Owning My Own Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Owning My Own - Assignment Example tender righteousness in business also ensures that the union has a positive impact on its customers, stockholders, community, employees and the environment. Social responsibility helps guide a business on its mission and what it stands for and will uphold for its consumers, employees, stockholders and the community (Werther and Chandler, 2010). Discussed below are ways and procedures put in put down to ensure that incorporation of self responsibility in business will satisfy consumers, employees and stockholders. Consumers are a vital part of business since they purchase the fellowships products. To ensure tender responsibility on consumers, the alliance has to strive and produce high quality and standard goods. In ensuring the quality of products, a confederacy addresses ethical and quality standards expected in business (Werther and Chandler, 2010). A company has to produce high quality products which meet the satisfaction of the consumer. The products should not be wounding to consumer health. The company should also meet set standards expected of the product. It should offer the product at fair prices to their consumers. In pasture to meet consumer social responsibility, a company should have a quality control department that checks on the product and service quality. By having a quality control department, the company addresses and ensures consumer satisfaction by producing quality products and services to its customers. Employees provide the company with the workforce or labor needed for creation of products and services in the business. In pursuit of the business missions and goals, social responsibility incorporates employees. A company should be able to ensure that its employees needs become met. Social responsibility in ensures that matters such as employee remuneration, bonuses, hiring and cooking or education get addressed (Werther and Chandler, 2010). A company should ensure that its employees get paid i n time and according to labor laws. The company should be able to meet the required labor laws. The company should also enhance employee training and education. Employees should get to attend workshops and seminars to gain more knowledge in order to produce quality products and services. Hiring of employees should be conducted as par the companies required rules and regulation and only qualified candidates should become hired. To ensure that employee social responsibility is met within the business, the company should set up a human resource department which should look up at all matters concerning employees. Stockholders refer to persons or corporation that own shares or equity within a company. The expectation of a stockholder is that the company makes a return on investment (Werther and Chandler, 2010). Stockholder may also be referred to as shareholders or owners of the company. Social responsibility in business gets concerned with ensuring that the expectations of stockholders are met. To ensure that the stockholders get return on their investment, the company should seek at ways of maximizing its profits. To ensure maximum profits, the company should employ competent management that runs the company smoothly and ensure that it competes fairly and effectively. The company management becomes encompassed with the responsibility of ensuring that all departments work hand in hand to ensure that the company is successful financially to maximize profits. Profits become

Group Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Group Plan - Essay Example365). A more new-fashioned research conducted by Reynolds, Chen and Herbers (2009) indicates that mobility can not only impact students academic performance but can also increase the risk of drop out. This study examined the consequences of student mobility for academic performance and dropout rates in 16 research studies conducted from 1990-2008. Result findings indicate that student mobility accounted for a 1/3 higher(prenominal) rate of both academic under achievement and drop-out rates (1). Rumberger (2002) advices that since nothing can be done about mobility the best response is to inform students and their families of the difficulties that ar associated with changing schools and how to mitigate them (p.1). Specifically, Rumberger (2002) recommends that schools should be prepared in advance for the reception of highly mobile students in order to facilitate the transitioning process the moment they arrive. Moreover, schools should compensate up ong oing activities and procedures to address the needs of the new student (Rumberger 2002, p. 2). This group plan is therefore guided by Rumbergers advice and the documented evidence of the lust for academic underperformance of students in regular or frequent transition. ... It is difficult to predict the number of students that will be participating in each session, but it is judge to have at least five students and could be as much as twenty. At any rate, teacher representatives from each grade will be asked to participate in the group plan as a means of ensuring that incoming students and their parents/guardians can address any concerns about the curriculum and anything specific to their grade. These teachers are also expected to provide reassurance that they are there for the students and their parents/guardians and when and where they can be contacted. Academic dean, Arthur Baldridge will also be asked to participate in the sessions as oft as possible. His role is merely to int roduce himself and to make himself available to students and their parents/guardians. How Members will be selected Members will be selected by reference to the enrolment immortalize. The enrolment register will inform of new and incoming students. Staff will be selected from among teachers and counsellors based on expertize and availability. The Academic Dean is very important because he administers and plans fit to goals set for the student and the academic needs of the students. By participating in the group plan, the Academic Dean will focus special attention on the academic needs of transitioning students. Logistics The sessions will be conducted once a week for one hour per session for six weeks. The sessions will be held in reciprocation form and since questionnaires will be distributed in the first and last sessions, it is best to hold the sessions in a classroom. Leadership Skills As a leader of this

