Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Kes the Play Free Essays

kes In this assignment I am writing about the play called†kes†how Barry Hines the author of Kes brought his characters to life. He has gone into great detail and time to produce this play by trying to bring his characters to reality by their language , the surroundings of that area and the clothing they wear. The area where this scene is set is in a rough, unpleasant place, Barnsley. We will write a custom essay sample on Kes the Play or any similar topic only for you Order Now Although Barnsley is local to us, it is an industrial working class area were poor unwealthy people go to work and try to make end meet to feed their families. All these characters show how they act as normal on an ordinary day, because Barry Hines needed to get across the description that effect his characters in the play. Billy did not have a good relationship between his family his mom and brother. His mom does not care for Billy, all she wants to do is go to parities and knockabout with men, this shows that her children don’t come first in her life. Billy clothes are dirty and appalling with wholes and stains in them because he doesn’t wash his clothes. In the morning when he wakes up his mom doesn’t leave tea in the pot for him and tells him to go to the shop for her to buy cigs, before he goes to school, so Billy will be late, Billy runs out the house and goes to school after having an argument with his mom to go to the shop for cigs. His mom doesn’t have any money for him for hi school dinner because she spent it the night before or she needs it for the night ahead. Billys brother Jud steals his snap for school and takes his bike so Billy’s got nothing for school. Jud went out one night and got really drunk when he came home, Jud woke Billy up to undress him because he was too drunk to do it himself, it is the only way Billy can get his own back by slapping and shouting at him â€Å"you drunken sow og pig bastard. Billys school life is not much better than his home life; his school is run down, horrible and dirty. He thinks the whole world is against him and does get along with other kids in school he doesn’t knock about with any mate’s accept his kestrel bird. Barry Hines the other of Kes describes a bewildering scene into which Billy fits appropriately when he is fighting over a schoolmate over his brother â€Å"Im not frightened of him that would be if he were here I bet I know somebody who could fight him. Soon the fight broke out in the playground everyone gathered round. There is one teacher in the school that takes and interest in Billy due to the hawk. He helped Billy against McDowel so Billy would not get into trouble. The teacher Mr Farthering finds out about Billy’s hawk and asked if he could see the bird. The kestrel is the only pleasure Billy gets in his life, he found it in the formers land in the forest and asked if he could have it, ever since he has owned Kes (name of the bird) he’s been training it, he was so interested in this bird he went to the library to find a book on kestrel but he was not allowed to take it out because he was not a member so he stole it, because Billy was not wealthy his brother and him had to share a bed together. Billy has a paper round, when he goes to collect his papers he steals chocolates and drinks he does this because he is hungry and he probably doesn’t get enough food at home. Billy does his papers in a bad area, the owner of the newsagent Mr Potter said Billys brother Jud gave Billy ? 10 to go and bet on a hoarse, so he went down prepared to bet for Jud as he was down there, Billy spoke to one of Jud’s mates and said it wasn’t worth betting on that hoarse, well Billy did not need to be told twice so he used the money to buy food for him and his bird. As soon as Jud found out his hoarse won and there was no bet on it he went looking for Billy, but Billy hid every time he saw his brother, so Jud stopped looking and went to find Billys only friend in the world and killed his hawk. As soon as Billy found his bird he ran and buried it in the field and went to bed. How to cite Kes the Play, Papers

Kes the Play Free Essays

kes In this assignment I am writing about the play called†kes†how Barry Hines the author of Kes brought his characters to life. He has gone into great detail and time to produce this play by trying to bring his characters to reality by their language , the surroundings of that area and the clothing they wear. The area where this scene is set is in a rough, unpleasant place, Barnsley. We will write a custom essay sample on Kes the Play or any similar topic only for you Order Now Although Barnsley is local to us, it is an industrial working class area were poor unwealthy people go to work and try to make end meet to feed their families. All these characters show how they act as normal on an ordinary day, because Barry Hines needed to get across the description that effect his characters in the play. Billy did not have a good relationship between his family his mom and brother. His mom does not care for Billy, all she wants to do is go to parities and knockabout with men, this shows that her children don’t come first in her life. Billy clothes are dirty and appalling with wholes and stains in them because he doesn’t wash his clothes. In the morning when he wakes up his mom doesn’t leave tea in the pot for him and tells him to go to the shop for her to buy cigs, before he goes to school, so Billy will be late, Billy runs out the house and goes to school after having an argument with his mom to go to the shop for cigs. His mom doesn’t have any money for him for hi school dinner because she spent it the night before or she needs it for the night ahead. Billys brother Jud steals his snap for school and takes his bike so Billy’s got nothing for school. Jud went out one