Monday, January 27, 2020

Threats Of The Film Industry

Threats Of The Film Industry The main threat for the film industry now-a-days is PIRACY. Where hackers sell the duplicate CDs and DVDs. Online piracy has also come into action and every illegal download cost to the film industry is huge. It is obvious that people get attracted to the internet as it is free. Online piracy is could impact the film industry losing up to $460m (275 million pounds) annually according to leading motion picture studios and distributors report. Technology is playing a key role where things became more easy and simple. A recent report estimated around 144,000 films is downloaded every day across the world. The main piracy is done with the help of camcorders in the theatres. The recent box office hit AVATAR was the most grossing film in the cinema industry as well as the most pirated film. AVATAR was downloaded 500,000 times in its first two days in theatres and almost 1 million times in first week of release. (www.torrentfreak.com ) To prevent this threat for film industry government is taking necessary steps with the FEDERATION AGAINST COPYRIGHT THEFT (FACT) . It was established in 1983. The primary purpose of FACT is to prevent the UKs film and broadcasting industry from being infringed. FACT closely works with UK police, HM Revenue Customs, UK border agency, Serious and organised crime agency and the other agencies. FACT assess, analyse and report the threats. It plays a key role in ensuring that the awareness is created among people about the growing piracy. FACT works in three key areas: Online Piracy This focuses on distribution of illegal films. Prevention of recordings in theatres Over 90% of piracy is originated from copy recorded in theatres. Hard goods piracy http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2003/oct/21/film.filmnews http://www.fact-uk.org.uk/site/about/index.htm Question 2: SWOT ANALYSIS: SWOT is a tool which is used to evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of an organisation. Strengths and Weaknesses are considered to be internal factors of the organisation and Opportunities and Threats are considered to be external factors. This method identifies internal and external factors which are favourable or unfavourable in achieving an objective. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis INTRODUCTION OF IKEA: IKEA (Ingvar Kampard Elmtard Agunnaryd) was founded in 1943 by a 17 year old Ingvar Kampard in Sweden. He grew up in a farm called Elmtaryd in a village called Agunnaryd. IKEA comprises of initials of the founders name and the place where he grew up. In 1920s Kampard started selling match boxes to his neighbours by buying them in bulk at Stockholm and reselling them at very low cost. It later expanded by selling flower seeds, Christmas tree decorations, pencils and pens. In 1940s he discovered furniture designs with self assembling concept and now IKEA is the worlds largest furniture company which is famous for its flat-pack designs at low prices. It is sells Accessories, bathroom and kitchen items. IKEA has also actively participated and has partnerships with social and environmental projects. http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/about_ikea/the_ikea_way/history/2000.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikea SWOT OF IKEA OF IKEA HELPING TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABILITY: IKEAs business strategy is based on sustainability and environmental design. To attain its goal of sustainability IKEA has launched a new business plan which combine social, economic and environmental issues. SWOT analysis will help IKEA to reach its objectives by identifying and evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses which are within the control of IKEA like production, marketing, finance, human resources areas of the organisation. Opportunities and Threats which are out of control of IKEA like social, economical, political, technological, environmental issues outside the industry. If IKEA is able to create opportunities by countering the threats and by addressing its weaknesses with the help of its strengths then it will achieve the goal of sustainability. http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DisplayPage?layout=memberOffersstoreId=7langId=-20catalogId=10103localStore=12003 http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/case-studyswot-analysis-sustainable-business-planning110-368-3.php STRENGTHS OF IKEA: Any aspect which adds value to product is considered to be a strength of the business. IKEAs Strengths are as follows, Its vision to provide better life for its customers and employees. Its promising global brand value and range worldwide. Its strong concept of providing wide range of products at low prices. IKEA has strong customer confidence level to buy IKEA products from any store. IKEA extracts chemicals and substances which are harmful to the environment and people. IKEA is completely against child labour and also keep an eye on its suppliers to avoid child labour by doing frequent visits without information. IKEA is working together with UNICEF to save the children and provide them with education and better future. IKEA has introduced an IKEA FAMILY CARD which benefits its customers with which they get discounts on the products like furniture, mobile phones and also reductions in restaurants. As a member of FAMILY CARD customers can save up to 60% on mobile phones purchase and get offers in restaurants like free Tea and coffee. This range of offers and products in IKEA makes customers visit them again and again. WEAKNESSES OF IKEA: http://www.clik2complaints.co.uk/Ori-others/ikea3.htm http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/case-studyswot-analysis-sustainable-business-planning110-368-5.php Any organisation should identify and acknowledge its weaknesses will improve the product or service of the company. This also helps the organisation to set