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention Essay - 5

The unite States Pharmacopeial Convention - Essay ExampleIn America, alone people spend almost $21.3 billion dollars each year on viands supplements. So the question still re primary(prenominal)s as to whether this money is a waste or whether these people truly benefit from these Vitamins and fortified foods. That is why we break some non-profit organizations that are establishing that to be able to regulate these products in America. One of these organizations includes the United States Pharmacopeial conventions (USP) (Thompson and Manore 186).The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a nonprofit making organization that is scientific. Its main function is to set standards of identity, strength, quality and medicines that are pure ingredients of food, distributing manufactured supplements of diet and consumed globally. The enforcing of USPs drug standards in the United States is by the administration of food and drugs. Developing these standards and, much than 130 coun tries rely on them. More than 800 volunteer experts mainly develop and revise the USP standards.Some of these volunteers include the international participants who work with the USP under rules that are of relentless conflict-of-interest. Establishing USP was first in 1820, since then it has helped to secure the American drugs supply that is of quality. To strengthen this legacy, today USP is working with scientists, practitioners and regulators that help protect the health of the public internationally, from various countries (Thompson and Manore 186).The United States Pharmacopeial Conventions whose mission is to see a world that has its citizens have high-quality access, safe and beneficial foods and medicines.USP approaches this vision urgently and with a purpose.

Evolution And Extinction Essay Example for Free

Evolution And Extinction EssayEvolution describes the progressive stages by which organisms existing today have emerged through processes of specialization, adaption and natural selection, from their exist ancestors it is the significant change in the traits of a population over several generations. On the other hand, extinction of a species of organism is the total disappearance of such(prenominal) forms of life from the surface of the earth due to inability to adapt.The concept of f extinction and fossil development are closely interwoven. It is so important to the nourish of evolution that Charles Darwin expects that the missing fossils would ace day emerge as the strongest support for the theory he propounded the theory of evolution by natural selection. The point is that without extinction, there would be no fossils. In the absence of fossils, it readily becomes difficult to relate species ancestor to the existing organisms for the purpose of establishing an unequivoca l evolutionary link.Evolution has generated a view of controversy in contemporary times as it attempts to remove the Creationist theory from its vantage and highly exalted position. It is a thoughtful concept on the melodic phrase of living organism that has been supported by Developmental similarities ascribed to the work of Ernest Haeckel, chromosomal similarities among mammals and primates e.g. man and chimpanzee, fossil records, biochemical and anatomical similarities such as rudimentary organs. Of these, fossil records are the most important since they create the needed link to substantiate evolution.Before reaching forth to connect and disconnect evolution and extinction, it is ingrained to note that In the beginning, life was simple and over time, complexities came into view. As a result organisms perpetually attempt to become snap off suited to the prevailing environmental conditions and demands. Organisms who can effectively develop appropriate features survive i.e. th ey adapt and those who can not, die. This is the concept of the survival of the fittest.The newly evolved organism with better adaptation mechanisms produce offsprings often better suited by transfer of such positive and inheritable characters encoded in genes. When conditions change again, evolution occurs for the sustenance of life. Those who do not cope, die and their species increasingly disappear. It is this cycle of evolution and extinction that is acclaimed to have maintained living organisms on the Earth.EVOLUTION VERSUS EXTINCTIONFrom the aforementioned facts, it is clear that the two concepts are in a way, mutually interdependent. The progressive emergence of present-day horse from its evolutionary ancestors has been confirmed by fossil discovery and analysis. Same applies to mans appearance as Homo sapiens. In the examples, the ancestral species have gone into extinction. Their fossils were however discovered. A detailed analysis of these fossils, placing them side by si de has made it possible to tracing the evolution of horses and man for man, from extinct Homo habilis through H. erectus to the present day Homo sapiens.This complementation has been achieved thus detailed study and analysis of the different aspects of the fossil anatomical, biochemical, and sometimes pathological, and comparing of findings to same properties of existing species has led to the conclusion that speciation and specialization occurred, necessitated by the need for survival.In contrast, if extinction points to the fact that evolution has possibly occurred, what well-nigh the missing links. This is an area that has made the belief in evolution a rather Herculean adventure. If organisms are claimed to have evolved over time, then, there has to fossils for the proposed ancestors. This is peculiarly important in the case of links i.e. species that combined the properties of two related members of a genus. If these links are absent, evolution raises more questions than it c an answer.In this vein, one may look at Extinction as a natural solution to the problems of congestion. It appears to relieve the ecosystem of the burden of many lives. Imagine the congestion and its concomitant impetuous competition for space that would have resulted if extinction did not occur. The earth would have been in serious turmoil and life would intolerable.On the other hand, evolution shows the capableness that nature has to become suited to sustain life. It evidently relates a potent idea nature is self-sustaining. It can adapt to changes effectively, and produce same or better results from prevailing conditions.

