Argumentative Essay-Underage Drinking

Jane Doe Ms. Smith English 11 17 October 2011 Underage Drinking and You According to Answers. com, an average of twelve thousand nine hundred eighty two people die a year from underage drinking; many of them being car accidents. With so many people underage drinking, I feel that the law should be heavily enforced that underage drinking is NOT okay. There should be no underage drinking, whatsoever, under the legal age of twenty one. Underage drinking is very hard on the human’s brain development. The front part of your brain, the decision maker, is not fully developed until you are an adult. Drinking before that age can impact your brains healthy development. Many people may not know how to handle drinking, and the amount that their body is consuming. Some people may argue that alcohol makes them â€Å"feel good. † These people obviously have no concept of life, because if you do other things you enjoy such as; sports, clubs, movies, hang out with friends, etc. You could find many other activities that can make you feel good. Underage drinking cause’s people to make bad decisions, such as; driving while intoxicated, becoming pregnant, and making a complete fool of themselves while intoxicated, are just be a few instances that can and will impact your life forever. Some individuals don’t understand what alcohol really does to the body. Beer has empty calories that will make you gain weight. Which is why a lot of alcoholics have larger stomachs, or another term many people use for these large stomachs is, â€Å"beer belly. Some people may say that alcohol helps you escape your problems and is a stress relevant. Alcohol will not only bring more stress onto your life, it will also bring more problems. As much as people may feel alcohol helps, it really won’t help. If you need help that bad, I would suggest a therapist to help you with your problems, not a depressant. So that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The last statement to be made about underage drinking is the fact that i t will start to make you feel completely careless. Your grades in school, and in life for that matter, will drop. School is a huge part of our everyday life. It is the main component to a happy future, because without your education you will not be successful in life. Most teens will argue that their brains are already developed and that â€Å"everyone is doing it†. In reality, your brain is actually not fully developed as told above. And everyone is not doing it, if everyone did it, everyone would be bums. The individuals, who are strong believers in not drinking alcohol while under the age, are very successful in life. But not all people will follow in their footsteps. There are many reasons to back up the fact that underage drinking should be heavily enforced. Remember how hard alcohol is on the brain, your bodily development, and the struggles it will make you go through in life. Alcohol is not the answer to any of our problems. Take a stand in your life and make the right decisions. What will you decide is the right choice for you?

Intro of Sefam Pvt. Ltd.

| | | | | | | | | | VISON TO BE A PREMIEM BRAND FOR PRET AS WELL AS DESIGNER WEAR LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY AND TO BE TREND SETTING MARKET LEADER BY PROVIDING TO OUR CUSTOMERS ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED ATTIRE WITHOUR COMPROMISING ON QUALITY.MISSION HISTORY Sefam was established in 1985 with the launch of its first brand ‘Bareeze'. Bareeze's singular mission, and at time Sefam's was to create beautiful, desirable fabrics equal to the best in the world, yet made in Pakistan. Prior to Bareeze's entry into the market, amazingly, the concept of a locally made quality fashion product did not exist. All the best markets only sold and foreign fabric and foreign goods. Opening the first store in shadman market, Lahore in 1985, Bareeze sought to change this perception.The first collection sold out in a matter of days and very soon the store had garnered the image of being a store which sells quality imported fabric claiming it to be local. Soon after, another Bareeze store was opened and then another and another. Currently, Bareeze sells from and operates 57 stores nationwide and another 10 globally. Bareeze has the distinction of being the first Pakistani chain store as well as the first Pakistani brand to go abroad (Dubai in 1995). Sefam has since broadened its vision from qua lity, desireable fabrics to quality desireable clothing for all categories of consumer.Currently sefam operates 5 brands and a total of 321 points of sale 107 location to this, sefam's brands also sell exclusively at another 10 locations worldwide. Sefams brands are: Bareeze Leisure Club Minnie Minors Chinyere Home Expressions Kayseria SERINA DYEING AND FINISHING By 1999, there was already an undeniable need for a reliable dyeing and finishing source to cater to internal processing requirements of the group. Previous experiences in the local outsourcing market had proven to be difficult with high rejection rates and unreliable delivery times.Hence Sarena was commissioned in March 2001, as a subs idiary of the Sefam Group of Industries. Since the time of inception, the factory has undergone expansion every year of its existence and now stands at 6 times its original capacity, with a heavy presence in the export market and state-of-the-art machinery. Sarena has had to work hard to make a mark in the export market. We owe our success to constant change and modernization and