objectives and create new strategies. IKEAs Weaknesses includes, IKEAs concept of offering low price products should be balanced with its quality. It should constantly concentrate on quality in every step of production. It should always differentiate its products from its competitors. Its global business makes it difficult to control quality and standards worldwide. It should always try to keep good relation with its stakeholders and consumers which again is a difficult task because of its size and scale. There are complaints from the customers that their orders include items which are not necessary for them. Items of wrong material, size and fabric are delivered to the customers. A poor customer services and improper staff coordination. The complaints from customers are spoil the reputation of the company. IKEA has to concentrate on improving its services by appointing right staff in right place. Orders need to be taken with all the specifications and confirmed by the customer before delivering the order. OPPORTUNITIES OF IKEA: Opportunities arise with the strengths of the company. IKEA focuses on environmental based business. IKEA educates its customers to support recycling and reusing of the products and also aims that recycled products are not used in developing a new product. IKEA wants to give its customer a sustainable life. Advantages of Opportunities of IKEA through its sustainability, The demand for greener products which do not harm the environment is growing. Demand for products with low price is growing because of the current financial conditions. Customers prefer trading in cheaper price. Being sustainable is IKEAs image which helps to keep good relationship with stakeholders, consumers and press. IKEA sources the products from countries like China, India and Pakistan which enables IKEA to offer products at competitive prices. IKEA plays a major role in supporting for charities like world wildlife fund and UNICEF. IKEAs aim to reduce energy use and carbon footprints and use more renewable energy has a growing demand. THREATS OF IKEA: For any organisation, competitors and new entrants to the market are the main threats. Threats are always external like political changes, environmental and economical. IKEA can use a particular strength and overcome the threat. There are many other companies in the same market and IKEA should try to attract the customers with special offers and reduced prices when compared to others. IKEA should make better use of technology and resources to gain economies of scale which gives them competitive edge and also enables to offer products at lower prices and puts barriers for new entrants entering the market. IKEAs biggest strength is offering products at cheaper prices which create strong customer base in tough financial times and depressed retail market. Its products are also famous in the market for its good quality among the higher budget markets. CONCLUSION: IKEAs strengths offering products at low prices, impressive designs and use of technology and resources can counteract any weakness or threat and create opportunities in the market. IKEA belief in doing good business makes it a sustainable business in creating better everyday life for its customers and employees. Question 3: IKEA TO FULFILL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IKEA took part in several projects for development of society. Most of the projects were related to children welfare. In association with UNICEF, IKEA initiated child rights program in India. The aim of this project was to prevent child labour by addressing root causes like poverty and illiteracy. IKEA also supported UNICEF in emergency programmes like earthquake in Pakistan and 2004 Tsunami affected countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. IKEA supported UNICEF in providing immediate needs like food, bowls, sleeping bags, towels and bed sheets. It also took initiative for earthquake affected children in providing quality education and safe drinking water. Nearly 10,000 earthquake-affected boys and girls between 6-11 ages were benefited with education and hygienic facilities. These are some social activities of IKEA as a global brand and have good command on social responsibilities. In addition, IKEA also actively participates in addressing environmental issues as a responsibility. It believes in creating healthy society. As part of this it encourages its customers to support them for recycling or reusing the used products. It pays attention on less usage of water and carbon footprints. IKEA can continue its partnership with UNICEF and try to help whenever needed. It can show its concern in every possible and fulfil its social responsibility http://www.unicef.org/corporate_partners/index_25092.html TASK 2: Question 1: INTRODUCTION: Charles Lazarus is the founder of ToysRUs. In 1948, he turned his dream of creating children oriented business into reality. He started a baby furniture store, Childrens bargain town in Washington. On public demand he started selling toys. The first toy that he started selling was cradle gym. Later he expanded to tricycles, books and other toys. After 10 years, Charles opened his own store in a supermarket model which helped the customers to pick products of there own choice. In 1980, he opened his second store and named it as ToysRUs which attracted parents and kids. In 1984, the company began to expand internationally. It started opening the stores in countries like Singapore and Canada. Later more than 700 stores were opened in 33 countries outside United States. The company branched out into childrens clothing business and opened the first store in Paramus, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York named KidsRUs. Although it closed its branches in 2003, it still remained committed to app arel business and continues selling designer and private label boys and girls clothing through BabiesRUs stores. http://www2.toysrus.com/about/ourHistory.cfm

