Drink-at-Home, Inc Essay

CASE 2: DRINK-AT-HOME, INC. Drink-At-Home, Inc. (DAH, Inc. ), develops, processes, and markets mixes to be used in nonalcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks for home consumption. Mrs. Lee, who is in charge of research and development at DAH, Inc. , this morning notified Mr. Dick Jones, the president, that exciting developments in the research and development section indicate that a new beverage, an instant pina colada, should be possible because of a new way to process and preserve coconut. Mrs. Lee is recommending a major program to develop the pina colada. She estimates that expenditure on the development may be as much as $100,000 and that as much as a year’s work may be required. In the discussion with Mr. Jones, she indicated that she thought the possibility of her outstanding people successfully developing such a drink now that she’d done all the really important work was in the neighborhood of 90 percent. She also felt that the likelihood of a competing company developing a similar product in 12 months was 80 percent. Mr. Jones is strictly a bottom line guy and is concerned about the sales volume of such a beverage. Consequently, Mr. Jones talked to Mr. Besnette, his market research manager, whose specialty is new product evaluation, and was advised that a market existed for an instant pina colada, but was some-what dependent on acceptance by both grocery stores and retail liquor stores. Mr. Besnette also indicated that the sales reports indicate that other firms are considering a line of tropical drinks. If other firms should develop a competing beverage the market would, of course, be split among them. Mr. Jones pressed Mr. Besnette to make future sales estimates for various possibilities and to indicate the present (discounted value of future profits) value. Mr. Besnette provided Table 1. Mr. Besnette’s figures did not include (1) cost of research and development, (2) cost of new production equipment, or (3) cost of introducing the pina colada. The cost of the new production equipment is expected to be $ 100,000 because of the special way the coconut needs to be handled, and the cost of introducing the new product is expected to be about $150,000 because of the point-of purchase displays that would be necessary to introduce the new product. Mrs. Lee has indicated that she does have alternative development proposals, which are: 1. A reduced research program to see someone else comes out with the product first and if not, then proceed with a crash program. The reduced program for the first eight months would cost $10,000 per month. One advantage of this is that if the effort was unsuccessful, then development costs would be held to the eight-month figure (8 months ? $ 10,000 = $80,000). The likelihood of success under this approach is the same as the more orderly development. (The likelihood of a competing company developing a product in 8 months is 60 percent.) The crash development program would take place in months 9 through 12 and would cost an additional $60,000. It would proceed only if the eight-month study guaranteed a success. 2. Use a reduced research program and maintain an awareness of industry developments to see if someone else develops a product. If someone else has developed a product at the end of six months, it would cost only an additional $30,000 to analyze their product and duplicate it. The reduced development program would cost $10,000 per month. Mr. Besnette, being the great marketer that he is, is of course reluctant to be second on the market with a new product. He says that the first product on the market will usually obtain a greater share of the market, and it will be difficult to win those customers back. Consequently, he indicates that only about 50 percent of the sales that he indicated in Table 1 could be expected if Drink-at-Home waited until competing brands were already on the market. Moreover, he suspects that there is only a 50/50 chance that the competitor will be out with a product within the next six months. There are four options: (1) orderly development of the pina colada, (2) modest development effort followed by the crash program, (3) a modest development effort for the first six months to see if a competitive product comes on the market, and (4) do nothing. TABLE 1. Sales and Profit Potentials Consumer Acceptance Substantial Moderate Low (Sales Potential) Probability Present Values 0. 10 0. 60 0. 30 (Discounted Value of Future Profits) $800,000 $600,000 $500,000 What would you recommend? Show all supporting solutions/computations. Source: http://wps. pearsoned. co. uk/ema_ge_render_qam_11/202/51952/13299854. cw/content/index. html.

