Ma Joad as Leader in The Grapes of Wrath :: Grapes Wrath essays

In a crisis, a person's true colors emerge. The weak are separated from the strong and the leaders are separated from the followers. In John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath, the Joad family, forced from their home in Oklahoma, head to California in search of work and prosperity only to find poverty and despair. As a result of a crisis, Ma Joad emerges as a controlled, forceful, and selfless authority figure for the family. Ma Joad exhibits exelent self-control during the sufferings and frustrations of the Joad's journey. Ma knows that she is the backbone of the family, and that they will survive only if she remains calm. Ma keeps her self-control when Ruthie tells some children about Tom's secret. The family becomes nervous and enraged over the situation, but Ma restores order by handling the situation in a calm and collected manner. If Ma were to ever show fear, the family would most likely collapse. For, "Old Tom and the children could not know hurt or fear unless she acknowledged hurt or fear." Thus, if Ma acts as if everything is all right, then the family will assume everything is all right. Most members of the family openly express their doubts or fears. Ma may be just as frightened as the rest of the family, but she always maintains a front for the rest of the family. When Ma had fears, "She had practiced denying them in herself." This extraordinary self-control helps to keep the Joad unit together and alive. Ma, like all leaders, must be forceful for things to work in her favor. Numerous situations occur in which Ma must be forceful or relinquish her role as the head of the family. Her forceful leadership occurs once when the family, without Ma's consent, agrees to leave Tom and Casey behind to fix the Wilson's car. Ma feels this will break up the family and uses a jack handle to prove her point. It is at this point Ma replaces Pa as the official head of the family. Ma's forceful leadership also surfaces when she threatens a police officer with a frying pan and when she decides for the family to leave the government camp. In both situations Ma must use force to achieve her objectives; in both situations, she emerges victorious. Eventually, Pa becomes angered because of his loss of power to a woman and says in frustration, "Seems like times is changed.

Plato’s Laches

During his lifetime Socrates’ various interactions with his fellow Athenians left his intentions debatable. Popular belief in Athens seemed to be that, â€Å"he [Socrates] was an evildoer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven? and makes the worse appear the better cause† (Plato, pg. 5) as stated by the unofficial charges against him in The Apology. After discussions, his interlocutor’s were left confused in a state of aporia, with no conclusion.And so while negative views of Socrates became increasing popular in Athens right up until his death, Socrates was, on the contrary, serving as Athens’s benefactor, opening up their eyes to the truth of world in which they lived in. In Plato’s Laches, Socrates does in fact tear down his interlocutors’ claims but only to prove to them that they don’t know what they claim to know by exposing holes in their fundamental thoughts and to redirect them on a path to finding true knowledge.Through a method of elenchus, Socrates aimed to prove to his interlocutor that the ideas they held about certain topics were in fact false. When a person would come to him with a question, as Laches and Nicias do in Laches, Socrates would first direct the conversation in such a way that the question lying before the men is a foundational one, and not necessarily the original question.In his explanation of this Socrates states, â€Å"So, in a word, whenever a man considers a thing for the sake of another thing, he is taking counsel about that thing for the sake of which he was considering, and not about what he was investigating for the sake of something else† (Plato 185D) and redirects the question of whether or not young boys should learn the art of fighting in armor to how to care for the souls of young men. By doing this Socrates is able to expose the very source of his interlocutors’ belief system and demonstrate that if the basis of the s ystem isn’t true nothing built on it can be true.Socrates goes on to have the men discus virtue, because they are trying to discover what virtue could be added to their sons’ souls to make them better men and because virtues are the basis for the moral ethics by which they live.. He then invites them to define a virtue: courage. When Laches gives a less than sufficient answer, Socrates rephrases his question and asks for a true definition of courage, one that would encompass every sort of courageous act. Eventually Laches gets to a point where he is unsure of how to proceed, saying, â€Å"I