Journal - MARKETING STRATEGY AND BUSINESS MODEL

 Knowledge on marketing function has informed my understanding that marketing strategy begins after obtaining a solid business model which is defined by marketing targets and the organization’s operations capabilities which include limitations on its resources. Even so, a good business model enables a firm to know how to adapt itself internally or by forging alliances with external business units and thereby increasing its flexibility to the target market (Lavie, 2006, 368). I consider a good business model to be one that can enable an organization to develop workable marketing strategies.  I have learnt that resource based view theory as being very common in formulating efficient business models whose foundations are strategic alliances. Business models based on strategic alliances may be aimed at maximizing a pool of resources so that the involved partners can gain competitive advantage against their rivals (Priem & Butler, 2001, 39). I perceive that many alliances may be aimed at a kind of revenue generation but revenue on its own may not be the real objective of the firm. From such a perspective, I consider a business model based on strategic alliance as being critical to the creation or maintenance of a core competency which will be a source of competitive advantage to the firm. An effective business model ensures that the adopted strategies work against present and future competitors in order for the business to maintain or grow its market share across the identified market segments (Machado & Davim, 2016).  

After a thorough study on this topic, I have understood that the essence of any business model is found in the definition of the way in which   an organization delivers value to consumers, convince them to pay for that value and transforms the payments made into profits.  I think that any marketing strategy, including strategic alliance must address customer value and the strategies employed by competitors serving   the same market segment.  In addition , though a firm may consider sources of advantage such as cost leadership as being essential , other factors can also come into play and define market competition altogether. I think using the internet to develop a business model is a strategic way of gaining foothold in a competitive market. The business model would involve an internet based marketing strategy which allows diversification into both related and unrelated business. It would also allow a good alliance with suppliers and intermediaries in order to position the firm’s products in a competitive environment. I found out that strategies may not means what is understood at face value. For instance, price leadership does not always refer to low prices but could also be a price that is most valuable to the customer, considering the long-lasting value that they attach to the product. Moreover, such strategies must be carried out together instead of focusing on a single one, so as to efficiently prevent rivalry competition in a market arena that is managed well.

Therefore, I understand a business model as being more generic than a marketing strategy and combining the strategy with a business model is important so as to guard any competitive edge that may arise from such efforts. Combining an analysis of the competitive marketing strategy with that of the business model calls for segmenting the market, and developing a value proposition for every segment created (Machado & Davim, 2016).

Reference                                

Lavie, D 2006, 'The competitive advantage of interconnected firms: An extension of the resource-based view', Academy Of Management Review, 3, p. 638, Academic OneFile, EBSCOhost, viewed 21 October 2016.

Priem, R, & Butler, J 2001, 'IS THE RESOURCE-BASED "VIEW" A USEFUL PERSPECTIVE FOR STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT RESEARCH?', Academy Of Management Review, 26, 1, pp. 22-40

MACHADO, C., & DAVIM, J. P. (2016). MBA: theory and application of business and management principles. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1165001.

Journal - MARKETING INFORMATION AND CUSTOMER INSIGHTS

After a thorough study on marketing function, I have come to understand the need for managers to turn marketing information into customer insights. To gain customer insights, organizations must carry out marketing research to identify their needs and wants by collecting and analyzing data through sophisticated techniques although at times, just holding conversation with customers can give such insights (Pride & Ferrell, 2017). While most marketers have put their focus on analyzing big data, I think it is high time that firms direct their insights to drive their sales level. Even though metrics offer great insights, they do not necessarily give an explanation on why a customer would choose one product over another. To obtain such valuable information, it is important for marketers to explore the real motivation behind the consumer behavior rather than depending on the information analysis that partly tells the story.

I consider identifying a specific goal as the first step in collecting and analyzing customer information. Wanting to just get new insights without such a goal will make one not to obtain valuable information that is actionable.  In a marketing environment that is full of data, it is possible for marketers to collect incorrect information whose analysis would lead to the wrong conclusion.  Even where the right information is gathered, wrong interpretation or analysis may lead to them accepting or rejecting a hypothesis based on inappropriate reasoning and this may finally render the adopted marketing strategy useless (Tsiakis, 2015,71).  I have, overtime, been able to figure out that collecting customer insights is made difficult by related emotional nature. As such, I consider the best method of doing so to be collaborating with customers and developing a deep relationship in order to find out their emotional based motivations.  Upon finding out their thinking and the factors driving their buying choice, effective strategies can be adopted that will provide more leads to increased sales.

