Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Example

Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Example Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Forensic Investigations Regulations Name: Course: Institution: : Instructor: Date: Forensic Investigations Regulations Risk Assessment Checklist Risk Assessment Checklist Yes No NA 1. Does the company have an adequate level of fraud awareness, and are appropriate policies in place to minimize fraud risk, specifically:a. Generic risk factorsHas the company assigned each employee a maximum â€Å"opportunity level† to commit fraud, that is, has management asked itself the question, â€Å"What is the maximum amount this employee could defraud the organization, and does this represent an acceptable risk?† Comments: I was not able to find out about this risk factor. Has the company set a catastrophic opportunity level; that is, has management asked itself the question, â€Å"Have we ensured that no single employee- or group of employees in collusion- can commit a fraud that would place the organization in imminent risk of survival?† Comments: I was not able to find out about this risk factor. Does the company have a policy of immediately dismissing any employee who has committed fraud? Comments: employees who are found guilty of committing fraud are immediately laid off. Does the company have a policy of reporting all frauds to the authorities and pressing charges? Comments: the management does not report all fraud cases some are solved internally. For all frauds experienced by the company in the past, has management evaluated the reasons that led to the fraud and taken corrective action? Comments: the management has not taken time to investigate why fraudulent activities take place within the company. b. Individual risk factorsDoes the company have a corporate mission statement, which includes an objective of good citizenship or the maintenance of good standing in the community? Comments: the company’s mission statement is â€Å"to be a leader† Does the company have a written code of ethics and business? Comments: the code of ethics is important when running any business Does the organization conduct ethical and security training for new employees and periodic updates for existing employees? Comments: employees are trained before they start work and during their employment period. Does management set the right example; that is, does it follow the company’s mission statement, code of ethics and business conduct, and other policies of the organization; and is it clearly seen to be doing so by employees? Comments: the management does not set the best example to the rest of the employees given by the rise in cases of fraud within the company Does the company’s culture avoid characteristics that promote unethical behavior, for example, high or even hostile competitiveness within the organization that might push employees to the point of burnout; pointless rigid or petty policies, or both; over centralization of authority? Comments: I could not find information on this matter Do The organization’ hiring policies, to the extent possible, seek out individuals of high moral character and weed out those of low moral character? Comments: extensive vetting and training is done to ensure the right candidates are picked for the job. Does the company’s use screening and/or testing procedures for especially sensitive positions; for example, psychological tests, drug tests, or lie detector tests, or a combination of all three, where permitted by law? Comments: this is important for efficient productivity by the potential employees 2. Does the company have an adequate system of internal controls, specifically:a. Internal control Has the organization explicitly considered the need for fraud prevention in the design and maintenance of the system of internal controls? Comments: the internal system is not adequate Risk Management Checklist Yes No NA b. Control over physical and logical accessDoes the company state and enforce a policy that restricts access to those requiring it for job performance, including a strict policy against employees allowing access to unauthorized personnel, for example, by loaning keys or sharing passwords? Comments: access is granted to anyone c. Job descriptionsDoes the company have written specific job descriptions? Comments: job descriptions determine who works where and distinguishes authority Are job descriptions adhered to? Comments: not all employees adhere to their job descriptions Does the organization have an organization chart that reflects and is consistent with the job descriptions of its employees? Comments: this is a contributing factor for fraud because there is no supervision Are incompatible duties segregated, for example, the handling of valuable assets- especially cash- and related records? Comments: there is no segregation of duties within the company d. Regular accounting reconciliations and analysesAre budgets reviewed for variances? Comments: budget reviews are important in organizations e. SupervisionDo supervisors and managers have adequate fraud awareness, that is, are they alert to the possibility of fraud whenever an unusual or exceptional situation occurs, such as supplier or customer complaints about their accounts? Comments: the supervisors do not have efficient information on fraud in the company Do supervisors and managers diligently review their subordinates’ work, for example, accounting reconciliations, and redo the work when appropriate? Comments: work reviews are not satisfactory Is supervisory or management override prohibited and are others within the firm alert to the fraud risks associated with management override? Comments: employees are not fully aware of fraud associated with the management override Risk Assessment Checklist Yes No NA 3. Has The organization specifically addressed the following fraud prevention issues:a. Ethical Environmentb. Risk FinancingComputer Security Comments (a-c): the organization has taken preventive measures in the ethical environmental and risk financing. However computer security needs to be improved Fraudulent Financial ReportingIs the organization’s financial stability or profitabilty threatened by economic, industry, or entity operating conditions? Comments: the economy affects the stability of all businesses and organizations Is there excessive pressure on management or management incentives related to reaching earnings expectations or certain revenue benchmarks? Comments: there is no pressure because the company operates according to its earnings Are there significant balances in the financial statements which are based on subjective management estimates? Comments: the financial statements do not always balance, which is risky in terms of promoting fraud Reasons for comments The comments indicated in the above checklist are after careful study of the organization and its operations. There have been cases of employees losing their jobs after being found guilty of fraudulent activity within the company (Pasiuk $ Vault, 2005). This is the right thing to do because it sets examples to the other employees. With the number of fraud cases within the company, the management should report to the relative authorities so that the same is avoided. The management does not take time to investigate the reasons why they are fraud within the company. Investigations would promise a reduction on the fraud cases. The organization has a mission and vision statement that helps to run it. A code of ethics is important in every organization and Kroger’s has adopted one for the organization. Kroger’s train their employees and they are known to pick some of their potential employees from universities and colleges. There are always cases of fraud within the organizat ion sometimes involving the management meaning the management does not set the best example to the rest of the employees. Their employees are screened to ensure that their productivity is optimal. They have a substandard internal system. Access to some of the most confidential document and files is not limited. The job descriptions are not respected by all employees because job description is not clearly defined. This means that there are those who are exploited and this is unfair. The supervision is not adequate as the supervisors lack sufficient information to know and detect fraud within the company. The rest of the employees do not know about fraud by management overrides and this exposes the organization to higher fraud risks. There are annual budget reviews in the organizations that reflect the expenditure and income of the business (Pasiuk Vault, 2005). Recommendations I recommend asset identification and registration, which includes revenue collection, expenditure, supplies ad computers at the organization. The management should also recognize the risks involved with protecting these assets. The risks involve knowing when assets are being misused and if they are getting lost within the company and finding ways of preventing this (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). Positive control should be made aware to all the staff members to demonstrate responsibility. The internal control system in the company should be effective. This includes sufficient supervision, inventories and appropriate documentation. This will ensure that there is no unofficial use loss or damage of company assets. Every employee should be allocated specialized responsibility for effective and efficient cohesion in terms of fraud prevention in the work place. The responsibilities should be clearly defined for instance they should know the different levels of authority within the organization . This will also reduce over reliance on one person and prevent abuse. I recommend the managers to take keen supervision measures to ensure that productivity is optimum. Supervision includes control checks of lower level staff and it will help them to detect any cases of fraud (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). Random checks by the supervisors will be an effectual anti-fraud measure. Kroger’s should adopt an audit trail as a measure of fraud detection. It ensures that all controls are checked and reviewed through a system. Effective monitoring and evaluation should be done periodically by an independent team. This will make clear any fraudulent activity within the company. Satisfactory staffing should be made to ensure that the system works effectively. Staffing should not be done without thorough vetting and interviews. Financial and accounting controls should be done by the delegated people in the company. This will reduce risks of fraud. The systems within the company should be developed, modified and upgraded to the latest versions for efficiency. Tr eatment of staff members is important. They should be allowed leave days, promotions, health benefits and they should not work under stress (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). All these are contributors of fraudulent activities within companies. As an anti-frau preventive measure, Kroger’s should have an auditing committee. This committee identifies fraud risks and implements their prevention procedures. It will also ensure transparency by the senior management team. The committee should be assisted by anti-fraud specialists. The management should provide the rest of the employees with opportunities to report concerns about suspected fraud within and without the company. They should have both internal and external auditors. Internal auditor will help in the deterrence of fraud and the external auditors should liaise with internal auditor to ensure zero tolerance for fraud (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). It is important to have an ethics policy and a fraud policy within an organization. This is made available to the employees upon employment and sporadically during their term of employment. Adoption of these measures will guarantee a prevention and reduction of fraudulent activities within the company. Reference Biegelman, M. T., Bartow, J. T. (2012). Executive roadmap to fraud prevention and internal control: Creating a culture of compliance. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Print. Pasiuk, L., Vault (Firm). (2005). Vault guide to the top retail employers. New York: Vault Inc. Print.

