Media Conglomeration Essay Example

Media Conglomeration Essay CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, BET, Paramount Pictures, UPN, Spike TV, TV Land, CMT: Country Music Television, Comedy Central, Showtime, and Blockbuster Video. Â  These are just a few of the companies that media giant Viacom owns. Â   Viacoms website states that CBS is the most watched network on TV. Â  It also says that MTV is the most widely distributed television network in the world, Paramount Pictures is a leading distributor of motion pictures, and infinity broadcasting is one of the largest radio operators in the United States. Â  Viacom also owns book publishing companies, video stores, and even amusement parks. Â  There is no doubt that Viacom is one of the largest and most influential companies in the world. But does the quality of the media go down because of these large media giants? Â  Do companies care about the public being truly informed, or are they just out Beginning with thefirst of the mega media mergers, Capital Cities buying ABC in 1986, and then after the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which opened the floodgates, the trend has been for large corporations to buy media and broadcast companies. Â  According to the FCC there have been over 1000 broadcast deals in the last ten years. Â   But often the conglomeration of media outlets hurts consumers by taking choice out of their hands and putting it into the hands of corporations. The media giants have become neglectful in their duties to serve a public interest. Â  Instead they serve their own narrow interest. Â  These narrow interests do serve the stockholders, theoretically of which anyone can become, but this is not the traditional position that media outlets should hold. Corporate pressure to squeeze out every penny in earnings has forever changed the look of news reporting. Â  Gone are the days of respected newsmen such as Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow. Â  Gone are the

