Retail business Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Retail business - Dissertation Example Secondary research involves using collecting information on a phenomenon under study from existing resources of databases. Secondary research is cheaper relative to primary research. In addition, it takes less time to collect and analyze data in secondary research compared to primary research. Secondary data analysis enables a research to analyze data from large samples. This kind of analyses would be difficult when conducting a primary research due to time and financial constraints (David & Sutton 2004, p.69; Hulley 2007, p. 207). Researchers sometimes utilize primary and secondary research methods in the same study. The information collected from secondary sources in some cases is sufficient to answer all the research questions in a study. This is particularly true for studies that many researchers have analyzed the research topic extensively and the researcher may not add any new insights into the field by conducting a primary research. In addition, sometimes secondary data is the only source of information on a research topic especially when a researcher is not able to conduct a primary research. Secondary data is useful in a research for providing a foundation or background information on the research problem. In this case, secondary data shapes the expectations of a researcher and provides the current level of knowledge on the topic under study (Wrenn, Stevens & Loudon 2006, p. 71; Webb 2002, p. 32). In the proposed study, the information from secondary sources will be sufficient to answer all the research questions. Extensive research has been conducted by independent researchers and those working under government agencies on UK’s retail sector. It is possible for the researcher to conduct a primary research on the UK’s retail sector. However, such a research would be tedious because the retail sector is large. For the researcher to obtain a sample that would be a true representation of the entire retail sector, different organizations in d ifferent industries would be involved in the study. A large sample would be required and this is costly in terms of time spent in collecting and analyzing data from a large sample as well as resource requirement. Researchers use secondary data as a source of exploratory information on their research topics. This exploratory information helps a research in designing research instruments for a primary research. For instance, a researcher may use the exploratory information as a guide to formulating questions in a questionnaire or for focus groups. The nature of existing secondary data on a research topic can help a researcher in making a decision on the most appropriate research design to use in his or her studies. For instance, secondary data may indicate past attempts by other researchers to conduct primary research on a topic and their success or failure. If past researchers have ruled out the possibility of conducting a primary research in a certain filed, secondary data will help a researcher to save time and resources by adopting a secondary research design (Wrenn, Stevens & Loudon 2006, p. 72). The existing literature on UK’s retail sector indicates the significance of the sector to the economy as well as its magnitude. The retail sector is large and consists of very many significant industries. Past researches and government publications indicate its trend over the years including its performance during the financial crisis. This

Theories and Paradigms of International Business Activity Essay

Theories and Paradigms of International Business Activity - Essay Example Being a master of the ‘rules of the game’ or, more specifically, the rules in the alliances and acquisition entails an ability to navigate, solve and work around these variables otherwise the objective of globalising the organizational operations is doomed to fail. This paper will explain some of the most important variables why forging alliances or partnerships and the acquisition of foreign companies are legitimate and effective strategies. Leveraging Reputation Alliances and acquisition are tools for companies to leverage their brand and their reputation (Kotler and Pfoertsch, 2006, pp.255). For example, when Lenovo acquired IBM’s personal computer (PC) business, the organization was able to enhance its reputation, establishing its own global brand in the process. IBM is a global leader in the technology industry and its products such as the ThinkPad laptop series, enterprise technologies, and other patented technologies are popular the world over and equated w ith quality, premium branding and innovation (Gupta, Wakayama and Rangan, 2012, pp.195). This is explained by the theoretical model called â€Å"springboarding†. The idea is that for companies to effectively expand overseas, it is necessary to design a strategy that is typified by activities that can capitalize on the reputation of others in order to compensate for its absence in the organization, its products and its global brand. It is equivalent to the concept of exporting of goods through â€Å"piggybacking† or taking advantage of the â€Å"carrier†, in order to successfully enter a market, survive in it and claim sizable market share (Gilligan and Hird, 1986, pp.103). â€Å"Springboarding† or â€Å"piggybacking† work during an acquisition and is also achieved when forging alliances with established companies in a location that the organization intends to penetrate. This strategy is more important for companies located in non-traditional FDI co untries. The reason is that these economies do not have well developed institutions as well as a viable domestic market necessary to support an outward expansion. China has recognized this dilemma especially when it took into consideration the fact that it lags behind major global economic players in terms of outward FDI (Taylor 2002 and Zhang and Filippov 2009). What distinguished the country from other non-traditional investing states is the manner by which the country aggressively pursued a policy of internationalisation for its national firms (Bell 2008, pp.254). Favorable business, political and financial landscapes, featuring state support, has lead to a conducive environment that fosters the growth of MNCs. Other developing economies do not have this advantage. That is why there is huge opportunity for MNCs coming from these countries because the strategy allows the high degree of exploitation of the ownership-specific competitive advantages in foreign countries (Luo and Tung , 2007, pp.485). When Lenovo started expanding in Japan, its market share was estimated to be around 5 percent but when the forged an alliance with the Japanese firm NEC, which commenced in January of 2011, the figures

