Changes in the Dynamics of Pc Industry

Core Competency (CI#1) : Apple design, develop and market numerous product and service lines. They sell their products to education, consumer creative professional, business and government customers. While apple seems to display numerous products and conduct business on different segments, it is legitimate to wonder what the company is really good at? Too much diversity is exactly what crushed Apple during the John Scully days. Cannibalization (CI#2): Through January 2005, Apple has opened 102 retail stores.Although these launches are potentially beneficial, Apple stores are hurting the resellers’ business and not all of them will survive. Considering that the company’s resellers still account for more than 50% of its domestic sales, the company is facing the risk of cannibalization and might deeply suffer. High Cash (CI#3): Why is Apple holding so much cash? Having too much cash in reserve might either mean that the company does not know yet how to allocate it or that they may have some risk concerns about future potential investment.Succession (CI#4): Apple is clearly one of the handful of companies where the fortunes are seen to be intricately tied to the person in charge. The star quality and the visionary talents associated with Steve Jobs are certainly contributed to the success of the company. So the news of Jobs’ cancer surgery might lead to a succession problem and compromise the company’s future. I. CURRENT SITUATION A. CURRENT PERFORMANCE Apple achieved a solid performance for the first quarter of 2005 compared to the same quarter 2004 with strong net sales in the Americas segment (+77%) in Europe (+63%) and in Japan (+18%).The Americas segment represents approximately 47% of the company’s total net sales. The increase in net sales in the Americas, Europe and Japan was primarily driven by increased demand of the iPod and the consumer-oriented iMAC. Demand for the iBook products were especially high for the Americas, while peripherals and other hardware were more popular in Europe. The retail segment’s net sales grew to $561 million as compared to $273 million in the same period in 2004, this represents a remarkable 105% increase. B. SRATEGIC POSTURE MissionApple strives for continuous improvement in our environmental, health and safety management systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and services. Apple’s Guiding Principles O Meet or exceed all applicable environmental, health and safety requirements. O Where laws and regulations do not provide adequate controls, Apple will adopt their own standards to protect human health and the environment. O Support and promote sound scientific principles and fiscally responsible public policy that enhance environmental quality, health and safety.O Advocate the adoption of prudent environmental, health and safety principles and practices by their contractors, vendors and suppliers. O Communicate environmental, he alth and safety policies and programs to Apple employees and stakeholders. O Design, manage and operate our facilities to maximize safety, promote energy efficiency and protect the environment. O Strive to create products that are safe in their intended use, conserve energy and materials and prevent pollution throughout the product life cycle including design, manufacture, use and end-of-life management.O Ensure that all employees are aware of their role and responsibility to fulfill and sustain Apple’s environmental, health and safety management systems and policy. Goals O Innovation above everything else. O Increase sales in the education segment. O Produce user friendly, good appearance products to get customers â€Å"think Different† and â€Å"think Digital†. O Developing new digital lifestyle consumer, and professional software application O Investing in new products area such as rack-mount servers, RAID storage system and wireless technologies. O Provide a high quality sales and after sales support experience.Strategy Trough the design and the development of its own operating system, hardware and many software application and technologies, Apple strives to bring to its customers compelling new products and solution with superior ease-of-use, seamless integration and innovative industrial design. Apple currently focus on: O Increasing marketing and advertising investment in order to improve product and brand awareness. O Vertical growth strategy: expand the retail segment by opening more retail stores. (CI#2) O Market opportunities related to digital music distribution and consumer electronic devices, including iPod.O Implement a cost leadership strategy to keep up with the competition and be more affordable for the educational segment. O Continue to be the leader in innovation for new technology by implementing a product differentiation strategy. Policies â€Å"Employee diversity â€Å": This policy is a key component and contribut e to the success of the company. â€Å"We respect these differences and threat them as an additional value that we incorporate in the way we treat other and approach our customers. † Therefore, Apple apply that each employee is fully responsible for understanding and following this policy. Substance policy† O Apple comply with applicable substance legislation worldwide. O monitor and assess new scientific findings on the environmental impact of substances used in Apple products. O educate our supply chain partners and drive innovations within our supply chain to find alternative materials that improve environmental performance. â€Å"Product Take-Back and Recycling Policy† O Producers should provide a means to facilitate environmentally friendly recycling of their products at the end of electronic products’ useful life.O Consumers should select a disposal method for end-of-life electronics products that does not adversely impact the environment. O Governme nts should develop a legal framework and public policies to promote appropriate end-of-life management, including environmentally friendly disposal and recycling. O Materials generated from the recycling of our products should be used as feedstock for new products whenever possible. II. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board consists of 6 members, of which 5 are external directors: Board Member-Occupation Audit and Finance committee Nominating CommitteeCompensation Committee William l V. CampbellChairman Intuit, Inc C Ccc Millard S. DexlerChairman and CEOJ. Crew C C Albert Gore, Jr. Former Vice President of the US C C Steve JobsCEO and Co-founderApple ComputerChairman and CEOPixar Arthur D. LevinsonChairman and CEOGenentech, Inc C Ccc Jerome B. YorkCEOHarwinton Capital Corporation Ccc cc=Chairperson C=Member *Audit and committees members are used to ensure feedback and monitor implementation and compliance. Steve Jobs Co-founder of Apple in 1976, he has played an impor tant role in the development of the personal computer.He also co-founded NeXT Software, inc. and served as CEO until 1997 when NeXT was acquired by Apple. Director since 1997 and currently CEO of Apple and Pixar Animation Studios, Jobs is viewed as a key character for the company. However his strong voice and personality within the company could give him the power to sway the board. (internal) (Advantage/Conflict? ) CI#4 William V. Campbell Director of Apple since 1997, he was also the former CEO and president of Intuit, Inc. Mr. Campbell also serves on the board of directors of Opsware, Inc.His experience and knowledge in business, finance and technology might be valuable for the company, however, he is in direct competition with Apple in the sale of software such as Quickbook. (External) (Conflict) Millard S. Dexler Director of Apple since 1999, he has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of J. Crew Group, Inc. since March 2003. Previously, Mr. Drexler was Chief Executive Off icer of Gap Inc. from 1995 and President from 1987 until September 2002. (External) Albert Gore, Jr Director since 2003, he was a former Vice President of the United States of America.He has remained an active leader in technology, launching a public/private effort to wire every classroom and library in America to the Internet. Therefore, Gore plays a key role in the implementation of Apple’s products in the educational segment. (External) (advantage) Arthur D. Levinson Director since 2000, he has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Genentech Inc. since July 1995. Mr. Levinson’s experience could benefit apple but his interest may be somewhere else. (External) (Advantage/Conflict? ) Jerome B. York Director since 1997, he is also a director of Tyco International Ltd. nd Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. Previously, Mr. York was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MicroWarehouse, Inc. , a reseller of computer hardware, software and peripheral products an d he also served as a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IBM Corporation. Mr. York’s experience in the computer industry might be a big pro for the company. (External) ( Advantage) The Board of Apple is composed of a very diverse group of professionals who bring valuable expertise in the areas of technology, biotechnology, finance, turnaround strategies, retail business management, etc.The backgrounds and current â€Å"independent† positions of these members provide a wealth of knowledge and a variety of business perspectives for Apple. However the external activities of some of the members of the board might also be a source of conflict for the company. B. Top Management & Management Style 1) Fred D. Anderson-Executive Vice President and CFO 2) Timothy D. Cook-Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Operations 3) Nancy R. Heinen-Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 4) Ronald B. Johnson, Senior Vice President, Retail ) Peter Oppe nheimer, Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller 6) Jonathan Rubinstein, Senior Vice President, Hardware Engineering 7) Philip W. Schiller, Senior Vice President , Worldwide Product Marketing [pic]Vertrand Serlet, Ph. D. -Senior Vice President, Software Engineering 9) Sina Tamaddon, Senior Vice President, Applications 10) Avadis Tevanian, Jr. , Ph. D. -Senior Vice President, Chief Sofware Technology Officer C. Management Style Despite the fact that the company claims to have a partnership management style, I personally believe that Steve Jobs is leading an entrepreneurial style and highly influence the company. CI#4) III. EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT SCAN A. SOCIETAL ENVIRONMENT 1) Political-Legal Forces O Different countries have different legislations and these in some ways restrict the companies or give opportunities to the company. O NAFTA, European Union and other regional trade open doors to market in Europe, Asia, Latin America that offer enormous potential. O Polit ical uncertainties caused by terrorism activities are directly impacting the overall business of the company. O The company relies on access to patent and intellectual property obtained from third parties.The company might unknowingly encounter infringe issues with existing patents of others. O Beatles lawsuit against the company may negatively affect the company’s reputation. O The company has to comply with the environment regulations such as environment safe disposal or recycling. 2) Socio-Cultural Forces O The computer and internet usage is growing worldwide and is a good source of opportunities for the computer industry. O Customers had become more experienced and computer literate. O Education has become a primordial issue for the new generation, which is a key factor for the company’s business. 3) EconomicO In the past year, the industry has been affected by the slow economic and that resulted in low consumer spending. However the current economy shows some sign of improvement, consumer spending and investment might increase as well. O Due to weak economic conditions, the U. S. educational is encountering large budget deficits in many states. This factor has a negative impact over Apple’s sales in the educational segment. O Sales of products that include components obtained from foreign suppliers can be adversely affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations and by international trade regulations (tariffs and antidumping penalties). ) Technology O Technology is evolving at a rapid pace today ,and people appreciate more & more advances in their systems and are switching over to new information appliances. O Internet availability and usage is growing and leads to good opportunities for the industry. O The traditional desktop might become outdated by the entrance of new revolutionary products. O Increasing demand for new technology in schools and professionals. B. TASK ENVIRONMENT Threat of New Entrants: O Medium to High – In the PC market any firm that discovers a new technology that is efficient in terms of price & performance is an immediate threat to the industry.However, Established standards, start-up costs and established brands names (Intel, Windows) are difficult to overcome for a new entrant. Threat of substitute products: O High – The new forms of Information appliance like Digital TV / HDTV Digital set- top box & Internet screen phones are gaining increasing popularity this might hamper the growth of the PC industry as a whole. Bargaining power of suppliers: O High – Since the industry is highly dependent on component suppliers, a powerful supplier could exert pressure on the market, by supplying components at a higher price to increase his profits.Since Apple is working only with few selected suppliers, the company is running at a higher risk than the average. Bargaining power of buyers: O Low – Due to high number of other suppliers in the industry the customer has the o ptions to take the cheapest and the best. Rivalry among competition: O High – Competition among the giants is fierce, everyone aiming for a larger market share ,intensive price cuts & changes. IV. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT SCAN A. CORPORATE STRUCTURE Apple is organized along functional lines. Apple is structured primarily on a geographic basis.The company’s reporting operating segment are comprised of: 1. The Americas 2. Europe, Middle East and Africa 3. Japan 4. Other: Asia-Pacific (Australia, Asia, and the subsidiary FileMaker, Inc. ) B. CORPORATE CULTURE O Commitment to innovation and product quality O Dedication to hard work and education O Commitment to diversity and to empowering employees O Commitment to safety and conservation of the environment/energy Steve Jobs has a huge impact in the company’s culture. Since Job’s return in 1997, the company has reinvented itself with an array of different colors and styles of computers.The introduction of the Ipod and Itunes largely position the company as an innovative leader. C. CORPORATE RESOURCES 1. ) Marketing Mix a. ) Product Apple is committed to sell original, good looking products that have an easy-to-use interface. The company offers a range of personal computing products, related devices and peripherals, and various third party hardware-products. In addition, the company offers software products (Mac OS X), server software and related solution; professional application software; and consumer, education and business oriented application software.Apple has been very innovative by finding new usages for its Macintosh computer, such as desktop publishing and strong graphics/animation capabilities. The Macintosh’s functionality for managing multimedia files from cameras, DV recorder and MP3 devices has been very popular and successful. The new introduction of Apple’s iPod and the iTune has revolutionize the digital music industry. b. ) Place Apple’s operating segme nt are comprised of: O U. S. O South America O Europe O Japan O Australia. Recently Apple chose to implement a vertical growth strategy and began xpanding their own retail stores. (CI#2) The company also sells its product via third-parties dealers, or via internet through their own website or through the iTune online music stores. c. ) Promotion In 2003, Apple formed a strategic alliance with PepsiCo. The Pepsi iTune Music promotion calls for people to use the winning code found under the Pepsi’s bottle caps products to redeem songs from Apple’s iTunes Music Store. This promotion has already been successful for both companies and increased the awareness of the iTune presence in the market.In 2003, Apple also announced a marketing partnerships With America Online that are aimed at driving iTunes use deeply into the mainstream. Apple and America Online have agreed to put iTunes â€Å"buy this song† buttons next to every song that’s listed in AOL’s mu sic service, which its 25 million subscribers can access. Clicking the button will automatically launch the iTunes music jukebox and begin downloading the song; billing will be handled through the customer’s existing arrangement with AOL. Apple has a joint venture with Hewlett Packard.Apple has produced an iPod for PC users and the success of this product was a good way for the company to capture non-MAC users. The company’ also drew on endorsements from music stars. U2 singer Bono, rap artist Dr. Dre and Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger each gave a live endorsement of the iChat videoconferencing software. Singer Sarah McLachlan also appeared live to sing several songs and to talk about how she used the iPod. In 2005, Apple Computer has initiated a partnership with Wal-Mart that will soon see the iPod shuffle featured at Wal-Mart discount locations around the country. d. ) PriceApple price is know to be above average in the industry. The company is using a differentia tion strategy and focus more on innovation, and quality. This strategy is justifying their premium prices. Lately, however, their new technology and their high cash flow allowed them to lower their price and to offer more discount to certain markets such as the education market. (CI#3) This new pricing strategy may help Apple to better compete with the non-Mac user market but might cause some issue with the brand image/recognition. 2. ) Finance The financial results for the fiscal 2004 fourth quarter ended September 25, 2004.For the year 2004, the Company reported net income of $276 million on revenue of $8. 28 billion compared to net income of $69 million on revenue of $6. 21 billion in 2003. Their net income has increased 400%! Sales to the education market grew 11 percent, bringing its highest quarterly total for that market in seven years. Apple has a strong balance sheet with a lot of cash (CI#3), their inventories have almost double compared to the year 2003. Apple short-term debt and long-term debt have been completely paid, which is a very good advantage for the company.Apple’s activity ratios are very good and improved a lot compared to year 2003. However their ROE and ROI ratios are still low compared to the industry. Income Statement Sep 04 Sep 03 Sep 02 Revenue 8,279. 0 6,207. 0 5,742. 0 Cost of Goods Sold 5,870. 0 4,386. 0 4,021. 0 Gross Profit 2,409. 0 1,821. 0 1,721. 0 Gross Profit Margin 29. 1% 29. 3% 30. 0% Net Income After Taxes 276. 0 69. 0 65. 0 Balance Sheet Sep 04 Sep 03 Sep 02 Cash 2,969. 0 3,396. 0 2,252. 0 Net Receivables 774. 0 766. 0 565. 0 Inventories 101. 0 56. 0 45. 0 Total Current Assets 7,055. 0 5,887. 0 5,388. 0 Total Assets 8,050. 6,815. 0 6,298. 0 Accounts Payable 1,451. 0 1,154. 0 911. 0 Short-Term Debt 0. 0 304. 0 0. 0 Other Current Liabilities 1,229. 0 899. 0 747. 0 Total Current Liabilities 2,680. 0 2,357. 0 1,658. 0 Long-Term Debt 0. 0 0. 0 316. 0 Total Liabilities 2,974. 0 2,592. 0 2,203. 0 Total Equity 5,076. 0 4,223. 0 4,095. 0 Ratios 2004 2003 Industry Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio 2. 58 2. 89 1. 33 Quick Ratio 2. 3 1. 44 1. 1 Profitability Ratios Gross Profit Margin 29. 47% 27. 52% 20. 43% Net Profit Margin 5. 20% 1. 11% 4. 53% Return on Equity (ROE) 8. 8% 1. 63% 20. 3% Return on Investment (ROI) 8. 8% 1. 1% 19. 1% Activity Ratios Inventory Turnover 56. 2 110. 84 81. 4 Asset Turnover 1. 2 0. 9108 1. 8 Leverage Ratio 1. 62 2. 47 3. ) Research and Development Apple consider that R&D are critical for the activity of the company. therefore, they are willing to increase investment in R&D to keep a sustainable competitive advantage in the industry. According to the company’s Annual Report in 2004: â€Å"In order to remain competitive, the Company believes that increased investment in research and development (R&D) is necessary in order to maintain and extend its position in the markets where it competes.The Company’s R&D spending is focused on delivering timely updates and enh ancements to its existing line of personal computers, displays, operating systems, software applications and portable music players; developing new digital lifestyle consumer and professional software applications; and investing in new product areas such as rack-mount servers, RAID storage systems, and wireless technologies. † New products are a necessity in this industry and seems to be a priority for Apple. New products are not always a success, though.This might explain why Apple seems to be so hesitant in investing its high cash flow into new projects, the company might be afraid by the potential failure of the outcome. (CI#3) 4. ) Operation and Logistics Apple heavily rely on third-parties in the manufacturing and logistics sector. Therefore, the company’s overall performance is greatly dependent on the performance of its distributors. In order to have more control over the quality of the buying experience, Apple has done continual effort to become vertically integ rated during these two passed years.Apple work only with suppliers that meet the criteria from their policy (involve commitment to environment, safety and diversity. ) At each period the company performs a detailed review on demand forecasts, inventory, product lifecycle status. 5. ) Human Resources Management (HRM) Apple has over 13,000 employees world wide. Apple believe that employee’s diversity is a key component for the company success. The company expects that all employee will respect the background or cultural differences of their peers.Apple offer great benefits to its employee such has competitive pay, and compensation, insurance coverage, bonuses, substantial product discount, stock purchase and saving/investment plan. The company offers all-level of position such as internship, part-time and entry-level for college student. 6. ) Information Systems Apple has encountered a substantial success by introducing a new digital music device called iPod that can store 1,00 0 songs and copy a CD in 10 seconds. The continual heavy investment in R&D allowed the company to be on the edge of new technology.Online store distribution channel has been very powerful for the company. V. SWOT/TOWS ANALYSIS A. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths Weaknesses 1. Ease of use 2. Established in the personal computer market3. High Corporate reputation 4. Control over the product (manufacture both the computers themselves and also the operating systems which they run)5. Leader in innovation and product differentiation6. Employee diversity 7. Strategic Alliance (HP)8. Joint venture with Pepsi9. Strong Top management10. Loyal customer base11. Creative style 1. The ease of use has led to some image issues, with some business people regarding the Macintosh as a toy. . High inventory3. Distribution problems4. high prices5. Not IBM compatible, though great strides have been made in connectivity the Macintosh is not transparently compatible. 6. Declining share in educational market7. Too m any product lines Opportunities Threats 1. Internet2. Growing industry3. Creating new software markets and selling the hardware into these markets. 4. Demand for innovation5. Employee benefit programs6. Growing educational market (In both higher education and schooling, the Macintosh ease of use and low maintenance costs are attractive. )7. Music downloads from Itune 1.Very intense competition among the industry2. Price competition3. loss of market share4. Potential litigations5. Budget deficits in education6. Technological and prices discontinuity7. Potential increase in supply’s costs B. TOWS ANALYSIS SO1. Focusing on innovation and product differentiation will contribute to the customers satisfaction (S5, O3, O4)2. The diversity of the employees and the employee benefit programs contribute to the high corporate reputation (S3, S6, O5)3. Joint venture with Pepsi and strategic alliance with HP respond to the demand for music download. S7, S8, O7) WO1. The growing educational market should increase Apple’s market share in this segment (W6, O6)2. The growing industry should allow the company to decrease prices (W4, O2) ST1. The high corporate reputation might suffer from the potential litigations. (S3, T4)2. Strong management might overcome the potential litigations. (S9, T4)3. Focus on innovation and product creative style might offset the low prices of competitors. (S11, T1, T2)4. Innovation will depend on the technological -prices conditions and changes. (S5, T6) WT1.The image issues concerning the ease of use of the machine might contribute to the loss of share. (W1, T3)2. The discontinuity in technology and prices might create some forecasting problems, which could result in excess or shortage of inventory. (W2, W3, T6)3. Competition might take advantage of Apple’s high price. (W4, T1, T2)4. Apple’s high price might lower the amount of educational contracts (W4, T5)5. Not being IBM compatible might lead to loss in market share ( W5, T3)6. The broad product line might be endangered by the technology and prices discontinuity. (W7, T6) VI.STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES AND RECOMMENDED STRATEGY A. STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES 1. ) Turnaround The company could stop the expansion of their own retail segment in order to maintain a healthy relationship with its third-party distributor and avoid lawsuit. This strategy would also reduce the risks and costs tied to the stores investment. Apple could use its high cash to implement a product development strategy within the market segment they are currently serving. The company could also keep selling its products at a premium price in order to maintain the company’s reputation as an upscale and innovative brand.PROS O Improve relationship with resellers. (CI#2) O Reduce risks O The allocation of the high cash into a product development strategy might ultimately increase the revenue of the company(CI#3) O The premium price might be profitable and the upscale image brand of the company is respected. CONS O No control over the quality of the buying experience procured by the third-party distribution (CI#2) O Potential loss of market share because of the premium selling price O Broad product lines might lead to confusion and extra overhead costs. (CI#1) 2. ) Pause and Proceed with CautionIn the Annual Report for 2004, the company saw an increase in revenue and profitability. The introduction of iPod or Itune items have largely contributed to the company’s successful year. The retail segment growth has increased the brand awareness of the company but has led to some conflicts with the resellers. This strategy has to be taken with caution because Their lower price strategy is allowing the company to attract some non-Mac users. During the mid of this year (2005), the company could consider to primarily focus on: the music segment market and the education segment.Apple could also implement a succession plan for the eventual departure of Steve Jobs. The co mpany’s growth strategy has to be taken with caution and compromises with resellers have to be done. PROS O Good financial results O More control over the quality of the buying experience (CI#2) O Better brand awareness O Less confusion among core competency. (CI#1) O Sufficient cash flow to support the discounted prices. (CI#3) CONS O Cannibalization risk is still present (CI#2) O The low prices might discredit Apple’s upscale brand image. 