...PROBLEM STATEMENT Superior Supermarkets (SS) must decide whether or not to pursue an everyday low pricing (ELP) strategy at its three Centralia MO locations. Strategic Issues & Marketing Mix Pricing: Current prices are reflective of a high-end branding strategy. SS everyday (non-promotional) prices are approximately 10% higher than Harrison (Hr) and about 7 percent higher than Grand American (GA) and Missouri Mart (MM). Subsequently, higher prices have become a competitive concern due to their declining market share in Centralia. The negative growth rate, based on 1995 to 2002 figures from Figure 2, is -0.53%. Product line: SS are supermarket stores. The stores’ products may be divided into 5 categories: 1) grocery (including diary); 2) fresh meat/poultry/seafood; 3) produce; 4) seasonal and general merchandise; and 5) bakery and deli. Promotion: The 2002 advertising budget was 0.89% of sales revenue, or $127,500. Competitors spent an estimated 1.0% of their sales revenue. If ELP is adopted, SS would increase the advertising budget (discussed later). Location: SS’s three locations (North Fairview, West Main and South Prospect) provide a competitive advantage. As cited by the VP of Operations: “we offer greater convenience of shopping with our three stores and that is worth something (implying higher prices)”. Further evidence is indicated in Exhibit 6 customer survey ranking “most convenient”: SS -35%, MM -25%, Hr -21%, and GA -18%. Goals & Objectives 1. Increase...
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...Hi-Value Supermarkets Major Issue/Problem: Should Hall Consolidated transition to the everyday low pricing strategy in the 3 Hi-Value Supermarkets in the Centralia, Missouri area? Alternative Courses of Action: Alternative One: Implement Everyday Low Pricing with a 5% reduction across ALL product lines Advantages * Prices become more competitive to a price conscientious market * Doesn’t exclude a product line * Not low enough to start a price war * Price is closer to Grand American and Missouri Mart (7% lower currently) * Reduce cost from lower inventory and handling costs * Reduce costs from labor expense from remarking prices Disadvantages * Could damage current image (although it is weak) of offering high-quality merchandise * Requires 20.08% increase in sales volume to break even * Lowers gross profit margin to 26.2% * Additional costs for advertising to promote new pricing concept Quantitative Implications: 5% Price Decrease on ALL Categories | Category | Gross Profit Margin | VC | Price | 5% Decrease | Percentage of Sales | Weight GPM (5%) | Grocery (w/ dairy) | 30% | 70% | $1.00 | 27.42% | 50% | 13.71% | Meat/Poultry/Seafood | 18% | 82% | $1.00 | 14.78% | 20% | 2.96% | Produce | 30% | 70% | $1.00 | 27.42% | 18% | 4.93% | Seasonal & General Merchandise | 33% | 67% | $1.00 | 30.57% | 7% | 2.14% | Deli | 50% | 50% | $1.00 | 48.47% | 5% | 2.42% | | | | | | 100% | 26.2% | Alternative Two:...
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...LAWS7012 | Case Studies Topic 5 Case Study 1 Are the following self-education expenses deductible under section 8-1? Provide reasons for your answer. a. Barry, a trainee accountant, is studying commerce part-time at university. Barry enrolled after he started his employment with his firm. b. Brianna, a company director, was having difficulty coping with work due to stress brought about by difficulties with her family situation. She decided to attend a four-week course in stress management to help her deal with the situation. Brianna attended the course after hours and paid for it herself. c. Kieran, a computer salesman, takes six months leave without pay to undertake a business administration course at a private provider not registered as a higher education institution. He has an agreement with his employer that, upon successful completion of the course, he will be promoted to an assistant manager position with his current employer. d. After finishing her final year of school, Sarah enrols in a full-time fashion photography course at a TAFE college. She is supported by her parents during her studies and does not receive any government assistance. She works as a casual sales assistant on weekends. e. Stuart wants to be the manager of a hotel. He enrols in a hotel management course at a TAFE college, one semester of which involves an industry placement to gain work experience. Stuart is placed with a major hotel where he gains experience in all facets...
