European Union †Organic Baby Food Market

European Union – Organic Baby Food Market Free Online Research Papers THE EUROPEAN UNION The EU consists currently of 27 member countries, which are in yellow. The blue indicates countries that either have special arrangements with the EU, or are on the way to becoming a member state. The EU countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The EU has over 23 recognised national languages spoken. This could be a considerable problem for the happy baby food company as each country would require different labelling in their own language, which involves translating and reprinting per area this could prove to be costly. We would recommend having split prints on each jar of the 4 most spoken languages which are English, French, Spanish, and German. German is the most widely spoken mother tongue as it is the official language of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and this covers 19% of the EU population. However, English is considered to be the most widely spoken language, which is about 49% of the population. The way in which the EU was created means there is a legal superstructure which governs other all member countries. Once a law is created member states are expected to introduce into their own legal system. This is a good thing for Happy Baby food as it means most likely once allowed into one country the rest should not be a problem. The EU has a trading mark called the CE which once given means that you product has met EU consumer safety, health or environmental requirements. It is estimated that the population of the EU will increase to 491,582,852 by July 2009 and the population is growing at the rate of 0.108%. The population of children age 0-14 years is 15.44% of the total population, which is approximately 75,900,000. Within this age group there are 38,975,981 males and 36,925,704 females. This means that happy baby food has a potential of gaining a large market share in the EU. Internally, the EU goals are to lower trade barriers between member states, adopt a common currency (Euro) and to move toward convergence of living standard. By having a common currency will make it easier for happy baby food as it does not have to deal with currency exchange. Internationally, the EU is aiming to strengthen Europe’s trade position and its political and economic power. However, because of the huge differences in per capita income between member states ($7,000 to $69,000) and historic national animosities, the EU has been facing some difficulties in devising and enforcing common policies and this could be a problem for happy baby food as it will need to follow the laws and policies of each individual country. The total GDP of the EU is $14.82 trillion in 2008, an increase of $0.16 trillion from previous year. The GDP per capita is $33,400 in 2008, which means that consumers are most likely to be able to afford to buy products from happy baby food. However, Happy Baby Food will need to look at individual country to find out their GDP per capita as some member states will be poorer than others. Also, this is most likely to affect the pricing of happy baby food. DEMOGRAPH: The demographics of the European Union show a highly populated, culturally diverse union of 27 member states. As of 1 January 2009, the population of the EU was about 499.7 million people. Many countries are expected to experience a decline in population over the coming decades, though this could be offset with new countries planning to join the EU within the next 20 years. The most populous member state is Germany, with an estimated 82.1 million people, and the least populous member state is Malta with 0.4 million. Birth rates in the EU are low with the average woman having 1.5 children. The highest birth-rates are found in the Republic of Ireland with 14.33 births per thousand people per year and France with 12.73 births per thousand people per year. Germany has the lowest birth rate in Europe with 8.18 births per thousand people per year. The EU faces challenges in its demographic future. Most concerns centre around two related issues; an ageing population, and overall population decline. The 2006 birth rate is 10 births per 1000 population, while the death rate is 10.1 deaths per 1000 people, making 2006 the first time in modern (non war) history where more people have died in Europe than were born. The total fertility rate is an internationally low 1.47 children born per female,] where fertility rates above 2 per female are generally needed to maintain the current population. These figures mean the population of the EU is expected to decrease, while also suggesting the average age of European society will grow ever higher. While this decline in population could be halted by allowing substantial immigration into the EU, this remains a difficult solution that many refuse to accept. A low fertility rate means retirement age workers are not entirely replaced by younger workers joining the workforce. The EU faces a potential future dominated by an ever-increasing population of retired citizens, without enough younger workers to fund (via taxes) retirement programs or other state welfare agendas. A low fertility rate, without supplement from immigration, also suggests a declining overall EU population, which further suggests economic contraction or even a possible economic crisis. While some media have noted the baby crisis in the EU, and some governments have noted the problem, the UN and other multinational authorities continue to warn of an impending crisis. STATISTICS: Age structure: (2006 est.) 0–14 years: 16.03% (male 37,608,010/female 35,632,351) 15–64 years: 67.17% (male 154,439,536/female 152,479,619) 65 years and over: 16.81% (male 31,515,921/female 45,277,821) Birth rate: 10.5 births/1,000 population 2005 Death rate: 9.6 deaths/1,000 population 2005 Net migration rate: 3.