3. ) Vertical GrowthThe company could decide to do a forward integration, by expanding its own retail store. Apple could use its high cash to finance this investment. The stores are a critical way to leverage Apple’s brand and showcase newfangled digital wares to affluent consumers. PROS O Total control over the quality of the buying experience (CI#2) O High cash can support the investment for the retail segment (CI#3) O Better brand awareness CONS O Dissatisfaction of the resellers(CI#2) O Potential loss of revenue due to ca nnibalization (CI#2) O The high cash investment is risky, and might have been allocated in a more safety way. CI#3) B. RECOMMENDED STRATEGY Pause and Proceed The last fiscal year has seen improvement for Apple. Profits have increased and the focus has been on innovation, especially in the music segment market. Using the high cash to implement a price strategy appears to be a good idea to compete with the non-Mac users. (CI#3) The brand image might slightly suffer from this strategy, therefore marketing incentive should be increased in order to sustain Apple’s reputation for high quality and innovative products. The retail segment growth should be implemented with a lot of caution.Apple needs to ease the pain of the resellers by coming up with programs to encourage these longtime partners to help it accomplish goals it can’t achieve on its own. (CI#2) Apple should also primarily focus on the music segment market and the educational segment market in which they have good opportunities. This focus would allow Apple to be more competitive and profitable. (CI#1) Least but not Last, the company should prepare a succession plan in response to the eventual departure of Steve Jobs. (CI#4) VII. IMPLEMENTATION A. WHO? The top management should narrow their focus to two market segment. B. WHAT?Apple’s core competency should focus on the music segment market and the educational segment market in which they have good opportunities. (CI#1) C. HOW? The company has to invest more into these 2 segments and cut some product lines that are not very profitable to the company. D. WHO? As Steve Jobs initiated, the company should keep focusing on a price strategy E. WHAT? By lowering the prices, the company will be able to be more competitive and increase market share. F. HOW? The company can use its high cash to support discounted prices. (CI#3) G. WHO? The top management should decide to expand the retail store. H. WHAT?Improve the quality of the buying experie nce by having control over the salesperson and collaborate with the resellers. (CI#2) I. HOW? The company can use its high cash to invest in the retail store expansion. The company should also tightly work with the resellers by supporting them through programs and bonuses. (CI#2) (CI#3) J. When? During mid 2005. K. HOW MUCH? The Company’s current strong financial condition and low debt-to-equity ratio will provide the means to accomplish these implementation initiatives in the short-term. In the long-term these measures will be well worth the cost in increased revenue and market share.L. WHO? The board of directors and the top management should prepare a succession plan. (CI#4) M. WHAT? The company has to deal with Steve Jobs eventual departure. N. HOW? Steve Jobs has to delegate some of his power to the top management and he should also implement some training programs. Tim Cook might be a good potential successor. (CI#4) P. WHEN? Right now. VIII. MAINTENANCE AND CONTROL A. The company’s strong financial position should allow the implementation of the strategies stated above. However the investment related to the retail segment growth is very costly and might be risky.Therefore, the company should: O Increase gradually the opening of retail stores. O Assess performance by having Finance and Marketing reviewing â€Å"the numbers â€Å"monthly†. O Spot and immediately address any negative trends The top management should periodically visit stores and gather feedback from line employees. They should also gather feedback from resellers to address expansion issue. B. The company’s focus on the music segment market and the education segment market has to be tightly monitored. O Top management should evaluate on a weekly basis overall performance. Revenue, Profit, ROI) O Feedback forms should also be given to customers to maintain good relations and to spot market trends early. Works Cited 10-Q for Quarterly Period Ended December 25, 200 4 http://www. apple. com/investor/ Apple Governance http://www. apple. com/investor/ Apple Financial Analysis http://www. hoovers. com/ Diverse Articles on Apple http://www. businessweek. com Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment. VISION STATEMENT â€Å"Man is the creator of change in this world. As such he should be above systems and structures, and not subordinate to them. † Explanation of visionApple lives this vision through the technologies it develops for consumers and corporations. It strives to make its customers masters of the products they have bought. Apple doesn't simply make a statement. It lives it by ensuring that its employees understand the vision and strive to reach it. It has put systems in place to enable smooth customer interaction. It has put objectives in place to continuously move forward; implemented strategies to fulfil these objectives; and ensured that the right marketing, financial and operational structures are in place to apply t he strategies. MISSION STATEMENT Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and internet offerings. † Page 15 of 54 [pic][pic][pic] The PC Industry We can glean Insight into the history and composition of the PC Industry from its eponymous title. In the late 1970s, as Wozniak and Jobs were starting Apple computer, personal computers were an emerging product. The following chart (Reimer) gives an overall view of the major market players since the mid-1970s. PC Share of Market 0% 10% 20% 0% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%Year 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 ShareofMark et IBM SOM Apple II SOM Mac SOM Amiga SOM C64 SOM TRS 80 SOM By 1983, the market share of the Apple II fell to 8% while the PC had 26%. Market share of Macintosh peaked at slightly more than 10% in the early 1990s and has since tapered to between 2-3%. The IBM PC and its clones became the standard due to the success of the open nature of the PC. This allows product developers to offer vastly more products for the platform. Some argue that not licensing the Mac OS was a mistake.Bill Gates and Microsoft were encouraging Apple to license their OS in the early 1980s, because they were developing software for Apple and had much riding on the success of the company. When Apple did not license, Microsoft began developing their operating system, Windows. (Linzmayer, 169-75, 245-9) Page 16 of 54 [pic][pic][pic] The Online Music Industry While Apple clearly dominates the online music industry, the battle for domination is not over. Although digital music sales are growing rapidly, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) states that digital sales account for only 4% of all music sales. Borland) Analysts at Forrester (Bartiromo) and Gartner (Bruno) validate this. Apple’s sales are between 66% and 75% of d ownloads and 80% of music players. (Bruno) Apple is part to a suit alleging monopolistic practices concerning their market share dominance of players and downloads. (Grundner) The other players in the download market are (the revised) Napster, Yahoo Music, Rhapsody, and illegitimate file-sharing services. Portable music players competing with the iPod include those made by Creative, Samsung, iRiver, and Sony.A major point of contention between these services and player manufacturers is the control of a variety of incompatible Digital Rights Management (DRM) schemes. The Future of Apple Personal Computers – A Shift in Strategy Apple has historically taken a far different path than the traditional Windows and Intel combination. Microsoft provides the Windows operating system to separate downstream hardware producers such as Dell. Apple vertically integrated both the operating system software and hardware completely under Apple.A consumer running Microsoft Windows can choose fro m a myriad of systems based on the Intel processor, while a consumer running Apple’s OS X must purchase Apple hardware. Page 17 of 54 [pic][pic][pic][pic] Apple is adjusting this strategy by migrating their microprocessors from IBM and Motorola PowerPC to Intel. Analysts believe that the Intel-based Macintosh may be able to run Microsoft Windows applications by the end of 2006. (Burrows) In addition to switching processors, Apple positioned their computers as an immediate option for the traditional Microsoft Windows user.With Apple Boot Camp, users may now use Mac OS X or Windows on an Apple computer. (Sutherland) Figure 1: Apple Boot Camp – Allowing Mac OS X or Windows By allowing users to run Windows on an Intel Mac, Apple reduced the switching costs for traditional PC users. Apple may steal away customers that are willing to pay a premium for a system that runs both Windows and Mac OS X. Figure 2: IBM PowerPC Processor, Intel Processor Core Duo / Pentium M Page 18 o f 54 [pic]Apple continues to retain a strategic option to license its technology to clone makers such as Dell.Past attempts at licensing Apple technology (to IBM, Gateway, and others) failed on accord of Apple’s rigid demands. Many technology leaders (such as a 1985 letter by Bill Gates to Apple CEO John Sculley) criticized Apple for keeping a closed architecture. Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak criticizes this strategy, â€Å"We had the most beautiful operating system, but to get it you had to buy our hardware at twice the price. That was a mistake. † (Linzmayer, 245-57) Whether Apple would be willing to pursue this reversal of vertical integration is unclear.Although such a move would cannibalize a portion of Apple’s own hardware sales, it would also provide royalty-based revenue that could approach $1 billion annually. (Burrows) Jobs traditionally sided against licensing Apple technology. He referred to Mac clone producers as â€Å"leeches† and he person ally killed Power Computing (a Mac clone producer) by terminating their license in 1997. (Linzmayer, 255) Apple in the Living Room Apple’s iPod and iTunes are a powerful combination that fosters a network style of increasing returns. (Barney, 124) By selling iPods, Apple increases the consumer demand for music from iTunes.By placing more musical choices on iTunes (including less popular songs that appeal to niche audiences), there is more demand for iPods. Apple had 70% of the legal music download market in early 2005. (Yoffie) Apple is shooting for the digital living room of the future. For example, Apple just released a â€Å"boom box† portable version of the iPod. This iPod (the iPod Hi-Fi) comes with a remote control. Instead of forming a strategic alliance, Apple engineered the iPod Hi-Fi and designed it with high-fidelity features. (Burrows) Apple is clearly trying to develop a stronger core competency in the entertainment area.Page 19 of 54 [pic][pic] Figure 3: The Apple Hi-Fi Apple may also release an Apple-branded cell phone and iPod combination device by the end of 2006. (Burrows) This product would again position Apple as a â€Å"second mover† responding to Palm’s Treo and Verizon’s VCAST technology. Strategic Alliances and Entertainment Jobs had the early strategic vision to complement computing with movie entertainment. After founding NeXT, he personally acquired a majority interest in the young movie company Pixar in February 1986. (Linzmayer, 219) Jobs went on to invest ? of his personal wealth into Pixar.In 1995, Pixar solidified its position within animated movies with the debut of Toy Story. Grossing $358 million worldwide, it became the 3rd-largest grossing animated movie in history. (Linzmayer, 222) After this success, Jobs took Pixar public and negotiated far better terms with Disney. Later successes included Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc. , and Finding Nemo. Ironically, Jobs stated in the November 23, 1998Bu siness Week, â€Å"I Think Pixar has the opportunity to be the next Disney – not replace Disney – but be the next Disney. † (Linzmayer, 222-4) The alliance between Pixar and Disney has remendous potential for economies of scope. As CEO of Apple and Disney’s largest shareholder, Jobs is the strategic link between Disney, Page 20 of 54 [pic][pic] Apple, and Pixar. Opportunities include combining the animated movie expertise of Disney and Pixar, as well as sharing the content of Disney’s ABC or ESPN networks over Apple’s digital offerings. (Burrows, Grover, and Green) A current example of the fusion between Disney, Jobs, Apple, and technology is video on the iPod. Disney’s Desperate Housewives was one of the first television programs available for purchase and download to the newer video-enabled iPod.There are concerns about whether these synergies will come to fruition. There are fears that the personality and style of Jobs may conflict with Disney, and that Disney CEO Iger could be â€Å"Amelioed† — driven out of office by Jobs in a manner similar to how Jobs drove Amelio out of the CEO post at Apple. (Burrows, Grover, and Green) EXTERNAL ANALYSIS Technological