Furthermore, I view customer motivation as the right basis for carrying out marketing function of segmentation. Segmentation facilitates reaching small customer groups that are homogeneous in a more effective and efficient way and with the appropriate offering.  Based on the customers buying motivation, a product can be differentiated to create superior vale that meets their needs while position it in the mind of customers who are being targeted (Bailey, Baines, Wilson & Clark, 2009, 227).  Such customer insights will also go a long way in the selection of the segment to enter or target with a specific product. In my opinion, grouping customers in segments is not enough if the basis of doing so was a normal analysis of collected market information. Customer feelings and emotions are the main drivers that form opinions on what to buy, and they are not easily quantified. Digging deeper into the issue, I found the need to understand the human connection between a brand and the consumer given that emotions are involved in almost all decisions made by an individual. This makes sales and marketing to be people to people (P2P) strategy. In providing feed back or reporting on marketing information, I consider two parts of customer insight to be necessary. First is the relationship between the brand characteristics and the consumer interest. Secondly, collecting, organizing and interpreting of information enable a business in obtaining, developing and retaining customers.

Reference

PRIDE, W. M., & FERRELL, O. C. (2017). Foundations of marketing. Stamford, Conn, Cengage learning. 94- 95

Bailey, C, Baines, P, Wilson, H, & Clark, M (2009), 'Segmentation and customer insight in contemporary services marketing practice: why grouping customers is no longer enough', Journal Of Marketing Management, 25, 3-4, pp. 227-252, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 20 October 2016.

TSIAKIS, T. (2015). Trends and innovations in marketing information systems. 70-71 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1083446

Importance of Supply Chain Management

            Supply chain management is important due to its value in its efficiency in operations.  SCM is put in the satisfaction of the customers and the success of a given company and the plans of the society.  These include the missions on clinics, reprieve of disasters and other forms of emergency. Thus supply chain management has a good value in the improvement of life quality.  Due to the important role that the SCM has on the companies, employers look for employees with the SCM skills and acquaintance (Christopher, 2016).  As the universe is one big supply chain, the SCM plays a major role on issues such as the quick growth of the international companies and the planned stakeholders. Due to the upcoming modes in the global corporation such as the fluctuating prices on gas and the environmental basis which affects the business policies, the SCM is the most serious business sector internationally. Many companies value SCM as it depreciates the usage of huge fixed assets such as depositories and plants in the supply chain (Christopher, 2016). 

            Supply chain management impacts the financial position of an organization as many companies focuses on it as a way of improving the customer gratification and lessen the operational disorganizations.  It is important to the competitive capacity of the company mainly in the globalization and the IT industry development thus companies are not competing in the as entities but as part of the supply chain in the globally (Sabri, 2015).  In the minor companies, the supply chain management will help in the reduction of costs of the goods sold and the operational expenses.  Companies that use the SCM have a momentous cost and cycle time reductions. Thus the companies that use the SCM gain more savings that are equal to 3-7% of their incomes likened to their average execution upper class business partners (Sabri, 2015).

References

Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & supply chain management. Pearson UK, 2016        

Sabri, E. H. (2015). Optimization of supply chain management in contemporary organizations. IGI Global, 2015

Marketing Segmentation

Market segmentation is important as it can be defined as a target that is based on the consumer through geographical, demographical and psychological aspect. My family segmentation in the demographic aspect falls in South Carolina Georgia-Tennessee. This region affects our marketing due to the climate, market size, and density. The climate affects how we demand goods and services (Baher, 2001).  Movements within and out of the region affect how the marketing segment which can result in the type of weather being experienced such as snow, melting and the waves affecting boats and runners.

Demographic segmentation of our family affects the marketing segmentation due to the age, gender and the life cycle factor in our family. This implies that wants differ from each member that is the parents, siblings and even the grandparents due to the age factor (Weinstein &Cahill, 2014). The household is sub-divided into sub-segments as the interests of the family life cycle keep on changing from childhood to adulthood. This can be proven by the fact that the teens in the family have a huge spending potential if the parents are with disposable income (Baher, 2001).

Psychographic segmentation in our family affects the market segmentation as a result of our individual character. Our personalities differ from each other as siblings including that of the parents hence our different way of doing things that affect how we choose them. This type of market segmentation is based on motives, personality, and lifestyles (Weinstein &Cahill, 2014). My family is adapted to a different kind of lifestyle that creates unique psychographic traits such as spending time together, having fun, going out in nature and enjoy leisure time affects the market segmentation (Baher, 2001).

Reference

Baher, J. M. (2001). Marketing: Critical Perspectives on Business And Management. Taylor & francis

Weinstein, A &Cahill, D. J (2014). Lifestyle Market Segmentation. Routledge

Competitive advantage

Wal-Mart is a transnational company that deals with almost every kind of product in the world that is needed most by the society. Wal-Mart deals and operates mostly on hypermarkets, the grocery stores, and discounted stores all over the world and mostly in the American country. It holds one of the largest revenue collections in the world having yearly turnover sales of more than $450 billion dollars as of the financial year 2016 (Bidgoli, 2015). The greatest advantages that the company utilizes to gain competitive advantage are the fact that the firm has available resources and capabilities to its competitors. Using the VRIO (value, rarity, imitability, and organization) the physical resource that enhances product delivery at Wal-Mart stores can be greatly influenced to this framework.

