Meli Marine Case Study Essay

†¢ Global commerce trade is primarly dependent on trans-ocean shipping; roughly 90% of general cargo is shipped via container Based on the container shipping value chain, there are several segments to expand and integrate the business and enter the market. This would provide benefit of business diversification hence decreasing risks According to the volume of growth of shipping lanes (Exhibit 6), every lane has steadily increased during the last years and is expected to grow further in the future Meli Marine’s Strategy to Compete in The Industry 1) Greater flexibility in the cost structure by selling older vessels, adding smaller more efficient vessels and reducing the total fleet owned (consolidation) 2) Shifting the focus from feeder to line services (intra-Asia). This brought the advantage to also cover spoke-to-spoke lanes and not only hub-to-spoke 3) Priorization: a narrower set of costumers and shipping products (commodities and perishable products). Hence, investment in specialized containers such as insulated, refrigereted, etc†¦ to back-up the business (core competence) 4) Meli Marine built out its own freight forwarder arm: seamless door-to-door service using an integrated chain service with other transportation systems, achieving a more complete service to the costumers 5) The previous strategies, in particular from 2 to 4, allowed Meli Marine to create its own industry standard that became an added value. In fact, costumers did not switch eventhough the competitors offered the same services to a cheaper price Meli Marine Performance Compared to Key Competitors †¢ Meli Marine is the smallest player in the market in terms of revenues and capital, mainly due to concentration on the intra-Asia lanes. Indeed, constant revenue growth (67%) indicates that there is less opportunities for expansion and growth in Revenues the intra-Asia†¦

Functional Social Support and Major Depression In Cancer Patients Article

Functional Social Support and Major Depression In Cancer Patients - Article Example Functional social support (FSS) is needed, and it entails more of emotional assistance The article highlights the findings that were observed after an undertaking that sought to show the impact of each of these support methods. It was noted that there was no discrepancy in the way both genders perceived the impact of FSS. In the same study, the researchers sought to analyze the impact of social support in relation to major depression by age. In the study, younger patients from the age of 18 to 54 were included in the study. It was observed that the FSS full scale was negative and had significant relation to MD among the younger and the older population (Chan et al p.48). The studies proved that some approaches prove vital for patients suffering from various conditions including cancer. However, for people who suffer from physical illnesses, some support systems proved to have little impact (Chan et al p.49). Notwithstanding this discovery, the study also showed that perception is imperative in aiding the patients. For instance, the Social Support could be beneficial to the patients if their perception is backed up by others in the society. Also, the impact often depends on the gender with evidence from the study showing male patients do not necessarily need the FSS and the AFF. In short, the study showed that the relation between the clinical depression and the SS is mainly moderated by a source or support, gender and the type of FSS employed. Nonetheless, the study comprehensively observed that, â€Å"the provision of social support can lead to a reduction in depressed mood in the following day† (Chan et al p.49). That is to say that whilst not every sickness can be remedied through the said interventions, offer support to these patients has significant impact on their psychological condition. Normally, when patients are left alone, there is

The importance of keeping customers for as long as possible, in what Essay

The importance of keeping customers for as long as possible, in what is seen often as a short-term approach to sales - Essay Example This is the main concern of the so-called consumer relationship management (CRM) models today. Vogt defined CRM as a customer-focused business strategy designed to optimize profitability, revenue and customer satisfaction. (p3) Shanmugasundram (2009) also posited that it is a comprehensive strategy and process of acquiring, retaining and partnering with selective customers to create superior value for the company and the customer. (p9) Unarguably there are numerous meanings and interpretations of CRM. Nonetheless, they all agree that a CRM strategy is always characterized by a quest to establish a relationship with a client in such a way that it contributes to the competitive advantage of the organization, which ultimately results to profitability. The simple logic is to make the customer happy so that the sales keep on coming. How does it work? As previously mentioned CRM strategies are diverse and varied. Sometimes, its distinction depends on the industry using it and sometimes it depends on specific needs and market trends. However, the fundamental principle emphasizes the importance given to people - naturally, there are the consumers but also, there is an emphasis given to the employees. According to Shanmugasundram, the principle is all about building enduring relationships that can lead to a profitable business organization and that both consumers and employees are fundamental to their achievement. This is expressed in the following model. Fig. 1: CRM Model (Shanmugasundram, p9) The model is pretty much straightforward: there are four crucial elements involved: Leadership, Delight, Loyalty and People. The model, as demonstrated above, puts the People at the center, with all the rest of the elements working together seamlessly for their benefit. The model ultimately aims for customer satisfaction. This is important because it has already been proven that satisfaction and a number of resulting variables, including customer loyalty lead to the probability o f purchase at different price points. This is also highlighted by the fact that only 26 percent of purchase decisions of consumers are influenced by advertising and that factors such as personal experience and referrals are more frequently cited. (Rai 2008, p145) Francis Buttle (2008) explained that, â€Å"a satisfied customer is more profitable than a dissatisfied one. If satisfaction declines, customers become more reluctant to buy unless prices are cut. If satisfaction improves the opposite is true.† (p47) This point is further reinforced by The American Customer Satisfaction Index Model (see fig. 2). Fig. 2: The American Customer Satisfaction Index Model (Buttle, p47) CRM and Technology An important variable in CRM models and strategies is the use of technology to achieve its objectives. CRM, in this context, becomes what Foss and Stone called as the methodologies, technologies and e-commerce capabilities used by companies in managing customer relationships. (p3) The adva nces in technology, particularly in communications, transportation and logistics have empowered organization to add value to their products and services. For example, an organization can use databases as part of the wider CRM strategy to build and keep accurate and up-to-date information about its customers. (Canwell and Sutherland 2003, p249) By doing so, the organization is able to analyze customer behaviors and expectations and develop better products