Environment Brand Awareness – Style at a Premium Apple’s products are trendy and stylish. After Jobs returned in 1997, Apple retained designer Jonathan Ive to differentiate their computers from the typical beige box.Ive’s design of the iMac included clear colorful cases that distinguished Apple computers. (Linzmayer, 295-6) Apple’s iPod (with the trademark white ear buds and simple track wheel) commands a 15%-20% premium over other MP3 players. (Yoffie) Apple and Pixar limit the number of computer products and movies that they sell. Product differentiation with focused quality and style also extend to the Jobs Pixar – â€Å"Pixar's executives focus on making sure there are no ‘B teams,’ that ev ery movie gets the best efforts of Pixar's brainy staff of animators, storytellers, and technologists. † (Burrows, Grover, and Green) Page 21 of 54 pic][pic][pic][pic][pic] Figure 4: The Stylish Design of the iMac and Mac Mini Apple positions its Macintosh computers as higher quality and higher price. HP, Dell, and other PC manufacturers are pricing many systems under the $1,000 threshold. â€Å"Apple is struggling to meet demand for its new MacBook Pro laptop despite a $1,900 price tag that is nearly twice that of garden-variety rivals. † (Burrows) Apple has only recently entered the low-end (below $500) consumer market with the Mac Mini. Although the Mac Mini is a base model with few features, it comes encased in a very small and distinctive package.Apple portrays this computer as â€Å"Small is Beautiful†. (Apple) Likewise, the iPod Shuffle was Apple’s first entry into the lower-end ($100 range) of flash- memory-based portable music players. Interoperab ility Although Apple competes directly with Microsoft for operating systems, the release of iTunes for Windows in 2002 was a key strategic move. This decision expanded the potential customer base to nearly all personal computer owners, even though Apple only has 2%-3% of all personal computer sales. (Yoffie) Conversely, Apple depends on Microsoft for a version of Microsoft Office.As the most widely used office suite of applications, Macintosh users rely on Office to correspond with companies that standardized on Windows. This is from a strategic alliance between Apple and Microsoft after Jobs returned in 1997. (Linzmayer, 290) Page 22 of 54 [pic][pic][pic] Apple’s iTunes service has a technological hook (asset specificity) to Apple’s iPod. Although versions of iTunes exist for both Apple and Microsoft operating systems, the iTune’s AAC file format prevents other portable music players (such as iRiver or Samsung) from playing purchased songs. (Yoffie) Technology and the Digital LifestyleApple not only dominates the music player market, its iLife suite provides consumers with easy-to-use software for music and video composition. With â€Å"podcast† a household word, Apple’s Garage Band application makes the recording of podcasts and music very easy. (Boddie) Figure 5: The GarageBand Music and Podcast Application Page 23 of 54 [pic][pic] Regulatory Environment While introducing new technologies, there is a persistent threat of legal action by competitors. For example, Apple sued Microsoft in 1988 (settled in 1997 for an undisclosed amount) for perceived similarities between Microsoft Windows and Macintosh audiovisual works. Linzmayer, 172-4) Microsoft has generally been the focus for government antitrust charges (such as U. S. v. Microsoft) (US DOJ, 2006). Both federal and state governments assert that Microsoft’s dominance blocked fair competition within the software industry. This is an advantage for Apple, because its operating systems are a viable substitute for Windows. Furthermore, Microsoft’s continued support for Office for Macintosh reduces the perceived level of market monopoly and abuse. (Linzmayer, 290-1) Manufacturers will continue to trespass on Apple’s intellectual property.For example, the company tex9 released an open source music program called xtunes that was very similar to iTunes. In 2002, Apple took legal action against tex9, who then altered the program and renamed it sumi (pronounced, â€Å"sue me†). (Linzmayer, 300) Legal threats can surface from somewhat unusual sources. Apple Corps Ltd. is the London-based company that owns the rights to the music of the Beatles. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr recently sued Apple over the use of the Apple logo in iTunes, claiming that it violated Apple’s agreement not to produce music under an apple-based logo. Associated Press) Research and development is a key component to Apple’s sustained competitive advantage. Apple is currently taking legal action against several popular technical web sites for releasing proprietary product research. Sites such as appleinsider. com have allegedly posted verbatim content from documents protected by employee non-disclosure agreements. Page 24 of 54 [pic][pic][pic] (McCullagh) Release of critical insider information could give Apple’s competitors a jump in producing rival products. Industry Analysis Using Porter’s Five Forces ModelApple operates in two primary industries: †¢ Computing – Hardware and Software †¢ Delivery of Entertainment and Media Apple has always been under intense competition within the computer, software, and entertainment industries. â€Å"Looking to 2005†¦ Every time that Apple had jumped into the lead in a product category during the past two decades, it had had difficulty in sustaining its leadership position. † (Yoffie) We use Porter’s Five Forces Model to understand why Ap ple’s industries are so competitive. Figure 6: Porter’s Five Forces Model Page 25 of 54 Threat of New Entrants Bargaining ower of Suppliers Threat of Substitutes Bargaining power of Buyers Level of Threat in an Industry [pic][pic] Figure 7: Summary of Industry Threats (Computer Equipment and Entertainment Distribution) Type and Severity of Threat Organization Examples Entry – High Threat Verizon Streaming audio and video with V CAST. Amazon On demand online services to purchase music (similar to iTunes). Google They make everything. The â€Å"Next Google† New entrants with disruptive technology. Rivalry – High Threat Microsoft Windows Operating System, Windows Media Player for playing music and video.Linux Competition to Mac OS X Operating System. Napster, Rhapsody Online music sources – alternatives to iTunes Music Store. Dell, HP, Lenovo Alternate sources for computer hardware. iRiver, Samsung, Creative Small, stylish MP3 Players. DreamWor ks Animated movies. YouTube. com Online video. Substitutes – Moderate Threat XM, Sirius Satellite Radio for music. XBox, PS2 Entertainment Media, Media and Music. Various Internet Streaming Radio and Podcasts. Music CDs, DVD- Audio and SuperAudio CD Alternative means to acquire music. Broadcast, Cable, Satellite, NetFlix, TiVo, TheatresAlternative sources for video. Suppliers – High Threat Motorola, IBM, Intel, Samsung Suppliers of Processors and computer memory. Microsoft Strategic Alliance / Supplier of Office for Mac. The Big Five – BMG, EMI, Sony, Universal, and Warner Sources of music. Will they raise prices and break the dollar per song model? Some in the record industry resent Apple’s distribution model. â€Å"Apple reaps billions from selling its hit music player, but there are sparse profits from the songs being sold over the Net. † (Burrows, Grover, and Green) Disney, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Pixar, SonySuppliers of Television and Movies. Will they sign exclusive contracts with other online services? Note that this threat is reduced for Disney / Pixar. Buyers – Moderate Threat Consumers and Illegal peer-to-peer file sharing Consumers share music using peer-to-peer networks without paying for music. Distributors Apple retailers may pressure for lower prices or better terms. For example, the release of the Apple Store in 2001 â€Å"infuriated longtime independent Apple retailers that didn’t appreciate Cupertino cannibalizing their sales. † (Linzmayer, 300) Consumer Attitudes and BehaviorsConsumers or businesses may reduce spending on personal computers or non-essential (potentially high elasticity of demand) music players if they fear economic downturns. Consumer Refresh Consumers and businesses may continue to use previous-model iPods and Page 26 of 54 [pic][pic] Cycles Macs rather than upgrade to current iPods, iMacs, or OS Page 27 of 54 [pic]The total industry threat for the industry space that Appl e occupies (computer equipment and distribution of entertainment) is a high threat industry. Apple must continue to pursue product differentiation (i. e. he style and ease-of-use of an iPod) and economies of scope (i. e. offering ABC television shows on iTunes) to maintain their sustained competitive advantage in this industry. Which External Threats are Most Significant †¢ Computer Hardware and Software: Open Source software such as the Linux Operating System and Open Office applications threaten both Apple and Microsoft. The low (often, free) cost of the software may allow it to overtake Apple and Microsoft, especially in developing markets such as China. †¢ Music Products: Major online retailers such as Amazon are considering entry into the online music market.With a wide internet presence and a household name, Amazon could present a formidable challenge to Apple. If the major record labels (Universal, Sony BMG, EMI, and Warner) negotiate better terms with new competito rs to iTunes, Apple may be unable to provide some of the music content that they currently offer. The major music labels dislike Apple’s dollar per song pricing. They would prefer to earn higher profits with â€Å"variable pricing†. (Wingfield) With variable pricing, the most popular songs would be greater than $1, and less popular songs would be less than $1.Although the labels recently renewed their contracts with Apple, there may be provisions that allow future changes in the pricing model. (Wingfield and Smith) †¢ Suppliers: The recent shift to Intel processors could present a significant threat to Apple. With only two companies (Intel and AMD) producing Intel-compatible processors, there is a strong potential for tacit collusion and oligopoly power between these suppliers. Apple purchasing must now directly compete with HP, Lenovo, and Dell. If shortages or Page 28 of 54 [pic][pic] exclusive agreements materialize, Apple could face problems with obtaining raw materials.Apple should consider additional sources such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Figure 8: CPU Market Share Additional External Threats Security Apple software, like all large software products, has security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. A significant exploitation in the future could damage many businesses and households using Apple computers. This would affect future customer purchasing decisions. Apple enjoys a competitive advantage, because their OS X is mature and stable due to its basis on BSD Unix. In fact, â€Å"computer security folks back at FBI HQ use Macs running OS X†. (Granneman) Page 29 of 54 pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]Ads by Google |Free Whitepaper | |Gain competitive advantage | |using predictive analytics | |www. sas. com/uk/retail | |SPSS Predictive Analytics |Learn To Use Predictive Analytics | |In This Free SPSS Whi te Paper. | |www. cognos. com/SPSS_analytics | |SWOT Analysis Diagrams | |Easy SWOT Diagram Software | |See Examples. Free Download! | |www. SmartDraw. com | pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]A Strategic Analysis of Apple Corporation DownloadPrintMobileCollectionsReport Document Report this document? Please tell us reason(s) for reporting this document Top of Form [pic] [pic] [pic]Spam or junk [pic]Porn adult content [pic]Hateful or offensive If you are the copyright owner of this document and want to report it, please follow these directions to submit a copyright infringement notice. [pic]Cancel Bottom of Form This is a private document. [pic] Info and Rating Reads: 46,219 [pic] Uploaded: 02/09/2009 Category: School Work Rated: pic][pic][pic][pic][pic](28 Ratings) course information [email  protected] com inc analyse strategy summary macintosh computers organisational objective (more tags) course information [email  protected] com inc analyse strategy summary macintosh computers org anisational objective avac strategic control business activities term strategy industries case profitibility economic relative ideas (fewer) Follow mahantesh123 [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]Sections show allcollapse « prev | next  » †¢ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY †¢ HISTORY OF APPLE †¢ The PC Industry †¢ The Online Music Industry The Future of Apple †¢ Apple in the Living Room †¢ EXTERNAL ANALYSIS †¢ Technological Environment †¢ Interoperability †¢ Technology and the Digital Lifestyle †¢ Regulatory Environment †¢ Industry Analysis Using Porter’s Five Forces Model †¢ SWOT Analysis †¢ Threats †¢ Financial Analysis †¢ Stock Price Performance †¢ Profitability Measures †¢ Product Unit Sales †¢ 2002 Product Sales †¢ 2005 Product Sales †¢ Strategy †¢ Product Differentiation †¢ Strategic Alliances [pic]Share & Embed Related Documents PreviousNext 1. 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[pic]Recent Readcasters Add a Comment Top of Form [pic] [pic] Submit Characters: 400 [pic] [pic] Bottom of Form 0137984613 left a comment iryani_70 03 / 13 / 2010 Reply natasha100 left a comment aw esum report-thanx !!!!!!!! -but just tel me how 2 download it? 03 / 02 / 2010 Reply queenouchka left a comment great report, please how to download? 02 / 24 / 2010 Reply BrianCMasi left a comment is reading Thanks for this.Your work helped guide me in completing my analysis of the company. 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Redevelopment of Salford Quays