The physical resource is one of the advantages that Wal-Mart stores use to its most capability in order to remain the best ever in the market. Information technology is a physical resource that has pushed the firm to the present occupation it is today (Williams, 2011). Wal-Mart has used information technology to exploit an external opportunity where customers prefer to shop indoors rather than visiting the stores thereby making the resource to retain the value compared to the competitors. Information technology as a value enhances in increasing the income of Wal-Mart since customer requirements are served first. Wal-Mart has over 11,000 stores worldwide and which needs effective coordination from the main offices located in the various countries they operate. Information technology plays an important role in ensuring that the firm stays at the peak always thereby ensuring that competition is minimized through this strategy.

Driving cost to lowest in the supply chain through information technology has been a success since the platform presents the lack of being there physically to sell or even advertise the goods. Selling goods online to the customers makes it even simpler for the customers to locate whatever they want in just seconds (Bidgoli, 2015). This strategy enables the customers to save on time and resources they would have actually used to physically obtain the goods from the stores which is not the case with all other firms using information technology therefore perfect competition. Information technology is rare and only those companies that have ample investments in the technology can have a better market share which firms such as Wal-Mart have utilized fully.  

Use of information technology to lure customers into buying their products enhances on the profitability of the company. The world today is so diverse and dependent on technology and this is an indicator that the businesses that operate and offer their services online have an advantage over the competitors since the technology is rare to many (Williams, 2011). This is done through the websites where the customers are required to choose whatever specifications they require and order them online and delivery was done on time. Information technology being a valuable and also rare enhances the likeliness of the resource not being imitable to the competitors. Imitating product and services can be easy but this is not the case with Wal-Mart since their products are hardly imitated by competitors due to their uniqueness.  For example, after the customer visits the company site, there is an option where the customer can interact with the firm and raise any issue about certain products and how to make the quality better. Such services are imitated by competitors without the knowledge and understanding that the firm has already the customer loyalty required. Customer interaction is an important feature in service delivery to the customers and it is one of the challenges facing the competing companies that deal in this same line of business (Williams, 2011).

In terms of organization, Wal-Mart has achieved full customer preference since the structural and the management strategy enhance customer service equally to customer demands.  The supply chain stores that are opened all over the world enhance the profitability of the company and since the company has invested so much in information technology, it makes it even simpler to manage the stores from one main office. This also enhances the customer service delivery.  Being a global supplier requires the firm to have able and ready suppliers who can meet the high demand that the customers require and therefore making the company a leading seller of products worldwide.

References

Williams, C. (2011). Management. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Bidgoli, H. (2015). MIS6.

Chop Suey

Chapter 1: why is Chinese food so popular?

            The popularity of Chinese food in china town and non-Chinese neighborhoods is as a result of global labor and capital markets, transformation in demography and occupation of Chinese America, and changes in the consumption patterns and American economy. The prevalence of the Chinese foods may be because Chinese restaurants tend to be small size, independent, and scattered all over the nation without a significant horizontal connection. Secondly, Chinese restaurants change hands often quickly in an industry with a high turnover. Lastly, a few people tried to systematically collect data about Chinese restaurants. Chinese food had become more popular cuisine in the restaurant industry by 1980 (Chen, 2014). However the popularity Chinese food started facing opposition and a prejudice about this food was developed. American society created enmity for Chinese food plus the immigrants who brought it to America. They targeted the Chinese food habits and invoked American eating habits.

Chapter 2: the empire and empire food.

            Chinese food was carried to American shores by the forces that generated Chinese immigration. The spreading of this food was in connection with the socioeconomic and geographic expansion of America. A connection captured by a concept of empire food, which was created empire building for gratification of citizens (Chen, 2014). The notion of concept of empire food stresses that consumption has been an important goal and a benefit in the process of empire building. Empire foods have distinctive features observed in individual foodstuffs. Chinese food is one of the significant empire food bearing important differences from the individual foods. Chinese food is a food system not just a singular food item. Some of the Chinese foods have been gentrified by corporations for example tea and coffee. There was also development of American Chinese food in the course of evolution of America’s empire.

