Alpha Tyre Essay Example

Alpha Tyre Essay Example Alpha Tyre Essay Alpha Tyre Essay Alpha Tyre Company Case is intended to be a part of instruction material developed for teaching at a Marketing class in Business Schools. Alpha is not a real company – any resemblance to a real corporation is co-incidental. Case facts are for discussion only and are not intended to be a demonstrator of correct or incorrect handling of management situation. Alpha Tyre Company (ALPHA) is engaged in the manufacture and sale of car tyres. Most of ALPHA’s business is conducted primarily through the OE (Original Equipment) route, selling to automobile manufacturers such as Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Honda, Toyota and Hindustan Motors. The company has a strong presence in the OE market and it wants to protect its dominance in this space. However, ALPHA is lagging behind in the replacement market with minimal brand recall in the market place. In the overall tyre market, ALPHA has a small share since it specializes in car tyres only. The big Indian players in the market like MRF, CEAT and JK wield a wide range of tyres – for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, utility vehicles, and commercial vehicles i. e. trucks and buses. The company’s new CEO, who has recently been brought in from a Consumer Durables company, fears that a low brand recall in the replacement market would adversely affect their OE market share and therefore wants to develop a growth strategy to expand the company’s replacement market share. The Marketing department at ALPHA did not have a consistent and researched understanding of what drove tyre sales and how customers went about buying car tyres. Past research findings by ALPHA on consumer preferences have been sketchy and market information has been collected on ad-hoc basis. There is no evidence of any extensive study conducted on consumers and most of the theories going around in the company are based on hunches and ‘gut-feel’. Various strategies were used in the past to reach the customer target groups. The tyre-dealers were targeted through a rigourous sales process along with target-based schemes. Mechanics and Car Service Stations were reached through direct schemes. Mass Media and PR were used to communicate with end users. The Sales department has a different approach on what needs to be done in the replacement market – they believe that pushing the product with better dealer margins is the way to go and that the Marketing department is wasting time with Positioning and Brand Building. The quality of tyres is judged, among other factors, on the wear rate of the tyre, which was measured with a calibration device after certain specified usage intervals. ALPHA has a modern tyre testing lab and most of their tyres compare well vis-a-vis their competition in lab tests and road tests conducted by the company. To formulate a marketing strategy, Alpha needs to understand – a) What drives each type of customer to buy a particular brand of tyres. b) Each type of influencer that impacts a brand. c) The relative impact of customers and influencers on sales. d) What cues a good tyre and a good tyre company e) The gaps in the Strength and Weaknesses of its brand vis-a-vis the competition in the OE business and in the replacement market. You are doing your internship at Alpha tyres and the Senior VP of Marketing and Sales has asked you to build a marketing and sales plan†¦

Four forces of evolution Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Four forces of evolution - Assignment Example This genetic drift resulted in biological variation between species that had to survive. It was as a result of this drift that isolation of species took place; some species moved to new areas where they interbreed allowing the introduction of new alleles to the population. The introduction of new alleles from the nearby populations resulted in new genetic variation in the populations. Survival of the new populations however required the populations to adapt to their environment. This was made possible by the natural selection force; the force assisted the new formed populations to make beneficial adjustments to their environment, and as a result enhanced their survival. In tandem with this assertion, natural selection shaped genetic variation at the population level favoring some individuals over others. The changes in the genetic structure of the population then resulted in speciation (Haviland, McBride, Prins and Walrath 44). Due to variation in environmental conditions, the geneti c codes of the formed species started changing resulting in new variations. The random mutation of the species’ genetic codes led to genetic variation that resulted in the emergence of new populations. In connection with this, it is evident â€Å"mutation was the ultimate source of evolutionary change, responsible for the constant introduction of new genetic variations† (Haviland, McBride, Prins and Walrath 42). In conclusion, evolution process was enhanced by four forces; natural selection, mutation, gene drift, and gene flow. However, the complexity of human beings is as a result of the mutation process that takes place

