Volkswagen in China Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Volkswagen in China - Research Paper Example In order for MNCs to operate effectively and gain a competitive advantage it is important to assess the competitive position and the relationship between success and strategies. In a highly competitive market it is very important for companies to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors. This can be achieved by either cost advantage or offering differentiated product. Hills work suggests that the differentiation strategies in the automobile sector in China can be beneficial because of many reasons like Chinese automobile is an expanding market and is the world’s second largest automobile industry, therefore has a lot of potential for business. Automobile industry in general has a lot of potential for differentiation strategies and gaining market through it which is evident by the lavish expenditure done on the promotion of these cars. (Chen, J., & Yao, S. 2006; Barrow, C. 2009) This paper will focus and discuss Volkswagen’s globalization strategies for internalization, how it formed strategic alliances globally and how it positioned itself for global competitiveness through its formulated strategies and built strategic ventures and alliances. VOLKSWAGEN INTERNATIONAL Volkswagen dates back to 1937, was founded by Ferdinand Porsche who started it as an automobile advisory company. Being unsuccessful in selling his proposed model he collaborated with Nazi Government to setup a factory and produce the cars of his proposed model. In the post World war period, VW made the most selling car of the 1950s the Beetles. It was then that VW gained recognition throughout the world. In 1960s it opened a plant in Mexico which produced cars on new lines and technology and with time strengthens its position all around the world. (Rana et al.2005) Volkswagen started off with its two joint ventures in China. Its first project was a 50% venture with local leading brand Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). The other venture was another 50% joint venture with First Auto Works (FAW) in 1991. Initially the company struggled to gain market but later in 1990s its brand Santana ruled the market. These joint ventures together occupy almost half of the market shar e in Chinese market and have a 70% annual growth rate. China is Volkswagen’s second largest market in the world after German market. (Chen, J., & Yao, S. 2006; Barrow, C. 2009) Volkswagen since its start in its Shanghai joint venture in 1985 was considered to be one of the leading the carmaker in China and occupied an eminent position in the market. The emerging Chinese automotive market was a threat for Volkswagen dominant market and soon it faced severe competition with companies like Toyota, Suzuki and General Motors in Chinese markets. One of the head of VW China commented in 2005 that suddenly China has become the toughest market. (Thun, E. 2006) Not even foreign, local market players like Cherry and Geely also competed and tried to win the market by aggressive pricing strategies. In a research of 2002 Volkswagen occupied the largest market share in China, the details of top 5 market share holders are given below: Manufacturer Sales (units) Market Share Shanghai Volkswag en 301,095 23.8 FAW-Volkswagen 207,858 16.4 Shanghai GM 110,763 8.8 FAW Toyota 95,433 7.5 Dongfeng Citroen 85,088 6.7 The table shows Volkswagen in combination with both its ventures SVW and FAW-VW have been the leading automobile company in China with largest market share in 2002. (Chen, J., & Yao, S. 2006; Barrow, C. 2009) SVW initially competed with minimal investment in China, it was able to capture high market share in the early days but soon it faced competition by the modern foreign and

Interpretation of Laws in the United Kingdom Essay

Interpretation of Laws in the United Kingdom - Essay Example This paper declares that the literal rule demands that the judiciary should use the ordinary meaning of a statute by merely reading the text irrespective of the outcomes. The rule is based on the assumption that the objective of Parliament is well captured in the plain and natural sense of the choice of words is uses in drafting a statute. As the report stresses the case of Fisher v Bell magnifies the superiority of the literal rule. The court’s decision was inspired by the literal meaning of The Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959, which outlawed the offering for sale of select offensive weapons such as flick knives. James Bell created a display of such unlawful weapons in his shop, prompting his arrest and charges. In its decision, the Divisional Court absolved him of any offense as per the literal meaning of the statute, arguing that the mere display of the knives by the defendant did not amount to an offer for sale. The plain meaning of the contract law stipulates that displaying something at a point of sale should not be misconstrued to mean an offer for sale; rather it is just a mere invitation of potential customers to learn more about the item and tender their offers. The literal rule has merits and demerits. It limits litigations, promotes clear drafting of legislations and enhances easier interpr etation of laws by laymen provided they can understand the language used. Nonetheless, the literal rule may lead to interpretation of legislations out of context and narrowing of the parameters of a law. The golden rule Greeawalt (2012) has pointed out that the golden rule requires judicial members to give life to the literal rule so as to achieve a better interpretation of the law. The rule states that in the event that the literal rule fails to yield a proper meaning of a law, it is rational to explore another sense in the words. Lord Wensleydale in the case of Grey v Pearson (1857) HL Cas 61 is credited with creating a precedent when he stated that the literal meaning of an Act should be read and construed as it is, but if by doing so, a judicial officer would face an absurdity, then the person should modify the literal value of the text (Wagner, Werner, and Cao, 2007). The golden rule was invoked in the case of Adler v George (1964) to prevent an absurdity in court. The Official Secrets Act 1920 Â § 3, outlaws any distraction to the HM Forces around a forbidden base. Frank Adler’s violated the law and was charged with causing distraction to the officers. In his defence, Adler argued that he was actually inside a prohibited place and not in its vicinity.