Juvenile justice Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Juvenile justice - Case Study Example Since psychologist say that the majority of intellectual growth takes place throughout adolescents, the ACT OF 1993helps establish the idea that incarceration may not be the best way to deter young adults from committing future crimes. When studying the legislation which directs how young offenders should be treated, as this essay will do shortly, it is possible to detect certain trends. At some points the courts were directed to deal harshly with young offenders. Harsh treatment varies in severity, from hanging in the eighteenth century to the 'short, sharp, shock' of detention centres advocated more recently. A more humane approach is also detectable within the history of juvenile justice, whereby the correction or treatment of young offenders is directed away from the penal system and towards welfare experts. There is also some legislation which can be regarded as a reaction to a certain event, as has happened recently with regard to the treatment of young people who have committed very serious crimes but, although these examples are not very common, it provides concern as to how far policy is geared toward addressing issues. This essay will concentrate on the last 30 years of juvenile justice policy, a brief o utline of the changes which have occurred in this area over a longer period will be provided in order that the debate may have some context historically (Morris & Giller 1987). Recent legislative changes and the underlying assumptions which have influenced them will then be discussed. Firstly, however, different approaches to juvenile justice will be considered. The notion that youth in trouble with the law may just be misguided, has the youth courts not treating these matters strictly as criminal issues, but helping to divert the juvenile from a potential adult life of crime. The Young Offenders Act starts with the idea that youth should be responsible for their actions, but we must take into account that some youth make mistakes and there is no evidence that long sentences reduce youth crime. (Singer and McDowell, 1987) Child development and juvenile experts agree, that the "correction" of young offenders should be positive and influence healthy development. They say that a sense of responsibility and judgment are less developed in adolescents and thus makes rehabilitation that much greater and that the traditional sentences and emphasis on incarceration do not work well. They believe that rehabilitation, where possible, can address the needs and circumstances under which a crime was committed, for example, killing/maiming animals at a you ng age often indicates an underlying psychosis. The Act itself was developed around the purpose; giving the young offender a chance to realize that they are headed in the wrong direction. It is not trying to adjudicate crime, but to merely "save" the child involved and reduce their chance of recidivism. They caught onto this notion through the determination that adolescent development is critical to the mental, cognitive, social and moral/ethical well being of the young adult (The World of Psychology, 1999). Psychologists believe that the years between 12-17 are the most detrimental to these factors and that one has to understand that human development is the function of the

Complaint and Compliment Letters Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Complaint and Compliment Letters - Assignment Example After 30 minutes we began boarding, this extended our arrival time in Montreal to conservatory 1415Hrs. We arrived in Montreal with barely enough time for us to make a connecting flight. I remember the agent commenting on how he thought we wouldnt make it on time. My luggage (a suitcase), which was supposed to be checked all the way through until I arrived in New Brunswick, baggage tag no. (TKY00275612) Apparently didn’t make the flight. It was probably offloaded in Montreal. The ground workers in Montreal lost the luggage counter. When I made an inquiry, a (Mr Johnson) informed me that they would update me within 24hrs on any development about my luggage. It is very disappointing, especially with the level of customer touch the airline has maintained in the past. I expected to have the same treatment as the cabin crew provides when you ask for a refill or water. In this case it felt cold and unwanted. No warmth and feeling of acceptance that used to greet clients when one boards the flight or when the captain says, â€Å"Thank you for flying Air Canada.† It has been three days since our conversation. Though we have made contact a few times since my arrival, all I get is scanty assurances that they are looking into the matter. It has dawned on me that they have no clue as the whereabouts of my luggage; hence I chose to write to you as my connecting handlers. I fail to understand on how in the modern age, with top notch security and technology, my luggage has not been recovered. I have launched a claim with my insurance, but the entire value of the belongings and items in the luggage were double what the insurance is willing to compensate. Moreover, the luggage contained some items that are completely irreplaceable. I have made follow-up steps, including getting in touch with Toronto airport and New Brunswick customer desk to no avail. The situation has caused me to feel like your policy is just