In the 19th century the city of Manchester was at the heart of the industrial revolution; it was a thriving port and the centre of Lancashire's textile industry. Yet, by 1950 business had declined to an all-time low. The canal journey had become too slow and therefore uneconomical for factories and companies. The port could no longer respond to the pressures placed on it by the changes in technology. The docks lay neglected and derelict. Vandalism and crime rates were high, as was unemployment (the city had depended on the docks for jobs). However, with the help of government funding, grants and publicity the city began to address its social, economic and physical problems resulting from past industrial decline. In 1985 Salford began its huge re-development scheme, construction continued up until 1993 and now is a perfect example of successful inner-city redevelopment. All the decisions that were made were complex and had to consider what land uses were to be located where and how much land to devote to each competing demand or problem. The construction work alone provided around four hundred jobs, and the area now provides employment for over 6,000 people, leading to the fastest drop in unemployment ever within the Greater Manchester area. Community Schemes have been aimed at improving the quality of schools has kept the youth unemployment rates low. The new Heritage Centre also provides an educational service to schools, colleges and the public. Primary school pupils through to university students use Salford Quays for learning purposes. Salford Quays has addressed other problems too such as vandalism, crime rates, poverty and the lack of investment and funding in Greater Manchester. Organizations such as the New Deal for Communities programme and other funding (over i100 million in lottery funding has been invested) based in Salford Quays have worked at putting money back into the Greater Manchester community. The Salford Partnership also launched a community plan; all of which demonstrates a commitment to working to achieve change. Plans such as these have improved living conditions and lead to a drop in poverty rates. To keep investment into the area high, over 300,000 feet of office space was built attracting companies into the area. Well known companies such as Kellogg's, Rank Hovis, Ford Trucks and Konica all have offices in Salford Quays. Facilities at such buildings as the MGM Cannon cinema and Copthorne Hotel, because of their location, car parking and accessibility attract people from the local area as well as other parts of Greater Manchester. In addition, a high of local pride has been generated that, together with higher income (due to greater employment) and places to go, has lead to a reduction in vandalism and crime. Easy access to Salford Quays via a Metro link, as well as entrances to the region's motorways, railways and the city centre of Manchester has resulted in a rise of tourism. Places such as the Lowry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, as well as the overall design of the area attract large numbers of visitors every year. This has increased the amount of money that has been invested into the area. The redevelopment has made Salford Quays an attractive place to visit, work and live; it has also been a model for other cities to follow. The social and economic benefits have been felt throughout Greater Manchester and the North West.

