Google’s Strategy in 2010 Essay

What is Google’s business model? The answer is complex because it makes up of lots of different factors. The top 10 principles of Google’s corporate philosophy is what keeps them doing what they do best. (Gamble, 2010, pg. C-175). 1.Focus on the user and all else will follow. 2.It’s best to do one thing really, really well. 3.Fast is better than slow. 4.Democracy on the web works. 5.You don’t need to be at your desk to need an answer. 6.You can make money without doing evil. 7.There’s always more information out there. 8.The need for information crosses all borders. 9.You can be serious without a suit. 10.Great just isn’t good enough. Their mission statement is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. (www.google.com). These 10 principles have helped them achieve their goal within their mission statement. Google has kept it simple but efficient. These 10 principles have guided them from the beginning and it has work. They don’t need to fix something that is not broken. Examine the financial reports in the case to determine the company’s profitability, liquidity, leverage and activity ratios. Based on these ratios what is your assessment of the company’s performance? Justify your answer? Profitability ratios are measures of performance that indicate what the firm is earning on its sales or assets or equity. There are the operating profit margin, net profit margin, return on total assets, return on equity, and basic earning power ratios. (Mayo, 2007). Operating profit margin = Earnings before interest and taxes/Sales 8,381,189/23,650,563 = 35.4% Net profit margin = Earnings after interest and taxes/Sales 6,520,448/23,650,563 = 27.5% Return on total assets = Earnings after interest and taxes/Total assets 6,520,448/40,496,778 = 16.1% Return on equity = Earnings after interest and taxes/Equity 6,520,448/36,004,224 = 18.1% Basic earning power = earnings before interest and taxes/Total assets 8,381,189/40,496,778 = 20.6% Leverage ratios measure the firm’s use of debt financing. There are two ratios; debt/net worth ratio and debt ratio. (Mayo, 2007). Debt/net worth ratio = Debt/Equity 4,492,554/36,004,224 = 12.4% Debt ratio = Debt/Total assets 4,492,554/40,496,778 = 11.0% Activity ratios measure how rapidly the firm is turning its assets into cash. The two activity ratios are inventory turnover and receivables turnover. Google does not have any inventory so there is no inventory turnover. (Mayo, 2007). Receivables turnover = Annual sales/Accounts receivable 23,650,563/3,178,471 = 7.4% Liquidity ratios measure the ease of which assets may be converted into cash without loss. There are two liquidity ratios; quick and current ratio. (Mayo, 2007). Quick ratio = Current assets – Inventory/Current liabilities 29,166,958-0/2,747,467 = 10.6% Current ratio = Current assets/current liabilities 29,166,958/2,747,467 = 10.6% Since Google does not have any inventory, the quick ratio and current ratio is the same. This shows that Google does have more assets than current liabilities. Overall, Google is doing extremely well all over the board. Their debt ratio is low sitting at 11 percent. They paid their bills on time because their receivables turnover is sitting at 7 percent. Investors know that Google is a good company to buy stock into. Perform a SWOT analysis of Google. Strengths Number one search engine with established name Simple interface-user friendly Their interface has 88 different languages-Global usage Localized search results Infrastructure Weakness Contextual ads targeted by click fraud Can’t expand to offline products Opportunities Acquisitions of other business Increase online advertising Alliances/partnerships with other companies Launched their own operating system Google TV Threats Facebook Click fraud Yahoo, Microsoft, and Amazon Slow economy Describe Google’s value chain. What is the source of the company’s competitive advantage? Since Google does not have any â€Å"raw† materials to process into finished goods like a traditional company, their value chain is different. Ben Morrow (2009) their value chain is more nuanced. Google gathers all the web users it can (the raw material) by enticing them to use its stellar search product with highly relevant results delivered promptly. Then, through assorted â€Å"signs† (text advertisements) it directs these same web users in the form of traffic to its advertising partners who transform the traffic into â€Å"conversions† or sales on their sites (finished good). Their added value is that they know where to direct the users to their sites that they needed to go. The source of Google’s competitive advantage is learning by doing as stated by Hal R. Varian, Google’s chief economist (Lohr, 2008). Basically, they arelearning from their competitors. For example, with Microsoft antitrust problems, they are now making antitrust training is mandatory for Google managers (Lohr, 2008). Some of Google’s competitive advantages are their value, rarity, imitability, and substitutability. Value because it is part of their value chain. Rarity because their user interface is so simple and user friendly. Also, it is hard for competitors to imitate because of the large infrastructure requirements to serve the relevant pages quickly. Google has servers all over the world all synced up and all running on a very large quantity of RAM, fast computer memory. (Morrow, 2009). References Lohr, S. (July, 7, 2008). The New York Times. Google, Zen Master of the Market. Retrieved on April 11, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/07/technology/07google.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1. Mayo, H. (2007). Basic Finance: An Introduction to Financial Institutions, Investments & Management: 9 Edition. Thomson: United States. Morrow, B. (Feb. 22. 2009). Internal Analysis of Google Inc. Retrieved on April 11, 2012 from http://www.benmorrow.info/research/internal-analysis-of-google-inc/. Thomson A., Peteraf, M., Gamble, J., & Strickland, A.J. ( 2012). Crafting & Executing Strategy. McGraw-Hill.