China Essay Example

China Essay Example China Essay China Essay Ask the ordinary businessperson on the street what is their impression of China, and two answers emerge. The first presents China as a vast and largely untapped potential market for Western goods, the ‘1 billion new customers’ approach which sees China as either a mecca or a minefield, depending on one’s attitude to the associated risks and obstacles (Barro 1995). The second sees China as a vast workshop, turning out low-cost consumer goods for both domestic consumption and export. China is the largest developing country in the world. The country has vast territories and abundant natural and human resources. The country has huge domestic markets of great potential. Through trade and economic cooperation, China can achieve resource complementarity and market sharing. Combining capital, technology, and management expertise with Chinas low-cost labour and huge domestic market will bring enormous opportunities of common interest to other countries. The expansion of th e Chinese economy is not a phenomenon that affects China alone, or even East Asia alone. All of us are touched by this growth, and will be even more affected by it in the future. If we wait for this phenomenon to reach its full form before discussing it, it may be too late and great opportunities will have slipped away. It is time to start thinking about the presence and impact of Chinese-based international and multinational businesses, even if the practical outcome may be long deferred. This paper will discuss how the political, economic and cultural issues may affect the attractiveness of China. The determinants of FDI for market-seeking investors are mainly related to market attractiveness, trade barriers, investment risks and the host countrys attitude to provide foreign investors with positive conditions for business activities. Market-seeking MNEs are attracted by the market potential (size and growth), the costs of market access (entry/participation), the governments control over supply, pricing and distribution, etc. Since European MNEs in China are strongly oriented towards RD intensive industries, intellectual property protection may also have a substantial impact on the entry path and on the type of resources committed by these firms. As trade barriers are often associated with other entry conditions such as the allowed degree of foreign ownership, the sectoral and geographic location requirements or incentives they equally influence the investment decisions by MNEs. The economic size of the Chinese market has significantly expanded since the end of the 1970s. The total GDP of China reached US$ 961 billion in 1998, which brought GDP at a per capita level at US$ 776. The average annual growth rate of Chinas GDP reached 9.8 per cent between 1977 and 1987 and 10.3 per cent during the period 1988-1998. The existing market size and its expected expansion are undoubtedly among the driving forces of the enormous FDI flows into China during the last decade (Chen 2001). The structure of the Chinese economy has changed tremendously. The proportion of the industrial and service sectors in the GDP increased, respectively, from 47 and 23 per cent in 1977 to 49 and 33 per cent in 1998. The increasing importance of the industrial sector, in particular manufacturing, resulted in the integration of China into the Asian production system and to a certain extent even in the global one. The exports of China increased from US$ 9 billion in 1977 to US$ 208 billion in 1998, an annual growth of 18 per cent during the period 1977-1987 and 14 per cent between 1988 and 1998. This economic performance, especially of manufacturing production and exports, largely explains the boom of Chinas economy (Kaufman 2001). The existence and the level of trade barriers, such as tariff duties and quotas, customs procedures and specific standards as well as all kinds of technical requirements, have been major determinants for market-seeking investors in China. China often uses prohibitively high tariffs in combination with import restrictions to protect its domestic industry. As import tariffs are much higher for finished goods than for upstream inputs, they result in a high effective rate of protection. Tariffs may range from 3 per cent on promoted imports to over 150 per cent on discouraged imports, such as automobiles. These tariff measures are often associated with a lack of transparency in customs procedures with regard to the necessary documents, registration procedures or licensing system. Chinas tariff and non-tariff barriers present major obstacles to foreign companies waiting to penetrate the Chinese market by way of exports. These trade barriers consequently encouraged many foreign companies to shift from exporting to local assembly and move on to a local production activity, especially when there are local content requirements. European MNEs producing in the automotive industry have typically followed such a sequence in China (Burkett 2004). Over the last 2-3 years, China has gradually reduced its tariffs in order to be admitted to the WTO. To facilitate negotiations for its membership requests, China already in 1996 cut its import duties on some 4,600 items, from an average rate of 35.9 to 23 per cent and scrapped a third of its import quotas (Chen 2001). While such reductions of import tariffs increased export opportunities for foreign companies, industries such as automotive and consumer electronics are still highly protected. A further reduction of import tariffs and the elimination of many non-tariff barriers by the Chinese government, as a result of its newly gained membership of the WTO, will also lower protection in a number of specific industries. As a result, the foreign MNEs that are producing in previously protected industries within China will be facing stronger competition from imported products. For these reasons, many European MNEs that moved into China at an early stage are rationalising their operations within the country by engaging into larger-scale operations and more specialised activities. A number of MNEs are reorganising their links with suppliers, especially by creating local sourcing capabilities and/or bringing with them suppliers from the home country