Character analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Character analysis - Essay Example Despite the apparent similarities, these characters exhibit differences in expressing their loneliness: Laura resorted to collecting glass figurines, termed by her mother as glass menagerie; while Tom frequents the movie every night to get out of the apartment and avoid having to converse with his mother. As noted, Tom and Laura, both being victims of a life without their father seemed to be living a lonely and recluse life. Since their father allegedly left them a long time ago, both children must have to contend with living with their mother who could have been devastated when their father left them. The result was the feeling of being trapped in their lives where Tom had to resort to being the breadwinner for the family and supporting both his mother and his sister. The feeling of wanting to escape from the challenges and difficulties of life led to both characters finding ways to relieve their miseries and venge on other outlets such as watching movies night after night (for Tom) and collecting glass figurines (for Laura). The movies seemed the perfect outlet for Tom to venture into lives of actors and actresses who get to portray different roles and go to different places – a life he apparently longs for; but could not achieve. On the other hand, Laura’s form of escape was different from Tom since she had been afflicted with a disability when she was young and could not move freely without a brace. This situation is also perceived as a form of being trapped in the situation she currently is and the only way to get her mind off from this misery was through collecting glass figurines: fagile, beautiful, transparent, and as she described the unicorn, she averred that â€Å"hold him over the light. He loves the light! You see how the light shines through him?† (Willams 779). Her collections seem to mirror her traits: fragile, beautiful, but cold and detached. As emphasized, Laura is â€Å"so shy that she finds ordinary human relationships almost unbearable, she is totally unequipped for the romantic role in which her mother has cast her. She takes refuge among her glass figurines, the â€Å"glass menagerie† that is the symbol of her fragility and her retreat from reality† (The Glass Menagerie par. 3). Another point of similarity is their deceptiveness to their mother. Laura was thought to still be enrolled in a business school by her mother; only to be found out that she has dropped out of school, Her inability to explain the fact that she could not continue pursuing the program that her mother advised her to take, led to the deception. When discovered, it was already about six months that she had been trying to go out every day supposedly to attend her classes; but instead, she allegedly stayed in the park or engaged in other activities. Tom, on the other hand, was likewise confronted by her mother, who also believed that he was likewise deceiving her. His excuse for going out every night was to go to the movies. Her mother could not comprehend how he could do that time and again without fail and took him considerable lengths of time. These moves and behavior exhibited their inability to confront their mother and tell her the truth about their own feelings and what their hopes, dreams, and plans in life are. Both characters have inner secrets which they could not reveal to their