night and got really drunk when he came home, Jud woke Billy up to undress him because he was too drunk to do it himself, it is the only way Billy can get his own back by slapping and shouting at him â€Å"you drunken sow og pig bastard. Billys school life is not much better than his home life; his school is run down, horrible and dirty. He thinks the whole world is against him and does get along with other kids in school he doesn’t knock about with any mate’s accept his kestrel bird. Barry Hines the other of Kes describes a bewildering scene into which Billy fits appropriately when he is fighting over a schoolmate over his brother â€Å"Im not frightened of him that would be if he were here I bet I know somebody who could fight him. Soon the fight broke out in the playground everyone gathered round. There is one teacher in the school that takes and interest in Billy due to the hawk. He helped Billy against McDowel so Billy would not get into trouble. The teacher Mr Farthering finds out about Billy’s hawk and asked if he could see the bird. The kestrel is the only pleasure Billy gets in his life, he found it in the formers land in the forest and asked if he could have it, ever since he has owned Kes (name of the bird) he’s been training it, he was so interested in this bird he went to the library to find a book on kestrel but he was not allowed to take it out because he was not a member so he stole it, because Billy was not wealthy his brother and him had to share a bed together. Billy has a paper round, when he goes to collect his papers he steals chocolates and drinks he does this because he is hungry and he probably doesn’t get enough food at home. Billy does his papers in a bad area, the owner of the newsagent Mr Potter said Billys brother Jud gave Billy ? 10 to go and bet on a hoarse, so he went down prepared to bet for Jud as he was down there, Billy spoke to one of Jud’s mates and said it wasn’t worth betting on that hoarse, well Billy did not need to be told twice so he used the money to buy food for him and his bird. As soon as Jud found out his hoarse won and there was no bet on it he went looking for Billy, but Billy hid every time he saw his brother, so Jud stopped looking and went to find Billys only friend in the world and killed his hawk. As soon as Billy found his bird he ran and buried it in the field and went to bed. How to cite Kes the Play, Papers

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Profitable Product Innovation

Question: Discuss about the Profitable Product Innovation. Answer: Introduction In case Australia has to become a clever country in true sense of the word, then the organizations should think of innovation as their core business (Hrtel Fujimoto, 2014). The discussions that were held with Mr. Tony Smith have shown that innovation is a very vital issue for the CEOs of Fortune 500. The findings have shown that even the CEOs from all around the globe have listed innovation as a significant challenge and as per them it is second only to human capital in terms of priority. However, the Australian CEOs rate innovation as a priority of the fourth order. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the entire organization to build an innovation capability. This requires a strong commitment in several areas which include strategic leadership. Additionally, three reasons contribute to the benefits that innovation provides. These are its influence on strategic planning, enhancement of productivity and competitive advantage. The capability of innovation cannot develop by itself. It has to be formulated consciously and planned, organized, controlled as well as driven into place (Hrtel Fujimoto, 2014). Hence, innovation forms the key to the challenges that are being faced by contemporary management. This report will be discussing the management challenges which will be faced by the Australian mangers in future in terms of innovation capability, the environmental factors in the external environment that will influence managerial decisions in future and the processes and priorities of the organization in the next five years. Management Challenge Presented by Innovation In any organization, innovation is a core process for renewal and until the managers are prepared for working constantly towards what is offered by renewing, how that offering is created as well as delivered, there is a high probability that the organization will not be able to survive in the turbulent environment that exists today. For firms to remain competitive innovation is essential. For enhancing success of innovation, its readiness for innovation needs to be assessed (Holt Daspit, 2015) Management of innovation is among the strategic tasks that contemporary organizations face and managers have to take into account a number of key challenges for this in the next five years and these are as follows -. Why Change? Innovation requires learning as well as unlearning and strategic direction is needed for focusing on the innovative process (Tidd Bessant, 2001). Accumulation of a large knowledge base is not enough rapid innovations are needed with the capability of the management to coordinate effectively and also redeploy external as well as internal competencies. It has been observed that though it lip service can be easily paid to this sort of challenge, evidence has suggested that firms are usually not good in terms of learning (Wladawsky-Berger, 2008). Besides this, seeing and also responding to the requirements of continuous learning is a capability that is not distributed widely and hence it innovation presents a challenge to mangers (Hamel, 2000). What to Change? Challenges may be faced in putting together an appropriate agenda for innovation even if the managers are able to recognize and also accept the need for innovating continuously. The firms need to have awareness regarding