Antitrust Practices and Market Power Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Antitrust Practices and Market Power - Essay Example Standard oil firm counts among one of the firms that was investigated on the antitrust act. The firm has an oligopoly structure dominated by small number of sellers. The main reason that seeked to investigate the firm was to establish whether it posed a barrier for other companies’ entry into the market. With the expansion of oil across the globe, the oil factories were involved in poor disposal of waste products into the water system and adoption of poor methods of oil distribution. For instance, it was observed that oil could be passed through leaked pipes which posed a great danger to the society. The establishment of the oil company firm was to see an improvement in the field of oil and refinery. As a natural monopoly company, it developed proper infrastructure within the American region which could see proper distribution and proper disposal of oil without causing any damage to the environment. This saw it rise above other companies in a quest to benefit the economy (Utto n, 2003). In the case of the oil company, the court adopted Sherman Antitrust act so as to regulate the monopoly. This act was coined by John Sherman viewed to be an appropriate for prevention of abusive monopolies from exploiting the consumers. The standard oil firm was estimated to be in control of about 90 percent of oil facilities in America. The oil firm faces imperfect competition as a result of existence in low number of people as prospective sellers. Through government monopoly, power was vested in the American Congress to regulate the economy through tax collection. The main provision of this act was that any person responsible for monopolizing will be held guilty and so be subjected to punishment. The year 1911, the Supreme Court in America established that standard oil company was structural monopoly that was responsible for taking part in unfair practices in the field of business (Utton, 2003). Monopolies are believed to have originated during the colonial period of admi nistration. This case saw huge companies and firms in the United States endowed with the responsibility of receiving huge contracts deals. Monopolies can be seen in form of capitalism characterized by lack of competition; this eventually leads to high fluctuation of products prices and poor quality products. For instance, monopoly is known to supply at a very low output and charging higher prices for its products which may eventually lead to a dead weight loss in the society. In this regard, it will seek to maximize its economic profits and take control of the market demand curve. Monopolies are also at a very better place of enjoying the economies of scale which comes as a result of production of goods in large quantities. In this essence, there are tendencies to be a decline in cost of production resulting to increase in monopolies profits. It has been cited that the loss in economic welfare that arises from exploitation of monopoly power has made the government to take upon some measures in order to regulate some monopolies (Wall et al 1988). In other cases some firms that practiced monopoly were able to rise to power since they had positive effect on the economy of the American government. It was estimated that some of the profits gained through monopolists were used to conduct a research viewed to be beneficial to the society. Through research, consumers were able to learn more about the products that were being sold in the monopoly market and the benefits

Case Study - Culinarian Cookware Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

- Culinarian Cookware - Case Study Example The company has conducted previous price promotions of 20% discount in the year 2004 (for CX1 Tyro collection line), in the year 2005 (for CX1, DX1 line) and in the year 2006 (CX1 and DX1 line). Vice President of Marketing’s View Vice president of marketing for the company believes there is no need for adopting price promotion because that can hurt the premium brand image of the company. He took help of research report prepared by consulted to show that price promotion in 2004 impacted negatively to the profit margin of the company. The company hired external consultant to analyze profitability of 2004 price promotion. The consultant pointed out price promotion has caused of loss of $469, 489 as contribution during 2004 period. Time series analysis shows that unit sales for DX1 line decreased by 4800 units during price promotion hence external consultant concluded that $99,332 was lost as contribution DX1 product line due to brand cannibalization. Taking support from above men tioned statistics marketing vice president of the company concluded that price promotion for a single product line might increase sales revenue for that particular brand but it would eat the revenue of other brand. Price promotion for a particular product line will encourage customers to switch from purchasing other product lines offered by the company in order to purchase discounted products and as a result total revenue earned by Culinarian Cookware would be decreased. Senior Sales Manager’s View Senior sales manager is in support for price promotion and she pointed out that report of external consultant is apocryphal due to following reasons. Sales revenue for first quarter of 2004 was 24% low in comparison to sales revenue for the same quarter in 2003 hence due to external reasons. She concluded that company should not blame price promotion alone for the low sales volume of second quarter in 2004 and sales data for the year should be judged by lowering the margin by 24%. Inclusion of elements other than labor and raw material in variable cost calculation in the report was questioned by her. Cannibalization cost calculation method was also questioned by her. Industry Trend Research data shows offering gift with purchase is more successful push strategy in comparison to price promotion strategy. Competitors of Culinarian Cookware such as Robusto and Le Gourmand offer gifts with purchase. Multi dimensionality of the condition forced Culinarian Cookware to rethink about implementing price promotion strategy to increase sales revenue. Major marketing challenge for the company is to select a pricing strategy which can help them achieve sustainable growth in near future. Analysis of the Current Situation Strength Culinarian Cookware sells premium range cookware products and also the market leader with 6.5% market share in the premium product segment. They offer four product lines complemented with Tyro Collection (CX1), Classic Collection (DX1), Advanced C hef collection (SX1) and Professional Grade collection (PROX1). Variety of product line helps the company to cater multidimensionality of customer’s demand. Sales and distribution channel for the company is