am really getting annoyed at being unable to express what I think in this ashion. I still think I know what courage is, but I can’t understand how it has escaped me just now so that I can’t pin it down in words and say what it is† (Plato 194B). By admitting that he is unable to concisely express the definition of something he considered himself knowledgeable abo ut, Laches allowed Socrates’ method to have a reflective effect on him. The dialogue ends in an aporia, or a state of unknowing, leaving Laches and Nicias still without an answer to whether or not young men should learn the art of fighting in armor and more importantly without what a proper definition of courage.They leave the conversation confused, realizing, that they don’t know what they thought they knew, which is what Socrates had originally intended for them to eventually understand. Coming out of a Socratic dialogue usually left the interlocutor feeling one of two ways. Laches, after conversing with Socrates and Nicias, is aware that he isn’t as informed on the idea of courage as he would have like to think, but still agrees to go Lysimachus’ house the next day to continue the discussion in hopes of revealing an answer.Being made aware of his shortcoming, instilled in him a desire to further explore it. Leaving the Socratic dialogue left Laches wan ted more; because it ended in aporia, the only piece of knowledge he got of the conversation was that his definitions were wrong. Instead of giving Laches the answer, and having him just accept it as true, Socrates invited him to search for it, because in searching for an answer to the definition of courage, Laches would gradually begin to question and search for other pieces of knowledge relevant to his life, and it would become an ongoing process.However, other Athenians eventually grew tired of Socrates’ extensive questioning and can be seen in The Apology putting Socrates on trial for it. Instead of taking Socrates’ conversations for what they were worth, they labeled him as argumentative and a man who was corrupting the youth of the city. By breaking down his interlocutors’ various thoughts, ideas, and theses, Socrates was trying to reveal to them that they were not in fact wise and that the knowledge they thought they possessed was not true knowledge.Socra tes himself was only considered wiser than his fellow Athenians because he considered his one piece of knowledge to be that he didn’t know anything. By breaking down, piece by piece, the arguments of those he conversed with, he intended for them to realize that their knowledge was relative and therefore meaningless in the grander scheme of things. By recognizing this, only then could they begin living a life in search of finding true meaning. In searching for meaningful things they would have to learn to question things.While he is on trial in The Apology, Socrates tells the jury that, â€Å"The unexamined life is not worth living† (Plato pg. 24) Living life without asking questions, and without inquiry, is not living life at all, and is therefore worthless. As an Athenian himself, Socrates wants to help the fellow men of his city led â€Å"examined† lives and is quick to let them know, if they do away with him, there might never be someone else who does for the m what he is attempting to do. In conclusion, Socrates is

The Executive Development Project Edp Education Essay

The Executive Development Project harmonizing to me is the stepping rock of success to my executive calling. The Proposal of the EDP undertaking is the short version of the chief EDP which will include the different trials and groundss that would province my Professional Development on a uninterrupted footing. The EDP non merely focuses on my calling direction but besides on self direction. It will assist me to be cognizant of myself which would assist me non merely to achieve my ends but besides will assist me to cognize me myself. This will non merely assist me develop professionally but besides personally. The theories which motivated me are The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People by Covey Paradigm Shift by Jarvis MAP and SOAR by Kumar Prosecuting in CPD by Megginson & A ; WhitakerBackground: –There are assorted methods by which we were told to self assess ourselves by our coachs which followed certain theories which will assist me in CPDStephen Covey- Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People ( 2004 ) : –Be Proactive: –This states that one should be self determined and should hold the power to command the environment around instead than other manner around. Therefore one should be Pro Active. Analyzing MBA in the University of Bedfordshire has made me pro active particularly after the MBA Practice Week. This has increased my involvement in acquiring my MBA Degree with good classs.Get down with terminal in head: –( Covey, 2004 ) states this