Friday, August 21, 2020

How to Start a Publishing Company in 5 Steps the 2019 Edition

The most effective method to Start a Publishing Company in 5 Steps the 2019 Edition The most effective method to Start a Publishing Company in 2019 In the event that you’ve ever viewed the unscripted TV drama Shark Tank, you may have wound up wandering off in fantasy land about going into business. Also, if you’re an independent creator who’s learning the independently publishing ropes, you may be thinking about whether you shouldâ start your own distributing business - rather than simply doing everything under your own name.So before we get to the subtleties of how to begin a distributing organization, let’s start by tending to that question first: would it be a good idea for you to begin a distributing organization? The appropriate response may be yes if you:Are distributing at least one arrangement of books (the problem of beginning an organization probably won't be justified, despite all the trouble if you’re hoping to distribute only one title)Are working in a zone with a higher danger of risk, (for example, wellbeing related or specialized books) - or are essentially searching for includ ed insurance of your own assetsAre hoping to work as a â€Å"professional† essayist (instead of a â€Å"hobbyist† writer)Have a solid brand that you might want to extend to incorporate comparable books by other authorsIf these measures don’t concern you, you’re likely happier distributing your books under your own name. Be that as it may, in the event that they ring a bell, at that point this manual for beginning a distributing organization is an extraordinary spot to start.Note: this counsel isn't originating from lawful experts, and any undertakings ought to be taken after thought of nearby laws and talking with experts. What follows chiefly applies to beginning an organization in the United States.Disclaimer withstanding, let’s begin! Would it be a good idea for you to begin your own distributing organization? Figure out how to address that question. The advantages of beginning your own distributing companyTo assist you with bettering comprehend whether this is the ideal time for you to begin your own distributing organization, let’s take a gander at the advantages a little closer.Air of professionalismWhile independently publishing is a significant achievement that ought to be seen proudly, numerous book shops and libraries won't stock their racks with books obviously distributed by writers. Furthermore, perusers are regularly less inclined to buy a clearly independently published title as they’d like to go with books that have been reviewed by distributers - which obviously implies they’re passing up some extraordinary peruses! This is exactly how creator Joseph Alexander developed his own distributing business (and turned into an independently published tycoon meanwhile). While composing and distributing a progression of genuine books about learning guitar, Joseph invested a decent arrangement of energy constructing his web nearness and finding out about marking. His business started to take off and different artists started moving toward him to distribute their own books. As Joseph says, â€Å"We split the benefits 50/50. I developed my distributing organization and they got incredible royalties.† His distributing organization, Fundamental Changes, presently brags a not insignificant rundown top of the line titles. Tips for beginning your own distributing organization #selfpub Tips for beginning a distributing companyBefore you can start up the presses and overwhelm the distributing scene, there are a couple T’s to cross and I’s to speck to give your business the most obvious opportunity for success.Evaluate your objectives to startStarting a distributing organization expects creators to completely turn into a business person in their own privilege and isn't an undertaking to be messed with. In the event that you’re playing with the thought, here are a couple of inquiries to pose yourself:Why would you like to begin a distributing company?What sort of books would you like to publish?Will you distribute your books just, or titles from different writers, too?What pay run would you say you are anticipating that this business should yield?How do you see your business developing in the following year? 5 years? Ten years?These are questions you ought to promptly and enthusiastically have the option to reply before you begin, as they will inf luence your business decisions.Establish your business structureWe know, we know, can’t we simply avoid ahead to the great part, such as picking an organization name? Not right now, there’s some significant foundation to be laid first, such as choosing precisely what sort of organization you are looking to start.Businesses come in numerous shapes and structures. With regards to distributing in many regions, the primary decisions are:Sole ownership: a business worked and claimed by one individual. The least difficult business structure, yet not the most hazard free (keep reading).Corporation: a gathering of individuals or an association approved to deal with the organization as a solitary substance. A progressively mind boggling business form.Partnership: at least two gatherings legally consent to oversee and work a businessLLC: gives the security of advantages that a company gets with adaptability and go through tax reductions of an organization or sole ownership (whic h means a business duties can be paid through someone’s individual assessment return).Most creators will choose to begin their own distributing organizations as a LLC or sole ownership, as these are the most adaptable and straightforward business types of the pack. Nonetheless, our own proposal is that you set up as a LLC. As referenced previously, LLCs offer the most risk security, which means your own benefits are shielded from any obligations brought about by the business.For more data on what structure best suits your objectives, look at the Small Business Administration.Choose an organization nameAfter all that business talk it’s time to have some good times: it’s time to dedicate your distributing organization! Here’s several things to remember when choosing a name:Branding. What market or specialty would you say you are focusing on? In which kind does your organization distribute? These inquiries will assist you with refining your company’s image - and its name ought to be an impression of that. On the off chance that you’re intending to distribute center evaluation fiction fundamentally, pick a name that mirrors that. Investigate other distributing organizations to get a feeling of how their name mirrors their brand.Relatability. We live in a quick paced world and your distributed time span to catch someone’s consideration is practically nothing. So it pays to be key when thinking of a name, and to utilize words that perusers will as of now be acquainted with. On the off chance that there’s a made-up word you truly need to utilize, ask yourself what it will impart - on the off chance that anything - to individuals from the outset glance.Keep it short and to the point. Superkalifragilistikexpialigetisch Press isn’t a shrewd move.Don’t utilize the word â€Å"Inc.