the extensive space inside which the possibilities of innovation are present and consequently attempt the development of a strategic portfolio which can provide effective coverage to this territory and balance both resources and risks (Francis, 2001). Understanding Innovation The way in which innovation is thought about by people is another challenge. Even though it is a term that is used commonly, the meaning that is attached to it by people differs and therefore their behaviour towards innovation will also differ widely (Tidd Bessant, 2001). For instance people might confuse innovation with invention. For invention to become innovation numerous steps are involved and it involves multiple resources along with problem solving. Innovation may also be thought of as being about science and technology which leads to the creation of new opportunities but at times technological possibilities fail to become innovations. Building a Culture for Innovation Innovation presents a set of puzzles which keep mutating constantly. There is no clarity regarding the rules of this puzzle and there is no one correct answer as there is a continuous change in questions. At times a particular firm might come up with an answer that might work for them. However, if other firms attempt to follow them, they may not be successful to the same extent as the previous firm was and the problems might become worse. Although innovation routines contribute to competitive advantage, they cannot be copied easily from one firm to another. They need to be learned and then practiced for a sustained time period (Pavitt, 2001). Continuous Learning There is a constant shift in the innovation agenda and for dealing with the major challenges, that the environment poses, routines have to be developed by the firms. All the things need not be engineered right from the start. There are differences between copying blindly and also developing as well as adopting a good practice that is used by somebody else (Cooper, 2003). The organization should have the ability of repeating by having relevant routines in place. Since innovation is not a problem that is static for which a specific solution will fit, thus firms need to keep finding their solutions constantly to the shifting puzzles. High Involvement Innovation Innovation is basically concerned about creative problem solving and with increase in the uncertainty and turbulence in the environment, the need for such a capability rises. With markets becoming uncertain, increase in regulatory pressures, technological opportunities and threats changing rapidly, shifts in the competitive and customer requirements and numerous other variables that have to be dealt with, the probability of obtaining the correct innovative response decreases. It becomes essential for the organizations to enhance their capacity of innovation and this requires mobilizing large amounts of participation in innovation and implementing this concept becomes challenging as the process is unfamiliar, risky and untested for several organizations (Bessant Caffyn, 2001). How to Develop Innovation Capability There are seven ways in which innovation can be fostered by the managers which include being on purpose, questioning and listening, risk experimentation, reflecting and synthesizing, considering the dynamics of inside out and outside in, fostering generativity and being authentic (Cashman, 2013). Organisational capability is an approach that is usually employed by the managers to foster innovation and manage it. As per this approach, product innovations over a period of time are managed better by nurturing as well as enhancing the organisations capabilities as an engine of innovation. Superior performances of businesses of the organizations are dependent on investments made in innovation capability on a large scale rather than the investments made in creating physical assets. The stronger the forms innovation capability, the more will be the effectiveness of their innovation performance (Lawson Samson, 2001). Three factors help in determining the way in which the managers can associate capability with innovation. These are The leading innovators need to take the innovation capability as something that is more than just RD and all the corners of the organization need to undergo restructuring along with encouragement and reward to facilitate innovation. Managers who are successful view innovation as a competitive advantage and also as a mechanism for the creation of new knowledge and also form a link between the innovation stream with the capabilities as well as technologies of the mainstream. Innovation breakthroughs via behaviours that are chaotic and divergent are accommodated and are also channelized systematically by the managers despite the presence of uncertainty (Razavi Attarnezhad, 2013). The seven elements of the capability of the organization that mangers need to keep a watch on in the next five years for fostering innovation consist of vision and strategy, competence base being harnessed, organizational intelligence, idea management and creativity, organizational structures, climate and structure and technology management (Lawson Samson, 2001). External Factors that need to be watched An shift that is ongoing in the economic activity globally from the developed to the developing economies, coupled with rise in the consumers in the markets of the emerging nations, are the major global developments that are viewed by executives worldwide as most significant for businesses and also very positive for the profits of the organizations globally in the coming five years. Two other critical positive aspects of globalization have also been identified by the executives. These comprise technologies enabling information to flow freely across the world and an increasing number of labour markets globally (Dye Stephenson, 