10 Companies With Amazing Benefits for Part Time Employees

10 Companies With Amazing Benefits for Part Time Employees Trying to finish school or take care of a family, or start a business on the side, but jealous of everyone with full-time benefits? Here are 10 companies you could work for that offer great benefits for part time employees. 1. Avis/BudgetThe Avis Budget Group also includes Apex, Payless, and Zipcar. When you work for this company, you are eligible for the employee stock purchase plan after 90 days. And after 1,000 hours of service, even part-time sales associates and vehicle techs are eligible for a 401k.An extra perk? You can get a discounted price on former rental vehicles when you need to buy a car.2. Barnes NobleBarnes Noble offers basic life insurance to everyone who works there. Plus after six months of employment, you get one paid week off per year. After one year, that doubles to two weeks! If you love books- or even just tolerate them- this could be the place for you.3. The Container StorePart-timers here get access to 401k, medical, dental, and vision plans. There’ s also good counseling, a corporate wellness plan, gym membership discounts- and even pet insurance discounts. Plus you might be able to get coverage for your common law spouse or domestic partner.4. CostcoAfter you’ve worked part-time for 180 days (or 600 hours), you’re eligible to receive benefits- healthcare, prescription drugs, etc. And if you work at least 10 hours per week, you’ll be enrolled in short-term disability insurance as well.5. Lowe’sLowe’s will give you a preventative health care plan right off the bat- which doesn’t cover hospitalization or illness, but will hopefully keep you in primo shape with tons of preventative care. They also have 401k, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, auto and home insurance plans or discounts.6. REIThis co-op gives employees health care, life, and disability on a sliding scale (based on annual pay) when they work at least 20 hours a week. If you work less than that, they’ll help y ou navigate the marketplace and get coverage elsewhere. There’s a great employee assistance plan available to all. Plus, the company gives 5% of eligible employees’ base pay to a retirement plan, plus profit sharing opportunities and pre-tax transportation subsidies.7. StaplesWork there for 90 days, and you can sign up for dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance. If you average 30 hours a week for a year, you’ll then be able to enroll in full-time medical. After 1,000 hours and a year, you’re also eligible for 401k and stock options.8. StarbucksWork 240 hours over three consecutive months and average 20 hours a week, and Starbucks gives you great benefits- including a health plan that includes acupuncture and chiropractic care. After a year, you’re eligible for PTO. And there are life insurance, 401k, online tuition reimbursement, and adoption expense reimbursement benefits programs available. Plus free coffee every week!9. U-Haul There are limited medical and dental plans available to all part-time employees. Plus 401k and stock options, travel insurance, and a credit union for banking.10. UPSUPS offers education assistance to part-time employees. Get an extra $5250 a year ($25k max, lifetime) to go back to school!

What, If Any, Is The Link Between Inflation And Output In Your Essay

What, If Any, Is The Link Between Inflation And Output In Your Discussion Refer To Both Theoretical And Empirical Evidence - Essay Example When prices of domestic goods and services are rising fast this will generally be true also of wages, of the prices of the imported goods, of the money supply and of the prices of assets. This is because inflation is one sector of the economy permeates rapidly into other sectors. The phrase â€Å"a high rate of inflation† therefore usually describes a situation in which the money values of all goods in an economy are rising at a fast rate . The view commonly taken is that inflation should be kept close to zero; prices should rise at no more than about 2 to 3 percent a year on average. This is because high inflation affects the economy adversely in a number of ways. For example, it distorts the income distribution; because of the difficulty and risk associated with the complete index-linking of pensions tend to suffer. Also, it biases investment decisions: the cost of borrowing money rises making debt finance expensive in the early years of a project and reducing the incentive to invest. In theory inflation accounting could correct for this, but in practice this has proved difficult to implement.

Nanogene Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Nanogene - Essay Example ployees, which are also partial owners of the company; a concept that most organizations are pursuing in contemporary management, but with conventional practices such as differential organizational and human resource practices, salary and remuneration practices, rewards and recognition policies, etc. Most organizations also strive to align these practices and policies with their vision and mission; but the strategic alignment always has gaps and breeds inefficiency someway or other. Thus, employee commitment and responsibility, in the form of ownership, as well as its engaging culture are the reasons for its competitive edge in the market. On the contrary, present situation at Namaste Solar, which is to scale up their business in order to sustain their position in the highly competitive and volatile market, needs serious thought on aspects related to growth and expansion on larger scale compared to their previous smaller steps. All founders and employee-owners recognize this fact at Namaste, and that they have immense potential to grow and make larger profits. After much discussion and meetings held with all employees, as followed in its culture, Namaste Solar is now faced with three options, either to sell, invite external investment for a larger stake or retain its original values, vision and mission. Namaste’s culture, vision and values will be at stake if it decides on either first or second option, which on the other hand promise better growth and profits for the company. These options however do not promise growth and profits for Namaste’s employees as the new entrants and/or stakeholders would come with different expectations that may not match with Namaste’s culture; in this case, employees that are used to one way of leading their company and giving commitment may not be able to adjust to the new change and differences. This is probably a disadvantage of Namaste’s model that is its existence and sustenance in long run. Considering vast

Nutrition Workout Log Essay Example for Free

Nutrition Workout Log Essay Did you meet your nutritional goal? Explain why you did or why you did not meet your goal. Yes I met my goal because I only drank one can of soda for dinner in a whole day. Usually I drink about 3 a day, so I’m trying to lower my soda intake everyday. Explain why your nutritional goal is important to maintain health. My nutritional goal is important to maintain good health because the acid is high in soda. I realized that soda eats the inner layer of your stomach and also eats the enamel off your teeth. Did you encounter any challenges as you strived to meet your goal? Yes, It was hard for me to reach my goal because im used to drinking soda multiple times a day. I started drinking more water so it got my mind off of drinking soda. Did pursuing your nutritional goal enhance your physical activity in any way? Why or why not? Yes, when I drank less soda I realized that I wasn’t as tired, and also wasn’t as hungry. When I worked out I had more energy and felt better about myself. Fitness Test Comparison: (worth 20 points) Repeat the body composition fitness test from the Getting Started lesson. Compare your original body composition result (body mass index or BMI) with your current body composition result(body mass index or BMI). Write out your original score and status, along with your current score and status. Original score ___26. 2_______ Current score ___24. 7________ Did your results improve? Why or why not? Yes my results improved since the beginning. I’ve been working out more and eating healthier food to try and make myself better off in the long run. Date Warm-Up Physical Activity Intensity (Light, Medium, or High) Cool-Down Mins 10/17/12 Body stretches Running Medium- High

Drilling in North America Essay -- Environment Argumentative Persuasiv

To Invest in Drilling or to Invest in Our Future? You've almost made it. The captain says that around these mountains, in about 15 minutes, you should see it, the great coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: birthplace to caribou, polar bears, and much of the other arctic wildlife. You've been looking forward to seeing this for as long as you can remember and when you do it's breathtaking: crisp clean white plains, just like you'd seen in the National Geographic. You listen to the sounds surrounding you, the ocean lapping along the boat, the air whistling through the mountains, thewhat's that? That mechanical noiseit sounds likelike engines, but what are machines doing on this remote, beautiful, peaceful, and highly important land? As you turn your focus to the east, where the noise is coming from, you see it. Among the fragile tundra and substantial mountains lining the plain you see a giant oil field. In the middle of this pristine territory there it is, a mechanical giant: drilling and moving to it's own ominous so und. And then you remember it all12 years ago during the Bush administration, our president pushed for the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to stop our dependence on foreign oil and to boost our economy with new employment after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This scenario tragically could happen. Sure it sounds like a great plan, let's stop supporting the terrorist countries and drill our own oil, let's provide thousands of new jobs after so many people are being laid off, let's drill in the last remaining untouched American Arctic coastline. It sounds good, but it's not reasonable, environmentally or economically. It would take years before we could even reap the profi... ...on, Pete. "Jobs and Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: A Summary and Review of Current Literature." The Wilderness Society. 25 Sept. 2001. < www.wilderness.org > In Dr. Pete Morton's study of the relationship between jobs and drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge facts were presented through research of numerous books and studies by other researchers in the field. He looks at the proposed number of job employment and uses his research as well as others to disprove this high number. 9) The National Resource Defense Council. < www.nrdc.org > Online. 23 Feb. 2002. The National Resource Defense Council website offered information on any and all existing environmental problems, including alternative energy sources, national parks, etc. The section on the Arctic Wildlife Refuge provided graphs and statistics useful for the environmental stance.