† except if you are really wanting to fuse your businessFinally, ensure whatever name you pick hasn’t as of now been taken! Check on the off chance that the name is as of now trademarked and, at that point scan for the accessibility of the URL-form on an area enlistment center site like GoDaddy.Make it officialJust in light of the fact that you’ve had business cards printed, doesn’t mean your business is live yet. There are as yet a couple of more affairs to get in order. Just to name a few...Obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) This is a nine-digit number gave by the IRS that incorporates data about the express the business is enrolled in. Consider it somewhat like your company’s social protection number. Learn more here.Set up a business financial balance After you’ve got an EIN, you can enlist for a business financial balance which will permit you to keep your business and individual accounts discrete. This will guarantee your own benefits are ensured should a claim ever emerge (thump on wood, this is only an insurance!) and it will make it simpler for you come charge season.Also, consider setting up a PayPal represent online transactions.Set up a bookkeeping framework Smother that yawn, since this is a significant, can’t-be-neglected advance! Regardless of whether you’re utilizing a free asset like Google Sheets, a paid instrument like Quickbooks, or re-appropriating bookkeeping work to an expert, nailing your accounting rehearses down from the beginning is basic. It will assist you with following which of your endeavors are paying off and guarantee you have a record of all costs which will be convenient for charge compose offs.Here are a couple of bits of bookkeeping programming that may come in handy:Quickbooks. With over 4.8 million clients around the world, it’s one of the most mainstream bookkeeping applications. While it has countless devices for a wide range of business (blocks and cement, online business, locally situated, and so on.), it cooks particularly to little businesses.Freshbooks. An extraordinary alternative for invoicing needs, it permits clients to effectively include billable time and costs, modify the vib e of the receipt, and set up repeating solicitations, programmed installment updates, and late fees.Zoho Books. This is a decent choice for independent ventures searching for a straightforward arrangement. It offers fundamental bookkeeping highlights, with the choice to incorporate and get to cutting edge instruments as your business grows.Wave Financial. On the off chance that you’re searching for a free choice, this may be your most solid option. It doesn’t have any fancy odds and ends, yet it offers no-charge, cloud-based bookkeeping capacities planned explicitly for little businesses.Register your space name At the point when individuals need to find out about your organization, it’s likely their normal reaction will be to Google it. A site is the most ideal approach to catch those intrigued leads and to inform individuals all the more regarding your business. Once more, we suggest GoDaddy for this.Grow your teamTrust us, your distributing organization will just get by with a little assistance from certain companions. Proficient ones, ideally, with loads of encountering in distributing. Developing your group is particularly need on the off chance that you need to get one of the enormous players in publishing.Launching effective titles accompanies a great deal of specific work, for example, altering, spread structure, inside organizing, website composition, promoting, and so on. Fortunately you can go to online commercial centers, (for example, Reedsy!) to enlist those serv

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Omaha

Omaha Omaha o ´m?hä, â€"hô , city (1990 pop. 335,795), seat of Douglas co., E Nebr., on the west bank of the Missouri River; inc. 1857. The largest city in the state, it is a busy port of entry and a major transportation center. It is also one of the largest livestock markets and meat-processing centers in the world and a market for agricultural products. Besides food processing, the city's industries include the manufacture of farm machinery, fertilizers, electronic components, insecticides, chemicals, and paint. Omaha is also the home of many insurance and telecommunications companies, and a center for medical treatment and research. Founded when the Nebraska Territory was opened to settlement in 1854, it grew as a supply point for westward migration and became a thriving transportation and industrial center after the arrival of the railroad in 1869. It was the territorial capital from 1855 to 1867. A world's fair, the Trans-Mississippi and International Exhibition, was held there i n 1898. The city has noted park and school systems and is the seat of Creighton Univ., the Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha, and the College of St. Mary. Of interest are the Joslyn Art Museum, an aerospace museum, a Mormon cemetery, and Fontenelle Forest. Fort Omaha (built 1868) serves as headquarters of the naval reserve training command. Offutt Air Force Base , south of the city, was the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1946 to 1992, when SAC was abolished; the interservice Strategic Command is now based there. Boys Town is to the west of the city. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. Political Geography

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Mother s Relationship With Her Mother Essay - 962 Words