as Personal Leadership wont which suggests that one should get down everything in his life holding a peculiar end. By making so I will be able to continue carefully in my hereafter by taking proper stairss and do me capable plenty to go through through the obstructions. This fits in me besides because at this point of clip I have started my Master in business with a end in head i.e. going a director in the corporate universe.Put first things foremost: –( Covey, 2004 ) , in the 3rd wont provinces that one should be organised adequate to be successful. He states this as Personal Management. This would assist me to acquire things done on clip and non to be kept till the terminal.Think Win-Win: –This wont of Interpersonal leading will besides play an of import function in my hereafter because it depends on co-operative work which in short is team work which I feel is really of import because of my calling end. I have already witnessed a spot of it in the MBA Practice Week.Seek foremost to understand and so to be understood: –I feel this as the most of import wont that Covey has reference because this manner of communicating is most efficient in the corporate universe. This would do me a good hearer as before being an adviser. This will do me understand the job and do the best possible solution.Synergize: –This is stated as Creative Co-operation in Covey, 2004. It is really of import to hold co-operation in the topographic point of work. I feel that if as an person could synergize I could bring forth better consequences particularly in team undertakings.Sharpen the Proverb: –This wont stated in ( Covey, 2004 ) is the Self Renewal wont. It is traveling to be really utile for me because I will be developing myself on a regular footing by making so. The ego here refers to my religious, physical, metal, social/emotional parts in me.Jarvis ( 2002 ) -Paradigm Shift: –Focus: –It is of import that I focus in my calling every bit good as in my work topographic point. This will assist me accomplish my ends at the expected clip every bit good as will increase my ability to undertake the aims in order to acquire to my ultimatum.Direction: –( Jarvis, 2002 ) says that a j ob should be looked from different angles. This is the most indispensable quality I require in my day-to-day life every bit good as at my hereafter work topographic point. If I look at the issues in several angles, I would acquire assorted solutions and it would assist me undertake it in a more elusive manner.Adaptability: –In simple words I have to accept the alteration the manner they come. I will hold to accept and accommodate consequently in order to do the best possible result. This is would do me ready for my hereafter to acquire adapted to my work topographic point to acquire the best out of me.Healthy ego regard and ego cognition: –It is really of import that I follow the cognition I possess in order to avoid uncertainties about my ability in forepart of others. So it is really of import that I put my cognition into pattern efficaciously to avoid the hazard of uncertainness that could take to my ruin.Kumar ( 2008 ) -MAP, SOAR: –Map: –Motivation: à ¢â‚¬â€œ Kumar says that it is really of import to do a self appraisal of one ego. In my instance of ego appraisal I need to cognize how motivated I am to accomplish my ends by larning through every stage of life. Here motive refers to my involvement and my advancement towards my point of involvement. This will assist me at times of unexpected jobs to be brave plenty to acquire to my ends. Abilities: – To acquire to my ends I need to cognize how able I am. This will assist me to do myself cognize the most current and possible abilities that can do me accomplish my ends. This will besides do me develop the bing abilities in me which will pitch my success which would enrich my calling in the corporate universe. Personality: – This will do me place my gustatory sensation, manner, penchants when I communicate with others. This is besides really of import because it is indispensable that I assess myself with respects to personality on a regular footing because it is an of import factor that will find my character. Therefore the utilizing MAP as a ego appraisal tool will non merely find my abilities but besides will hold an impact on each and every facet of my developmental procedure with respects to both life and hereafterSoar: –Self Awareness Opportunities Aspirations Consequences With the aid of SOAR I will be able have an consciousness of my ain ego. By making so I will cognize my Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. This will enable me to better on my weak points and menaces in order to catch the approaching chances. Therefore SOAR analysis will do me self cognizant by assisting me accomplish my aspirations.Prosecuting in CPD – Megginson & A ; Whitaker ( 2007 ) : –The lone manner I can develop myself