WalMart Essay Example For Students

WalMart Essay Wal-Marts philosophy has always been to provide everyday low prices and superior customer service. But this philosophy might have stared potential customers away from Wal-Mart. Many people, including myself, have the misconception that Wal-Mart only sells necessities that the average working class family can afford. An extreme eye opener for me was a recent television commercial by Wal-Mart. I saw that they also sold flat panel televisions, which is considered a luxury item for any social class. After going to their website to see what other luxury items Wal-Mart sold I was amazed at the number of items I found that were not the necessities which I stereotyped them selling. Wal-Mart has to change the publics opinion of the items that they sell and the types of people that it has in mind of serving. Sam Walton was the shrewd businessman behind the worlds largest retailer. After working his way through the University of Missouri as a newspaper delivery boy, he got a job in Des Moines, Iowa as a management trainee for J.C. Penny at a salary of $75 a month. We will write a custom essay on WalMart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Walton borrowed some money from his father-in-law and opened a variety store after serving as an Army captain in World War II. A chain of drugstores followed. He went into business with his brother Bud, and by 1960, the Waltons 15 stores were taking in $1.4 million a year. But Walton soon saw a challenging new competitor arise in the discount store. The Walton brothers opened their first Wal-Mart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. Specializing in name brands at low prices, the chain of Wal-Mart stores sprang up across rural America. Wal-Marts sales grew to $26 billion by 1989, compared to $1 billion in 1980. By 1990, Wal-Mart was the largest U.S. retailer, with 1,700 stores. One year later Wal-Mart entered the international market for the first time with the opening of a unit in Mexico City. Within five years, Wal-Mart would enter Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil and China. Since then, Wal-Mart has built stores in Canada, Germany, Korea and the United Kingdom. Wal-Mart currently opens a new megastore every two business days and has expanded, on average, into one new country each year. . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Wal-Marts everyday low prices gives an edge over other retailers. Efficient IT infrastructure enables to smoothen inbound and outbound logistics. Distribution efficiencies reduces the dependency on the suppliers inefficiencies. Wide range of products provides customer anything and everything under one roof. Current dominating market position gives advantage in market development and penetration. economies of scale of scale Weaknesses- The weakness is that their overhead is expensive to run store facilities all over the world. Hierarchical corporate structure may impair decision-making. In an attempt to succeed by means of low prices, may possibly portray Walmart Essay as a cheap store. Market maturing Concentration in a low margin industry Zoning issues are the store real estate problems. Just because a company has the ability to build a huge store anywhere it wants to, it does not necessarily mean that it is possible to build one anywhere it wants to. The real estate issue becomes more evident in crowded cities such as Japan where there is a major concern over the availability of real estate. We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Opportunities Expansion into emerging International markets Societal trend towards environmental friendly and American -made products Move toward value for money products in the slower economic growth Threats- Even though Wal-Mart is the largest retailer and most successful, they can still be threatened by many factors ranging from their main competitors, environmental, and economic factors. In many places in USA, Wal-Mart has faced the Anti Wal-Mart activists. According to them having Wal-Mart in the neighborhood kills the local retailers, increases the property taxes to pay for sewage, roads, utilities, and sidewalks. Regulations and political stability in the international markets Exchange rate fluctuations A union problem for ex.Germany has one of the highest degrees of unions and this has a profound effect on hiring, retaining, and laying off employees. Once an employee is hired, it costs more in Germany to keep the employee on payroll and to lay off the employee. German workers are one of the highest paid workers in the world. Capital intensive for expansion Challenges The main challenge for Walmart in the years to come is to make sure they continue to keep their customers and associates satisfied. In addition, to be a profitable corporation for their investors who own stock in Walmart. If they continue for excellence in these areas they are likely to be a great corporation now and in the years to come. However, if they fail at these areas then the challenge awaits them, which is avoiding bankruptcy Taking the organization ahead A roadmap from 2004 ton 2007: Internal product development : Our product-development team, working with Wal-Mart buyers, is driving significant improvement in key product categories such as apparel, domestics and electronics. Global procurement: Last year we assumed responsibility of global procurement from a third party. This allowed us to better coordinate the entire global supply chain from product development to delivery. In addition, our global procurement program allows us to share our buying power and merchandise network with all our operations throughout the world. Promote the Walmart Culture: All Wal-Mart leaders must understand our culture and our commitment to integrity. Thats why weve developed a number of leadership initiatives, including the Business Leadership Series, People Asset Reviews and accelerated programs for high-potential international managers. Leverage the core competencies we have developed in logistics, information systems and real estate : These competencies represent an essential part of our every day low cost commitment, which makes Every Day Low Prices possible. One of our favorite ways to introduce value is the Rollback program, which began in 1992 as a way of reminding Customers that were not resting on our Every Day Low Prices. .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a , .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .postImageUrl , .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a , .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a:hover , .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a:visited , .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a:active { border:0!important; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a:active , .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u74268a74cfe41f1acf098e26ea32fb7a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Issue Of College Tuition Essay . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Wal-Mart Current Situation Analysis Mission and Strategic Objectives We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Wal Mart Corporations mission statement can be identified as follows: Sam Walton built Wal-Mart on the revolutionary philosophies of excellence in the workplace, customer service and always having the lowest prices. We have always stayed true to the Three Basic Beliefs Mr. Sam established in 1962: 1.Respect for the Individual 2.Service to Our Customers 3. Strive for Excellence Wal-Mart is the worlds largest retailer, operating more than 5800 discount stores. Wal-Mart employs more than 1.5 million associates 885,000 in the United States and 225,000 internationally. Walton had a reputation for caring about his customers, his employees, and the community. In order to maintain its market position in the discount retail business, Wal-Mart executives continue to adhere to the management guidelines Sam developed. Walton was a man of simple tastes and took a keen interest in people. He believed in three guiding principles: 1.Customer value and service; 2.Partnership with its associates; 3.Community involvement. Strategy Wal-Mart succeeds in the United States simply by selling branded products at low cost. But that doesnt explain it all. Following is an analysis of Wal-Marts competitive strategy. Pricing Wal-Marts marketing strategy was to guarantee ;everyday low prices; as a way to attract customers. The traditional discount retailer, which relies on ;sales,; not only has to do more advertising and promotions but also has to rely more on catalog mailing, buildup of inventory before a sale, markdowns on the unsold inventory, etc. Wal-Mart stores operate according to their ;Everyday Low Price; philosophy. Wal-Mart has emerged as the industry leader because it has been better at containing its costs, which has allowed it to pass on the savings to its customers. Wal-Mart has become a capability competitor. With such low wages for those who make the Bratz dolls, Wal-Mart can profit greatly while still providing low prices to its customers. In a global labor market, it is the companies who can find the cheapest, most exploitable conditions, with little worker protection or regulations that will profit the greatest. Distribution System About 85 percent of all the merchandise that Wal-Mart sold was shipped through its distribution system to the stores (competitors averaged less than 50 percent). Wal-Mart used a ;saturation; strategy for store expansion. The standard was to be able to drive to a store within a day from a distribution center. A distribution center was strategically placed so that it could eventually Information System First and most important thing about Wal-Marts information system is precisely that the customers needs come first. Wal-Mart had implemented a satellite network system that was used to share information between the companys network of stores, distribution centers and suppliers so orders could be consolidated, enabling the company to buy full truckloads without incurring excess inventory costs. Increase flexibility, insured 100 percent in-stock position increased store-selling space (by reducing the space required for back-room inventory storage). Store-level data were collected, analyzed and transmitted electronically to see how a particular region, district, store, department within a store or item was performing. This eliminated stock-outs, reduced the need for markdowns on slow-moving stock and maximized inventory turnover. The benchmark information across stores was also a valuable tool to help problem stores. 1) The CustomerOne of Waltons deepest beliefs was that the customer is always right, and his stores are still driven by this philosophy. When questioned about Wal-Marts secrets of success, Walton has been quoted as saying; It has to do with our desire to exceed our customers expectations every hour of every day; 2) The AssociatesWaltons greatest accomplishment was his ability to empower, enriches, and trains his employees. He believed in listening to employees and challenging them to come up with ideas and suggestions to make the company better. At each of the Wal-Mart stores, signs are displayed which read; Our People Make the Difference. Associates regularly make suggestions for cutting costs through their Yes We Can Sam program. One of Wal-Marts goals was to provide its employees with the appropriate technological tools, in order to do their jobs more efficiently, and succeed in the retail market. Wal-Mart has grown from a single store open by Sam Walton in 1962 to a global corporation. .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 , .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .postImageUrl , .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 , .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8:hover , .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8:visited , .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8:active { border:0!important; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8:active , .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8 .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc0c37d335e34bdee91ec367aa556efd8:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: International Business Law, Go Essay Wal-Mart is presently the largest private employer, hiring directly for its own needs, . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Relationship Marketing King Wal-Mart Still No. 1 by Doug Edge April 29, 2003 The economists are still telling us how bad the U.S. economy is, but dont say anything about the bad economy to your local Wal-Mart greeter. His or her employer just witnessed revenues grow by 12 percent in 2002, to $246. 5 billion. He or she will probably proudly let you know that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. was just ranked number oneagainby Fortune magazine, leading the top 500 corporations for a second year in a row. We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now How do they do it? Sam Waltons 1992 book Made In America has all the details, but let me sum up: Wal-Mart knows relationship marketing. Rule No. 8 of Sams Rules for Building A Business; holds the secret to this winning formula of success. He says, ;Let them (your customer) know you appreciate them.; So what has Wal-Mart done to show that they appreciate their customers? They use one-to-one relationship marketing tactics, executed by the famous Wal-Mart greeter. The Wal-Mart greeting was the original method used by the giant retailer to show customers that they are appreciated. A greeter at the door thanks customers for coming in, assists with a shopping cart, and provides a ;goodbye thank you; upon departing the store. The friendly senior citizen dressed in the blue vest conveys warmth and personality to every guest entering or exiting a Wal-Mart store. So why dont others adopt this simple marketing tactic? Some do. Meijer retail stores also use greeters; many restaurants, hotels and other businesses do the same. But most dontbecause relationship marketing is not as simple as it seems. It takes a type of commitment different than traditional marketing. Relationship Marketing Has 4 Key Components: It has to be personalized. Personalization can come in the form of a highly targeted direct mail piece, a phone call or email. Obviously the handshake and a smile illustrated by Wal-Mart greeters also work well in personalizing the relationship. It has to be targeted. Wal-Mart invests money in maintaining relationships with existing customers. By targeting this group, Wal-Mart establishes long-term relationships with their most loyal shoppers. Targeting customers through programs that reward loyalty can result in big returns over the life of the customer. It has to be meaningful. Your marketing message has to connect in an emotional way to establish a lasting relationship. If the Wal-Mart greeter did not look you in the eye while saying ;hello,; the greeting would not have a lasting impact. It should be interactive. Many Wal-Mart greeters learn the names of frequent shoppers. Walmart Essay.com, a subsidiary of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., does a great job of asking for the relationship online by providing special offers to those who supply their email address. It is important to make relationship marketing interactive so you can hear feedback, determine what is working and what is not. These key components are essential in relationship marketing programs even if your target audience is not the price-conscious retail shopper that Wal-Mart attracts. Business Relationship Marketing Can Be Achieved By Following These Tactics: Develop a relationship by mixing knowledge with fun. Plan events for clients and prospects that educate while offering entertainment and social interaction. Send out a monthly eNewsletter or eZine with useful content that connects to your clients and prospects. This tactic will show them that you care about their business and value their time by providing them information they can use. Stay away from a sales focus. Instead, provide industry and product news with some entertainment value. Initiate an appreciation program. Send customers thank you cards or gifts after making a purchase. You can also send a thank you gift to show appreciation for their business on the account anniversary date. Look for ways to help your clients and prospects beyond your own capabilities. .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a , .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .postImageUrl , .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a , .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a:hover , .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a:visited , .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a:active { border:0!important; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a:active , .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc57ba890555350ff639346f1a6f7d49a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Essay on Obamacare: A Rocky Start To A Smoother Future Essay Refer them to other quality vendors, share an article related to their business or put them in touch with someone who can help. This will go a long way in building a relationship. Make phone calls. Email is easy but picking up the phone and thanking someone for using your company can go a long way. Dont forget the value of real conversations and face-to-face meetings. There is a reason why Wal-Mart employs more . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Wal-Mart is the Worlds largest grocery retailer and control of its empire, despite its IT advantages, could leave it weak in some areas due to the huge span of control. Since Wal-Mart sell products across many sectors (such as clothing, food, or stationary), it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors. The company is global, but has has a presence in relatively few countries Worldwide. Opportunities To take over, merge with, or form strategic alliances with other global retailers, focusing on specific markets such as Europe or the Greater China Region. The stores are currently only trade in a relatively small number of countries. We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Therefore there are tremendous opportunities for future business in expanding consumer markets, such as China and India. New locations and store types offer Wal-Mart opportunities to exploit market development. They diversified from large super centres, to local and mall-based sites. Opportunities exist for Wal-Mart to continue with its current strategy of large, super centres. Threats Being number one means that you are the target of competition, locally and globally. Being a global retailer means that you are exposed to political problems in the countries that you operate in. The cost of producing many consumer products tends to have fallen because of lower manufacturing costs. Manufacturing cost have fallen due to outsourcing to low-cost regions of the World. This has lead to price competition, resulting in price deflation in some ranges. Intense price competition is a threat. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the worlds largest retailer, with $256. 3 billion in sales in the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2004. The company employs 1.6 million associates worldwide through more than 3,600 facilities in the United States and more than 1,570 units . . . more? Go toWal-Mart Facts Disclaimer: This case study has been compiled from information freely available from public sources. It is merely intended to be used for educational purposes only. . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Generally people have little knowledge of the actual gist beside the term genetically engineered foods? It may sound like a harsh term, yet to some, it has little to no importance. Genetic engineering basically means to remove genes from one organism such as a plant or an animal, and transferring it to another or altering genes from a plant or an animal in order to attain certain results. Much debating goes on about the issues in the controversy over genetically engineered foods. While some people do not seem to mind it, or choose to foresee the issues regarding it, some people have much stronger feelings against the practice. Many important issues evolve around genetically engineered foods, but a few of the main issues consist of whether consuming good generated via genetic engineering will prove itself as safe, helpful and beneficial to health. We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Many people have feelings of uncertainty about consuming genetically engineered food, as a result of uncertainty about the safety of doing so. In the article, Frankenfood Frenzy, consumers and health activist groups find genetic engineering on food unsafe. In addition, Greenpeace calls genetically modified food biological pollution (Frenzy 1). People tend to feel that consuming genetically modified foods could have harmful results and could in the long run contribute towards the development of health problems (Frenzy 1). Yet on the other hand, to some people genetically engineered bear out safety. Gregory Jaffe and Doug Sherman, co-directors of the Biotechnology Project at the Center for Science stated that people should not portray nervousness about eating genetically engineered foods. He mentioned that in most cases, people do not actually eat those genes. For example, by the time a genetically engineered corn plant gets processed into corn oil or corn syrup, virtually none of the genes remain in the food (Jaffe 2). Doug Sherman stated that genetically engineered food should undergo proper testing procedure because of two major concerns. One concern links to the new genes or proteins engineered and whether they might produce toxins that can harm in the short or long term, or whether the new gene might produce a protein that triggers an allergic reaction in a person who eats the food. No other worries involve this matter. (Sherman 2). Many controversial issues have existed about the helpfulness of genetically engineered food and many views on whether or not genetically engineered foods helped health got expressed. Some say that genetically engineered foods can help. The article, Frankenfood Frenzy stated that researchers have found a way to enrich rice with beta-carotene by inserting genes from a bacterium and a daffodil. This way the body converts the beta-carotene into vitamin A. By adding another gene derived from a French bean, the iron content of rice can and will possibly double. This genetically modified rice could become available to farmers as soon as 2003. This genetic engineering promises to save millions of people in poor countries (Frenzy 1). In addition to that, the article stated that products derived from agricultural genetic engineering available today include crops resistant to disease and insect, therefore resulting in fruits that stay fresh longer, and cow hormones that lead to increased milk production. These advances include foods containing vaccines and antibodies that fight diseases like hepatitis and cholera, and foods modified to eliminate common allergens (Frenzy 1). The article Hybrid Vim and Vigor, also proved genetically engineered foods uphold its helpfulness. The author, William L. Brown, researcher of George Shulls experiments with inbreeding and crossbreeding corn, stated that the adoption of hybrid corn progressed steadily and dramatically in the Corn Belt. This leads to the increase of more bushels of corn per acre. In addition, the value of corn to the farmer advanced to several billion dollars per year (Brown 2). Genetically engineered foods have brought many controversial issues up amongst society in the past as well as in the future. Many people feel that without the help of genetically engineered foods, society would have many problems that exist beyond a reasonable doubt. Such issues, such as genetically engineered food, give people different mind sets by which they adhere to. Some find genetically engineered foods to be beneficial, while some find it to be harmful. .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 , .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .postImageUrl , .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 , .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738:hover , .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738:visited , .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738:active { border:0!important; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738:active , .