Case- Harley-Davidson-Strength & Weaknesses Essay

CASE ASSIGNMENT To complete Module 3 Case Assignment, please read the information in the background material, look for more information (from previous modules and library resources), and then write a 4- to 5-page report answering the following questions: What are H-D’s top two or three strengths for moving forward in the competitive motorcycle manufacturing and sales environment? Describe what you consider to be two or three of the weaknesses that are likely to have the greatest impact, and what H-D is doing (or should be doing) to overcome these weaknesses. Wrap up by overviewing the more salient points of your entire SWOT analysis (from your Module 3 and 4 Case Assignments) and give your impressions in relation to whether you think the corporation will continue to be competitive and be able to continue to meet its mission. An introduction stating the thesis, position, or central theme of your paper, a main body focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you reached. INTRODUCTION Harley-Davidson, Inc. is a U.S. based motorcycle manufacturer which was founded in 1903 and still remain one of the best American companies. Over the years, Harley-Davidson has adopted different strategies to promote their products in order to maintain its profitability and presence in the U.S. and International market. This paper will include the internal analysis identifying the company strengths and weaknesses and my personal impression is the company will be able to continue to be competitive and able to fulfil  its mission. THREE MAJOR STRENGTHS THAT CONTRIBUTE THE COMPANY TO BE COMPETITIVE IN THE MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURING AND SALES ENVIRONMENT Harley-Davidson, Inc. is a recognized brand legend, not just in the United States but all over the world, representing value, great designs, strong performance, durability, exclusivity and great customer service. Harley-Davidson has been in business since 1903 and has endured the constant market changes and customers’ demands for new products. The President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, Mr. Jim Zeiner, in 2005 have expressed the main reason of the company success: â€Å"A strong emotional tug draws people to Harley-Davidson. Emotions play a huge role in every customer relationship†. Mr. Zeiner believed that â€Å"Our sense of purpose-in other words, our focus on growing demand by offering great products and unique experiences† have been one of the constants of company success (Harley-Davidson, Inc., 2005). In order to maintain their business competitive in the motorcycle manufacturing and sales environment the company had to evolution along with these changes. One of the ways to accomplish the constant demand for new and innovative products, Harley-Davidson has created and maintained a strong research and development unit to create new innovative designs. Another feature available for Harley-Davidson customers is a webpage where customers can customize motorcycles appearance and performance, giving additional ideas to create new designs (models), attracting existing and new customers to buy Harley-Davidson bikes. Harley-Davidson’s operational excellence allow the company to reduce waste, improving quality and increase customer satisfaction by reconfiguring layouts and processes to gain capacity, reduce work-in progress and handling 50 percent, and reduce three operating shifts to two (Harley-Davidson, Inc., 2005). Through all Harley-Davidson facilities the operational excellence strategy has facilitated the workflow which allowed the company to increase their capacity of production processes. Harley-Davidson management is constantly finding ways to improve processes including standard financial  software platforms that service all business units creating ways to improve forecasting for new performance accessories (Harley-Davidson, Inc., 2005). The company operational efficiency improvement has resulted in a revenue increase from $5.58 billion in 2012 to $5.9 billion in 2013 as well the operating margin of 17.92 percent in 2012 as compared to19.61 percent in 2013. The operating income has also increased 169 basis point (bps) indicating an improvement in profitability (Marketwatch.com). Harley-Davidson has two segments in which offer a variety of products and services. One of the segments is responsible for the development of designs, manufacturing motorcycles, sales of parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services through Motorcycles & Related Products. The other segment provides financial services to Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealers, in other words to finance Harley-Davidson franchises through Harley-Davidson Financial Services (GlobalData, 2012). TWO MAJOR WEAKNESSES AND HOW TO OVERCOME THESE WEAKNESSES One of Harley-Davidson weaknesses, in the past and existing, is product recalls which has and still affecting company’s revenues. In September of