Forever 21

Forever 21: Dealing with America’s Fear of Aging and Death Abstract It is estimated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that there will be 71 million U. S. adults over the aged of 65 by 2030 (CDC, 2011, May 11). It can be certain, as was with their predecessors, that the geriatric journey for these adults will be filled with multiple anti-aging face creams and miracle hair growth products as they reluctantly cross over to the last stage of their lives.As shown not only through our media and social interactions’ growing old is not the popular choice. Ironically, the reality is that aging and dying is just as significant as our first breath. It is a journey made by everyone and everything though it is fought with a resistance that cannot be denied. The basis of this paper will discuss the preconceptions and barriers, whether psychological or societal, that is linked with aging, and steadfast approaches that can be used to cope with the aging process and the r eality that death is eminent.Keywords: ageism, aging, death, coping, geriatric, fear, quality of life Forever 21: Dealing with America’s Fear of Aging and Death A study performed by the National Consumer’s League reported that approximately 90 million Americans purchase anti-aging products or have surgical procedures performed to ward off the visible signs of aging each year (Nelson, 2005). As the baby boomer generation moves into their senior years, they may not be prepared for the psychological challenges that their predecessors experienced before them (Daniel, 1994).As Todd Nelson describes in his article, Ageism: Prejudice Against Our Feared Future Self, the old are treated as â€Å"second-class citizens with nothing to offer society† (Nelson, 2005, p. 209). A research model concluded that older persons in the United States were perceived as â€Å"warm, but incompetent† (Nelson, 2005, p. 215). Research suggests that the stereotyping of the older popul ation is much more severe than originally thought, making it necessary for further research to find ways to reduce the disdain towards aging (Nelson, 2005).The negative attitude associated with aging has not always been this way. Historically, older individuals were once revered, and admired as they were considered wise and experienced. They were the historians of the past, teaching the customs and values to the new, emerging generations (Nelson, 2005). The degeneration towards the old occurred by way of technology through the invention of the printing press which allowed duplication of stories in mass distribution, making the elder’s status less significant.Another factor was the industrial revolution as progress dictated where families lived. This new mobility requirement did not settle well with the less adaptive and older generation, breaking apart the traditional family structure in order to secure employment elsewhere. Growing companies needed strength and adaptability during that time so the younger generation excelled professionally whereas experienced, older applicants were less valued. The advancements in medicine also extended a person’s life expectancy, prolonging the caregiver’s responsibility to its elder (Nelson, 2005).In Todd Nelson’s article, Ageism: Prejudice against Our Feared Future self, he discusses the social prejudices associated with aging, and the subtle ways those prejudices are conveyed. His primary focus is our aging population of baby boomers, and how they will be affected by being stereotyped in ways that are patronizing and degrading (Nelson, 2005). In an effort to thwart such negative attitudes, Jere Daniel, the author of Learning to Love Growing Old, describes a â€Å"vanguard† movement that is committed to changing the way aging is perceived.These individuals have evoked the term, â€Å"conscious aging† which promotes awareness and acceptance of the aging process as we move through ea ch stage of life. The supporters of this movement confer that aging is not a curable disease, and it cannot be solved by spending billions of dollars on preventing its process or its end (Daniel, 1994). Another supporter of changing the way aging is conveyed is author, Margaret Cruiksbank, of the book, Learning to be Old. In her book she is a proponent of changing the way the aging process is described. Her position is that the underlying meaning of popular terms to describe aging weakens its value.She denotes that the term â€Å"successful aging† is a false phrase for the elderly as it â€Å"masks both the wish to continue mid-life indefinitely and the white, Middle-class, Western values of researchers, causing them to emphasize productivity, effectiveness and independence† (Cruiksbank, 2009, p. 2). She also concludes that the term â€Å"productive† aging symbolizes â€Å"economic usefulness and social conformity† (Cruiksbank, 2009, p. 2), especially for the female gender. More importantly, these terms can be used to measure. This ability to measure is subjective to the questioner and an individual’s self-worth.She suggests the term â€Å"aging comfortably† as it signifies easiness, and a â€Å"faint hint† of pleasurable self-indulgence which may not have been possible in younger years (Cruiksbank, 2009, p. 3). There has been decades of research examining what it referred to as â€Å"automatic categorization† (Nelson, 2005. p. 207). Researchers describe this as an essential trait in humans that is a primal response to physical characteristics, such as race, gender, and age, that automatically prompts emotional responses and prejudices. This type of categorization sets the foundation for stereotyping (Nelson, 2005).The aging community is faced with an array of negative stereotypes that affects their independence as well as their self-perception. Many times the negativity is hidden, almost overlooked as it in an unconscious gesture unbeknownst to either participant. Nelson discusses the use of patronizing language as a form of negative socialization. He states that researchers define its usage as â€Å"overaccomodation and baby talk† (Nelson, 2005, p. 209). This type of language is based on the stereotype that individuals suffer from hearing loss to a limited or degenerate intellect as a result of growing old (Nelson, 2005).Another form of stereotyping that has a debilitating effect on the aging adult’s self-esteem is a term called â€Å"infantilization† (Nelson, 2005, p. 210). This is described as a process that occurs over time as the aging adult relinquishes their independence, eventually leaving them to believe that they can no longer do for themselves. The aging adult is victim in believing that they are â€Å"old†, and subsequently begins to assume behaviorisms that depict old age such as moving and thinking more slowly. Researchers have found that t his is prevalent in elders that have been over accommodated.The end result is that it not only affects the elder person but burdens their caretaker as well (Nelson, 2005). Another prejudice that is common is segregation of the old (Cruiksbank, 2009). Cruiksbank notes that even people over sixty five have a disdain for their peers, saying â€Å"they do not want to be around all those people† which may be their way of unconsciously avoiding their own mortality (Cruiksbank, 2009, p. 10). She states that distancing themselves may be a way they preserve their autonomy. Cruiksbank sees this as a form of denial, and also counterproductive as she eels solidarity needs to be exemplified by the old especially in this time of their lives. Gereontological research has also found other common patterns among the elderly and their peers. In another attempt to demonstrate independence, the elderly tend to generalize geriatric health issues. They segregate themselves by expressing how fortuna te they are not to be suffering the same doomed fate (Cruiksbank, 2009). All forms of media reinforce negative stereotypes associated with aging (Daniel, 1994). By as early as six years old, negative stereotypes have already formed about aging.These stereotypes continue throughout our lives, and are subconsciously accepted without question. Daniel concludes that society has no role models that favor growing old. A nursing home ad with a dialogue that emulates the aging parent as a problem or burden further acerbates the stigma. Culture and media are designed to postpone the evitable as it is geared towards staying young, and delivers that message from fashion to health (Daniel, 1994). The result of these stereotypes is that as we age, impending doom invades the individual’s thoughts.In an effort to conform to culture’s idea of individualism, the aging population perpetually seeks an elusive youth, thereby denying their mind and bodies the right to age (Daniel, 1994). I t is not surprising then as the body begins to breakdown, that the aging person feels embarrassed and insignificant (Cruikshank, 2009). There is an ongoing movement to re-adjust society’s perception of what it means to age (Daniel, 1994). In an effort to shift the mindset of America’s aging, non-institutionalized studies have been done in American communities to determine the intellectual and cognitive effects of their aging population.The results concluded that â€Å"physical and mental decline is not evitable† Daniel, 1994). As the aging population grasps at their â€Å"desire to have meaning† in their lives, more attention needs to be focused on the positive influences that can enhance their daily existence. These influences include a positive attitude along with making healthy choices for themselves such as food, physical activity and recreation (Kerschner and Pegues, 1998). One way to improve the aging process is to be proactive in developing a healt hy lifestyle that includes good eating habits and physical activity.Research has concluded that the mind is a powerful tool in creating reality so protecting one’s health can be a precept to a fighting off future ailments (Kerschner and Pegues, 1998). The choice to give back to the community creates a meaningful and positive response in many ways. The benefit of socially connecting in a structured atmosphere lends opportunity to share not only wisdom but to develop new relationships that otherwise would not have occurred (Kerschner and Pegues, 1998).Studies have concluded that people who remain active have a clearer sense of who they are and what value they hold in society as well as their community (Kerschner and Pegues, 1998). For every beginning, there must be an end. There is term called vertical axis which describes the mind-body experience when an infant first enters the world. It is believed that prior to a person’s birth, the mind and body are not aware of each other but as soon as they arrive, both are encapsulated by â€Å"sensation and emotion† as the two entities meet for the first time (Carvalho, 2008, p. 4).With the help of a mother’s touch, their union becomes a â€Å"seamless ensemble† (Carvalho, 2008, p. 4). The two live together, as one, for many years. It is not until the last stage of life, do they find themselves encapsulated by â€Å"sensation and emotion† again as now they have grown apart, separated as the aging body or mind is no longer able to oblige the other. They spend the rest of their days laboring until they can agree to leave together, in death. Fear of aging can ignite or dim the remainder of a person’s life. There is an array of products, books, and doctors promising new ways to reinvent the old self.In America, we are driven by the desire to stay young and because of this truth; the aging person experiences certain prejudices. Though, despite the adversity, aging can be a cata lyst to many wonderful and positive experiences that could only happen because one is old. One outdated novelty, wisdom, is just waiting to be reinvented by today’s aging population, and it would nice to see it be born again. * * * * * * * References Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, May 11). Cdc. Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/AAG/aging. tm Jere Daniel. (September 1, 1994). Psychology Today. In Learning to Love Growing Old. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from http://www. psychologytoday. com/articles/199409/learning-love-growing-old. Cruikshank, M. (2009). Learning to be old, gender, culture, and aging. Rowman & Littlefield Pub Inc. Kerschner, H. , & Pegues, J. A. M. (1998). Productive aging: a quality of life agenda. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 98(12), 1445. Retrieved October 1, 2012 from http://go. galegroup. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu:2048/ps/i. do? id=GALE%7CA53479831&v=2. &u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=AONE &sw=w Nelson, T. D. (2005), Ageism: Prejudice Against Our Feared Future Self. Journal of Social Issues, 61:  207–221. doi:  10. 1111/j. 1540-4560. 2005. 00402. x Retrieved October 1, 2012 from http://onlinelibrary. wiley. com/doi/10. 1111/j. 1540-4560. 2005. 00402. x/full Carvalho, R. (2008), The final challenge: ageing, dying, individuation. Journal of Analytical Psychology, 53:  1–18. doi:  10. 1111/j. 1468-5922. 2007. 00699. x Retrieved October 1, 2012, from http://onlinelibrary. wiley. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu:2048/doi/10. 1111/j. 1468-5922. 2007. 00699. x/abstract