professionally is by following the CPD rhythm given in ( Megginson & A ; Whitaker, 2007, pg 27 ) Self Assess Plan/prioritise Make Reappraisal Once I follow this rhythm I will be able to cognize about how I proceed to a peculiar end. Then reexamine my public presentation once more and look into my mistakes and rectifying it in the hereafter. I will be able to measure myself merely at a lower degree as compared to my others measuring me. Here I have to takes in history the points mentioned by Megginson & A ; Whitaker 2007 ) but the last two at a ulterior phase of my life. Work itself Contemplation by ego Feedback from others Individual Psychometric trials Organizational Prosodies Professional Prosodies Using this I will be able to supply grounds every bit good to my advancement with the CPD. This will assist me to supervise myself on a regular footing by which I will accomplish success both professionally and personally.Undertaking Time LineWeek Sem 1ActionResultWeek 1 Making me familiar with the topics in the MBA every bit good the intensity the class has. The first measure to carry through my dream started. Week 2 Becoming familiar to practical method of instruction. Got the thought of giving presentation and bettering my ability to hold on the chief points. Week 3 Making a seminar paper which was chiefly about the approaching talk session. Making things in progress. Making me to make a good research about the subject which was to be taught afterwards. Week 4 First trial in the MBA plan Had to utilize the old cognition of accounting which came ready to hand Week 5 Beginning of MBA Practice Week, First single presentation of life. Bettering squad accomplishment. Belbin ‘s theory assisting me to place my function in a squad. Assurance constructing while giving a presentation. Knowing what the subject is precisely Week 6 Dragon ‘s Den, Cultural workshop What all has to be done in order to get down a concern. How Culture shapes an person Week 7 â€Å" Houses Of Parliament † London Got the opportunity to interact with the MAYOR of Atlanta, US & A ; Week 8 Submiting the first chief assignment in the MBA How precisely to border theory into pattern and the high sum of research that is to be undertaken. Week 9 First Group Assignment and Presentation How to work efficaciously in a squad which is fundamentally a group of friends. Week 10 Submiting the Proposal for the EDP Is the stepping rock for the chief Undertaking.Evidences: –Evidence typeConsequencesHow will I utilize itSAQ Whether I am in the impulsive place or non To better my public presentation in and to measure the alterations in me. MBTI Which type of character am I Know more about myself which will besides assist to better my public presentation My Heros The individual whom we aspire to go one like. I will follow their way in order to accomplish success. I will besides seek to instill the qualities within them Belbin Resource Investigator, Coordinator, Specialist To hold more impact on these countries every bit good as to better the other countries. Ishikawa ‘s Fishbone To place the universe category me By bettering my nucleus values in order to go better and better My Development Plan My Future Development Plans How am I traveling to accomplish my ends in the hereafter Critical Incidents How they have affected me What I did? How has my life changed after that? Metaphorical House How I manage my head, organic structure, spirit, emotion This would do my growing on a personal footing Johari What I and people think about me Develop on my failings and Reduce my menacesDecision: –The EDP Proposal has hence helped to a great extent with regard the chief Undertaking. This Proposal through assorted trials and CPD has made me analyse my accomplishments and place my failings. The proposal besides focuses on four chief theories that will assist me develop professionally. The proposal has besides made me analyze the countries that I am missing, place my strength countries. The groundss that are provided by me besides points out the fact that where precisely I am. Therefore I would reason that the EDP is the major instrument through which I can analyse myself and develop myself both personally and professionally which would assist me accomplish my ends.Recommendations: –It is necessary that every person analyzes himself in order to cognize where he is placed. It is of import because he will come to cognize about the of import facets of his personality. This will assist him to continue with his devel opment stage which is ne'er stoping and development non merely in his professional life but in his overall personality. But when making the exercisings such as the SAQ ‘s, MBTI and other psychometries it should be seen that the information provided is true or else there wo n't be any major usage of making the exercisings. Besides the diaries should be maintained on a regular footing.