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738 .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua27a4d7dce0da0bbddff1cc13d35a738:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Child Prostitution and Pornography Exploratory Ess Essay Many important issues evolve . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay By exploiting core competencies firms can develop value creating strategies which are superior to their competitors. Wal-Mart are experts at using there core competencies to become superior to their competitors. There are three resources which allow a company to create a core competency. Tangible resources consist of assets that can be seen, financial resources (borrowing capacity), physical resources, organizational structure and technology. Wal-Mart is a huge and very powerful company and therefore uses its ability of lending to become a core competency. Intangible resources are characterized by human resources, resource for innovation, and reputation. This category is where Wal-Mart excels against all its competitors. Knowledge, training and corporate culture possessed by employees may be one of the most significant sources of core competencies and competitive advantages throughout the business world. This is due to being very hard to copy or substitute for. Brand equity consists of brand name and maintaining brand equity. Wal-Mart are masters at using this resource as an advantage over their competitor are Wal-Marts emphasis is on its image of everyday low prices and high quality goods when marketing. We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Wal-Mart uses many different channels when marketing itself. It uses television, radio, monthly circulars, weekly newspapers and many more channels. Each one of these channels can be used in an unique way to emphasize Wal-Marts position of selling quality products at low prices. Radio usually grabs the audiences attention by promoting products which are experiencing high demand. Both of these channels are made stronger by the use of newspapers adverts and monthly circulars. In these marketing channels deeply discounted items are highlighted to the potential competitors and these items help lure the customers into the stores. The idea of having quality for less is a good marketing plan because it gets people into the store. It also offers a competitive advantage over the competitors because they can not financially match Wal-Mart prices. This is due to Wal-Mart having better use of financial resources, technology and physical resources. By censoring some products Wal-Mart are trying to market themselves as a company with good values. They use this to attract families. Unfortunately this plan has negative and positive effects. A negative effect is the effect of preventing or manipulating artistic freedom. Due to Wal-Marts restrictions many singers have changed their work. This can be seen as bad for society when one firm dictates what sort of art is released. It could also hurt Wal-Mart financially if it alienates people who do not believe in censorship or if public opinion towards censorship changes. On the positive side their censorship strategies help strengthens their market position of being there for the family and community. A major strength of Wal-Mart is its service-scapes or in store atmosphere. When you walk into any Wal-Mart you are met by happy and helpful staff. This helps strengthen the firms brand image of being a nice and community based firm. All Wal-Mart stores have a lot of nightlights which allow sunlight to enter the store. Many of Wal-Marts competitors like K-mart and Target do not use this idea which lowers the cost of lighting and more importantly makes people happier and more trusting in your products. Target and K-mart, who are Wal-Marts competitors, do not have a happy, community feeling in their stores. A clever marketing idea which Wal-Mart uses to emphasize its commitment to a position of friendly service is the yellow smiling face which rolls back the prices. In this small idea Wal-Marts core competencies are highlighted, lower prices with friendly service. None of its competitors have been able to copy this competitive advantage and this shows why Wal-Mart are far superior with sales. Another marketing strategy Wal-Mart uses is involving each store in the local community. By sponsoring local teams and showing pictures of them it helps manipulate the customers into believing the Wal-Mart cares about the community and gives as well as takes. This is a major competitive advantage Wal-Mart has over its competitors. Buy American is another advertisement which Wal-Mart uses to make people feel better or happier about shopping at Wal-Mart. .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d , .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .postImageUrl , .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d , .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d:hover , .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d:visited , .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d:active { border:0!important; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d:active , .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u882c393c93c9d414ece1c792fdaf669d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Autism Essay Its competitors do not give their products any character where as Wal-Mart sell their products as a package. If you buy fishing tackle from Wal-Mart . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay The first Wal-Mart Store was opened in 1962 by Sam Walton. This small-town merchant, who had operated a variety of stores in Missouri and Arkansas, was convinced consumers would flock to a discount store with a wide variety of merchandise and friendly service. This company has flourished into the worlds number one retailer. From this the company has reached out into grocery (Wal-Mart Supercenters), international operations, membership warehouse clubs (Sams Club), and deep discount warehouse outlets. These expansions into other types of retail have given the corporation even more room for growth. Wal-Marts financial explosion has also lead to the creation of many jobs. With the creation of 85,000 new Wal-Mart jobs, the number of employee for this giant is upwards of 600,000 in the United States alone. Bibliography: . We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Case Analysis: Wal-Mart History/Development/Growth Sam Walton founded wal-Mart in 1962. Much of Wal-Marts success can be attributed to him. He was very simple and ran his company that way. He emphasized hard work and ambition. When the company was in its earlier stages he made it a point to visit every Wal-Mart once a year. He didnt just visit each Wal-Mart and talk with management. He would lead a cheer with the associates. The term associates, which he picked up from his experience working for JC Penneys. He also ran a Ben Franklin franchise with his brother that became extremely profitable. He eventually lost the lease on the store and founded Wal-Mart. They originally started off with 15 stores in the state of Arkansas. We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now David Glass took over as president of the company in 1984. Then in 2000 Lee Scott was named CEO. Scott happened to be recruited by David Glass early in his career. Wal-Mart is now the largest retailer in the world with revenues of 165 billion. Internal Strengths and Weaknesses At first glance Wal-Mart seems to be exactly like the next retailer such as Kmart. There are a few distinguishing characteristics that separate them from the rest. First, they always build distribution centers before opening store locations, which saved costs on distribution overhead. Second, they have the most sophisticated inventory system. It operates in real time. As soon as an item is scanned at checkout it is directly sent to inventory and new products are automatically ordered. This process also helps with speedier projections and sales information. Third, they have an outstanding company culture. The same culture that Mr. Sam himself had emulated. Along these same lines, they emphasized a high value for associates, which is what they call their employees. As well as being more service oriented. They also found the delicate balance between having low prices and appearing too cheap. External Environment During the 80s and early 90s retailers when through some difficult times. There was a large increase in competitive pressure, which resulted in much lower margins. At the time most households did not have much discretionary spending. Therefore consumer spending was very limited. There was only enough money for the essentials. The entire economy was in a recession. Around 1998, unemployment was at an all-time low. Total household income was up and inflation was very low. All of a sudden buying power was higher and consumers were willing to buy. The United States is still experiencing one of the longest periods of economic expansion in its history. SWOT StrengthsDistribution centersCultureInventory SystemBargaining Weaknesses OpportunitiesMore storesIncorporate grocery itemsBuy out remaining competitionThreatsCompetition Corporate Level Strategies At the corporate level, Wal-Mart tries to stay ahead of the game. From the very beginning they have been for rapid expansion. They are currently located in nine different countries as well as all 50 states. They have also tried new retail formats such as Sams Club. They also take pride in their stores upgrading and refurbishing. They are also building new distributions centers all the time. They are currently working on expanding into Canada, Asia, South America, and Europe. They also have their own dog food line name after Sams dog, Ol Roy, which was a top seller. Business Level Strategies At the business level there is a large emphasis on customers, provide what they want, when they want it; at a value. They also take a lot of pride in their associates. Average employees make 7.50/hour. They also incorporate teamwork into each store. They stress that employees treat each other how they want to be treated. .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef , .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .postImageUrl , .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef , .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef:hover , .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef:visited , .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef:active { border:0!important; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef:active , .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u97b4ac0214dab77ba66332f2cb09bfef:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Lottery And Religon EssayRecommendations As far as recommendations are concerned I couldnt really come up with anything. The only thing that came to my mind was the grocery store. If Wal-Mart incorporated groceries into their stores they would put all the rest out of business. I dont think they would have to be cheaper either. The convenience of going to Wal-Mart and getting your grocery shopping done at the same time would be too easy to exploit. They seem to be expanding already as it is but I would definitely continue expansion. . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay The first Wal-Mart Store was opened in 1962 by Sam Walton. This small-town merchant, who had operated a variety of stores in Missouri and Arkansas, was convinced consumers would flock to a discount store with a wide variety of merchandise and friendly service. This company has flourished into the worlds number one retailer. From this the company has reached out into grocery (Wal-Mart Supercenters), international operations, membership warehouse clubs (Sams Club), and deep discount warehouse outlets. These expansions into other types of retail have given the corporation even more room for growth. Wal-Marts financial explosion has also lead to the creation of many jobs. With the creation of 85,000 new Wal-Mart jobs, the number of employee for this giant is upwards of 600,000 in the United States alone.Bibliography: We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now WalMart Essay Example For Students WalMart Essay The purpose of this paper is to compare the revenue recognition policies of two companies in the search, detection, navigation, guidance, and aeronautical systems industry. The two companies I have selected are Aerosonic Corporation, and Esco Electronics Company. Esco Electronics Company is engaged in the design, manufacture, sale and support of engineered products. These products are used principally in filteration/fluid flow applications, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, and electric utility communications and control systems. The filtration/fluid flow and EMC testing products are supplied to a broad base of industrial and commercial customers worldwide. At the present time, electric utility communications systems are marketed primarily to customers in North America. The four primary industry segments of Esco are Filtration/Fluid Flow, Test, Communications, and other. In order for Esco to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, management must make careful estimates in preparing the financial statements. These estimates are for anticipated contract costs and revenues earned during the life of the contract. These amounts affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities on the companys financial statements. Actual results could differ from these numbers. We will write a custom essay on WalMart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Revenues are recognized on commercial sales when products are shipped or when services are performed. Revenue on production contracts are recorded when specific contract terms are fulfilled. These amounts are determined either by the units of production or delivery methods. Revenues from cost reimbursement contracts are recorded as costs are incurred, plus fees earned. Revenue under long-term contracts in which the previous two methods are inappropriate, the percentage-of-completion method is used. Revenue under engineering contracts are generally recognized as certain milestones are attained. The percentage-of-completion method recognizes a portion of the estimated gross profit for each period based on progress to date. Progress to date is based on three factors. These three factors are the costs incurred to date, the most recent estimate of the projects total cost, and the most recent gross profit percentage. Progress to date is assumed to be the proportion of the projects costs incurred to date divided by total estimated costs. This fraction is known as the estimated percentage of completion, and is the estimated percentage of completion. However, he biggest flaw with this method is that it only deals with costs. This means that there may not be strong correlation between physical progress and costs incurred. Conceptually, one would want to match revenues when the earnings process is judged to be complete. Since costs dont necessarily mean physical completion, the revenues may not represent actual completion. However, this method does match all revenues with appropriate expenses. The audit risks associated with this method is that cost incurrence could be accelerated to increase the estimate of the percentage completed. Lets say Esco is performing a three-year contract. For simplicity, lets say the contract price is $1000. The first year of the contract, actual costs incurred to date is $200, and the estimated remaining costs is $400. This would call for a projected $400 gross profit on the entire project ($1000-$600). To figure out the gross profit for the first year, you would take the actual costs to date ($200) and divide that by the estimated total cost ($600). This equals the estimated percentage of completion (33%). You would then take this number and multiply it by the total project gross profit (33%*$400), and that would be the gross profit earned to date. In subsequent years, you would take the profit earned to date and subtract from it the gross profit recognized in previous years. The next company Id like to talk about is Aerosonic Corporation, who is in the same industry as Esco. The primary business of Aerosonic Corporation is to manufacture and sell aircraft instruments to government and commercial users from its plants in Florida, Virginia, and Kansas. Prior to 1996, the company also sold non-munitions components for artillery projectiles to the U.S. government and automotive and truck parts to commercial customers. .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 , .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .postImageUrl , .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 , .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678:hover , .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678:visited , .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678:active { border:0!important; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678:active , .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678 .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u81a8fbddca394964b637e0379e403678:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Love and Marriage Essay The companys customers are worldwide. Aerosonic generally recognizes revenue from sales of its products on the accrual basis on the date such products are shipped. In certain circumstances, the U.S. government accepts title of products, even though the products are on the Companys premises. When the U. S. government accepts title in writing, and assumes all risks . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Most admired company Stores in all 50 states Nations largest company Does not have a formal mission statement 3 basic beliefs of founder Respect for the individual Service to our customers Strive for excellence Started an IPO in 1970 1999 #1 Stock in the DOW Implementing two new concepts 1. hypermarkets 200000 sq. ft stores that sell everything 2. Supercenters scaled down supercenters International sales were 16.7% of total company sales in fiscal 2003 Operated internationally in 9 years Hometown USA stores. .to provide the neighboring towns with their needs Starting own clothing lines Acquired McLane Company INC.(largest suppliers of food and merchandise to convenient stores) Sams clubs membership cards different levels of cards 32 billion dollar business Supercenters are the companies faster growing division limited of distribution (working to expand food distr.) Locate supercenters by major food stores to provide customers with the option to choose over price, Walmart Essay almost always win this battle and drives the competitors out of town or business One stop shop We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now 238 supercenters and 71 samclubs internationally after the fiscal year of 2003 united kingdom leader Tesco trying to increase scale of international operation(threat) walmart opposes unions (threat) has worlds largest private satellite communication systems enables to control distribution owns a fleets of truck that deliver goods to any stores with 38-48 hours of the time of order back-haul helps cut cost leads the industry in info technologies Walmart.com profits not made easily over internet.. issues of cost of delivery, merchandise return, and data security All employees have a stake in financial performance and could result in a bonus or promotion . Walmart Essay Example For Students Walmart Essay Wal-Mart is a general merchandise discount retailer, which was incorporated in 1962. Wal-Marts history is based on one man, Sam Walton, who changed the course of retailing forever. Sam Walton first entered retailing when he was a management trainee at J.C. Penny Co. in 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa. After serving in the Army in World War II, Walton acquired a Ben Franklin variety store franchise with his brother James Walton in Newport Arkansas, until they lost the lease to the store in 1950. By 1962, when the first Wal-Mart Discount City was opened in Rogers Arkansas, both Waltons were operating fifteen stores under the Walton 5 10 name, and were the largest Ben Franklin franchisee in the country. Limited pricing, low gross margins, and high inventory turnover characterized these stores. Walton phased out the stores in 1976 in order to focus on the emerging Wal-Mart stores. In 1978, the first distribution center was built, followed by the first Wal-Mart Supercenter in 1983 and a Sams Club in 1988. We will write a custom essay on Walmart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Important to Walton, and ultimately Wal-Mart, are certain philosophies that were amounted over time. Walton held these values tightly, and engrained them in the Wal-Mart cultures. From his experience at J.C. Penny Co. he was impressed with the philosophies they used (e. g. The Penny Idea) and used them to mold Wal-Mart. This included referring to employees as associates, serving the public to their complete satisfaction, and receiving a fair profit from services rendered. Waltons theory on what Wal-Mart should be is a conveniently located one-stop shopping unit where customers could buy a wide variety of quality merchandise at discount prices. And as Wal-Mart grew, management sought a firm that was a discount department store chain offering a wide variety of general merchandise to the customer. It was on these values and philosophies that Wal-Mart expanded. Wal-Mart has grown above and beyond the Arkansas store that opened thirty-nine years ago. It serves more than 100 million customers weekly in all of the 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina, and South Korea. Wal-Marts current operating numbers are: Total Worldwide Associates1,240,000 Wal-Marts financial numbers have grown substantially as well. At the end of the fiscal year 2000, total company sales reached $191 billion dollars. This was an increase over the previous year of 15.9%. Total international sales amounted to $32 billion dollars at the end of the 2000 fiscal year, which was an increase of 41% over the previous year. Wal-Mart is widely recognized as one of the leading discount variety store chains. It is the nations largest discount department store chain, and also one of the largest discounters in the nation in terms of sales dollars. Nations largest discount department store chain. A company with a very defined mission set by Sam Walton. Good distribution concepts with no one store more than 6 hrs. away from warehouse. Constant expansion over lifetime of company. Offers a variety of merchandise for its consumers. Valued their employees and consumers happiness. Everyday Low prices advertising campaign. First retailer to embrace green marketing. Inventory Control system is the best in retail industry. Support of different community activities. Illustrates low prices and at the same time, not portray a cheap image to consumer. Viewed by some consumers as Mom and Pop shop killers. Industry competes on many similar elements. Over exposure to many close markets. Expanding the Sams Club brand and Superstores Partnerships with other businesses to house in store. Inability to enter the Urban Market. Fierce Competition: Kmart, Sears and Target. Getting caught in price wars with competition Economic uncertainty and buying patterns of consumers. Factory Outlet stores with lower price strategies. Specialty stores: e. .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa , .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .postImageUrl , .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa , .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa:hover , .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa:visited , .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa:active { border:0!important; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa:active , .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u0b6c78bffde19fa39404b84fed8ee6aa:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: September 11 Essayg. ToysRUs and Home Depot. Wal-Mart targets a wide variety of consumers with many different strategic advertising campaigns. Have you ever heard of that Everyday low prices slogan? This is an example of Wal-Marts mass marketing approach to the marketplace. Wal-Marts specific target market ranges from 25 years old and up. Wal-Mart targets the family oriented consumer who is looking for a good value at a low price. Wal-Mart has numerous strengths and weaknesses that must be analyzed to better understand their industry. (See Appendix for Porters Five Forces analysis of the .