 Chapter 3: Chinese cooks as stewards of empire

            Chinese cooks are observed working for many companies and this became the occupation of most Chinese Americans. Such service jobs illustrated their historical role of stewardship in the emerging empire and represented a precursor to their future position in the restaurant business. Chinese started to significantly extend labor in the nineteenth century, since the western empires needed laborers to perform services (Chen, 2014). Many Chinese laborers worked as domestic servants to cook in company kitchens, private homes and on oceangoing ships. During the anti-Chinese rivalry, other Americans defended the Chinese because of the cheap outstanding service they offered. Chinese were best known to be cooks and servants. However, Chinese food remained as a target of attack and ridicule in America. Nonetheless, in the world of despise where Chinese were excluded from most occupations, they started to be valued only when they were seen performing duties rejected by whites.

Chapter 4: the cradle of Chinese foods

            For a long time Chinese community and their Chinese food have been interdependent and inseparable and America’s consumption started growing. America’s Chinese food was transplanted from Chinatown in the early 1850s. The symbiotic relationship between Chinese community and Chinese food marked cultural identity. The Chinese American community emerged in 1840s with the arrival of Chinese food. This market the establishment of Chinese restaurants which acted as both eating and social meeting places. These places expanded rapidly and became important sources of revenue and by 1850; some of these restaurants had become large establishments (Chen, 2014). Norman Assing made a connection for Chinese to participate in public ceremonies after he became a restaurateur. He also tirelessly fought against ant-Chinese racism. Despite the view of some Chinese who took Assing as a person angry for power, he should be remembered for helping to put the Chinese presence on a political map.

Chapter 5: the rise of Chinese restaurants

            It took a long time for American public to take in its chop suey. It had been shunned by American consumers for a long time. The improvement in the U.S economy led to an economic context for the spread of Chinese food. Americans had much money in their pockets and this made them prefer leisure travel. Eventually, Chinatown emerged as a tourist site and this transformed the occupational and demographic character of American Chinese which altered Chinatown to a town of Americans and Chinese alike (Chen, 2014). This transformation led to Chinese settlements in both small and large American towns. Even the breaking anti-Chinese movement in 1870s could not succeed to eradicate the entire Chinese presence. The anti-Chinese rivalry pushed the Chinese out of other profitable occupations hence by 1940; restaurant job became one of the main lines of work by the Chinese.

Chapter 6: the markers of American Chinese foods

            To understand the making of Chinese food, it was important to investigate on the providers of Chinese food and the non-Chinese clientele. Chinese restaurants were known of staying open late into the night (Chen, 2014). In Philadelphia, it was stated that the Chinese hot soup flavor was felt from dark until two in the morning and elsewhere in Washington, Chinese did their food business in the evenings and at night. Chinese restaurants were always filled with noise from either the chatting customers or from the loud music being played. Such an establishment helped in creating an inviting free and easy environment. In New York City, the establishment attracted the bohemians as well as the share of class in the city. Chinese restaurants also had a tendency of keeping African customers in hidden corners in order to keep their white patrons who could walk away at a sight of an African American due to prejudicial attitude.

Chapter 7: Chinese-American Cuisine and the Authenticity of Chop Suey

            For the observers, the appeal of Chinese food stemmed from its convenience and inexpensive prices. Chop Suey was always made simply and inexpensively and this made the Americans have a perception of low position of Chinese foods (Chen, 2014). The dish had a variety of ingredients in a single dish and it was served in a bowl consisting of a hardboiled egg, slices of pork and chicken, gravy and macaroni. In addition to affordability, many non-Chinese customers flocked into Chinese restaurants simply because the food was so appetizing. Chinese dish was savory and of a wide variety.

Chapter 8: the Chinese Brillat- Savarin

                This chapter talks about Chinese food cookbooks that were published in America when Chinese food had become America’s most ubiquitous popular ethnic cuisine. Publication of these cookbooks was an important made the different Chinese food visible than what the restaurants had done (Chen, 2014). The cookbooks also served as a parameter that signified the role of Chinese Americans. Thus, the authors explored not only the Chinese food but also about the Chinese culture and history. In addition to giving technical cooking tips, the authors relayed their opinions on important political and social issues in the world around them.

References

Chen, Y. (2014). Chop suey, USA: The story of Chinese food in America.

Amazon Kindle fire

Formulating a successful marketing strategy involves a thorough field survey in order to understand the nature of competitive environment (Kimmel, 2015). Amazon’s Kindle Fire exist in market that is full of alternative competing  tablets which have similar features and can perform the same functions . It is therefore necessary that Kindle Fire tablet differentiates its self from other products so that to win the loyalty and admiration from customers who have a wide pool of selection. The strategies selected should focus on customer needs and affordability, aspects which will give Kindle Fire a competitive advantage.    With usability and functionality as the major focus, the Kindle Fire experience should incorporate aspects which offer a rich and emotional experience that shows an entertainment oriented perception of the user.