Reducing Radiation Exposure in Computed Tomography Angiography Dissertation

Reducing Radiation Exposure in Computed Tomography Angiography - Dissertation Example In the last twenty years, the diagnostic use of computed tomography scans has increased by a thousand percent. These scans do, obviously, make use of ionizing radiation to produce their images, which can be harmful to human health in even small dosages. Protecting the patient from harm is the cornerstone of the profession of radiology, and reducing radiation exposure while maintaining a high level of image quality and therefore diagnostic ability is vital. Key to this goal is understanding the use of computed tomography scans, the risks of their radiological effects, and the methods available to reduce exposure. Reducing exposure to radiation is the only way to make this important technology safer. The use of a computed tomography angiography scan allows the practitioner to view a patient's coronary arteries, their level of function, and even the quality of the arterial lumen. Computed tomography angiography scans are important to study when looking at radiation dosage because the scan area by definition includes such radiosensitive areas as the thyroid, the vascular tissue of the breasts, and of course the coronary arteries. Moving even further into imaging specialization for viewing the heart and related tissues is the technique of retrospective image acquisition, which produces images using 64-multi-row detector computed tomography angiography. This method scans the heart in overlapping slices, which allows it to show cardiac motion as well as all parts of the cardiac cycle.

Got Milk Essay Example for Free

Got Milk Essay Got Milk? Well, Austin Powers, Tracy McGrady, Serena Williams, Britney Spears, and even Elvis all do. But, do they know what they are selling in this Got Milk? Advertisements? The Got Milk? campaign was based on a milk deprivation strategy that reminded consumers how inconvenient it was to be without milk. The advertisement made milk a very popular drink because of its attractiveness not because of the nutrients and health issues. It has been believed by many that milk is needed to have a strong and healthy body, when actually milk can be extremely harmful and the nutrients needed for a good body can be found in many other sources. Statistics show that milk consumption is on the rise in the United States since the Got Milk? campaign was launched. In 1993, 58. 1 billion pounds of milk was consumed. It had risen to 59. 5 billion pounds by 2002, an increase of 1. 4 billion pounds (ERS, Animal Products Branch). Another factor causing the milk industry to grow is dairy farmers. They risk the collapse of their industry if the population does not consume enough milk. So, of course, the farmers are pushing us to drink not just one glass, but two and three glasses of milk a day. Their main priority is to make money by getting us to drink milk as much as possible, not to inform us that milk may not be all that healthy because we are not aware of the risks, we tip our glasses and drink up. Milk is not as nutritionally essential as it is portrayed, but rather it is harmful to our bodies. Heart disease is Americas number-one killer. The main causes of this disease have been believed to be such things as smoking, stress, and even lack of companionship. However, according to an article in Earth Island Journal, milk consumption is probably the number one cause of heart disease. By the time the average American turns fifty-two, he or she will have consumed in milk and dairy products the same amount of cholesterol contained in one million slices of bacon ( ?  °Milk: The Deadly Poison?  ±). Dairy products are the most instant source of saturated fat. Saturated fat increases cholesterol production in the liver. This leads to the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries which increase one s risk of heart attack and stroke (?  °The Case against Dairy?  ±). The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol found in milk intensify your chances of bypass surgery, which would put a fifty-thousand dollar dent in your wallet. Another problem that is not well known, are the harsh chemicals, antibiotics and hormones that may be found in milk and dairy products. Most of America  dairy cows have leukemia virus and after they graze in fields with pesticides their milk contains a mixture of lethal chemicals (?  °Milk: The Deadly Poison?  ±). Equally as important are the hormones and antibiotics dairy farmers inject into their cows. One hormone, known as recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rBGH, is injected into many cows to increase milk production. There is evidence that rBGH assists the growth of tumors in lab animals and it stimulates another hormone closely connected with breast cancer (?  °The Case against Dairy?  ±). Also, farmers are permitted to give antibiotics to their cows to fight various diseases. Milk and dairy products contain traces of the antibiotic that are passed on to us. Exposure to such toxins breed strains of bacteria that are immune to even the strongest medicine (?  °The Case against Dairy?  ±). Most of us do not realize the number of people that are lactose intolerant. Worldwide estimates suggest that two-thirds of the population have trouble digesting milk because of lactose intolerance. According to Teacher Magazine, minorities may have difficulty digesting a sugar in milk known as lactose. An estimated ninety percent of Asian Americans, seventy percent of African Americans and Native Americans, fifty percent of Hispanics, and fifteen percent of Caucasians are lactose intolerant. Hand in hand with lactose intolerance are the proteins in milk that can lead to allergies. Dr. Attwood, an author of many well known parenting books, says ?  °. . . there are more than twenty-five proteins in milk that can lead to allergies. Approximately seven out of ten patients I see have allergies with symptoms ranging from recurrent ear infection, asthma, and various upper respiratory infections. In most cases the patient improves when taken off dairy products.?  ± (Attwood-2) Milk s main nutrient is calcium, but there are many other foods that can replace milk in order to attain that calcium. According to an article in Harvard Health Journal, many vegetables are good sources of calcium. A cup of frozen spinach actually contains just as much calcium as a glass of milk. There is also calcium fortification in such things as orange juice and even waffles. Fruits, whole grains, soy products, and nuts also are great sources of calcium. They supply it in a form that is easier for the body to absorb and use. If the foods mentioned above do not satisfy your tastes, calcium supplements are also available. They are free of saturated fat and added calories you would get from milk and dairy products. There is also a great variety of milks that each contain similar nutrients, yet vary in other aspects. These alternatives include whole milk, 1%, 2%, fat free, evaporated, flavored, Acidophilus Milk, UHT Milk, organic, lactaid, lacteeze, buttermilk, and homogenized. When dealing with children, people say that drinking organic milk not only minimizes their potential exposure to toxic chemicals located in regular milk, but it also creates a healthier world in general. Organic farming has much less negative impact on the environment, which involves cleaner water, healthier soil, and less dangerous chemicals in the world. Not only does this have a positive impact on people s bodies, it also contributes to the restoration of the environment in general. The saturated fat that is in milk and many other products is bad for most people, especially if you don t have some sort of workout plan. As for me I am told to drink milk to gain muscle, because it is the easiest protein for your body to take in. With all of the physical activities that I do being on the Penn State Football Team, I will have less of a risk of having heart problems than people who do not participate in physical activity. That is why it is very important to get the right amount of exercise in order to burn the excess calories from the saturated fat that is contained in regular milk. Even with all of the exercise in the world, there are still problems that can not be taken care of by the consumer. The only way to be sure that you are not going to have physical problems because of milk is to refrain from drinking regular, whole milk and to drink liquids that contain the healthier calcium and protein that milk in known for. If you are a milk drinker, I encourage you to take a long hard look at all the risks involved with consuming this product. It could prevent you from having heart disease or other ailments associated with milk. So next time you see an advertisement for ?  °Got Milk  ± as yourself, ?  °Got Something Else  ±

Life of a Sensuous Woman and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Essay

Ihara Saikaku’s Life of a Sensuous Woman written in the 17th century and Mary Woolstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman written in the 18th century are powerful literary works that advocated feminism during the time when women were oppressed members of our societies. These two works have a century old age difference and the authors of both works have made a distinctive attempt to shed a light towards the issues that nobody considered significant during that time. Despite these differences between the two texts, they both skillfully manage to present revolutionary ways women can liberate themselves from oppression laden upon them by the society since the beginning of humanity. In Saikaku’s story Life of a Sensuous Woman, he uses his main character an Old Woman’s story to show how women can be as competent as men if they use their knowledge and experience in a right way. The two men who came to hear the old woman’s story and ask her to help them understand more about life indicates that women do possess the ability to be intellectual and use their knowledge to guide others (Saikaku 594). It is clear that how valuable the old woman’s opinion was to those two men that they came to seek her guidance instead of going to a man. The whole idea of men seeking guidance from a woman during the 17th century is revolutionary. One can comprehend that women are capable of using their knowledge and experience to lead the way to others including men thus becoming a vital member of society. Empowering women continues as the Old Women’s story progresses where Saikaku articulately shows how women can fulfill their own desire and not give into what men expect of them. Old Woman’s young self choosing the exceptional letter writer samu... ...together as equal members of society. Even though the progress has been massive in developed nations, there are still parts of the world that are centuries behind when it comes to women liberation. Therefore, now it is in the hands of liberated ones to pull those who are still living under the cave of oppression and show them the light of liberation. Works Cited Puchner, Martin. Mary Wollstonecraft. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 3rd Ed. Volume D. Ed. Martin Puchner. New York: Norton, 2013. 133. Print. Saikaku, Ihara. Life of a Sensuous Woman. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 3rd Ed. Volume D. Ed. Martin Puchner. New York: Norton, 2013. 591-611. Print. Woolstoncraft, Mary. A Vindication of The Rights of Woman. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 3rd Ed. Volume D. Ed. Martin Puchner. New York: Norton, 2013. 134-136. Print.