Hong Kong Essays

Hong Kong Essays Hong Kong Essay Hong Kong Essay Essay Topic: Siddhartha Tao Te Ching Hong Kong covers a total area of 2 916 square kilometres of which only 1 061 kilometres of it is land the rest being surrounded by water. Rugged mountains and rolling hills cover much of beautiful Hong Kong. Some mountains rise more than 910 meters above sea level and 554 metres in other places. The rocky, indented coastlines of Hong Kongs islands and mainland provide many small harbours for fishing villages. Parts of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong have been filled in with earth to create new land. Barren mountains separate the business districts of the Kowloon Peninsula from the farmland in the New Territories. Its estimated that around only 10 per cent of the land in Hong Kong is suitable for farming. Rice paddies and vegetable and flower fields are seen throughout the New Territories, crowded between areas of poor vegetation and rocky hillsides. An undersized river called the Sham Chun forms the border between Hong Kong and China. The land that is Hong Kong possesses a semitropical climate. The summers of the location are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching over 35 C. Hong Kong receives about 224 centimetres of rainfall each year with more than 75 per cent of the rain falling in summer. Rain in summer is a major cause to floods and unpredictable mudslides in Hong Kong. Winters are cool and dry, with the temperature scarcely ever falls below 4 C. Insufficient rainfall during the winter and other factors cause water shortages, resulting in Hong Kong buying millions of gallons of water from China each year. The temperature in Autumn occurring between September to December in Hong Kong reach just around  C with the humidity rising to 73%. Spring in March to May have an estimated temperature of 20i C with a humidity of 84% Hong Kong receives its tourists mainly in Autumn as its not too hot and not too cold. Flag When Hong Kong was handed back to China, Hong Kong then made their own flag instead of the Union Jack, now it has red background with the Bauhinia-flower on it. The Hong Kong flag is sometimes accompanied with the China flag, which also with a red background with one big yellow star and four other small yellow stars on it. Hong Kong flag China flag Population: The population of Hong Kong is around 6. 3 million people. Kowloon is home to 2. 2 million people, and Hong Kong Island is home to 1. 3 million people, and with the remaining 2. 8 million people living in the New Territories. Around 90% of people residing are Chinese. Most are immigrants from southern China or descendants of immigrants from that region. The relatively few non-Chinese residents in Hong Kong come from such places as Australia, Britain, India, Japan, America and Vietnam. Some people in China decide to immigrate to Hong Kong as they see it as a land of opportunity, with better careers, lifestyles and living conditions. The residents from other countries might come to Hong Kong for business and in result of this have started a family. Flora and Fauna: In Hong Kong there are very few fauna living in Hong Kong. Probably the most common fauna that you would be able to see in Hong Kong are cats and dogs. Another animal that you might see is monkeys that are from Monkey Hill coming out to look for food. The only other place that you would be able to see other animals is at the zoo. Fauna in Hong Kong are mostly trees and flowers. Trees and flowers include mangroves, fern trees, eucalyptus, Bauhinia-flower (which is on the Hong Kong flag) Bauhinia Blakeana, Bauhinia Variegata, Bauhinia Purpurea, Cassia Surattensis, Cassia Siamea, Cassia Fistula, Delonix Regia, Peltophorum Pterocarpum, Lagerstroemia Speciosa, Lagerstroemia Indica, Melaleuca Leucadendron, Callistemon Rigidus, Callistemon Uiminalis, Sweet Gum, Short Flowered Machilus and many more. Language: The official languages are Cantonese, Mandarin and English. English became an official language when Hong Kong was governed by the British during 1898 to 1997. Cantonese and Mandarin became official languages when China took back Hong Kong from the British. The shopkeepers in Hong Kong know English because of the tourists that are going to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong if you know English and you can speak English fluently it is considered to be a good thing as it would help you find a job there. Cantonese is the most widely spoken language in Hong Kong. Religion: The main religion in Hong Kong is Buddhism. But there are other religions such as Taoism, Christianity and many more. Buddhism was founded in the 6th or 7th century BC by the Sakyamunia Buddha who was born as Prince Siddhartha. Buddhism was originated in India and was brought into China. Taoism is the oldest religion in China, it was founded by Lao Tzu in 604BC. His teachings are contained in a book called Tao Te Ching. Taoism is based on a transcendence of worldly things, stressing harmony with, not dominance over, nature. In Hong Kong there are many Christians so there are many churches and cathedrals. The services are conducted in English or Chinese. Christianity was brought into Hong Kong by the early missionaries who used the port as a base for missions into China. Other religions include Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and Jews. Daily Life: (School, Shopping, Foods, Games, the Arts, Entertainment, Leisure Activates, Celebrations and Festivals). School: In Hong Kong, all children are to go to school or they commit an offence, because it is part of the law that all children have to go to school. Children attending primary schools can choose to attend school in the morning or afternoon sessions. There are public schools, private schools, district schools, international schools, religious schools and catholic schools. In high school they go to school for the whole day just like us. Kindergarten is for children from 3-6 year old and they go there for 3 years. Primary school is for children from 6-12 year old and they go there for 6 years. High school is for children from 12-19 year old and they go there for 7 years. Hong Kongs most famous universities are the University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911 and has about 5 000 students attending. The other university is The Chinese University, founded in 1963 and has about 4 700 students attending. Shopping: Hong Kong is often seen as a shopping paradise where tourists and residents alike enjoy the purchasing of local and international labels at their fingertips. Numerous street markets line the roads of the city for cheap purchases of many different items. Some of the products that are offered on street markets include clothing items, ornaments, jewellery, watches, games and many more. One of the most popular street markets in Hong Kong is Temple Street Night Market. This street market is opened when the stars come out until late into the night. The Temple Street Night Market covers over three streets, splitting into three sections. . The things sold there are a mixture of cultural items such as Chinese style clothing to casual t- shirts. Games, toys, CDs, DVDs, electronics, paintings, sports gear and a lot of other things are included in the market. Food stalls are also set up near the market, attracting many hungry customers. The stalls there are mainly traditional Chinese style cuisines including that of fried rice, noodles, seafood and buns, just to name a few. One section of the Night Street Market is used for Chinese Opera, with singers singing old Chinese songs while acting. Its like theatre on the street. Just the sound of music playing attracts audience to sit and gather around to listen. Another well known place for shopping is Ladies Street Market which unlike the name suggests, sells a mixture of things. An assortment of clothing items, stuffed toys, beauty products, souvenirs, games, CDs, bags and many others. Many shoppers are seen bargaining for products to a reasonable price with the shop owners in this street market. In the Jade Market tourist are often attracted to the lovely jade that are there for sale. Central and Admiralty are famous for luxury shopping, bustling with designer labels and mega malls such as Time Square, The Landmark and Pacific Place. Designer stores such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Dior have franchise stores in both Central and Admiralty as well as in the mega malls.

The relationship between business and Psychological , and how the Research Proposal

The relationship between business and Psychological , and how the psychological influence on business - Research Proposal Example Psychology as a system of life experience is familiar to each human being (Franzoi, 1996). Social psychology stands apart among all other branches of psychological science. The combination of these two words itself is an indicator of the specific place of this science. Having emerged at the interface between two other sciences – sociology and psychology – social psychology still preserves its independent status. There are various reasons for it but the principle among them is existence of a certain set of social phenomena that cannot be explained either within psychology or within sociology. Sociology studied the society in general, psychology studied processes that took place inside human brains, but none of them was interested in influence of people on each other or influence of group on people. Social psychology is â€Å"†¦the scientific discipline that attempts to understand and explain how the thought, feeling, and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others† (Allport, 1985, p.3). In other words this branch of psychology studies the logic of social behavior of separate people or groups and thus helps to define reasons or forecast their behavior under certain circumstances. Due to this social psychology can be effectively applied to nearly all spheres of human life and work. The management of employee relations is one of the most important spheres of modern business. Knowledge of the basic principles of social psychology can be very helpful in understanding major driving-forces of people’s behavior, their motivation, etc. These include the principle of social construction of reality, the persuasiveness of social influence, several motivational and processing principles. People always strive for mastery, which means they try to comprehend and forecast events in the social world in order to obtain encouragement. They enjoy feeling experienced and effective and will do their best to

Closet Exercise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Closet Exercise - Essay Example Productivity and competitiveness are, by and large, a function of knowledge generation and information processing; firms and territories are organized in networks of production, management and distribution; the core economic activities are global - that is, they have the capacity to work as a unit in real time, or chosen time, on a planetary scale. (Castells 2001: 52).2 With globalization at hand, fashion industry was not exempted in this new economy. Fashion world, has become competitive over time and students are excused from this happening. It the above figures, we can say that the globalization has been evident in the clothing industry and preference of the students. Though there are a lot of students who were not able to travel around the world, it can be said that they are well aware and knowledgeable of what is happening in fashion world. Men and women are now getting more and more brand conscious. Through the presence of agent of globalization such as media, more students now are influenced by branding or what others think about what brands of clothes they wear. However, in the figures in the report, it can be said that globalization is still not that strong in students. 78% of the total number of clothes in the group is still composed of US brands with total of 357 pieces listed. 8% of total number of pieces of clothing came from Italys famous brands such as Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, Armani and Prada. Another 8% of the clothing listed came from famous French brands. Lastly, 6% of the total clothing was from the famou s brand Mango. Taking note from the excel report, the tops and bottoms of the students were mostly from American brands. Thus, it can be said that students still patronize brands from the United States of America which are generally patronized by the citizens. The other 22% percent of students clothing tallied were from famous international brands which are known to be very expensive. But despite this fact, students still acquire these

