Non profit organizations Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Non profit organizations - Research Paper Example Non-Profit Organizations Every firm is driven by a motive. The early stages of business school usually teach students only about one such motive, which is profit. They learn the marketing strategies, management techniques, and accounting methods as required by profit-driven organizations, because such firms make up majority of the firms in existence today. There is, however, a whole other side of business, which involves in running a business for reasons other than profit. The reason may be to collect charity, provide a social service or to bring together a certain community of people (Anheier, 2005). These organizations are non-profit organizations, and carry out their operations and procedure very differently than those carried out by profit-driven firms. Non-profit organizations operate for the good of community usually, instead of any personal interests, which are why they are not required to pay taxes on their incomes to the government (Holland & Rivto, 2008). The money they ear n is not called profit, but income, and they are not allowed to distribute this income amongst owners or other stakeholders; instead, they have to invest that income back into the organization, in order to accomplish the mission that the organization revolves around. For example, a cancer research organization will work on raising funds through donations and fund-raisers, which it will then invest in research to find the cure for cancer. Any money it raises that is left over after their expenses have been covered, will all be invested in research once again, and will not be claimed by any party as ‘profits’. Non-profit organizations typically take up causes, which they feel are important but not given the required attention by the government or those responsible. These motives can include a variety of causes (Holland & Rivto, 2008). One common example is organizations aiming to conduct research on highly dangerous diseases with no known cure, such as AIDS or cancer, in order to find a cure and decrease the number of sufferers per year. This includes organizations such as AKDN, founded with the aim to continue research to find the cure for social, cultural, and economic poverty. Other examples include those organizations who are dedicated to preserving some form of nature before the constant industrialization and reckless treatment of animals and their habitats leads to their extinction. Examples of such organizations and societies are those who aim to prevent the extinction of animals, which are dying off, such as rare birds or insects such as WWF, the World Wide Fund for Nature. Other types of non-profit organizations are those firms, which work to provide a service to the community, which they feel that it needs but is incapable of providing for it, or a service, which they feel the government should be providing to the community but is not. This includes organizations that provide scholarship funds to deserving students who cannot afford educat ion. They also include organizations, which form schools and similar organizations for special children belonging to poor families who cannot afford to enroll them in proper institutions, which will cater to their needs and educate them in the manner that they require, such as different societies for rehabilitation of special children. These are all a few examples of the many

Analysis Of McDonalds Corporations

Analysis Of McDonalds Corporations In this report, thorough analysis of McDonalds Corporations position strategies has been design on the basis of the given contexts. Two different topics have been given to discuss in this case. The first topic focuses on the environmental factors that may affect McDonalds business. This topic has been addressed by six different factors which may broadly affect the business of McDonalds. Specific focus has been given to each factor and minute issued have been addressed in our discussion. It has been tried to give a comprehensive analysis of all the relevant ideas regarding this topic to make a reasonable discussion. The second topic given has been focused on the recent strategic stands taken by McDonalds. It has been asked to identify the pros and cons related to these strategies. The discussion has been done to create a comprehensive commentary about the pros and cons of each strategy. Every strategy has been evaluated on the basis of their individual merits. The subjects are quite sensitive and have specific implications to the business of McDonalds. in order to identify advantages and disadvantages each strategy has been clearly scrutinized. It has been tried to provide valid and reasonable remarks about these strategies. At the end, some relevant ideas have been presented to provide a more understandings of these issues. The entire report has been done with a reasonable understanding about the issues in question and all other factors relevant to the study. Introduction This study has been done to provide a reasonable understanding about business policy and strategic management development. McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is known as the worlds largest chain of fast-food restaurants, serving approximately 47 million customers daily. Once it was the largest global restaurant chain, but it has since been exceeded by multi-brand operator Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell and others) and sandwich chain Subway. Every McDonalds restaurant is run by a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. Its revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees. It also earns form sales in company-operated restaurants. From the accounting records we can see that McDonalds revenues grew 27% over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9% growth in operating income to $3.9 billion. Generally McDonalds sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken products, French Fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes, and desserts. Now-a-days, in order to respond to the obesity trends in western nations and in the face of criticism over the healthiness of its products, the company has modified its menu to include such healthier alternatives as salads, wraps and fruit. McDonalds began its business in 1940, with a restaurant opened by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California. They have introduced the Speedee Service System in 1948, which established the principles of the modern fast-food restaurant. A man with a chefs hat on top of a hamburger shaped head was the original mascot of McDonalds. The name mascot was Speedee. Ronald McDonald replaced Speedee in 1967 when the company first filed a U.S. trademark on a clown shaped man having a puffed out costume legs. McDonalds opened its first restaurant in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, France, El Salvador and Sweden in order of openings. Objective of the report: This report is prepared to gain a broad idea about business strategy formulation and evaluation of these strategies. It is also done to understand the different influences the environmental factors have on the operations of a Multination Corporation. Major objectives of the report are to: Provide a conclusive idea about business environment of McDonalds Understand the impacts and implications of changing environmental factors Gain reasonable perception about strategy formulation