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population 2005 Marriage rate: 4.8 marriages/1,000 population 2005 Divorce rate: 2.0 divorces/1,000 population 2005 Sex ratio: (2006 est.) at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15–64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and older: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 2005 total: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births male: female: Life expectancy: 2005 total population: 78.9 years male: 75.8 years female: 81.9 years Total fertility rate: 1.43 children born/woman 2008 Live Births outside marriage: 33.0% of total live births 2005 MARRIAGE RATE DIVORCE RATE Caption: Life expectancy at birth for men and women in the EU-25 (1962–2004) Men Women 1962 67.2 72.9 1972 68.6 75.0 1982 70.3 77.2 1992 72.2 79.1 2002 74.8 81.1 2004 75.6 81.7 European Organic Food Market Growing consumer awareness about health issues and the potential benefits of a healthy diet, mixed with concerns about genetic engineering, have created an expanding market for natural and organic products. A look at the Mintel Global New Products Database reveals the European food industry is reacting to this increasing demand, with a number of new and interesting products appearing on the supermarket shelves in recent months After starting out as a niche market in the 1990s the organic baby food industry is now mainstream, worth more than  £150 million, as more parents say no to pesticides. The presence of pesticide residues is of particular concern in baby foods as infants have a much larger food intake per unit of body weight than adults, which means they potentially absorb more toxins Organic baby food is in vogue because parents everywhere want healthy, safe food for their children, and they are willing to pay for it. Organic baby food manufacturers prominently mention the fact that their products are free of commercial pesticides, a significant concern with conventionally grown produce. A January 2006 analysis by Consumer Reports, a US organization, concluded: â€Å"For those wanting to limit their childrens exposure to the pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and other toxins found in some nonorganic products, organic baby food should be purchased as often as possible.† European Market, Brands, Label The European baby food market is toddling along as well, but the growth in organic baby foods is not as dramatic as in the US. The French are the worlds largest consumers of baby foods, buying about 95 kilos of baby food per year, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Theyre followed by consumers in Germany. Two companies are battling it out for European organic baby food market share: Germany’s HiPP and the UK’s Organix. HiPP, the European leader according to TNS, says it pioneered organic baby food. The Organix brand, â€Å"Goodies,† won the 2007/2008 Mother Baby award for â€Å"Best Baby Food.† In Germany, Holle competes with HiPP. The UK has a rash of organic baby food brands, including Fresh Daisy, So Baby and Truuuly Scrumptious. The reason that have made Organix Brand â€Å"Goodies† number one is the effective CRM after selling of the product. As it is obviously seen in the table below, ratings are directly related with ethical concerns’ level in each of the brand. If we are to compare the brands, we should give Hipp’s creating value by giving information with each product. In every Hipp Organic food product, it wrotes behing the package as: Please Note: The formulation of HiPP milk formulas has been changed in line with the new EC Directive and UK Regulations for infant and follow-on formulas which came into force last year. These changes have resulted in the powders having different densities and therefore the size of the scoops have changed. It is therefore important that you use the scoop included within the pack. HiPP Organic Infant milk is a nutritionally complete infant milk, providing the nourishment a baby needs from birth onwards. HiPP Organic Infant milk is intended to replace breastmilk when mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed. It is recommended that it is used only on the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist. Numico, a Dutch brand is regarded as the market leader in producing organic foods for EU. Table 4 European Organic Food brands Source: www.ethiscore.org, The higher the rating, the more ethical the brand. USDAs National Organic Program accredits certifiers and they, in turn, certify organic producers and processors. Other terms found on food labels, such as natural, free-range, and hormone-free, dont mean organic. Only food that has been certified to meet the USDA organic standards can be legally labeled organic. Company has met the standards required by USDA which are Baby food labeled USDA organic must meet standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture and be at least 95 percent organic, meaning that all but 5 percent of the content was produced without conventional pesticides and fertilizers. Organic food cant be irradiated (a one-time exposure to radiation intended to kill pathogens such as salmonella, listeria, or E. coli), genetically modified (a technique that alters a plants DNA), or produced with hormones or antibiotics. Animals used in meat products must be fed organically grown feed The profile of the consumer across the EU is changing with less stereo-typical consumer now consuming organics although, in the UK, just 8% of consumers account for over 60% of organic consumption. Even the largest players in the organic foods market seem to have a relatively poorly developed understanding of what really motivates the