Discuss terrorism conducted in the interest of environmental Essay

Discuss terrorism conducted in the interest of environmental causes(ecoterrorism).How can ecoterrorism be stopped - Essay Example sition against some form of abuse upon nature, such as the over-exploitation of the environment, use of plants, animals, and other natural resources beyond the normal ways, which these people think are detrimental to the over-all state of our ecology. In a legal context, the official definition referred here is based on a law promulgated by a government entity. Although other definitions exist and are used officially such as those used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, discussions are focused as far as the meaning of ecoterrorism through a law passed in the state of Pennsylvania. House Bill 213 published by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2006 defined ecoterrorism within the context of criminalizing the acts of harming properties to intimidate individuals lawfully involved in activities that use animals, plants, or other natural resources. But those sectors branded as ecoterrorists contest the meaning and remarked that the use of the term is a form of propaganda against their cause. They claimed that the term connotes terror inflected against the ecology which is the opposite of what these groups are fighting for. It is further alleged that the use of ecoterrorism in branding environmental activism is a political maneuver of the opponents of the causes for environmental activism. This is a fatal blow as far as extremists are concerned since the acceptance of the term has created acceptance that environmental activists are terrorists. This classification would result to â€Å"more investigation, infiltration, and disruption of radical environmental groups regardless of whether any law is actually violated, longer terms of incarceration for convicted activists, and the harassment of mainstream environmental groups† (R. Smith 564). The violent acts mentioned in the law and described by authorities as eco-terrorism are varied. These include: arson offenses, causing or risking catastrophe, vandalisms in any form, crop destruction, burglary, criminal trespass,

Important elements in An Inspector Calls

Important elements in An Inspector Calls The first act of the play by J.B. Priestley, An Inspector Calls, displays many of the essential features that will dominate throughout the whole dramatic piece. Set in the Edwardian Era, the play reflects the differences in social classes, as well as the influence of the industrialization over the entire society. Likewise, the rigid gender roles of the Edwardian Era are clearly noticeable throughout the different characters. Gerald Croft, Edna, Eva Smith and the Inspector Goole are important characters in the argument, in spite of the fact of not being part of the Birlings family. The Inspector blamed all characters for the death of Eva Smith, claiming for justice. Finally, Priestley takes advantage of the context of the time when the text was written. He plays with the audiences emotions given that the audience at that time had recently suffered the consequences of the Second World War. The play exemplifies the social structure and industrialization of the Edwardian Era all the way through the plot and the setting. The play is divided into three acts and takes place in the dining-room of a prosperous manufacturer, Arthur Birling, in the industrial city of Brumley. At the beginning of the act, the author gives the impression of a heavily comfortable house. With the arrival of the Inspector Goole, the lighting turns out to be brighter and harder reflecting the change in the atmosphere: tense and mysterious. The Edwardian Era was a period of false security, which preceded the Great War, as discerned in Mr. Birlings opinion about the unviable chance of a war or the unsinkable Titanic. These are examples of dramatic irony, as the audience of the play from 1946 had witnessed all the events that the characters in 1912 were unconscious of. It was a time of urbanization and mass production, where the upper class had the whole supremacy over the common laborers. The upper cru st was not supposed to say such things [polite, nice things] to the hoi polloi. The industrialists sought for lower costs and higher prices, touching upon the working class. The employ of the antithesis between lower and higher is really significant as the lower costs mostly take effect by paying the workers less and the higher prices make the well-to-do richer. Gerald Crofts engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me [Arthur Birling], giving clues to the audience about the marriages between the moneyed which ensured the creation of new social positions. The gender roles are epitomized by the Birling family. At the time the play is set, women and men were unequally treated and lack of gender fairness was a common feature. While Arthur Birling and Eric were able to obtain well-paid jobs, and had a word in decisions, women were unable to obtain education and were kept at home. Mrs. Birling and Sheila are clearly inferior to men, and they could only aspire to make an impact on a bountiful man. Mrs. Birling is aware of these gender differences, and in occasions she suggests that Sheila and I had better go into the drawing-room and leave you men, referring to the gender-specific activities of the Era (in this case the men will talk about manly topics, and the women will leave them alone.) Mr. Birling is very proud of his achievements, and he tries to intimidate the Inspector. He is very selfish and only mind his own business and look after himself and his own. He is continually trying to protect his reputation and the one of Birling and C o. Eric, his son, is totally opposite to his father as he defends the working class, and he is unfortunately a drinker, he is genuinely curious as he asks quite a few questions. He ironically suggests that a man has to look after himself, showing his will to know the truth. Mrs. Birling, in the other hand, is a rather cold woman and her husbands social superior. We can see from her words, men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business, that she accepts the fact that men used prostitution very often. In the other hand, Sheila depicts the generational difference, considering herself modern and is morally sensible. The outsiders are fundamental figures of the plays plot. The Inspector Goole gives the impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness, the way J.B. Prestley described this central character says a lot of his personality and way of acting throughout Act 1. One person and one line of inquiry at a time, this is the way he works. This shows that he is very manipulative in his actions. He tries to find Geralds impatience by stating that Gerald has nothing whatever to do with the wretched girls suicide. The influence of the word wretched is substantial to his slow and convincing movements. Gerald Croft is also a character from outside the Birlings Family. His engagement with Sheila means a lot to her father, but his aristocratic status makes his future marriage unfavorable due to his higher social status. Edna and Eva Smith are the only characters which belong to the proletariat. Edna is the parlourmaid of the Birlings, while Eva Smith has no family, although she was described as a lively good-looking girl. Moreover, there is many discrepancy in the way in which Eva is treated among the characters in the play. Justice and morality, as well as social responsibility, are essential underlying messages throughout the first scene. The play is morally trying to find the audiences accountability for its own actions and the corporate responsibility to society. Priestley uses the authoritarian figure of the Inspector to demonstrate each of the characters responsibility for Evas suicide. As the Inspector suggests, youre partly to blame. Just as your father is. [Referring to Sheila]. The usage of short sentences makes the statements sharper and direct, however the utilization of the personal pronoun you is really significant as it appeals to the theatergoers own responsibility. Inspector Goole has the law in his hands, he is the authority figure which seeks for justice of the young Eva Smith. He is in command of giving us some more light, a subtle metaphor for truth. Sheila and Eric are morally sensible, she alleges that these girls arent cheap labour they are people. The way she claims that they ar e people shows her understanding and respect of the lower classes. It has now become clear that J.B. Priestleys first act of An Inspector Calls, is charged with standout elements which are fundamental throughout the whole piece. An evident link has therefore emerged between the Edwardian Era and the way the play is set up. The prerogative class dominated over the majority of the working class which holds a job in the industries such as that of Birling and Co. Following this, gender roles and the responsibility of the characters, as well as the moral purpose of the play show very interesting perspective of a different time, but the rich description chain of dialogues makes this play to continuously be worth watching.

Kilgore Trout as Kurt Vonneguts Alter Ego :: Biography Biographies Essays

Kilgore Trout as Kurt Vonnegut's Alter Ego In 1922, two residents of Indianapolis, Indiana had a son who would later become one of the premiere writers in 20th century American literature. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was born to Edith and Kurt Sr. on November 11, 1922. He graduated from Shortridge High School in 1940, attended Cornell University for a year, then joined the army. He fought in World War II and was captured by the Germans in 1944. As a Prisoner of War, he lived through the firebombing of Dresden, an event which inspired his acclaimed novel, Slaughterhouse-Five. After he returned from Europe in April of 1945, he married Jane Marie Cox and spent several years studying at the University of Chicago and working as a reporter for the Chicago City News Bureau. In 1947, he went to work at General Electric Corporation as a research laboratory publicist. He worked there for 3 years until he left to become a full time writer in 1950. In the past 47 years, he has become one of the most acclaimed writers of our time. Kurt Vonnegut's first novel was entitled Player Piano and was published in 1952. Since then, he has written over a dozen other novels, collections of short stories, a collection of essays and interviews, and a play, Happy Birthday Wanda June. He spent 1965 in residence at the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop and taught writing at Harvard in 1970. He also was awarded a M.A. degree from the University of Chicago. Vonnegut currently appears on the Barnes and Noble Booksellers bag and is featured on a Visa commercial in which he buys a copy of one of his own books. If one looks through Vonnegut's works, one will find many occurrences of reoccurring characters, settings, and themes. Perhaps one of the most frequently occurring characters is Kilgore Trout, an obscure science-fiction writer with a small but

