipino Insurrection (1899– 1902), including the annexation of the Philippine islands, resistance to colonialism, resistance to the US ruling power, violence and discrimination toward the native population in Philippin es. This conflict was perceived in the United States negatively. The population of Philippines was unfriendly for assimilation and the US had to â€Å"suppress the rebellion against American rule† (Kennedy et al., 2008, p. 685). Americans used different arguments to justify their colonization of the Philippines, including the struggle for freedom of the nation from Spanish oppression. The argument that American presence in Philippines could be viewed as a military imposition was used against colonization. The U.S. wanted to build a canal across Central America in order to use it as a passageway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, expanding trade and improving economy. The Central American canal could reduce the time of travelling. The U.S. eventually accomplished this project through digging the Panama Canal. The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine was an annual message to the US Congress articulated by President Roosevelt that had become an effective pol icy.   In his message, President Roosevelt expanded the Doctrine, stating that the countries of the Western Hemisphere were not open to accepting colonizing power of Europeans, and that the   by United States approach was to preserve existing order, protecting human lives in those countries (Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, 1904). It was used to justify imperialism through its interference the countries of Latin America, building the Panama Canal and providing control over the colonies (Bowles, 2011). In my opinion, the Navy was more influential in this period of imperialism because the United States was focused on expanding its overseas power.

Compare the different film versions of Romeo and Juliet Essays

Compare the different film versions of Romeo and Juliet Essays Compare the different film versions of Romeo and Juliet Paper Compare the different film versions of Romeo and Juliet Paper Essay Topic: Romeo and Juliet Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet have been adapted in many different ways by different people. Romeo and Juliet is a film that gripped the world, no matter what age or what language you spoke. Many directors from around the world made there own version of the film in many different languages. In this essay I will compare the different version of the love story. The versions that I will compare are Baz Luhrmanns, Zeffirellis and West Side Story directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. Baz Luhrmanns (1996), Franco Zeffirellis (1968) and West Side Story have quite a lot in common but also a few differences at the same time. The similarities and differences varied through language dialects, clothing, weaponry, and the impressions different people had from different parts of Shakespeares original story. The Zeferelli version and the original play by William Shakespeare show some variations between storylines. There are also far smaller differences between extremely similar stories with the single huge difference of modernisation, as seen between the Luhrman version of Romeo and Juliet, as well as the play. The original Romeo and Juliet was set around the time when the play was written, and was not written to become one of the greatest plays of all time. Instead, the goal was more toward making a popular play that could make some money, be funny, and evoke a huge amount of feeling. This story focused around the love of Romeo and Juliet that they had during the time of the renaissance. The love shown in this play is known to be immortal, but many aspects of the play are from the time that they were made. An example of this is the language of this play, which is old English (Shakespearean). Also, another aspect that comes from the time the play was made was the clothing, which is exactly as the styles were in the Middle Ages. And a third example is the use of swords in the battle. The Zeferelli version of Romeo and Juliet was very similar to the play, because the dress, language, and weaponry were all the same. The only major difference between these two versions was the interpretation of a few events, such as the battle between Tybalt and Mercutio. In this battle, Tybalt was seen as merely fooling around, instead of in an angry rage as the play displayed. Even though the Luhrman version of Romeo and Juliet had essentially the same lines and storyline as the play, although a few lines were edited out, and there were many other substantial differences. First, this movie was set during the modern day, with everything except the language modernised and has the MTV generation feel to it. Next, the movie was about two major gangs battling against on another, while the play focused around two relatively normal aristocratic families from their time. Also, another difference between the two versions is the weaponry. In Luhrmans version of Romeo and Juliet, 9mm swords, which is a gun instead of the actual swords that were used in the play. Although these two plays were quite different, there was another movie, A West Side Story, which was more similar to the original play. A West Side Story is quite similar to the story of Romeo and Juliet. In A West Side Story, two gangs are feuding during modern times. Both gangs are fighting over a piece of territory. Also, two people from separate gangs fall in love, and one of them dies. Each of these events occurs in Romeo and Juliet in at least one of the versions, demonstrating the incredible similarity between these stories. Each version of Romeo and Juliet, as well as A West Side Story, had many similarities and differences as I have shown. Although they were all quite similar, each was unique in at least one way. The Zeferelli version showed the battle between Tybalt and Mercutio as friendly, unlike the other versions. Two examples of uniqueness in A West Side Story were that one of the two lovers survived, and the feud was between white Americans and Puerto Ricans. The original play was unique due to the fact that this was the first version upon which all other versions were based. The Luhrman version was unique due to the fact that this movie was the most modern and fast paced of all the stories, and is the one that related to us the most closely due to how modern the storyline was. The original themes in each of these both similar but terrific stories are comparable, although varied enough to make each one valuable.

Cost effective ways to provide clean water water and sanitation for Research Proposal

Cost effective ways to provide clean water water and sanitation for Ethiopia - Research Proposal Example It is a requirement of the human rights law that every person should and must have access to clean water and sanitation services. Several international policies are in place to enforce this expectation. However, the developing countries, including Ethiopia fail to meet the threshold in facilitating this essential right to the citizens. Worldwide today, the statistics are surprisingly high, with over one billion of the humans lacking access to an adequate supply of water, which is twice more than those lacking basic sanitation. Surveys indicate that, unsafe water, insufficient hygiene and inadequate sanitation services account for about 9.1 percent of the worldwide batch of diseases and about 6.3 percent of all deaths. Additionally, children in the developing countries bear a good proportion of this burden and crisis, with water related factors causing over 20 percent of deaths of the people fewer than 14 years of age. Ethiopia has a populace of about 85 million citizens as the last census indicates (Legesse & Kloos, 2010). The capital of the state is Addis Ababa, with several other towns and villages. Like many other developing nations in Africa, the country suffers from deficient infrastructure. Thus, the needs for water and sanitation are severe in this country. It is surprising that, in this country, with such a high population, only 34 percent of this population has access to quality and sufficient water supply. In addition, only 21 percent of this population has access to adequate and affordable sanitation services (Legesse & Kloos, 2010). Factual figures indicate that, about 56 million in Ethiopia lack the basic need of access to safe water for consumption. Moreover, a whooping 67 million habitants of Ethiopia do not have adequate and improved sanitation services (Legesse & Kloos, 2010). This evidence collaborate the observation