The earth and its people chapter 17 Essay Example for Free

The earth and its raft chapter 17 Essay1. Why were death rates among Amerindians so high? P. 432 2. What was the most devilishly of the epidemics in the Americas? P. 432 3. What (3) New World (Americas) foods revolutionized Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia) agriculture? P. 432 4. What did the horse do for the native peoples of the Americas? P. 433-4 5. What country occupied most of the Brazilian coast? P. 434 6. How did Amerindian people respond to the imposed Christianity? P. 434 7. What kind of powers did the highest-ranking Spanish officials in the colonies have? Why? P. 435 8.What regions were included in the Viceroy of Spain? P. 435 9. What was the primary agent by which European speech and culture was transmitted to Brazil and Spanish America? P. 435 10. What was the richest institution in the Spanish colonies? P. 437 11. What commodities dominated the economic development of colonial Latin America? P. 437 12. What was the mita? p. 439 13. What did shekels plantations i n Brazil depend on? P. 439 14. Why did sugar planters prefer African slaves to Amerindian slaves? P. 439 15. What were Hidalgos? P. 440 16.What forms did slave resistance take? P. 444 17. What was manumission and how did a slave achieve that? P. 444 18. What were castas? go out examples. 444-5 19. How were the governments and economic systems of English and French colonies different than those of the Spanish and Portuguese? Why? 445 20. Were the English successful in their first efforts to establish colonies in the Americas? Give an example. 445 21. How often of Jamestowns population died within the first 15 years? Why? P. 446 22. How did the fur trade and hunting affect the Amerindian people? P.446 23. What was indigo grown rough Charleston used for? P. 447 24. What was the Stono Rebellion of 1739? P. 447 25. What are 3 ways that immigration to the Chesapeake differed from that of Massachusetts? P. 447 26. Merchants from what European nation first colonized Manhattan Island in 1 624? P. 449 27. What did French settlements mark? P. 450 28. Who were the enemies of the Huron and Algonquin, who then became enemies of the French? P. 450 29. What were 3 things Jesuits did in an effort to convert native people to Christianity in French Canada? P. 450 30.What was the result, politically, of the French and Indian War (Seven Years War)? p. 452 31. What was the aspire of the English Navigation Acts? p. 454 Free Response Focus Questions Answer these questions in a 5-7 sentence paragraph. In your own words. Do not simply copy from the book and memorize the response. Know it. Support your response with plenty of facts. Understand where events fall historically (global context, cause/effect, etc) 1. Considering the Columbian Exchange and colonization, what were the major impacts on the peoples of the Americas?2. What map does religion play in European settlement of the Americas? Be specific as to Spanish, Portuguese, French, and British uses of Christianity as a tool of colonization. 3. The chapter describes several different types of laboured labor practices. Describe each practice and explain why each one was preferred in different locations. Compare/Contrast Write a well-developed thesis statement which clearly addresses similarities and differences. 4. Compare and contrast Latin American with North American colonies from 1530-1770.

Discovering Your Authentic Leadership Essay Example for Free

Discovering Your Authentic Leadership EssayThe article discussed authentic, original, leadership. It explained the importance of discovering ones own leadership. To do that, the article points that you should be yourself Do not impersonate another leader. By doing so, people approximately you will know that you are trying to behave akin someone else, which may lead to mistrust.Authentic leaders are usually passionate about their goals. They make sure to always practice their values, lead with some(prenominal) their emotions and their minds and they aim for long and meaningful relationships. Original leaders give meaning to their lives by overcoming difficult experiences. By giving meaning to their lives, leaders become much effective.Authentic leaders make it a point to develop themselves on their own. They dislike having a be after handed to them that limits them and forces them to follow a certain prescript or procedure set by someone else. They see that as a kind of cop ying someone elses style. When making their own plan for development, they install their own values and morals into it. Thus making it easier for them to practice those values and developing them further.It is also essential for authentic leaders to balance their motive sources. They should balance judgment, criticism and reprisal. Original leaders see their organization as a very authorized aspect of their lives. This enables them to clarify their beliefs, values and their understanding of important issues. They also give honest feedback to people around them when it is needed.The practical steps of being an authentic leader are to stay grounded , Empower people around to lead, learn from their life, knowing themselves, practicing their values, balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and finally build a support team.