2010). Apart from this, tomorrows company will be operating in a capital market with a different imperative wherein the rewards will be in the form of responsible business that is able to create value both for itself and also for its shareholders in a longer time period. Hence, sustainability will be a crucial aspect in the future business environment that mang ers will have to consider (Adams, 2014). As per the Contingency Theory Model of Fiedler, the style of leadership reflects the personality as well as behaviour and the styles of leadership are generally constant. Styles are not changed by leaders, rather they change the situation. For effective leadership, an appropriate fit is required between the behaviour and style of the leader and the followers as well as the situation (Fiedler, 1976). Thus, as per this theory, the design of organizational structure that is most significant is the one wherein the structure fits into the contingencies (Donaldson, 2006). In the global economy of today, contingency leadership is very essential. Successful styles of leadership vary from one place to another (Peretomode, 2012). Innovation provides several benefits in the form of enhancement of productivity, strategic planning and competitive advantage. The responsibility of building innovation capability rests on the entire environment and it needs a strong level of commitment from ever quarter of the organization which also consists of the strategic leadership. Innovative capability cannot develop by itself and needs conscious formulation along with planning, organizing, controlling as well as being driven to its place. The main challenges posed by innovation to the managers are related to its proper understanding, developing an appropriate culture, learning continuously and getting the organization highly involved in the innovative process. For fostering innovation the managers need to consider it more than just a process of RD, it should be thought of as a competitive advantage and divergent behaviours need to be accommodated. For operating in the external environment the managers need to make adjustment s of the main variables that are presented before them and also to the priorities and processes of the organization. They can also make use of the Competing Values Framework for guiding the management decisions under certain types of environments. Recommendations The firm needs to adopt the given three recommendations in the coming five years for ensuring that the management organizational processes as well as priorities are flexible and also adaptable. The managers must be able to make changes in strategies and tactics for ensuring effective performance and organisations continued survival in face of opportunities or threats as a result of changes occurring in the external environment. The managers must be able to maintain an appropriate balance between the objectives which consist of trade-offs which are difficult like efficiency and reliability and the requirement of innovative adaptation to opportunities and threats that emerge (Yukl Mahsud, 2010). The managers should balance opposite kinds of behaviour and competing values in accordance with the situation for creating a culture of innovation (Kaiser, Lindberg, Craig, 2007). They also need to lead by example and invoke trust. References Adams, C. (2014). Sustainability and the company of the future. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from drcaroladams.net: https://drcaroladams.net/sustainability-and-the-company-of-the-future/ Bessant, J., Caffyn, S. (2001). An Evolutionary Model of Continuous Innovation Behaviour. Technovation , 67-77. Cashman, K. (2013, August 21). 7 Ways Leaders Can Foster Innovation. Forbes . Cooper, R. (2003). Profitable Product Innovation. In L. Shaivinina, International Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford: Elseiver Science. Donaldson, L. (2006). THE CONTINGENCY THEORY OFORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES. Dye, R., Stephenson, E. (2010). Five forces reshaping the global economy: McKinsey Global Survey results. McKinsey and Company. Fiedler, F. E. (1976). The leadership game; matching the man to the situations. Organizational dynamics , 6 16. Francis, D. (2001). Developing Innovative Capability. Brighton: University of Brighton. Hamel, G. (2000). Leading the Revolution. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. Hrtel, C., Fujimoto, Y. (2014). Human resource management. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson. Holt, D. T., Daspit, J. J. (2015). Diagnosing Innovation Readiness in Family Firms. California Management Review . Kaiser, R. B., Lindberg, J. T., Craig, S. B. (2007). Assessing the flexibility of managers: A comparison of methods. International Journal of Selection and Assessment , 40 55. Lawson, B., Samson, D. (2001). Developing Innovation Capability In Organisations: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach,. International Journal of Innovation Management , 377-400. Pavitt, K. (2001). Technology Management and Systems of Innovation. London: Edward Elgar. Peretomode, O. (2012). Situational And Contingency Theories Of Leadership: Are They The Same? Journal of Business and Management , 13-17. Razavi, R., Attarnezhad, O. (2013). Management of Organizational Innovation. International Journal of Business and Social Science , 226=232. Tidd, J., Bessant, J. (2001). Managing Innovation. Chichester, UK: John Wiley. Wladawsky-Berger, I. (2008, August 23). The Challenges of Innovation. Bloomberg . Yukl, G., Mahsud, R. (2010). Why Flexible And Adaptive Leadership Is Essential. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research , 81-93.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Retail Analysis of the Best Buy Essays