Strategy of international business pressures

Strategy of international business pressures The strategy of international business involves analysing the progression of globalization in the worlds economy and how a company responds and what measures it takes, strategy-wise to compete effectively beyond national borders. It involves business transactions crossing national borders at any stage of the transaction; it also involves dealing with many different cultures and extensive field experience. 2.1 GLOBAL EXPANSION There are many advantages for firms who expand globally which include increasing their profitability and higher growth of profits. Most basically it creates a larger market size. It allows firms to reduce their costs through differentiation. Global expansion helps realize location economies, recognize higher cost economies and earn a higher return by exploiting any valuable skills from foreign actions. 2.2 COMPETITIVE PRESSURES. The competition in the market place is not easy for the firms. Firms in the market place usually face two types of pressures. 2.2.1 PRESSURES FROM COST REDUCTION. One type of pressure is the one they receive due to pressures for cost reductions. In response to this companies try to lower the costs of their value production. Ways a firm may do this could include mass producing standardized products in a location where it is most optimal to do so and realize economies of scale and location and/or outsourcing certain functions of the job to foreign suppliers that cost less so as to reduce costs. Most companies face difficulties distinguishing commodities since differentiating non-price factors is complex. 2.2.2 PRESSURES FROM LOCAL RESPONSIVENESS. The second pressure they face is that from local responsiveness. Such pressures arise from varying differences in traditional practices, infrastructure and customers preferences and tastes. To respond to this, firms need to differentiate their products in each country to take into account all these factors. 2.3 CHOOSING A STRATEGY. Differences in the strength of pressures for cost reductions versus those for local responsiveness affect the firms choice of strategy. Firms typical choose among four main strategic positions when competing internationally. These can be characterized as a global standardization strategy, a localization strategy, a transnational strategy, and an international strategy. The appropriateness of each strategy varies given the extent of pressures for cost reductions and local responsiveness. 2.4 PROCTER GAMBLE. Procter Gamble was founded in 1837. It is one of the worlds most international companies. PG sells over 300 brands including tide pampers, Crisco and IAM pet food. Nowadays PG is a large global consumer product business that has sales of over $50 billion. Most of these sales are generated outside the United States in Canada, Britain, Western Europe, Japan and other Asian nations. These expansions led to growth opportunities, created value by transferring its business model to foreign countries and preempted other retailers that were also starting to expand globally. However the company started facing some issues and had to rethink their strategies of expanding globally. 4.0 PG REORGANIZATION. Procter Gamble, as observed were initially following an international strategy, which was possible since they had low pressures to reducing costs and low pressures on local responsiveness. However their costs were rising and in 1993, in response to the increase of costs, they initiated a major reorganization. During this they closed down thirty manufacturing plants worldwide and fired about 13000 employees. In addition to this they focused their production on lesser plants so that they could reach regional markets and achieve better economies of scale. It is apparent that PG are moving towards a global standardization strategy from their previous international strategy. 4.1 GLOBAL STANDARDIZATION STRATEGY. This strategy is appropriate if the cost reduction pressures are high but the pressure on local responsiveness stays low. Under this strategy the products are standardized worldwide. They undertake a low cost approach on an international basis. They rarely try to differentiate their product offering because often their costs increase when customization is undertaken. As a result of this strategy, PG reduced their costs by about $600 million but it still was not enough. Their profits were still not favorable and sales were slow as ever. 4.2 ORGANIZATION 2005. In 1998, PG tried yet again to control these increased pressures and embarked on its second reorganization. They named it Organization 2005. The company hoped to change the ways in which their products were being innovated, manufactured and marketed. The strategy consisted of modifying the structure of the organization, culture and work processes comprehensively. It including laying off 17000 employees within the next 3 years and it changed its organizations structure by breaking up their four geographic business units and