Achieve realistic insights about strategy evaluation Attain a thorough knowledge about pointing out the pros and cons of different strategies Methodology of the Report The research methodology is the complete techniques that we will follow to conduct the research. So, we can describe the methodology in the following steps: Data Collection Present information was collected from two sources: Primary Source: Primary data of this report was collected by means of questioning of McDonalds employees and operational managers. Secondary Source As secondary source I adopt some text book on Marketing, Management and also some websites. Data Collection Method Observation: Since the report was descriptive in nature data being analyzed conceptually. Limitations: The field level survey was missing in some areas of our study due to some practical constrains. Question 1: Environmental factors impacting upon McDonalds: As a leading fast food restaurant in the world, environmental factors in different countries are crucial considerations for McDonalds. Following discussion focuses on the environmental issues of relevant to the business of the firm. General environmental factors impacting on a corporations business: If generalization is used, for a multinational corporation, following factors can be identified as major issues: Demographic Geographic Economic Socio-cultural Technological Political-legal These factors have serious implications for any Multinational company. Detailed discussions of these factors are given below: 1. Demographic environment: Demographic environment, which can be defined as the environment consisting of factors related to age, sex, gender, education level, marital status, occupation, religion, birth and death rate, average size of the family, average age of marriage etc. of a specific populace of a specific region, is the most important feature that may impact the business of the firm. As it is a Multinational corporation, the impact of demographic environment on McDonalds can be examined on regional basis. United States of America: United States is the birth place of McDonalds. Basically it is the birth pace of Fast Food culture. The people of United States of America love to enjoy their meal and the idea of fast food have been a turning point of their life style. From the demographic aspect of the region, we can point out the following issues: United States has one of the highest population growth rates among the industrialized nations. So it generally indicates the development of a large market for the corporations. 45% of the children under 5 years old belong to the minority groups of the populace. Hispanic population increased by 14%. McDonalds has been developing its menu to target this population. According to U.S. census Bureau News 2006 studies, the average income of Americans is around $46000. One of the main reasons of increase in McDonalds sales in US is the introduction of Asian Chicken Salad, which indicates importance of Minority groups in US market. Different minority groups are emerging as the economically significant groups. For example, Asians as a minority group has an average income of around $57500 which is well above the average income of Americans. So focusing business on the basis of these kinds of developments may prove fruitful in the future. Around 81% of the populace lives in urban areas where drive-through system is one of the most popular systems of getting easy meals. Europe Europeans are getting more and more interested in having quick meals from fast food shops, as their hectic lifestyles suit this mechanism. Though the sales of McDonalds dropped 14 percent, the expansionary plans of McDonalds reflects the significance of this Market. Following ideas emerged from our analysis: Demographic behavior has changed drastically in Europe. General fertility rate is below the replacement rate in many countries of the region. But a new pattern, described as a `second demographic transition have emerged, as age of first marriage and first child has changed. These changes in behaviors culminated to an increase in population growth. On average, population growth increased somewhat in the region. In European Market, McDonalds stores enjoy more customer visits and highest company-operated margin since 2001. This may be attributed to increased population and changing trends of food habits towards fast foods. Gender differences have been reduced dramatically. Economically solvent mothers are spending much to provide best quality products for their children. For this reason, McDonalds introduced R Gym to enhance children customer base. Asia pacific and Middle East: This is the region where McDonalds has the highest possibility of exponential growth due to demographic as well as socio-cultural and economic changes. Demographic factors can be specified in following manner: Countries like China and India, with high population growth rates, are considered as emerging markets for fast food industries. In order to capture the expanding markets in China and India, McDonalds has increased its outlets in both of these markets. Income of the people of this region has been increasing gradually over time, which indicates people having more spending power. Middle Eastern regions are considered as one of the wealthiest regions of the planet. Population growth is also relatively high in this region compared to the industrialized countries. Migration trend towards urban areas is a major factor to consider for Corporations like McDonalds. Latin America Although regarded as one of the poorest regions of the world, this market has been changing its economic and socio-cultural patterns to become one of the lucrative markets. According to 2005 statistics the population of South and Central America is 588 million. The population growth is about 0.6%. This is quite significant information as it indicates a big market for fast food industry. Due to the low income and economic inequality, Latin American market is still not a big revenue source for McDonalds. Different ethnic groups with diverse cultures are prominent features of this region. Economic inequality is dominant in this region. According to World Bank reports, approximately 25% people live less than $2 a day. Huge amount of people live in rural areas, or under developed areas in the cities. Migration rate to the cities is increasing day by day. The following diagram depicts the importance of each regional segment for McDonalds based on sales revenues. Source: http://internationaltrade.suite101.com/article.cfm/mcdonalds_global_sales [Visited on 23/12/2009] Figure 1: McDonalds regional sales revenue. 2. Geographic Environment: Geographic factors that may affect the business of McDonalds can be pointed out in the following discussion: The distribution points of McDonalds are vital considerations as it is involved in a business which requires easy accessibility for the customers. So locations of the distribution centers should be close to populated areas. Some of the McDonalds stores are connected to gas station or convenient stores to target the shoppers. McExpress are shops having limited seating arrangements, located in shopping malls. In its mission statement, McDonalds vowed to provide services in the best possible means. This requires quick and correct service. So, warehouses for the raw materials should be located in the strategic places for easy transfer. Geographic segmentation is very important for McDonalds. As fast food culture is mainly the trend in cities and urban areas, the strategic establishment of distribution points are needed. McDonalds have locations in Disney Theme parks and Ocean Park. This strategy helps to increase sales promotion and expand customer base among the visitors of the theme parks. Competition is anther driving issue for McDonalds to choose the locations of its business carefully. McDonalds may choose a location where it will get a strategic advantage. To have a competitive advantage it introduced locations in Wal-Mart stores. To target trackers and travelers, McDonalds has developed McShop, which may have services found at truck stops. 