Retail Analysis of the Best Buy Essays Retail Analysis of the Best Buy Paper Retail Analysis of the Best Buy Paper A retail analysis of the Best Buy location in Fullerton, CA was completed on April 12, 2013. The analysis evaluated the stores appearance including fixtures, promotional materials, layout, and merchandising. Best Buy is an electronics retailer and its Fullerton store is located in a secondary business district on the cross streets of Orangethorpe Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. The Fullerton Best Buy location is the corner store in a busy shopping center. Some of the stores nearby are Factory 2 U, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Rubios Baja Fresh, and Burlington Coat Factory. Appearance The well-known Blue and Yellow colors of Best Buy can be seen from down the block, drawing the consumer to its location. The structure is on a corner lot facing the busy street and in the same vicinity as multiple shopping centers that contain a variety of retailers, restaurants and services. The shopping center of orangethorpe and harbor is an all-around convenient location for customers when needing to do errands, or any shopping in general. Parking isnt an issue as the location is on the far end corner lot from the other major retail stores, which makes it a suitable location for Best Buy customers. As you walk in through the sliding glass doors, you can visually see the full layout of the store. It has an open floor plan designed to allow accessibility to any part of the store. Overall the store uses a clean, well- organized layout, design and visual merchandising strategy. Best Buys target marketing strategy is designed to appeal to small business owners, tech savvy middle class consumers and young entertainment enthusiasts. They also generally appeal to men, seen from the all-male employees to the masculine colors used throughout the layout. The stores, layout seems to be designed for their targeted consumers by ocusing more on their broad selection of name brand products. The stores lighting, fixtures, colors and the quiet open spaced feel sets an overall consistent image inside and out. From the Best Buy logo imprinted on the front of the building to the writing on the banners, it all creates a simplistic touch. This allows customers to feel comfortable walking into Best Buy knowing the signs are easy to read and straightforward, which can be appreciated when in a retail store. The simplicity of their design inside the store completes their image by not distracting the customer rom their main selling focus. As one of the top selling leaders of consumer electronics, Best Buy highlights there main selling items by putting the consumer electronics aisles closest to the opening of the store. Designed for the ease of use for customers, they also have well trained employees that seemed friendly and willing to through the multiple products that they offer. All of these characteristics are designed to be consistent with Best Buys Brand image and in hopes to create brand loyalty for their customers. The segments being targeted are familiar with the stores ayout and ambience, which makes the consumer comfortable entering a best buy and finding what they need. The stores overall image portrays that they know they are considered the largest retailer in computers and electronics, which allows them to not strive that hard to change the perception they have already created in their customers minds. The stores strategy is to keep their layout clean, simple and focus in on the variety of products they carry. The display cases, racks, and end caps are all designed to drive you straight to the products. The calm, quiet, well lit atmosphere trangely related to the overall image of Best Buy. The only noise heard was the voice of another customer talking to an employee and music that was being played on one of their electronic items being featured. Once again, this states that the company is product driven and wants to create an environment that is consistent with attracting its target market. If best buy had different layouts that werent so structured and added special lighting for certain items they are emphasizing, than it would enhance the consumer experience and help attain the involvement of the consumer when hoosing their products. Overall, the company has been successful at creating the image of being a product focused company that takes away an ambience that allows the customer to be comfortable to shop at ease. This is portrayed, as all aspects of the store including its fixtures, promotion, layout and merchandising all compliments the specific and unique style that Best Buy has adapted as its brand image. Fixtures The fixtures at Best Buy portray the image of daylight. It keeps the consumer awake and aware of their surroundings. A shoppers first impression will be shaped at the tore entrance. The lighting should be aesthetically pleasing and complement the architecture while facilitating safe passage and creating a sense of security. Store entrance lighting should be designed to help customers visually adapt from the exterior to the interior environment. Best Buy has met these expectations to promote a pleasant shopping experience. The stores large rectangular floor plan is well lit throughout. The roof has several skylights installed to let in natural light during daytime hours. Natural light would be desirable in most retail stores but in an lectronic retail store the light becomes irritating and takes away the detailing of some of the lit displays. Hanging linear fluorescent lights makes up the majority of the stores overall lighting. The hanging lights are not strategically placed throughout the store resulting in some aisles being darker than others. The ceiling from where the lighting is hanging from is very high and has a warehouse look and feel, taking away from the high-tech electronics environment. At the end of certain