into China. The lack of a well-structured and transparent legal system in China poses serious problems for foreign-owned firms. A clear and strict hierarchical system of norms does not really exist yet. Moreover, there are many diverse regulations issued by different ministries and offices of the central and local/regional governments. Western companies, especially SMEs, are often unable to find out which regulations exactly apply to them. In some cases, unpublished regulations may have precedence over officially published ones. Sometimes, the officially published and unofficially applied rules from the central and local governments are simply contradictory. However, since the liberalisation of FDI, the Chinese government has made great efforts to build up an appropriate business environment for foreign investors within the context of the transition of the Chinese economy towards a more market-oriented system. With regard to market-seeking foreign investors and their initiatives to expand their scale of operation and their specialisation based activities, the measures taken by the Chinese government mainly consisted of the introduction of market mechanisms that allow for a better resource allocation and product distribution. First, the foreign exchange restrictions that were the main barrier for foreign enterprises to sell in the domestic market were gradually lifted by the introduction of new regulatory and administrative measures. Also, the unification of the dual exchange rate system in 1994, through the elimination of the so-called Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs), which existed alongside the local currency Renminbi, was an impor tant step towards the convertibility of the Chinese currency. Second, the centrally controlled and unified pricing system was converted into a mechanism based on demand factors and production costs. The state plan for the supply of inputs and the distribution of products was gradually eliminated and replaced by market transactions. Market mechanisms such as stock exchanges and labour markets were established and a number of new economic institutions were set up and opened for foreign investors to facilitate transactions of capital, technology, labour and commodities. In 1995, the Chinese government allowed foreign companies to invest through the stock exchange and to set up foreign joint stock companies and investment-oriented companies. The introduction of such flexible investment forms not only improved the investment climate in general, but also allowed foreign companies to achieve a better co-ordination among their different activities in China and thus to operate more efficiently. Additionally, more intensive vertical and horizontal linkag es with Chinese domestic enterprises were fostered. Third, with the increasing use of the market mechanism for business transactions in China, the government introduced a set of regulations to explicitly facilitate market transactions and to stimulate efficiency. Also, the national regulatory framework was brought more into line with international standards, for example, in the areas of contract law, dispute settlement procedures, patent and trade mark protection, accounting systems and copyright protection. Between 1979 and 1994, the Chinese government promulgated more than 500 regulations and laws concerning foreign trade and economic co-operation, of which about seventy concerned FDI. China also signed bilateral and multilateral treaties to protect and promote FDI activities within its territory with no less than sixty-five countries (Child 1999). Most EU countries signed such bilateral treaties with the Chinese government during the 1980s. The most significant change in the Chinese business regulations for foreignowned firms was the introduction and improvement of intellectual property rights during the 1990s. The introduction of patent law has removed a major obstacle to attract foreign investment in high-tech sectors and has extended the perspectives for the development of industries with high RD investments and high specialisation. Yet, the full implementation of these regulations is not completed yet. In reviewing the development of the Chinese FDI policy and its impact on the attractiveness of Chinese LSAs for FDI during the last two decades of the twentieth century, three major characteristics can be identified. First, the liberalisation and upgrading process of LSAs by the Chinese government has been closely linked with the geographical extension of FDI incentives on the basis of special tax measures and administrative regulations. Second, China has gradually introduced a set of sectoral and performance requirements for FDI within the context of its economic development strategy that is based on import substitution, export promotion and technological upgrading. Third, the control about ownership/entry forms of FDI has been gradually liberalised with the improvement of the market mechanisms and expansion of the private sector. The specific FDI measures, which were introduced by the Chinese government to support its geographical and sectoral monitoring system, consist of the liberalisation and upgrading of local resources, the introduction of a market system to improve resource allocation and product distribution, the building-up of a legal system geared to market transactions, the decentralisation of macroeconomic management, the diversification of ownership control and the introduction of performance requirements. These measures will be briefly analysed within the geographical and sectoral dimensions of the Chinese FDI policy. China has emerged as one of the leading international traders of textile products. According to official statistics compiled by the WTO, China was the worlds largest exporter of both textiles and clothing in 1999, accounting for 9 percent and 16 percent of the international market, respectively. (Overall, China leads the world industry with a total market share of 13 percent) While China is not a big importer of clothing, it is the worlds second largest importer of textiles (many of which are reexported after processing), taking in 7 percent of total international sales in 1999 (Child 1999). By any measure, therefore, China has become a major player in the world