focusing it on 7 global business units (GBUs). These units were derived according to product categories ranging from food products to baby care. Each unit was completely in charge for generating profits from their products and also their own marketing, production and product development. Their focus shifted to only few large plants, trying to build global brands where possible so as to remove differences in marketing among countries. It also intended to speed up th e developing and launching of new products. It is evident that PG is now moving towards a transnational strategy because they are faced with high pressures to cost reduction as well as high pressures to local responsiveness. The international and global standardization strategies failed to be effective since PG didnt take into account the falling barriers to trade and customers abilities to trade internationally and therefore increase in demand for variety of goods. 4.3 TRANSNATIONAL STRATEGY. A transnational strategy is one where companies try to keep their costs low while simultaneously differentiating the products they offer across national borders and fostering a flow of skills across different subsidiaries in their operations network worldwide. This strategy is difficult and involves the company in balancing the local markets demands for consumer products whilst concurrently aiming to save their costs. PGs seven units are called global business units, but function on a very decentralized way. They develop their strategies locally or regionally and implement them. In other words their product development, delivery and marketing are conducted locally whereas the background functions of finance, payroll and human resource management is carried out on a worldwide basis. 4.3.1 BENEFITS AND RISKS. There are many benefits for pursuing a transnational strategy. It enables firms to gain scale economies as well as location due to the increase in sales in global volume. It also helps transfer distinguishing competences and skills. The home country may hold many different competences and it is only right to share it with other countries as well. In addition it simultaneously lowers pressures on local responsiveness. However one risk they face is trying to differentiate the product to respond to local demands in different geographic markets raises costs, which run counter to the goal of reducing costs.

My Philosophy of Education Essay -- Philosophy on Teaching Statement

Philosophy of Education One characteristic of a good teacher is a sound philosophy of education. This will ensure the readiness of the teacher in the classroom setting. The philosophy should be thought out with care and contain concrete ideas concerning several aspects of education. My philosophy of education contains my view about: the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of public education, teaching methods, and curriculum. People have many different views about the nature of students. Like Rousseau, I feel that students are neither good nor evil. The situations they encounter in their everyday lives shape the way they behave and the person they become. The nature of students isn’t always shaped by money or social status. For example, a poor student may grow up to set a good example for society. They may secure a good position at a successful job regardless of social class. On the other hand, a socially affluent student may grow up and become a criminal. Experiences determine which path every student will take. Students can choose to make the best of their circumstances or let these circumstances control their fate. Children from single parent homes can choose to let their situation be an excuse for lack of progress, or they can choose not to let it stand in their way. I feel that circumstances such as being from a single parent home or losing a parent aren’t sufficient reasons n ot to succeed. Some students may choose to use them as such, but in reality, these are not excuses at all. Rousseau felt that children should only be exposed to the good experiences. In my opinion, this may make the child weak and leave him or her to deal with later life events. I also agree with Rousseau... ...cular career choices. However, all students should have a general understanding of basic scientific processes. Some everyday items can be created through basic scientific knowledge. Fire extinguishers can be created rather quickly if needed for a small emergency. Giving a plant the appropriate proportions of water, sunlight, and fertilizer can be assessed through a basic understanding of some scientific principles. Teachers have many responsibilities to themselves and their students. They are responsible for the knowledge their students gain and sometimes the paths they take. A teacher can â€Å"make or break† a student. Students will respect a good teacher and admire them. They are willing to learn from a good teacher. A sound philosophy and a knowledge of what the teacher expects from his or her self is a step in the right direction with regard to a career.