Nintendo Marketing Plan

| Marketing Plan Nintendo Encore| | | | | | | | | | | | | TABLE OF CONTENT 1. Executive Summary4 2. Problem Statement4 3. External Analysis5 3. 1 Macro Analysis5 3. 1. 1 Demographic5 3. 1. 2 Economic5 3. 1. 3 Social-Cultural6 3. 1. 4 Technological6 3. 2 Meso Analysis7 3. 2. 1 Global Video Game Industry Sales7 3. 2. 2 New Trend in Video Game Industry8 3. 2. 3 Porter’s Five Forces9 3. 3 Competitors Analysis10 3. 3. 1 Sony10 3. 3. 2 Microsoft11 3. 3. 3 Apple12 4. Internal analysis13 4. 1 The Company13 4. 2 Current Marketing Strategy13 5. SWOT Analysis16 5. 1 Strengths16 5. 2 Weaknesses16 . 3 Opportunities16 5. 4 Threats16 5. 5 Confrontation Matrix17 6. STP17 6. 1 Segmentation17 6. 2 Target Market22 6. 3 Positioning22 Strategy23 7. 1 Market Share Strategy23 We focus our area of expertise which is to entertain everyone, especially the household. We do not enter the segment that we don’t excel such as hardcore video games (wars, violence, etc. )23 7. 2 Product Strategy23 We e nter mobile gaming sector as the mobile gaming industry is booming. People are buying games and applications on every available device including iOS devices, smartphones, tablet PCs and more.Our main competitors, Sony and Microsoft are also jumping into the mobile gaming industry, in order to compete with them, we need to focus on the mobile industry. 23 We should continue to Improve our current consoles. Some of the ways that we can do this is by letting the consumer play DVD and MP3s, giving the Wii remote a rechargeable battery, and allow the consumer to save games on an SD card. 23 Product improvement will enable consumers to play social network games on Wii consoles, 3D games on Wii consoles. 23 7. 3 Pricing Strategy23 8. Objectives23 8. 1 Long Term Goals23 8. 2 Short Term Goals25 8. 2. Operational Goals25 8. 2. 2 Financial Goals25 ?To increase a 3% of growth rate in UK operation by the end of 201225 ?To reduce costs of goods sold by 10% in the end of 201225 ?To increase profit margin by 5% from UK operation by in the end of 201225 ?To invest 5% more on promotional cost by the end of 201225 9. Marketing Mix25 9. 1 Product25 9. 2 Price25 9. 3 Place25 9. 4 Promotion26 10. Budget26 11. Recommendations26 12. References27 13. Appendix28 1. Executive Summary At the moment, Nintendo is facing some serious problems regarding to its decreasing sales revenue, less productive and less innovative.It is important that in the coming three until five years that the company can gain back or even increase its sales and thus to reach higher annual growth rate. To overcome those problems mentioned above, Nintendo needs to focus on their competitive advantage and also entering new segment in the mobile gaming as well as social media gaming. From the external analysis we can see that UK is one of Nintendo’s most potential markets since it holds 12% of market share in video game industry. Furthermore, the increase use of mobile devices and internet connections have also been new opportunities for the company.Meanwhile, strong competitors (e. g. Sony and Microsoft )and the existence of substitute products (e. g. mobile gaming and social network gaming )have also caused serious threats to our company to lose more market share . Our company offers various product lines for its Nintendo Wii, namely â€Å"Wii Fit† which is a fitness game,† Wii Balance† Board which enables players to â€Å"head† virtual soccer balls and to experience ski jumping on a TV screen. Besides, handheld console like Nintendo DS is also our second best product. However, all these current product lines are apparently not sufficient in strengthening our sales revenue.Therefore new strategies formulated, they include improving our current Nintendo Encore consoles, inventing new 3D game consoles, and also switching handheld gaming to mobile devices and social network gaming. In short, we will mainly use line extension in our strategy. In addition to that, h igher investment on our Research and Development Department and stronger promotion activities will also be implemented in the coming 3 horizontal years. We will use our current distribution channels including retailers and outlets.Online selling through company websites and another webshops are also included. Some promotion activities include advertisement through TV commercials, newspapers, posters, billboards, social media pages and special display spaces in retailers and outlets. Finally, the budget highlights some key financial figures such as an 10% decrease in COGS by the end of 2012 2. Problem Statement For many years Nintendo had been number one console manufacturer in the video games industry. However, the company is losing sales as well as market share to its competitors for some reasons.First, some competitors have become more innovative because they have improved the technology discovered initially by Nintendo in creating their Wii. It is very important to remain innovat ive in this highly competitive industry and we could say that the company might stayed too long on their ‘comfort zone’ with the launch of the Wii which was a massive success. It did not take long before the competitors created imitations of the similar technology and, even more they developed further making other game consoles (Xbox360 and Play Station) which are more appealing due to the new features.As a consequence at the moment Nintendo has been a step behind them. Furthermore the needs of the gamers are changing in the day by day basis. Nowadays more and more people do not play video games in front of the TV like they did before since the development technology has made the TV unnecessary. The introduction of smart phones and tablets have change the gamers’ way on playing video games. These new gadgets allow people to be 24-7 connected on the internet and the amount of games available online that can be play on a telephone or a tablet is huge.Therefore, mob ile device gaming is a segment with a fast growth rate at the moment, though the world is in a recession. All these developments have created a new type of market. The video games industry has changed dramatically, from a teenage boy playing in front of the TV to a business man or woman playing on a smart phone, blackberry or tablet. Video games are socially accepted as an entertainment tool and has being viewed positively. Finally new online companies are creating new games that do not need a console so they can be played easily, anytime and anywhere.This factor affects our sales dramatically because our product might be seen as old fashion. Nintendo however is not present in this new market and therefore it is very important to take in consideration to enter this new area because at the moment the company does not have products that satisfy those new needs resulting in the loose of sales and consequently revenues. 3. External Analysis 3. 1 Macro Analysis 3. 1. 1 Demographic The cu rrent population in the United Kingdom (UK) has reached 62. 3 million based on mid-2010 estimation and this puts UK on the 22nd position worldwide based on total population point of view.This number has increased by an average of 0. 6 percent each year since 2001. Furthermore, natural change which is the difference between births and deaths has accounted for an increasing proportion of the total population change in this country. In 2011 there are 17. 9 million families in the UK and of these 12 million consisted of a married couple with or without children. There are also 26. 3 million households of which 29% consisted of only one person while almost 20% consisted of four or more people. The density in this country is around 255. 6/km2. 3. 1. 2 EconomicUK’s economy has been the sixth-largest national economy measured by nominal GDP and seventh-largest measured by purchasing power parity (PPP). The total GDP has accumulated to $2. 253 trillion in 2011 and $35,646 per capita w ith 0. 8% of annual growth and 1. 2% projected for 2012. The main sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, construction and services industries. The number of real GDP fell slightly in the last few years due to the recession that hits EU region. Meanwhile the current unemployment rate in UK is 8. 4% compared to its employment rate of 70. %. According to the report from the Office for National Statistics, the inflation (CPI) in UK stands around 4. 2% in December 2011 with the largest downward pressures of change in CPI came from petrol, gas and clothing 3. 1. 3 Social-Cultural British people show high appreciation on certain cultural issue for example literature, education, sports and another sociological aspects. Over 75% of UK citizens consider themselves to belong to a religion while only 27% of them who regularly attend religious services according to a report from Gallup International.Weekends are considered important occasion for families in the British society because paren ts are free after working for five days during the week and therefore the chance when families can spend time together. An Euro statistic survey showed that UK citizens spend about 45% of their free time watching television, 24% on socializing, 22% on sport and hobbies and 10% on other activities. Some popular sports in UK are rugby, tennis, cricket and football. Meanwhile, average of only 15 minutes a day are spent on doing sports by the either young or old British people. 3. 1. 4 TechnologicalThe technology sector has shown big changes through the years. The use of mobile phones as well as internet services has increased dramatically in the last ten years. For example in the UK there is a significant growth in the use of mobile internet in the previous 12 months with an extra 6 million people using their mobile phone to access the internet from 44% to 71% in one year. The graph below shows us some information about the use of internet from 2009 until 2011 divided in 6 groups of ag e categories. Graph 1. Mobile Phone Internet Connections 2009-2011 Source: Office for National Statistics, 2011We can see that the most active internet browsing are the first 3 groups which range from 16 until 44. Moreover, the usage of mobile internet has doubled from 2009 to 2011. This will be a perfect chance for companies that are related or engaged to this field to strengthen their position in the market. 3. 2 Meso Analysis 3. 2. 1 Global Video Game Industry Sales The gaming industry is one of the most dynamic growing sectors in the last century. The projected total sales of video game industry in 2011 was around $65 billion compared to the revenue in 2007 which was $41. billion as shown in the next graph. This number will keep growing in the future. According to the Price WaterhouseCooper’s report â€Å"Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2008-2012†, the console games category is growing by 6. 9 per cent annually. Meanwhile the global video game industry is g rowing at the annual rate of 10. 3 per cent. By looking at the graph we might conclude that this particular industry is currently still growing at relative high speed. This means great opportunity for companies whose main focus are on this field. Graph 3. Global Video Game Revenue Source: PriceWaterhouseCooperFurthermore, the table below shows us the top ten markets for global video game business. It reveals the average amount of money spent on game consoles, revenues and percentage of market share of each country. The USA has the biggest market share about 40% with the revenue around $22 billion, while the UK is on the second position with 12. 