this year, Harley-Davidson recalled more than 105,000 motorcycles from 2014 model year because their clutches may fail, causing stopped bikes to creep forward and potentially crash, not been the only recall for this year. Earlier this year the Milwaukee Company also is recalling 1,384 motorcycles made earlier this year to test for possible fuel tank leaks (Associate Press, 2014). Product recalls not only affect the financial stability of Harley-Davidson but also affect their brand and reputation as well. Another Harley-Davidson weakness is their high dependency on Unites States market which increases its business risk. Based on Harley-Davidson financial statement for the fiscal year of 2012, the company sales depended on the 68.1 percent of the market which is an high percentage, if is any adverse event could adversely affect the company’s financial stability (GlobalData, 2012). _Product Recalls_ Harley-Davidson’s Product Development Center (PDC) should improve the quality of their products to reduce recalls issues preventing any further damage to company’s reputation. _U.S. Market Dependency_ There are some issues for Harley-Davidson to enter or grow in countries in the international market which includes an unstable economy, currency exchange, fuel prices. Harley-Davidson should take into consideration these issues and develop lighter and less costly motorcycles that will allow the company to increase their probability to create a new market niche. In order to reduce manufacturing costs Harley-Davidson have the option to open a manufacturing factory closer to these markets reducing cost and increasing revenue. SWOT ANALYSIS MAIN POINTS & IMPRESSION OF FUTURE OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON Harley-Davidson is a successful company composed by dedicated employees, most of them who have been working for many years and they are able to understand market changes and customer demands. Harley-Davidson has a strong brand image, diversity of products, customization, high operational efficiency, strong research center, and great customer service. In my opinion, I think Harley-Davidson has many years to come. The new strategies they have developed includes, the manufacture of customer led motorcycle, seamless launch of surge production, flexibility to adjust to other markets dynamics, develop and manufacture designs to new demographics of clients which includes young adults from 18-34 years old, women, African Americans and Hispanics, and new financial and insurance programs (A. R. Harley-Davidson, 2013). Harley-Davidson have demonstrated with a successful track record that they have the capacity to maintain their position and reputation in the motorcycle market. CONCLUSION Harley-Davidson has encountered many problems since its creation and over the years and has adopted different strategies to promote their products and brand name not only in the United State but internationally, opening the doors to create business opportunities in other countries. No matter their high and low’s, their products have proved to be the best in the motorcycle industry and they are still designing better models to provide the best experience of motorcycling, including past learning experience to improve flaws. They have also been able to improve their operational excellence which has increased company’s revenue creating a financial stability. References Associate Press. (2014, Sep 27). Harley issues recalls to fix clutches, fuel tanks. _The Big Story_. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://bigstory.ap.org/article/9e99e8c27efe4b62b4f8eb749275249e/harley-issues-recalls-fix-clutches-fuel-tanks Cook, B., (2012). _Strategize this: Facilitating Corporate Strategy Development – External_ _Analysis_. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syDRegjvFEw&list=PL-ao-8pxqJKLwBr-921a5V9o3P_Uva_mv GlobalData, (2012). _Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Financial and Strategic Analysis Review_. Retrieved on August 18, 2014, from http://callisto.ggsrv.com/imgsrv/Fetch?banner =4d609cd7&digest=27b6b6d33026b58ef227e0025dda7d42&contentSet=SWOT&recordID=47405_GDAUT29887FSA Harley-Davidson, (2012). _Harley-Davidson shows continued improvement_. Retrieved August 18, 2014, from http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/HD_ News/Company/news.html?article=en_US/News/1483_press_release.hdnews Harley-Davidson, Inc. (2005). _2005 Annual Report._ Retrieved October 19, 2014, from http://www.artikus.com.tr/kurumsal/faaliyetraporu/5.pdf Harley-Davidson, Inc. (2013). 