3. Economic Factors: Many economic factors may affect the operations of McDonalds. These economic factors are identified in the following discussion: The economic cycle of different countries may affect the revenue generation of McDonalds. But as the business seems well diversified, the effects may be nullified to a negligible extent. In 2006, McDonalds global sales rose 5.8% from the previous year. Sales margin improved in all geographic locations. McDonalds has a large amount of long term debt of about $8 billion. So, changes in interest rates or tax policies of the government may affect favorably or adversely. The exchange value of dollar against other currencies may affect the profitability of McDonalds. As it is operating in different regions, so it may consider the exchange rates differentiations of different currencies. There may be some possibilities that inflation rate may adversely affect the business of McDonalds. Increase in inflation rate may cause the price of raw materials to rise. This may also drive the customers away from the restaurants. Income level of the general people varies with the economic condition of the nation. So, in the times of recession, economic conditions may adversely affect the purchasing power of people, thus affecting the business of McDonalds. McDonalds operating earnings, earnings per share and overall revenue increased 15%, 17% and 10% respectively. It also announced dividend at the rate of $1 in year 2002 per share. This indicates 276% increase of dividend payout from the period of 2002. These numbers reflect economically a strong position for McDonalds. 4. Socio-cultural Factors: Every corporation should analyze the important socio-cultural factors relevant to their business. Such relevant factor regarding socio-cultural environment of McDonalds are discussed below. The healthy lifestyle trend has become a global phenomenon in recent days. McDonalds must consider this to maintain a competitive position in the market. McDonalds Healthy Lifestyle programs attracted health conscious people. It has become worlds first fast food service restaurant to provide nutritional information on majority of its food packaging. As women are becoming more independent and families are becoming smaller and smaller, fast foods are growing in their popularity. Eating home cooked meals are becoming a luxury in the fast paced unban lifestyles. So, restaurants are gaining momentum in their businesses. McDonalds operated in different regions of the world. In order to maintain its profitability it must keep track of regional cultural and sociological changes. For example, increased migratory trends towards cities in developing nations can be an advantageous sign for McDonalds. McDonalds needs to be aware of local trends in different regions. For instance, by presenting French Fries as vegetarian food, McDonalds had to pay a hefty price as fines in 2002. McDonalds has introduced R Gyms, a form of interactive game zones, designed for children aged 4 to 11. To emphasize on physical activity, they are equipped with stationary bicycles attached to video games, dance pads, basketball hoops, monkey bars, an obstacle course, and other games. It has introduced a new slogan to its recruitment posters: Not bad for a McJob, to encourage employees to be related with McDonalds. McDonalds jobs have been regarded as of low pay, just above the legal provision, required little skill and little job security. It has been trying to improve the conditions 5. Technological Factors: To maintain a competitive edge against the rival companies, McDonalds must be aware of the recent technologies and innovations. New and improved technologies can reduce the man power needed in processing the food thus reducing the labor related costs. New innovations can help McDonalds to create more environment friendly operating systems which will help them to reduce their carbon footprint in the world. To tackle environmental issues, McDonalds has incorporated technology into its business. McDonalds has started using corn-based bio-plastic to produce containers for some of their products. Innovative technologies can also help to reduce the levels of processing and contamination due to human interactions with the food processing functions. It may also help to reduce energy consumption thus reducing the actual cost of serving the customers. In Europe, it has started recycling vegetable grease to use it as fuel for its trucks. In 2000, it has opened a restaurant in Sweden which was the first to intentionally incorporate green ideas. 6. Political- Legal Factors: Political structure of a nation and the ideology of political parties need to be carefully assessed to run business on that states. Confiscation, domestication, tax control, exchange control, interfere of government on business operations are common in global business. Following factors may be taken into considerations about the political and legal factors: Stable political situations are always important incase of operating businesses in different regions of the world. Government policies, tax policies, regional cooperation policies etc. may affect the operations of McDonalds. Law regarding the business operations, legal suits and other legal obligations may influence the business of McDonalds. McDonalds has been involved with number of legal cases, mostly concerning with trademark. Some social cases like, The McDonalds Coffee Case in 1994, hampered the public image of McDonalds. Question2: Evaluation of current strategies in use: McDonalds has been taken some specific steps to enhance the profitability of the corporation. From the perspective of its performance and future potentiality evaluation, these strategies can be critically examined. The strategies chosen by McDonalds are assessed in the following discussion: SWOT strategies: McDonalds has chosen these strategies based on their SWOT analysis. These strategies may have some advantages and disadvantages. SO strategies: These strategies are taken in line with the strength of McDonalds and on the basis of the opportunities the firm has within its arena of operations. The firm has chosen the following strategies: 1. Expanding into Chinese market: McDonalds is thinking of expanding its Chinese market via increased advertising and numbers of outlets. This strategy can have some merits for McDonalds operations. Advantages: Chinese market is a growing market for McDonalds. The population of China is increasing rapidly and the demand for fast food is also growing at a good pace. By developing a good market in China may prove valuable for McDonalds as it has a potential for good return in future. Drive-through system is gaining popularity in china as number of car owners are increasing. This is a very good indication for McDonalds to provide this kind of services