Strategic Knowledge Management Technology Essay

The magnitude of the work or activity that qualifies to be a project differs in various states. however, it is very clear that however small the task may be, the need for a project management tool or technique is essential. this will help in the planning stages to achieve successful outcomes. Therefore, project management tool s is required in the project for planning and managing purposes though it is not restricted to business activities. Some of these projects may involve weddings plans and house relocation. Positive results are expected whenever an efficient project management tool is used to avert problem risks and failures. Project management may involve changing or introducing things hence involve in human resources, financial matters, security and various stakeholders among others. In a proper project management, there are about six major steps to be followed such as term of reference, planning, communication, monitoring and project completion among others. During this process, project management tools are fundamental in ensuring the success of the project. This study focus on the 2013 – 2014 relocation project en route projects, which is a consultancy project. There are several tools to be chosen and in this project are communication log a Gantt chart (called project time line) and risk management log (Young, 2003). Each of these tools has its procedures and its benefit as far as this project is concerned. The choice to use Gantt chart tool and its benefits The choice to use the Gantt chart in this assignment is almost obvious in the project management field. The tool is named after the founder Henry Gantt, who invented it a more than a century ago (1910). After the concept was outlined, it was remarkably implemented initially during World War 1. The major use of the Gantt chart at that time was by American general Crozier to manage complex weapon production and logistics operations. Since then, many people have used the tool, especially the work breakdown structure (WBS) that has been relevant until today. To start with, the reason to choose the Gantt charts in my project was that it is an easy-to-use graphical tool among operations and project managers when determining condition of projects. this project includes various activities during the process that require close monitoring over the period to ensure these activities are carried out as planned. As a consultant and the leading project manager, it becomes easy to pay close attention to the progress of the operations to ensure that the functions involved are completed by their scheduled date. Secondly, the choice to use the Gantt chart is intertwined to the efficiency and reliability it has on project management. That is why Gantt and pert charts remain the two major and commonly used graphical tools among managers in making diagrams on the activities engaged in the project. In fact, the existence of the tool since 1910 has proved major tool although in the recent years it has witnessed some drawbacks, as projects are not fixed whereas daily updating may be tiresome. Nevertheless, people have insisted on using the tool as people have faith on it. As a fan in diagrams and charts, i decided to use the Gantt charts for my project because it creates complexity. Pictures bring a bigger idea of a situation like this once you master the art of interpreting them. More so, picture or charts yielded by this tool are easy to understand once studied. In fact, Gantt charts helps in organizing thoughts. This is enhanced through the dividing and conquering concept. On the other hand, the decision to use the Gantt charts was based on its ability to show visibility of the whole project. Once the chart is creating, it was possible to place the chart in either a bigger version of actual version to see the progress. This helped in realizing and reminding me of the objectives as well as when various activities are supposed to take place in the process (Johnson, 2003). This does not require high intellectual ability when interpreting how the project is going on. Largely, the Gantt charts helped in demonstrating to my clients that i know what is doing in my consultation duty. This is reflected after producing nicely presented Gantt chart showing proper organization of high-level tasks as well as resources allocated to these tasks. It generally helped in sending the bigger picture on whether the needs of the project are met or not as well as determining if there will be a success in the project. Lastly, the Gantt charts helped in setting realistic periods. The Gantt chart had bars indicating when a particular task or set of tasks will be completed. As a result, it was possible in planning and arranging various functions in a proper perspective. This help in limiting the events during this projects that may end up using much time and resource yet they could not add any value to the project. By studying the charts, it became easier to focus real issues and saved much of my time (Wilson, 2003). According to Peterson (1991), Gantt charts are fundamental in the planning theory. Planning theory traces its background even during the ancient times. Even in the bible, it depicts how various individual and groups were connecting with agricultural pursuits through planning some of their religious practices. Similarly, governments and other economic groups are as well using the planning theory to determine the profitable times when there is need to allocate the scarce resources. More so, the entrepreneurs have used this to decide when to deliver good s and services. As a result, they have tried to avert risks that may undermine their activities through planning. The choice to use risk management log and its benefit On the second tool used for this project was the risk management log. it is worth noting that project risk management entails a process involved