Critical literature review of building successful corporate blogs Essay

There are a limited number of studies investigating the elements that characterize a successful blog. In their study, Cass, Munroe and Turcotte (2005) addressed several issues regarding the creation of successful blogs by conducting an online survey and six case studies. The following are the questions they attempted to answer: â€Å"Why would a company want to start blogging? What makes a blog successful? And how can companies use this type of website to facilitate positive business growth? † (Cass, Munroe, & Turcotte, 2005). Their survey consists of 32 questions addressing the questions previously mentioned. A total of 97 people took the survey, 75 of which are bloggers and 22 are non-bloggers, 77% of which are male and 23% are female. However, they only posted results from respondents who claim that they ran a corporate blog. Backbone Media, Inc. developed the survey page consisting of 32 questions addressing the questions previously mentioned and interviewed 6 coporate corporate blogger. Majority of the bloggers are between the ages 30 and 39. Fifty-two percent of the respondents achieved an undergraduate level and 48% achieved graduate level indicating that most of them are highly educated. â€Å"The positions of the bloggers include president (45%), head of department (33%), and staff (22%). Seventy-three percent of the bloggers come from companies with 1-100 companies while 19% come from companies with over 500 employees. † (Cass, Munroe, & Turcotte, 2005). These percentages of bloggers indicate that small, medium and large companies have been influenced by the blogging innovation. Results of the survey indicated that respondents believe that corporate blogs provide an array of benefits such as â€Å"quick publishing, thought leadership, building community, sales and online public relations. † (Cass, Munroe, & Turcotte, 2005). Results show that bloggers immediately notice that their ideas are published quickly but the biggest benefit for them is thought leadership and sharing of ideas. The interviews and the case studies provided guidelines for other companies in creating a successful corporate blog. According to Cass et. al. , since thought leadership is thought to be the biggest benefit provided by corporate blogs, it is best to discuss thought leadership to build a successful blog community. They also suggest that companies should encourage their bloggers to write more about their products and their services. Also, Cass et. al. (2005) emphasize that â€Å"new ideas should come from both the blogger and from customers†. A more recent study addressing the issue on creating a successful corporate blog is Cass and Carl’s (2006) Blogging Success Study. In their study, they tried to select and define the elements that constitute a successful corporate blog. They interviewed 20 successful corporate bloggers from different size of firms and industries. (Cass & Carl, 2006). They also conducted case studies explaining how these twenty corporate bloggers achieved success. As a solution, these are 5 main factors contribute to a successful corporate blog: â€Å"culture, transparency, time, dialogue, and entertaining writing style and personalization. † (Cass & Carl, 2006). In the case of Sony Playstation blogspot, wherein the blogspot which was not really that good in terms of content, and wherein, there were many bloggers yet there were only a few of them whose writings really matter and much of the content is somewhat personal or is considered as â€Å"noise†. The corporation acted with fluidity and immediately controlled the blogspot, by not accepting topics which the company has already addressed. In an article by Mark White (2007) a blog consultant in corporate blogging, he stresses some of the important points for a corporation to consider in managing good blogspots. He cites listening, clarity and openness, forward thinking, developing, and giving options as some points which a corporation has to live up to in order to have a good corporate blogspot. To maintain manageability of some corporate blogspots, it is important that the corporate executives themselves read what is written on the blogs and innovate and manage the blogs which are presented to them. On a separate topic, White (2007) also discussed the ideal way of managing blogs. White suggests that as a corporate blogger, one must publish on a regular basis, stay on planned topics, always keep readers in mind, make blog titles attractive in all senses, cite references of other cites, make sure that spelling and grammar are well, check back planning documents, reference foundation articles, and encourage follow ups to comments. Building corporate blogs of course takes time and a lot of effort and patience, but as long as corporate executives are managing the blogspace efficiently, and there is control over the content as well as the topics within the blogs, the blogspace would mean a lot for the corporations as benefits would definitely hit the ceiling. Corporate blogs can be helpful in making others see what its culture really by being transparent with their motives behind blogging. It must be open in engaging dialogues with customers. Blogs must also contain personal connection between the writer and the reader. Because of these considerations, setting up corporate blogs requires a lot of time. Thus, companies must be able to identify the person or persons who will be able to devote enough time in setting up blogs that can be trusted not only by customers but by their co-workers as well. These studies help to determine how bloggers perceive the notion of corporate blogging. Moreover, knowing the history of the development of blogging will help in understanding how and why the public accepted blogging as a kind of new and advantageous innovation. However, empirical research has not yet been undertaken regarding this matter. Thus, the present study will give an empirical research on the perception of bloggers on corporate blogging to determine their rate of acceptance on corporate blogging.

Woman in Law Enforcement Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Woman in Law Enforcement - Term Paper Example It is strange to see that women compose around 46.5% of the total workforce yet their numbers in law enforcement agencies hover around 10%. This disparity is negatively affecting policing in particular and law enforcement in general. The numbers of women in law enforcement agencies has not registered a substantial increase in the last decade or so. A number of sociological and criminal justice problems are to blame for such a situation. In order to discern this problem better, it is pertinent to compare the trends of hiring women in law enforcement agencies historically and in the present scenario. This can be used to delineate the various sociological and criminal justice issues at work. A look at reasons to hire women law enforcement officers will offer great insight into the need for more women law enforcement agents. Historical and Modern Perspectives on Women in Law Enforcement Historical Developments Women have been employed in law enforcement since the 19th century in various positions in America. Historically, women were consigned to clerical tasks or were hired as dispatchers. This continued till the 1970’s when women were encouraged to take up law enforcement roles through myriad cop and detective shows in the media. Another major factor behind this development was the civil rights movement and the ensuing affirmative action laws that effectively paved women’s way into law enforcement agencies. ... At this point in time, women furnish an estimated 12% of all positions in law enforcement agencies. Recent Trends A study conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) over women’s role in law enforcement is very revealing of the actual situation on ground. The study was conducted between 1987 and 2008 and focuses on the participation of women in law enforcement. The report clearly indicates that the number of women officers sworn in law enforcement agencies increased very little in federal, state and local agencies. The trend analysis of some 53 law enforcement agencies revealed that the percentage of women officers was 14% in 1998 which went up to 15.2% in 2008 which represents a 1.2% increase in a 10 year period. This indicates an average increase rate of 0.12% annually which represents extremely slow growth. The largest increase in the number of women officers was witnessed in the USPIS (United States Postal Inspection Service) and the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) which was some 7%. Both jobs are more clerical than field related. Furthermore, the U.S. Forest Service as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service experienced a net decrease in the number of women officers which went down from 16.1% in 1998 to some 15.9% in 2008. Other than this the distribution of women law enforcement officers is significantly different for large law enforcement agencies versus small law enforcement agencies. (Langton) Women law enforcement officers accounted for 15% of the total within the larger police departments in 2007. In contrast, women law enforcement officers accounted for 13% of the total within the larger sheriff’s offices. On the other hand smaller law enforcement agencies with 1 to 10 full time officers are composed of 6% women only. Smaller

Electronic Health Records in the UK Research Paper

Electronic Health Records in the UK - Research Paper Example This is in part informed on the fact policy debates are fueled by bogus, self-defeating attitudes. One of such thinking is that the United States is incapable of affording to cover the uninsured, when in real sense a synchronized monetary system is the chief instrument for cutting cost down, and there relatively inexpensive ways to do it. Even more, the biggest viewpoint, seized by many medical specialists, is that they would be unable to find more authority than they have before now under commercial managed care. Nevertheless, health care systems elsewhere grant medical specialists superior institutional muscle (James, 2005). In the fall of June 1941, a British civil servant, radio personality and educator Sir William Beveridge was requested to execute social modernization after World War II. He had previously worked as a civil servant whereby he interacted with the impoverished in the East of London. At this time, Beveridge observed the numerous paradoxical, biased programs for une mployment, housing, child support, amid other programs run by various departments under conflicting doctrines. As a result, Sir William Beveridge concluded that the only crucial approach was to deal with all the programs at once, in a manner that would form affiliations among the individual and state. The Beveridge account Social Insurance and Allied Services, advocated for all-inclusive health care as an element of a postwar government grand plan endorsing employment, housing, education and social security. However the Beveridge preparation provided just a preface and faltering sketch, it recognized an important vision and became an instant success. The Beveridge report for tax-based state health service as a communal good provided a rudimentary alternative to the existing Bismarck plan of National Health Service (Polly, 2003). Waiting records are a universal pressure valve in numerous systems that cut back on far too much spending. In the National Health System, the standard waiti ng time for discretionary hospital-based care is 46 days. The distinction by social status in seeking services, and admittance are nominal by international standards, though more affluent people are always adept at maneuvering any public service. The British system has been privileged to have private sector for the rich who want faster and plusher optional care. This quarter clinical value is not superior by a margin of 9 percent. The formulated policies favor a duplicative coverage for voluntary dealings for which medical professionals charge very abnormal fees. Private care is intense in the larger London quarter and other cities. Currently, all private admittance and day cases total more than 2%. The world and International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization have played a crucial role in the transformation of British Health sector (Scott, Randall & Vogt 2007). The existing design for the new NHS by the current British government is even more determined than the transf ormation shaped by Margaret Thatcher. The NHS was largely criticized as no longer affordable and or sustainable. Restraining it to an emergency and benefit service would have been glaringly politically practicable and would have been received well by the public-private joint venture premises of