in increased number of locations. McDonalds has a brand name which is globally recognized. McDonalds can use this position of its brand name for its advantage. In China, it would be much easier for McDonalds to advertise as it has an easily recognizable brand name. In order to increase the market share, McDonalds must increase its advertising in China. It has to compete against already established quick service providers like Yum Brands. Increased advertising will enable it to capture new markets in China as well as enhance brand exposure. Increased numbers of the restaurant locations in China will provide easy accessibility to the customers. As the number of consumers is increasing the number of locations must be increased in order to meet the current demand. This strategy may pose some disadvantages for McDonalds. Disadvantages: Increased number of advertisements means increased costs. This means less revenue will be off settled by increased operating cost. As McDonalds operates its business on the basis of franchising, increased number of locations may mean lesser amount of control over its operations. In its mission statement it states to be the best quick service provider. Increased number of locations may cause McDonalds to hire employees who are not competent enough to provide good services. It may also force McDonalds to increase training costs. Quality control may not easily be done if numbers of restaurant locations are increased. Although this strategy may have some potential demerits, this strategy is a very good step for McDonalds. Chinese market is becoming the fastest growing market and McDonalds need to enhance its market share in China in order to ensure its sustainability as one of the leading quick service provider in the world. 2. Acquiring Krispy Kreme Corporation McDonalds has taken a strategic choice to integrate horizontally by taking over Krispy Kreme Corporation, which is at the verge of going bankrupt. This strategic decision may have some good implications for McDonalds. Advantages: By expanding horizontally it will be able to outreach more customers with more ease. As Krispy Kreme Corporation is at the verge of bankruptcy, it will be easier of McDonalds to acquire this company without substantial financial implications. Krispy Kreme Corporation may willing be merged with McDonalds without showing any hostility towards the acquiring company. McDonalds should be able to use the existing infrastructure of the Krispy Kreme Corporation in order to conduct its business. Loyal customers of the Krispy Kreme Corporation may still be with this company after the acquisition. This way McDonalds may be able to acquire a new customer base. Acquiring Krispy Kreme Corporation will put McDonalds in a competitively advantageous position. This will mean less competition for McDonalds and infrastructure and customer base development. This strategy may have some potential disadvantages as follows: Disadvantages: There is a chance that Krispy Kreme Corporation may not be willing to merge with McDonalds. This may force it to take strategies against the acquisition. If acquisition happens in this situation, then McDonalds will be in a disadvantageous position. The customer base of the Krispy Kreme Corporation may not support this acquisition. This may drive them away and reduce the benefits of this acquisition. There is a potential of dilution of control and profit of the shareholder in case of this acquisition. For this reason McDonalds may change the top management of Krispy Kreme Corporation. This may affect the whole operations of Krispy Kreme as new management may have a different style of running the business. By comparing the disadvantage with the advantages, we can easily say that the disadvantageous situations may occur in highly probabilistic circumstances, which make those less potent. So this strategy may prove profitable for McDonalds. WO Strategies: These strategies are taken on the basis of the analysis of the weaknesses and existing opportunities of McDonalds. The firm has chosen the following strategy: 1. Menu development: McDonalds has chosen to develop its menu based on healthy lifestyle trends. It is also thinking of introducing Hispanic food lines. This strategy may have following advantages: Advantages: Providing healthy foods may increase the customer base of McDonalds as there is a global trend of shifting to this kinds of foods now-a-days. Increased Hispanic population forced McDonalds to focus on this group. By creating Hispanic food line, McDonalds may be able to capture a more diverse and wide customer base. There is a bad name of fast food of being unhealthy. By providing more healthy food, McDonalds may be able to change this perception which may be a competitive advantage for McDonalds. There may have some disadvantages of this strategy. Disadvantages: This strategy may cost McDonalds more as it requires more investment from McDonalds part. The new product lines for Hispanic population may not be successful or needs more time to be successful. Focusing on Hispanic population may be frowned upon as being a racially motivated strategy. In order to capture the market and be in line with the global trend, McDonalds need this strategy to be implemented. ST Strategies: McDonalds Corporation also has some strategies based on its strength and potential threat analysis. These strategies are discussed below. 1. Increase number of restaurants located in theme parks: McDonalds is thinking of forward integrating by increasing the number of locations in the theme parks of Disney and Ocean Park. This strategy may have some pros and cons which have been identified in the following discussion: Advantages: By increasing the number of locations in the theme parks McDonalds can capture more of the customer base by providing more services. Mutual understanding between theme parks managements and MacDonalds may increase the brand exposure of McDonalds. By expanding the operations to the theme parks it can appeal to the children which may eventually lead to brand loyalty. Disadvantages: This strategy may increase the operational cost of McDonalds. Quality control may not be an easy proposition. More advertising may be needed in order to make all the locations popular. This strategy may be profitable for McDonalds in the long run and it may be recommended to be pursued by McDonalds. 2. Increase advertising of coffee line: McDonalds is trying to increase advertising of the coffee line in key markets like China and North America. This strategy may have some advantages for McDonalds. Advantages: By developing a market penetration strategy, McDonalds can increase coffee sales, which is one of the weak links of its operations. By increasing the advertising, it can acquire more customers in the morning time when the demand of coffee is highest. McDonalds can create an image of best quick service coffee provider by increasing the frequency of advertisements and providing customers with quality services. Disadvantages: It will increase the sales cost of McDonalds and reduce the profit. Increased advertising may prove fruitful if it can provide good services. But id it fails to live up to the mark then rival companies can take advantage of the situation. Increased advertisement for coffee line may prove fruitful for McDonalds as it has beaten its traditional rivals in coffee taste test according to consumer report. So this strategy is quite a good stand for McDonalds. WT Strategies: McDonalds has been thinking of taking some strategies based on its weaknesses and threats analysis in order to enhance its operational efficiency. Following discussion has been done to point out those strategies and some relevant issues about those strategies. 