The Greenpower Car Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Greenpower Car - Assignment Example Introduction The components that will be analyzed here will heretofore include: 1) the brake disc which is made out of metal; and 2) the tyre which is made out of rubber. The Metal The metal on the brake disc is key as a component. The metal that is usually used on cars is metal that is made out of various kinds of metals that are mixed together—often known as combined metals. Brake discs made out of these metals are made with various different types of metal mixed together because the recombinant metals are stronger when mixed with each other. So, instead of just using pure silver—which is very soft, by itself and in its most purest form—a little bit of silver may be mixed with large amounts of other types of metals, including copper, bronze, and iron, in varying amounts. It really depends upon what the exact type of object is that is being formed, but, without a doubt—for brake discs, mixed or recombinant metals are definitely a major factor in deciding how to put a product together. Without a doubt, the metal that is used in brake discs goes a long way in terms of determining what type of metal will be therefore utilized for the ultimate design of the car. The Rubber Tyres are obviously going to be a big component of the car. And of course, the main focus about the tyre is going to be on the rubber in the tyres. Usually, rubber is used for various parts of the car that require a malleable material to produce a product. Rubber is actually a form of plastic—and it can be highly useful in terms of designing a car. For tyres, rubber can be extremely helpful in determining how a car part will be produced. Rubber is an at-times harder form of plastic which is useful in the production of several various auto parts—including, of course, the tyres. Of course, it would definitely depend upon the car part being produced, but generally speaking, for tyres, rubber is perfect for being integrated in the actual car part itself. Rub ber has many uses where car manufacturers simply do not want or need to have very expensive parts utilized—and this is especially true of tyres, which can turn out to be very expensive. Further, it is better to place rubber products in a car where metals are not necessary. It’s very difficult to ascertain, but usually where plastic or rubber will suffice, it is used at every turn. For certain, it is probably most important that either plastic or rubber can be used for several various purposes, and that is why it is so helpful as a substance. Conclusion Whether it is metal or rubber that is used for brake disc(s) and tyre(s), both of these substances have most certainly had a profound effect on the way cars have been produced. Metals—usually combined metals—are utilized in order to make several different parts of the car. Of course, metal is not to be outrivaled by rubber—and also, alternatively, plastic—when it comes to having to use it in o rder to put extra parts on a car. Metal and rubber are both invaluable parts of any car for brake discs and tyres respectively, and it is hoped that these elements will be more utilized in the future in order to compete in a global economy. Metal and rubber are two very necessary substances in order to produce cars. Therefore, the production of metal and rubber must continue to be encouraged in foreign countries where such substances are supposedly produced more cheaply. No

Position analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Position analysis - Essay Example Theologically, we learn Jane’s socialization since she was full of social life after living alone for long period. Before Timothy meeting Smith, she had undergone brain injury after sustaining an injury. Unfortunately, she developed a cancer at a very tender age. The fate of midwife through the dying process is one of its kinds and needs patience and perseverance. On the other hand, the articulation goes further to analyze on how the author goes further to create a social relationship with Jane. By then Timothy was practicing his own medical practice and he was happy to learn that Jane indeed decided to change her insurance plans and remain Timothy patient. Through professional level, Timothy gave all the support and provided necessary help to Jane and through this caring perception, timothy generated a strong bond with Jane. One of the reasons for Jane decided to leave insurance perception was because she was suffering asthma and with time while under Timothy medication, she sustained and developed emphysema too. It was a tough time to Jane, since in that process she developed complex rheumatoid arthritis since her serology tests on her blood was confirmed positively. Nevertheless, this does not cut the strong bond timothy had created with Jane. As a medical practitioner, Timothy continued to attend to Jane despite of her being out of her medical clinic and it is evident from the writings that this two met on several occasions (Quill, 17-21). As far as the issue of midwife through the dying process is concerned, Medical risk becomes a reality that any medical practitioner comes across. From the articulation, we find that Jane in her status experienced a tough breast cancer status that needed total care and support from both the doctors and midwife. It is administered from her behavior that she hates being in hospital and depends a lot on others for her care. The complications that get rid many patients’ acts as a challenge to midwife career pathw ays. When midwife interacts with their patients, as administered from the Jane case, commitment perception is acquired. In line to the history of Jane and what Timothy learned from her is perseverance and hope to live. This is articulate d further from the history given by Jane about her friend known as Bill. From her story towards Bill is that, the man was a physically and energetic in his mid-seventies. At this time he was still able to work even during part time even he never participated in any athlete’s activities. But with time, no one would anticipate that Bill would one day feel sick and be hospitalized. Bill out of nowhere was hit by macular degeneration disease, one of the causes that made Bill become legally blind hence was unable to read, drive as well as enjoy sports that required fine hand eye coordination. From the Story of Bill as articulated by Jane, patients are in need of midwife care, it is at this particular moment that perseverance, and commitment comes on top of the agenda. Many patients suffering from cancer totally undergoes tuff times and full concentration towards them is of high consideration. Timothy is his career has encountered various challenges that he terms as a possibility to one who have a heart to help while working as a doctor as well as a midwife. Timothy unveils that Jane was a retired nurse and former hospice