Characters Compared to Celebrities Essay

Tom Buchanan is the husband of Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tom can be described as an extremely wealthy brute of a man. He is very athletic and successful. Tom is also very selfish, and he will do anything to get what he wants. In addition he has absolutely no shame in anything that he does and he thinks very highly of himself. Tom is very judgemental and often forces confrontation. These characteristics can be found in many spoiled and greedy celebrities, one of which is Donald Trump. Three qualities that we will examine between Tom and Donald will be greed, selfishness, and  I would think that Tom represents a Donald Trump figure. Tom’s fairly ostentatious state of being in the opening chapter is something akin to Trump. Additionally, Tom has no problem with the â€Å"magnitude of me† and the sense of his own superiority. Indeed, Trump is similar in that he has no shortage of faith in self. Where I think that their real connection lies in how they feel that their â€Å"success† allows them to parlay this into speaking with an air of authority on any subject. Tom has no basis or any idea to speak of â€Å"the coloured people† or the â€Å"threatening of the White society.† He holds no degrees of advanced study in this field nor does his theory even make logical sense. Yet, because he is wealthy and represents a sense of power, he is able to speak with absolute clarity, and presumes that others will take what he says as gospel, as if the law is being written as it is being said. Trump operates in much of the same manner. He believes that his insights on national topics are relevant because he is a success. He can publicly weigh out a run for the political office of President because of his success and his wealth. His ability to speak of issues such as 9/11 or Rosie O’Donnell are only accepted, or entertained because of his wealth. In this manner, Tom and Trump are fairly similar.

Racism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Racism - Essay Example They made them belief that some human beings are less human by the virtue that they shared a different language, colour, or place of birth. To date, some African tribes still hold onto those beliefs, which make them fight occasionally. The worst scenario was in Rwanda when a war between the two main tribes Tutsi and Hutu almost swept the nation. While you will hardly notice racial discrimination in some parts of the world, in some parts it is readable and accepted as a norm. For instance, in Europe, as African immigrants join different countries to trade, they are given different treatment by the natives, which cause confrontations at times. In the Middle East, Lebanon is the worst marked scenario where racism is practised openly. Foreign domestic workers receive poor treatment from their bosses who treat them as second-class citizens. Domestic workers from Asia and Africa cannot even use the Lebanese beaches (Shah Web). The major problem with racism is that it hinders development. When different tribes decide to live in isolation and refuse to interact with other communities, knowledge and used for innovations cannot flow. In addition, it hinders immigration of people from one place to another who carry expertise that is not with the natives. People fear poor treatments offered by other based on race and avoid immigration. UN’s World Conference on Racism in 2001 tried to prevent racism in the world. With the main agenda on ways to curb discrimination based on racism, xenophobia, and its related intolerance (Shah Web). European commission against racism and intolerance (ECRI) is a human right body that cannot condone racism. It has held different delegations in Finland, San Marino, Ireland, Ukraine and in other parts to make sure that every human being is treated with the dignity they deserves (Council of Europe Web) Although different non-governmental organisations

A Casy Study_PTII Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A Casy Study_PTII - Case Study Example The methods to use for collecting effective data generally consist of techniques like questionnaires designed for taking interviews, observation practices and other measures like surveys. However the methods like observation and surveys are taken to be unobtrusive in nature and thereby do not require the researcher to go for an in-depth analysis of the research question. On the contrary, the use of interview technique based on development of a questionnaire helps the researcher to gain potential inferences to the research question. Thus for the research question under view it would be feasible to incorporate the interview method than other data collection methods (Cummings and Worley, 2008, p.123). Use of open and close ended questions in the interview would enable the researcher to get effective views and feedbacks of the respondents to the research question. Using written document along with an in depth interviews the researchers will be able collect information of the phenomena. By reading it carefully researcher tends to drive the essence of experience by conducting interviews with the individuals who have already experienced the phenomenon. Interviews to be conducted for the research are of mainly three types, unstructured interview, semi structured interview and focus group interview. In unstructured interview, the questions are not set in advance so that the flow is not limited with certain set of questions. Once the interview is underway, the interviewer may ask question to clarify his thoughts such as â€Å"tell me what you meant by† or â€Å"please say more about†. In semi structured interview, the interviewer pre plans few of the general questions to be asked. This type of question typically begins with set of guiding questions which address significant aspect of the research subject. Open ended questions are used to guide the interview and offers some structure and at the same time attempts to maintain