Attachment Ashley was not a happy baby, she didn’t want to stay with the baby sitter when her mother was at work. She cried when her mother left her with the baby sitter. The sitter had tried a lot to comfort her and made her happy, but nothing worked for her. Meanwhile she wouldn t get happy when her mother came back home, she still was nagging and getting angry and frustrated. Her mother wasn t always available for her, Sometimes she was very responsive to her; hugging her and comforting her. Sometimes she just ignored her and didn’t pay attention to her at all. Even now that she is six years old, Ashley really doesn t know how to behave to make her mother wanting her. She is very confused and very anxious about her relationship with her mother. Billy noticed; she always studies hard to make her mother happy. Ashley tries her best to get her mother approval all the time and she doesn t have any close friend. Ashley’s personality and behaviors during past and now put her in Ambivalent/Anxious category. Ambivalent/anxious child is unable to use the caregiver as a secure base, seeking proximity before separation occurs. Distressed on separation with ambivalence and anger. Preoccupied with caregiver s availability, seeking contact but resisting angrily when it is achieved. Not easily calmed by strangers. In this relationship, the child always feels anxious because the caregiver s availability is never consistent. In the other hand, caregiver of AmbivalentShow MoreRelatedAmy Tan s Relationship With Her Mother928 Words   |  4 Pageschildren to her parents. Amy was born to her mother’s second husband. Later on, her family escaped China on the last boat before the Communist takeover of China in 1949. Her mother left behind three other kids from a previous marriage. Amy finished high school in Switzerland, and fought with her mom the whole time. She went to college at a Bapti st college. She then defied her mother by leaving that college and following her boyfriend to San Jose State University. She further defied her mother by abandoningRead MoreAlice Walker s Everyday Use1194 Words   |  5 Pagesmeasured. This relationship is like no other. The love of a parent for a child is ongoing surpassing affliction. Our parents can teach us a galore of things. They have the power to show us how we are to be, who we should be, what not to be. Parents could also point out to one traits that one objectifies, soon realizing, that those traits are not of one s own if not of ones parents which one is reflecting. In the short story Everyday Use the author Alice Walker depicts a mothers conflicting relationshipRead MoreWhere Is It Written By Adam Schwartz Essay1400 Words   |  6 Pagesthat lives with his mother Sandra. First Sam visits his father for two weeks in late August. Then he wrote his mother Sandra a letter regarding his decision on staying with his father. Finally, his mother Sandra received his letter and called his father house to speak to Sam about him wanting to live with his father and to reject him to live with his father. Coming of age is an important theme in which they take up for their actions. Sam came of age because he realize his mother Sandra isn t who heRead MoreThe Dress952 Words   |  4 Pagestroubles of single mothers with careers. It tells about the relationship between the two sisters, Rachel and Flora. It is a tense relationship, which finally breaks on their mother s fortieth birthday when Flora has stolen and ruined Rachel s dress. Rachel, unable to handle her sister anymore, goes to live with their father instead. Some time after the mother kicks Flora out of the house. The mother in the story is a forty-year-old bereavement counsellor. She lives alone with her two daughters. WeRead MoreSons And Lovers : Mrs.Morels Inflence1237 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿D.H. Lawrence s novel Sons and Lovers explores the significant family and companionate relationships of early adulthood. Unfortunately, and possibly unbeknownst to Lawrence himself, the relationships in the novel are often abusive, triangulated, and otherwise inappropriate. Many of these distorted connections may stem from the unconscious and cyclical perceptions of love by the characters. In D.H. Lawrence s novel, Sons and Lovers, each character s view of love is shaped by observing his parentsRead MoreNight Mother By Marsha Norman1081 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Night mother† was Marsha Norman’s fifth play written in 1981. The work received generally favorable reviews when it was first produced in 1983. This play was intended to be written about suicide but rather focuses on the re lationship between the mother and daughter. The drama play â€Å"Night mother† involves a woman who decides to commit suicide in the midst of her depression, loneliness and helpless world. The dialogue between the mother and daughter shows how strained their relationship is and whatRead MoreMrs Morel, and How She Ruined Lives in Sons and Lovers.1120 Words   |  5 Pages Morel Ruined Lives. Gertrude Morel, a mother whose possessive love for her sons hinders their ability to establish fulfilling relationships with other women, and her detest of her husband closes him out of their lives. Gertrude can not bear to see her children live the life that her husband Walter does so she makes sure that they detest him, especially William and Paul. Mrs Morel did ruin three lives in this novel, Walter s, William s, and Paul s. Walter was a simple miner with simple needsRead MoreThe Problem Of Domestic Violence786 Words   |  4 Pagescrying. She tells the operator that her mother and father are fighting and later noted that â€Å"this has been going on forever and ever.† Both the girl and the mother could be heard screaming â€Å"stop it.† During the recording the the girl also screams out â€Å"stop it, you are going to hurt the baby† which indicates that there is a baby who is also at risk. The girl stated that her mother has red marks on her neck. Most disturbingly, the girl screams out at the top of her lungs â€Å"oh my God, mommy† just priorRead MoreDiagnosis : Major Depressive Disorder ( F32.0 )1218 Words   |  5 Pagesareas. There is no know substance or medical condition and occurrence is not better explained by Schizophrenia Spectrum or Psychotic Disorders. Jennifer has never had a manic episode or a hypomanic episode. Possible family history of depression - mothe r. Differential Diagnosis: Adjustment Disorder 309.0 (F34.21) with Depressed Mood Jennifer meets the diagnostic criteria of development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressor within 3 months, has marked distress that is out ofRead MoreAmy Tan s The Joy Luck Club Essay1567 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween four immigrant Chinese mothers and their four Chinese-American born daughters. The mother’s represent their heritage, tradition, culture, and native tongue. Their daughters; however embody America and its culture, along with language. Each mother and daughter share the emotional feeling of cultural separation between themselves and their relationship with each other. With their cross-cultural relationship, the daughters are at a stance with their mother, her upbringing, and wisdom. Through

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Syrian Conflict The Reasons for Instabiluty and...