1. Develop the menu to keep up with the competition: McDonalds one of the main concern is lack of menu development. In order to appeal to the Asian and Latin American markets, it is thinking about menu development. Advantages: Creative menu development will appeal to growing markets like Asian and Latin American markets, which will increase its customer base. It may reduce the operational inefficiency and create more customer satisfaction Customer retention may increase as more options of food items are included in the menu. It will increase its profitability in the long run and create stronger customer base. It will help to capture the potentially profitable markets of Asia and Latina America. The underserved niche of the industry may be capture if creative menu developments occur. Disadvantages: Cost of product development and market survey may increase, which will reduce the profit of the company. New products may fail to appeal to the targeted customer segment, which will result in operational loss. New product development may need new kinds of technologies or raw materials, which will increase capital expenditures of McDonalds. This strategy may increase the profitability of McDonalds as new customers are induced to buy its products. It will also increase the customer base and customer retention rate. 2. Redesign the website to make it more users friendly: Making the website more users friendly is another ploy of McDonalds to increase its efficiency. The advantages and disadvantages of this strategy is discussed below. Advantages: Redesigning the website will increase the knowledge of the customers about McDonalds and its products. Internet is one of the best possible ways to advertise the products of any corporation. Revamping the website may increase its potential customer base by providing them with best possible information. Creating a user friendly website may increase the customer satisfaction. Disadvantages: This strategy may reduce the profit of the organization for the time being, but this may increase capital expenditure of the company. Creating a user friendly website requires expert handling of information. If it is not done efficiently, then it will prove worthless for the Company. The strategy of improving its website can be a fruitful ploy for McDonalds if it is done efficiently. 3. Increasing sales promotion and advertising: Increasing the amount of sales promotion and advertising in key markets to increase consumer awareness of the products is an important strategy for McDonalds. The pros and cons of this strategy are discussed below. Advantages: This will increase the consumer awareness of the products and services of McDonalds. This may also increase the number of customers of the company. This may help McDonalds to capture customers from its rivals if it is done efficiently and effectively. This will also help to gain a competitive advantage in key markets. Disadvantages: Increased cost for McDonalds will offset the profits. Increasing advertising and sales promotion is the best possible way for McDonalds to increase its customer base. Recommendation Following recommendations can be

Oil Crisis in Libya :: OPEC, Middle East

Because of the crisis that is going on in Libya, Libya’s oil production and exportation has been greatly affected. This country is a member of OPEC, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Libya is the world’s seventeen largest oil producer, the thirds largest oil producer in Africa, and the continent’s largest crude oil reserves. (Hauser, 2011) Since Libya has such an important part in the oil industry, the crisis has affected other countries and their trade, such as the price of oil and gas, as well as monetary value. Libya only contributes two percent of the world’s oil supply. (Andrews, 2011) It might not seem like a big deal because of such a small percentage, but it is very hard for the world to absorb the two percent loss of oil every day. Libya was producing 1.6 million barrels of oil every day before the crisis erupted. (Dagher, 2011) As of now, unfortunately, it is only producing between four hundred and six hundred thousand barrels of oil. (Dagher, 2011) But it doesn’t even matter how much Libya produces, since it is currently not exporting oil and gas to outside countries, such as Europe and the United States. Most of the foreign workers have fled the country, which makes up for the industry in Libya. Eighty five percent of Libya’s exports are sold to European countries, especially Italy. (Dagher, 2011) Libya and Italy has close economic ties with one another, having a friendship treaty with one another since 2008. (Langundo, 2011) Italy is currently the biggest foreign investor in North Africa, who received thirty two percent of Libya’s oil exports. (Langundo, 2011) Italy is greatly affected by Libya’s turmoil. Italy is currently trying to re-establish its access to Libya’s oil and gas. As of now, the shortage of oil does not have a great effect in Europe since other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, have been increasing their oil production to make up the loss from Libya. Libya contributes about five percent of their oil production to the United States. (Dagher, 2011) Though out the United States, oil prices have been increasing between three and five percent because of the increase cost of barrels. (Andrews, 2011) It is hard for those who live in the United States to adapt to the higher prices. Many already have burdens from the recent financial crisis, but the increase in oil prices will only add to the people’s burden,

Introduction of Event Marketing

Introduction In the following, the feasibility analysis will define whether possible to organize the Game before 2030 in Hong Kong. game refers to the biggest multi-sport games after the Olympic game. There are 58 disciplines in this game. Also, it is the biggest event in the Asian countries. This game is helped by the Olympic Council of China. They're part of member organized the event every four years. (Olympic Council of China) Feasibility analysis 1. This event is a good idea Asian game can increase the awareness of sporting and the Hong Kong athletes can exchange the experience and communicate with another sport man/sport woman.It can improve the sporting infrastructure in Hong Kong and to meet the international standard of these sport equipments. Through the communication with other countries athlete, it can exchange the experience to gain more knowledge to perform the sport and the sport event well even to create the opportunity to organize another sport event to do so. Moreov er, it can increase the importance of sport, to deliver the message of becoming a healthier person through sufficient physical exercise. It can increase the people’s willingness to doing exercise because they can know more about the sporty stuff via the Asian Game too.Samsung Distribution ChannelThis game can attract more tourists to come to Hong Kong to visit the event and to visit the many attractions here to raise the reputation on it. 2. We have the skills required to plan and run the event In the past, Hong Kong held 5th East Asian game successfully. (Agency for volunteer service) This organization