Relationship Between Wage and Education Level Dissertation

Relationship Between Wage and Education Level - Dissertation Example This paper approves in view of the above, it was observed that although a direct correlation between education and wages could not be established; yet, there is enough peripheral evidence to generalise that the Chinese population, hold education in the right earnest. However, the return to education as documented in many labour studies such as the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (2010); Canadian HRSDC (2008) and US College Board (2007), needs to be investigated. In the subsequent chapter, the researcher intends to draw conclusions from the study discussing the limitations and the recommendations for future works on this subject. This paper analyzes the discussion on the relation between educational and earning which reflected the research undertaken in the western world; most of which have been a strong positive relationship. In the present study involving the four Chinese companies located in four geographic locations spread over China, provided no direct evidence or a very weak positive correlation between educational attainment and wages earned in all the companies except that of China Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Telecommunications Limited, one of the largest companies in the World, known for its high wage structure and employee benefit programmes. The reasons for this anomaly could be many folds. It recommends Based on the critical review of the literatures and critical analysis of the findings of the primary and secondary study, the researcher recommends that further researcher need to be carried out to ascertain the degree of association with educational attainment and wages earned. As by establishing these facts, more and more children can be persuaded to be educated and as Edward Everett once said, â€Å"Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.†... My evaluator, Dr. __________ has been my lighthouse. In the ocean of knowledge, not knowing where to start and when to stop, without following his direction, I would have been completely lost. I would like to thank him for teaching me how to navigate through the ocean of knowledge. I would also like to thank all of my colleagues for spending their valuable time for the survey. A literary assignment of this nature takes a years to materialise, the foundation for which is laid down early in life and by parents. Their able upbringing, personal sacrifice and high regard for pursuit of knowledge have been the chief factors for my being able to prepare this dissertation. I would like to express my profound gratitude to my parents whose relentless support and encouragement could make me to see this day. Researcher Table of Contents Abstract 4 Acknowledgement 5 Table of Figures 9 List of Tables 10 Photo credit 10 Chapter 1: Introduction 12 1.1 Introduction 12 1.2 Background 12 1.3 Research S ignificance 13 1.4 Problem Statement 17 1.5 Research Aims and objectives 17 1.5.1 Aims 17 1.5.2 Objectives 18 1.6 Research Method 18 Chapter 2: Theory and Hypothesis 20 2.1 Introduction 20 2.1.1 Definition and concept of education 20 2.1.2 Definition and concept of wages 21 2.2 Relationship linking wages and education 21 2.2.1 United States Context 23 2.2.2 The Canadian context 28 2.2.3 The Brazilian Context 29 2.2.4 The UK Context 30 2.2.5 The Sudanese Context 31 2.3 Hypotheses 34 2.4 Conclusion 35 Chapter 3: Research Methodology 37 3.1 Introduction 37 3.2 Research Design 37 3.2.1 Theoretical vs. empirical 39 3.2.2 Nomothetic vs. ideographic 39 3.2.3 Cross-sectional vs. longitudinal study 39 3.3 Research Method 40 3.3.1 Qualitative vs. quantitative study 40 3.3.2 Types

Discuss several (at least 3) recent methods of appraising employees Research Paper

Discuss several (at least 3) recent methods of appraising employees used at specific companies and organizations. Comment on the pros and cons of each - Research Paper Example The abilities, capabilities, talents and skills differ from one employee to the other. There is constantly some difference between the quality and quantity in the same work done by two different individuals. Performance appraisal has been defined as the process of recognizing, evaluating and increasing the work performance of employees in the organization, in order to efficiently achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. Performance appraisal is needed to appraise the performance of employees along with the organization to verify the development towards its preferred objectives and goals.   â€Å"It is a vital component in recruiting and hiring employees where it is used to validate selection procedures† (Grote pg 8). Performance appraisal is considered highly crucial both by educational as well as practicing managers, as it is one of the most important human resource tools. Performance appraisal is a helpful tool in determining the provision of rewards such as higher wage or promotion, to the employees on the basis of their performance. It is a type of feedback given to the employees by the employer. Following are some of the methods of performance appraisal adopted by different companies. In this method, performance of an employee is compared with that of others, who are doing the same type of job. Performances are evaluated graphically and the employees are ranked in the range of top to worst for every performance. â€Å"It may also be done by ranking a person on his job performance against another member of the competitive group† (Performance Appraisal Tools and Techniques para 1). This method is considered to be beneficial for selecting the best performer among the top performers. For example, companies such as Microsoft in US use a ranking method, so that some employees, no matter what the circumstances, must be rated in the bottom 10%. Ford and