organic consumer and what might encourage them to buy organic products on a more regular basis and how sensitive they really are to price issues. There is evidence to suggest that consumers are becoming increasingly unsure as to what constitutes organic per se. Regulations on entering EU market from the US A consolidated, legal set of rules for organic farming and processing based on Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 exists and is considered a strength of organic farming policy in a large number of countries as it serves to protect organic farming and to safeguard consumers’ trust. This set of rules is supported by a well established and reliable inspection and certification system, which is also considered an asset of organic farming policy most countries involved. In these countries, the organic inspection and certification system seems to be credible among farmers and consumers. To communicate this credence the existence of one strong organic label is considered a merit of policy and an advantage for consumers as they are not confused by several labels. In the U.S., the 1990 Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) required that USDA establish national standards for U.S. organic products. The three goals of OFPA were to (1) establish standards for marketing organically produced products, (2) assure consumers that organic products meet a consistent standard, and (3) facilitate interstate commerce. The legislation targeted environmental quality by requiring that an organic production plan pay attention to soil fertility and regulate manure application to prevent water contamination. It also included environmental and human health criteria to evaluate materials used in organic production. Along with the USDA organic logo, the USDA National Organic Standards (NOS) were implemented on October 21, 2002, replacing the prior patchwork system of State organic standards . Both the EU and U.S. rely on accredited agents to certify organic farmers and handlers. The EU system is more complicated, largely because member states have some latitude as to how they approve and supervise certifying entities, resulting in a great deal of diversity among the states. A national authority from each member state certifies that organic products comply with EU law. These bodies, in turn, approve other entities that are allowed to certify organic production and handling processes. Most member states have government-approved private certification bodies, but some have public member state certification. In addition, some member states and certifiers have additional public or private standards, as well as standards for products not covered under the EU Regulation, such as fish and nonfood agricultural products. Some certifiers require stricter standards than those of the EU legislation. As a result, not all EU certificates are acceptable to each certification body. In cont rast, in the U.S., agents are accredited by USDA to carry out organic certification, and the certification process is well defined so that all farmers and handlers are certified according to the same standard. In December 2006, the federal government announced a unified regulation plan, after the European Union had threatened to ban Canadian produce. The Organic Products Regulations come into full force Dec. 14, 2008 The Canadian General Standards Board has published a substantial list of substances or techniques that are forbidden in either the production or handling stages, if a product is to earn the Canada Organic label. They include: All materials and products produced from genetic engineering. Synthetic pesticides, wood preservatives or other pesticides, except as specified in CAN/CGSB-32.31. Fertilizer or composted plant and animal material that contains a prohibited substance. Sewage sludge used as a soil amendment. Synthetic growth regulators. Synthetic allopathic veterinary drugs, including antibiotics and parasiticides, except as specified in this standard. Synthetic processing substances, aids and ingredients, and food additives and processing aids including sulphates, nitrates and nitrites, except as specified in CAN/CGSB-32.311. Ionizing radiation and forms of irradiation on products destined for food. Equipment, packaging materials and storage containers or bins that contain a synthetic fungicide, preservative or fumigant. Canadas biggest organic cash crop is wheat, half of which is exported to Europe. Most of the rest goes to the United States, which has had government regulations on organic farming for several years. The EU has also adopted tougher regulations on organic imports. After 2006, only countries on a list of those meeting EU guidelines have been allowed to sell their products in Europe. Canada was not on that list. The updated Canadian regulations were designed to allow access to the European market PACKAGING LABELING REGULATIONS IN ORGANIC FOOD MARKET IN EU Packaging Labelling Article 24 of 834/2007 provides that where a product is described as organic (that is at least 95% of its agricultural ingredients have been produced organically) the packaging (or tickets or labels at point of sale where products are sold loose) must carry an EU organic logo and a declaration of origin as specified in Article 24 of 834/2007. If less than 95% of the content of agricultural ingredients of a product has been produced organically the logo cannot be used. The logo may be used on products imported from third countries which comply with the 95% rule but it is not compulsory for such products. However, where third country organic products carry the EU logo they must also carry the declaration of origin. However, the operation of the provision of Article 24 on the logo and the declaration of origin has been deferred until 31 July 2010 pending the European Commission finalising a design for an appropriate EU organic logo . Packaging which complies with Council Regulation 2092/91 may continue to be used until 1 January 2012 provided that the product otherwise complies with the requirements of 834/2007 Research Papers on European Union - Organic Baby Food MarketAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropePETSTEL analysis of IndiaPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyQuebec and CanadaAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Definition of Export QuotasThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This Nice19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided Era