How Does Paid Employment Affect Your Identity Essay - 1

How Does Paid Employment Affect Your Identity - Essay Example 19). It is conceptualized based on numerous elements such as ethnic group, social class, sex, religious beliefs and practices, age, status in the social order, profession, race, level of education attained,area of residence, political views and affiliations, hobbies, membership to a group or movement or an organization, sports, society, and social relationships with others. Identity is important in helping a person to determine their rank, in relation to other society members, within a community and, in distinguishing an individual’s reference point. Employment and occupation are one of the primary determinants of an individual’s identity. Paid employment is a central element in defining an individual. In the modern times, it is at the center of most people’s lives and a key means of attaining financial security, individual identity, and away of making a significant impact to welfare of the society. It is largely applied in classifying individuals into social cla sses and determining their social status. Nevertheless, values of an individual ought to be considered when determining one’s identity. ... ixed and constant but rather fragmented and dynamic, makeable and re-makeable depending on the manner a person acts within the social system or in our interactions with others (Brown, Kirpal & Rauner 2007, p. 45). Paid employment shapes an individual’s sense of self and identity through several mechanisms. It helps build a person’s image, confidence, self-esteem, competency, values and beliefs. Paid employment creates chances for the advancement of different abilities, the recognition and achievement of a person’s potential and the growth of interests. In addition, it helps in achievement of personal goals and roles, boosts output and achievements, as well as builds opportunities for personal assignation, challenges, self-actualization and fulfillment (Akerlof & Kranton 2000, p. 727). Paid employment influences affects and feelings, such as feelings of independence, builds optimism and vision, leads to achievement of personal values and preferences, creates a cul ture of responsibility and brings pleasure and satisfaction (Brown, Kirpal & Rauner 2007, p. 87). Individuals in paid employment usually develop work-based identities. Work based identities are largely unstable especially in the current inconstant work environments; when an individual changes occupations, the society also changes the way they view him/her (Constant, Gataullina & Zimmerman 2006, p. 96). For instance, research indicates that an increasing number of university graduates are shifting from their areas of study/specialization and turning to other jobs such as plumbers and builders. A classic example is Karl Gensberg, a molecular biologist, who compared his earnings with his plumber's and resolved to quit his work as a professional molecular biologist earning ?23,000 yearly (Ibarra 2003, p. 59).

Self-Driving Cars Are Smart Essay Example for Free

Self-Driving Cars Are Smart Essay The self-driving car is a car that allows a passenger to travel safely and quickly to their destination without human driving (Marsico, 8). These vehicles are also known as â€Å"autonomous cars†. If the self-driving cars are available, people are no longer had to worry about their own safety while driving on the road and also they don’t need a driver license. The drivers will have more freedom to do whatever they wish while inside the car including reading, texting, eating, and sleeping. The vehicle also can set up the speech limit that driver doesnt have to worry about when the police going to meet them. The self-driver cars are also can save our life because every year the new report accidents are caused on the road due to the human drive. â€Å"In 2009, the technology company Google began developing a fleet of a self-driving car. These vehicles are just stepping away from being totally autonomous. They already travel along U.S. roadways. Currently, people who ride in Google’s robotic cars are able to take control at any time† (Marsico, 29). Technology has changed the way we live in many ways, some including being able to communicate with people that we know around the world. It also made things a lot easier like homework and learning. As we can see today the car manufacturers continue to experiment with the new technology. The self-driving car is one of the cars that experiment with the car manufactures. The cars first may need a GPS system to get a rough idea of where they are and where they need to go (Marsico 18). They also have a bunch of sensors to constantly scan the area around them looking for any hazards- whether that another car or a bicycle, or even a rogue bird (Barone). For Google self-driving cars these sensors include a camera to see, and radar and lasers to map out the area (Barone). The self-driving car also monitoring 360 degrees around the car which much better than what a distracted driver could do (Stewart). Most important and challenging facet of self-driving cars is the software that makes them run (Barone). This has to take in all the data from the sensors and GPS and even things like traffic and weather conditions and make decisions based on that. It determines how to steer, stop, and go and everything else involved in getting you from point to point. According to the Katie Marsico said, â€Å"In fact, experts have suggested that self-driving automobiles might around 30,000 lives a year in the United State†. As we can see today some of the people are driving and always cause the accident. The car that we drive today is easy and many people can drive them. They become popular and help people to travel place to place, save time and energy. Workers are able to transfer some important things with the help of the car. Using a car is comfortable and easier than using public transportation. Driving a car has also some disadvantages, such as buying and running a car need a lot of money, even more for a good quality one that is not too old. There are a lot of things to pay for insurance to cover the cost of crashes or theft, maintenance, parking charges, license fees charged by the government, and repair. When too many cars try to go the same way, the traffic will go slow them all and may cause the accident. According to Watson said, â€Å"More than thirty –four thousand America lost their lives to automobile accidents each year†. The car accident is caused by human-made by a driver who is drunk, sleeps and distracted (Watson 46). If the self-driving becomes popular we may not see the accident because the car will do everything for us. The computer in the self-driving cars are don’t drink, send texts message or fall asleep. We don’t have to worry about keeping our eye on the road and in addition people can be more productive while traveling (Marsico 10). The car also can use the less gasoline because â€Å"fuel contributes to pollution this would benefit the environment too† (Marsico 38). The self-driving cars have also some disadvantages because when they are testing the self-driving car had run the red lights or been in a minor collision (Davies Para 1). I worry about a self-driving car made of the computer. If computer software got virus how can we do? For those who do not know how to use the computer how will they fix their car? It will cost a lot of money to let the shop fix. The amount of software and technology that’s required to build self-driving cars is likely to be quite expensive. Consumers may not want to pay such high costs for self-driving cars. According to Katie Marsico said, â€Å"The technology that makes the self-driving cars works will probably add between $3ooo and $10,000 to car prices† (Page 42). The car also can run on the computer if the hacker can decide that they like your car and can hack the system to unlock the doors to get inside or start the car and drive it away. They can also shut down your vehicle while it is driving you at high speeds and you end up in a fatal crash (Alex Hern Para 3). If the car can drive by them self we may not need the parking lots. Many people might get around with shared vehicles that never have to park (Barone). As we can see today millions of Americans make a living by driving trucks, delivery vans, and taxis. When the technology of self-driving cars takes their job, what will happen to their livelihoods? They depend on their paycheck and if the paycheck is no longer work, the person and his family often cannot afford to pay their living. The families will end up with losing a home and they cannot afford to move into another residence and will end up their life with homeless.