There are three main strategies that marketers can apply in presenting this product to the market. These include a design for touch for the purpose of physical interaction between the customer and the product, defining the product’s features by developing a goal on what should be achieved in the tablet for the consumers and developing an engaging and rich customer experience especially among those who use it for entertainment purpose.  The design of the product and packaging is a very important aspect when it comes to developing a competitive product image (Kimmel, 2015). This is true considering that many of the tablets that compete with Kindle Fire are usually based on emotions in a market where the customer is uncertain and has to choose among many brands.  If Amazon can master the aesthetic art, it can ensure that its tablet will remain to have a competitive advantage. When the customers find themselves having to select among many products, they normally start to compare and after remembering any information they have seen in adverts, they associate. Whether the product is associated with someone or an advert due to its appearance and functionality, they customer tries to choose appropriately (Kimmel, 2015). If the tablet has an excellent design in terms of function and form, it implies the start of brand experience with the customer. This can be a very major trigger for customer loyalty since it affects the perception of the brand.  Product design is a vital aspect of a brand strategy given that it reaches consumers through both tact and sense of sight.  Therefore, the design for the product and its packaging is a coherent approach where manufactures and designers can collaborate with marketers of Kindle fire to come up with a product whose presence will be highly noticed by potential customers.

The second strategy involves a proper definition of tablet features in order to identify the selling point for the product. Features refer to those characteristics of the product which will satisfy the customer needs. The tablet unique features should be well communicated to the potential customers since they imply the capability of the product. The features are only valuable if the customer is aware of them and can associate their needs with them.  The features of the Kindle Fire have to be viewed by the customers as having valuable benefits and therefore while they are highlighted in sales and marketing efforts which will in turn lead to increased sales and thus profits.  The potential user of the product will always wondering what the product is and there continuous emphasis of the benefits will make it easier for them to a choose it.  Features matter in marketing because they give customers an idea of how well the tablet will deliver its benefits (Mello, 2002).  The other strategy involves having a customer experiences which focuses on the customer satisfaction. This involves developing a good customer care service where they can communicate with the marketers about any issues that may arise after purchasing the product. This means that any problems or defects recognized in the features of the tablet can be referred to the firm or any representatives such as retailers where they can be addressed or corrected. This strategy involves developing a communication system where feedback from the customers can be captured in real time. The strategy will also ensure that development of other tablets will address the defects and problems experienced by the buyers (Barnes, 2006).

The most promising market for Kindle Fire consists of individuals who have an interest in reading especially books, magazines and newspapers. The market is expanding with increased number of people who need to download reading materials for online reading. To position this product in a competitive environment, Amazon marketers should focus on including applications for easier download and reading of online materials such as books an important feature which will differentiate it from other products. A proper definition of the product features is the main strategy which will enhance its selling point and which will point out its ability to offer a platform for better reading.  

In conclusion, a proper product and packaging design, emphasis on product features and establishing customer experience will help in creating customer loyalty   given that they are focused on satisfying the clients’ needs.  A satisfied customer will refer others to the uniqueness of the Kindle Fire tablet and thus a bigger market share will be achieved. 

References

Kimmel, J. (2015).People and Products: Consumer Behavior and Product Design. Routledge .152

Mello, S. (2002). Customer-centric product definition: The key to great product development. Boston: PDC Professional Pub. 23

Barnes, J. G. (2006). Build your customer strategy: A guide to creating profitable customer relationships. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley. 15

            Investment Policy Statement

            Introduction

            The objective of an investment statement policy is to determine the appropriate guidelines for the investment of funds portfolio (Haight, Morrell, and Ross, 38).  The investment statement additionally incorporates standards of accountability which are to be utilized in monitoring the program of investment portfolio. In addition it is also purposed for providing evaluations of the mangers contributions who are employed in the context of funds as well as the beneficiaries. The purpose of the investment policy is therefore to deliver a better comprehension between the involved parties who are the client, the investor and Mr. Muhammad. The transparency of the statement is based on the objectives of the projects and the appropriate policies that are to be utilized in the context of the customer and the investors.

            This investment portfolio will conduct the following:

            Sets forth objectives of the investment, policies of distribution as well as directions for investing in order to monitor the committee’s activities and other parties

• Ensure that returns are generated maximum with low involvement of risks.
• Ensure that the allocation of assets in conducted by the utilization of a well-developed framework. This is appropriate in ensuring that based on the demands of the investors returns are generated with the involvement of low risks.
• Effective interactions and communication shall be ensure between the involved parties that is the investment advisor, the customer and the investor to increase satisfaction and satisfy each parties expectations.
• The portfolio will additionally made recommendations of the nature and structure of investment. This will mainly involve assets allocations, asset status and classes, proposed portfolio risks and the potential disclosure.