Introduction Syria like many countries before them, such as Libya and Egypt has become the epicenter for change in the region, allowing for other countries to follow in their footsteps. The question that is asked, what are the factors behind the instability in Syria and how does the religious conflict within their region have causal relations to the growing instability and the blending of borders due to refugees and displacement of their citizens? Looking exclusively at Syria serious key factors can be represented sociologically with regards to stratification, religion and power that is held by the elite class, which also makes up the religious minority. While roughly 90% of country is Muslim, 74% are Sunni, that makes up a majority of†¦show more content†¦A major concern for collecting impartial and non-biased data needed specific requirements to be met. Once Articles were found that pertain the research topic and question, three articles would need to be chosen. The first article would then be screened to ensure there is little to no bias, and holds a neutral position. The primary source material would be made entirely of numbers and statistics regarding, Syria’s population, diversity makeup, and number of citizens either displaced or refugees to ensure qualitative and quantitative date. Thus the CIA Fact Book website proved to be reliable and nonbiased in terms of strictly data figures. For the other two primary first account reports and articles, was important that they have a stated opinion on the situation involving the Syrian crisis, while maintaining objectivity, by using facts provided over the current situation. These articles and primary resource material allows for concise objective reasoning, on the evolving crisis that is currently developing within Syria and its neighboring countries. With the information provided from resource websites, firsthand accounts, and news organization reporting on new developments assisted with the rese arch and obtaining accurate data, in order for a valid research design and execution. Background Religion is said to be the primary cause of violence that has erupted in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Libya, Egypt, Yemen and Jordan.

Marketing Mix and Sustainability of IKEA Free Sample for Students

Question: Discuss IKEA's Marketing Mix Strategy in China and Evaluate the Company's Responses to an Increasingly Environmentally Concerned Market. Answer: Introduction The report would discuss the marketing mix element of IKEA in the market of China. A review of the company would be presented in order to gain an insight of marketing strategy and internal operations of the company. Mission and vision would also be discussed in the company profile. Further, marketing mix element would be discussed with respect to China in order to contrast the difference between the marketing strategy of IKEA in Europe and China. The effective measures taken by the company would be discussed that have led to sustainable operations of the company. The report also proposes some of the recommendations that could be incorporated within the company to maintain sustainability. IKEA: Company Profile IKEA is Sweden based company which was founded in the year 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad. The company is the worlds largest furniture retail chain with its outlets spread across the globe. Apart from furniture, IKEA also offers kitchen and dining appliances, textiles and other house hold products such has bathroom accessories. The company has over 392 stores in 48 countries. The vision of IKEA is to create a better everyday life for the many people (IKEA, 2014). In order to fulfill its vision, the company offers a wide range of products with great and attractive designs at very low prices. The company has been able to attain low cost of the products by developing an optimized value chain and strategic supplier relationship. The company has been able to achieve its vision through its optimized operations and offering the products at very low prices to create affordable products. The company is drive by the business idea making better lives everyday and has been consistently thriving to optim ize its operations in order to increase its consumer base. Generally, low priced products are perceived as low quality products but IKEA has negated this fact through its high quality standards across all its store outlets. IKEA not only offers products at low prices but also makes sure that its operational activities does not harm people or environment and has incorporated sustainable measures to ensure that. The companys furniture, interior design work and appliances ensure an eco-friendly production. In order to survive in the changing business environment context, IKEA consistently thrives to reduce its product cost and develop new products using innovation and technology. From the beginning, the company has been trying to identify the needs of potential market segment. The company offers wide range of products to the customers ranging from household furniture and fittings to sophisticated interior designs for offices and homes. The products offered by IKEA include furniture, household furnishing, kitchen fittings, bathroom fittings, closets, book cabinet, kids beds and other fittings. The key differentiating dimension of the company is its fresh designs (IKEA, 2016). Further, the store layout of IKEA has been designed in a manner so as to mesmerize the customers. IKEA entered the market of China in the year 1998 through a franchisee based model. The first store was opened in Shanghai which was redesigned in the year 2003. As of today, IKEA has 7 outlets across the region of Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Shenzhen. The company had to change its strategy to enter the market