consistent quality. The group has invested heavily in machinery, technology and manpower to bring the process under control.Sarena boasts some of the most well-renowned brand names in textile machinery such as  Monforts, Bruckner, Babcock, Lafer, Goller, Benninger, Parex  and many more. Our dyes and chemicals are imported from only the most respected global companies such as  Dye Star, Ciba, ICI, BASF, Clariant  etc. Alongside we have spared no expense in conformance accreditations and staff training. Sarena is  ISO  and  OkoTexCertified. In addition our in-house laboratory is underway to beco ming the first private laboratory in Pakistan to achieve the  ISO 17025, which signifies conformance, reliability and standardization in all our testing procedures.We believe, that in today's world, it is important to be competitive not only on the basis of pricing, quality   and service but also in R. Accordingly we invest heavily on development in weaves, finishes and constructions, and have a fresh batch of new developments offered to our foreign clientele every month. This adds to our existing portfolio consisting of successfully tested finishes such as micro-sanding, fire-retardant,   mildew-resistance, anti-bacterial, wrinkle-resistance, pre/post cure, Teflon, soil repellency etc.We feel that it is out of all of the above, which spring from our thorough commitment to quality, that we still retain today our very first accounts. We invite you to come and share our quality experience. ALI EMBROIDERY MILLS (PVT. )LTD Hamedi Embroidery Mills (Pvt. ) Ltd. was established in 19 72 to do schiffli embroidery work for the local whole-sale market that was mainly catering for the low end of the textiles segment. From the beginning, Hamedi enjoyed a good reputation for its fair dealings and commitment.With the result that it had already doubled its capacity by 1978. However, in the next two to three years the Russian invasion of Afghanistan and the Iran revolution affected the embroidery industry of Pakistan so adversely that a majority of the businesses went bankrupt, and the government was forced to declare embroidery Sick Industry of Pakistan. It was at this juncture that Hamedi changed its focus from the low end of the market and concentrated on making the best possible quality of embroidery for the premium urban consumer of Pakistan.The machines as well as the business culture were ‘overhauled' with this new end in mind, and in 1985 Hamedi's sister concern, Sefam (Pvt. ) Limited, launched the new high quality product from the city of Lahore. The produ ct was well received and soon the embroidery production capacity needed enhancement. Hamedi grew rapidly by acquiring some existing embroidery facilities as well as adding machines to its original setup. It was also the first in Pakistan to import the state of the art computerized schiffli machines and designing systems from Saurer Stick Systems of Switzerland.It was then decided by the management that the the different embroidery companies be merged into one company by the name of Ali Embroidery Mills (Pvt. ) Limited. In the relentless pursuit of quality and innovation, a number of Ali Embroidery's staff were sent to Switzerland to receive training in new designing methods, machine operating procedures, and quality control techniques. At the same time, many qualified experts from Korea and Switzerland are routinely engaged to come and do hands-on training of Ali's technicians and designers at our premises.Consequently, Ali Embroidery Mills has the most well trained embroidery staff in Pakistan. This human resource combined with the many state of the art computerized machines, and designing and sampling systems has ensured that the quality of Ali's product is by far the best in the country. . Today Ali has 30 schiffli machines, and is the largest manufacturer of embroidered fabric in Pakistan. More important than the number of machines is the fact that Ali has more goodwill than all the local competitors combined. This has been a result of Ali's philosophy of fair dealings with everyone including suppliers, employees and clients.We believe that quality begins in-house when we decide to make a positive impact in the lives of all the different groups of people that will come in contact with our business. Along with this ideology, our focus on continuous innovation in products and procedures has made sure that we are always able to stay abreast of the competition OUR BRANDS BAREEZE With over three decades of commitment to quality, Bareeze is today, a recognized b rand for quality products in the domestic and international markets. It is owned by sefam (Pvt. ) Ltd. a sister concern of Sarena Industries and Ali Embroidery Mills (Pvt) Ltd. The Bareeze range includes crisp cottons, luxurious silks, sheer organza, chic chiffons and an ever-developing range of inovative products. Textile embroidery is an art-rooted tradition. Hand-done embroidery from the sub-continent was always considered a quintessence of quality, reflecting an exclusive fashion option. Bareeze is proud to be the modern day perfection of transforming traditional sub-continent hand embroidery into exclusive Bareeze fashion fabrics. Each Design – a MasterpieceTaking as much pride in our products as the traditional artisan, we ensure that Bareeze fabrics are superbly fashioned, exquisitely detailed and carefully finished, so that each design is a masterpiece. Excellence – a Bareeze Hallmark The use of only the best materials and unflinching resolve not to compromise on quality, coupled