Nursery Nurse

Explain different transitions children and young people may experience from 0-19 years and how adults can support them through them. Babies weaning – young children may not like their new routine, such as different sleep patterns, different foods, not as much milk, Children may begin to have disturbed sleep patterns, be more irritable whilst awake and less motivated to try new foods. Its good through this stage of their transitions that the parents remain calm and keep a soft voice at all times to prevent the child from getting distressed.To help the child with sleep patterns, play calm soothing music, make it a calm environment (classical music helps) and a dark room. To help them with different foods, try encouraging them with making sounds like ‘mmm’ and ‘yummy’ you can also try some of their food and make smiley faces to indicate that it’s nice to eat. Crawling to walking- when a child starts to walk, they can become distressed that they ar en’t getting to where they want to, parents can help this with holding their hands to gain balance. hen their baby is starting to walk, parents should make the environment safe and secure Potty training- The reassurance that nappies offer can be enormous for both child and parent, for some children it is more difficult recognising the signs of needing the toilet. Supportive relationships understand that when their child has an accident, they are to show that it's okay. That they can be cleaned up, everyone moves on and reassurance is given for trying again the next time.Starting Nursery- When children don’t want to leave parents or are feeling unwell, separation can be a very upsetting for them. Starting nursery can be daunting for children. Supportive relationships help children through this potentially difficult time by reassuring the child that it's ok to be upset at leaving their parent/carer, you know how much they love them, that you also have fun activities plan ned and would they like to join you. Supporting this transition is for the child's independence, their ability to deal with times of separation.Going up a year in primary school- can be scary for some children, having a new class room with new children, new teacher and a different environment. Supporting children across the school by adults making themselves known to children. Personalities, attitude and approach will reassure the children on the type of support they could expect. Starting secondary school- starting secondary school is a completely different emotion to starting primary school, secondary school is a lot igger, full of bigger and older children, this can be distressing for new children and year 7s who have just started. Making a positive attitude to starting their new school is the best thing a parent can do, encourage them to start clubs to make friends and feel more comfortable in their environment. Teachers could help as well by keeping a close eye on the children, helping them to be confident, getting them the join in on group activities. Puberty- can be a horrible experience for children both girls and boys especially for those who start earlier than others.Parents and carers should help to make understand that what happens and goes on in puberty is perfectly normal and that everyone at some stage will go through the same, teachers could help make children more aware by teaching the class all about puberty, so when the time happens they’ll know what to do. Bereavements- is a sad time in a family’s household, it’s an extremely emotional stage in peoples life, children may be upset as they would of lost someone they had loved and to see their family upset is also a hard thing to see.Parents and carers can help their children to realise that death is a part of life even if it is sad and upsetting to go through. Moving house- is a big part in a child’s life, sometimes it can lead to moving schools as well, which is d ouble as hard as it should have been, moving home is not nice to go through as children get attached easily, also they would remember all the memories they’ve had their, whereas others may want to leave their house to a new one.Parents can help by letting them know that they will make new friends and that they are going to love their new home just as much as their old one. New baby- having a new baby can be extremely hard to deal with, the child may feel left out and neglected if their parents aren’t spending enough time with them and just with the baby, this can cause problems at school where they become disruptive to gain attention back of their parents. Parents and carers can help deal with this if they make sure that they are spending just as much time with their child as well as the new baby.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Forty-eight