Georg Hegel Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Georg Hegel - Research Paper Example He saw the problems that were prevalent in Scotland and England and considered whether these problems could be avoided in Germany. In addition, he showed concern as to what had happened to the European promise of enlightenment. Because of Germany’s perceived backwardness, Hegel was able to see a distinctive angle to most of these questions. After studying the works of the Scots, he contended that the two countries were outside and inside a developing civil society. Vital for him was a comparison with an idealized view of the Polis in Greece where there was harmony contrasted with the modern world’s discord (Hegel 85). Hegel was particularly enamored with Ferguson who had pointed out clear parallels between the Greek Polis, the Native North Americans, and the Scottish highland clans, which Hegel found to contrast with civil society favorably. Hegel, rather than choosing to ignore the bourgeois class’ repulsive forms that were appearing throughout the continent, ch ose to reconcile these with humanity and its advance to freedom. 2. Does Hegel see reality as static or dynamic Hegel disputes reality’s static nature as proposed by Aristotle, choosing to view it as essentially dynamic. This was because reality tends to pass into nothing by its nature, before going back in the higher concept of itself and becoming again (Hegel 87). This contrasts with Aristotle’s view that nothing was ever more certain than what was the same as itself and that everything was the exact way it was. If that would be a table, according to Aristotle that was the entire truth of the table. However, for Hegel, reality was dynamic and another truth was equally essential about the table; it will become ashes and was previously a tree. Therefore, dynamism and becoming is reality’s best expression, rather than being. Becoming is the best expression of thought since when we become, we get the best knowledge, especially because one knows what it is, what it was, and what the thing will be and the way in which it developed. Hegel contends that mind and life appear when one advances in the development scale, just like nothing and being develop to become, to appear as the process’ third term, which, in turn, develops to higher concepts and forms (Hegel 87). 3. Give an example of the Hegelian Dialectic Hegel gave an outline of his dialectics and gave its purpose as the study of things as they are, as well as their movement, in order to give a demonstration of the finite nature of partial understanding categories. An important principle in his dialectics was the transformation of quantity into quality (Hegel 89). Hegel termed this as a measure, which is the qualitative amount and the amount is quantity’s existence. The identity that exists between quality and quantity that is in the measure is only implicit at first. The two categories that are united by measure have a different and independent authority. While it is possible to alter the existing features of quantity sans any effect of on quality, the diminution and increase, even if immaterial, has limits that when exceeded causes the quality to suffer. When the present quantity in a specific measure goes past a particular limit, the corresponding quality will also suffer. However, it does not negate quality, only definite quality. Hegel uses water’s aggregation whose temperature is not a consequence

How Far Do You Agree That Video Games have had a Negative Effect on Essay

How Far Do You Agree That Video Games have had a Negative Effect on Society - Essay Example This paper declares that Healthy mind needs a healthy body which means that there needs to be certain level of balance in life. A person needs proper outdoor activity as to refresh his mind and make it energetic to handle what life has to offer. This is the traditional concept of games and health that has been successful for ages. Video Games totally negate this aspect and physical activity is totally lost in the whole process of so called ‘fun’. This report makes a conclusion that various model of gaming software’s are especially designed for this purpose. Moreover if properly controlled, this can be a good sporting and informative event for a child provided that proper choices are being made. This side of this is sadly limited in today’s world and is mostly used only for promotion in television advertisements. Just like everything else, Video games have a bright side and a dark side but as shown with various dimensions above that its negative aspects totally over dominate the positive side. It is advised to keep a proper check on this and this should never be allowed as the sole source of entertainment. No one can deny the importance of physical activity. For a person’s mind and body, half an hour running every day is far better than playing videos games for couple of hours. This seems to be high time we promote strong family ties, better physical health and lead a health and progressive life rather tha n being dominated by technology.