with the use of the best swiss textile machinery enables us to produce embroidered fabrics which compare favorably with the best in the world. We have more than 50 outlets nationwide, and already well established setups in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Delhi and London.Bareeze Brands There is something for everyone at all Bareeze Stores. Our resolve to excellence and decades of experience with success has enabled us to extend our product range and provide our clientele with a varied and extremely creative collection of Ready-to-Wear, Pret and Home Textile collections covering all age groups. Bareeze is a trendsetter in the mainstream fashion industry CHINYERE Chinyere is a brand synonymous with sophistication & style. The Chinyere success story began in 1999 that has now evolved into the country's most popular and accessible fashion brand.Chinyere garments are designed in-step with global fashions and in keeping with our tradition. Catering to women as well as men, today Chinyere has displays at all Bareeze outlets and is manufacturing †¢ Casual Wear †¢ Formal Wear †¢ Couture †¢ Mens Wear †¢ Sleep Wear †¢ Abayas †¢ Accessories †¢ Jewellery for the local and the international markets. MINNIE MINORS Minnie Minors is a specialty kids brand selling high-quality apparel and accessories for children under the Boys, Girls, Infants, Party Line, Toys n Tales and Accessories categories. Minnie Minor’s history begins in 1998, making it one of the oldest kids brand in its field.The appeal of the Minnie Minors is so high since its inception due to its versatile designing, high quality manufacturing, high-quality merchandise and modern retail for children ages newborn to five. Sub Brands Today Minnie Minor’s brands include Minitoes and MOM2B. Minitoes Minitoes kid's footwear is available in a range of sandals, booties, joggers, canvas casuals, long shoes. Each season Minitoes expands its extensive collec tion by adding new styles and collections. These change each season and some are only available in limited edition while others may be around for seasons to come.Check out what’s new this season. From easy on-easy off designs to the low profile, lightweight outsoles. Your kids will love the look, you’ll appreciate the supportive footbed and roomy construction and you’ll both flip for the super fun patterns. MOM2B Pregnant women want to feel pretty, attractive and comfortable in clothes that fit their style, their taste and their budget. Whether you are a pregnant woman or lady in plus size, MOM2B will allow you to discover the best clothes to wear during pregnancy whatever the size of your belly! Here’s an innovative range of apparel for expectant mothers. An irresistible ariety of styles that is trendy, traditional and sophisticated all at the same time fulfilling all of mom’s social and mood requirements. For her comfort Mom2B also offers customi zed accessories like stretch lowers and a variety of stretch-to-comfort materials giving a natural support and lift to the tummy. . Minnie Minors Outlets Minnie Minors Outlets offers what our customers know and love about us: unique quality and style—at all outlets. There are 59 Minnie Minors Outlet stores open at premier locations nationwide with the international corporate existence at London, Manchester, Dubai and Norway.HOME EXPRESSIONS Bareeze started Home Expessions in 1999. A commitment. Home Expression ranges offer you the luxury of designed bed/ bath/table accessories. Our linen Range Is produced using the best quality cottons and polyester -cottons,dyed with speacil skill,to ensure color fastness. The 100% percale fabric used is among the finest in world . Bed linen range is combine with the distinctive embroidery designsand colors. Cotton range offers applique range which is of   more luxury and parint range which is of daily use . The bed spreads are hand -made and the embellishmaent is â€Å"Zardozi†work.This involves Working on pure velvets ,silks organzas ,jamawars and net with the finest material avaiable . this range offers bed spreads. dulais. cushions ,rugs ,photo albums fancy trunks  and table accessories . Upcomming attraction for the coustomer is leather range which includes cushions ,rugs ,table accessories . Choosing the right kind of bedding means you are half way there to get good night sleep. you will find bed linen in a color and quality you love . KAYSERIA After bringing a revolution in embroidery, Sefam Pvt. Ltd. now launches another brand Kayseria – Magic in print.Welcome to the unique world of Kayseria, where every design is a masterpiece. Kayseria brings you a very special selection of pure silks and cottons in form of exclusive prints, complemented by beautiful and intricate embroideries and embellishments, to create a stunning array of fabrics, colour and designs. The designs crafted at Kayseria are t rendy yet traditional, encompassing the richness of our ethnicity and culture. If you want to pamper yourself, indulge in someone you love, or just feel special, take yourself to nearest Kayseria store. Kayseria gives you real designer clothes at affordable prices.LEISURE CLUB â€Å"Once upon a time, in a land of 180 million people, where locally made high quality, trendy clothing was not available, a compassionate and quality obsessed brand by the name of Leisure Club stepped forward to fill in the void. And so, on April 18th, 1997, hardcoded with the values of compassion, quality, integrity, and ingenuity, Leisure embarked on its mission. After 14 years of unparalleled excellence, Leisure Club