Analyzing the Ways the Media Represent the American Economy Essay

Analyzing the Ways the Media Represent the American Economy - Essay Example This is even worsened by the declaration that "central bankers grappled with the growing uncertainty about which direction the economy is headed" (3). The second article expresses the gloomy projection of the International Monetary Fund when it cuts its forecast for economic growth in the United States this year to 2.2 percent (IMF Cuts 1). It can be recalled that during 2006, the nation's economy grew by 3.3 percent (3). The slowdown is attributed to the expected weak performance of the nation's housing market. It is projected that this deceleration will cause the United States to lag behind other economic giants including Britain, Canada, and Japan. This will be the first time that US will not lead the Group of Seven nations in terms of economic growth (6). Generally, the media portrays the American economy in a downslide. The nation's struggle in keeping its inflation stable and sustain economic growth appears to be in vain. It should be noted that the media uses a rather pessimistic tone in describing the US economy. Downbeat news article titles like "Greenspan: Recession 'possible' by end of year" and "The American Economy is Destroying Itself" loudly communicates the media's pessimism coupled with some sensationalism.

The Beatles and the Topic of Androgyny Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Beatles and the Topic of Androgyny - Essay Example In other words, androgyny is the state of breaking away from the rigid following of cultural principles, especially regarding the issue of gender roles. Ideally, application of androgyny is reported to have gained popularly from 1960s, but by 1950s and before, people used to strictly follow their cultural practices. As such, androgyny is a component of societal revolution and cultural changes, an aspect that is portrayed succinctly by Jane Tompkins in her â€Å"I Want to Hold Your Hand†. This essay will delve into the lifestyles of the Beatles music band, and the manner in which they advanced androgyny during their reign. The essay will close with a personal reflection on different Tompkins’ opinions regarding androgyny and the cultures of nineteen fifties and sixties. Discussion In her autobiography, Jane Tompkins reveals how her exposure to Beatle’s music transformed her life. She portrays Beatle’s music band as androgynous, something that was apparently likable by the women and hence encouraging them to become androgynous. Jane Tompkins grew up as shy person who, like any other persons who resembled her character, is interested in only the ordinary formalities of life. As such, she was less concerned with the interests of her contemporary peers, and in fact her gender role was defined by the American popular culture of the 1950s, an era in which gender roles were inflexible. Her perception about popular artists such as the Rolling-stones is very negative, and that is why she says that they were violent humans and that they possessed male chauvinist traits, a penchant she affirms that is associated with hostility towards the opposite gender. In the 1950s, the roles of gender were firmly based on guiding principles designed by the society. For example, masculinity was represented by roughness of a male as a person. Tompkins says Beatles seemed human because of the way they sing about â€Å"love† which she did not understand w ell. This shows that she is endured to the emotional aspect of their culture, which was uncommon in the music of 1950s. She confirms this when she says that most of the popular songs she used to listen were not human in this sense (Womack and Todd 216). What Tompkins loves about Beatle’s music most is the fact that it was innocent and appealing; it had childlike quality and it focused on quality, rather than being world-weary and knowing. What’s more, their songs were very simple and they did not pretend to be righteous or possess sheer masculinity, again supporting them in breaking away from following of rigid roles of gender, which she describes as being androgynous. Beatles had compassion for people other than themselves, because they told real stories, which again is a cultural transformation – breaking away from self-aggrandizement to thinking about others. To her, this is a reprieve because the songs by Beatles did not have the authoritarian baritone of ma ny males’ singers whose tone declared the superiority of the male opinion, which was an advancement of male sexism. This is also seen where the author says that the singers of the sixties had stopped having authoritarian baritone of many male singers. She adds that this change is not only generational, but it has something to do with gender, being vulnerable, authority, showing your feelings, and wanting to