industry. Indeed, textile trade is critical not just to the Chinese industry itself (e.g., exports account for slightly more than one-half of Chinas production of textiles and clothing by value), but to the entire Chinese economy, as well. While the share of textile and clothing products in Chinas total exports had declined t o 22 percent by 1999 from a high of 30 percent in 1994, it was still close to the 23 percent share recorded in 1980. This record is especially remarkable given the quantity-based restrictions placed on China under the MFA. Indeed, it suggests how successful the industry has been in moving upmarket. While the relative share of textile and clothing products in Chinas total exports has declined modestly over time, the absolute value of these sales has continued to rise steadily, reaching U. S. $43 billion in 1999. In fact, only in 1996 did the textile sector finally relinquish its leading position in Chinas export profile to the machinery and electronics sector. Rather amazingly, therefore, nearly U. S. $1 out of every U. S. $4 of Chinese exports is still earned from the sale of textiles and clothing, this despite the rapid growth of Chinese exports across an increasing number of industrial sectors (Hansen 1996). China has also made commitments to grant foreign companies foreign trade and distribution rights, which include wholesaling, retailing, maintenance, after-sale services, and transportation. American businesses can distribute imported products and products that are made in China, which will in turn provide export opportunities for American products. After China joined the WTO, the investment environment was further improved. Foreign investment in China was increased as a result of the increased attractiveness of the vast market. For some companies the rise of Chinese business can be seen as a threat, but for others prepared to think creatively, there will be plenty of opportunities. Important though Honda’s announcement that it will begin to build cars in China may be, an arguably still more important announcement was made later in 2002. The Chinese car maker Brilliance China is hooking up with a series of Western car makers in joint ventures in different areas. A BMW joint venture is allowing Brilliance to effectively become the BMW distributor for China, which should be good news for both parties as the market for luxury cars in China is growing. But Brilliance is also establishing technical joint ventures with Western car makers which will allow it to participate in RD projects and learn the latest methods of both designing and building cars. The global car industry is a tough one to enter; the barriers are high, and the investment required is substantial. Brilliance is taking its first tentative s teps in this industry by learning from its bigger overseas partners. More cogently, there is a tendency to think of China as a developing country, and of Chinese businesses as under-managed and inefficient. Once upon a time, yes, but the picture is rapidly changing. ‘Developing country’ is a label which many Chinese are beginning to question, regardless of the fact that certain parts of the country, at least, are still very much in an early industrial or even a pre-industrial mode. And the typical Chinese business is no longer the SOE, grossly over-manned and insolvent, its tens of thousands of workers housed and fed from the iron rice bowl, churning out its quota of goods regardless of market demand. The typical Chinese business today is a small to medium enterprise run by a close group of family or friends, perhaps graduates from the same university class, often young, conscious of the fact that they still have a lot to learn but acutely focused on a particular business opportunity and prepared to work until they drop to make it happen. These young Chinese managers are tough, flexible and determined. They know they have before them an opportunity which might not come around again. They are, in terms of intellect and commitment, our equals if not our superiors, and they deserve our respect. One of the biggest changes in China in the last few years has been the emergence of this new generation of entrepreneurs. Born at the tail end of the Cultural Revolution or early in the reform era, they were still at school at the time of Tiananmen Square. They are well-educated and used to living with Western influences. They are prepared to take on the world. In other words, they see us as a potential market very much as Westerners see them. In that common outlook, we should be able to arrange a meeting of minds on other issues as well. China, according to a series of reports in the Financial Times, is becoming the workshop of the world. With companies sourcing everything from toys to electronics components there, China is finding that its economic strength is turning from being a vast market (and occasional dumping ground) for Western goods to being a supplier of cheap retail goods and, increasingly, a supplier of labour and materials for the manufacturers of the West. And already, the trend towards exporting more sophisticated finished goods is beginning. The most important implication of all this is to repeat the comment that doing business with the Chinese is no longer just a matter of doing business in China. Chinese customers, partners and competitors are beginning to come to the West to do business on their own account, and are doing so with increasing confidence, competence and financial backing. More and more Western managers will end up doing business with, or in competition with, Chinese firms as the year s go by, and this without the Western side ever setting foot in China. This is all part of globalisation, of course, but it is part to which more thought must be given. We are accustomed to the triad America, Europe and Japan, though the last is steadily losing power and influence as its economic crisis shows no sign of ending running the show. The idea that China could be a new entrant into this power game is not always taken very seriously. But if current trends carry on, by 2020 maybe earlier China’s economy will overtake Japan’s and China will be the number 2 economic power in the world. It may be only a matter of time before it goes on to become number 1.