because I like them but just because these products are advertised. :: essays papers

How does media influence the male and female body Media is the most important factor that influences us on how we view our body’s image. Throughout time, we saw how many famous singers and actors were role models for our society. It is an unpleasant fact, that we see these perfect figures as our role models, and struggle to have a perfect body as they do. Advertisements also show models that have perfect figures and they use these models to sell products that unfortunately damage our bodies. We take every necessary action to achieve that goal of having a perfect body. Personally, the media also influences me and I buy certain products, not because I like them but just because these products are advertised. Initially, many famous singers and actors have perfect figures and as they appear in the society, they show us that this is how we should look. For example, if I see a singer or an actor on TV or in a magazine, I look at them and then I start comparing my body to theirs. I feel like I need to change my body and wear clothes that the celebrities are wearing, so I could become more like them. Moreover, when I see myself in the mirror, I get a negative view of myself and I start feeling very uncomfortable about the way I look. Luckily, I do not go too far to change my body but there are people who take drugs, change their eating habits, or even go through painful surgeries to change their body. If we present our society with actors and singers who are more like an average person then we might save many men from taking certain drugs and women from getting breast implants. Advertisements also influence our society on how we view ourselves. We see so many advertisements where models are smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. All of these advertisements presented to adults and children are spreading a negative message; these advertisements are proving that smoking and drinking is all right for our bodies. None of these advertisements expose how these products will damage our bodies. These advertisements do not care about our health; they are more concerned about their profits. Many teenagers start smoking because of these advertisements and most of them keep smoking until the day this poison kills them.

Sci/256 Environmental Pollution Outline

Environmental Pollution Outline Jason D Windham SCI/256 November-26-2012 University Of Phoenix Environmental Pollution Outline Water management- developing various plans to maintain the present and future water demands. It also may include importing state water, developing new resources, using reclaimed water, and managing existing supplies more cautiously. Describe water management and use. Freshwater sources- Is water from the earth surface using glaciers, bogs, ice caps, ponds, lakes, streams and rivers Water supply problems-The demand for water increases yearly.Water conservation-The carful use and protection of the water supply. Water use-Off stream is water used from its source such as rivers and stream. Then you have Consumptive using which is the use from off stream by plants and animals. Next there is the in-stream usage which is the use of rivers for navigation, hydroelectric power generation, fish and animal habitats and also recreation. Effects of water use and management practices on the environment Short-term effects- Long-term effects- It’s really is a major concern due to climate change of the earth it can be uncertain.Three major types of environmental pollution- Water pollution , Air Pollution, Land Pollution Identify type one. Causes Treatments Effects on ecosystem health Effects on human health Identify type two. Causes Treatments Effects on ecosystem health Effects on human health Identify type three. Causes Treatments Effects on ecosystem health Effects on human health Global warming Background Describe the Earth’s atmosphere. Describe the Earth’s energy budget. Global warming concepts What makes the Earth warm? – Explain the greenhouse effect. What natural greenhouse gases are associated with the greenhouse effect?What anthropogenic greenhouse gases contribute to global warming? The future Predicted climate, weather, and ocean changes of increased global warming Potential environmental, ecological, and societal effects from increased global warming Evidence that supports or refutes increased global warming predictions and effects Prevention How might global warming be mitigated? What can you do to decrease the effects of global warming? What political constraints might influence decisions on global warming? As a global society, how can nations and individuals influence policies and practices to mitigate for increased global warming?