in identifying risks, analyzing risks, developing appropriate responses to risks, and monitoring risk triggers in which as a project manager i had to effectively utilize (Ward, 2003). As a result, it was possible to ensure that risk management is done and that risk triggers were monitored. The decision to use this tool alongside the Gantt chats was the capability to use the tool in identifying, managing, and ranking risks throughout the life of the project. The use of the risk management logs was preferred because it is very brief and direct on point. As a result, it could be easier to explain to the client on the progress of the project as well as explaining on why some activities may delay as risks engulf the functions. On the other hand, it will be easier for the client to realize the probable reasons for projects delay and understanding the risks and threats that may face the project (Rosa, 2013). The tool has a risk management worksheet helped in realizing the types of risks likely to be encountered during the project period. To start with, the general risks were categorized as well as the specific risk. The general risks are noted risks likely to recur throughout the life of the project without a specific date associated with it (Cerner, 2001). On the other hand, the specific risks encompassed risks being associated with a particular date when they may occur during the project period (Bouchaud, & potters, 2000). The clarity on these risks was based on the assumptions or risks based on the probability and the impacts on my project. Depending on the level of probability between probability and impacts on project, various risks were categorized as high, low, or medium. The emphasis should be given to the highly categorized risks to ensure success of the project. On the other hand, the risk management log was chosen because after categorizing the risks it was possible to formulate contingency plan of action on issues triggering the level of risks (smith, 1999). In this case, the tool played a crucial role in organizing various activities related to the en route project. The contingency plan of actions laid safety measures to avert the project failures led by adversities. .the tool demonstrated a clear picture of sequential commencement and closure of various activities involved in the project. The risk categories were determinant factor on the period used on various functions. The use of the risk management tool helped in realizing the risks or threats likely deter the success of the project. It started with risk identification to determine risks likely to affect the project and documenting the characteristics of those risks (wells, 1996/1997). Both the internal and external aspects of the project were tracked in which the emphasis on internal risks was on directly controllable items by the project team whereas the external risks were events happening outside the direct influence of the project team. The tool contribute a final document that is presentable and areas of much interest t=are bolded especially on the probability and impacts. There is a systematic arrangement of causal effects and the outcomes at various stages. This was beneficial in this project in making forecasts and projecting possible changes to avert high risks or threats. With the help of the triggers at the last column, to show ‘how do we know this may be starting to happen?’ Sometimes obvious, but often not. May be worth also noting my responsibility of keeping an eye on this to make alerts on the project. The presence of the ‘contingent actions’ president as to do if the risk does happen (Gottschalk, 2005). . It is useful to think about this at the beginning, as you may need to make preparations or alert people in advance. To repeat, this is all much more important for higher impact/probability risks. Conclusion The presence of various project management tools may sometimes be hard for project managers to chose (Howes, 2001). However, good choice of the appropriate tool will be a milestone in achieving a successful project. In this case, the use Gantt charts and the risk management logs were preferred for their ease and presentation to the client. They made it possible to explain to the client on various stages and expected threats during the project life. The link between the client and the project manager is fundamental to ensure the smooth completion of the project whereas the mutual understanding could help in developing trust and long-term relation to make the projects successful. References Bouchaud, J., & Potters, M. (2000). Theory Of Financial Risks From Statistical Physics To Risk Anagement. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Gottschalk, P. (2005). Strategic Knowledge Management Technology. Hershey Pa: Idea Group Pub.. Howes, N. R. (2001). Modern Project Management Successfully Integrating Project Management Knowledge Areas And Processes. New York: Amacom. Johnson, J. (2003). Managing Time (4th Ed.). Oxford: Elsevier Science & Technology. Kerzner, H. (2001). Strategic Planning For Project Management Using A Project Management Maturity Model. New York: John Wiley. Rosa, M. (2013). Business Process Management Workshops Bpm 2012 International Workshops, Tallinn, Estonia, September 3, 2012. Revised Papers. Berlin: Springer. Smith, N. J. (1999). Managing Risk In Construction Projects. Oxford: Blackwell Science. Ward, S. (2003). Transforming Project Risk Management Into Project Uncertainty Management. International Journal Of Project Management, 21(2), 97-105. Wells, G. L. (19961997). Hazard Identification And Risk Assessment. Rugby, Warwickshire, Uk: Institution Of Chemical Engineers. Wilson, J. (2003). Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation. European Journal Of Operational Research, 149(2), 430-437. Source document

Culture and communication in the global hospitality workplace Essay