Plagiarism research Essay Example for Free

Plagiarism research Essay Introduction: The irresponsible illustration of others’ thoughts, words or point of views without the acknowledgment of the person from whose ideas it has been taken is called Plagiarism. Thus it is also using of others’ ideas and pretending to be the writers’ own. For understanding the meaning of plagiarism, it is helpful for understanding the creating and sharing of thoughts and views in an institution. The knowledge which we acquire is related and built from the knowledge gained previously. The knowledge which is gained is from others’ ideas and from that we create our own ides. While writing to the instructor about it, it is necessary to differentiate the new and your own ideas and the ideas of the people which are the building block. This distinction is made by giving credit by citing the source from which it has been taken. While citing a source, we are actually giving the reader the proof of the expert’s ideas. Wherever others ideas are used without the appropriate citation of source, plagiarism occurs. Plagiarism checker is applied to any of the work performed formally in any academic or scholarly medium or discipline. (Alex P, 2002) So for avoiding the involuntary plagiarism, we are supposed to develop the practice of giving acknowledging and saying gratitude to the original source Plagiarism can be avoided by only using others ideas and theories and expressing them as your own, quoting directly the exact wordings of the original source and paraphrasing all the ideas, point of views, theories, which are expressed in words either written or oral. It can also be avoided by citing sources while writing a report or completing the final project or using of the figures, facts and other statistical data by citing the actual source. Since the word plagiarism is come from the Latin word means kidnapping, thus plagiarism is stealing or kidnapping others thoughts and ideas. So others’ thoughts and words should not be taken for granted since they are their personal property and if used, then should be acknowledged. Stealing others ideas and replicating those ideas and then presenting those ideas as our own without giving any credit to the person whose ideas are taken is dishonesty and unethical, since we are using it for our own means. Thus any form of plagiarism is termed as cheating and it is strongly condemned and is not accepted anywhere. If someone steals others ideas as your own then it means that he is not capable of expressing his ideas and he has no thoughts of his own, or his ideas are not as worthy as others ideas. Thus stealing involves not only stealing others but also ourselves. (Ann, 2005). By this, plagiarist shows that he is unable to express his own ideas thus by plagiarism one is depending himself or herself with the ideas of others. In any organization the plagiarist is exposed to costly lawsuits to his employer. By this, plagiarist shows that he is unable to express his own ideas thus by plagiarism one is depending himself or herself with the ideas of others. In any organization the plagiarist is exposed to costly lawsuits to his employer. As a consequence plagiarism is a kind of fraud and thus no employee will be hired by an employer if his honesty is being doubted. Thus one gives self harm and also harms others and gives disrespect to others. If one understands plagiarism and still commits it the he is violating the integrity of others as well as of himself. References Kellogg, Alex P. (2002). Students plagiarize online less than many think, a new study finds. Chronicle of Higher Education, V. 48 Issue 23, p. A44 Lathrop, Ann, and Kathleen Foss. (2005). Guiding Students from Cheating and Plagiarism to Honesty and Integrity: Strategies for Change. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Compare and Contrast Death of a Naturalist, An Advancement of Learning

Compare and Contrast Death of a Naturalist, An Advancement of Learning and The Early Purges. In this essay I am going to discuss ‘Death of a Naturalist’, ‘An Advancement of Learning’ and ‘The Early Purges’ by Seamus Heaney. I will focus on the similarities and differences between these poems in terms of what they are about, their language and themes. The first out of the three poems by Heaney that I have studied is ‘Death of a Naturalist’. This poem is about Heaney as a young child, exploring a field. He comes across frogspawn and remembers when his teacher would tell him about how the â€Å"Daddy frog was called a bull frog†, â€Å"and how the mammy frog laid hundreds of little eggs and this was frogspawn†. Heaney then writes about when he used to steal the frog spawn and put it into a jam jar for school, and how he would watch them grow into tadpoles. When he finishes describing what he did, Heaney starts a new stanza. The mood changes in stanza in this stanza. Heaney describes the frogs as angry, and that they were croaking in a way he had never heard; â€Å"The air was thick with a bass chorus.† Heaney claims in the poem, that the frogs were angry at him for stealing the frogspawn when he was younger. Heaney â€Å"sickened, turned and ran.