aisles are light boxes that feature images of new products that Best Buy has released. The soft ighting behind these images details the featured product very well and portrays a great value in the product shown. The main center of the store features racks and shelving that are between 5 to 7 feet in height and display a wide array of Best Buys CD, Blu Ray/DVD, video game, and accessory products. Most of the shelving fixtures are a bland grey with little character and many aisles appear to be under stocked even though the shelving is generously spaced apart. The fixtures used to display the the fixtures shows little thought was put into displaying the bulk of the stores product. In the front and center of the store is a large mobile phone kiosk that features an interactive display where customers can test out phones and speak to several sales associates on hand that are managing the area. It is apparent that Best Buy finds this area very important to sales because the fixtures and displays highlight the product in a very appealing way. Promotions Best Buy relies heavily on branded signage to merchandise products. Cardboard stand-up displays, countertop units, and end caps from well-known brands such as Energizer, Phillips, Garmin, Home, and even Hello Kitty dot the walkways and aisles, ach competing for the shoppers attention. This results in a less-than-cohesive look throughout the store, and leaves smaller brands to get lost in the clutter of the generically branded aisles. Non-branded signage throughout the store is very stock- photo heavy, and generally unattractive and uncreative. Images of people using various electronics are hung blandly around the perimeter of the store, while uninspired blue directory signs are suspended overhead. It is clear that the stores visual strategy relied on taking a back seat to brand-directed merchandising displays, ut the effectiveness of each of them is limited to selling the individual brand or product, rather than maximizing visual marketing tools to sell across an entire category. Theatrical effects are present particularly in the video game section, as the store provides interactive video kiosks for a handful of popular games and gaming systems, including Super Mario Brothers, Nintendo 3DS and Wii. Screens flash with colors and characters calling shoppers closer. Headphones are plugged in and ready so testers could get the full auditory experience of the game. Some kiosks even offer paces with couches for customers to get the true living room gaming feel. A touch- screen ordering system allows customers to preorder new games and equipment before launch, and instantly order online any games that may not be available in the store. The theatrics carry over into the computer section of the store, where Apple has established its prominence with a large, black pop-up wall emblazoned with a glowing iconic Apple logo. Housed inside it is a TV monitor with an Apple-branded video showing the simplicity and innovation of Apple products. In front of the video all stands a familiar-looking light wood grain table encircled by MacBooks Just waiting to be played with. It is clear that this is the miniature Apple store-within-the- store, designed to imitate the ubiquitous Apple store with its exquisite branding. The big box layout of Best Buy stores leaves a large expanse with effectively only three walls in the space available for merchandising. The far right wall is used somewhat uncreatively to hang computer bags and backpacks and display computer monitors. The left-hand wall space, hidden behind a mass of washers and dryers, is wasted eal estate with a row of open-box discount appliances, a miscellaneous assortment of novelty electronics, and computer game gift cards hung in rows. The two bright spots of wall-based merchandising in Best Buy are in the back left corner and the back wall. The back left corner is resourcefully used to display operational car speakers and stereos, inset in rows along the wall. It is a powerful and attractive use of the corner space, allowing the customer an out-of-box, eye-level view of the various systems, easily comparable for shoppers. The most prominent wall in the space, the overing the entire breadth of the wall. It is a visually striking use of the wall that emphasized the sheer volume of choices the store offered, and that also makes it easy for customers to compare options between those choices. Suggestive selling is a sales technique where the employees ask the customers if they would like to include an additional purchase or recommend a product which might fit the clients needs. Suggestive selling is a great tool to use to increase revenues for the business. Best Buy excellently trains their sales staff to encourage shoppers to buy additional omplimentary items in addition to the original purchase. Purchasers are suggested to buy the added warranty in the high definition television area. Employees advise the buyers that the extra accessories like screen protectors and car charger are a must in the iPad and iPhone departments. Consumers are endorsed to buy cover cases in the laptop section. Suggestive selling is a strong attribute demonstrated by the Best Buy sales staff. Customers will not be disappointed when visiting Best Buy for the latest innovations. Best Buy sales staff are definitely friendly and helpful. Customers are greeted with friendly smiles by several employees at the main entrance. The store has all the current gadgets and gizmos when customers scan the view from left to right. The appearance of all the electronics can be mesmerizing for the high tech lovers. Customers can see that Best Buy has welcoming and accommodating sales staff after focusing clearly from all the alluring inventions. The store has sufficient employees in every department. Employees acknowledge customers with affectionate smiles