God’s Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology

The book â€Å"God’s Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology† by Elmer Martens discusses the essence of the Old Testament, in which the author offers his own categories from Scripture as text, knowledge of God, deliverance, community and, finally, abundant life. The first section God’s design is discussed in terms of pre-monarchial period stressing the importance and influence of Israel’s history on emergence and development of Christianity. Salvation and deliverance are presented through the Yahweh’s image – a divine warrior. The aspect of community appears as the author draws relations between the people of Israel and the God. Martens argues that the knowledge of God is knowledge of the world’s creation and world’s order which can be found in the prologue in Genesis. The second section discusses the monarchial era and the author applies God’s design template to present or even to prove the validity of his approach. Martens notes that both Hosea and Exodus passages are provided with the same design elements. For example, in monarchial period deliverance was viewed rather differently – actually, Israel established its own army. Instead, the divine warrior is presented in the expressions of the Day of Yahweh. The central point of the section is that people expected for Messiah. The last section is devoted to post-monarchial period. The author refers to tertiary text of Ezekiel. In particular, the author tends to strength the aspect of deliverance and he shows that Yahweh was handing over Israel and he was to be blamed for having got in the hands of enemies. The author views deliverance as the future promise. Only in this period the first community was established in the Israel history. Community is presented as future, whereas the knowledge of God was firstly identified in the post-monarchial period focusing more on prayer. Judgment and salvation are two events which Israel people experiences. In the conclusion the author shows God’s design in creation and shows relations between God’s design and the world’s nations. God’s design is highly appreciated both in the Old and the New Testaments. Book Review I think that the book is very informative and the other offers his original ideas and thoughts about the God’s design in the Old Testament basing in scared scriptures. The author has managed to take seriously scriptural text and to make readers acquainted with hidden facts and revelations. The author doesn’t apply external categories to God’s design. Neither has he supported interposition of categories developed by other scientists as they are not consistent with the book. Instead, Martens has utilized approach which is an excellent way to do biblical and theological researches. Therefore, the author asserts that there are unifying themes of the Scripture and it is necessary to base the whole research on them. Martens claims that there are â€Å"many different pictures† (p. 4) in the landscape of Scripture. The author views his task as â€Å"to paint the best possible picture†. (p. 4) I think that the author has done an excellent job when developing own categories and not forcing them to be applied to any sacred scripture. Instead, the author allows sacred scriptures to shape the necessary template. We can see this in the changing nature of deliverance through the pre-monarchial to post-monarchial era. In the pre-monarchial ear deliverance is accomplished by divine warrior, whereas in monarchial period deliverance changed as Israel had established own standing army. Thus, deliverance is presented through expectation to be sent by the God. Finally, in the post-monarchial period divine deliverance us seen to come from the Messiah defined as cataclysmic event. It is possible to say that the book is the exegetical perspective brought out but h author in the context of unifying themes of the Old Testament. Author’s template can be applied to certain aspects of the text and, in such a way, the author manages to inform his readers about the primary meaning of the passage. To prove exegetical perspective it is necessary to mention stipulations of Israel covenant. In particular, the author claims that Israel must not be loyal to the words which are not a coercive law which doesn’t threaten the blessing of the God. Stipulations are viewed as the necessary response to a personal God. Actually, it was Yahweh who had promised salvation and deliverance to the people of Israel. In other words, the found promises aren’t consistent with Israel’s failure to obey and to follow the ten words of stipulations. However, if this point is proved, it means that God’s design wouldn’t ever be fulfilled because the people of Israel are faithless. It is the God who has designed salvation and deliverance, and â€Å"God’s character and purposes generated the design that brought about faithfulness to the people with whom He was covenanted†. (p. 86) The book offers comprehensive studying and analysis of the Old Testament, but there are many moments where the author refers to the issue of hermeneutics. Some of the passages are vague and they are nothing more than overarching paradigms. The author assumes that the name of Yahweh should be differentiated from God’s name as the author speaks about the God of all people, but it is not correct. Instead, the Abrahamic Covenant shares the same goal interpreted by the Old Testament and the covenant template is found in the pre-monarchial period. Nevertheless, despite certain weaknesses and misinterpretations the book is very helpful in identifying modes of biblical theology.