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Life And Hard Times Of Grantly Marshall :: essays research papers

The Life and Hard Times of Grantly Marshall Could anyone imagine having no money, few friends, and no chance to succeed in life? Well, for one individual this situation is all too real. Grantly Reed Marshall, a 18-year-old high school student from Franklin Square, Ohio, had big dreams but little money. Grantly had reached a crucial time in his life. He desperately wanted to attend college. Grantly's siblings were much smarter than he was, as were his parents. None of his classmates expected Grantly to amount to anything, but this made him more determined. Grantly's family was very different. They had one light bulb in their entire house. Grantly got his name when his mother read the book Childbirth Without Pain, by Dr. Grantly Reed. His father ran for president in 1928 under the Communist Party. During this period in his life when they usually excluded him from the other kids, and was the poorest he would ever be, Grantly wanted most of all to go to college. The best things Grantly knew how to do was act and recite poetry. He would memorize poetry with more than twenty stanzas in a week and recite them to anyone who would listen to him speak. Finally, with scholarships, student aid and multiple jobs Grantly fulfilled his dream of attending college. Majoring in theater Grantly graduated Kent State University in 1972 with honors. After he graduated, Grantly did act in local theaters for a few weeks and then decided to do to the Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. Just weeks before he was to leave Grantly's father fell ill and died shortly there after. Grantly knew his father would want him to go to the Olympics anyway so off he went to Germany. Because he was such a passionate speaker Grantly could speak many languages and had no problems in Europe. A few people Grantly did know and was friends with began to wonder about him after the Summer Games ended and he did not return. Then, one day Gary Johnson, one of Grantly's only friend's received a phone call. It was none other than Grantly. It ended up that Grantly loved Germany and he got a job as a German Postal Worker. Gary had many more long talks with Grantly. These talks did not cost either of them a cent because Grantly always called from the post office. This did make Gary cautious but, they were never caught. Grantly, once again started acting and reciting poetry. People began to notice how good he was and Grantly began to make friends with more important people in Munich.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Quiz: Communication Processes and Models

Practice Quiz 1. According to the linear model of communication, at any given point in time a person is sending a message and receiving a message. a. True b. False 2. Cognitive complexity increases a person’s communication competence. a. True b. False 3. We receive and respond to messages from another person at the same time that she or he is receiving and responding to us is an example of the _____________ model. a. Transactional b. interactive c. linear d. cognitive e. none of the above 4.If you and your friend need to negotiate what â€Å"frequently† means when it comes to how often you clean your apartment, this represents that: a. Sending and receiving are usually simultaneous. b. Meanings exist in and among people. c. Environment and noise affect communication. d. Channels make a difference. e. none of the above 5. Being unable to concentrate on what your mother is saying because you are upset about something that happened with a friend is an example of: a. extern al noise b. psychological noise c. physiological noise d. static e. one of the above 6. The dynamic process that involves participants decoding and encoding messages is called: a. environment b. noise c. transactional d. context e. none of the above 7. Interpersonal communication can be distinguished from impersonal communication based on qualities of: a. uniqueness b. interdependence c. personality d. all of the above e. a and b only 8. An example of physiological noise is: a. anger b. poor sound c. insecurity d. headache e. none of the above 9. You answer your first question at a job interview and the interviewer frowns.Which characteristic of communication best describes the situation? a. Communication is dyadic. b. Feedback can be verbal or nonverbal c. Feedback is situational. d. Communication is dependent on personalized rules. e. None of the above describes it. 10. The idea that we might feel badly when our mother criticizes us, but less upset when a friend makes the same obs ervation reveals that: a. Communication is transactional. b. Communication can be intentional or unintentional. c. Communication has a content and relational dimension. d. Communication is irreversible. e. none of the above

Friday, January 3, 2020

Effective Leadership For Finely Tuned Communication Skills

Overview Leading an effective team requires a leader with finely tuned communication skills. Professor Hildebrandt’s Powerpoint presentation titled Effective Team Leadership examines the components that are so important to leading a team to success. In his presentation, Professor Hildebrandt highlights the importance of using direct communication, considering how words will be taken, communicating expectations, leading effective meetings, and coaching team members in conflict (Hildebrandt, 2015). All of these components require good communication skills. Great leaders not only have a strategic vision but they also have an astute awareness of the people around them. Great leaders realize that effective communication is one of the most fundamental processes of management and that it is essential for organizational success. Numerous studies show that communication is tied to an organization’s total effectiveness. One such study was highlighted in a 2006 article titled Ef fective Leaders Champion Communication Skills (Van der Does and Caldeira, 2006). This 2005 study of 25,000 employees representing 17 U.S.-based companies showed that employees wanted â€Å"communication that is open and honest – both good and the bad- and materials that are clear and understandable† (Van der Does and Caldeira, 2006). When asked to evaluate their company’s overall communication effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 100, respondents’ scores averaged 69. In another study by the Development DimensionsShow MoreRelatedEffective Leadership : A Effective Leader973 Words   |  4 PagesLeadership is a process of continuous learning and increasing leadership effectiveness requires understanding, reflection, and the application to the appropriate subject matter. 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