Classify three types of addiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Classify three types of addiction - Essay Example It encompasses the development of dependence on any substance that chemically alters the body’s normal functioning. Drugs and substances addicts live for the next â€Å"high†; as such, they channel all their finances towards purchasing drugs neglecting their financial obligations. In addition, their social relationships suffer, as they rely on manipulation tactics to get money for their next hit. Sex addiction encompasses an individual’s dysfunctional preoccupation with sex, which in turn hinders them from fulfilling other obligations or executing their social roles. Sex addiction is also a common form of addiction; however, because of the culturally imposed stigma, many people suffering from sex addiction shy away from seeking help. Gambling addiction, although not as prevalent as the other two, affects a vast number of people. It encompasses an individual’s dependence on taking unnecessary risks financially with the hope of gaining extra financial incentives. Success in gambling depends entirely on luck, as there is no certain criterion for predicting the outcome. Gambling addicts are perpetually in

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 127

Assignment Example The main reason therefore, that led to the crusades being held was to create the desire and accelerate the urge for the Christians to reclaim the conquered territories (184). The misery the Franks suffered, which included poverty, sicknesses and civil wars are the other reasons behind the European engagement in the fighting crusades. The Christians also observed that there had been previous prophesy to the effect that religious wars must come and must be fought (Gabrieli, 11). The urge to follow the Christian teachings, which required that individuals should love their God more than their wives and children served as a conviction that the Europeans needed to engage in the crusades to re-acquire the territories previous conquered by the Muslims. The conviction that the Christians was the true religion explains their behavior in the middle east of requiring that prayers be done facing the east, and even forcing Muslims to stop facing Mecca and instead face the east while praying (Giull o,

The Applicants Behavior and Personality Traits Research Paper

The Applicants Behavior and Personality Traits - Research Paper Example The aforementioned strategy can also be stretched further by setting up a manufacturing plant in developing countries in Asia. By doing so, the company will not only bring much-needed employment in the region, but it will also save the company expenses in manufacturing due to lower labour costs. Furthermore, the abundance of raw materials in the region will also provide the company with further benefits in terms of keeping costs at bay. By implementing such strategy, the company should be able to satisfy both its shareholders’ demand for profits, brought about by reduced costs and increased markets, while at the same time satisfying stakeholders in the community because of responsible advertising and management. Another important step that the company must take in its traditional market at home to improve performance is to repackage its products and update its look to appeal to the changing tastes and preferences of its consumers. However, in order to truly ensure the companyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s success in the long run, the company must diversify its products by manufacturing either new tobacco-based products to diversify risks or by manufacturing products, which could be consumed together with cigarettes such as cigarette filters, and the like. Manufacturing cigarette filters, for example, will not be too costly for the company because cigarettes already contain filters, hence, not much research and development will be required. In addition, this strategy will not only improve the company’s overall value, but it could also improve the performance of the company’s tobacco and cigarette products.

Printmaking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Printmaking - Essay Example In this cheese printing, the artist engraved a metal plate covered in a resin. Resin is used because it is a material that is acid resistant. After applying the design, the plate is then dipped in an acid that â€Å"bites† the design into a plate, inked, and then pressed with a paper. Here, the artist drew directly on a stone that is very flat or even a special prepared metal plate usually a greasy crayon. The stone is then dampened using water, and then inked. The ink will then be clinged on the greasy crayon marks not on areas that are dampened. After pressing the paper against the stone, the ink found on greasy sections is transferred to it. Here, a specific type of pencil called silk screen is used. This technique was first used in 20th century. Andy Warhol first prepares a stretched screen that is very tight normally of blocks, and silk on areas that need not be printed through filling the mesh of screen using a vanish like substance or any material that would block the fabric pores. The paper is then placed below the screen and ink is forced through the open mesh on the paper. This print making processes is widely used in textile especially in common

How jails differ from prisons Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How jails differ from prisons - Research Paper Example delivery, possible need for accountability to the funders identifies differences in funding stakeholders in the facilities’ organizational structures. Internal organizational structure of jails also identify sheriff, an elected officer, at the top of a hierarchy structure and subordinate law enforcement officers while the Bureau of Prisons administers prisons (Whitehead, Jones, and Braswell, 2010) and the structure identifies administrative differences between the two facilities. It also important to note that sheriffs, who manage jails, are elected officials and voter power may influence their administrative decisions while Bureau of Prisons director are appointed and even though politics may influence the appointment, a level of administrative expertise is expected (Clark and MacCreaigh, 2006). Another difference is the facilities’ target hosts as prisons are also organized to host people who have been sentenced for felony offences and those serving long period senten ces. Jails are however organized to host people who are yet to be tried or those who have been tried but are yet to be transferred to their designated facilities such as juveniles and those with mental illnesses (Gaines and Miller, 2006). Jails and prisons are facilities in the criminal justice system for holding arrested and convicted people but their organizational and administrative scopes are different. Organizational structure, objectives, types of expertise, sources of funds, and types of people that each of the facilities holds identifies the

Law Enforcement Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Law Enforcement Paper - Essay Example Policing in the United States dates back to the pre-colonial period, an era characterized by high level of immigration from European countries into the country. Immigrants from Britain formed a significant proportion of the foreigners and the United States later became a British colony. This colonial relationship played a major role in the development of the current modern policing and common law in the United States. According to Uchida (2004), the modern features that define American internal security such as community policing, crime prevention and hierarchical police command originate from British law enforcement agencies. As early as 900 AD, Uchida (2004) notes that law enforcement in United States was the responsibility of every citizen. Individuals used state authorized powers to uphold order in the society, a type of policing which Walker (1977, p48). refers as â€Å"kin police†. Because there was no police, individual persons were responsible for security of their rel atives. This type of security later developed into a formalized communal policing that was adapted from 1066 to 13th century. The defining characteristic of policing during the period was a community-based model called frankpledge (Uchida, 2004). This model comprised of small groups, each made of nine boys above the age of twelve years. These groups were called â€Å"tythings† and members came from the same neighborhood Uchida (2004 p23). Each member was sworn to uphold security by protecting fellow citizen, apprehending criminals and taking them to court of law (Uchida, 2004). This form of security organization was compulsory in nature and was enforced by the state although the members were compensated for their work. During this period, United States was under the rule of English Monarchy and absolute loyalty was necessary. A constable who was appointed by the local nobleman commanded a group of ten tythings (Uchida, 2004). Therefore, the constable was the first police offi cer with official security responsibilities beyond helping his neighbor. The tythings were grouped into larger units of hundreds, which were then collaborated into larger units, called â€Å"shires† (Uchida, 2004, p25). The head of each shire was called â€Å"sheriff†, an appointee of the king. This form of security system disintegrated in the 13th century as result of insufficient supervision from the king (Uchida, 2004, p28). The parish constable structure took over and adapted the same system, although it gave the constable more powers than in the preceding system. The constable commanded a group of watchmen who guarded entry points and gates of towns at night. This form of English security arrangement continued in the 17th and 18th centuries (Walker, 1977). The sheriff, constable and the watch formed the core hierarchical system of police system in the United States. The sheriff headed the police operations in a county and the governor appointed him. The role of sh eriff included collecting taxes, arresting criminals serving subpoenas in addition to making court appearances. In big tows and cities, the night watch reported fires, detained and arrested suspected criminals, raised the alarm, maintained street lighting in addition to walking around in the towns to ensure security. Constables were responsible for taking criminals to court, removing health hazards in the towns and ensuring that witnesses appeared in courts (Walker, 1977).