and ask if the buyers need assistance upon entering departments. The caring gesture makes the customers feel the employees are courteous and gracious. There is a consistency with the image of the Best Buy sales staff with the image of the store. The image of the store is business casual and it does translate to the image of the sales staff. You do see a theme of ocean blue color when customers enter the store. Shoppers are greeted at the front door with employees wearing khaki pants and ocean blue collared t-shirts. Customers feel invited with this business casual look. Buyers notice the knowledgeable managers in their distinctive long sleeve shirts and ties. The dress appearance of the managers and employees give shoppers a vibe that the associates are well-trained, skillful, and professional. Layout The layout of the store is basically following the straight floor plan, in which the shelves are arranged parallel. The carpet on the floor is Best Buy blue with a beige E that supports the customers walking way through the store. The two back corners of the store are rounded with diagonal shelves that follow the beige carpet line all other shelves are arranged either horizontally or vertically. The check-out is inconspicuous and located on the front left side, hidden by a wall. Pick-up, customer service and the newly invented geek squad are also located separately in the front. Big signs hanging from the wall throughout the store make it easier for customers to find the category they are looking for. The shelves are small so an averagely large person can look over them, and everything is within reach. The aisles are wide enough to take out merchandise and have enough space to look at it in depth. A customer kiosk is located in the center of the store to assist people and chairs offer the possibility to take a break. The layout is good for people walking in the store, picking what they urchases. No exciting shopping experience is created. Overall the layout could be easily applied to a clothes store, a grocery store, or any other store, since it does not offer something distinguishingly unique promoting the sale of electronics (apart from the geek squad maybe). In addition to that the check-outs do not support the overall layout of the store, which is intended to be open and friendly. There are only two reasons for hiding the check-outs in a corner behind a shelve: The first one is you dont want your customers to be able to find it until they have picked up more erchandise, the second one is you want them to leave without merchandise. Neither helps retaining customers. A layout plan that breaks out of the traditional straight floor plan even more and offers a fun and exciting shopping experience would be much better for Best Buy. Customer Service should be located rather in the center than on the front left side. They, in fact, implemented a new layout and floor plan last year (check-outs throughout the store, geek squad, etc. ) which, the way it seems has not been implemented thoroughly in the store visited. Merchandise Best Buy utilizes various different types of fixtures to maximize space productivity. Gondolas with shelving are used thorough out the store. There are various rows of gondolas used for video games, DVDs, CDs, and etc. Several fixtures use slatwalls in order to fit shelves and hooks to display their items. Moreover, clearance items, such as DVDs, CDs, etc. , are put on round basket fixtures. By using the round basket fixtures Best Buy is left with more space on the gondolas for sale and regular price items. In addition, accessories, iTunes cards and other smaller items are placed on endcaps. Furthermore, towards the end of the store Televisions are displayed in the wall and bellow the displayed televisions shelves are used to place accessories. When displaying other electronic items such as cell phones, cameras and laptops they use display tables. There are also display tables and fixtures that display merchandise for the customer to test, but they also place items on the bottom half. In addition, in the aisle there are a few items that are displayed in cardboard double- sided gondolas. There are bigger packaged products like Televisions that are displayed by placing them on top of each other. The display tables used for the Apple products and the display Televisions increase interest in the products offered by Best Buy. Best Buy has all their merchandise separated by department and then by categories. For example, on the left side of the store the customer can find the appliance department, there the customer may find refrigerators. On the middle of the store the electronic departments are found and separated by categories. For example, on the middle left one find Music, organized by type of music, Video games also separated by the type of games (action, violent, children, etc. , DVDs, Blu Rays also separated by categories like, action, comedy, Sci-Fi, horror, etc. and electronics, such as cell phones cameras, laptops, ipods, tablets, which are separated by brands, and a separate section for apple products. Suggestions The lighting fixtures help Best Buy to increase its sales, by enhancing the customers experience. By researching the most effective light fixture location could boost Best Buys customer transactions. Highlighting some well- known products sold at Best Buy, such as laptops, would possi bly help to increase the foot traffic in that area. The urrent use of brand imaging is very stock photo related for Best Buy and may appealing to customers would greatly benefit Best Buy and make the shopping experience much more entertaining. Best Buy definitely makes customers feel pleased and refreshed upon entering the store. The intelligent sales staff knows their products and recommends accurate product purchases. Best Buy positively rewards patrons with a fabulous shopping experience for the latest designs and devices. Best Buy could build on these benefits by updating the interior of the store with newer shelving, paint, and carpet. Technology is constantly evolving and Best Buy should keep that theme going by constantly updating and improving its stores. The clutter of branded signage such as cardboard stand-up displays, countertop units and endcaps all competing for customers attention can be a bit overwhelming and generally unattractive. Reducing the amount of signage would clean up the store making the floor plan feel more open therefore putting the shopper at ease. To achieve this they could focus on different brands each month and be more effective with fewer advertisements.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Management Accounting for Cadbury Schweppes plc Case Study