Strategic Analysis Of The External Environment Currently Facing Gillette Marketing Essay

Strategic Analysis Of The External Environment Currently Facing Gillette Marketing try out1. AbstractPurpose The fair gameive of this cover is to conduct an extensive analytic thinking of the foreign milieu and evaluate the pick up drivers influencing the corporate strategic management of observe Gambles denounce, Gillette. It go out concentrate on identifying, categorising and prioritising the key issues facing this organisation both in the macro-environment and the micro-environment.Methodology The tools used in this report to provide an external analysis of the key environmental forces and competitive drivers include analytical frameworks such as the PESTEL framework, and Porters 5-forces analysis. In addition an analysis of strategic groups and sources of competition allow for be included.Findings The entrance of political, stinting, social, technological, environmental and legal drivers in the macro-environment, combined with the issues from the micro-environment , provide a series of implications for competitive action and strategic choice in the succeeding(a). In the current external environment, social-trends and technological aspects play a vital role in a come withs success in the shaving s abide manufacturing.Value The report utilises appropriate theory, judgmentual frameworks and academic literature on future strategies and scenarios for Gillette from an analytical perspective.2. IntroductionThis report will define Gillette as assembling and marting its products within in the graze s permit industriousness, a distinct category of the Beauty Personal C ar sector. Regardless of the period of growth the industry, valued at 523 million, has benefitted from in recent years, Mintel (2009) suggested that gross revenue of shaving and depilatory products had dropped by an estimated 3%. (Lee, 2010) proposes the industry faces cash-conscious consumers who may be seeking to reduce the cost of expensive razor blades or ensure they peris h for a longer period of time. However, (Bottomley, 2010) suggests a different reason for the decrease, even the most gadget- obsessed antheral is likely to question the value of on-board microchips and precision trimmers, when on that point ar simpler, high-quality products available for a fraction of the set. A nonher point of view from (Jefferson, 2010) who suggests perhaps it is the functional approach that companies within this industry present to clients, connecting with customers on a more emotional level will remedy the predictable perceptions of two blades are better than one, three blades are better than two and so on.The object of this report is to provide a structure focusing on future trends that give nonice help to analyse strategic choices available to companies in the Shaving shave industry. It will provide an extensive external environmental analysis of the current Shaving Razor environment with a future-trend perspective, using the PESTEL (political, econom ic, social, technological, environmental, legal) framework (see, for example, Brooks et al., 2005, p.7) as a suitable analytical tool for the macro-environment. The report will draw out and highlight the key drivers which are most likely to influence the future development of the industry. The report will then focus on Porters five forces framework, which (Porter, 1980) referred these forces as the micro-environment, which will then be used to establish the competitive colour and therefore the overall industry profitability. Finally the report will analyse strategic groups and sources of competition within the Shaving Razor industry.3. PESTEL Analysis of the Shaving Razor intentnessThe external environment consists of the external environment forces which may influence an aspect of organisational activity. These are defined within six broad-ranging sections with the acronym PESTEL, political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal. A rise PESTEL analysis of the Shaving Razor environment is provided in Table 1, however the report has identified, categorised and prioritised the key issues facing the industry from the macro-environment below.Among the key demonstrations of the PESTEL analysis are the followingWith consumer purchases increasingly dependant on the often neglected topic of social responsibility, (Shayrn, 2009 Trainer, 2005) suggest that over the coming years, even in todays tough economic times, consumers demand an urgency about making their communities more environmentally friendly, fairer and sustainable. In the future, as environmental issues become increasingly reported in the media, (Kraus, 2005) implies the consumer will not only consider the impact their purchases have, but having a corporate social responsibility will be compulsory to remain competitive. In the Shaving Razor industry, this refers to using environmentally-friendly materials, long-lasting performance, environmentally-friendly packaging, CO2 emissions. Se e for example, Bics new environmentally friendly shaving razor (BicEcolutions, 2010).As the industry provides an essential product, that the majority of males require on an international basis. It is common for companies in this industry to operate and distribute globally. (Anwar et al, 2009) suggested that each country has individual rules on taxation and custom duties which may distort the companys determine policies, a contradiction in pricing may cause throng to purchase stock in bulk from countries with minimal price and black localizeet the companys products, which would have a negative effect on profitability and brand reputation.The Shaving Razor industry become advantage of around a 4750% mark up according to (Poulter, 2009) who suggests that insiders have revealed that replacement razors blades cost only 5p to make yet are sold for around 2.50 each. This extortionate mark-up on compatibility cost has caught the trouble of the Office of Fair Trading who are currently i nvestigating the issue. (The Office of Fair Trading, 2010) refers to this type of issue under the name compatibility be, these purchase decisions lock a consumer in with inexpensive original equipment (durables) in order to purchase follow-on products which a substantial profit is made on (consumables).The high value-to-size ratio passported by the Shaving Razor industry has triggered the products offered by Shaving companies to become the worlds most shoplifted product according to (The Telegraph, 2003 BBC News, 2010). Kopalchick and Monk (2005, p.70) proposed this caused several companies in the Shaving Razor industry to take action and incorporate Radio-Frequency Identity (RFID) tags, which automatically tracks the products location when it is removed from the shelf. However, with the technology available today, e.g. GPS systems it would be possible to track the product from leaving the shelf to its casingual(prenominal) disposal, which has led to ethical disputes regarding pe rsonal privacy according to (The whizz phoenix, 2006).There is an ongoing legal mesh within in the Shaving Razor industry, examples of this are evident in (New York Times, 2004, p4 Grand Rapid Press, 2003, p11 BBC news, 2006). The series of disputes refer to company slogans, ad campaigns, design patents regarding razor heads with more blades and trademarks according to (Solley, 2005). Each legal battle has costs both in gold, time and to some extent brand reputation.The UK government has ordered an increase in value added tax (VAT) from 17.5% to 20%, this will take place on the 4th January 2011 (HM Revenue Customs, 2011). The increase will trigger an increase in material costs, meaning a higher price needs to be charged to customers in order to maintain the same profit levels per unit. According to (The Guardian, 2010) several companies have already made plans to increase their prices and some(prenominal) companies are waiting to see what action competitors take, while some c ompanies have chosen to absorb the increase. (The Western Mail, 2011) reports that many companies believe that if they absorb the VAT increase, they will attract more customers and be able to compete more effectively in the marketplace. This suggests that Shaving Razor companies who absorb the VAT increase may find out more increased custom than those who choose to pass on the rise in costs to customers.PoliticalstintingSocialTechnologicalEnvironmental licitEach country has individual rules on taxation and custom duties which may distort the companys pricing policies. Contradiction in pricing may cause people black market the companies products.aThe VAT increase from 17.5% to 20% will raise material costs throughout the industry and the UK.bContinued growth trend in industry value (523 million), however estimated 3% decrease in 2009.cRecession had minimal effect on spending habits within this industry, few people have spend less on shaving products. However, value of sales has drop ped, due to heavy promotional discounting.cPrice increase due to high demand in agio disposable shaving systems. dBrand loyalty is high within the industry, however one in ten users experiment with new brands and formats. pure tone and performance are the key factors relating to whether the user switches to the new brand or format.cCultural and religious factors that prevent people from shaving. In addition, the media popularisation of Movember, a fund-raising event to raise money to fight prostate cancer.eDemographic changes e.g. the increasing aging of population, who statistically shave less often.fChanging social attitudes. Rise in male grooming sales suggests men are more conscious with the way they look.gIntroduction of high-end products last longer, meaning they have to be replaced less frequently, reducing sales.hHigh-quality premium product with additional USPs e.g. indicator that tells customers when blades need to be replaced means a higher price can be charged.iUse of JIT and ICT within industry can reduce wastage and ensure the manufacture is more efficient.hConsumer purchases increasingly dependant on the often neglected topic of social responsibility.jThe disposal of the dangerous razor blades is a key issue, previously Blade banks were provided as promotional material. It is a joint responsibility between manufacturer and customer to ensure the dangerous affect to the environment is minimised kDepilatories A Possible Threat to Shaving Systems.lThere is an ongoing legal battle within the Shaving Razor industry. The series of disputes refer to company slogans, advertising campaigns, design patents regarding razor heads with more blades and trademarks.mReplacement shaving razor heads have become the worlds most shoplifted product.nMany companies within the industry have incorporate RFID tags into packaging to automatically monitor products from shelf to disposal, however this has led to ethical disputes regarding personal privacy.oOffice of fa ir trading are investigating the high compatibility costs currently charged by companies in the industry., putting the present 4750% mark-up at jeopardy.pSources a(Ricciuto, 2001) b(The Guardian, 2010 HM Revenue Customs, 2010) c(Mintel, 2009) d(The Times 100, 2010) e(Mandal, 2003) f(Gale,2008) g(Verdon, 2007) h(Greb, 2009) i(Kruger,1998) j(Shayrn, 2009 Trainer, 2005) k (Kostigen, 2008) l(Global Industry Analysts, 2010) m (Solley, 2005 New York Times, 2004, p.4BBC news, 2006) n(The Telegraph, 2003) o(The Star Pheonix, 2006) p(Poulter, 2009 The Office of Fair Trading, 2010).4. 5-Forces Analysis of the Shaving Razor IndustryPorters five forces framework can enable companies to analyse key forces that will affect the industry from the micro-environment and determine competitive vividness and consequently the overall industry profitability. According to (Porter, 1980) the five main forces include three from horizontal competition affright of substitution, bane from established rivals and threat from new entrants. The two remaining forces are from vertical competition bargaining power of suppliers and bargaining power of customers. The diagram below identifies, categorises and prioritises the key issues facing Gillette in the micro-environment. A more detailed exposition of the competitive intensity and industry profitability follows in the next sections.Diagram 1 come upon Drivers facing Gillette in the micro-environment4.2 Threat Of SubstitutionThe level of threat from substitution depends on several factors, the key factors are relative quality and price, customers willingness to substitute and the costs involved with switch to a substitute. In Gillettes case the main substitutes would be in the form of electric razors, straight traditional razors, depilatories and the option of not shaving.The threat of substitution from electric razors is minimized as Gillette owners, Proctor Gamble, have an arm in this industry with their successful brand Braun. The (C hain Drug review, 2008) suggests that older men tilt to prefer electric razors however the younger generation would lean towards purchasing wet-shaving products which are offered by Gillette. This could be interpreted that there is a potential step-down of the threat of substitution with electric razors in the future.Another substitute is the traditional straight-edge razor. This type of product operates in a very niche market. According to (Smith, 2010) these types of shavers have been fading in popularity due to their dangerous nature, suggesting the threat from this substitute is minimal.Depilatories are chemical agents used to temporarily remove hair at the skins surface. According to (Tuckington Dover, 2007) depilatories offer a smoother skin surface than shaving, however only 1% of American women use such products. It is also suggested that this is due to the fact depilatories are expensive, decelerate and irritating to the skin.The alternative substitute of not shaving is often combated by the industrys clever marketing techniques, which often suggest it is not socially acceptable not to shave. (Cavallaro, 2008) suggested methods and techniques in which are most effective to market products to men these methods are used by many companies to advertise effectively. (Birchall, 2009, p.9) suggested Gillettes recent advertising campaigns were framed as an affirmation of body shaving as masculine. The messages portrayed through these advertising campaigns are manipulated to benefit the company, and draw customers away from purchasing substitutes.4.3 Threat From Established RivalsThe intensity of the rivalry from established competition is reliant on the structure of competition, industry costs, degree of differentiation, work shift costs, strategic objectives and exit barriers.The industry Gillette operates in is already unattractive it contains many powerful and aggressive competitors who have high stakes in staying in the segment, due to high exit bar riers. These conditions lead to frequent price wars, advertising disputes, and new, innovative product introductions, making it expensive for Gillette to maintain a high market share. The threat from established rivals is limited by the strong image and brand loyalty Gillette maintains. In addition, Gillettes innovative research and development department keeps the industry thriving by generating differentiation and technological advances. Their success has caused established rivals to borrow from their $1 billion research and development efforts (McCullough, 2003).4.4 Threat From New EntrantsThe level of threat from new entrants to the Shaving Razor industry is established by economies of scale, investment requirements, customer switching costs, access to industry distribution channels, access to technology, brand loyalty, chances of retaliation from existing industry members, government regulations.In the Shaving Razor industry, (Mintel, 2009) suggested there are high levels of br and loyalty present. This makes the industry very unattractive for new entrants, as they would be directlyly pitting against several major competitors in an oligopoly. Gillette minimises the threat from new entrants by efficient usage of economies of scale advantages, access to the industrys distribution channels and access to technology enhancements. Another key factor affecting the threat from new entrants is the risk of retaliation by Gillette, which could be substantial and could include mergers or acquisitions, an example of this is when Proctor Gamble acquired Gillette for 30.2bn (BBC News, 2005).Entry to the Shaving Razor industry also involves high set-up costs and exit barriers are also high, reducing the probability of successfully securing finance from external sources, increasing the difficultly for new entrants for this industry.4.5 Bargaining king of SuppliersThe negotiating power from supplies it determined by concentration of suppliers, supplier branding, profitab ility of suppliers, threat of suppliers away integrating into industry, buyers threat of backward integration into supply, buyers level of importance to suppliers profitability, switching supplier costs.As Gillette manufactures its own products, there is minimal effect from this source. Gillette maintains a win-win relationship with its suppliers of raw-materials as they can be obtained from anywhere and little supplier switching costs would be incurred. (Evans, 2008) suggested that Gillette identifies suppliers with a proven ability to meet its specifications. Once a supplier is selected to participate, Gillette expects them to produce a pre-production planning system to assess the suppliers energy to deliver Gillettes specifications. This high level of capability Gillette demands from its raw-materials supplier shows that he supplier has little power in the business relationship and there is minimal threat. In addition, as a large global brand it can establish a powerful supply- chain management model and global competitiveness enables suppliers prices to be driven low.4.6 Bargaining Power of CustomersThe level of bargaining power from customers relies on the concentration of competition, differentiation and unique selling points, profitability of companies, threat of backward or forward integration into the industry, cost of customers switching to competitor.Buyers in the Shaving Razor industry possess strong and growing bargaining power. With Wal-Mart as the main retailer for Gillettes products, the conclusion drawn could be that the potential profitability can become shortened as Gillette has a high reliance on Wal-Mart and resembling large retailers for a large proportion of revenue. (DePamphilis, 2010) outlined suppliers such as Gillette have been under considerable pressure from retailers, due to the on-going growth of Wal-Mart and industry mergers, for example Sears and Kmart. DePamphilis then goes on to suggest Wal-Mart is responsible for 13% of G illette income is 2005, suggesting a high-reliance on the retailer for profitability, increasing the threat of bargaining from customers. The buyers power increased due to the fact Shaving Razors represents a significant fraction of the retailers costs and the products are undifferentiated. In addition, the buyers in this industry are price sensitive. (Chopra et al, 2010) outline that Gillettes pricing power is being further eroded by channel migration and increasing consumer resistance to paying significantly higher prices for innovation.5. Strategic Groups in the Shaving Razor industryA key concept used in strategic management practice, (Hunt, 1972) definedstrategic groupsas grouping companies within an industry that have similar interests, business models or similar combinations of strategies. Gillette faces intense competition in most markets, its products compete with highly marketed, well-known, branded products. The Gillettes performance in this industry depends on the brands ability to adapt itself within this phase of competitive environment.Price-Quality SegmentName Of Parent Co.(Brand market share for gelatin 7 oz$/Unitsin parenthesis)PG (Gillette)1PG(other brands)S.C. JohnsonJohnson JohnsonBeiersdorfAGPerioSuper-premiumNeutrogena Razor Defense Gel2(2.5/1.5%)PremiumGillette Fusion serpent Gel(14.3/11.5%)Aveeno Gel3(10/6.7%)Mid-priceGillette Mach 3 Gel (4.5/4.4%)Gillette Series Gel(20/22.9%)Edge Gel(34/35.9%)Nivea Gel (6.5/6.2%)EconomyNoxzema4Gel(1.9/2.7%)Old Spice5Gel(0.5/0.7%)Barbasol Gel(0.4/0.6%)Gillette, Bic, Shick-Wilkinson Sword King of shavesConclusion Opportunities and ThreatsReferencesPorter, M. (1980) Competitive Strategy Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. New York Free Press.Greb, E. (2009) Is JIT Manufacturing the Right Prescription? 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