2013 was a big year for Harley-Davidson. _2013 Annual Review._ Retrieved October 19, 2014, from http://ar.harley-davidson.com/letter.php Looney, D. C., & Ryerson, A. (2011). Lehman trikes: A story within a story. _Arden: Jordan Whitney Enterprises, Inc_. Retrieved August 4, 2014, from http://search.proquest.com/docview/912511497?accountid=28844 MarketWatch. (n.d.). Harley-Davidson. _Annual financials for Harley-Davidson, Inc_. Retrieved October 24, 2014, from http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/HOG/financials Marketingteacher.com (2011). _SWOT Analysis_. Retrieved August 18, 2014, from http://marketingteacher.com/lesson-store/lesson-swot.html Taylor, A., (2012). The Hurdles at Harley-Davidson. _CNN Money_ – Fortune. Retrieved August 4, 2014, from: http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/03/autos/harley-davidson-polaris.fortune/index.html The Associate Press. (2014). _Harley-Davidson issues recalls to fix clutches, fuel tanks_. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://www.dailyfinance.com/2014/09/29/harley-davidson-mortorcycle-clutch-fuel-tank-recall/ UMC Staff, (2013) Harley-Davidson | 2012 Worldwide Sales Up 6.2%. _Ultimate Motorcycling_. Retrieved August 18, 2014, from http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/harley-davidson-2012-worldwide-sales-up-6-2/ http://nccur.lib.nccu.edu.tw/bitstream/140.119/33965/8/33019108.pdf

House Arrest Essay

There are several forms of house arrest; one I am more familiar with would be with an ankle monitor this is used usually with a low level offender. When released the inmate is fitted with the global positing system and this devise will alert the police if and when this individual violates his or her house arrest conditions. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was officially introduced as an electronic monitoring option within the Department of Corrections in January 2007. Its’ current primary target population is specific paroled sex offenders. This device records offender movement throughout the community and reports those movements to a host computer. Department of Corrections staff is able to review maps and track the movement of the parolee throughout the day (Chisholm, 2001-2012). So we have one which can monitor if an offender leaves his or her home which they are ordered by a judge to stay within their boundaries, and then we have another similar devise to which the offender is fitted with but is able to move around the community and live among his or her peers. In addition we also can offer a prisoner if they have at least completed 3 to 6 months of their sentence. Studies show this seems to work if it is done when they are new in the system and before they learn how to survive on the inside or even get involved with the wrong groups. This is also compared to split sentence, these concepts are different but sometimes used interchangeably. But as with all probation shock probation is used as a privilege as some think it’s a right that they deserve it, but they do not it is something that is earned and many of those who do get it abuse it and end up back in jail sometimes again and again never learning a lesson and they keep re offending. In some cases it works for the better and they get out and really make a change for the better. Some of which may believe that if they went easy or just receive a slap on the wrist the first time they will just do it again. But again before these options were even are offered the defense team must meet with the judge to discuss and provide how the terms of the probation will be set along with the length and any other details. Shock probation is usually considered when a prisoner is a first time offender and a judge believes, given the circumstances of the case, that the prisoner has a chance at reform which may be enhanced by being released. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with â€Å"split sentence,† but the two concepts are different. In a split sentence, at the time of the initial sentencing hearing the judge declares that the convicted person will be sent to prison and then released on probation after a certain amount of time (Delich, 2003-2012). These are just a few forms of probation and studies show them to be very effective if carried out in an appropriate manor and having the proper supervision to help the inmate succeeded. References 1. (Chisholm, 2001-2012) 2. (Delich, 2003-2012)

Functions of Input Controls Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Functions of Input Controls - Assignment Example The main significance of these controls is that they are easy to manage: with input controls, database administrators are required to possess only specific skills to manage the outsourced data. The minimum knowledge of database administrators allows for flexibility, especially in the evolving nature of computer technology; higher turnover of employees; and outsourcing of data input (Lee, Chen, & Ilie, 2012). In light of these reasons, it behoves system administrators to make the system free from unnecessary data as much as possible by going the input control way. Types of input controls File input controls allow users to attach specific documents from the personal computer; for example, an outsourced data-entry may be achieved by enabling the user to select and upload copies of his or her personal documents during application for a job. Such documents may include; curriculum