and offered a different value proposition to the people of China. The products were slightly modified in order to meet the needs and requirements of people. The company sources its raw material locally in China and offers products at affordable prices instead of low prices. Marketing Mix of IKEA Marketing mix is defined as the marketing strategy of a company to promote its products in the market. Marketing mix is made up of 4Ps including product, price, promotion and place. However, there are another 3 Ps which are also included some times: people, process and physical evidence. Thus, there are 7Ps of marketing mix that have been discussed below in great length: Product Product is the item being sold by the company and is identifies by certain characteristics in the market. The product is designed and developed in a way that it fulfills the need and requirement of people or else it may not be purchase by the customers (Percy, 2008). Further, the product may be a real time product with some set of characteristics or a service that serves the need of the people. These days even a product is looked as a service because the consumer analyzed the post sales services of the product such as warrantee period, customer support, product exchange policies and customer service stores (Percy, 2008). Thus, a product is accompanies by several services in order to satisfy the needs of the consumer and ensure repeated purchase. When IKEA entered the market of China, it could satisfy with its product range because of it could not recognize the needs of the consumers and thus, has to change its value proposition in order to survive in the market. The stylish furniture equipments did not attract the target audience of China which was modified according to the demand of the market. IKEA offers high quality westernized furniture for the customers of China and targets the middle class segment of the country. Thus, the company offers a complete range of furniture, household furnishing, kitchen fittings, bathroom fittings, closets, book cabinet, kids beds and other fittings. The company understood that China has smaller apartments as compared to Europe and USA, therefore, developed functional and modular products to meet the local needs of the country (USCBC, 2006). Another value proposition of IKEA is its latest design assorted products. Thus, IKEA offers wide range of products to satisfy the needs and aspirations of the consumers. The product line of IKEA includes desks, mirrors, cooking, eating, childrens IKEA, bathroom storage, beds and mattresses, chairs, clothes storage, lighting, small storage, decoration, kitchen cabinets appliances, IKEA family products, tools and hardware, tables, textiles rugs, sofas and armchairs, Swedish food and small storage. Each and every product line has further product extensions with great variety of products. Price Price is the amount of money that a consumer has to pay for the product in order to buy and use it. The price of the product depends on its manufacturing cost, target audience, supply demand, customers paying capacity and other factors (Percy, 2008). There are different pricing strategies including premium pricing strategy, economical pricing, penetration pricing, economy pricing, psychological pricing (Schindler Schindler, 2011). The pricing strategy is determined by the paying capacity of the target audience. IKEA deploys economy pricing strategy in order to attract large number of customers. Though its low pricing strategy did not work initially in the market of China because low prices for Europe and USA were even higher than the average prices for local people of the country (Qiu, 2011). The local stores in China offered furniture at very low cost because of the fact that they had access to cheaper raw material and labor cost and there was no design cost involved (Wei Zou, 2007). Thus, IKEA set up its own factories in China to have access to raw material and labor cost and reduce its overall product cost. This way IKEA was able to attain 65% of its sales volume from local sourcing and also resolved the problem of import taxes. In the year 2000, the company was able to reduce its cost by 60% and is consistently thriving to reduce it further through bulk production and trimming supply chain costs. The company could not deploy low priced strategy in the country because in China western p roducts are perceived as high quality products in China (Wei Zou, 2007). Thus, the company targeted young middle class population of China and offered affordable products for the target market. IKEA has adopted a process which involves maintaining the product prices in order to maintain the brand identity in the market of China. Promotion Promotion refers to creating awareness about the product among the target audience that could be through advertising, public relations, press reports, word of mouth, events and campaigns and other marketing activities (Kubicki, 2015). IKEA uses different methods of promotions to reach its target audience. Sales promotions and trade promotions are the major activities which drive huge sales. IKEA offers discounts coupons, festival promotions and other lucrative offers to attract customers. However, IKEA has to drop its one of the major marketing activity to establish its roots in the market of China. IKEA extensively used its product catalogue to market itself that went against the company when the local manufacturers started to imitate the companys products (CCTV, 2013). Thus, the multinational company then deployed social media marketing and micro-blogging website Weibo in order to reach the market segment of urban youth (Tian, 2007). Place The final selling of the product occurs at the place due to which place is one of the crucial elements of business. The businesses must place themselves