57% of market share and total revenue $6. 825 billion. After that Japan follows with 11. 87% of market share and revenue of $6. 443 billion. Table 4. Major Markets of Video Game Industry Source: VGsales 3. 2. 2 New Trend in Video Game IndustryAs stated in the introduction part, the video gaming on mobile devices is the current trend worldwide . People feel the need of playing game everywhere and anytime when they are not at home. Another supporting factor is the availability of internet access to mobile devices. By referring to the Graph 1. Mobile Phone Internet Connections 2009-2011, the numbers of people who use the internet connection through their mobile devices has doubled in the last three years. It has created more options for the consumers on the video games they wish to play and how or when they want to play. 3. 2. 3 Porter’s Five Forces . 2. 3. 1 Threat of New Competition In UK video game industry, the threat of new competitors will be unlikely occurred due to many barriers in this sector. These barriers prevent new entrance to the industry and this means that company like Nintendo do not need to worry about the possible new competitors in a certain length of period. 3. 2. 3. 2 Threat of Substitute Products Nowadays people travel more often that includes longer time and distance than few decades ago. The needs of having mobile devices or portable electronic devices such as tablets during their travel time become significant.This segment creates the threat of substitute product to Nintendo with their mobile video gaming. Another substitute product for Nintendo is social network gaming, in which consumer can play games through their social network pages or account. 3. 2. 3. 3 Bargaining Power of Customers Heavy gamers might have formed strong attitude towards their favorite game consoles. However, for majority of casual gamers, most video game consoles deliver more or less the same value that is to entertain during their leisure time.Therefore, choosing another video game consoles when the first choice is not available can be easily done and this means that our consumers have high bargaining power 3. 2. 3. 4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers In manufacturing video game consoles, Nintendo’s suppliers might have high bargaining power since the company depends highly on suppliers in producing specific custom-made computer chips which are used in the consoles. Moreover, our suppliers might also decide to enter the same market where Nintendo is currently serving by producing their own consoles.Therefore, the possibility of our suppliers becoming our competitors is always a concern in this business. Moreover, the decision of switching from one supplier to another can also be very difficult due to time, costs and energy consumption. 3. 2. 3. 5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry Big market players in UK video game industry are always at the edge of inventing and producing the newest innovation in the shortest period as possible. When one company starts to introduce a new product in the market, then the competitors will also do the same or even develop a higher level roduct. This means that in video game industry Nintendo is facing a high intensity of competitive rivalry. 3. 3 Competitors Analysis 3. 3. 1 Sony Profile of competitor: ‘’Sony is committed to developing a wide range of innovative products and multimedia services that challenge the way consumers access and enjoy digital entertainment. By ensuring synergy between businesses within the organization, Sony is constantly striving to create exciting new worlds of entertainment that can be experienced on a variety of different products’’, says Sony about their company.The 8 major product categories Sony is active in are: Audio, Video, Photography, Home Cinema, Computers, Communication, Semiconductors, Electronic components . Threats they can pose: Sony has recently registered for a patent on incorporating real-life with video-games in the form of a â€Å"depth sensing device†; â€Å"a three-dimensional camera† that uses â€Å"controlled infrared lighting† to scan an area. This is proof that they are thinking ahead to a new console already, which means we need to make haste in our development. Objectives of competitor:Sony’s areas which t hey are focusing on to expand can be divided into four parts: Networked Products and Services, 3D World, Competitive advantages through differentiated technologies and Emerging markets. Strategies they are pursuing and how successful are they: They are introducing the Sony tablets S1 and S2 to enter the media entertainment on tablets market, and while this could very well be successful it is not a market we are currently aspiring to enter so the effect on our sales needs to be researched further.Another broad strategy they are incorporating is to lower their prices since sales of certain products have been low due to high prices. They have consistently been cutting the prices of their products, including their games and game consoles, so meeting these prices is imperative. Strengths and weaknesses: An example of Sony’s strengths is the fact that they have a strong brand image, as people who have had their most successful console, the PlayStation 2, will have positioned them f avorably in their minds as ‘the company who produced the PlayStation 2’.This means that they do have meanly loyal consumers. One of Sony’s weaknesses is that while they are present in many markets (ex. Gaming, photography, home cinema’s, computers, etc. ), they are not the leading company in any of them. Their product lines are too broad and they have to focus on too much to be able to be the market leader in specific markets, where Nintendo focuses on the gaming industry alone and Apple mainly focuses on its own software on computers, cellphones and IPods. This gives them an advantage and Sony a disadvantage.Another weakness is that the pricing of their latest PlayStation 3 has been relatively high compared to the other newer consoles on the market, and many consumers found this price to be too steep. Sales of the PlayStation 3 have therefore been slow, and Sony was not able to make the PlayStation 3 the success it should have been. Their new product pric ing strategy is something for us to focus on and to use to our advantage by pricing our products lower than theirs if possible and using market penetration as a pricing strategy. 3. 3. 2 Microsoft Profile of competitor: ’We are committed long term to the mission of helping our customers realize their full potential. Just as we constantly update and improve our products, we want to continually evolve our company to be in the best position to accelerate new technologies as they emerge and to better serve our customers’’ says Microsoft about their own company. They have 8 business divisions they focus on, namely: Interactive Entertainment Business, Windows Phone, Windows & Windows Live, Online Services, Server and Tools, Microsoft Business Solutions, Microsoft Office and Skype.Threats they can pose: The fact that they already have new products planned for release is a disadvantage as they will hit the market before our new product will, and they could benefit from that with their sales. Objectives of competitors: The objectives of Microsoft or 2012 are; to make the Windows Phone weather the strong competiton they expect to get from other mobile companies, to engage in media partnerships to make the Xbox a connected TV and media device and to make their PC Windows 8 program work on every platform (tablets, PC, etc. ).Strategies they are pursuing and how successful are they: One strategy of Microsoft to compete with the Nintendo Wii is the Xbox Kinect System, which allows users to play controller free (a feature the Nintendo Wii does not have) and has a similar motion detection play which Nintendo used for the Wii. This has enables them to fiercely compete with the Wii and gave the them an advantage that made many consumers consider buying the Xbox Kinect System over the Wii. Another thing they are focusing on is the incorporation of Xbox Live into the Windows phone platform. ’ Mobile phones as handheld gaming consoles are very challengi ng markets as phones have got better design and technology, and we’ve chosen to make our bet around the phone instead and add Xbox Live services to Windows Phone 7 instead’’, stated by Microsoft in their press release . The big hit for the future will be the release of the Xbox 720 late in 2013, and it is said that it will have 6 times the graphic capability of the current Xbox 360. This new Xbox will also be accompanied by a new version of the Kinect system which will have an on-board processor to be able to detect user motion better.Strengths and weaknesses: A major advantageous factor of Microsoft is that they already have some new developments and products coming out in the future. They are already one step ahead of us, both in terms of the phone as a handheld gaming-device as the new version of their Xbox 360 (with an even better version of their very competitive Kinect system)23/24. The sales of the Xbox 360 and Kinect have been good since they introduced the products, as they sold 66 million consoles and 18 million Kinect systems so far. A newer version of the Xbox would have many followers who were satisfied with the Xbox 360.A weakness is that, compared to Nintendo’s prices, the Xbox series has been priced relatively high. Even the games themselves rate $20 to $40 dollar more per game compared to Nintendo Wii games. 3. 3. 3 Apple Although Apple is not aiming for a top spot in the gaming industry, the convenience of the Iphone as a handheld gaming device has risen through the roof as many consumers download apps and games on their mobile to entertain them during their day. Why should consumers buy a separate Nintendo DS or other handheld device when they always carry around their mobile phone?This is a threat to us on the mobile phone platform, yet is it also a threat to our competitors who also have plans of integrating mobiles with handheld gaming. 4. Internal analysis 4. 1 The Company Nintendo is a company that manufactur es and distributes interactive entertainment products. It was founded and located in Japan with its main focus on the home entertainment and portable game devices. Nintendo also provides hardware and software for its video consoles. The company operates primarily in Japan, however its business has expanded globally.The main factory is located in Japan with subsidiaries in the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Australia. Moreover this firm is also involved in the manufacturing and distribution of poker cards (Pokemon). 4. 