Corporate Finance Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Corporate Finance - Coursework Example However, the application of the IRR technique revealed that the project has an IRR of 20.2% which is less than the rates FCL uses to discount their investments. In consideration of the rate of inflation and the fact that there seem to be no basis for using a 21 per cent and a 26 per cent rate of inflation as suggested in a meeting, the recommendation was made to invest in the project. The basis for this suggestion was that the investment would facilitate an increase in the company’s efficiency. Furthermore, it would help to improve FCL’s image and so allow the company to obtain more contracts and thus increase its revenues. Introduction Investing in a project is not a simple matter. It involves an assessment of different options. If the project relates to an asset for a new idea, this requires consideration of a number of different options which are completely new to the organization. However, if it involves a new piece of equipment to replace an existing one, it requir es consideration of the equipment in use compared to the alternative. FCL is considering whether to replace an old crane which has five (5) years left to be put out of commission with a new ALII Crane. The ALII would allow the company to get additional opportunities in the market which the old crane would not be able to facilitate. It would also be able to produce items faster which mean a faster turnaround time and less production backlog for the company. Purchasing a new piece of equipment normally involves a large capital outflow and so the company’s ability to obtain funds is normally one of the main considerations. However, since financing the project is not a challenge, the focus here is not on obtaining money to finance it. Some of the things to be considered include cash flow and the ability of the company to generate enough revenue to make a profit or to break-even with this investment. Additionally, the project needs to be appraised to determine whether the investme nt will generate the required returns. The project will be assessed in terms of its net present value (NPV) over the ten year period, the payback period and the projects internal rate of return (IRR). Break-even analysis It is important to consider the ability of the company to generate the volume of sales necessary to break-even. The breakeven point is the point at which the company neither makes a profit nor a loss (BPP 2011; Horngren et al. 2000). This is a measure that is frequently used to measure risk in a business (Singh and Deshpande 1982). The ability to generate a profit or to break-even is not the only important issue and so the timing of FCL’s cash flow is also of paramount importance. Cash Flows A projects cash flow is very important. In order to determine the feasibility of the investment the cash flows will have to be evaluated (Emory et al. 2007; Titman et al. 2011). In fact, Popescu (2008) indicates that cash is the lifeblood of a business; therefore, it is i mportant for the people who are placed in authority to pay special attention to cash inflows and outflows and their timing. Cash will flow inwards from sales revenue while cash will flow outwards to pay for expenses that will be incurred on the project. The focus should be on incremental cash flows that are generated from the use of the

How to make prisons economically viable Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How to make prisons economically viable - Essay Example This has made a negative impact on the private prison industry. The aim of this paper is to analyze private prisons in United States in the lights of broad and diverse academic resources. SWOT Analysis During the eighties, the trend in privatization of prisons started and thus, by the nineties, majority of the prisons became private. In the prison industry, private prisons are considered to be the most profitable and lucrative methods of maintaining law and order and at the same time, generating revenues (Shichor, 2002). Correctional Corporation of America and Wackenhut are considered to be the two dominant players in the private prison industry(Logan, 2007). Research suggests that by sentencing one prison, the correctional institution gets large amount of money (Sloane, 2006). However, in the last few years, there has been decline in the private prison industry. Based on the decline and massive expenditure on private prisons, the following analysis has been conducted in for economic ally viable private prisons: Strengths 1. There is no doubt that private prisons are more effective in maintaining law and order as compared to public prisons. 2. Privatization concentrates on providing quality to the prisoners. 3. Private prisons allow business owners to generate higher revenues. 4.

Spiritual Formation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Spiritual Formation - Essay Example Spiritual formation can be separated, therefore, into different definitions according to one’s beliefs and experiences. The spiritual life in the biblical sense is one that should affect one’s daily life and his relationships not only with God but also with his neighbors. The one objective that sums up Jesus’ teachings while on earth was love. This was further reinforced by his disciples in the writings of the New Testament â€Å"faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.† It is difficult to separate the spiritual life from everyday life. As in our love of God and love of neighbor, the value of our rituals and devotional life is judged by how we behave in our daily life and work (Westerhoff 3). The desire to understand one self and his humanity can lead to spiritual formation. There is an intrinsic desire in man to seek God or that higher being that will explain his purpose here on earth. Some persons confuse this desire by aspiring for material things. A successful career, a happy family, good health and financial stability do not necessarily bring inner peace and contentment that comes with spiritual formation or being spiritually tuned with God. Since the early church spiritual formation has taken on new dimensions and emphasis. In the early church there was that special bond with the believers who live in a community and share the experiences and difficulties that came with the establishment of a new way of living. Jesus began a -learn as -they -go method with the disciples. He didn’t ask much from them; only to follow Him. Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector but their new quest of spiritual formation overshadowed their faults and shortcomings. In His humanness Jesus accepted the fact that they came with their own baggage, backgrounds and personalities. These disciples were not formed instantly. Even when Jesus walked among them they exhibited different emotions and weaknesses. At times they were fearful, angry,