Antigone or Creon as the Tragic Hero in Antigone Essay -- essays resea

A tragic hero is a character in a play that is known for being dignified but has a flaw that assists in his or her downfall. Antigone is a Greek tragic piece written by Sophocles. In the theatrical production the use of power and morality versus law is evident. The promotion to the conflict was that Creon created a law in which enabled Polynieces, Antigone’s brother, to be buried in the proper way. As it is the way of the gods Antigone found it fit to bury her brother causing her to disobey the law of Thebes. Both Antigone and Creon, the main characters, could represent a tragic hero. However Creon is more eligible for being the tragic hero because he fits the definition. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic hero was that the character was of noble stature. Tragic heroes are great, but not perfect. If they were perfect the audience would not be able to identify with the tragic hero. And lastly the hero's downfall is the fault of their own, the result of free choice, not of acci dent. Creon was the king of the city of Thebes and the father of Haemon and Megara by his wife, Eurydice. As descr...

Bad Coaching

Bad Coaching Bad coaching is a generalized term used for several effects that are considered depraved decisions made by any coach on and off the field. Such decisions can result in players having a lack of respect for the coach, game losses, the coach being fired, and a tainted reputation of coaching. Coaching is only difficult to those who are not willing to sacrifice the time and energy that goes into being a suitable coach. Coaching is not an average job. It is easier to be an unfitting coach then a decent coach. Lack of respect comes from the coach not initiating the correct form of relationship between the player and coach.It’s not inappropriate to develop a friendship with the players on the team as well, but the coach must set the boundaries between the two relationships. If not, the player or players will not respect the coach and nor take responsibility to see the vision of creating a successful team. The players will do as they see fit, disregarding what the coach sa ys what needs to get done. Creating a proper bond with boundaries is a must in gaining the respect of the players. Game losses originate from the coach not having control over the players and being incapable of keeping them focus on the main goal.With the players unable to focus, they will most likely get into altercations with other players of the opposing team and even with their own. Game losses are not something to boast about. Enabling the players to focus will minimize the number of losses in a season. The last results of bad coaching are being fired and have a tainted reputation of coaching. These results seemingly come from the showing of no control over the players and most importantly to some organizations losing records. Being fired is very embarrassing, as being terminated from any job.After being fired, it damages the reputation of the coach. For the coach, it will be more difficult to obtain another job. Reputation is everything in search for a coaching job. Being fire d and having the reputation of a bad coach will make it nearly impossible to recover from. In conclusion, Coaching is not a hard job. Coaching is only hard to those who are not willing to put in the long hours and patients to making the job easy. Be sure not to make any mistakes as so many coaches have done in the past. The lives can be altered if not done properly.

Mental Health And Health Care - 3259 Words

Mental Health Services in Rural Canada When looking at the rural areas of Canada, there is one particular area of health care that appears to be lacking – mental health care services. This can have many serious implications on the communities in which are being underserved, as well for the nurses and health care professionals providing the care for those with mental illness. Approximately 99.8 percent of Canada is considered to be a rural area (World Health Organization, 2009). Within this, there are over six million Canadians, approximately 20 percent, residing within these rural areas (Statistics Canada, 2006). The need for mental health care in rural areas of Canada is on the rise, yet there are still many barriers, identified in the†¦show more content†¦There have been many barriers identified throughout the literature that ultimately prevent rural Canadian’s from receiving and utilizing mental health services. The most commonly identified barrier is the geographical distance from services (Dyck Hardy, 2013; Happell, Gaskin, Hoey, Nizette Veach, 2013). Many of the services offered in urban areas of Canada are simply not available in rural parts of Canada (Hardy et al., 2011). This brings about more challenges, with the potential lack of transportation or lack of funds to pay for transportation to urban centers with necessary service s (Dyck Hardy, 2013). For those living with mental illness, this can cause unnecessary distress, and can potentially cause exacerbation of any illness from which one may be suffering (Panazzola Leipert, 2013). Unemployment and finances as barrier. In urban parts of Canada, many community mental health teams are responsible for assisting their clients find employment, however such services are very limited in rural Canada. It is been made clear that many individuals living with mental illness in rural areas are unemployed (Rebeiro Gruhl, 2012). According to Statistics Canada (2006), over 77 percent of those living with mental illness are without jobs. This is a very significant finding, as we know that employment is considered one of the social determinants of health (Rebeiro Gruhl, 2012). Being unemployed brings about many more challenges on top of living with mental