† The second poem entitled â€Å"An Advancement of Learning†. This poem is about Heaney taking a walk along an embankment and coming across a rat that was crawling out of the river. Heaney writes â€Å"I turned down the path in cold sweat†. However he comes across another rat. Heaney claims that the rat was staring at him, â€Å"insidiously listening†. He describes the rat having â€Å"raindrop† eyes. Heaney stares back at the rat – â€Å"forgetting how he used to panic† when he lived on a farm. The rat â€Å"... ... In conclusion, the main similarities between the three poems are in the language used. By this I mean that of particular phrases such as war words and the usage of similes and alliteration and the fact that they are all about animals and fear. The main differences are that â€Å"The Early Purges† is a different structure to the other two poems. I have learnt about parts of Seamus Heaney’s childhood and his coping with fear. I have also learnt different techniques to use in poems, for example alliteration. I have enjoyed the excitement Heaney builds up in each poem. My favourite poem is â€Å"An Advancement of Learning† because I can understand and picture everything Heaney describes. Also it is my most preferred poem due to the fact I can relate to confronting a fear and not having a path to turn to and then the fear swam away from me, so I can relate to the story.

Perceptual Maps in Marketing Simulation Summary Essay

Perceptual maps help to improve a company’s current product on the market by mapping consumer expectation of the product. The motorcycle company Thorr Motors perceptual maps were used to create a marketing plan to aid in maintaining a high brand image of their motorcycles. The Marketing Dictionary defines perceptual maps as a â€Å"process by which consumers’ perceptions of an existing product are charted† (n.d., para. 1). In this paper the three phases of the simulation, the situation, recommended solution, and results will be discussed. In addition there will be a discussion on relationship between differentiation and positioning of products or services and the impact of the product life cycle on marketing. Phase I (2Ãâ€"01)Sales of the Cruiser Thorr are decreasing. This is so because the Cruiser Thorr’s target consumers are aging and their tastes have begun to outgrow the lifestyle that Cruiser Thorr symbolizes. In addition to this issue, younger consumers are more interested in lower priced motorcycles due to their lower personal disposable incomes and they do not indentify with Cruiser Thorr’s lifestyle image. This scenario wanted to determine the Cruiser Thor’s position in the market by choosing four relevant parameters that will reflect the highest potential. For phase I the parameters that were chosen were lifestyle image, services offered, price, and quality engineering. Lifestyle image was chosen since the image for the Cruiser Thorr was being outgrown by the aging target audience and was not identifiable with younger consumers. Since the Cruiser Thorr’s lifestyle image is set very high any vital information gathered will be highly useful to maintain that level of image so that it satisfies both an older and younger audience. Services offered was another parameter chosen because compared to their competitors the services offered by the Cruiser Thorr are limited. The more frills a product comes with, the more it may heighten the desire for it. The third parameter that was chosen was price. Price was chosen because for many consumers price is one of the most important factors in making a buying decision. Furthermore, it was stated earlier that younger consumers were more interested in lower priced motorcycles. Finding out how much is too much as well as how low can you go without diluting brand image will be important in determining the  appropriate price tag to spark consumer interest. The last parameter chosen was quality engineering. This was chosen because of the fact that the Cruiser Thorr will not be able to maintain a high brand image without this feature (University of Phoenix, 2004). The decision to use lifestyle image, services offered, price, and quality engineering were the appropriate parameters to use. The parameters that were chosen were fundamental to the perceptual map and gave the best perspective as opposed to the other options. Phase II The position of the Cruiser Thorr is determined by the perceptual map and this position has not helped sales. This scenario calls for the marketing manager to create a marketing plan that will either reposition the Cruiser Thorr or launch a new motorcycle. Upon researching threats and weaknesses of Thorr Motorcycles, the decision was made to launch a new motorcycle, the RRoth, which will grab the attention of younger consumers. With the new launch the marketing mix needed to be determined. The price for the new RRoth was set between $13,000 and $15,000. This price range was chosen because earlier surveys conducted showed that the younger consumers were more interested in lower priced motorcycles. The types of promotions chosen were sponsored events at Daytona, offering insurance and protection plans, free test rides, publicize through Hollywood films, and providing giveaway