            Based on the context of this investment statement policy it will be evaluated by a knowledgeable attorney in the law field particularly.  Therefore any transformations to the statement policy must therefore be communicated formally through writing from period to period to all the involved individuals for effective communication.  Thus if the stated terms of the statement policy are in a tangle with any document plan or trust, this policy document shall therefore act in control provided that he particular terms are dependable with the existing law.

Scope and Purpose

            An investment scope should particularly be based on investments and those assets that are developed by the customer prior and past the policy statement development (Cmt, 396). This IPS’s purpose is based on helping the proposed investment committee in administering, appraising and monitoring the retirement plan of the company’s investment asset. The investment program plan is described in the distinct parts of the current IPS through the following

• Affirming in written reports the attitudes, objectives, guidelines as well as the expectations of the committee for all the assets plans investment
• Promoting effective communication and interactions amid the involved individuals and the committee in regard to the decisions made by the investment management.
• Developing a structure and nature of investment in administering assets plans
• Guidelines provision for every portfolio of investment involved in controlling general liquidity and risks
• Provision of risk features for every asset class that is depicted by several options of investment

            The Portfolio

            The major aim of this portfolio is to develop and sustain a continuous allocation approach of investment assets (Reilly, Frank and Brown, 41).  This investment portfolio will solemnly be based on shared reserves and in that no other funds source will be utilized.  In short this means that all the assets in this specific portfolio will be considered as liquid.  This was resulted by the low horizon period of the project which will last for only six weeks as per 20^th of September 2016.

            In selecting the suitable investment manager the company’s administrators as well as the trustee bodies should conduct this in a way that I appropriate. Based on this legal and transparent law the following criteria will this be utilized in selecting the actual investment manager for every shared fund for the consumer.

• The manger should possess the capability of choosing the suitable individual for every investment.
• The manger should hold appropriate acquaintance and understanding in regard to shared funds investment.
• The manager should be able to assess the performance and results of each investment.

            This there means that for all the selected managers they have to possess knowledge of the actual aims as well as policies of the shared investment fund.  Despite the formulation of the above criteria all the customers have the responsibility of reading the directions of every shared fund prior to approving an investment.

            Period Horizon

            The investment directions are centered upon a short investment horizon period of only six weeks.  The strategic portfolio’s allocation is also based on a short period and therefore the returns fluctuate within this same period. The possibility of any investment and the associated risks should thus be reviewed by an investor of a customer before an investment.

            Asset Allocation

            In any investment asset allocation is the most essential section as it is believed to the main feature that is directly linked to threats. This portfolio developed the following recommendations after an evaluation of asset classes and risks review.

            It is essential to note that in different periods the shared funds are bound to vary from a situation to the next based on the situation of the market. Therefore in order to make the allocation of asset stable the committee will review the portfolio after every four days in order to balance it to its ordinary weight.

            Responsibilities and Duties

            Muhammad will serve as the visible third person expert who is retained in order to help the investment committee in administering the general process of investment.  He is therefore responsible for providing directions to the committee by rigorous and disciplined procedure of investment in order to assist the committee in meeting the responsibilities of fiduciary that is developed above.

            Guardians

            Custodians hold the responsibility of providing assets portfolio safety.

            Investor

            Bashir, the investor is responsible for providing the investment advisor with the current and suitable data in regard to the financial situation and tolerance of risk. This therefore means that the occurrence off any change should be communicated immediately.

INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT ACCEPTANCE

I have adopted and made my approval on the overhead described investment statement policy by B.M.A investment advisors.

………Muhammad…………16^th September 2016………………………

Muhammad                                                            Date

………Wesley……………… 16^th September 2016……………………..

Wesley                                                                   Date

……..Bashir…………………… 16^th September 2016……………………

Bashir                                                                     Date

            Work cited

Cmt Level Ii: Theory and Analysis. , 2016. Print.

            Haight, G T, Stephen O. Morrell, and Glenn E. Ross. How to Select Investment Managers and Evaluate Performance: A Guide for Pension Funds, Endowments, Foundations, and Trusts. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley, 2007. Print.

            Reilly, Frank K, and Keith C. Brown. Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management. Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Play it safe at home or take a risk abroad

Company’s situation

The aim and goals of every business are to expand and create development in its scale of the business. Company faces a lot of hazards which could let it fail to shift in new environment and new market due to lack of own stores. The investors of the Coe’s chain faced a lot of situations where they failed in expanding the business. Customers took the product from this company without making the payment which was the foremost situation to make the company fail. The company made a lot of losses since managers couldn’t find the customers who did t make their payment. The major sticky situation facing the Coe’s as well as lease-own store is whether they expand the company retail store which is the weird situation to them. This paper is focusing on playing it safe at home or takes a risk abroad.