How could the Holocaust have beet prevented Essay Example for Free

How could the Holocaust have beet prevented Essay You have probably heard about a period of time, not so long ago, known as The Holocaust. A holocaust, according to Websters dictionary, is a complete destruction by fire (Stadtler, 1). In Europe, during this period, there was a complete destruction by fire of Jewish homes, Jewish businesses, Jewish neighborhoods, and Jewish people. This destruction was carried out under the direction of Adolf Hitler, during the years 1939-1945, but it actually began earlier, in 1933, when Hitler came to power in Germany. In my opinion, the Holocaust, which was caused by ignorance, could very well have been prevented. There were many powerful nations, such as the United Stated, the USSR, and Britain, whose leaders and militaries could have stepped in and helped the Jewish people who were facing extremely brutal persecution. Throughout most of the war, the American government clung to the delusion that the Nazis were persecuting the Jews because of their political or religious beliefs. The U.S. closed its gates to emigration from Europe in 1940-1941, when Jews were still allowed to emigrate. Anti-Semitism in America actually increased during the war and started to decline only at the end of it (Bauer, 297). A Soviet attitude toward the murder of the Jews simply did not exist. While fighting a desperate battle for its own survival, Britain saved the Jews of Palestine, North Africa, and much of the British Empire from the fate of European Jewry. The British fought only for themselves, but the defense of their own interests coincided with the defense of civilized humanity, including the Jews (Bauer, 296). The May 1939 White Paper on immigration to Palestine stated that immigration to Palestine would end after 75,000 had been admitted between 1939 and 1944. When war broke out, the British decreed that no enemy nationals could enter Palestine, which in effect, closed the doors to those who needing rescue most, specifically the European Jews trying to escape the Nazis. At first, the thought of such destruction in Europe was incomprehensible to other Nations. They heard of what was occurring, but did not believe it, and therefore did nothing. The suffering of hundreds of thousands, soon of millions, was evident for consciences to be aroused, for steps to be taken.  Nothing was done (Bauer, 297). I feel the ignorance of these Nations was the cause of the loss of 6 million lives. Had these Nations not turned their heads away and ignored what was happening, they could have saved many lives and prevented the Holocaust. By allowing emigration from Europe into their countries, by trying to negotiate with Hitler, or if worse came to worse, assassinating Hitler, things might have been different. By not recognizing the events leading to the Holocaust and of the Holocaust, they also caused the Holocaust along with Adolf Hitler. The Holocaust could only have been prevented by the World Powers, but they failed to do so because they were so ignorant. During the 19th century, European Jewry was being emancipated, and in most European countries, Jews were achieving some equality of status with non-Jews. Nonetheless, at times, Jews were vilified and harassed by anti-Semitic groups. Indeed, some anti-Semites believed that Jewry was an alien race not assimilable into a European culture, but they did not formulate any coherent anti-Semitic campaign until Hitler came to power. Germany was defeated in World War I after a four year struggle that left its people exhausted and divided. The harsh peace terms of the Versailles Treaty placed a heavy economic burden on them. Before the war Germany had thought of itself as Europes greatest nation. Now it was confused, bitter, and economically crippled, its wealth drained to pay the vast sums demanded by the Versailles Peace Treaty. Rising inflation left many Germans poor and others jobless. Political differences exploded in assassinations and street fighting. The new democratic government of Germany, the Weimar Republic, was unable to prevent disorder and caused people to lose faith in democracy. With Germans of all outlooks desperately seeking solutions for the nations problems, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party began their climb to power. Hitler was gifted with effective political talents. He offered an explanation for Germanys defeat, and a vision of Germanys future destiny, that played upon the fears, prejudices, and hopes of many Germans. He promised to rebuild  Germanys power and restore its prosperity (Isaacman, 16). This won the support of many Germans. Hitler was such an effective speaker that anything he said was believed even if it was not true. Hitler believed that the German people were part of an Aryan race, a superior group that should be kept pure to fulfill their mission of ruling the world. He felt that the Jewish people were sub-human, when in actuality they were virtually the same as his Aryan race. Not only did Hitler have a personal hatred toward the Jewish people, but he also blamed them for stabbing Germany in the back after Germanys defeat in World War I. Hitler used them as scapegoats because they were a minority and were easy to put the blame on. Historians agree that the Holocaust resulted from a confluence of various factors in a complex historical situation. That anti-Semitism festered throughout the centuries in European culture is centrally important; the Jews were (and are) a minority civilization in a majority environment. In periods of crisis, instead of searching for the solution of such crisis within the majority culture, the majority will tend to project blame for the crisis on a minority which is both familiar and weak. As the originators and bearers of an important part of civilization, the Jews are a father civilization against which pent up aggressions are easily unleashed (Bauer, 330). Anti-Semitism had always played a role in Nazi propaganda, for Hitler blamed most of Germanys problems on the Jews. Anti-Jewish laws of every kind were passed. Jews could no longer be judges, lawyers, teachers, government officials, army officers. Jewish doctors could not treat non-Jewish patients, Jews could not employ non-Jews, and Jews and non-Jews could not have social relationships. Jewish property was taken by the government, Jewish businesses were closed down, Jewish children could not attend public schools. All the media were utilized to spread anti-Jewish messages. On the street, Jews were mocked, tormented, and even beaten for no other reason but being Jewish. Jewish people were forced to wear Star of David armbands and were often attacked by storm troopers. On November 9-10, 1938, known as Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass), hundreds of synagogues throughout Germany were burned by Nazi mobs, windows of Jewish shops were smashed, and thousands of Jews were arrested. Kristallnacht was a signal to Jews in Germany and Austria to leave as soon as possible. Several  hundred thousand people were able to find refuge in other countries, but a similar number, including many who were old or poor, stayed to face an uncertain fate (Stadtler, 12). The countries of Europe and the United States too, only admitted a small number of Jews. Had these countries made an exception for these people who were being treated poorly in their home countries there would have been a smaller amount of lives lost in the years to come. Throughout the 1930s, conditions for the Jews in Germany worsened. Some people in the United States refused to buy German products in an effort to put pressure on Hitler, but it did not help. This was not enough, the United States was a strong world power and could have done more to aid the Jewish people of Germany. What could a small amount of people not buying German products do? Absolutely nothing because Germany was much stronger than these few people; the aid of an entire nation was needed, not the aid of a few people. Since no one was stopping Hitler, he proceeded to enlarge Germanys territory. Threatening to use force if he did not get his way, he gained control of Austria in 1938 and of Czechoslovakia in 1939. Later in 1939, when Hitler invaded Poland, World War II broke out. During the early years of the war, Hitlers armies conquered most of Europe. Millions of Jews were now under German rule, and Hitler felt he was at last in a position to solve the Jewish Question. As Hitler saw it, the Jewish Question was simply the fact that the Jews existed. Therefore, the final solution emerged as a way to destroy them. Throughout Europe, in all the countries under their control- Poland, Western Russia, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Greece, Italy, France, Holland, Denmark, Norway- the Jews were rounded up and confined in concentration camps or ghettos. Stripped of their property, brutalized, terrified, and disoriented, they were forced to work as slave laborers in abominable conditions. Many died of starvation and disease. Others were shot or beaten to death. Before long, rumors of this brutality reached capitals of the world, but nothing was done. As the war against the Jews progressed, however, the Nazis turned to large scale centralized killing operations. Jews from all over Europe were loaded into trains and shipped to death camps, among them, Auschwitz, Treblinka, Sobibor. LOCATION OF GERMAN CONCENTRATION CAMPS In the death camps, human life was destroyed quickly and efficiently (Isaacman, 19). Under the whips of cruel SS guards, the Jewish victims were herded off the trains and into gas chambers, where they were exterminated by a poisonous gas. Millions of non-Jews were also systematically killed- political opponents, Slavic peoples, and other minorities. In the case of the Jews, the Nazis were determined to annihilate an entire people. Some Jews fought back at every possible opportunity. Some Christians, too, tried to help. Taking great personal risks, they hid Jewish friends in their homes or cellars. Many of these people were caught and killed by the Nazis. People willing to take such risks were few and far between in Europe. Had other nations of the world been as righteous and as brave as these people, and combined their efforts, this attempted annihilation of the Jewish people could have been prevented. To some Nazis the final solution was more important than anything else. Though Germany was hemmed in by enemies and fighting for its life, they diverted valuable resources to the extermination machine (Isaacman, 20). Trains that could have carried ammunition to the front were used to transport Jews to death camps. Soldiers who could have been defending their country were instead sent to round up and guard Jewish civilians. After several years of war, Hitler knew he could not defeat America and the other Allies, but he was determined to win at least one victory by wiping out the Jews (Isaacman, 20). The United States and other world powers were too focused on the war to maintain their pride. While in Germany Hitler was trying to wipe an entire people off the face of the Earth. If these other nations of the world were not so ignorant, the lives of six million people  could have been saved. Hitler and his Nazi Party treated the Jewish people so inhumanely. He and his party felt that the Jews were biologically different, when in fact they were and are not. Every human being is equal and should be treated equally. No one is superior to anyone else, even though some may have an egocentric attitude. In 1945, Hitler committed suicide. Rather than correcting his errors, Hitler took the easy way out by committing suicide. The ultraorthodox Jewish theology justifies the Holocaust as an act of God, a punishment for sins committed by the Jewish people against their God. Others feel that the Holocaust was a result of mans betrayal to God. I feel that the Holocaust is not at all justified. During the Holocaust, six million Jewish people died, that is more than one-third (about 34 percent) of the Jewish population. From the liberated Nazi camps, weeping skeletons of men and women emerged. Among them were 200,000 Jews. These have to be added to the 210,000 that survived in France, about 37,000 in Belgium, 20,000 in the Netherlands, about 1,900,000 in the Polish-Soviet area, 350,000 in Rumania, 130,000 in Hungary, and smaller numbers elsewhere. Including Soviet Jewry, part of whom were never under Nazi rule, about 3 million Jews were left in Europe out of the original 9 million Jews before the war (Bauer, 334). As I stated before, there is only one thing and one thing only that caused this horrid event called the Holocaust, ignorance. Not just ignorance of the United States and the other world powers, but the ignorance of Hitler and his Nazi Party as well. Had the U.S. and other nations offered aid to the Jewish refugees, and opened their doors to these refugees, they would have saved many lives. Instead, they were just as guilty as the Nazis by helping in the destruction of an entire race. WORKS CITED PAGE Bauer, Yehuda. A History of the Holocaust. New York: Franklin Watts, 1983. Chartock, Roselle, Jack Spencer. The Holocaust Years: Society on Trial. New York: Bantam Books, 1978. Des Pres, Terrence. The Survivor: An Anatomy of Life in the Death Camps. New York: Oxford University Press, 1976. Holocaust. Microsoft Encarta (CD ROM). 1993. Stadtler, Bea. The Holocaust: A History of Courage and Resistance. New York: Behrman House, Inc., 1973. Isaacman, Clara. Pathways Through the Holocaust. New York: Ktav Publishing House, Inc., 1988.