helps to enroll the volunteers to involvement in the East Asian Game previously. It is important for us to organize the similar event like the Asian Games. Moreover, Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department organize amount of the sport event successfully in Hong Kong (Appendix 3)We have the experience in conducting the sport event like Hong Kong Seven. It enriches ou r experience in sports event. (Hong Kong Sevens) Moreover, in 2008, Olympic and Paralympics Equestrian Events also organized in Hong Kong successfully. Moreover, we can seek the Olympic Council to transfer experience and allocate the helpers and planners to us to facilitate the event. Asian Game since 1951 and it held 16 times so as to have many good examples to refer with. In this case, we can sure the necessary skills, knowledge and capabilities can be fulfilled through various sources to support with. 3. Community is supporting the Asian gamesThere are two aspects to decide whether the community support. It refers to the government approvals and publicity efforts. Since we have enough skills, well-planning, and effective in allocating resources, it is not hard to get the government to approve this Asian Game. The supporting documents and evidence needs to submit to the government to get the permit. Before submitting to the government, we should seek the options of the residents w ho are nearing the event’s location. Normally, we need some helpers to collect the option of the residents, to conduct the survey with the citizen to persuade them to involve in this event.In this case, most of them will agree with the event because it is the international sport event and can enhance the reputation of Hong Kong. After the agreement of them, we need the publicity to help us to promote the event in a positive way to gain the government approve and support. 4. We have the infrastructure in the community The place that used to conduct the sport event is sufficient. There are many locations available to conduct the event. We can use the resources that are used in East Asian Games previously. Firstly, the Victoria park swimming pool is available to organize the swimming competition. Appendix 1) There have the parking space near the Swimming pool Also, it's near the Tin Hau MTR station, have a bus stop on the Hing Fai Street (Appendix 2) In addition, there is Taxi s top, Mini bus stop , tram stops Near the MTR station. The audience of the swimming event can use these transportation tools to go and leave for the event. Moreover, there are lots of Leisure Facilities which are located in Hong Kong. (See Appendix 4) All of them have enough parking spaces, good transportation network, well-constructed roads and tracks, huge exhibition area, supplement of electronic power, water and heating and good as sewage treatment. . Can we get a venue at a price we can afford? According the Previous Press release, running a sport event used around 2. 4 billion and received around 1. 17 billion. We expected that the expenditure of Asian Games is 3. 4 billion and the revenue of 2. 17 billion. We can find sponsors to support the cost of decoration and catering to reduce the expenditure of the Asian Games. Moreover, the venue of the competition has a regular period to maintain the quality of the venue and the equipment in order to achieve the international standard requirements. We need to gain the safety teams to help to dialogues the sport person’s safe.St John is mainly responsible for the large scale of different kinds of event. It keeps to providing the first aid service in Hong Kong. (Please refer to Appendix 6) The venue manager is important when running the event, also, it is a critical role to decide whether the event successful so that he is necessary to monitor the arrangement of the venue. 6. Will the event attract media support? The Asian Games event will attract media support because it has over 20 countries to join our event so that the media must broadcast the event two or from the country.Most of the promotion tools rely on the sport event time interval to charge higher prices so that the media will support this game. Most of the company will place heavy advertisement during this period to enhance the awareness of them so that the media will encourage that kind of event. Moreover, the media can enrich the information a nd to deliver to their audience, to shape the issue, to trigger the discussion of the event. Moreover, the media is more willing to support the government-based event because the government will place advertisement in different media periodically.Once the media help the government, the opportunity to place the advertisement or public release in the media will increase. 7. The event is financially viable There are many ways to raise the capital to cover the costs. The sponsorship is the key sources of capital. We can find different sponsors to help us to facilitate the event. Omega companies can take responsibility on timing service. FedEx can help to deliver the materials which are related to the sport event. HSBC can sponsor some part of our expenses. Nike can sponsor the clothes of the sport person.Samsung can support all of LED display monitors. Although is it a vast investment in this event, the raising capital is not hard to complete once it is well-arranged. Also, we can sell the souvenirs to enhance the revenue. Some of the audience prefer to buy in memory of this event or as a gift to others. 8. The event will attract audiences Through the media and community support, it is sure attracting audience interest. Added up the government, it enhances the involvement of citizens. Also, the sponsors will help us to spread out the information about the event.Moreover, it is an international event in Hong Kong which it only once upon a time so that it is the selling point of this event. People can see the sport man who are coming from different and not coming before the event. The Uniqueness of this event is attractive for the audience. It brings benefits for the audience to observe the performance of them which is coming from various countries. 9. The success criteria are reasonable We can referring the past experience of organizing with the event and believe that this event is very attractive for the audience and the community, edia, government and sponsors wi ll support us because it bring a lot of benefits for them. Enhance the awareness of them is a good example to illustrate this situation. Also, we are financially affordable, it enhance the opportunity for success as well. We can deliver the importance of sporting to the Hong Kong’s citizen success through the tools that mentioned above so that it is possible to gain success. The purpose of communicating with the sport man/woman is achieved in this event. Exchange the experience of against the competition also useful for them. 10. What are the risks?There have risks when running the event. It refers to the management risk and weather risk. Firstly, it is difficult to sure that all things are in control. It should have many meetings to communicate with a different department to maintain the consistency of the direction. Secondly, the weather is difficult to predict with 100% accurately so that is should provide other alternatives and to plan the arrangement of delay on competit ion. Conclusion To conclude, this event is worthy to start with because it brings a lot of long term benefits to the worldwide so that it should be going to run the event.