merchandise. These were all chosen because of the high amount of appeal these types of promotional methods would have on younger consumers. The places chosen to promote the RRoth were the internet (Manufacturer’s Web site), Dealers, and Distributors. These options were chosen because of the accessibility to younger consumers, especially the internet. The services chosen were training to dealers, customization options, and financial services. Training to dealers was chosen so that the dealers can provide detailed and accurate information about the products sold. Customization options were chosen because this would add to the cool and youthful image of the RRoth. Financial services were chosen because the younger consumers indicated an interest in financing options. Choosing to launch a new motorcycle turned out to be a good decision. The marketing mix options chosen were the most optimal for the formulation of a differentiation strategy. Phase III It has been a year since the marketing plan was implemented and it is now time to determine if the plans have or have not been a success. Consumer perceptions of the Cruiser Thorr and the RRoth have been surveyed and a perceptual map will show whether or not the marketing activities have been a success. The marketing manager has to interpret market research to plot brand attributes of Cruiser Thorr. In addition, attributes relevant to the RRoth need to be chosen and interpreted to create RRoth’s perceptual map. The Cruiser Thorr was rated in lifestyle image at 9 because initially this was rated very high. A nine would be most appropriate. For price a rate of 4 was chosen because consumers saw this particular motorcycle as pricey compared to other brands. A rating of 4 or 5 would be appropriate. Services offered are rated at a 7 because services for the Cruiser Thorr is limited compared to competitors but were revamped because of consumer response. A rating of 7 is most appropriate. Quality engineering was rated at 8 because consumers think that Cruiser Thorr’s engine is the best. A rating of 8 is very appropriate. The RRoth was rated at a 7 for lifestyle image because like other Thorr motorcycles consumers are already considering it a status symbol. The rating chosen was the appropriate choice. Price was rated at 8 because the RRoth is cheaper than the Cruiser Thorr in order to target a younger consumer. An 8 rating is appropriate. Cool was chosen for the RRoth because of the younger audience and a rating of 8 was chosen. A rating of 8 was most appropriate. Relationship between differentiation and positioning of products or servicesDifferentiation of product is according to Investopedia â€Å"a marketing process that showcases the differences between products† (Investopedia, .n.d., para. 1). Positioning of products is â€Å"the consumer perception of a product or service as compared to its competition† (Lake, n.d., para. 1). The relationship is that in order for a company to be a leader in that particular industry not only do they have to differentiate themselves from  the competition, but they must also secure a position in the market that when consumers needs need to be met, that company will be number one on the list in consumer’s minds. The repositioning of the product in the simulation is what I had expected. It was expected because one of the main issues was the changing perceptions of the consumers and there was nothing wrong with the physical product. Tastes were changing but the product was still of high quality. Like many companies they offered a fresh new product and for Thorr Motorcycles this attracted younger consumers. But they did not totally scrap efforts on the Cruiser Thorr and worked on revamping the image. Product Life Cycle The impact the product life cycle has on marketing is that business need to plan their products around the product life cycle. Knowing where the product is on the cycle, marketing strategies can be adjusted to maintain profitability. â€Å"A particular firm’s marketing mix usually must change during the product life cycle† (Perreault et al, 2004, pg. 270). In the simulation the Cruiser Thorr was in the decline stage of the life cycle as their sales were declining rapidly. The declining sales were because the older audience’s tastes were outgrowing the Cruiser Thorr and younger consumers were put off by the high price. Because Cruiser Thorr was in decline stage, a new motorcycle, the RRoth was introduced to the life cycle and aimed at a different target group to revamp sales and consumer perception. ConclusionThe perceptual map helped to determine consumer expectations for Thorr Motorcycles. Precise parameters were determined to hone in on exactly what they wanted and expected from the company. This ultimately is what enabled Thorr Motorcycles to reposition consumer perceptions back to where Thorr motors wanted. In this paper the three phases of the simulation, the situation, recommended solution, and results were discussed. In addition there was a discussion on relationship between differentiation and positioning of products or services and the impact of the product life cycle on marketing. References: Differentiation. (n.d.). Definition. Retrieved