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...This essay highlights the ethical issues of the case study titled World Class Bull, analyses them from the four perspectives namely Utilitarian, Deontology, Liberal and virtue ethics. It is then followed by a reasonable decision based on the analysis and concludes by examining what was done and how the process could have been improved by reflecting on it. The major ethical quandary in this particular case is the manipulative scheme of Chris, member of the SFS sales team in landing a contract with a resilient client namely Dale, CFO of Armadillo. The latters actions are seen as conspiratorial as at some point he lied to the customer about the extent he knew on him and his company as well as on his intentions. Sam, the Human Resources Vice President (VP) regarded his actions as a breach in the code of ethics particularly under deceptive business practices. The second issue concerns the unintentional and hasty act of Jeremy, the Sales VP which was sending a mail to the entire sales team flattering the scheming plan of Chris and ridiculing Dale and his wife. As seen above, there are two sides of this issue both being unethical however impacting on different stakeholders. Firstly, it breaches the code of ethics as Jeremy is seen as instigating the entire sales team in deceptive business practices. Secondly it breaches the American universal code of conduct whereby employees should respect all customers (Universal American Code of Conduct 2014). Utilitarianism means acting to maximize...
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...necessary part for all simple contracts. Consideration is something of value given or promised in exchange for the promise given by the other party to the contract. According to Lord Pollock’s, the definition of consideration is “An act or forbearance of one party, or the promise thereof, is the price for which the promise of the other is bought, and the promise thus given for value is enforceable”. Also in the case of Currie v Misa (1875), it was stated that “consideration may consists either in some right, interest, profit or benefit occurring to the one party, or some forbearance, detriment, loss of responsibility, given or suffered or undertaken by the other.” Consideration consists of a few elements which were developed through many cases. First, consideration must exist if a simple contract is to be enforceable. But formal deeds are the exception because of the formality of the document itself. Second, consideration can be present (executed) or future (executor), but past consideration is not acceptable. If any services were made before the promise, it will not be consider as a consideration. Third, consideration must come from the promise, but need not move to the promisor. It can be move to a third party who is nominated by the promisor. Fourth, consideration needs not to be adequate or commercially realistic. Therefore, if the consideration of a contract is only nominal and doesn’t have the true value of the subject matter, it will still be enforced by the law. Fifth, consideration...
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...Representation of Victorian Values in Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a well-renown novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1808. Stevenson was always fascinated with the idea of a split personality, so he includes this concept into the heart of his story. But despite the novel focusing on the de facto detective case of Mr. Hyde’s whereabouts and his connection with his polar opposite, Mr. Jekyll, the context presented in the plot and characters of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde criticizes the morality and respectability of Victorian values in the late nineteenth century. The book approaches this through its recurring themes of the upholding of one’s reputation, regression of thoughts and ideas beyond logic, and conflicting nature of duality. In the novel, both the main and supporting characters prioritize more in defending the reputation of themselves and their peers than taking the right course of action. This act confines with the principles of Victorian respectability in which preserving order, etiquette, and appearance was vital. An appropriate example of this sort of mentality is with Dr. Jekyll, one of the prominent characters of the book. The doctor holds a prestigious reputation and is well-respected by his friends and colleagues. When Jekyll throws a dinner party at random, background characters who live in the dark, fictitious setting of London attend in large numbers. However, when his reputation is put on the...
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...Café Latte Case Analysis Jun. Lee BUSA 305 Professor Pratt Spring 2007 March 19, 2007 Café Latte Many business stores rise and fall in the business world. “Café Latte” by Kim Hui, is one business case study that talks about starting up a new espresso bar in Pocatello, Idaho. Cynthia is the main character of this case, and she is trying to start up a new business with her two siblings – Stuart, Rob and a friend Jeff. Everything went smoothly at the beginning. They found a good place to start up their business and each of them worked hard to build their new business. Especially, Cynthia put more effort into this business. She met many people to build the espresso bar, started from low materials and developed design and interiors. She worked hard for herself and her partners until she faced a problem with her brother Stuart, one week before the grand opening date. Problem Cynthia and Stuart have different personalities; Cynthia has positive way of thinking since her car accident. In contrast, Stuart always has dissatisfaction with his family because of his family’s dependence that limits him. In the case study Cynthia faced a problem with her brother Stuart about stake of partnership because of Stuart’s negative way of thinking. Stuart had a bright and happy childhood, as he grew up, he joined his family business which is a restaurant. He helped his parents business for a long time, but what he actually wanted was his own business. As a result of his parents’ dependence...