Around the World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Around the World - Essay Example Channel Access: Access of the alliance company to the various channels required for the business. Local Laws: Local laws with respect to formation of alliances need to be considered. Competency and Value of the Alliance Company: Competency of the alliance company and the value that it adds to the alliance is key to a successful alliance. The alliance must take the form of an international joint venture. International joint venture is an economically and legally separate organizational entity that has been created by 2 or more parent organizations with the objective to achieve strategic objectives. Parent companies invest both financial and other resources at disposal into the alliance (Schuler et al., 2004). A joint venture alliance has various advantages and is best suited in the current case. The major challenges for Around the World in establishing an international joint venture is shareholdings, human resource management, skills sharing and knowledge transfers. These challenges c an be overcome by effective and early planning. Share holdings and control structures of the partners need to be established and agreed upon before the alliance materializes. There are various ways to effectively manage the HR issues and, the knowledge and skill management issues. A four stage model of formation, development, implementation and advancement can be used to effectively to handle the challenges (Schuler & Tarique, 2004). Case Study 2 Following are the discussion points for the three questions at the end of the case study: 1. Aditya Birla Group adopted a growth strategy that made great business sense. The group exited from any business that did not offer them greater presence in the global market or the business which had registered losses. The group diversified and adopted businesses whose operations gave the group global presence and lead to acquiring of competencies in the market. The company built a business portfolio which is not limited to a single industry. The po rtfolio demonstrates the group’s ability to run different businesses efficiently and also has contributed to various revenue generating sources which has made the group immune to economic downturn in certain market or industries. 2. Various initiatives were taken by the group under the leadership of Kumar Mangalam Birla which has contributed to the group’s success. Gyanodaya was a great initiative which helped in the transfer of best practices. Appointment of new managers gave rise to a new dimension in the group’s leadership. Continuous learning and developing of human resources was one of main motive behind many of the initiatives. 3. Aditya Birla Group has addressed its second part of the mission – â€Å"Indian Values† by actively involving and contributing to the development of the country. It is presently working in 3700 villages. It is concentrating on health care, sustainable livelihood, infrastructure, education, social causes, etc through its Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development. It is running around 18 hospitals and 14 schools. Case Study 3 In order for Aston Restaurant to extend their business to China, they have to consider various factors and the two important factors are the market and the localization. Market No two markets are same and there are numerous differences that have to be looked into. The following various issues/factors have to be addressed or considered for Aston to successfully expand to China: Language: Language is a primary barrier here and Aston has to ensure that language i.e., communication must not hinder the business. Chinese is the primary language used in China. Customs and Practices: The customs and practices in China are different from those in other countries. In

Thinking critically simulation review Essay Example for Free

Thinking critically simulation review Essay In our every day lives, we are called to have decisions every minute, even every second. The start of our day is merely our decision, and even our breathing is also controlled by our decision to be living another day. Our lives are affected by how we make it and the decisions that comprise our day. Strategies of coming up with a decision vary with every person depending on how they have been trained. The effectiveness of such decision will depend on the attainment of the goal of the activity. There are a number of suggested strategies that are cited in journals so as not to encounter stress and problems upon the implementation of the decision. In this project, we have encountered problems in laying down our thoughts for our personal differences. Moreover, there are instances that we are reaching a debate in giving up our ideas. Personality difference is sometimes a problem in coming up with a decision. Good thing, there are those who are matured enough that we are able to talk about things in a normal way. Communicating what we want is not that difficult because we agreed that we are going to attain a single goal, and that is to become successful with the project. Resources should also be adequate so that the performance of the activity will not come into a halt whenever materials are drained. I realized that it is important that before I give into a subject matter, I should first think of it a number of times so that I may be familiar to the possible consequences of the action. Indeed, having the goal to finish the activity is helpful in doing the task. The simulation helped us view some of our agreements and decision in a different way rather than the usual. It is necessary that we are able to examine early the good and bad outcomes of our decision. Decision making process is really something that should be paid attention to. It must not be regarded as a simple thing for it can affect a number of people whether in the group, community, city or country. Reference Mind Tools. 2008. Decision Making Techniques. Retrieved 31May 2008 from http://www. mindtools. com/pages/main/newMN_TED. htm