on February 16, 2008  from,http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/product_differentiation.aspLake, L. (n.d.). Product Positioning Definition. Retrieved on February 16, 2008 from,http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingglossary/g/prodpostdef.htmPerceptual mapping. (n.d.). Dictionary of Marketing Terms. Retrieved February 16,2008, from Answers.com Web site:http://www.answers.com/topic/perceptual-mappingPerreault, W.D., & McCarthy, E.J. (2004). Basic Marketing: A Global-ManagerialApproach. McGraw-Hill CompaniesUniversity of Phoenix. (2006). General Marketing. Retrieved February 16, 2008, fromUniversity of Phoenix, Resource, Simulation, MKT421-Marketing Web site:https://mycampus.phoenix.edu/secure/resource/vendors/tata/UBAMsims/general_marketing/general_marketing_perceptual_maps_simulation.html

Santa Fe High School Shooting - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 667 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/03/19 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Gun Control Essay Did you like this example? On May 18, 2018, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, a 17-year-old student at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas, United States, fired a shotgun into the school. As a consequently, eight students and two teachers was death and at least thirteen others were wounded (Texas high school shooting). Actually, there were so many mass shootings in USA, but authorities have been not solutions to prevent that happen. Americans believe that gun ownership can protect them and prevent crimes, so it drives laws easy to own a gun. However, about 30 studies show that more guns are linked to more crimes: murders, rapes, and other (More guns do not stop more crimes). So many evidences proved more guns will get more dangerous. Why do Americans still own guns? Should firearms be restricted to civilians? Gun violence could have more decrease with some stricter laws. States should create laws to prevent civilians to keep guns at home, should be created laws to have strongly charge gun owners negligent stores guns, create strongly laws and regulations which prohibited to carry firearm to public spaces. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Santa Fe High School Shooting" essay for you Create order States should create laws to prevent civilians to keep guns at home. Many Americans belief that possess a gun in home can help them get more protection. However, a gun in house led to use in homicide, suicide, or unintentional shooting. Indeed, owning a firearm in house can get more risk of accident that can lead to tragic death. If people who possess guns lost their control in their anger, instead of calm down, they can use gun to injured or killed the others. According some research, in almost half of unintentional shooting deaths (49 percent), the victim is shot by another person. In virtually all of these cases, the shooter and victim knew each other (Hemenway, p. 1184). People own guns in their family can get more dangerous for their family life. States also should be created laws to have strongly charge gun owners negligent stores guns. Some studies show that at least 285 children got ahold of a gun and inadvertently shot themselves or someone else in 2017 (Guns in the Home). That was consequence of their parents who had not safe stored, loaded, and unlocked their guns. In addition, due to accessing unsecured guns at home, adolescents have high risk get accidents or suicide. According to a study, the USA has about 78 children, teens, and young adults who are injured or killed by guns every day (Guns in the Home). These accidents could be prevented if states had laws that criminal charges against the negligent parents. We need strongly laws and regulation which prohibited to carry firearm to public spaces. On 1 October, 2017, instead of more enjoyed and excited, the country music festival in Las Vegas was become bloodshed. 59 people were killed and at least 527 others were injured in the deadliest mass shooting (Las Vegas shooting). This accident might not have occurred if the gun owner was strictly controlled. It is unimaginable that many lives were taken by a gun owner. Therefore, the case of mass shooting in Las Vegas could have prevented earlier or reduce the damage if we need a regulation to prohibited gun carry in public places. Moreover, the guns were hold in car also causes of gun violence. Some evidence shows that drivers with guns drive more aggressively. In this case, the evidence shows the danger of guns in public. Opponents say that people should be allowed to possess guns for self-defense and protection of property. Granted, sometimes guns may have proved to be a useful. However, sometimes in an effort to protect life and property, the gun owners may lose life because a simple robbery may become fatal as in the case where a robber may grab your gun and kill you, or a child may set off the gun by accident. To conclude, if gun control laws is not adjusted to tight restrictions, the victim of gun violence will still continue to increase each year. In fact, guns will not keep us safe, but more dangerous.