Jon Jon was breaking his fast on applecakes and blood sausage when Samwell Tarly plopped himself down on the bench. â€Å"I've been summoned to the sept,† Sam said in an excited whisper. â€Å"They're passing me out of training. I'm to be made a brother with the rest of you. Can you believe it?† â€Å"No, truly?† â€Å"Truly. I'm to assist Maester Aemon with the library and the birds. He needs someone who can read and write letters.† â€Å"You'll do well at that,† Jon said, smiling. Sam glanced about anxiously. â€Å"Is it time to go? I shouldn't be late, they might change their minds.† He was fairly bouncing as they crossed the weed-strewn courtyard. The day was warm and sunny. Rivulets of water trickled down the sides of the Wall, so the ice seemed to sparkle and shine. Inside the sept, the great crystal caught the morning light as it streamed through the south-facing window and spread it in a rainbow on the altar. Pyp's mouth dropped open when he caught sight of Sam, and Toad poked Grenn in the ribs, but no one dared say a word. Septon Celladar was swinging a censer, filling the air with fragrant incense that reminded Jon of Lady Stark's little sept in Winterfell. For once the septon seemed sober. The high officers arrived in a body; Maester Aemon leaning on Clydas, Ser Alliser cold-eyed and grim, Lord Commander Mormont resplendent in a black wool doublet with silvered bearclaw fastenings. Behind them came the senior members of the three orders: red-faced Bowen Marsh the Lord Steward, First Builder Othell Yarwyck, and Ser Jaremy Rykker, who commanded the rangers in the absence of Benjen Stark. Mormont stood before the altar, the rainbow shining on his broad bald head. â€Å"You came to us outlaws,† he began, â€Å"poachers, rapers, debtors, killers, and thieves. You came to us children. You came to us alone, in chains, with neither friends nor honor. You came to us rich, and you came to us poor. Some of you bear the names of proud houses. Others have only bastards' names, or no names at all. It makes no matter. All that is past now. On the Wall, we are all one house. â€Å"At evenfall, as the sun sets and we face the gathering night, you shall take your vows. From that moment, you will be a Sworn Brother of the Night's Watch. Your crimes will be washed away, your debts forgiven. So too you must wash away your former loyalties, put aside your grudges, forget old wrongs and old loves alike. Here you begin anew. â€Å"A man of the Night's Watch lives his life for the realm. Not for a king, nor a lord, nor the honor of this house or that house, neither for gold nor glory nor a woman's love, but for the realm, and all the people in it. A man of the Night's Watch takes no wife and fathers no sons. Our wife is duty. Our mistress is honor. And you are the only sons we shall ever know. â€Å"You have learned the words of the vow. Think carefully before you say them, for once you have taken the black, there is no turning back. The penalty for desertion is death.† The Old Bear paused for a moment before he said, â€Å"Are there any among you who wish to leave our company? If so, go now, and no one shall think the less of you.† No one moved. â€Å"Well and good,† said Mormont. â€Å"You may take your vows here at evenfall, before Septon Celladar and the first of your order. Do any of you keep to the old gods?† Jon stood. â€Å"I do, my lord.† â€Å"I expect you will want to say your words before a heart tree, as your uncle did,† Mormont said. â€Å"Yes, my lord,† Jon said. The gods of the sept had nothing to do with him; the blood of the First Men flowed in the veins of the Starks. He heard Grenn whispering behind him. â€Å"There's no godswood here. Is there? I never saw a godswood.† â€Å"You wouldn't see a herd of aurochs until they trampled you into the snow,† Pyp whispered back. â€Å"I would so,† Grenn insisted. â€Å"I'd see them a long way off.† Mormont himself confirmed Grenn's doubts. â€Å"Castle Black has no need of a godswood. Beyond the Wall the haunted forest stands as it stood in the Dawn Age, long before the Andals brought the Seven across the narrow sea. You will find a grove of weirwoods half a league from this spot, and mayhap your gods as well.† â€Å"My lord.† The voice made Jon glance back in surprise. Samwell Tarly was on his feet. The fat boy wiped his sweaty palms against his tunic. â€Å"Might I . . . might I go as well? To say my words at this heart tree?† â€Å"Does House Tarly keep the old gods too?† Mormont asked. â€Å"No, my lord,† Sam replied in a thin, nervous voice. The high officers frightened him, Jon knew, the Old Bear most of all. â€Å"I was named in the light of the Seven at the sept on Horn Hill, as my father was, and his father, and all the Tarlys for a thousand years.† â€Å"Why would you forsake the gods of your father and your House?† wondered Ser Jaremy Rykker. â€Å"The Night's Watch is my House now,† Sam said. â€Å"The Seven have never answered my prayers. Perhaps the old gods will.† â€Å"As you wish, boy,† Mormont said. Sam took his seat again, as did Jon. â€Å"We have placed each of you in an order, as befits our need and your own strengths and skills.† Bowen Marsh stepped forward and handed him a paper. The Lord Commander unrolled it and began to read. â€Å"Haider, to the builders,† he began. Haider gave a stiff nod of approval. â€Å"Grenn, to the rangers. Albett, to the builders. Pypar, to the rangers.† Pyp looked over at Jon and wiggled his ears. â€Å"Samwell, to the stewards.† Sam sagged with relief, mopping at his brow with,a scrap of silk. â€Å"Matthar, to the rangers. Dareon, to the stewards. Todder, to the rangers. Jon, to the stewards.† The stewards? For a moment Jon could not believe what he had heard. Mormont must have read it wrong. He started to rise, to open his mouth, to tell them there had been a mistake . . . and then he saw Ser Alliser studying him, eyes shiny as two flakes of obsidian, and he knew. The Old Bear rolled up the paper. â€Å"Your firsts will instruct you in your duties. May all the gods preserve you, brothers.† The Lord Commander favored them with a half bow, and took his leave. Ser Alliser went with him, a thin smile on his face. Jon had never seen the master-at-arms took quite so happy. â€Å"Rangers with me,† Ser Jaremy Rykker called when they were gone. Pyp was staring at Jon as he got slowly to his feet. His ears were red. Grenn, grinning broadly, did not seem to realize that anything was amiss. Matt and Toad fell in beside them, and they followed Ser Jaremy from the sept. â€Å"Builders,† announced lantern-jawed Othell Yarwyck. Haider and Albett trailed out after him. Jon looked around him in sick disbelief. Maester Aemon's blind eyes were raised toward the light he could not see. The septon was arranging crystals on the altar. Only Sam and Darcon remained on the benches; a fat boy, a singer . . . and him. Lord Steward Bowen Marsh rubbed his plump hands together. â€Å"Samwell, you will assist Maester Aemon in the rookery and library. Chett is going to the kennels, to help with the hounds. You shall have his cell, so as to be close to the maester night and day. I trust you will take good care of him. He is very old and very precious to us. â€Å"Dareon, I am told that you sang at many a high lord's table and shared their meat and mead. We are sending you to Eastwatch. It may be your palate will be some help to Cotter Pyke when merchant galleys come trading. We are paying too dear for salt beef and pickled fish, and the quality of the olive oil we're getting has been frightful, Present yourself to Borcas when you arrive, he will keep you busy between ships.† Marsh turned his smile on Jon. â€Å"Lord Commander Mormont has requested you for his personal steward, Jon. You'll sleep in a cell beneath his chambers, in the Lord Commander's tower.† â€Å"And what will my duties be?† Jon asked sharply. â€Å"Will I serve the Lord Commander's meals, help him fasten his clothes, fetch hot water for his bath?† â€Å"Certainly.† Marsh frowned at Jon's tone. â€Å"And you will run his messages, keep a fire burning in his chambers, change his sheets and blankets daily, and do all else that the Lord Commander might require of you.† â€Å"Do you take me for a servant?† â€Å"No,† Maester Aemon said, from the back of the sept. Clydas helped him stand. â€Å"We took you for a man of the Night's Watch . . . but perhaps we were wrong in that.† It was all Jon could do to stop himself from walking out. Was he supposed to churn butter and sew doublets like a girl for the rest of his days? â€Å"May I go?† he asked stiffly. â€Å"As you wish,† Bowen Marsh responded. Dareon and Sam left with him. They descended to the yard in silence. Outside, Jon looked up at the Wall shining in the sun, the melting ice creeping down its side in a hundred thin fingers. Jon's rage was such that he would have smashed it all in an instant, and the world be damned. â€Å"Jon,† Samwell Tarly said excitedly. â€Å"Wait. Don't you see what they're doing?† Jon turned on him in a fury. â€Å"I see Ser Alliser's bloody hand, that's all I see. He wanted to shame me, and he has.† Dareon gave him a look. â€Å"The stewards are fine for the likes of you and me, Sam, but not for Lord Snow.† â€Å"I'm a better swordsman and a better rider than any of you,† Jon blazed back. â€Å"It's not fair!† â€Å"Fair?† Dareon sneered. â€Å"The girl was waiting for me, naked as the day she was born. She pulled me through the window, and you talk to me of fair?† He walked off. â€Å"There is no shame in being a steward,† Sam said. â€Å"Do you think I want to spend the rest of my life washing an old man's smallclothes?† â€Å"The old man is Lord Commander of the Night's Watch,† Sam reminded him. â€Å"You'll be with him day and night. Yes, you'll pour his wine and see that his bed linen is fresh, but you'll also take his letters, attend him at meetings, squire for him in battle. You'll be as close to him as his shadow. You'll know everything, be a part of everything . . . and the Lord Steward said Mormont asked for you himself! â€Å"When I was little, my father used to insist that I attend him in the audience chamber whenever he held court. When he rode to Highgarden to bend his knee to Lord Tyrell, he made me come. Later, though, he started to take Dickon and leave me at home, and he no longer cared whether I sat through his audiences, so long as Dickon was there. He wanted his heir at his side, don't you see? To watch and listen and learn from all he did. I'll wager that's why Lord Mormont requested you, Jon. What else could it be? He wants to groom you for command!† Jon was taken aback. It was true, Lord Eddard had often made Robb part of his councils back at Winterfell. Could Sam be right? Even a bastard could rise high in the Night's Watch, they said. â€Å"I never asked for this,† he said stubbornly. â€Å"None of us are here for asking,† Sam reminded him. And suddenly Jon Snow was ashamed. Craven or not, Samwell Tarly had found the courage to accept his fate like a man. On the Wall, a man gets only what he earns, Benjen Stark had said the last night Jon had seen him alive. You're no ranger, Jon, only a green boy with the smell of summer still on you. He'd heard it said that bastards grow up faster than other children; on the Wall, you grew up or you died. Jon let out a deep sigh. â€Å"You have the right of it. I was acting the boy.† â€Å"Then you'll stay and say your words with me?† â€Å"The old gods will be expecting us.† He made himself smile. They set out late that afternoon. The Wall had no gates as such, neither here at Castle Black nor anywhere along its three hundred miles. They led their horses down a narrow tunnel cut through the ice, cold dark walls pressing in around them as the passage twisted and turned. Three times their way was blocked by iron bars, and they had to stop while Bowen Marsh drew out his keys and unlocked the massive chains that secured them. Jon could sense the vast weight pressing down on him as he waited behind the Lord Steward. The air was colder than a tomb, and more still. He felt a strange relief when they reemerged into the afternoon light on the north side of the Wall. Sam blinked at the sudden glare and looked around apprehensively. â€Å"The wildlings . . . they wouldn't . . . they'd never dare come this close to the Wall. Would they?† â€Å"They never have.† Jon climbed into his saddle. When Bowen Marsh and their ranger escort had mounted, Jon put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Ghost came loping out of the tunnel. The Lord Steward's garron whickered and backed away from the direwolf. â€Å"Do you mean to take that beast?† â€Å"Yes, my lord,† Jon said. Ghost's head lifted. He seemed to taste the air. In the blink of an eye he was off, racing across the broad, weed-choked field to vanish in the trees. Once they had entered the forest, they were in a different world. Jon had often hunted with his father and Jory and his brother Robb. He knew the wolfswood around Winterfell as well as any man. The haunted forest was much the same, and yet the feel of it was very different. Perhaps it was all in the knowing. They had ridden past the end of the world; somehow that changed everything. Every shadow seemed darker, every sound more ominous. The trees pressed close and shut out the light of the setting sun. A thin crust of snow cracked beneath the hooves of their horses, with a sound like breaking bones. When the wind set the leaves to rustling, it was like a chilly finger tracing a path up Jon's spine. The Wall was at their backs, and only the gods knew what lay ahead. The sun was sinking below the trees when they reached their destination, a small clearing in the deep of the wood where nine weirwoods grew in a rough circle. Jon drew in a breath, and he saw Sam Tarly staring. Even in the wolfswood, you never found more than two or three of the white trees growing together; a grove of nine was unheard of. The forest floor was carpeted with fallen leaves, bloodred on top, black rot beneath. The wide smooth trunks were bone pale, and nine faces stared inward. The dried sap that crusted in the eyes was red and hard as ruby. Bowen Marsh commanded them to leave their horses outside the circle. â€Å"This is a sacred place, we will not defile it.† When they entered the grove, Samwell Tarly turned slowly looking at each face in turn. No two were quite alike. â€Å"They're watching us,† he whispered. â€Å"The old gods.† â€Å"Yes.† Jon knelt, and Sam knelt beside him. They said the words together, as the last light faded in the west and grey day became black night. â€Å"Hear my words, and bear witness to my vow,† they recited, their voices filling the twilit grove. â€Å"Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come.† The woods fell silent. â€Å"You knelt as boys,† Bowen Marsh intoned solemnly. â€Å"Rise now as men of the Night's Watch.† Jon held out a hand to pull Sam back to his feet. The rangers gathered round to offer smiles and congratulations, all but the gnarled old forester Dywen. â€Å"Best we be starting back, m'lord,† he said to Bowen Marsh. â€Å"Dark's falling, and there's something in the smell o' the night that I mislike.† And suddenly Ghost was back, stalking softly between two weirwoods. White fur and red eyes, Jon realized, disquieted. Like the trees . . . The wolf had something in his jaws. Something black. â€Å"What's he got there?† asked Bowen Marsh, frowning. â€Å"To me, Ghost.† Jon knelt. â€Å"Bring it here.† The direwolf trotted to him. Jon heard Samwell Tarly's sharp intake of breath. â€Å"Gods be good,† Dywen muttered. â€Å"That's a hand.†