Carmens Aria A song of Celebration and Self-Realization Free Essay Example, 1250 words

But, Carmen gives importance to a man's look and prefers him to be timid and sort of submissive. She continues to warn the people she might fall in love with and declares love comes when it is least expected and does not show up when you wait expectantly. Carmen is much different from the conservative women who accept love at first sight and any man who adores them. She is choosy in picking men and hints she will keep changing her choices constantly. Women were often looked upon as objects of affection and expected to follow strict social norms in the 19th century Europe. Bizet created Carmen character juxtaposing all these social expectations. She is a lady with her own flaws and strengths. Carmen fights with other women brutally, seduces Jose to allow her escape from the law and indulges in all forbidden acts of love with him. She portrays all shades of evil eve totally in contrast to the conservative and conventional women of the 19th century. Dramatic Connect Don Jose, the hero of the story is attracted to young and beautiful Carmen at the very first sight. We will write a custom essay sample on Carmens Aria A song of Celebration and Self-Realization or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now He is so smitten by her that he goes to the extent of ignoring his military duties and disobeying his higher official. But, he fails to take the hints Carmen gives about herself through the aria. Carmen is an eagle whom Jose tries to turn desperately into a pet pigeon. When he finally realizes that taming Carmen’s independent spirit is impossible, he extinguishes it by killing her. Carmen’s aria is a self proclamation of her character which Jose fails to understand. The aria is placed at introductory part of the opera to give the audience a hint about Carmen’s true nature and what sort of problems it might cause in a conservative society. Just as Carmen mentions in her aria, her love knew no rules. She seduces mediocre Jose, a loser compared to Escamillo a gallant and wealthy bull fighter initially. But, switches to the enchanting Escamillo, frustrated that Jose left with Micaela, a girl the exact opposite of Carmen. The aria rightly expresses her contrasting taste in men and her wandering heart. Music Habanera is a very famous music genre which originated in the Cuban capital Havana. The Spanish invasion of the land paved way for the occurrence of Habanera in Europe. Carmen’s Aria is based on the Spanish musician Sebastian Yradier’s the â€Å"El Arrreglito†. Georges Bizet, initially considered the melody a folk, but acknowledged the original composer posthumously once he knew about the true source of the song.