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...definition and examples of his experience with the technique and its relationship to earned value management. Although I was very interested by the article I do not feel like these cases have shown enough to add a new definition for Single Point Analysis. David begins by explaining the historical definition of SPA as an event when a contract’s existing variances, (Schedule Variance (SV) and Cost Variance (CV)) are zeroed in a particular and the remaining work is budgeted to create a new performance management baseline (PMB). The Author as explains his views on earned value management including three recurring themes: Program managers are optimists; programs don’t improve; generalizations are made about contract’s EAC range based on selections of specific EAC equations (performance factors). David then begins to make his case for his stance on single point adjustments, attempting to determine if the definition used by the Air Force will relate to his new work with the Ballistic Missle Defense Organization. After analyzing four cases David comes to the conclusion that the definition from the Air Force do not line up with the new results from the study of the four cases. Finding the historical definition and the new findings do not match the author suggests that a new definition be added for Earned Value references. I do not feel that the findings of these four cases justifies a new definition be added. The Author himself mentions that four cases is not enough data to form...
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...specifically the Millenium group. The most obvious is the lack of identity, mission and values with both Fester and Knowlton moving on. The millennium group’s identity was based on the existing values and leadership that Knowlton brought to the group which was undermined by Fester over a period of time. The case states rather directly that “The whole millenium group, following Jerrold's lead, talked, if not practiced, the theory that small teams were the basis for effective research.” Fester directly attacked this mode of operation, insisting that true creativity resulted from individual innovation. The case states that in “discussions he had been on the point of rudeness, refusing to pursue an argument when he claimed it was based on another person's ignorance of the facts involved.” In my experience, whenever a new team is assembled, be it a small working group or the formation of a new division or organization, one of the first and most important exercises is to determine the mission and values of the new team. This sets the standard for how the team operates and new members of the team are expected to embrace and adapt to these values. Fester not only did not embrace these values, he actively attacked them and was allowed to undermine them by Knowlton. While this issue is endemic when a leadership void exists, the fact remains that Fester is still with the organization. Based on the case, it was obvious that at each step of the way, Knowlton was acutely aware of the...
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...text for William F. May's “Rising to the Occasion of Our Death.” The first audience, in this case, would be legislative organizations or lawmakers who have researched and studied similar cases regarding euthanasia. Since May was as an ethics professor at Southern Methodist University, his tone is decidedly intellectual. An uneducated individual would find it more difficult to read his essay; for example, in declarations such as “Advocates of active euthanasia appeal to the principle of patient autonomy,” May's syntax and tone is formal, informative, and utilizes heavy technical jargon (May 662). In other words, it is authoritative, and enables the audience to view him as a credible source due to his syntactical confidence. Other organizations, lobbyists, or lawmakers who are researching evidence on euthanasia would certainly benefit from reading his expert opinion on the matter. Moreover, his desire to develop a “judicious, regulated policy” is a certain acknowledgement that he is attempting to legally call for regulations on euthanasia (May 662). The second audience that May is appealing to are conservative Christians, who are distinctively pro-life. As his article was originally published in well-circulated The Christian Century magazine, addressing this audience exposes members of May's audience who are unfamiliar with euthanasia to its technicalities by debating morality. His tone is similar to that of a sermon; instead of utilizing scientific facts or statistics, May...
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...manager is hard. Throughout his book, “Defining Moments”, Joseph L. Badaracco Jr. explains the challenges managers face when making decisions on a daily basis and provides a framework for how to tackle those challenges. Early on, Badaracco explains how decisions between right and right (as opposed to right and wrong) are often the most difficult. Decisions like this can be seen as ‘defining moments’ because, according to Badaracco, they reveal, test, and shape a manager’s personal values as well as those of their organization. They also cause managers to come away with ‘dirty hands’, the unfortunate side effect of choosing one ‘right’ option over the other. It is how Badaracco puts these decisions in perspective that sets this book apart from other ethical decision-making books. ‘Defining Moments’ goes on to introduce a few real world cases that exemplify right versus right dilemmas. These examples demonstrate certain challenges that manager’s face, as well as serve to impress upon the reader the idea that there is almost never a clear-cut solution. The first case is that of Steve Lewis, a black analyst asked to represent his company’s diversity at a special presentation. The issue lies in whether he should sacrifice his personal values to satisfy his company’s request. Lewis’ case reveals how conflicts of personal integrity and moral identity shape one’s ultimate decision. A lot of thought must be given to choices that involve a matter of personal values in terms of who he is, what...