Colors of Love Essay

They say in love nothing is impossible. Height, weight, distance and of course age is just a damn number. To love is a great feeling but to be loved is a much greater feeling. But it’s hard to be hurt, that feeling like when your heart’s gonna burst and while in pain, you’re just crying and crying and crying. The first time I saw him, I was starstrucked! â€Å"Wow, he’s so tall and kinda handsome. Does he have any talent and is he that smart enough? If he does, then he’s already!† When my classmates and I began to study with him the girls were like â€Å"Oh my gosh!† they started to like him. â€Å"If only I could, tsk† I murmured. At first, I thought that love isn’t true because reading then studying and vice versa are the things I only do, because my goals are to finish my studies in the best university, then to have a job with a high salary, and to have my own family, as simple as that. We are not very rich just rich alone. My mother is a doctor; in fact she belongs to the family of doctors, while my father is an engineer and a president in one of the biggest hotel and casino here in the Philippines. They both met in Europe while having a vacation in Switzerland. My family owned a lot of businesses and properties worldwide. But, even though, I can live without working, I still wanna pursue my dreams on my own. I have an older sister and she’s eight years older than me, but we are still very close. She is my best friend and mentor. She has no boyfriend; I mean she doesn’t have a boyfriend anymore. By the way enough with my life, let’s go back to my story. After a while I get to know him and to my surprise he doesn’t have any girlfriend. The more we have conversations the more I fall to him. Then one day, he uttered all the characteristics he wanted for a girl. â€Å"Of course I want an honest and loyal in a way that she won’t flirt with others, responsible, kind-hearted, loving and sweet ‘cause I want a girl who can take good care of me, smart, has a great sense of humour, since I don’t want a boring girl and she should know how to make me smile and laugh, knows how to cook well, pretty and with a killer smile and also a prayerful one.† He said that while smiling. â€Å"Shit! His voice is so attractive. The way he smiled made me speechless† I mumbled. Then jokingly he asked me. â€Å"How about you what do you want for a guy?† â€Å"I want a guy who loves me a lot, and only me alone, protective and concerned but not in a way that I’ll not be suffocated, I want a guy who allots his time for me, I also wants who loves me not with what I have but with who I am, an honest one that will not hurt and give me pain, brave and strong and ready to stand-up for me, of course I also think about our future, so that, I want a smart, resourceful and an industrious one. The looks and talent should be there also but being taller than me and a sport minded one is an edge.† â€Å"Whoa! You are still young but you think and plan deeper than me, on the other hand, is it really possible that we can find the one for us that has the attitudes we like?† â€Å"Yes, if God and the future will be good to us. But God won’t give us the things we wanted, but, instead, He bestows us the things we needed.† â€Å"You’re right; by the way I ha ve a class to attend to. Just study first, your too young for love.† When I got home, I was like an idiot smiling and laughing alone. Until my sister noticed me, she asked â€Å"Hey, why are you smiling like a freak there? Want to share? Is it about your lovelife?† â€Å"Ye†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"But I want to share my story to you first† â€Å"Okay† â€Å"Do you know that my ex-boyfriend’s cousin has a friend. Then his friend has a brother that I saw a while ago in one of our stores together with JJ, my ex- boyfriend. He introduced Grey to me and vice versa. Grey is the perfect for an ideal boyfriend!†. â€Å"Wow, he’s name is like mine’s it’s so manly too.† â€Å"So a guy is the cause of your smile right?† â€Å"Yeah† â€Å"Are you in love?† â€Å"No! It has only been five months since we met.† â€Å"Denying is also lying right? So are you lying to me? Ok, fine I’ll gonna sleep!† â€Å"Ok, Purps good night!† The next day we meet again and talked about the girl he likes. â€Å"You know what she’s so kind, even though, we just known each other for a short period of time. I think that I like her, but I shouldn’t be.† â€Å"Huh? But why?† â€Å"No, nevermind!† â€Å"Wait are we considered as close friends already?† â€Å"Of course. I think we are more than close, we are best friends.† â€Å"Really? Aren’t we awkward?† â€Å"Of course not! We are not doing anything bad naman ah!† â€Å"Okay, it’s my turn now, do you know that there’s a guy I like?† â€Å"Whoa! Really do you have a love life now?† Laughingly I said â€Å"Lovelife in an instant, can’t I have any crush first? By the way, aside from his looks, he also dances naturally plus he’s smart also!† â€Å"Really? If that so, he would be very lucky.† He answered in a low tone of voice. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Oops, the bell already rang. Okay, catch yah later!† Tsk. Crap that’s it na nga eh! He’ll gonna tell the reason. Badtrip! I went home so late because of the plenty requirements my teachers gave plus I have so many things to bring! Then my friends went home early and my driver can’t fetch me because he has to attend his son’s wedding tonight! This is an unlucky day. I really don’t want to ride in a cab and I’m not used to commute alone. â€Å"As I was waiting for a cab to arrive someone shouted† â€Å"Hey!† I looked back and said â€Å"Oh, it’s you! I thought you already went home† â€Å"Yeah, I was walking straight to my apartment but I saw your driver near the church. So I hurriedly go back here to check if you already have gone home. Let me have your things, I’m gonna accompany you, so that, I am ensured that you will be safe.† I was really so flattered about the things he said and didn’t have the chance to answer him back or even thank him. After an hour of standing there, he finally decided that we should take a jeepney. As we sit upon, the people are all staring and were like â€Å"Seriously?