Ventricular System of the Brain

Ventricular System of the Brain The ventricular system is a series of connecting hollow spaces called ventricles in the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid. The ventricular system consists of two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle. The cerebral ventricles are connected by small pores called foramina, as well as by larger channels. The interventricular foramina or foramina of Monro connect the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle. The third ventricle is connected to the fourth ventricle by a canal called the Aqueduct of Sylvius or cerebral aqueduct. The fourth ventricle extends to become the central canal, which is also filled with cerebrospinal fluid and encases the spinal cord. Cerebral ventricles provide a pathway for the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the central nervous system. This essential fluid protects the brain and spinal cord from trauma and provides nutrients for central nervous system structures. Lateral Ventricles The lateral ventricles consist of a left and right ventricle, with one ventricle positioned in each hemisphere of the cerebrum. They are the largest of the ventricles and have extensions that resemble horns. The lateral ventricles extend through all four cerebral cortex lobes, with the central area of each ventricle being located in the parietal lobes. Each lateral ventricle is connected to the third ventricle by channels called interventricular foramina. Third Ventricle The third ventricle is located in the middle of the diencephalon, between the left and right thalamus. Part of the choroid plexus known as the tela chorioidea sits above the third ventricle. The choroid plexus produces cerebrospinal fluid. Interventricular foramina channels between the lateral and third ventricles allow cerebrospinal fluid to flow from the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle. The third ventricle is connected to the fourth ventricle by the cerebral aqueduct, which extends through the midbrain. Fourth Ventricle The fourth ventricle is located in the brainstem, posterior to the pons and medulla oblongata. The fourth ventricle is continuous with the cerebral aqueduct and the central canal of the spinal cord. This ventricle also connects with the subarachnoid space. The subarachnoid space is the space between the arachnoid matter and the pia mater of the meninges. The meninges  is a layered membrane that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord. The meninges consists of an outer layer (dura mater), a middle layer (arachnoid mater) and an inner layer (pia mater). Connections of the fourth ventricle with the central canal and subarachnoid space allow cerebrospinal fluid to circulate through the central nervous system. Cerebrospinal Fluid Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear aqueous substance that is produce by the choroid plexus. The choroid plexus is a network of capillaries and specialized epithelial tissue called ependyma. It is found in the pia mater membrane of the meninges. Ciliated ependyma lines the cerebral ventricles and central canal. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced as ependymal cells filter fluid from the blood. In addition to producing cerebrospinal fluid, the choroid plexus (along with the arachnoid membrane) acts as a barrier between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid. This blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier serves to protect the brain from harmful substances in the blood. The choroid plexus continually produces cerebrospinal fluid, which is ultimately reabsorbed into the venous system by membrane projections from the arachnoid mater that extend from the subarachnoid space into the dura mater. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced and reabsorbed at nearly the same rate to prevent pressure within the ventricular system from getting too high. Cerebrospinal fluid fills the cavities of the cerebral ventricles, the central canal of the spinal cord, and the subarachnoid space. The flow of cerebrospinal fluid goes from the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle via the interventricular foramina. From the third ventricle, the fluid flows to the fourth ventricle by way of the cerebral aqueduct. The fluid then flows from the fourth ventricle to the central canal and the subarachnoid space. The movement of cerebrospinal fluid is a result of hydrostatic pressure, cilia movement in ependymal cells, and artery pulsations. Ventricular System Diseases Hydrocephalus and ventriculitis are two conditions that prevent the ventricular system from functioning normally. Hydrocephalus results from the excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen. This fluid accumulation puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid can accumulate in the ventricles if the ventricles become blocked or if connecting passages, such as the cerebral aqueduct, become narrow. Ventriculitis is inflammation of the brain ventricles that typically results from an infection. The infection can be caused by a number of different bacteria and viruses. Ventriculitis is most commonly seen in individuals who have had invasive brain surgery. Sources: Purves, Dale. â€Å"The Ventricular System.† Neuroscience. 2nd edition., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11083/.The Editors of Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. â€Å"Cerebrospinal fluid.† Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, inc., 17 Nov. 2017, www.britannica.com/science/cerebrospinal-fluid.

What is the role of graduate education in preparing nurses to meet the Personal Statement