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...Case 1 Warren E. Buffett, 1995 How is Berkshire Hathaway’s business composition from Exhibit 1 different or similar today? Be specific. Provide an overall statement to describe Berkshire Hathaway’s performance over time compared to the S&P 500. Can you discern a trend in the investment decisions of Mr. Buffett and are his decisions consistent with the principals learned from his mentor Dr. Graham? Based on the types of company’s that BK now owns, have the Acquisition Criteria been held to, modified, expanded upon? Is there something more to his theories? Comment on the quote “all you need to know to become a successful investor is two courses, (1) A course on how to value companies and (2) a course on human behavior”. How does Buffet’s philosophy statements on page 19 and 20 compare to what you have learned so far in your other management classes or personal experiences? What does the advice that Buffet gave the University of Florida students mean to you? Select 2 quotes on page 22 and comment on why they are meaningful to you. How has Mr. Buffet taken advantage of the recession of the past 4 years? Comment on Mr. Buffet’s quote “We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful”. By use of research, how has Buffet and his company applied this statement with their current actions? Case 2 INTUIT Your textbook on page 19 makes reference to the fact that most entrepreneurs learn...
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...and hamper the hopes and (or) the foundation rules initially established. Whereas clients expect their case managers to reveal any information that may alter the dynamics of their association with them, case managers must also demand and expect clients to be accommodating with any information that may also alter the subtleties of the relationship. Nevertheless, a state of affairs may transpire in which a client does not disclose fundamental information but the case manager becomes aware of said information and feels challenged with ethical issues. If this type of situation were to happen, a case manager must stick to ethical guidelines even if it may put a friend or family member in an uncomfortable situation. Within this essay, I will put forth a situation in which a case manager cultivates a proper plan of action that agrees with his or her value system and the policies concerning the predicament and ethical issue. The Situation Approximately one year ago, a new client assigned to a case manager in which at the time of the intake procedure said client approved and signed a “consent for services” contract. The “consent for services” contract states that upon signing on the bottom line, the case manager is ethically bound to stick to confidentiality, privacy policies, and laws set forth by agency and state guidelines. While working through the intake process, the case manager explained to the...
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...Running Head: WHOLE FOODS CASE ANALYSIS 1 Whole Foods Case Analysis Thomas Edison State College WHOLE FOODS CASE ANALYSIS 2 The Whole Foods company mission is whole foods, whole people, whole planet. The Whole Foods company strategy reflects the company mission. Their whole foods mission is achieved by offering a wide variety of food and non-food items that are organic or natural. They source their products locally and usually have stricter store guidelines for the definition of “local” requiring a shorter maximum distance for traveling. “Locally grown” n.d. Their standards of quality are high and they strive to provide products that are fresh, safe and support well being. They have a list of unacceptable ingredients for food and quality standards for other products. “Quality standards” n.d. Their mission of whole people is achieved through the formation of teams at the store level. The teams manage themselves and are encouraged to make decisions about their department they are responsible for. Compensation is in part from stock options so they are invested in the profitability of the store. Fortune magazine has listed them as on the top 100 companies to work for for 13 years in a row now. Team members can go on field trips to...
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...do. In this case of ours, Andy Beckett is forced to conceal his secrets about his health status and sexual orientation for fear of rebuke and rejection. These actions proves that he is unethical in his profession. However, it can be rightfully argued that he was right to stay like that. This is a condition of ethical dilemma whereby if one decides to be very honest as they are required they will lose credibility in their profession and end up being hurt. If they hide their secrets, they are thus breaching the ethical codes. This film presents to the audience the issue of discrimination and ethics. Thus, this Philadelphia movie of 1993 is an opportunity for all to discuss ethics as well as HIV/AIDS in the current organizations. I think that any lifestyle can never render someone inefficient and ineffective in their jobs. Beckett actually would still deliver what was expected of him. He had been a gay for a very long time but still delivered the work properly. By the fact that he defended his bosses in very many cases successfully since he is a quality lawyer. In the law field, Beckett had been a very successfully competent lawyer for a very long time. To begin with, this film introduces to us the matters of discrimination, experiential learning, diversity, HIV, ethics, and AIDS. Andy Beckett contracts HIV/AIDS due to his carelessness and recklessness and as such feels afraid to reveal and tries all he can to conceal it. Andy’s condition is betrayed by his skin lesions...
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