2 Current Marketing Strategy Nintendo’s products include home video game consoles and handheld video game systems, such as Game Boy and Nintendo DS. The company also offers various product lines for its Nintendo Wii, namely â€Å"Wii Fit† which is a fitness game,† Wii Balance† Board which enables players to â€Å"head† virtual soccer balls and to experience ski jumping on a TV screen.The basic strategy that Nintendo has been usi ng is the expansion of the world wide gaming population. The company is encouraging people from all over the world, regardless of age, gender, language, cultural background or gaming experience, to embrace and enjoy video games as a way of entertainment. The firm wants to expand his market, by creating Nintendo DS which is a portable game system that has the goal of attracting the new gamers that demand a portable gaming device and, with a Wii console that targets the families because it put smiles in the people around the gamer.If we look at video games we can see that nowadays they are more accepted in society than before. Video games are used as a learning and entertaining tool for the youngest, a way of staying fit for the house wife and finally and more importantly playing a video game is something that the whole family can do together in the living room of the house so the family can have some quality time together. At the moment Nintendo wants to further the penetration of Wi i by encouraging communication in the living room of each user through continuous software launches which will positively surprise consumers with brand new game play.In addition, Nintendo will release Nintendo 3DS that allows people to play video games in 3-D without the need for any special glasses, and will strive to satisfy more people by offering innovative game-play with Nintendo 3DS. The brand Nintendo is one of the most recognized brands in the video games industry. The company has been operating since 1977 with color television games, and is consider being the oldest in firm in the market. It is one of the largest console manufactures in the world, and is a leader in the handheld console market.The company has released four generation of gaming console devices in the past 20 years; (Nintendo entertainment system, ; Super Nintendo Entertainment System; Nintendo 64; GameCube; Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi and Wii). In the handheld device segment, Nintendo DS hardware sold 27. 11 m illion units in 2010, Nintendo DSi which was lunch in 2008 sold more than 100 million units, faster than any console in the history of video games. In the console area Wii hardware achieved world sales of 70. 93 million units and Wii software achieved 16. 4 million units, Wii fit plus use to help people to be fit, sold 12. 65 million units globally, The new Super Mario Bros which allows four players to interact at the same time sold 14. 7 million units in 2010 . Due to all the previously mention Nintendo is well established Brand name in the Video game industry with 47. 2 percent of the market. Graph 5 & 6 Console Sales Market Share by Company & Positioning Key Consoles Source: The Video Gaming Industry Outlook, Business Insight, May 2011 The company can be found in countries such as in Japan, US , South and North America and Europe.The manufacturing premises are located in Japan and it operates throughout subsidiaries in US, Canada, the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Austra lia. Moreover his global presence allows Nintendo to sell his products to most of the world. The company get his revenues as follows: 44% from America,33% from Europe,16. 1% from Japan and the rest from other countries . However not everything is good news for Nintendo, the company has been experiencing a decline of sales in 2010, The earthquake in Japan affected sales in that country. The operating profit in 2009 was 30. 9% going down to 24. 85% by 2010. Moreover declining operating profits affected the making profit capacity of the company affecting the confidence of the shareholders of the firm. In 2011 sales are declining as well falling below predictions. Heavy completion and the appreciation to the Yen against the Dollar, and the low price of the Wii consoles are affecting the profit were affecting the operating profits of the company Nintendo have only one source of income which is selling video consoles and video games. However, Sony and Microsoft have more sources or income .For instance Sony is a leader in the production of electro domestics, phones, computers, smart phones, tablets, audio systems among others. This gives to this company more resources that can be invest in R&D without taking a big risk. Microsoft is the world lieder computer manufacturer and this products are known globally. These two competitors improved the technology created by Nintendo with the Wii. Play Station and Xbox 360 have lunched better game consoles base on the revolutionary technology of the Nintendo Wii. Graph 7 Comparison between key video game consolesSource: The Video Gaming Industry Outlook, Business Insight, May 2011 The company depends heavily on outside manufactures for some of the parts of his products, moreover most of this suppliers are located in other countries. This could become a problem if any of the suppliers interrupt production, this could have a devastating effect in the company business performance. Also de possibility of any disagreement with these producers can create a problem for Nintendo 5. SWOT Analysis 5. 1 Strengths * Nintendo’s well-known brand * Existence in global market * Specialized in-house R&D department 5. Weaknesses * Limited source of income * Declining profit margins * Dependency on suppliers * Low investment in R&D compared to main competitors Sony and Microsoft * Low brand loyalty 5. 3 Opportunities * Dynamic growth of video game industry * The increasing use of mobile devices (iPhones, iPads, Smartphones, etc. ) * The easy access to internet connections * UK as the second biggest country holding video games market share * The high amount of average money spent on video consoles by UK consumers 5. 4 Threats * Strong competitive markets * Cheaper by-products (softwares) from competitors High varieties of competitors’ softwares (types of games) * Competitors’ better technological improvements 5. 5 Confrontation Matrix Graph 8 Confrontation Matrix 6. STP 6. 1 Segmentation Geographic in UK : | | Country | Unite Kingdom – is the largest video games market in Europe with the sales of $6 billion in 2008, however, the market has been fallen by 13% in 2011. | Major Cities | Birmingham EdinburghGlasgowLeedsLiverpoolLondonManchesterIn the major cities, there is a limited space and choices for children to play outside or adults to interact with each other. Climate| Rainy, cloudy and foggy. People prefer to stay at home rather than going out in such weather. | Density| Urban, suburban, rural | Population| The UK population is 62. 3 million by mid 2010. 16 – 59 year-old people are 43. 3 million; they are the major working people. ? The average gaming age is now 23+. ? 38. 2% of the UK population is an active computer gamer.? 51. 2% of British men and 25. 1% of British women aged 10-35 play games regularly. ? The average computer gamer has been playing for over 10 years. On average, gamers play for 11 hours per week. ? 27. 2% of all active gamers in the UK are wome n. ? The average age of the UK female gamer is 30-35 years old. | | | | | Demographic in UK: | | Age: 6 – 55 year-old| Consumer needs and wants change with ages. As we offer game players to not only 12-16 years old boys, but also to mature generation. â€Å"Heavy† (At least once a week and up to daily: the younger the gamer, the more likely they are to play daily)48% of UK 6-65 year olds (21. 6m) – 27% male (12m), 21% female (9. m)â€Å"Medium† (1-3 times a month)7% of UK 6-65 year olds (3m) – 3% male (1. 4m), 4% female (1. 6m)â€Å"Light† (Less than once a month) 4% of UK 6-65 year olds (1. 9m) – 2% male (0. 7m), 3% female (1. 2m)Age 6 – 10: Light users. They like to play games with their friends and classmates either by internet or individually. Age 11 – 15: Medium users. Most of people from this group are still at school; they play games via mobile and internet with friends and classmates. Age 16 – 24: Heavy us ers.These people are very busy with establishing a career, starting a family, getting started in their home and have a bit of fun as well. Age 25 – 35: Heavy users. Age 36 – 50: Medium users. As for this group, besides males, the females who plays games, most of them are housewives and have several children at home. The purpose they play it because their children are at school or they want to keep fit. They are not heavy users. Age 51 – 65: Light users, most of them are either housewives or retired people.Some of them are still very active and play Nintendo with their grandchildren. | Gender: male, female| We are offering a game machine to both males and females. As we know, boys like soccer and fighting games better, but girls like sports and dancing games more. To make sure that we will fulfill the wants, we have to develop games, which fit for both genders at the same time. | Family size: 2-4| Most families nowadays have 2-4 people, but we have to say there a re some over 20 year-old young adults are living by themselves. | Income: | Average income is 1200 pounds. Generation: Baby blooming generation,Generation X, generation Y| For the baby blooming generation, we say that most of them are over 40 years old. They could use our product because they are either housewives or have children, in that case they are light users and just want to keep in fit. With the younger generation, we should realize that smart phone are their â€Å"best toy† for people under 18 years old, and for people over 18 years old, mobile phones are their â€Å"best mate† which could help them to find friends, places, read a book and etc.If we want to develop a new product, we need to relate our games with their so-called â€Å"toys† or â€Å"mate†. | | | Behavior: | | Benefits:| Fun, entertaining, keep fit, increase self-esteem, improve social skills, stress relief, improve eyes and hands coordination and learning. | User status:| We defin ed a â€Å"gamer† as someone who had played a game on a mobile, handheld, console, PC, Internet or interactive TV at least once in the last 6 months: a broad definition designed to capture any â€Å"light† gamers as well as medium or heavier gamers. Loyalty status:| No brand loyalty, since consumes are easier to switch to a new and better quality and technology game machine. | Usage rate:| – â€Å"Heavy† (At least once a week and up to daily: the younger the gamer, the more likely they are to play daily)48% of UK 6-65 year olds (21. 6m) – 27% male (12m), 21% female (9. 6m)- â€Å"Medium† (1-3 times a month)7% of UK 6-65 year olds (3m) – 3% male (1. 4m), 4% female (1. 6m)- â€Å"Light† (Less than once a month) 4% of UK 6-65 year olds (1. 9m) – 2% male (0. 7m), 3% female (1. m) | Attitude toward product:| 6 – 25 years old: Enthusiastic26 – 36 years old: Positive neutral37 – 65 years old: Neutral There are certain amount of people in the above groups are Negative about our products. | | | Psychographic in UK Social Class| The Upper ClassOften people with inherited wealth. Includes some of the oldest families, with many of them being titled aristocratsThe Middle ClassThe majority of the population of Britain. They include industrialists, professionals, and business people and shop owners. Lower or Working ClassPeople who are agricultural, factory workers.The British Class System todayAlthough some people in the UK still refer to themselves as â€Å"working-class†, â€Å"lower-middle† or â€Å"upper-middle† (and of course there are those who think of themselves as the â€Å"elite† class), to the majority of the British the meanings don't seem to matter much these days. | Lifestyle| Teenagers: They use mobile phones a lot for gaming, communicating and Facebook. (Mobile heavy users)Adults: They use mobile phones also quite often for communication, agendas a nd few of them use that for on-line gaming.Retired people: Most of them who have a mobile phone are used as just a phone, to communicate with people for emergency. | Occupation| Kindergarten children Primary school studentsMiddle school students High school students College studentsHousewivesWorkers Retired people| 6. 