Management Accounting for Cadbury Schweppes plc - Case Study Example The most important information requirements which could aid the managers of the business include the information that are related to issues like planning & decision making, monitoring the business performance, building and maintaining a competitive advantage. In planning and decision making the managers are guided to what will produce the attainment of the companies’ corporate financial objectives. Planning is not only limited to day to day operation of the business but also how the business maximizes its revenues and profits and many areas of its operation. Updated information of revenues and expense accounts of the company are therefore very relevant for the company managers to effectively plan and make decision. Revenue accounts refer to accounts as a result of delivering goods and services to clients. Expense accounts include the cost of production like direct labour cost, raw materials and the factory over head associate with production. Monitoring the business performance presupposes knowledge of data of measurements that would tell managers whether they are accomplishing their objectives are not. The financial information on revenues, expense, assets and liabilities are therefore relevant information for the company to effectively have monitoring activities. The following are the chosen methods or techniques: Budgeting, Variance Analysis, Absorption Based Costing and Cost Volume Profit Analysis. Budgeting techniques is applicable to the information needs of company. ... requirements which could aid the managers of the business include the information that are related to issues like planning & decision making, monitoring the business performance, building and maintaining a competitive advantage.In planning and decision making the managers are guided to what will produce the attainment of the companies' corporate financial objectives. Planning is not only limited to day to day operation of the business but also how the business maximizes its revenues and profits and many areas of its operation. Updated information of revenues and expense accounts of the company are therefore very relevant for the company managers to effectively plan and make decision. Revenue accounts refer to accounts as a result of delivering goods and services to clients. Expense accounts include the cost of production like direct labour cost, raw materials and the factory over head associate with production.Monitoring the business performance presupposes knowledge of data of measu rements that would tell managers whether they are accomplishing their objectives are not. The financial information on revenues, expense, assets and liabilities are therefore relevant information for the company to effectively have monitoring activities. 2.1.2 The four suitable costing and management accounting methods/techniques applicable to the information needs earlier identified. The following are the chosen methods or techniques: Budgeting, Variance Analysis, Absorption Based Costing and Cost Volume Profit Analysis.Budgeting techniques is applicable to the information needs of company for activities like planning & decision making and monitoring the business performance of the company. A budget includes revenues and accounts that are projected

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Discussion questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Discussion questions - Essay Example Merchandise inventory is the asset of the business and records movement in the cost of inventory and reports opening and ending inventory value held by the business. Entry into this journal is a debit entry whereas exist from this is a credit entry. This records the cost of purchase include suppliers price plus freight costs and insurance. Whereas, cost of merchandise sold is the cost of the business charged against revenues. Cost of merchandise is calculated as beginning inventory plus purchases less closing inventory. Journal entries to record the transaction would be as follows: a. Gross profit is calculated by deducting the cost of sales (merchandise) from the revenues generated by the business. Revenues are typically cost of sales plus the profit margin decided by the business. a. The role of accounting is not limited to recording of transactions but it is an integral part of planning and strategy development carried out by businesses. Assembling data generated by different business functions in order to summarize and report information pertaining to the business condition is primary task of the accounting function. Accounting is therefore considered as a series of processes which generate different information for various use including financial information, managerial information, cost information, and information for tax purposes (Warren, Reeve, & Duchac, 2012). Weygandt, J. J., Kimmel, P. D., & Kieso, D. E. (2010). Financial Accounting, Study Guide. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved from McGraw Hill: