Diluting the Bucket List

Diluting the Bucket List Diluting the Bucket List Diluting the Bucket List By Maeve Maddox The idiom â€Å"to kick the bucket,† meaning â€Å"to die,† has been used in English since the eighteenth century. The term â€Å"bucket list† makes its earliest appearance on the Ngram Viewer in 1962, forty-five years before it was popularized by the movie The Bucket List (2007). A â€Å"bucket list† is a list of things that a person hopes to experience or achieve before dying. In the movie, a character played by Morgan Freeman is diagnosed with lung cancer and makes such a list. Less than a decade has passed since the movie popularized the term, and already it has dwindled into a mere synonym for â€Å"to-do list.† A â€Å"to-do list† is a list of tasks that need to be completed during a period of time. A typical daily to-do list might look like this: 1. cut grass 2. pick up cleaning 3. take cat to vet 4. play basketball 5. renew library book An advertising campaign called â€Å"Summer Bucket List† alerted me to the fact that the term â€Å"bucket list† is being used as a synonym for â€Å"to-do list.† The ads show people drinking beer and engaging in ordinary summer activities. The â€Å"bucket list† in the context of the ads is simply a list of outdoor activities to be fitted into one’s schedule before the end of summer. The same day I saw one of the â€Å"summer bucket list† ads, I watched a rerun of Bones (television crime series) and heard two characters discuss goals to be achieved before the age of thirty as â€Å"a bucket list.† I suppose this use could be argued as being metaphoric: â€Å"life after thirty equals death.† Here are some examples in which â€Å"bucket list† seems to be overkill: But dont let high school pass you by- be sure to make the most of your last days before college by creating your own senior year bucket list full of things you want to do or accomplish by graduation day. - Huffington Post. Back when my hubby and I first got married almost 7 years ago, we had some fairly standard items on our â€Å"before baby† bucket list.  - Maternity advice blog. To help you take these last months [of college] by storm, we’ve compiled the ultimate bucket list of things you’ve been meaning to do since freshman year. - MTV site. Write yourself a marriage bucket list to ensure that you and your spouse’s first year together is one full of fun, love and laughter!- Wedding advice site. It was inevitable that â€Å"bucket list† would morph into â€Å"list of things to be done before a particular event- not necessarily dying- takes place.† To me, the use of â€Å"bucket list† in such contexts sounds creepy, especially when the terminal event is something joyous, like the birth of a baby. Related post: â€Å"Pushing Up Daisies† and Other Euphemisms for Death Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Dialogue Dos and Don'ts5 Brainstorming Strategies for Writers40 Idioms with First

How to Conjugate Utiliser (to Use) in French

How to Conjugate Utiliser (to Use) in French In French, the verb  utiliser  means to use. This is pretty easy to remember because it looks and sounds like the English word utilize. French students will be happy to know that the conjugations are almost as easy. Thats because its a regular verb, so transforming  utiliser  into the French for using or used follows a very common rule. This lesson will explain everything you need to know. The Basic Conjugations of  Utiliser French verb conjugations are a bit of a challenge because you have to memorize a new verb for every tense as well as every subject pronoun within that tense. This gives you five extra words to study, but  utiliser  is a  regular -er verb. It uses the same infinitive endings as the majority of French verbs, making each new one easier to memorize. The indicative mood is where we find the basic present, future, and imperfect past tenses. These should be your top priority when studying  utiliser. Using the stem (or radical)  utilis-  and the chart, match the subject pronoun to the appropriate tense to find the proper ending. For instance, I am using is  jutilise  and we will use is  nous utiliserons. If you practice these in context using short sentences it will help you learn them faster. Luckily,  utiliser  is such a useful word that youll have endless opportunities to use it. Present Future Imperfect j utilise utiliserai utilisais tu utilises utiliseras utilisais il utilise utilisera utilisait nous utilisons utiliserons utilisions vous utilisez utiliserez utilisiez ils utilisent utiliseront utilisaient The Present Participle of Utiliser The  present participle  of  utiliser  is  utilisant. This was created by simply adding -ant  to the verb stem. Thats another rule you can keep in mind that works for almost every verb ending in -er. Utiliser  in the Compound Past Tense When it comes to the past tense, you have the choice between the imperfect or a compound known as the passà © composà ©. This one requires a quick construction using the auxiliary verb avoir and the past participle utilisà ©. When forming the passà © composà ©, conjugate  avoir  into the present tense appropriate to the subject. Then, attach the past participle, which indicates the act of using already happened. For example, I used is  jai utilisà ©Ã‚  and we used is  nous avons utilisà ©. More Simple Conjugations of Utiliser Among the other useful and equally simple conjugations of  utiliser  that you may need are  the subjunctive  and  the conditional. Where the subjunctive questions that the action will take place, the conditional says that its dependent on something else. While its not a bad idea to add the  the passà © simple  or  imperfect subjunctive  to your vocabulary, its often not a necessity. These are used only on occasion, but you should be able to at least recognize each as a form of  utiliser. Subjunctive Conditional Pass Simple Imperfect Subjunctive j utilise utiliserais utilisai utilisasse tu utilises utiliserais utilisas utilisasses il utilise utiliserait utilisa utilist nous utilisions utiliserions utilismes utilisassions vous utilisiez utiliseriez utilistes utilisassiez ils utilisent utiliseraient utilisrent utilisassent The one conjugation that does not require the subject pronoun is the imperative. For this, you can simplify your sentence from tu utilise to utilise. Imperative (tu) utilise (nous) utilisons (vous) utilisez

International Marketing Plan for Allianz Case Study

International Marketing Plan for Allianz - Case Study Example The company has acquired about 60 million customers to whom it provides property and casualty insurance services, health insurance, life insurance asset management and banking services. Allianz started to go international in the late 19th century when the company opened a branch office in London. Allianz now also has branches in Paris, Italy, Great Britain, Netherlands, Brazil, Spain, and USA. Allianz hopes to expand into Eastern Europe and establish branches either in Hungary or turkey. Since international marketing plans revolve around certain factors, the company will have to complete a thorough analysis of the countries in question, so as to determine the feasibility and viability of international services in these countries. This report will also discuss the viability of establishing branches in the Turkish or Hungarian market place. The Company is aiming to establish the organization in a global market. In order to do this an effective international marketing plan would have to be developed. The goal of this international marketing plan is the provision of specific directions for the company's marketing activities. Research will be carried out in various areas like segmentation, marketing, pricing strategy, targeting and positioning, promotional strategy, control and implementation, in order to achieve set goals. This marketing plan will also detail what the company can achieve with such an international marketing strategy and hoe this plan will help in realizing company objectives. When an organization has decided that it is beneficial to go international and start operations in another country, "it is necessary to define company policies on international marketing and the company's objectives for creating promotional campaigns that are efficient. As long as Allianz continues to offer superior services that are efficient, then the company will be better than a domestic company. As the global market continues to grow bigger and population increase continues, the company must engage in effective international marketing, in order to acquire and maintain more clients." (An in depth analysis of Insurance Industry) Interest in Hungary and Turkey Numerous variables function within an international company such as this, which deals in a global market. These variables can influence the company's strategy either directly or indirectly. Being well implanted in various parts of the world Allianz seeks to invest other markets in Europe. Marketing strategy At Allianz, the goal of business is the acquisition of clients and maintaining these clients as customers. The company's international marketing strategy should reflect this, as the company continues to build its reputation. The strategies that would be used for this international marketing will be a push/promotional strategy and pull/selling strategy. The push/promotional strategy will use the company's trade promotion activities and sales force to create consumer demand internationally. The pull/selling strategy involves expenses on promotions for consumers and advertising in order to build up consumer demand for services SWOT analysis The sections highlighted below constitute the most relevant issues for Allianz, and the success of the company. Strengths The company's strengths include: a brand new international approach, staff

Globalisation and Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Globalisation and Business - Essay Example 2. Debates on Economic Globalisation Before going in-depth of the debatable issues of economic globalisation with respect to reduction of poverty, it is essential to recognise the entities that act as the prime contributors towards economic globalisation. The multinational corporations (MNCs) are perhaps the most significant transporter of economic globalisation. The MNCs operate with the organisation of production process and allocation of resources as per the various standards for maximising profits. The globalisation in financial sector also plays an important role towards influencing economic globalisation all around the world. One of the reasons for the formulation of debate over effectiveness of economic globalisation is the fact that the structures of the various industries undergo radical up-gradation and re-adjustment as a consequence of the economic globalisation (Shangquan, 2000). According to the proponents’ views towards the prospect of economic globalisation in t he sphere of reducing poverty, the relatively poor economies had undergone tremendous changes after the economic globalisation evolved. For example, in India, since the year 1975, the rate of poverty has declined sharply along with the decrement in inequality. In countries like India, the supporters of economic globalisation consider the process as an entirely benevolent one indicating the long desired delivery of the concept of humanity from economic underdevelopment, despair and backwardness. The proponents to the concept of economic globalisation are of the notion that the process would operate for the betterment of the human beings within a country wherever poverty exists. This would be achieved because the allowance to market forces would keep the trading away... The paper tells that the multinational corporations (MNCs) are perhaps the most significant transporter of economic globalisation. The MNCs operate with the organisation of production process and allocation of resources as per the various standards for maximising profits. The globalisation in financial sector also plays an important role towards influencing economic globalisation all around the world. One of the reasons for the formulation of debate over effectiveness of economic globalisation is the fact that the structures of the various industries undergo radical up-gradation and re-adjustment as a consequence of the economic globalisation. According to the proponents’ views towards the prospect of economic globalisation in the sphere of reducing poverty, the relatively poor economies had undergone tremendous changes after the economic globalisation evolved. For example, in India, since the year 1975, the rate of poverty has declined sharply along with the decrement in ineq uality. In countries like India, the supporters of economic globalisation consider the process as an entirely benevolent one indicating the long desired delivery of the concept of humanity from economic underdevelopment, despair and backwardness. The proponents to the concept of economic globalisation are of the notion that the process would operate for the betterment of the human beings within a country wherever poverty exists. This would be achieved because the allowance to market forces would keep the trading away from the political issues of the country and would bring about greater growth of the economy and thus for its native as well.

How Aztec Culture Survived Essay Example for Free

How Aztec Culture Survived Essay Aztec refers to Nahuatl speaking people from the central region of Mexico. There are other groups who are related to this community; they include the Acolhua and the Tepanic. This essay analyses the history of the Aztec people, their culture and how they survived the Spaniard conquest. The Aztecs were located in the south central region of Mexico. They lived in Mesoamerica highlands in the area of basins which are separated by dissected mountain ranges and eroded volcanic peaks. The Aztecs originated from the remote north at around the early 13th century. They were moving around the valley of Mexico in their struggle of survival. Their experiences went to the extent of Aztecs being enslaved by another tribe. They stopped their migratory pattern in 1325 when they settled on the south west of Lake Texaco. This was after they saw an eagle sitting on a pricking pear stem. To the community, this was an omen which announced the location where they should settle and make their city (Msdu. du, 2010, Par 1-4). In part of their culture, the Aztecs maintained their activities of fishing, hunting, garden techniques, and gathering. The rivers in the valley were rich in fish, shrimp, insects, tadpoles, and pasta. There were those who settled near the ocean and they ate crabs, fish, turtles, and fish. This means that water was the main source of their livelihoods. They hunted animals such a rabbits, armadillos, snakes, pumas, coyotes, and deer. In addition, they hunted the wild turkey. The community gathered crops such as cocoa, bananas, pumpkins, squash, beans, tobacco, chili, onions, green tomatoes, red tomatoes, sweet potatoes, maize, and vanilla. Later, they began warring with other tribes and they conquered them. The Aztecs allowed the tribes that they conquered to maintain their government and religion but the tribes were supposed to provide the Aztecs with textiles, food, pottery, and other items that they required (Native Web, 1995, Par 2-4). The Aztec people spoke Nahauatl Language but did not have a written language. They however had no written records. Instead, they used varieties of hieroglyphic paintings and the methods of direct representation as ways of keeping their records. The first contact of the Aztec empire with the Spanish conquest was during the reign of Ahuitzotl from 1486 to1502. The Spaniards and their allies became very dangerous to the people of Aztec. Hostilities developed, leading to the massacre of the Aztec main temple and the death of their leader, Montezuma II. On July 1, the Spaniards fled the town, leading to an episode which they referred to as The Sad Night. The Aztec society was helped by the native allies to fight the Spaniards and in August 13, the battle ended. They conquered but due to the poor leadership that prevailed, the falling of the empire was witnessed. Despite the empire’s declination, their culture still remained intact. This led to positive development of the Aztec culture because the Spaniard presence did not affect their way of life. Today, many traditional groups of Mexican Americans can trace their origin from the time of Aztec tradition. They are well known today for human sacrifices. During the special events, a slave was sacrificed to honor the gods and to regulate the human existence (Anguilar-Moreno 131). In conclusion, I found out that Nahuatl language which is the traditional language for the Aztec is being spoken by 1. 5 million people. In Mexico City, most of the buildings and streets have Nahuatl names. This means that the Aztec old days are still respected up to now.

The drug control policy of the United States Essay -- Criminology, Dru

The drug control policy of the United States has always been a subject of debate. From Prohibition in the early 1930’s to the current debate over the legalization of marijuana, drugs have always been near the top of the government’s agenda. Drug use affects every part of our society. It strains our economy, our healthcare, our criminal justice systems, and it endangers the futures of young people. In order to support a public health approach to drug control, the Obama administration has committed over $10 billion to drug education programs and support for expanding access to drug treatment for addicts (Office). The United States should commit more government resources to protect against illegal use of drugs by youths and provide help for recovering addicts. The current situation of drug control in the United States is imperfect and inadequate. Millions of men and women, both young and old, are affected by illicit drug use. It costs the United States about $6,123 every second because of drug use and its consequences (Office). Moreover, 90 percent of all adults with a substance use disorder started using under the age of 18 and half under the age of 15. Children who first smoke marijuana under the age of 14 are five times more likely to abuse drugs as adults than those who first use marijuana at age 18. Finally, the children of alcoholics are four times more likely to develop problems with alcohol (Prevent). Current legislation that has to do with the United States’ drug control policy is the Controlled Substances Act, which regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances (Shannon). In 1966, Congress passed the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act also known as the NARA. This legislati ... ...ww.csdp.org/cms/>. Gandey, Allison. â€Å"New National Drug Control Policy Includes More Prescription Monitoring.† Medscape Today. Web MD, 7 May 2010. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. . Manchikanti, Laxmaiah. â€Å"National Drug Control Policy and Prescription Drug Abuse: Facts and Fallacies.† Pain Physician Journal 10 (May 2011): 399-424. Print. â€Å"Office of National Drug Control Policy.† The White House. USA, 1 Dec. 2011. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. . â€Å"Prevent.† The Partnership at Drugfree.org. The Partnership at Drugfree.org, 2011. Web. 18 Dec. 2011. . Shannon, Elaine. â€Å"The War on Drugs: A Losing Battle.† Time.com. Time Magazine, 3 Dec. 2010. Web. 18 Dec. 2011. . Wyler, Liana. â€Å"International Drug Control Policy.† CRS Report for Congress (June 2008): 2-46. Print.

Interdisciplinary Approach to International Relations Theory Essay

International relations is generally the study of foreign affairs and international issues among states within a global system. Here, the roles of the states, international agencies, and non-government organizations are analyzed using proper statistical techniques or induction methods. In the past, the study of IR theories was usually limited to geo-political variables (and some economic variables). Today, the approach to studying IR theories is essentially interdisciplinary in orientation and global in application. Total effects of different types of variables are generally taken into consideration. For example, Wallerstein’s creation of the world system theory was essentially based on two determinant variables: political power of states and economic bargaining power. Wallerstein argued that political power determines the global status of a particular state. Economic bargaining power determines the level of control of a particular state in the world economy. In an interdisciplinary approach, propositions from other legitimate field of subjects are usually taken into account. Academic propositions and hypotheses from other fields are given consideration for their explanatory value. Interdisciplinary approach to the study of IR theories provides a clear whole figure of global phenomena. In short, by expanding the bases of study, the predictive value of such approach increases. This, essentially, makes a particular IR theory to be self-sufficient and reliable. Does this make ‘understanding’ more complicated? In fact, an interdisciplinary approach to IR makes the whole analysis more simple and flexible. A person reading an IR theory or proposition can easily pinpoint the ‘observed possible causes’ of global events. In short, while an interdisciplinary approach broadens the analysis, it nevertheless gives a complete picture of a particular event. Hence, IR models become complicated without a possible loss on understanding. Therefore, it is possible to say that the level of abstract complications can result to a narrower form of analysis (wrong functional form). It is also to argue that the best IR models are the ones which take into account the existence of variables. The form first would be thoroughly examined before giving any prediction.

Exploring The Indian Refinery Industry Environmental Sciences Essay

Energy is being an of import gas pedal for the growing of economic system and in the present scenario oil and natural gas are the chief beginnings of energy. India has got limited beginnings of oil and natural gas, so India has to be dependent on Arabian and African Countries, rich in oil and natural gas militias, for supply of the energy. Indian industry is at present transforming, turning at around 14 % per annum which is non sufficient to prolong the increasing demand for energy. In India, over the last two decennaries, The Refining Industry has witnessed enormous growing. This industry celebrates the centennial of the Refinery at Digboi ( one of the oldest refineries ) , the growing in the industry is accompanied by the tremendous development in the autochthonal capablenesss to engineer, apparatus and design mega refinery undertakings. A major designation for growing in Research activities by the refineries and national research labs have been recorded, with the consequence that activities that were traditionally regarded as being in the sphere of Accredited engineering, are being smartly pursued and cost effectual solutions to the industry ‘s demands are being provided based on autochthonal cognize how. In the 2nd half of the Last Decade, the industry has witnessed a sea alteration. Refineries ab initio were fundamentally Hydro planing refineries, the refineries set up by MNC ‘s integrated secondary processing besides. Production of Lubes was besides incorporated in some of the subsequent refineries. In the early 1980 ‘s, in a large manner secondary processing in the signifier of Fluidized Catalytic Cracking was adopted, when speedy sequence of six such units were in set up. This lead to the rule of Hydro checking in the late 1980 ‘s and early 1990 ‘s as the demand for production of more and more in-between distillations decided the pick of processing options. The three new FCC units were set up with the ability to co procedure residue along with VGO. The demand to guarantee quality of the merchandises conforming to specific rigorous specifications, related to environment and public presentation lead to the development of Hydro treating procedure and a figure of undertakings to better the quality of Diesel have either been implemented or are under execution. Increased profitableness and better quality of merchandises has led to a figure of refineries being taking up surveies to analyze their existing constellations and suggest options for the optimisation of rough oil mix and the processing constellation. Coevals of power or integrating with petrochemicals production is farther adding value to the refinery operations and these are being reviewed really earnestly. All this has led to the transmutation of the Indian refineries and the procedure of alteration still continues and the demands of conservationists going more rigorous, the constellations will go on to germinate. The factors driving the alterations in the refinement scenario are a combination of: aˆ? Minimization of residues aˆ? Maximization of value added merchandises aˆ? Improved merchandise quality aˆ? Maximum use of bing assets aˆ? Environmental judicial admissions Refineries in India are already major exporters of petro merchandises. India is mostly importing the rancid assortment of petroleum from Arab because the overall basket is much cheaper than Brent petroleums. Environmental criterions in India are besides allowing higher sulfur content in gasoline and Diesel.2.0 OIL & A ; GAS SECTOR REFORMSRefinery sector was delicensed in 1998New Exploration Licensing Policy ( NELP ) announced by Govt. in 1999. Administered Pricing Mechanism ( APM ) was dismantled from April 2002. Selling of conveyance fuels like Petrol, Diesel & A ; Aviation Fuel is a permitted topic to run into minimal investing of about US $ 0.44 billion in oil and gas sector. 100 % FDI is permitted in Exploration, Refining, Pipelines for both crude oil merchandises & A ; gas and Selling. Planing Commission study on Integrated Energy Policy in August 2006 Oil and gas is expected to be the cardinal drivers of the energy ingestion growing. Faster geographic expedition of full domestic sedimentary basins to augment domestic handiness of oil and gas Improvement in oil and gas recovery degrees Acquisition of equity oil and gas abroad Exploitation of alternate fuel beginnings such as CBM, Gas Hydrates, Hydrogen fuel cell and blending of bio-fuels Care of strategic militias in oil and crude oil In the last few old ages, the Indian refinery sector has witnessed uninterrupted capacity add-onsIndia: Refining CapacityGet downing with the 2003 to 2009, there is immense capacity add-on in the private sector refineries i.e. from27 mmtpa in 2003 to 72.5 mmtpa in 2009, demoing 168 % addition in the capacity add-on, and a just sum of capacity add-on in the populace sector refineries get downing from 89.9 mmtpa n 2003 to stagnancy in the back-to-back two old ages 2004 and 2005 and smaller balls of add-on in the farther old ages, in 2006 entire private sector refinery capacity amounted to 99.4 mmtpa and in 2007 and 2009 105.5 mmtpa. Harmonizing to the XIth twelvemonth program the capacity add-on in the 2012 is targeted to be 235 mmtpa representing 76 mmtpa from private refineries and 159 mmtpa from public refineries, and 302 mmtpa targeted in 2013, with metameric capacities as 202 mmtpa from public refineries and 100 mmtpa from private refineries.3.0 REFINERY PRODUCTION PROCESSRefinery Production ProcessesRefineries typically consist of a figure of parallel and consecutive procedures used to transform rough oil into a scope of concluding merchandises such as gasolene, Diesel, and asphalt. Modern refineries range from the simple to the really complex, though the tendency is towards increased complexness as the demands for higher-quality concluding merchandises addition. In all refineries, including smaller simple refineries, rough oil is foremost distilled into its basic constituents ; these component watercourses are sent for farther transition in the more complex refineries. The most of import distillment proce dures are the rough distillment, and vacuity distillment. Secondary transition processes by and large use thermal or catalytic procedures to farther change over the oil watercourse from distillment. Among the most of import is the catalytic reformist, where the heavy naphtha, produced in the rough distillment unit, is converted to gasolene ; the fluid catalytic cracker ( FCC ) where the gas oil from the vacuity distillment unit is converted ; and the hydrocrackers, which is used to â€Å" check † the molecules of heavy oil watercourses into lighter merchandises such as gas oil. Refineries by and large include process units such as hydro-treaters or hydro-de-sulfurizers to handle merchandises to better their quality. Ancillary units back uping the chief procedure units include rough desalters ( anterior to distillment ) , hydrogen production, non-energy merchandise units ( asphalt, lubricators ) and public-service corporations ( power and steam ) .Flowchart of a Typical Complex RefineryBeginning: Worrell and Galitsky, forthcoming.3.1 ProcedureCracking Treatment Reforming Hydro-treating Polishing Alkylation3.1.1 Crack:Cracking unit consists of one or more tall, thick, bullet-shaped reactors & A ; web of furnaces, heat money changers & A ; other vass. Procedure uses heat & A ; force per unit area to â€Å" check † heavy hydrocarbon molecules into lighter 1s. Fluid catalytic snap Unit ( FCCU ) A or â€Å" cat snap † It ‘s the basic gasoline-making procedure. FCCU converts most comparatively heavy fractions into smaller gasolene molecules utilizing intense heat ( 1,000 deg F ) , low force per unit area & A ; powdered accelerator for speed uping chemical reactions. Hydro snap: A Procedure applies checking rules utilizing different accelerator, somewhat lower temperatures, much greater force per unit area & A ; H for obtaining chemical reactions. Not all refineries employ hydro snap. Cost-effectively converts medium- to heavyweight gas oils into high-value watercourses Catalytic Crack: Very of import procedure in modern refinement. Procedure allows transition of stuff that would usually be burned as fuel ( vacuity gas oil ) into gasolene and distillation ( heating oil & A ; diesel fuel ) . Price difference between residuary fuel oil & A ; gasolene justifies CRU. Typically this procedure yields 50-60 % gasolene, 20-30 % distillation & A ; 30 % butanes3.1.23.1.3 REFORMING:Catalytic Reforming It uses heat, moderate force per unit area & A ; accelerators to turn naphtha ( light, comparatively low-value fraction ) into high-octane gasolene constituents.3.1.4 HYDRO-TREATING:It ‘s a Purifying procedure for sulfur remotion by responding crude oil fraction with H ( which is obtained from CRU or separate H works ) .3.1.5 Refining:Fine-tuning & A ; otherwise bettering merchandises to run into specifications by uniting assortment of watercourses from treating units. Example, in order to do gasolene, refiner would blend naphtha, reformate, catalytic gasolene, alkylate & A ; butane so that mixture has required octane figure, vapor force per unit area, sulfur degree & A ; aromatics content. Unit of measurements for public presentation additives & A ; dyes to separate assorted classs of fuel.3.1.6 ALKYLATION:Iso-butane ( gaseous by-products of checking ) is reacted with either isobutylene or propene to organize complex paraffinA isomers. Chemical reactions take topographic point in presence of hydrofluoric or sulphuric acid accelerators. By combing these molecules octane degree of paraffin isomer or alkylate is increased to around 93-96 octane. Refiners use this procedure to better octane degree of gasolene pool. The liquid signifier of mixture of hydrocarbons is known as Crude oil, dwelling of six parts of C and one portion of H as chemical compounds, carring little sums of sulfur, metals, salts, O and N. The organic compounds which are accumulated under the sea and trapped in sedimentary stones constitute to their formation. These stones are the topographic points where petroleum oil geographic expedition is concentrated. The oil is under force per unit area and if a pipe is pushed into the rig trap, oil flushs out smartly. With the extraction, the force per unit area is diminished, is so unnaturally reinforced by the injection of air or H2O into the reservoir to keep the force per unit area of the rig and force the oil up to the surface. Crude oil constituting of hydrocarbons that are holding variable boiling points so can be sepaprated through the procedure of refinement. â€Å" Refining is a procedure in which rough oil is heated in a vacuity until it evaporates and so allowed to lift up a column. Hydrocarbons liquefy at different temperatures and therefore can be collected at different highs in the distillment column. † Merchandises, with their approximate boiling points are: Petroleum gas ( & lt ; 90 °C ) Naphtha ( 200-350 °C ) ( it is used to do the additives for high-octane based gasoline, and polymeric plastics and carbamide ) Petrol ( 90-200 °C ) ( used to fuel internal burning engines, chiefly vehicular. ) Kerosene ( 350-450 °C ) ( used as an illuminant and cooking fuel in India and other hapless states, and as a infinite heating fuel in industrial states. ) Diesel ( 200 °C ) High velocity Diesel ( It is largely used in diesel-powered vehicles ) Light Diesel ( It is used in diesel engines running at lower velocity chiefly irrigation pumps and coevals sets ) Lubricant ( 650-1000 °C ) ( consists of lubricating oils and syrupy oils used to lubricate traveling parts in industry, cars, railroad engines and passenger cars and marine engines. Furnace oil ( & gt ; 1000 °C ) ( made by thining residuary fuel oil from polishing with in-between distillations such as diesel oil. It is used in boilers, sand traps, furnaces and warmers. LSHS – Low sulfur heavy stock is variant for furnace oil. ) Solid crude oil coke collected at the underside after the liquid fractions are removed. Which are largely used as fuel, but is besides used to do electrodes and dry cell batteries. The proportion of aggregation of these merchandises may change from rough assortment to crude assortment, which are classified as Sweet or sour.3.2 REFINERY ECONOMICSThe refinery economic sciences can be divided into no. of parts such as: Crude slates Refinery constellation Merchandise slates Capacity use Environmental judicial admissions3.2.1 CRUDE Slates:Crude oils have different outputs depending on natural qualities ( denseness measured as API gravitation & A ; sulphur content ) Low API gravitation implies Heavy petroleum oil Typically higher sulfur content makes crude rancid Outputs of automotive fuels with lower octane & A ; Cetane values doing engine knocking & A ; higher emanations Larger output of lower-valued merchandises, like FO ( available at price reduction to crude oil ) Higher investings in secondary processing installations to better outputs to fit merchandise specifications Lower on Refiners penchant & A ; hence price reduction to sweet petroleum High API gravitation sweet petroleum is on diminution & A ; commands premium over rancid petroleums. Costss & A ; payback periods for refinery treating units must be weighed against awaited rough oil costs & A ; projected derived function between visible radiation and heavy petroleum oil monetary values. Crude mix processed by Indian refineries ( PSU ) 52 % high sulfur and 48 % low sulfur petroleum. GRMs ‘ of Indian refineries ( PSU ) soon around USD 6-7/ Bbl while that of private refineries around US $ 10 per barrel3.2.2 REFINERY CONFIGRATIONS:Refiner ‘s pick of petroleum oil is influenced by the type of refinery processing units- Exceeding works ( dwelling of ) CDU & A ; likely Catalytic Reformer to supply octane Outputs from this works closely reflect natural outputs from petroleum processed Typically merely condensates or light sweet petroleum is processed at this type of installation unless markets for heavy fuel oil ( HFO ) are readily & A ; economically available Asphalt workss are exceeding refineries that run heavy petroleum oil because lone involvement is in bring forthing asphalt/ bitumen Cracking refinery Takes gas oil part from CDU ( a watercourse heavier than Diesel fuel, but lighter than HFO ) & A ; breaks it down further into gasolene & A ; distillate constituents utilizing accelerators, high temperature/ force per unit area Coking refinery Procedures residuary fuel, heaviest stuff from CDU & A ; thermally cracks it into lighter merchandises in Coker or Hydrocracker Addition of FCCU or hydro cracker significantly increases output of higher-valued merchandises, like gasolene & A ; diesel oil, leting processing of cheaper, heavier petroleum while bring forthing an equivalent or greater volume of high-valued merchandises Refineries holding big hydro-treating capableness have ability to treat rough oil with higher sulfur content.3.2.3 PRODUCT Slate:Refinery constellation is influenced by merchandise demand in each part. US demand for gasolene is much larger than distillate demand & A ; therefore refineries configured to maximise gasolene production Gasoline gross revenues account about 50 % of demand while distillate gross revenues account less than 30 % of merchandise demand US refineries are configured to treat big per centum of heavy, high sulfur petroleum, produce more of gasolene & A ; lower of HFO US refineries have invested in more complex refinery constellations, which allow usage of cheaper feedstock & A ; higher processing capableness Indian Refineries merchandise slate ( wt % on petroleum ) norms Light & A ; Middle distillates to heavy terminals ratio of 73:27 with maximal portion of Diesel oil.3.2.4 CAPACITY UTILIZATION:Critical constituent of refinement economic sciences is capacity use rate, or how expeditiously the refinement composite is runing in order to retrieve its fixed costs. Spare capacity consequences in increased competition among refiners, which farther eroded refinement borders. Use rate of about 95 % is considered optimal as it allows for normal unopen downs required for care & A ; seasonal accommodations. Refinery capacity is based on designed size of CDU ( frequently referred to as nameplate capacity ) Occasionally, through ascents or de-bottlenecking processs, refineries can treat more petroleum than nameplate capacity for short periods of clip.4.0 Refining CHALLENGECrude Sourcing/Oil SecurityPotential of Crude available is rather less from bing Fieldss in Middle East, Africa and South American states to back up polishing capacity enlargement and sustain capacity use. To increase the potency of handiness of petroleum certain attempts have been made which are: – Attractive New Exploration Licensing Policy ( NELP ) aˆ? 206 oil & A ; gas geographic expedition blocks awarded in 7 unit of ammunitions aˆ? 68 major finds reported aˆ? Investment committednesss of the order of $ 10 billion aˆ? Huge Unexplored land area aˆ? World ‘s biggest deep H2O gas find made in 2002 ( K-G Basin ) – India Hydrocarbon Vision – 2025 aˆ? 100 % geographic expedition coverage of all sedimentary basins by 2025 aˆ? Internationally competitory financial footings aˆ? Alternate beginnings: CBM and Gas HydratesOil Security: Strategic StorageThe oil security is the up step of Storage & A ; Supply Infrastructure. And for this certain things have been taken into history: – Integrated Energy Policy recommended 90 yearss storage of oil imports – Present storage coverage is 74 yearss and will cut down to 63 yearss with addition in the oil imports – Storage capacity augmentation actions have been taken to heighten the entire storage capacity to 78 yearss. – Planned capacity add-on: 8.62 MMT aˆ? 5.33 MMT by ISPRL at Vizag, Mangalore and Padur aˆ? 3.29 MMT at other locations – Strategic storage to supply addl. 12 yearss screenRefinery Configuration/ ComplexityChanging the Feed stocks would diminish the input costof the refineries by: aˆ?Changing the Quality – 0API / Sulfur / Acidity aˆ? Widening of petroleum basket aˆ? Compulsion to co-process feed-stocks of Bio-origin Following Product Mix Improvement aˆ? Turning demand with rigorous merchandise eyeglasses. aˆ? Switching the regional demand aˆ? Large figure of classs aˆ? Upgradation of low value/surplus merchandises – Naphtha to Petrochemicals – Black Oil to Distillates – Pet Coke to PetrochemicalsEnergy Efficiency Improvementaˆ? Energy efficiency can be betterment by usage of – Energy efficient technologies/designs – Energy efficient equipments – Best operation and care patterns aˆ? GHG emanation decrease through energy efficiency betterment aˆ? Close monitoring and timely actions bridge the spread in specific energy ingestion to fit with the planetary best aˆ? Tools applied are: Pinch Technology, Hydrogen Management, Waste Heat Recovery, Steam Power balance ( CogenerationCycle ) aˆ? Increased use of gas in topographic point of conventional liquid fuel5.0 Demand FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTSThe demand of crude oil merchandises is related to the energy demand of the state, it is a map of degree of activity measured as GDP. India is soon traveling through the major industrial and economic reforms for the intent of incorporating the Indian economic system with the planetary economic system. The major countries of focal point has been identified as hydrocarbons. Policy alterations are planned for the sector to do the industry globally competitory. The reforms bundle are formed and expected to hold high economic growing in the sector, the demand of crude oil based merchandises is expected to turn at a rate of about 7 % .Wide spreads between merchandise demand and autochthonal petroleum handinessWidening spread between merchandise demand and rough production from autochthonal beginnings leads to heavy dependance on Imports. Oil Equity abroad and fresh discoveries under New Exploration & A ; Licensing Policy are assisting to bridge the spread between demand and autochthonal production. There is a demand for immense investings in refinement, grapevines & A ; Marketing substructure5.1 India: PRODUCT DEMAND & amp ; REFINING CAPACITYHarmonizing to the informations provided IOCL: Excess refinement capacity is expected to increase farther by 2030 India will go on to be merchandise excess Import/Export demand for crude/products to be rather significant6.0 OpportunityThe creative activity of extra refinement capacity of about 110 million tones per annum, an investing of about US $ 22 billion will be required, in the close hereafter. With such a phenomenal growing in the sector, so, ample chances and Scopess are at that place for transportation of the engineerings. The engineerings are required for the upgradation of the bottom barrel and run intoing the predominant demands of in-between distillations and bettering the quality of merchandises that make them environment-friendly and globally competitory. New refineries are located at the seashores while the major Centres, which are for the demand of crude oil merchandises are present in the inland topographic points, largely in North/North-West parts. Therefore, the chances for edifice inland refineries in the state are bing. In the field of petro-chemicals forward integrating is besides allowed for the refineries, which are for the merchandises which are better value-addition and environmental friendly, that will open another country for the investings to happen. India holding a strong committedness to prosecute an energy policy and the environmental factors would be taken into consideration. State is following more environmental friendly steps with respects to the use and the quality of fuels. Decrease of lead and benzine in gasolene, decrease of sulfur and betterment of cetane in Diesel are the major steps that are under execution. Such a quality of upgradation of fuels will necessitate the acceptance of latest engineering, which are bound to incure immense investings of around $ 2500 million.India ‘s advantagesIndia holding a immense modesty of trained and extremely skilled work force at a much lower cost as compared to some of the advanced states. Further, a big population base exists and really low per capita ingestion of crude oil merchandises is predominating, India is one of the fast emerging markets. The state has acquired tremendous experience in the field of installing and efficient operation of crude oil refineries from the past 35 old ages. Therefore, the operating cost will be lower as compared to other states and the value-addition in Indian refineries is of a really high order and that the puting up of refineries in India for the domestic market every bit good as for exports would be economically attractive.India as an international refinement finish and emerging Asian refinement hubIndia is poised to be ‘Asian Refining Hub ‘ due to built-in advantages in its economic system, geographic location, altering demographics, locality to high demand Centre of South East Asia and assorted other factors. India has been frontward looking in its thought and the full growing of Indian Refining Sector can be summed up in four distinguishable stages, namelyA A Early stage A A A A ( 1947 – 1969 ) , Development PhaseA A A ( 1970 – 1990 ) , Economic Liberalisation PhaseA ( 1991 – 2005 ) Mega Refining Hub Phase A ( 2006 onwards ) India is steadily emerging as an international finish for oil refinement with investing demands lesser by 25 % – 50 % as compared to its Asiatic opposite numbers. As per the analysis carried out by Deutsche Bank, India is expected to heighten its refinement competency by 45 % in the following 5 old ages. Bing the fifth biggest worldwide state in context of distillment capacity, India enjoys 3 % of the international capacity portion. To travel in front in doing its presence felt strongly in the planetary market, Indian crude oil houses are be aftering to raise their distillment capacity from the bing 149 mtpa to 243 mtpa by FY 2011-12. Cost fight Cost fight driven by lower fabrication rewards Low capital and hard currency operating costs Entree to big, technically skilled fabrication base and work force Autochthonal procuranceBeginning: A T KearneyStrategic location for petroleum sourcing and merchandise exportAdvantage of Economies of graduated table in big scale undertakings, along with experient and competitory building companies. The Autochthonal procurance sets a platform for cost effectual direction. Readily available accomplishment set for puting up and runing refineries with favorite substructure State of the art engineering being adopted for puting up and upgrading refineries with petroleum processing flexibleness and optimized merchandise slate and quality. Tax holidays/SEZs/PCPIRs offer first-class financial government. The Large domestic market every bit good as turning petrochemical industry has offered the following cardinal growing: Soon over 34,500 Retail Mercantile establishments ( IOC over 17,000 ) Crude grapevine – 3987 Km ( 34.5 MMTPA ) , merchandise grapevine 9454Km ( 55.09 MMTPA ) Politician installations at 14 ports locations: 39 positions, 2 flatboat breakwaters, 8 SPMs Increasing figure of participants in spread outing downstream sector Robust refinement borders Lowest capex/opex Downstream regulator in topographic point Low per capita oil ingestion at 111 kgoe

Moving to Hybrid Cars Research Paper Example

Moving to Hybrid Cars Research Paper Example Moving to Hybrid Cars Paper Moving to Hybrid Cars Paper 1.0 Introduction Australia has the largest per capita level of green house gas emissions in the developed world, mainly due to a heavy reliance on coal to generate electricity. Every person contributes 27.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, which is 27 percent higher than that of an average American citizen. (Peatling, 2004) This, included with the constantly rising fuel prices creates an ever increasing demand for more energy efficient and lower pollution level cars. Hybrid cars are a well known solution to the issue however consumer confidence in these cars is extremely low. A hybrid car is a car that can run off two or more sources of fuel, such as petrol, electricity or gas. Hybrid cars have been around for a very long time with the first one being built over one hundred years ago by Porsche. (A Hybrid Car, 2006) The following report is a marketing plan for the introduction of the Nissan Nuvu into the Australian market. The report will give a detailed situation analysis on the current Australia n car industry with specific targeting of the environmentally friendly cars market segment, stating our marketing objectives for the introduction of the Nissan Nuvu and develop a detailed marketing strategy for this product. The Nissan Nuvu is shown in the picture below. Picture: (Hybrid and Electric Cars Shine in Paris, 2008) 3.0 Product Evaluation In order to maximise the marketing of the Nissan Nuvu, the product must be evaluated and analysed on a number of levels. Looking at the elements of a product, its brand name, strengths and weaknesses, aspects of competition products and a number of other factors enables us to price, place and promote the product accordingly in order to achieve optimum success. 3.1 Elements of the Product The Nissan Nuvu can be broken down into three levels; the core, actual and augmented products it offers. 3.1.1 Core The core product is the benefit that consumers obtain when purchasing the product. In this case the core product would be a low-running costs and environmentally-friendly means of transport for city driving. 3.1.2 Actual The actual product is the attributes of the product that combine to convey the core product. The Nissan Nuvu is a short, compact, three seater city car powered by an electric motor. Solar panels are situated on the roof which provides power to the motor and the car is built using an extensive amount of natural, organic and recycled materials. (Lavrinc 2008) 3.1.3 Augmented The augmented product is the package of the actual product and the additional features and services that come with it. For the Nissan Nuvu it is the actual product listed above along with services that would be decided by the actual distributers of the product at the point of sale. Such services are only prospective but would include things like car warranty, car maintenance and servicing for the first 1000kms, home delivery and opportunity of choosing additional features on the car. 3.2 Product Classification The Nissan Nuvu is classified as a consumer good as it is used for personal use and consumption. Under this heading the Nissan Nuvu is categorised as a Specialty product as it is an exclusive product that consumers would make a special effort to obtain, it is very unique at the current time and distribution will almost certainly be exclusive. However in the near future (five to ten years) it is anticipated that there will be a big move to this particular style of car (electric-powered) due to rising oil prices and environmental concerns. In this case the scope of the competition will grow and the Nissan Nuvu will hopefully become a Shopping product that is widely-distributed and also very common and popular. 3.2.1 Product Lifecycle The Nissan Nuvu is still in the product development stage of the product lifecycle as no actual sales have been made and it is still only a concept as commercial production has not yet commenced. 3.2.2 Branding Nissan has an established and well reputed brand name. Many customers value and trust the brand and would be willing to consider the Nissan Nuvu as a new product. The Nissan brand has a number of attributes such as durable and reliable. Nissan claims on its website that it is renowned for excellent engineering and searing handling and dynamics technology (Heritage n.d.). Customers relate benefits to the Nissan brand such as trusting the vehicle to reach the destination without any concerns or problems, not having to buy a new car for an extensive time, having a comfortable and safe way of transport. Values attached to the Nissan brand include durability, comfortableness and reliability. Nissans brand personality would be that it is straight, trustworthy and responsible but also innovative and adaptable. Nissan has reasonable brand equity through almost full awareness in Australia, high perceived quality and an extent of brand loyalty. The label or name of the product Nissan Nuvu, meaning new view gives the product an innovative appeal and implies that it is addressing the needs of tomorrow and providing a credible solution to this. 3.2.3 Comparing to Competition At the current time the only real competitors in the market for a low-running cost city car are hybrid models Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid which run on both a petrol motor and an electric motor (Hybrid Cars 2008). Australia is yet to release a commercially available all-electric car (Start your (electric) engines n.d.). Obviously all other cars and means of transport around a city can be considered as competition but it is rational to look closer at products that aim at a similar market segment and offer similar benefits and attributes. The most prominent competitor is the Toyota Prius which has been commercially available in Australia since 2001 (Sustainability Report 2007). In this time over 5000 units have been sold, 1974 of them in 2006 and 195 in January 2007, a 96% increase on sales in January 2006 (Sustainability Report 2007) showing an increased demand for this particular model. The Toyota Prius is starting to appeal to a growing market but there is certainly room for another product in this market. The Nissan Nuvu has an advantage over such competitors with the extensive use of organic, natural and recyclable materials but also it is even cheaper to run and more environmentally-friendly than the hybrid cars as it has zero emissions. The Nissan Nuvu is currently very unique as it will be the only all-electric car commercially available in Australia. It is anticipated that in the near future the prospect of owning such an eco-friendly car will become more plausible for Australian drivers who at the moment car more for performance and looks in a car and not so much in how economical and environmentally-friendly it is. It is also anticipated that as this becomes the case the number of competitor products will also increase and the product will need to be regularly reviewed and improved to keep an edge on such competitors. 3.3 Strengths and Weaknesses 3.3.1 Strengths * Only all-electric car commercially available in Australia unique * Zero emissions therefore extremely environmentally-friendly * Compact, agile, easy to drive and very easy to park * Roomy interior 3m long, 1.7m tall and 1.55m wide (Lavrinc 2008) * Extremely low running costs * Strong brand name and reputation 3.3.2 Weaknesses * Small market segment opposes Australian culture (generally Australians value performance and/or looks in a car * Customer uncertainty will be first all-electric car 4.0 Consumer Evaluation 4.1 Introduction The hybrid and environmentally friendly car industry is targeting the entire population that purchase cars. However, consumer attitudes in the past towards such cars have been poor, regardless of how high fuel prices go it appears that the uncertainty levels towards these cars will remain high. Hybrid cars as a general rule across western countries account for a very small share of the car market as a result of this lack of confidence. In America, hybrid cars account for only 3 percent of the total car market, although this is increasing with a twenty five percent increase in sales in the last four months. (Zimmerman, 2008) This is somewhat strange because in a recent study hybrid cars have been shown to save the consumer anywhere between $500 to $4500 dollars over a five year period compared to a car running on gasoline, savings are much higher over normal petrol models. (Consumer reports, 2008) This group of consumers can be broken into several, more defined market segments base up on demographic, geographic, psychographic and behavioural characteristics. Each market segment may be marketed to in a slightly different way to maximize efficiency. 4.2 Market Segmentation Market segmentation is the process of dividing a market such as the Australian car market up into segments or groups based on a number of variables. These variables are: 1. Demographic Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on age, sex, family size, family life cycle, income, occupation, education, religion and nationality. 2. Geographic Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on region, city size, density and climate. 3. Psychographic Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on socioeconomic status, values, attitudes, lifestyle groups and personality. 4. Behavioural Variables This is to divide a market up into groups based on frequency of purchase, usage rate, loyalty to product or brand, attitude towards product and what their user status is. All of the above ways can be used to segment a market however, not all possibilities are seen as effective ways to manage market segmentation. There are four key characteristics that market segments must have to be successful. The first is measurability and this refers to the extent of which the size of the market segment and the purchasing power of its consumers can be effectively measured. (Market segmentation, n.d.) The second characteristic is accessibility and this measures the extent to which the segment can be targeted effectively with advertising and the product distributed effectively. The third characteristic is substantiality and this simply measures if the segment is large enough to be profitable. The final characteristic is actionability and this measure the extent to which programs can be constructed and carried out to attract and serve the segment as a whole. (Kotler et al, 2006. 217 229) 4.2.1 Segmentation of Australian car market The Australian car industry can be segmented in many ways. On a broad scale you have segments such as large family cars, four wheel drives, small cars and hybrid cars. Within the large segment of hybrid cars comes another group of market segments. These segments can be determined depending on which characteristics are use to classify them. The four types of characteristics are above. 4.2.2 Demographic segmentation Demographic segmentation divides a market up into segments based on age, sex, family size, family life cycle, income, occupation, education, religion and nationality. Demographic segmentation is generally the most common form of segmentation. In general, * Younger people have less disposable income and are fewer worries about safety features and energy efficiency. * Large families require bigger cars so they can transport everyone in the same vehicle and store more luggage. * People with higher disposable income will look at luxury features in cars such and be fewer worries about efficiency. * Occupation can have a direct impact on the sort of car people drive. For example a consultant who drives a large amount of kilometres would want a bigger car which is better on the open road and more comfortable to drive large distances. * Education, religion and nationality are characteristics which are, in general not related to the car industry. 4.2.3 Geographic segmentation Cars can be segmented according to geographic segmentation; this includes variables such as region, city size, density and climate. The main type of geographic segmentation is the difference between country and city living styles. People living in the country generally have larger cars such as sedans and four wheel drives. This is because they are driving larger distances than people living closer to the cbd. In the current economic and environmental climate the general population who live in and around major cities are targeted with smaller, more fuel efficient cars. A great example of the swing to smaller, more fuel efficient cars is evident in the current US market with all major car companies sales decreasing with companies like General Motors, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda. On the other hand the Volkswagen mini increased in sales by 24 percent, which clearly proves a move in consumer demand. (Kiley, 2008) 4.2.4 Psychographic segmentation Cars are in general not segmented using psychographic variables which include socioeconomic status, values, attitudes, lifestyle groups and personality. However variables such as personality may influence a buyers decision process when buying a car. For example a female with a feminine and out there personality may choose a convertible as there car because it suits there personality. 4.2.5 Behavioural Segmentation The Australian car industry is not an industry in which behavioural variables would be considered a primary source of segmentation. Behavioural variables include frequency of purchase, usage rate, loyalty to product or brand, attitude towards product and what their user status is. However loyalty to a specific company can once again play a significant role in the buyers decision process in terms of which company he ultimately goes with. 4.2.6 Consumer segment profiles for hybrid/ electric car market Within the hybrid and electric car market exists a few different market segments. The first market segment is very broad and includes most females between the ages of twenty five and sixty. This market segment contains a large proportion of the total market because females in this age group are the ones who would buy these cars. Young to middle age males are not included at all as a market segment because, in general these people are not at all interested in buying these cars and marketing to them is a waste of resources. However in the future if more attractive cars are made then the male segments of the traditional cars market may be attracted towards more energy efficient cars. 4.3 Analysis of customer behaviour 4.3.1 Types of buying decision behaviour Consumer decision making can vary with the type of buyer decision. More complex decisions are more than likely going to involve more buying participants and more buyer consideration. There are four types of buyer behaviour, they are: * Complex buyer behaviour The buyer is highly involved in the purchasing process and there are significant differences between competing brands. Consumers can be highly involved when the product is expensive, complex or a risky purchase. * Dissonance reducing buyer behaviour Occurs when consumers are highly involved in the purchase because it is risky or expensive and there is very little difference between competing brands. * Habitual buyer behaviour When there is low consumer involvement and there is very little difference between competing brands. * Variety seeking buyer behaviour When there is low consumer involvement but there is a large amount of difference between brands. The hybrid and electric car market would be classified under complex buyer behaviour. This is because there is a high amount of buyer involvement in the decision process because the product is both expensive and can be considered risky. The hybrid and electric cars market because it is relatively new; there are a lot of different products on the market because each company is trying to get a feel for what consumers want. (Kotler et al, 2006. 168) 4.3.2 The buyer decision process The buyer decision process is an analysis of the stages buyers go through to reach a buyer decision. A diagram of the five stages is shown on the right hand side of the document, sourced from (Hurren, 2008). The need recognition stage, put simply, is the buyer recognising a problem or need. Information search is the buyer making the conscious decision to investigate and find more information on a specific product or market. After the consumer has gathered information and reached a conclusion of several final brand choices, the buyer would compare and contrast each to find the most attractive and suitable product for them. After this the purchase decision is made based on a analysis of the brand alternatives. Following the purchase, comes the evaluation of whether the buyer is satisfied or dissatisfied with their purchase decision. The consumer is satisfied when their expectations meet the performance of the product. (Kotler et al, 2006. 169 171) 4.3.3 Types of Purchase decision There are two factors that can influence the purchase decision when buying a car. The first is the attitudes of significant others towards a particular consumers product choice. For example if your girlfriend disapproves of a certain brand then you would be less likely to purchase that particular brand. The second factor is influencing purchase decisions is unexpected situational influences. For instance if you base a purchase decision on expected income, expected cost and expected useful life of product and then you lose your job, this is more than likely going to influence the purchase decision. 4.3.4 Consumption information Consumption information is hard to come by for the Australian market, due to the fact that there is still no electric car on the market. However hybrid cars which are cars using more than one source of fuel, have shown strong increases in demand since coming onto the market. This is evidenced by the Toyota Prius which is a petrol electric hybrid, this year reaching one million in sales, breaking records as the first hybrid to reach this mark.(Kageyama, 2008) There are a number of social influences that have dramatically affected consumption of these cars. The first is the public perception that they do not perform as well as conventional petrol and diesel competitors. However with the ever rising cost of crude oil, consumers are being forced to revaluate the cost of performance. In a recent study in the US, of the population sample surveyed, only 0.65 percent of people had ever owned or currently owns a hybrid vehicle. (Miller, 2005) In America, hybrid cars account for only 3 percent of the total car market, although this is increasing with a twenty five percent increase in sales in the last four months. (Zimmerman, 2008) 4.3.5 Attitudes towards hybrid and electric cars Attitudes towards hybrid and electric cars in the past have been poor. They have been on the market since 1999, with the Honda Insight. This was closely followed by the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic. Attitudes have changed in the past few years with Toyota making the prius more powerful and bigger. (Blake, 2006) However for a long time there has been a perception that they are over priced, ugly and are bot up to scratch with the average vehicle available on the market today. Apart from the Toyota Prius Hybrid and electrical cars are still quite new to the Australian market and their reputation needs to be fixed with well structured marketing plans. 4.3.6 Consumer Benefits of hybrid and electrical cars Hybrid cars, although seen as expensive in comparison to other cars are relatively competitive on price because in a recent study hybrid cars have been shown to save the consumer anywhere between $500 to $4500 dollars over a five year period compared to a car running on gasoline, savings are much higher over normal petrol models. (Consumer reports, 2008) The key benefit of owning a hybrid car should still be the benefit to the environment. The car can do basically everything that a regular petrol car can do and has the above benefits. The key issue in todays market is getting people disregard the general public perception and realise the benefits such a car can offer. 4.3.7 Customer Loyalty Customer loyalty plays a big part in the purchasing process for consumers in todays car market. However in the hybrid and electrical car segment, companies dont have large enough established market shares to enable them target loyal customers in their advertising. Current advertising for this segment is minimal and is mainly used to get more market exposure. In America, hybrid cars account for only 3 percent of the total car market; this is a very small share of the market. (Zimmerman, 2008) 4.3.8 Best consumer prospects The best prospects for hybrid and electrical cars until they become more wide spread are environmentally conscious people and females between the ages of 25 60. This is because these are the people you can target with marketing appealing to their feeling of social responsibility, especially in consideration of the environment. \ 5.0 Competitor Analysis 5.1 Direct and Indirect Competition A direct competition is where two or more products with the same functions compete against each other. On the other hand, an indirect competition is where products which are close substitutes for one another compete. For example, butter competing with margarine. (BusinessDictionary.com n.d.) The Nissan Nuvu is no different from any other automobiles and has a large amount of both direct and indirect competitors. Its direct competitors include hybrid and electrical cars that are produced by other companies. On the other hand, there is also a large number of indirect competitors which include cars of the same size and shape such as the Smart Fortwo and other forms of transport such as motorcycles. One example of its direct competitor is the Toyota Prius developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car which is also capable on running with electricity which is the same as the Nissan Nuvu. The Toyota Prius has been out in the market since 1997 and have already launched three models since its first launch (Toyota Motor Sales n.d.). This has allowed the Toyota Prius to have a stable influence on consumers who would want to purchase an environmental friendly and economical car. 5.2 Strength and Weaknesses One of the strengths of the direct competitors is the capacity as they are mainly 3+1 seaters or more while the Nissan Nuvu would be based as a 2+1 seater instead (Autocar September 8, 2008). The influence of its direct competitors on the market is also much greater as other companies have already released popular hybrid cars long ago such as the Toyota Prius. This would make the consumers to feel safer and more confident to purchase a Toyota Prius over a Nissan Nuvu it is the first car of its concept and not many people are that of risk takers. Not only those, the direct competitors also have a larger distribution area within Australia compared to that of Nissan. They are also putting a lot of effort into the promotion of their respective hybrid models to increase sales. This would definitely give them a larger overall advantage. 5.3 Weaknesses of direct competitors Despite the disadvantages that the Nissan Nuvu has on its direct competitors, it also has advantages over them. One main advantage is the design of the Nissan Nuvu which is futuristic especially in terms of design and price as the Nissan Nuvu has a futuristic design with an all-glass roof covered with solar panels placed in the pattern of leaves on a tree. (Autocar, Sep 9 2008). The Nissan Nuvu is also powered by a single battery pack and does not use hydrogen nor petrol while other hybrid cars still require petrol or hydrogen to allow them to function. This means that the Nissan Nuvu would not emit any CO2 thus making it very environmentally friendly (Alina S. February 2, 2008). Not only that, families nowadays are also very small and usually only have one child and so, this would make the smaller families think that they would not need such a big car with a 3+1 seater. Therefore, the Nissan Nuvus 2+1 seater would be just right for them since it already has enough space for everyday shopping built at the back of the car. (Autocar September 8, 2008). 5.4 Likely major competitors in the future The Nissan Nuvu would be having a large number of major competitors in the future which would include all motor corporations as the world is moving towards the environmentally friendly age. Due to the shift to the environmentally friendly age, all motor corporations are also investing to the research of such hybrid cars. Hence, cheaper environmentally friendly cars would definitely threaten the future of the Nissan Nuvu. 7.0 Marketing Objectives The key marketing objective of this report is to gain the maximum amount of market exposure possible in the first twelve months following the release of the Nissan Nuvu onto the Australian market. 8.0 Marketing Strategies 8.1 Target Markets 8.2 Marketing mix 8.2.1 Product Strategies Product strategies are an essential part of the marketing mix in determining how to market your product. Product strategies take into consideration elements such as branding, packaging and labelling. Branding is the first key element of product strategies. A brand is a name, term sign symbol or design used to identify a certain service or group of products and differentiate them from competitors. The Nissan brand name carries traits such as quality, performance and reliability and has a long history of providing for its customers. The Nuvu is a new and attractive sounding brand name and is easy to say and remember. However this does not guarantee product success. A combination of all four elements of the marketing mix is the best way to achieve success in marketing a product. Packaging includes designing and producing the container or wrapper for a product. However in terms of the car market, packaging is not overly applicable. The only area which comes into packaging is generally the colour options of the car. The Nissan Nuvu will be released in a wide range of colours which will be modern and eye catching in design as well as more tradition colours. Labelling of a product serve s a very simple purpose, which is to help identify the Nissan Nuvu from other cars and further promote the vehicle. 8.2.2 Pricing Strategies 8.2.2.1 Market-share Leadership With the anticipation of an increasing demand for low-running cost and environmentally-friendly cars in the near future it would be in best interests to take a market-share leadership approach to pricing in an attempt to dominate the market now while the market is small in the hope of maintaining a large market share in the future. Influencing factors such as costs of research and development cost of production, competitors pricing, the anticipated demand for such a product and market objectives must be considered when deciding a price for the product. As gaining as much market share as possible is a significant objective, keeping prices at a competitive price is essential in order to penetrate the market as effectively as possible. However at the current time an all-electric car will be unique so there is no actual price to compete against apart from the similar hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid which are priced at $36,500 and $29,990 respectively (Hybrid Cars 2008). Due to the Nissan Nuvu being a unique product a relatively high price would be acceptable, however with the anticipation of a number of competitors entering the market in the near future the price would need to be lowered in order to be more competitive and maintain a strong market share. 8.2.3 Distribution Strategies The Nissan Nuvu, like any other cars undergo Exclusive Distribution as it is a high-priced and upscale merchandise. Exclusive distribution is a retail selling strategy typically used by manufacturers of high-priced, generally upscale merchandise, such as cars (Answers.com n.d.). By using this type of distribution, the Nissan Motors Corporation can ensure that: Only certain dealers have exclusive territorial rights to sell the product. They can control over the way the Nissan Nuvu would be merchandised. They can provide the extensive installation or repair services that are necessary at first hand. They would be able to use their own sales force to sell directly to the consumers. They can maintain the uniqueness of their product. However, the market for hybrid cars is already very intense due to the large amount of car dealer companies within Australia and the large amount of competition with the different brands. Therefore, the Nissan Nuvu would have to be set away from this competition as one of the first zero CO2 emission cars that would only run on a single battery pack powered by either electricity or solar energy. The Nissan Nuvu should also be in a position where it would be known as an ideal economical and environmentally friendly car. As the Nissan Nuvu would be one of the first Electric-Solar Powered cars that do not require hydrogen or petrol to run to hit the market, it would most likely be more popular with environmentally aware consumers who live within the country. This would definitely give the Nissan Nuvu an edge over its competitors. Not only that, the car would also appeal to others especially Generation Y consumers with its unique features and futuristic design. Generation Y consumers are more concerned about the environment and this car would definitely be popular with them as well. Not only that, the future type of families can also be foreseen as a family with a single child which is exactly right for the Nissan Nuvus 2+1 seater. Due to the novelty of the product, we should not follow the past strategies in the distribution of cars to the dealer networks. Instead, we should develop a centralized inventory where the dealer would take orders from the customers and then have the Nissan Nuvu shipped and delivered to the dealership. This centralized distribution network would no doubt result in higher transportation costs, but it would also increase the efficiency of the distribution. Besides that, as one of our main target segment would be the Generation Y, we should also sell the car online where a vehicle would be shipped to the respective dealer when the order is placed online. This would not only increase efficiency in sales and distribution, it would also increase the convenience of the consumers who would want to purchase the car. Customers should also be allowed to customize the car online as different consumers would have different types of budget and taste on how their car should look. As we are currently in the technology age, this way of distributing and selling the car would be effective. By selling the car online, it would not only be effective in the present time, but it would also be effective in the future towards the newer generations as they would all be more technology and internet savvy. This would not only increase the efficiency of sales, it would also be able to penetrate the markets in the future, not only for the Nissan Nuvu, but also for all the other Nissan car models.