vitae, passport size photo etcetera. File input controls often support different file formats such as .doc, .jpeg, and .pdf, among others. A checkbox is a small box that enables end-users to check or uncheck predefined options by ticking the values they want by clicking the mouse (Lee, Chen, & Ilie, 2012). A checkbox allows the user to send the value that is attached to it, as the right choice. Radio buttons are selected by a mouse click on the widget, or by striking a keyboard shortcut to this effect, in which case, the checked button relays the value to the database, when the form is submitted. Submit input control enables users to send the correct form after filling an HTML form of structure d query variables. In most cases, a â€Å"submit† button is found at the end of the query variables, and usually after the use of the other input controls. Transcription errors Input controls are very important in data-entry because they limit data entry integrity errors. Failure to use input controls could open a floodgate to transcription errors. A transcription error is a particular type of data entry error that is usually made by end-users (Murray, & Haubl, 2011). Human transcription errors are usually caused by typographical faults: that is, typing incorrect characters during touch typing. Input controls, oftentimes limit data transcription errors resulting from improper entries; for example, the typing of â€Å"1th,† rather than â€Å"1st† in outsourced data-entry. In this case, datetime input control or number input control, would easily eliminate the chances of the transcription error and eases the work of database administrators, sorting and checking th e data for any inconsistency. Advantages and disadvantages of restricting user interfaces The rapid development of new technologies in the twenty-first century has resulted in the growth of human-machine interactions. Tech-savvy developers are usually guilty of creating user interfaces that are largely restricted and difficult to comprehend and use, assuming that machine operators can think and use them as they do (Hearst, 2011). They are usually quite ignorant of the extent of prior understanding of the user, which according to them seems to be easily discerned on the monitor, and are incapable of being aware of the needs of users, who do not have enough technological knowhow. This is often compounded by the lack of incorporating the user contributions or the lack of human

Global Environment of Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Global Environment of Business - Essay Example It would be wise to look into dividing the development into two components with an Asian software development for less critical components of the software to take care of issues with customers that are not in the same time zone as those of the software development team in the United States. The use of an Asian development team also allows for global infrastructure embracement wherein it satisfies all the components of PARC. The advantage of Option 1 is in the recruiting section that would look into recruiting outside of North America and hire international project managers to handle international projects. This could work well within the scope of not necessarily having a VP of software development in Europe, but could have the project managers report to the VP of software development within North America. Option 2, although viable in the sense that the organization needs to be streamlined between North American and European management teams it is not necessarily a wise move to move to hire additional Vice-Presidents for operations with respect to Europe and North America, but rather review the current managerial functions and fix areas of redundancy and focus on how each of the departments can be utilized in a more streamlined fashion. One of the areas that require further discussion in the area of recruitment with respect to the areas that ZAK-Squared is recruiting in. Although it is important for cultural diversity and following employment standards, it is important to look at the bottom line in hiring in the countries that have a large increase in the standard of living. In such countries as Asia, it is less expensive to hire programmers, but, there are items that are required for staff with respect to compensatory measures. For instance, in India, women are automatically driven home via taxi in the evening for safety reasons. This needs to be considered

Introduction to the Home Health Agency Role Essay