Gospel music Essay - 1072 Words

Gospel Music Gospel music began in the cotton fields of the old south. It originates from slaves singing songs of freedom about Jesus and has integrated into today’s music. Gospel music is a standard version of sanctified music that has encouraged Christian beliefs and stimulated the practice of Christian ethical principles, both inside the context of worship services and as music entertainment. Gospel music began with Thomas A. Dorsey, the Father of Gospel Music. Gospel, mean good news, it was given the name because of the books of the Old Testament with the gospels.1 Gospel music is mostly American music reflected by significant songs. Gospel music was created as a type of Christian worship and spiritual singing which is associated†¦show more content†¦1bostoncommunitychoir.org/history-of-gospel-music.htm 2Afgen: The History of Gospel For hundreds of years has Gospel music been around it has been an influence in the development of gospel music. For many of the Gospel singers of today the founding fathers of Gospel music has paved the way for them to become recognized in their style of music. Gospel music also impacts and changed the type music styles that people have today. People are changed by the music of gospel music and find reason, hope and an inspiration to go through life. 2 It is without uncertainty gospel music has played a vital role in society. Since the times of slavery, spiritual hymns, known as gospel music today, expresses the emotion for the Americans and others who search for a higher power or God they believe can comfort their inner soul. Gospel music has given many a way to save their lives from the cares of this world and save the lives of love ones and friends. â€Å"Gospel music is a popular adaptation of sacred music that has promoted Christian beliefs and encouraged the practice of Christian ethical principles, both within the framework of worship services and as a form of musical entertainment†.2 There are many ways to use music and shape it to how we want to hear it. Gospel music has become a way of salvation to some of its listeners. The Church uses gospel music to imitate the Holy Spirit into itsShow MoreRelatedThomas A. Dorsey and Gospel Music Essay622 Words   |  3 PagesThomas A. Dorsey and Gospel Music Gospel songs combined religious lyrics with melodies and rhythms inspired by early blues and jazz. Many churches rejected this new integration of religious conviction and popular song as devils music that had no place in a house of worship. Thomas A. Dorsey, the Father of Gospel Music described gospel, saying, Its evangelistic, it has a rhythm and carries a message with the feeling and fever that many sacred songs do not have, the gospel is good news.Read MoreEssay on Gospel Music6236 Words   |  25 PagesGospel Music By 1945, nearly everyone in the African American community had heard gospel music (2). At this time, gospel music was a sacred folk music with origins in field hollers, work songs, slave songs, Baptist lining hymns, and Negro spirituals. These songs that influenced gospel music were adapted and reworked into expressions of praise and thanks of the community. Read MoreThe History of Gospel Music Essay2849 Words   |  12 Pages Music is an important aspect of every society. Music can tell stories, release emotions, build bridges and break down barriers, but above all music is entertaining. There are various forms of music but not many have as rich a history as gospel music. 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He was so encouraged by his music experiences in Harvard that he changed from law to music as his focus and was the first person in the United States for receive a Masters degree in music from an American University (Cipolla, n.d.). Arthur Foote’s first compositionsRead MoreMusic Genres826 Words   |  4 PagesGospel music has been described as spiritual music to help uplift you and overcoming pain and struggles. At the same time, rhythm and blues tells a story of heart ache, finding love and being very emotional. However, both are emotional nonetheless. Despite some differences on the surface, gospel music and RB are actually lot alike in the sense they constantly reinvent themselves and continue to grow worldwide. Gospel music is very soulful just like RB and can make you feel good and take you toRead MoreThe Legacy Of Soul Music1509 Words   |  7 PagesSoul is a music genre that over five decades or so remains very popular in the music industry. This may be due to the fact that soul has had a huge impact upon other genres. Shuker defines soul as a â€Å"secular version of gospel, soul was the major black musical form of the 1960s and 1970s and remained evident in various hybrid styles since, for e xample, contemporary neo-soul and soul jazz (312). The history of soul music is notable for producing a range of artists who have assisted African-AmericanRead More african american religious music Essay2297 Words   |  10 PagesAfrican American religious music is the foundation of all contemporary forms of so called â€Å"black music.† African American religious music has been a fundamental part of the black experience in this country. This common staple of the African American experience can be traced back to the cruel system of slavery. It then evolved into what we refer to today as gospel music. The goal of this paper is to answer three main questions. What are the origins of African American religious music? How did this musical