Electronic Components Assembly essays

Electronic Components Assembly essays Mr. Jim Harris, plant director of Electronic Components Assemblies (ECA), commissioned this investigation and report on the 22 August 2001. Mr. Harris is concerned about the potential impact of new technology and its effects on production systems. He has commissioned Management Consultants International to review and make recommendations concerning the existing ECA policy. 1. review strategic options for the business in terms of h procedures and systems for material planning and control h production management systems and h human resource management policies, personnel and payment systems 2. report on implications on proposed changes for management, staff, customers and suppliers. 3. develop an implementation plan based on recommendations. 4. draw conclusions and make recommendations. 5. submit report by 26 September 2001 This report describes the result of an in depth analysis of the current policies that ECA employs. ECA currently manufactures electronic deflection units for computer monitors for its holding company International Electric (IE) in South Africa. ECA operates as a cost centre within the commercial goods division of IE. The plant was established in 1973 and is based in the Western Cape and operates in parallel with a plant in Botswana. Jim Harris, the plant director has recently observed a decline in the sales of computer monitors at a time when production capacity is expanding. This has resulted in fierce competition and has forced ECA to reconsider its product sourcing policies. The objectives of this report are to identify problems within the existing ECA policy and offers possible solutions. It also identifies the impact of these proposed solutions on ECAÂ ¡s current policy and provides a framework for implementation. This analysis was restricted to the information enclosed in the briefing document. Where applicable, assumptions were made to augment the findings. ...

Procter and Gamble research report Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Procter and Gamble research report - Term Paper Example The company management has responded to investors worry on costly structure and slow top line growth rate by through a cost saving plan worth $10 billion. This is expected to reduce the headcount that will enable the company achieve its earning per share growth rate forecast to 8% and 10% in free up funds that can be reinvested. Third quarter results shows that the organic sales have increased by 3% from its previous quarter but the operating profit decreased by 11%. The management of the company lowered the earning per share to $3.82-$3.88 from the previous earning of $3.93-$4.08 as a result of the lowering operating profit. This means that Procter and Gambler 2012 fiscal year earning per share is expected to remain flat as compared to previous fiscal EPS of $3.87. The company gross margin has decreased by 150 bases to 49% on higher inputs and negative sales while it has increased by 32.9% on restructuring charges and overhead costs. The firm is supposed to restructure if it expects to gain full potential in its future growth. This is to be achieved by mean of calibrating its pricing by either adopting initial price or by promotion. Also, the company should invest more in the developing markets where it remains under penetrating where all other firms in packaged goods are moving. Business summary Procter & Gamble Company has famous line up of packaged brands which are sold and distributed through three global business units in over 180 countries world wide. The company brands include Tide laundry detergent, Pantene shampoo, Cover Girl cosmetics and lams pet food which means the company trades in household and personal products industry. The company is rated as an AAA credit worth company by Morningstar credit rating agency in the consumer product industry. The company strength and sustainability compared to other industry player has being rated wide by Morningstar which means its competitive advantage remains high. The competitors of the company are L’Oreal SA, Reckitt Benckiser Group and Kimberly-Clark Corporation which have market capitalization of $72,309, $47720, $42799 and $30972 millions respectively compared to Procter $ Gamble CO. market capitalization of $176134 millions. This shows that Procter & Gamble Company is more capitalized than its closest rival compa nies. Also, the sales revenue of its competitors are $26745.83, $15196.91 and $20,846 respectively compared to Procter $ Gamble sales revenue of $85374. Total sales revenue in the industry from the above sales revenues amounts to $148162.74. Procter & Gamble Co. thus, it contributes 57.62% of the total sales revenue. From the above findings, Procter $ Gamble Company stands as the most valued company compared to its competitors. Historical performance of the company shows that the performance of the company has being on a decline path from year 2009 to date. Financial forecasting of the company is that the share value is to be raised from the current price of $72 to $75 if the $10 billion saving plan is implemented together with Pringles divesture. This implies that in 2013, ratios of

Strategic managment implementation, for the golar lng company Essay

Strategic managment implementation, for the golar lng company - Essay Example Floating Storage and Regasification Unit is a product of GolarLNG. According to their website, it is based on the conversion of an existing LNG carrier into a floating terminal that can be situated offshore or at a new or purpose-built jetty/pier. It will receive liquid natural gas (LNG) from offloading LNG carriers, and the onboard regasification system provides gas send-out through flexible risers and pipeline to shore. European imports rose 0.9 bcf/d, where Spain led by +0.5 bcf/d and Italy by +0.1 bcf/d. The entire shortfall was absorbed by the US with import s down 1.7 bcf/d year-on-year. In 2009, overall 22 countries were importing LNG. The imports are expected to grow by a large amount in the coming years. The Floating Storage and Regasification Unit have become really popular in the last few years. It is relatively a new concept, and Golar LNG is the first one in the world to deliver it. With this fact that they are the first one to introduce it, they have a competitive edge. With these advantages, Golar LNG has to market its service in a way that it maintains its market share in FSRU. They haven’t marketed their service greatly in order to attract and retain their customers. For this purpose, they need to create a proper marketing plan. Although this service does not have any specific customer. This service is for all the importers of LNG. But in order to start marketing, Golar has to cater to individual regions needs first. This marketing action plan will be the segment catering to the importers in Asia. The segment is made according to the demographics. The FSRU service is for providing ease and comfort to the importers, who would easily be able to import LNG with the help of these floating terminals. The Service is positioned to be inexpensive, yet having a highly advanced technology. Any kind of product or service needs marketing. In maritime industry, marketing is considered to be unimportant. But experts say that marketing is