Actions the company took

After the company faces a lot of difficult situation, Coe’s start using the policy of lease-to-own pattern in shopping, which help to offers good to rent till that own inside an agreement appointment. This chain helps the Coe’s managers to offer monthly payment schedule in addition to shorter contract period. Coe’s managers intonate free delivery of items and free repairs of items bought from Coe’s company. The policy aids managers of the Coe’s company to enable to identify the clients who were aware of the lease-to-own chain. Clients were afraid of making big-ticket once when the policy was outlined in the company hence the company was competent to make the profit. Coe’s chain helps the consumers to demand loan-to-own store to individuals who couldn’t meet the expense of households. The company became an attraction to the clients who used their services in a way that people could make the payment without being penalized (Michael, 2011).

Outcomes for the company

According to Michael (2011), the outcomes in the Coe’s company were positive in such that market was surrounded by many clients from the time when the lease-to-own chain was identified. The Coe’s company beneficially expanded in the countrywide and this makes more customers to be more interested because the prices of transportation, labor, and real estate were lowered. The Coe’s company business leader offer training to the employees working within the company and this was most to motivate the employees hence boosting the company. The company greatly expanded in and it was able to open over thousand of the store all over the country. The company experiences positive changes by making improvement in the financial situation in addition to the growth of success in the Coe’s company. To play safe in the business just need survey about small business income and cultural feature before having intention of working globally

Company that is currently affected or recently been in a similar situation

IKEA is a company which deals with furniture that faced the similar situation as for Coe’s company. IKEA Company incorporates friendly with environmental due to the effort of the leader of the business just as Coe’s company leader. IKEA face the situation of decreasing the cost of the products in the company which makes the company development to shift low. The reduction of the cost in the company of IKEA brings the reduction of the profit in the company at the rate of 2% to 3% in every year (Edvardson, Enquist & Hay, 2006).

IKEA Company’s leader come up with a solution of developing the company hence serving a large number of clients within the country. IKEA lowers the transportation penalty by using the flat packaging. IKEA company introduced long-term contracts to their customers so as to make possible to their clients to take loans. IKEA did not only give loan but also assist their customer how to use their finance. This creates an exceptional business opportunity to the company hence facilitating the company to continue offering wide range services. IKEA offer loan to their clients to enable many of individuals to afford furniture from the company (Edvardson, Enquist & Hay, 2006).

Strong and compelling arguments based on sound business knowledge

Strong and compelling arguments based on business knowledge are that managers enjoy the increase of return in the business by not recognizing the employees and customers in the business. Businesses are highly benefiting with no lowering the price of the products to their customers. Something broader is more important and benefits a large number of people globally. Leaders of the company have to play a big role in order to develop the company metric and systematic. Regardless of compelling arguments in the business, the top management is the key in deliberating most matter in the organization. Therefore is advisable for any company to play it safe at home or else take risk abroad.

References

Edvardsson B., Enquist B. & Hay M. (2006). Values-based service brands : narratives from

IKEA, Managing Service Quality. 16(3)

Michael, C. (2011). Case study: Play it safe at home or take a risk abroad. Retrieved from

            https://hbr.org/2011/10/case-study-play-it-safe-at-hom

            Advertisement Analysis

            ‘’Nike Is Bringing Back the Spiridon’’ is a print advertisement found in Hyper-Beast magazine which was published in February this year (Ashleigh, 1).  The advertisements create a core message through developing the conceptual environment that those shoes that are utilized for running can occupy the position of an individual’s best friend or the most faithful partner that they got.  According to the advert individuals in American sit and observe as the world revolves each and every day, dreaming of how they should be getting out reaching and attaining their individual drives. Despite the fact that every individual in America holds dreams that they are bound to attain successful mainly relies on the individual’s influences that they hold inside.  The Nike Air zooms are illustrated as the pair of shoes that is capable of supplementing the individual’s motivational influences (Ashleigh, 1).  The adverts caption holds that the running shoe will stay with the individual to provide them with motivation, a tug that is particularly gentle and targeted towards the door that sits patiently with the appearance that says it is time lace, gets outdoors and also to head to the next level.

            The Nike print ad consists of authoritative appeals to the desires of its consumers who want to achieve their athletic goals (Ashleigh, 1). In addition, the advert generates a claim that is very simple and convincing through the utilization of rhetorical triangle components.  The claims made by the advert are both reasonable and helpful because they help individuals in visualizing their general motivations and how they can utilize these motivations to achieve even high dreams (Ashleigh, 1).  The claims are additionally helpful in illustrating how individuals should develop distinct strategies to achieve these goals.