What is the role of graduate education in preparing nurses to meet the health needs of our society - Personal Statement Example A lot of diligence and ethical discipline is expected of them. A nurse therefore must have knowledge and skills that are geared towards to performing of duties diligently. Graduate education instills skills that enable a nurse to give care to the patient based on theoretical and practical knowledge. In addition, a nurse is a decision maker and skills attained from a graduate education enables the nurse to think critically in assessing patients and helps in the evaluation of the patient’s problem. In enabling the nurse to discern what is best for the patient, it helps in determining the best course of action. Communication between the nurse and the patient is crucial and barriers in communication can delay the healing process. Graduate education trains the nurse on ways to communicate effectively with the patient and the family members. These techniques can help in improving the healthcare environment. Moreover, graduate education teaches a nurse on how to play the role of teacher in educating the patient more about their health, illness, and medication (Grigg, 2007). As a teacher, the nurse teaches the patient on how to deal with the challenges that come with the illness and may need to instruct the family members on ways to care for the patient after being discharged from the hospital. Motivation of patients is a major focus that graduates education emphasis on. It trains nurses to stimulate, motivate, and to work as a team with fellow colleagues and with the patients. To devote time to listen to patients with a positive attitude and encouraging them assists with the healing process of the patient Furthermore, nursing is a sensitive field of profession; it requires the maintenance of good conduct and observance of the standard code of ethics as the core part of training in graduate education. It trains the nurse to prioritize the patients’ health first and to carry out the process of care giving diligently. It trains

Vanderbilt Law School debate on the Death penalty Essay

Vanderbilt Law School debate on the Death penalty - Essay Example Owing to the above details provided, the opponent of death penalty, Dr. Ken Haas, was more convincing in his argument (Haas and Marquis). Death penalty is not only about liberal or conservative politics but also about the moral choices of this nation. This dispels any notion that the death penalty debate is about conservative and liberal politics. The proponent of the death penalty elaborates that this form of punishment should only be utilized on the most heinous criminals. As such, most murder convicts would not face execution since the majority would not repeat their actions. Convicts such Mohamed who repeatedly killed innocent civilians should face such severe punishment. This is because they have proved clearly that they had the intent to commit the crime repeatedly. On a moral basis, this punishment is unacceptable owing to the sacred nature of life. However, the proponent reveals that this severe disciplinary measure has a deterrent effect on criminals. According to the resear ch cited, it reveals that the penalty saves hundred of innocent civilians. Overall, this punishment is immoral, but the justice system should have this option owing to some extreme scenarios that require measures. The death penalty is inappropriate but a legal necessity (Haas and Marquis). Death penalty has caused a lot of controversy even among judges. Subsequently, in 1985 some judges were deemed unfit to partake in court proceedings since their views would impede their ability to make fair decisions in line with the existing statutes. The opponent thinks that the research on the deterrent effect of execution is a culmination of defective research. The assumption in this kind of research is rationality. However, most criminal who will face such punishments as execution have limited options. The only possible punishment is a life sentence without a chance for parole. Therefore, both punishments are severe. Hence, it will have no deterrent effects. Additionally, the criminal who com mitted a heinous crime may fail to think rationally. Therefore, executions, especially those that receive high levels of publicity, will project a certain message to the society. The message projected is that violence is a means to resolve wrongdoings. Subsequently, executions may instigate further violence or contribute to a violent culture in the society. Death penalty is only a tough stance adopted against crime. However, research has revealed that it conveys an inappropriate message to the society. Overall, it is inappropriate (Haas and Marquis). Cases that demand such extreme punishment generate massive public and media concerns. As such, the justice system may play into the public gallery trap by seeking victory rather than searching for evidence that will pin the suspect to the crime. The law enforcers may fail to analyze vital evidence or make mistakes owing to public pressure. This will result in an unlawful conviction. Subsequent appeals may result in an acquittal owing to inadequate evidence. The initial proceedings in such cases may be unprocedural as authorities coerce evidence from witnesses. Revelation of such an event will result in the acquittal of convicts. Most cases that may result in execution witness major errors in the proceeding owing to medial or public attention. The enforcing authorities may cave in to such pressure as they pursue a conviction rather than seek the truth. The authorities