where the customers can reach easily because if the customers cannot see the retail outlet or store of the company the company would not be able to generate any revenue and may lead to profit losses (Kubicki, 2015). Thus, a right place strategy leads to an increase in the figure of sales revenue. The companies having retail outlets pay a huge sum of money to place themselves right in the eye of customers. IKEA is furniture appliances retail chain that operates on a franchisee based model. While distributing its franchisee in other countries, the company assesses four key dimensions including experience, knowledge and presence in local market, corporate and cultural values and the financial strength of the company (Prange, 2016). IKEA has also tweaked its place strategy in China by understanding the consumer buying behavior. In Europe and USA, the stores were located in the suburbs because the people use their personal vehicles to visit the stores, whereas in China people mostly use public transports to visit the stores and therefore, the company has to open its stores on city outskirts that are very well connected to rail and metro networks (Wang, 2011). Sustainability at IKEA IKEA has taken various steps to towards sustainability through its innovative processes. IKEA strives to create products that ensure sustainability. Since the products developed by the company exploits natural resources including water, cotton and wood that could deplete their presence in the environment, therefore, the company has taken effective measures to reduce its impact on the natural environment including climate, forestry, cotton and water. Climate The first step taken by company is the reduction in emission within its value chain processes. The steps such as raw material extraction, transportation, manufacturing, sourcing energy, product usage and the end of products life cycle liberate high amount of carbon dioxide in the air and IKEA has taken effective measures to reduce the emission (PWC, 2012). Further, IKEA plans to set up solar panel systems so that it does not have to use grid electricity. Solar panels are environment friendly and would also reduce the cost of electricity (The Huffington Post, 2012). IKEA has also been making efforts to use more efficient goods transport system so as to not to harm the environment. The company chooses rail transportation system wherever possible to optimize the overall transportation process of goods. IKEA has also adopted smart packaging for its product to minimize the impact on environment. The major carbon dioxide emission is liberated from suppliers, material extraction, product usage and disposal and customer transportation. IKEA has taken steps to identify its the barriers in its value chain that are stopping it to become low carbon supply chain (Roos, 2010). IKEA is also developing those products that offer sustainability at home and also increasing awareness among the consumers to minimize the climate impact (Sears, 2016). Once the product has been used by the customer, IKEA helps them to recycle it in order to reduce carbon dioxide emission in the environment and preserve the natural resources (IKEA, 2011). Forestry IKEA ensures that the suppliers strictly adhere to the companys code of conduct IWAY along with the forest rules and regulations. The forest management department should not go against the conservation values. The forest managers have certified management plan for the sensitive areas so as to abide by the laws of conservation (IKEA, 2011). IKEA requires wood for the production of its products that is one of the most valuable products. The company is thriving to utilize the wood in the best possible way. Wood is also procured from the troubled regions that do not have to effective sustainable practices (Kaye, 2013). The suppliers consistently thrive to obtain wood from these regions and the company also makes sure that it does not encounter controversial wood in the supply chain process. The company is also making efforts to increase ethical practices by responsibly sourcing wood from the forest by cooperating with forest managers and NGOs (Ethical Consumer, 2017). The company is making efforts to achieve its goal that the raw material used in production process should either be recycled or come from forests. IKEA has a forestry specialists department that ensures responsible sourcing from the forests. They conduct value chain audits and inspections to assess the quality of products. The team also supports suppliers to enhance their sustainable operations. IKEA regularly takes reports from its suppliers which have to be delivered within 48 hours upon request (Rangan et al, 2014). This way company ensures that the suppliers abide by the companys code of conduct of ethical sourcing of wood. IKEA has also introduced a legislation that strictly prohibits the use of illegally logged wood. Illegal logging of wood has been observed mostly in the region of China and to address this issue, the company conducts seminars and training sessions by coordinating with the authorities in order to strengthen the commitment of reducing illegal logging. IKEA has partnered with Rainforest Alliance Trees Programme, Chinese Academy of Forestry and WWF China along with FSC to enhance the standards of forest management (IKEA, 2011). Supply Chain IKEA has built a very complex network of different suppliers and each supplier has to abide by the companys code of conduct. The supply chain auditors inspect the different stages of supply chain on regular basis and have enhanced the efficiency of the operations by 10%. The business strategy has not only helped the company to attain its goals and objectives but has also supported to build a sustainable framework by creating a clean and eco-friendly company. The company has