2 Target Market After analyzing the segmentations, we are targeting the groups of people as follow: – All the 7 major cities in UK. | -16 – 59 years old people are 43. 3 million, they are the major working people . (But however we also target the people from 6-16 years old)| – Occupation: Children, teenagers, workers, housewives, retired people. To make these targeting groups, we based our brand image and our products functions. The main point is to entertain people, it doesn’t certainly mean that we have to fulfill only young boys’ needs and wants, but we are targeting more variety groups of people. For example, as in one family, if there are 4 members who are a housewife (43 years old), husband- businessman (45 years old) and a son (16 years old), a daughter (10 years old). They just have to buy one gamer to entertain the whole family. For housewife, she could keep herself still in shape by doing some yoga while the kids are at school. * For husband, he could play some games as darts or golf during the weekend. * For the little son, he can play super Mario or online game with his classmates after school. * For the daughter, she can invite her friends over to play the †just dance† game. 6. 3 Positioning Nintendo has been a major contender in the video industry for past several decades, and has faced the challenge of developing and maintaining the competitive advantage over the years.With the introduction of Nintendo Wii console, the company gained a stronghold as a leader in the video game industry. However, Sony and Microsoft are quickly gaining on Nintendo’s competitive advantage, forcing t he company to monitor to reevaluate its strategies. To maintain the competitive advantage, Nintendo must looking forward influencing the customers of Sony and Microsoft, continue developing innovative technologies, and also consider the impact of the social networking and mobile devices on the gaming industry.Nintendo is delivering the fun gaming experience to customers. Since it has a unique advantage to its competitors. They do not providing the violence games as shooting for teenage boys which are the common gamer user in the society. That’s the reason Nintendo could target a wide age and occupation range customers. Strategy 7. 1 Market Share Strategy We focus our area of expertise which is to entertain everyone, especially the household. We do not enter the segment that we don’t excel such as hardcore video games (wars, violence, etc. ) 7. 2 Product StrategyWe enter mobile gaming sector as the mobile gaming industry is booming. People are buying games and applicati ons on every available device including iOS devices, smartphones, tablet PCs and more. Our main competitors, Sony and Microsoft are also jumping into the mobile gaming industry, in order to compete with them, we need to focus on the mobile industry. We should continue to Improve our current consoles. Some of the ways that we can do this is by letting the consumer play DVD and MP3s, giving the Wii remote a rechargeable battery, and allow the consumer to save games on an SD card.Product improvement will enable consumers to play social network games on Wii consoles, 3D games on Wii consoles. 7. 3 Pricing Strategy We are focusing on keeping the existing product, however we should be not expanding ; improving current product that we have in order to attract more consumers and keep developing product till it meets consumer’s needs. Since there is strong competition in a market from Sony and Microsoft, often customers are faced with a wide choice of who to buy from. They may buy fro m the cheapest provider or perhaps from the one which offers the best customer service.Nintendo, being the cost leader therefore can offer prices lower than the competitors. 8. Objectives 8. 1 Long Term Goals * To be the biggest video game manufacturer in terms of market share in UK in the coming five years (2013-2017) * To realize a total 15% of annual growth rate of the UK operation in the first five years starting from January 2013 * To make the Nintendo Encore brand the most preferred video game brand of 6 – 65 years old of family and casual gamers in UK by January 2017 8. 2 Short Term Goals 8. 2. 1 Operational Goals To realize a total sales of 6 million units Nintendo consoles in UK market by December 2013 * To increase UK customers’ brand awareness by December 2012 through intensive advertising programs * To invest 10% of UK’s annual revenue in Research ; Development Department starting by beginning of 2012 * To put the Wii encore on the market by July 201 2 in the UK market * To train * To maintain good relationship with customers through social media pages by updating newest product information starting from June 2012 8. 2. Financial Goals * To increase a 3% of growth rate in UK operation by the end of 2012 * To reduce costs of goods sold by 10% in the end of 2012 * To increase profit margin by 5% from UK operation by in the end of 2012 * To invest 5% more on promotional cost by the end of 2012 9. Marketing Mix 9. 1 Product For the UK market our main focus on the product will be Nintendo Encore consoles. Meanwhile our handheld consoles such as Nintendo DS and its product lines will still be manufactured and sold as they are at the current moment.However, new improvements will be created to fulfill consumer’s needs in mobile gaming sector. This can be in the form of mobile games applications (Apps) and it will allowed consumers to play Nintendo’s games through their mobile devices. Below are more options on our product development: * Development of more varieties of new games * Concentration on 3D consoles * Reintroducing old famous games in new Nintendo consoles and mobile gaming application with better quality and features. 9. 2 Price * Using the current consoles price as the basic price reference * More for less strategy will be implemented Bundle price(Wii+ Super Mario New Limited Edition, buy 2 get 1 free, Wii Encore+ accessories) 9. 3 Place * Current distribution channels ; outlets (big retailers, smaller digital shops, toy stores) * Online selling through company websites and another online stores such as Amazon, eBay, etc. 9. 4 Promotion * Advertisement through television commercials, posters, billboards, social medias. * Buy some display space in outlets * Training and distributing the specialized sales team in outlets and retailers that sell our consoles 10. BudgetOur budget is based on the 3-year forecast starting from 2012 and can be found in the appendix. Some important points are: * Cost of goods sold is expected to decrease 10% in 2012. * Advertising/ promotional costs are increasing * Income tax is 10% 11. Recommendations If Nintendo want to recover sales and become number one in the video games industry is necessary to take some actions: One way to accomplish this is to extend or expand its video game genres to attract more gamers than the family-friendly games. If we look at our competitor we can see that they ocus on intricate fantasy role-playing games (RPGs) for mature audiences. When we develop games for this groups the company will be in better position to compete with Sony and Microsoft, however, this could risk damaging Nintendo’s brand and to move from one public to another can have possibly more negative effects than positive. Another option is for Nintendo to continue developing innovative games and technology. As an example we can mention Nintendo’s recent introduction in Japan of the 3DS, a hand-held console that allows users to pl ay games in three-dimension.Because of this we can say that the company is a leader in handheld consoles, and this new console definitely helps the company maintain its competitive industry in that field, moreover Nintendo could start to develop a similar 3D capability for the Wii to further revolutionize the gaming experience. Lastly Nintendo should consider to expand to social networking and mobile devices, which is growing rapidly. More than one third of mobile phones owners play video games whit their telephone. To enter this market Nintendo could consider develop simple, puzzle-type games for Facebook and mobile devices.As a consequence the company would align with the current focus on simple and casual gamers and more importantly it can open a brand new market with enormous potential given the popularity of smart phones and tablets at the moment. The company can further develop its capabilities to allow users to play social networking games on the Wii console. As a conclusion Nintendo must continue with the development of innovative technology and new game concepts. It is necessary to be realistic and in to take in consideration that the company has very strong competitors in this market.Moreover it is necessary to pay attention to the change in needs of our current and not customers so the company can deliver customer satisfaction if we want to remain profitable. 12. References Bob Holt, freelance writer – http://www. newjerseynewsroom. com/science-updates/xbox-720-release-may-compete-with-nintendo-wii-u Consumer Price Indices, December 2011. http://www. ons. gov. uk/ons/rel/cpi/consumer-price-indices/december-2011/index. html, accessed by March 2012 Daniel Eran Dilger, magazine writer – http://www. roughlydrafted. om/2006/11/22/playstation-3-vs-xbox-360-vs-nintendo-wii/ Howard Stringer, CEO Sony – http://www. sony. net/SonyInfo/IR/info/strategy/message. html Leisure activities in the UK, http://guides. wikinut. com/Leisure-activiti es-in-the-UK, accessed by March 2012 Microsoft, http://www. microsoft. com/about/companyinformation/ourbusinesses/en/us/business. aspx Most Britons, Canadians â€Å"Unchurched†, http://www. gallup. com/poll/19267/Most-Britons-Canadians-Unchurched. aspx, accessed by March 2012 Organization for National Statistics UK, http://www. ns. gov. uk/ons/rel/family-demography/families-and-households/2011/stb-families-households. html Pascal Gobry, Senior Research Analyst at Business Insider Intelligence – http://articles. businessinsider. com/2012-01-10/research/30610635_1_windows-phone-steve-ballmer-microsoft-ceo Robert Purchese, Senior Staff Writer of Eurogamer. net – http://www. eurogamer. net/articles/2012-02-21-sonys-ps-eye-creator-patents-kinect-like-tech Sony, http://www. sony. net/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/ United Kingdom, http://www. imf. rg/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/02/weodata, accessed by March 2012 What do British people like doing at the weekends, http://www. woo dlandsjunior. kent. sch. uk/customs/questions/weekends. htm, accessed by March 2012 Wesley Yin-Poole, Eurogamer news editor – http://www. eurogamer. net/articles/2010-10-25-nintendo-apple-is-our-greatest-threat Zach Honig, Senior associate editor – http://www. engadget. com/2011/08/16/sony-drops-ps3-price-to-250-in-us-250-in-europe/ 13. Appendix ——————————————– [ 1 ]. http://www. ons. gov. uk/ons/taxonomy/index. html? nscl=Population,

Common Crimes Defined

Common Crimes Defined Crimes can be committed against persons or property, but all crimes carry a punishment for those who break the law. Federal, state, and local governments pass laws to establish what is acceptable behavior and what is illegal  within society. Following are some common crimes,  both felonies, and misdemeanors, with general explanations attached: Accessory People are accessories when they solicit, request, command, pursue, or intentionally aid another person to engage in conduct constituting an illegal action. Aggravated Assault Aggravated assault is causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to another or using a deadly weapon during a crime.   Aiding and Abetting Aiding and abetting occurs when a person willfully aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures the commission of a crime.   Arson Arson is when a person  intentionally burns  a structure, building, land, or property. Assault Criminal assault is defined as an intentional act that results in a person becoming fearful of imminent bodily harm. Battery Battery is any unlawful physical contact with another person, including offensive touching. Bribery Bribery is the act of offering or receiving compensation for the purpose of influencing any person who is responsible for performing a public or legal duty. Burglary A burglary occurs when someone illegally enters almost any kind of structure for the purpose of committing an illegal act. Child Abuse Child abuse is any act or failure to act that results in the harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Child Pornography Child pornography includes the possession, production, distribution, or sale of sexual images or videos that exploit or portray children. Computer Crime Computer crime is any illegal act for which knowledge of computer technology is essential for successful prosecution. Conspiracy Conspiracy occurs when two or more people plan a crime with the intent of committing that crime. Credit Card Fraud Credit card fraud is committed when a person uses a credit or debit card illegally to obtain funds from an account or to get merchandise or services without paying. Disorderly Conduct Disorderly conduct is a  broad term charging anyone whose behavior is a public nuisance. Disturbing the Peace Disturbing the peace involves behavior that disturbs the overall order of a public place or gathering. Domestic Violence Domestic violence occurs  when one member of a household inflicts bodily harm upon another member of that household. Drug Cultivation or Manufacturing Drug cultivation or manufacturing is illegally cultivating, producing, or possessing plants, chemicals, or equipment used for the purpose of producing drugs. Drug Possession Drug possession occurs when someone willfully possesses any illegal controlled substance. Drug Trafficking or Distribution Both a federal and state crime, drug distribution includes selling, transporting, or importing illegal controlled substances. Drunk Driving Drunk driving occurs when a person operates a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Embezzlement Embezzlement occurs  when a responsible party misappropriates money or property entrusted to them. Extortion Extortion occurs when someone obtains money, property, or services through an act of coercion. Forgery Forgery includes falsifying documents or signatures or faking an object of value with the purpose of committing fraud. Fraud Fraud is committed when a person uses deception or misrepresentation for financial or personal gain. Harassment Harassment is unwanted behavior intended to annoy, disturb, alarm, torment, upset, or terrorize an individual or group. Hate Crime Hate crime is a criminal  offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offenders bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.† Identity Theft Identity theft includes all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another persons personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Insurance Fraud Insurance fraud occurs when a person attempts to obtain payment from an insurance company under false premises. Kidnapping Kidnapping is committed when a person is illegally confined or moved from one place to another against their will. Money Laundering Money laundering occurs when someone attempts to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of proceeds of illegal actions. Murder Usually classified as first-degree or second-degree, murder is the willful taking of another persons life. Perjury Perjury occurs when a person gives false information while under oath. Prostitution Prostitution occurs when a person is  compensated in exchange for a sexual act. Public Intoxication Someone drunk or under the influence of drugs in a public place can be charged with public intoxication. Rape Rape occurs when someone forces sexual contact with another person without their consent. Robbery Robbery involves stealing from another person by the use of physical force or by putting the victim in fear of death or injury.   Sexual Assault Although definitions vary by state, generally it occurs when a person or persons commit a sexual act without the consent of the victim. Shoplifting Shoplifting is stealing merchandise from a retail store or business. Solicitation Solicitation is offering compensation for goods or services  prohibited by law.   Stalking Stalking occurs when a person, over time, follows, harasses, or watches another person. Statutory Rape Statutory rape occurs when  an adult has sex with someone under the age of consent, which  varies by state. Tax Evasion Tax evasion involves taking deliberate actions to conceal or misrepresent a persons or businesss income, profits, or financial gains or to inflate or falsify tax deductions. Theft Theft is a general term describing forms of larceny, including burglary, looting, shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, and criminal conversion. Vandalism Vandalism occurs when a person intentionally damages property that does not belong to them. Wire Fraud Almost always a federal crime, wire fraud is an illegal activity taking place over any interstate wires for the purpose of committing fraud.

Harvey Surname Meaning and Origin

Harvey Surname Meaning and Origin From the Breton first name Haerviu or Aeruiu, derived from the elements haer meaning battle or carnage and viu, meaning worthy. In general, it was used to refer to a soldier or someone who was battle worthy. Its also possible that the Harvey surname derives from the Old German personal name Herewig, from the elements hari army and wig war. Surname Origin: English, Scottish, Irish Alternate Surname Spellings: HARVIE, HARVE Genealogy Resources for the Surname HARVEY Common Surname Search TipsGet valuable tips and tricks for researching your HARVEY ancestors online. HARVEY Family Genealogy ForumThis free message board is focused on descendants of Harvey ancestors around the world. Find records, queries, and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Harvey surname. (Must create a free account to access) HARVEY Surname Mailing ListThis free mailing list for researchers of the Harvey surname and its variations includes subscription details and searchable archives of past messages. References Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967.Dorward, David. Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998.Fucilla, Joseph. Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003.Hanks, Patrick, and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989.Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003.Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

Johnny Cash's American Recordings by Tony Tost Essay

Johnny Cash's American Recordings by Tony Tost - Essay Example Having noted that, the main objective of this paper therefore is to analyze the existence of mythical Cash and how Tony engages the readers to understand the mythical nature of Cash. In addition, this paper tries to unravel some literary shortcomings that might have made the book more interesting if rectified. Johnny Cash legacy and musical contributions has never been forgotten because he has remained a point to refer to when talking about punk and post-punk bands in both the US and the UK. American Recordings by Tony Tost was one of the four Rubin-produced American albums released before Cash passed away in 2003. American Recordings is a Broadway excavations of how Cash the Myth and Cash Man — the recording artist, husband, father, sinner, human —disheveled in what Tony acknowledges as Cash greatest works The chapters of the book are streamlined whereby Tony advances his arguments about Cash’s mythology is a clever and concise manner. He demonstrates this point through a more advanced poetic voices that ensured a more clear and pure images as opposed to simply repetitiveness of the epic. For instance Tost writes; â€Å"It’s like visiting the spot that songs come from.† By the end of the book, such quick-witted summaries are being tossed (Tost?) around with consummate skill; I particularly liked the description of Tom Waits as â€Å"the hobo Heraclitus of the postmodern world† (Tost, 56) Taking the example above, it is clear that Tost is good at mythopoeic that accumulates around Cash’s work. As he explains, it does matter weather Cash shot another man in Folsom Prison and heard a train bound for Tevas; what matters is that Cash’s songs exist. He further argues that because Cash’s songs exist-and in mythical way-disparate elements is bonded together creating the patchwork quilt of American myth. According to Tost, in addition to his contribution to the myths, Cash also owned the