Strategy Analysis and Choice Essay Example for Free

Strategy Analysis and Choice Essay A SWOT analysis is important as a clear basis is provided to examine the performance of a business. It is also very important for the products a company offers, as it is essential in the branding and marketing of the company products. This model helps in the understanding of the ‘firm and its surroundings’. SWOT analysis for Estee Lauder from four aspects, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, they belong to Internal and External. At the internal of Estee Lauder also have strong brand name, research and development focus, strong distribution network, robust revenue and profit growth sales, weak liquidity position, customer concentration and weak performance in a few markets. At the external of Estee Lauder also have demographic trends in the United States, cosmetics markets in emerging nations, growing riches- rich getting wealthier, counterfeit products, intense competition and increasing regulations. Strengths The brand name, ‘’Estee Lauder’’ itself is strength. The name is linked to quality and luxury. The company is also a global licensee for other big brands like; Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karen, etc. Estee Lauder leads in each market segment in the industry as it develops new products, redesigns existing ones and identifies and considers consumer preferences. It has a large network of retail. This therefore increases the market penetration opportunities and creates closeness to target customers. It has a strong management strategic perspective, and is also having a great growth. It also has various innovations such as; offering shopping via the internet (it was the first major cosmetic firm to have offered shopping via the internet.) Weaknesses The company bargaining power could be lowered by it concentrating on a single biggest client. They also have a poor cost structure in some areas, . The company could be exposed to the debt market due to low liquidity levels, and this could thus affect the company growth. It is the Family members that have most of the power over the company. The company’s organisational structure is not easily distinguished. In America, there are particularly lower sales in the fragrance category. Opportunities Estee Lauder targets aged people and therefore make products to suit these people. Its revenues could be boosted by having a strong and great presence in its segments, thus also increasing growth. The cosmetics markets are doing good in emerging markets like India and China, as there are many beauty contests that take place. This cosmetics market is growing due to younger and middle aged women that are being more style conscious. Estee Lauder is also well positioned in these emerging markets. There is also a demand in the luxury goods. More money is spent on these goods. Therefore, the needs of these wealthy people are also taken into consideration, and products made to meet their needs and wants. Threats Many fake products are being sold, thus affecting Estee Lauders sales. This can lead to the company losing its exclusivity of the brand. This could thus harm the image of the company. Customers may also be dissatisfied with these products as the fake product may harm them, thus the company would lose out on customers. Many big brands such as; Revlon, L’Oreal, would increase competition in the market. The government may also impose certain rules and regulations on the products saying that the product has high levels of chemicals which are harmful to people. This may thus lead to an increase in the cost of developing the products and also in the launching of the products.

The Versatile, and Loved Cherry Tree :: Botany

The Versatile, and Loved Cherry Tree People all across the world enjoy cherries for their sweet flavor in pies, candies, and pastries. They have become one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world. As reported by the Columbia Encyclopedia Online (2000), they can be found in home orchards all across the country. However, the cherry tree has many uses. Some varieties are valued for their beautiful flowers, others for the wood that can be made into high quality furniture. Whatever the variety or use, the cherry tree is an important plant in today's society. The cherry tree traces its origins back to the east. The earliest signs of cherry trees come from the area around Asia Minor, Persia, and Transcaucasia (www.botany.com, 2000). To this area of the world, the cherry tree has become almost a sacred plant, with many varieties of flowering cherry trees being cultivated into various forms all valued for their flowers. This has become so popular in the east that in Japan they have even instituted a national holiday around the time that the trees begin to blossom (The Columbia Encyclopedia Online, 2000). Cherry trees were introduced to Europe through both natural processes and human interaction. By 73 BC, the cherry tree had been introduced to most of southern and central Europe with the help of the Romans. Soon after, the plants started to appear in Great Britain, where they were able to flourish (MS Encarta Online, 2000). Now there are species of cherry trees all over the Northern Hemisphere with species and varieties that have adapted so well to the different environments that today you can find varieties of cherry tree in almost any region, from California to Japan, that have developed unique and prized characteristics (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1999). Cherry trees, like many fruit bearing trees, are members of the rose family. The scientific name for the family is Rosaceae. Cherries are in the genus Prunus along with apricots, peaches, and plums (The Columbia Encyclopedia Online, 2000). Cherry trees come in hundreds of varieties, but are derived from only a few species. There are two main species valued for their fruit, a couple of species are known for producing high quality wood or are grown as ornamentals. All species of cherry tree have varieties that are prized for their beautiful and aromatic flowers (www.botany.com, 2000). One of the cherries that bear edible fruit is known scientifically as Prunus avium.