Introduction to the Home Health Agency Role - Essay Example Most skills trainings for HHAs are taught by other healthcare professionals, and they usually learned on the job. Generally, their trainings are molded around the unique needs of the patient. Depending on the level of complication of the client’s illness, the HHAs trainings could be done in a few hours to a few days. For more complex cases, some employers provide training classes, which the aspiring HHA has to pass before they are given a job. There is no license for HHAs, but there are some employers who would rather hire certified HHAs. The certification process includes an examination and 75 hours of training and skills testing. Other requirements may include a background check of candidates, before enrolling them to a program, due to the high trust nature of the job. Sometimes, health screenings may be required to prevent patients from contracting diseases from their caregivers. 2.0 Purpose and Goals of Home Care Home care involves a wide scope of care for a wide variety o f patients outside the hospital setting. The services that home health care companies provide can range from nursing care, physical therapy, and even occupation therapy from qualified medical professionals to smaller services from home health aides. The care provided could be as simple as assistance in everyday activities, such as bathing and eating, to more complex services requiring more specialized professionals. Essentially, the purpose and goal of home care is to provide an adequate level of care usually achievable at the hospital, and bring it to the patient’s home. 3.0 Members of the Home Health Care Team (With Functions and Interaction) Physician. Physicians perform home visits to the patient at regular intervals wherein they assess the patient in an environment that he or she is more comfortable. They assess how the patient handles his or her illness at home. They also regularly check and make adjustments and interventions when necessary. There are two ways in which physicians can function in the home health care setting. First, they rely on the home health care nurse, as the leader, mediator, and coordinator of the group, leaving them to be the evaluator of the patient’s health, which is to be coordinated with the rest of the team by the nurse. Second, they are the one who will lead the team by taking a more active role in patient care. The mnemonic INHOMESSS enumerates the roles of the physician including immobility, nutrition, home environment, other home health care members, medications examination, safety, spiritual health, and services by home health agencies. Furthermore, at the patient’s home, physicians will be able to get a more in-depth assessment of aspects of the patient’s life that is not normally accessible from the hospital setting. Moreover, they can look for environmental factors found in the home that can affect the patient’s illness; they can see how the patient acts in a more comfortable setting than in a hospital, and they can assess the patient’s compliance with the therapeutic regimen including diet, exercise, and medications. From these observations, they can identify faults in the patient’s activities and make interventions to change them for the patient’s health. They can also assess the tasks of the health care team and change them to suit better with the therapeutic regimen, especially if they are the one functioning as a team leader and a coordinator. Nurse. Most of the care

Critical Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Critical Evaluation - Essay Example Focusing too much on Pacheco’s argument that Behn’s novella is ‘Eurocentric’ and ‘class-biased’, the review fails to provide a balanced view of Pacheco’s commentary, and leaves the reader clueless about Pacheco’s objective in writing the essay– exposing the political agenda underlying Behn’s novella, and its failure in achieving an ideological closure. The review begins with a clearly stated objective of exploring the main points of Pacheco’s essay and analysing its strengths and weaknesses; however, proceeds to describe Pacheco’s arguments and illustrations that suggest Behn’s hero as ‘Eurocentric’ and ‘royalist.’ A significant portion of the review is spent on summarising Pacheco’s viewpoints, and presents little attempt to analyse or interpret Pacheco’s observation in the backdrop of her thesis or the primary text. At many places like when describing Pacheco’s comments on ‘Europeanizing the African’ and Behn’s approach to slavery, the reviewer simply repeats Pacheco’s words as in a simple narration of the article, without quoting the author, or interpreting the implications of Pacheco’s observations. The review is totally oblivious of Pacheco’s commentary on Oroonoko’s treatment of honour and its instability withi n the upper-class/royalist discourse due to the religious implications, which according to her eventually leads to the undermining of the novel’s royalist ideology. While the review provides crucial insights into the perspective of Pacheco’s analysis, it does not endeavour to assess or evaluate the strength or weakness of her claims or offer a comprehensive framework for the readers to make the assessment themselves. Though the reviewer make a note of other works that substantiate Pacheco’s thesis such as that by Guffey, the commentary fails to provide a comparative perspective with other works for the reader to assess the merit and significance of Pacheco’s study. The