† Since I am really tired I almost fall asleep, he hugged me, so that, my head will be supported. An ensuing silence between us two was felt. And as the driver said the destination, I hurriedly thank him and got down the jeep. â€Å"Take care!† he shouted. And I replied him with a smile. As I am walking a group of men suddenly grabbed my hair and pointed me with a knife. I tried to scream but they are too strong for me. My things fell off on my hands. I am really scared, there was nothing that I could do, but to cry and cry as they were unbuttoning my blouse, I am really hopeless. But out of the blue, I heard gunshots, and as I open my eyes, all I can see darkness, and a man wearing a yellow shirt, but I didn’t have the chance to thank him or even see his face. The next thing I know is that it is already morning and I’m in a hospital, my things are also there too. The nurses already contacted the number in my I.D. They said that a man named Y.L. brought me there. I am fine and still not touched, although I got some bruises. Purps texted me that she can’t come because her boss didn’t still arrive in the office, she just advised me to call my driver quickly, so that, I can already rest. As we arrived in our house, I quickly sleep, and when I woke up my sister texted me that she can’t go home early, because she have to visit her boss in the hospital who had been beaten up and has deep stab. The next day, I ignore everyone, as if I’m the only one living in this world, and I pay no attention even to my bestfriend. â€Å"Hey are you okay? What happened why were you absent yesterday?† he asked when I was about to ride in the car. â€Å"I’m sorry I’m really tired. I’m not in the mood to talk about anything today.† I answered. As Manong Fred is preparing to start the engine, I heard my bestfriend whispered. â€Å"Is she okay? Is it my fault? I really miss her a lot.† It has been weeks since we had our last convo. He texts, calls and even send me cards to know my situation, although I really appreciate his efforts, I still avoided him, I just don’t know why I’m doing this to him, maybe I’m just blaming him to what had happened to me. Today, a month before my birthday, Purps told me something. â€Å"Sis, do you remember my boss?† â€Å"Yeah?† â€Å"Well he was the one who saved you last month from those maniacs.† â€Å"Really, how’d you know?† â€Å"He accidentally saw your picture on my phone and told me the story.† â€Å"But why didn’t he show up?† â€Å"It is because he had a deep cut and needed an operation quickly, that’s why you had blood stains on your uniform right?† â€Å"Oh. But why is he strolling around our village?† â€Å"He will pick me up because we had a date that night; actually until now we are dating. By the way, do you still rememb er Grey?† â€Å"Kinda?† â€Å"Well, he’s Y.L’s brother and he’s teaching in your school, in fact he’s real name is Derrick Kryp.† Those words of Purps made me speechless. I am really surprised. â€Å"Wha†¦What did you say? Because Grey or Sir Rick is the one I love.† â€Å"Really? Whoa! Actually I asked Y.L to bring Grey together with him, for you two to meet each other, but to my surprised I’m the one who needs to know my sister’s love more.† I have nothing to do but to be amazed, ‘cause we are so connected with each other. â€Å"Red, they also have a little sister named Gelai or Green. Isn’t it amazing our names just like them are like colors?† â€Å"Yeah, it is.† In any minute they’ll be here. And I’m not yet ready to face them. Then they arrived, and as we ride the car, no one speaks, as if the four of us don’t know each other. Rick and I are seemed to be very surprised of what is going on, then an ensuing silence was heard To bring out the mood, Y.L began to speak â€Å"How are you now Red? Aren’t you traumatized?† Then Rick started to ponder â€Å"Huh? What’s going on? Are you two knew each other? What traumatized?† â€Å"Yeah, Y.L, I’m much better now than last month. By the way, thank you very much.† I answered. Then Purps replied to Rick’s question. â€Å"Y.L was the person who saved my sister from those maniacs who attempted to rape her last month.† â€Å"Really? Red, is that the reason why you had avoided me these past weeks? Are you really okay now?† Rick asked me, but I didn’t answered. When we arrived in the restaurant, Purps reserved as another table. â€Å"Red, why didn’t you tell me about that incident? You know what I’m really mad that you aren’t talking to me last month.† â€Å"I’m really sorry, I just didn’t want to talk about it and maybe I’m too scared of what had happened.† â€Å"I really miss you Red, I thought that you are about to forget me, without knowing the reason why. â€Å"I missed you too Derrick, but remember that I won’t forget you, you’ll always be in my heart.† â€Å"Red, I love you, I love you more than anything else in this world. I even love you more than my life.† Those words of him made me wordless, I feel like I has been struck by a lightning, my heart beats so fast and I feel like I am jumping in the cloud nine, I’ve never felt this feeling before. â€Å"What? Are you crazy? I’m a graduating highschool student who is deeply inlove with her teacher, and 15 year-old girl who has a relationship with her educator. What will others say to us? What will be our future?† â€Å"Really, do you also love me? I don’t care what will others will say to us, as long as we are both happy of what we are doing and we aren’t hurting others. I’ll just resign being a teacher after you had graduated and work for my brother in our company, is it okay with you?† â€Å"Yeah, as long as we will be together legally. I really love you.† He suddenly hugged me and whispered unto my ears the words I love to hear everyday â€Å"I love you and I will always do.† â€Å"We will be legalized after I graduated don’t worry, just wait for a month and you can call me your girl and not your student anymore.† â€Å"Of course, for you I’ll do everything.†