also procured most of its raw materials including cotton and wood that bear the trademark of sustainability of recycled. IKEA has its focus on enhancing its operations by the year 2017 where 50% of its wood comes from recycled wood or FSC certified. IKEA has also developed its strategic relations with World Wildlife Fund to receive sustainability certification for an area of 30 million hectares in forest. The company has also requested to increase the area by 15 million by the year 2017. IKEA increased the use of sustainable cotton from 34% to 72% from 2012 to 2013 and has switched to source its complete cotton sourcing from sustainable suppliers (University of San Francisco, 2017). The sustainable cotton production process has integrated Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) that contributed for the production of 2% of the worlds cotton in the year 2012 (University of San Francisco, 2017). The production level of BCI has increased from 34,300 metric tons to 623,000 from the year 2010 to 2013 (University of San Francisco, 2017). IKEA has received credits from Sustainability Review for strictly following BCI standards. The future plan of IKEA forecasts that by 2020, the company would meet all its sustainability goals and would become an example for other companies. Proposed Solutions In spite of adopting sustainable framework, IKEA has faced severe criticism and has been condemned for unethical sourcing of wood. The company has been found to source wood by destroying ancient forests that are of high conservation value. Wood is one of the vital raw materials and 60% of the wood stock could be of any form (Kelly, 2012). Following are few of the proposed solution that could be incorporated within the company to ensure eco-friendly process at IKEA: Ethical Sourcing IKEA need to ensure ethical sourcing practices by keeping an eye on the sourcing of its wood logs. In China, Republic of Chinese owns the forest lands. Further, the according to the Chinese Forestry Law, forests are categorized into public benefit or commercial use forests (China.org, 2017). Public benefit forests are protected by the government laws and commercial use forests can be used by the industries (CCChina, 2006). Thus, IKEA could work with the Chinese Republic together in order to ensure that wood is only procured from the commercial forests and not public benefit forests. Selection of Suppliers IKEA should review the background of the supplier before entering an agreement with them. It must ensure that the supplier do not source its wood from unethical sources. The company must review all the documents of the suppliers to ensure that they strictly adhere to forestry law of 1998 and environment protection law of 1998. IKEA must thoroughly check that the company strictly follows the laws and regulations to implement Forest Law (2000). The suppliers must also have certificates issued from the Forest Authority. Strict Audits for Supply Chain IKEA must conduct regular audits (within six months) to ensure ethical sourcing of wood. An internal team from IKEA must be appointed to conduct frequent audits. Further, IKEA must also ask to submit the documented report within the duration of 48 hours. Conclusion The report has successfully discussed the marketing mix elements of IKEA. IKEA has tweaked its marketing strategy to enter the market of China and has targeted the market segment of youth middle population of China. IKEA has modified the size of its products to suit the needs of the market. IKEA also faced challenge of being perceived as an aspirational brand in the market due to which it repositioned itself in the market. Store strategy was also readjusted to open the stores in the outskirts of the cities since people use public transportation for travel. Further, IKEA also used social media marketing to promote its product in the market. IKEA has taken various steps to incorporate sustainability in its processes. The company has also allied with Rainforest Alliance Trees Programme, Chinese Academy of Forestry and WWF China along with FSC to improve its standards. References CCChina. (2006). Forest Law of the People's Republic of China. CCChina. Retrieved from: https://en.ccchina.gov.cn/Detail.aspx?newsId=38566TId=99 CCTV. (2013). IKEA's China manufacturers face tough times. China.org. Retrieved from: https://www.china.org.cn/video/2013-02/20/content_28010909.htm China.org. (2017). Forestry Law of the People's Republic of China. China.org. Retrieved from: https://www.china.org.cn/english/environment/207457.htm Ethical Consumer. (2017). IKEA Furniture. Ethical Consumer. Retrieved from: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/scoredetails.aspx?ProductId=552849 IKEA. (2011). IKEA Group Approach to Sustainability. IKEA. Retrieved from: https://www.ikea.com/ms/en_KW/pdf/sustainability_report/group_approach_sustainability_fy11.pdf IKEA. (2014). Welcome inside our company. IKEA. Retrieved from: https://www.ikea.com/ms/en_JP/about-the-ikea-group/company-information/ IKEA. (2016). Its easy with IKEA BUSINESS. IKEA. Retrieved from: https://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/categories/business/ Kaye, L. (2013). Sustainable supply chain creates a competitive advantage worldwide. The Guardian. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainable-supply-chain-competitive-advantage Kelly, A. (2012). Ikea to go 'forest positive' but serious challenges lie ahead. The Guardian. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/ikea-sustainability-forest-positive-karelia Kubicki, M. (2015). The Marketing Mix:Master the 4 Ps of marketing. US: 50 Minutes. Lamb, C.W., Hair, J.F., and McDaniel, C. (2008). Essential of Marketing. Cengage Learning. Percy, L. (2008). Strategic Integrated Marketing Communication:Theory and Practice. US: Routledge. Prange, C. (2016).Market Entry in China: Case Studies on Strategy, Marketing, and Branding. New York: Springer. PWC. (2012). Driving CO2 out of the Supply Chain and off Retailers shelves. PWC. Retrieved from: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/retail-consumer/assets/pwc-driving-carbon-from-the-supply-chain.pdf Qiu, Y. (2011). Understanding Chinese Consumers. China business review. Retrieved from: https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/understanding-chinese-consumers/ Rangan, V. K., Toffel, M. W., Dessain, V., Lenhardt, J. (2014). Sustainability at IKEA Group. Roos, G. (2010). IKEA Reduces CO2 Emissions by 5%. Environment Leader. Retrieved from: https://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/05/ikea-reduces-co2-emissions-by-5/ Schindler, R.M., Schindler, R. (2011). Pricing Strategies:A Marketing Approach. California: SAGE. Sears, J. (2016). Ikea Releases New Sustainability-Focused Products. Triple Pundit. Retrieved from: https://www.triplepundit.com/2016/05/ikea-sustainable-products-hydroponics-bicycle/ The Huffington Post. (2012). IKEAs Environmental Sustainability Strategy Includes Plan For Energy Independence By 2020. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/25/ikeas-environmental-susta_n_2018703.html Tian, X. (2007). Managing International Business in China. UK: Cambridge University Press. University of San Francisco. (2017). IKEAs Quest for Sustainable Energy. University of San Francisco. Retrieved from: https://www.usanfranonline.com/resources/supply-chain-management/ikea%E2%80%99s-quest-for-sustainable-energy/#.WNoHZlWGPIU USCBC. (2006). IKEA with Chinese Characteristics. China Business Review. Retrieved from: https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/ikea-with-chinese-characteristics/ Wang, S. (2011). Determinants of MNCs entry mode strategies in China. Sweden: Uppsala University. Wei, L.Q. Zou, X. (2007). IKEA in China: Facing dilemmas in an emerging economy.Asian Case Research Journal,11(01), pp.1-21.

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Mercedes Zuniga Essays (1060 words) - Philosophy, Metaphysics

Mercedes Zuniga Professor Norton English 1C 6/1/2017 Analysis of Plato's Allegory of the Cave In Plato ' s , The Allegory of the Cave, it allows an individual to realize what they already know. The situation in the cave seems dark and gloomy, like a place no one would ever want to go. However, the reality is that some people are at a point in their lives where that is where they are, in their own "c ave ". The people that are in Plato's cave, the prisoners, have always been there. They all have their legs and necks chained and cannot move. They cannot turn their necks or bodies to look around them. The cave is very dark and there is a fire in the distance. There is a wall in front of them and men are frequently carrying tools and vessels and various shaped objects with them. This creates different shaped shadows for the prisoners to view. All that they have seen or ever known is what is in front of them, a two dimensional world. A two dimensional world would represent people that only saw what was in front of them. Plato said to Glaucon, " To them, I said, the truth would be literally nothin g but the shadows of the images." One could only imagine, never seeing or having any previous knowledge of people or objects, only shadows on a wall. Like some people today, all the prisoners know is what is in front of them, a warped perception of reality. If a person only accepts what is in front of the m, they too are living in a two dimensional world. The shadows, to the prisoners are reality because it is all tha t they have ever known. They don' t know that they are distorted and are a reflec tion of something that is real. One example that Plato might use if he were alive today would be a movie theatre. The movie projector would be the fire. The film showing would be the shadows reflected on the wall. The viewers are the prisoners. The shadows on the wall can be compared to most movies that are viewed today because they are not reality but a warped representation of it. If the viewer or prisoner chooses to accept what is in front of them as reality, then they are in a sense choosing to live in a two dimensional world. A prisoner would have to believe that there is more to life than what has been put in front of them in order to change the situation and advance into a three-dimensional world. In a three dimensional world people are able to interact with one another and use their senses. One would accept and be able to understand a new reality. For example, if the prisoners were released, they would be curious to turn around and look behind them or walk towards the light, it is human nature. It would also be hard to do. The light would burn their eyes and the outside world would be a major change and might be hard to accept. Naturally, the prisoners would be scared and hesitant, but in order to move into the next world, one must be strong and escape from the cave in order to find a true reality. Once they seek the knowledge and good things in life that make a person happy, they will be living in a three di mensional world. Plato thought, " my opinion is that in the world of knowledge the idea of good appears last of all, and is seen only with an effort; and, when seen, is also inferred to be the universal author of all things beautiful and right." For one to live in a three dimensional world, they would not sit back and choose to accept what is in front of them as realit y. A person that lives in a two dimensional world is not truly happy. They have not sought out knowledge or searched for true happiness. For the prisoners trapped in the cave to not ever dream or imagine other realities is showing that they accept where they are in life.