Culture and communication in the global hospitality workplace - Essay Example Thus, in order to improve the productivity of hotel business, it is necessary to understand the consumers’ needs. It is worth mentioning that in order to overcome the cultural conflicts and misunderstandings, an intellectual training program was introduced in 1960 (Gong, 2008). The primary goal of this intellectual training program was to avoid the clash of different cultural values and norms. The training also helps to improve the performance of employees and efficiency of an organization (Gong, 2008). Contextually, the objective of this essay is to identify the relevancy of culture and communication to the global hospitality workplace. Cultural conflicts occur at instances when people stop communicating with other who belongs from different cultures, which leads to miscommunication or break of further communication. In hospitality industry, the management body requires understanding the varied needs and demands of customers from different cultures, and wherein only good communication skill can help them to increase their understandings. This in turn supports the organization to increase its productivity. However, it is also required for the managers to identify the causes of conflicts and solve those accordingly. The managers should also develop an intellectual communication skill to be successful in the global hospitality market (Gong, 2008). In the hospitality management process, there are four rules to establish intellectual communication skill. One of such rules is that it is necessary to understand the cultural differences. Moreover, it is also needed to describe or evaluate other’s behavior. It is also important to understand the viewpoints of other people. In addition, one should not hesitate to gather information of others and their culture as it reduces the possibility of misinterpretation or miscommunication. Communicating effectively in a hospitality

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 39

Case Study Example Therefore, it created a barrier of entry to any other interested investors. This made it easy for the competitors to penetrate the market, an aspect that could have reduced its market share significantly. One of the major strength of Electra is its strong financial base. Since its inception, the company has accumulated a lot of money. This has enabled the firm to create a strong business empire despite having a shaky start. In addition, the finances have enabled the firm to stage a strong marketing campaign, thereby making it easy to expand its operations in different parts of Mexico. Moreover, the company has been using the money to develop new product lines that have enabled it to increase its sales and attract a diverse market. This has been instrumental in ensuring that the success of the business is base on different pillars. Electra has an experienced workforce. Through opening different subsidiaries, the employees have gained experience on how to deal with customers who emanates from diverse cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds. As a result, the subordinates have been playing an important role of dealing with varying challenges that affect the business in the market. This has ensured that the business remains stable even in tough economic conditions. Another major strength by Electra is its strong brand. Over the years, the company has been setting a huge budget towards marketing. This is to remind the customers of the existence of its products and services and to persuade new customers to purchase their products and services. Through the use of audio, visual, and print media, the company has created a strong brand name, an aspect that has played a significant role in attracting customer loyalty. Furthermore, this strategy has been significant in retaining the loyal customers. This continuity coupled with high products

Hospitality marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hospitality marketing - Essay Example Quality is the first competitive advantage building block, which is defined as the manner in which a product is perceived by the market in relation to competitor products. Superior quality gives a product a competitive advantage compared to competitor products. Superior quality includes reliability, durability, quality design, and image. Quality is essential because customers prefer organizations which are reputed for offering superior quality products. The second competitive advantage building block is efficiency, which is defined as the rate at which an organization carries out its operations. Superior efficiency means that the organization will produce and market a large number of products within a short duration using minimal amount of organizational resources. Superior efficiency is necessary because it enables an organization to produce and supply products when demanded; hence, sustaining its supply chain. Third on the list of the building blocks is customer responsiveness. This can be described as the manner and speed in which the organization meets customers’ needs. An organization with superior customer responsiveness is that which is quick to act on customer needs and ensures that they are satisfied. This is vital because it enables an organization to always meet the needs of its customers. The last principal building block of competitive advantage is innovation. This can be described as undertaking strategic activities to find new and better products, and new work routines that will increase the organization’s efficiency. Innovation is critical because it enables the organization to keep up with the ever-changing tastes and preferences of the customers. Therefore, an innovative organization has a competitive advantage in the industry because it has the potential of offering products which have not been produced before. Building blocks can be utilized in marketing techniques in various ways. To