            The target audience for the advert is the working class individuals. This is clear because despite the fact that they are more driven by their insides in achieving success. This is from a stereotypical viewpoint because it aims at ensuring that they are continuously motivated to achieve even greater things in their daily operations (Ashleigh, 1).  The advert is most likely to attract both men and women as it states that it is simply not a running shoe by a motivation. The theme of the advertisement is to keep people motivated at all times. This is in that in the quest to achieving dreams individuals are necessitated to have the inner motivation that may be from developing more developed sensations.  This thus illustrates the love of shoes by the American culture.

            The advert has been effective in presenting both genders as well as culture stereotype.  The advertisement is more likely to attract men than women because of how the image is portrayed. This, therefore, illustrates a gender stereotype because it fails to recognize both male and female. This should have been accomplished through the utilization of distinct shoes which different styles and colors to accommodate the female gender (Green, 42).  Despite the fact that the advertisement’s theme incorporates individuals from both genders the image portrays a different message. This form of advertising may affect the ability of the society to achieve gender equality as it seems to be in favor of a single gender. In addition, the level of advertisement influences on the target audiences may be decreased as this form of advertisement may affect the messages being conveyed (Green, 43).

The achievement needs to appeal is adequately utilized in the advertisement. This is the general influence that provides individuals with adequate energy drive which causes them to strive in life and the advert acts as a form of motivation (Taşkıran, Nurdan, and Yilmaz, 176).  The other appeal that is utilized by the advert is the attention and dominance need. Since the Spiridon was not popular in the past the corporation is now reviving it back thus attracting more attention to it. This thus generates the prominence need that the advertisement attracts which is the quest of acquiring respect (Taşkıran, Nurdan, and Yilmaz, 176).

            An analysis of the advert image reveals several artistic elements which include the use of color, layout, and media which are some of the techniques that are utilized by the advertisers. Most readers are influenced by the manner in which images are depicted and how this can be applied in their daily lives.  This specific advert by Nike utilizes one large image that is spread in a wide distance to increase its view.  This is the image of the eye-catching Nike Spiridon air zoom lawn which is placed on a white background to increase the reflection of the particular shoe.  The attention of the target audience is not caught by the shoe basically or the color of the background but the design of the shoe and the colors it holds. The advert holds the long stretching statement that Nike is reviving back the prior Spiridon and in this release of a throwback, the advert introduces a new retro sneaker. The advert ensures that the Nike design is maintained in the demonstration of the shoe thus attracting the audience’s attention.  These techniques have been utilized by the advertisers in luring the readers in accessing the small text of the advertisement this desiring to explore more information about the particular advertisement.  This, therefore, allows the readers to understand how and why Nike is reviving back the Spiridon. The advert stresses this through the use of a history to illustrate how the shoe is being brought back.

            Work Cited

            Ashleigh, Kim. Nike Is Bringing Back The Spiridon. 2016. Retrieved from https://hypebeast.com/2016/2/nike-air-zoom-spiridon-retro-16-sneaker

Green, Jen. Advertising. New York: Rosen Central, 2012. Print.

            Taşkıran, Nurdan O, and Recep Yilmaz. Handbook of Research on Effective Advertising Strategies in the Social Media Age. , 2015. Internet resource.

Chupa chups: It’s sugar free

            The advertisement’s core argument is that the product is sugar free. The advert is clearly communicating and convincing the audience without getting caught in above-mentioned trap. Ants are known to be a complete nuisance, they have a tendency of getting into everything and once they surround that thing, it is just a matter of seconds before it is inedible. Ants are known to like sugary and sweet things and whoever has ever had any sweet thing tries to protect it from the reach of ants that can stop you from enjoying it (Markets Insider Magazine, 1). Therefore, the representation being seen in the advert convinces the audience that the product is free from sugar since the ants have paid no attention on it. This can therefore make the claims plausible. Adverts are always meant to win the attention of the audience and to make them convinced that product is worth just as advertised as a way of promoting the product. Thus, sometimes they tend to carry misleading, untrue information which can in turn be harmful to the audience.

            Basing on this particular product, sweets are a confection featuring sugar as a principle ingredient of production. This therefore means that the advert may not be helpful but harmful to the audience who believes on it. According to the design of these products, the first target audience in this case is children, chupa chups colors are playful, the shape and the flow on the wrapper show the playfulness of the product (Markets Insider Magazine, 1). Colors used for the products themselves are bright and striking which stand for happiness and freshness hence winning the attention of young adults.

Work cited

"Perfetti Van Melle Reports Sweet Success In Americas And Takes New Lines To Orlando." Travel Markets Insider Magazine (2013): 154. Hospitality & Tourism Complete. Web. 5 Sept. 2016.