has evolved into Pakistan’s no. 1 family fashion destination, featuring 3 premium sub-brands: Club X, LC Boutique, and LC Kids.Club X provides trendy urban street wear for young adults, LC boutique offers elegant eastern wear for the entire family, and LC Kids gives cool clothing opt ions for kids†. MOM2B Here’s an innovative range of apparel for expectant mothers. An irresistable variety of styles that are trendy, traditional and sophisticated all at the same time fulfilling all of mom’s social and mood requirements. For her comfort Mom2B also offers customised accessories like stretch lowers and a variety of stretch-to-comfort materials giving a natuaral support and lift to the tummy.Casual Wear Extra Support Accessories CAREER ARTICLE AND ADVICES Life at Sefam: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide employment to everyone regardless of their colour, race & gender. We believe our employees as our greatest asset and do not compromise on the potential and standard of our workforce. Our Philosophy: Continuous Learning Maintain High Standards Creativity and Innovative We are growing continuously and ensure our employees to share our growth with us and generate new quality standards for our competitors to reach. What we look for:While hiring, we look for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who are creative and are ready to take initiative. What make our company the best employer is the healthy environment which we provide by allowing the staff to experiment and touch the new horizons. Career Development: Continuous development is our philosophy and we believe that every employee needs some kind of training or guidance to perform better. For this purpose we arrange annual and bi annual training programs in order to groom our work force. We also sponsor small courses for employees learning. How to Apply:To apply follow the steps given below: Look for the opportunity of your interest in the current vacancy List by clicking Current Openings Tab. Click   Details to view the job description. Click Apply for the application Form. If you don’t see an opportunity of your interest, click on the Apply Online Tab. Fill the Online Form and after completing it click Submit Hardwork Has No Substitute But It Should B e Focused And Followed By Tolerance, Forbearance And Fortitude, Highlights Ms. Neegam Qayyum, Executive HR, Sefam (Pvt) Ltd. Q. 1. What makes your company an attractive employer for the job seekers? Ms.Neegam Qayyum:  Despite of the fact that the current market situation for employment is not very favorable, even in such conditions, Sefam (Pvt) Ltd continuous to grow and hire new staff. Sefam (Pvt) Ltd is a growing organization which has one of the largest retail chain networks nationwide. We have a diversified workforce working at all levels. We experience low turnover rate and the best thing is the location of our head office which is in the centre of Lahore and proves to be convenient for the employees. Q. 2. What is your strategy on work-life balance and how do you achieve this balance yourself? Ms.Neegam Qayyum:  Sefam provides a very comfortable environment which helps our employees to balance their personal and professional life. Facilities like leaves, short leaves and t ime policy helps us to manage our work-life balance. We have relaxed and helpful environment which keeps employees motivated and enables them to manage their regular activities. In my views, the best way of achieving balance between professional and personal life is to prioritize the tasks according to their importance in our lives. Just set up your priorities and I am sure that there are very less chances of being left behind. Q. 3.Do you believe that Pakistani universities are creating an effective talent pool and what is your company’s strategy to attract the best talent in Pakistan? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  We can not say that our universities are not producing talents but there is lot more which needs to be done. Most of the graduates, after passing out of the universities, are not aware of their own skills and abilities due to which the candidates get confused in choosing an appropriate career. The lack of exposure of practical life which creates a greater challenge to fin d a job in such a competitive environment is another area to be taken good care of.The institutions need to bring out the confidence and help the graduate’s identity their skills and talent. They should be given the appropriate exposure of the market which will set them out to find an appropriate career. Career Counseling should be provided to all students on individual basis. Q. 4. Due to rough economic situation and soaring price rise, how does your company deal with keeping itself cost effective and attractive for job seekers? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  The economic situation has been very rough from the last couple of years and has affected every enterprise.However, even in such conditions Sefam has never stopped hiring and hasn’t gone for any sort of layoffs as yet. Sefam’s continuous growth has kept the spirits high. Sefam does not compromise on quality of our staff and products. We are working on more effective recruitment ways to keep our hiring costs low and retain our valuable employees. Q. 5. What are, in your views, the basic principles of success in a professional life? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I believe in: â€Å"Work , Work and Work† as said by our Quaid. Hard work has no substitute but it should be focused and followed by tolerance, forbearance and fortitude. Be open to learn new lessons, even if they contradict the lessons you learned yesterday†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   -Ellen De Generes Q. 6. How would you rate the success and importance of  online recruitment  firms such as ROZEE. PK? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  Online recruitment firms have made recruitment a lot easier, reliable and cost effective. However, it still needs to flourish and create maximum awareness in Pakistan. As the economic conditions get stable and new opportunities hit the market, online recruitment will be the most reliable one. ROZEE. PK has definitely made a mark in Pakistani job market and it has set up the trend of online recruitment in Pakistan.Q. 7. How has ROZEE. PK helped your firm regarding recruitment i. e. Have you tried any recruitment tools provided by ROZEE. PK e. g. Job Fairs/Job Postings/CV Search? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  We have been using various tools provided by ROZEE. PK and have also participated in their different Job Fairs. It has been very useful and effective in certain areas. It not only provides us with a good pool of candidates but also markets our company’s actual name in the market (We are known by the name of Bareez’e which is one of our famous brands). ROZEE.PK has always been helpful to make a pool of candidates which makes it easy to select best out of them Q. 8. What is the scope of Human Resource Management in Pakistan? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  As far as my limited experience is concerned, I believe that human resource is the ‘humane’ part of organization. It is the only department which is sensitive to life, emotions, and feelings. HRM still has a long way to go in Pakistan. I am sure that time will come when every firm and institution will invest in such a department. The future of HR is bright along with a tough competition among candidates. Q. 9. Tell us about your educational life?Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I earned my bachelor’s degree from Kinnard College in sciences and started working with The City School. Later on I realized that I need to develop myself and the career which suited my skills and abilities was, as me and my Mentor came up with , was HRM. After completing my Masters Degree in HRM from Punjab University, I worked wih Strategic Systems International for some time and later joined Sefam (Pvt) Ltd. I focused on creating and bringing new ideas to life. I have been lucky enough that Sefam provided me the opportunity to start things from scratch enabling me to learn the practical ways of the field.I have been an average student and always worked on expressing things in my own definitions rather than learning by rote. I always used to re ad, understand, and express in my own words. Even in examinations I hardly used extra sheets. My focus has always been on practical part of the studies. Q. 10. What is your formula of success in life? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I don’t believe there can be a formula for success but what has always worked for me is prioritizing things both, personal and professional, followed by hardwork, persistence and the utmost important blessings, of Almighty Allah.Q. 11. What are the biggest turn-offs in an interview of a job applicant? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  The biggest turn-offs of a job applicant as I have experience are: †¢ The candidates who are not sure of the area they want to work in †¢ Candidates who ask the salary package first rather than position and job description. †¢ Candidates who are not confident in their mother language and to overcome their deficiency they keep on speaking incorrect English language. Q. 12. What do you look for in a candidate during a hiring interview session? Name 4 key things? Ms.Neegam Qayyum:  The key factors I look for in a candidate are: †¢ Loyalty factor †¢ Optimistic approach towards career †¢ Relevant qualification and experience for passion to contribute Q. 13. Any good advice you want to give for the job seekers who want to enter and/ or prosper in the professional field? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I would rather suggest that job seekers should be aware of their inborn talent and creative skills before entering the Field and find a job matching their interest and set of skills. So that when they enter the practical life they sharpen up their skills rather than getting confused about their own abilities. Intro of Sefam Pvt. Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | VISON TO BE A PREMIEM BRAND FOR PRET AS WELL AS DESIGNER WEAR LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY AND TO BE TREND SETTING MARKET LEADER BY PROVIDING TO OUR CUSTOMERS ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED ATTIRE WITHOUR COMPROMISING ON QUALITY.MISSION HISTORY Sefam was established in 1985 with the launch of its first brand ‘Bareeze'. Bareeze's singular mission, and at time Sefam's was to create beautiful, desirable fabrics equal to the best in the world, yet made in Pakistan. Prior to Bareeze's entry into the market, amazingly, the concept of a locally made quality fashion product did not exist. All the best markets only sold and foreign fabric and foreign goods. Opening the first store in shadman market, Lahore in 1985, Bareeze sought to change this perception.The first collection sold out in a matter of days and very soon the store had garnered the image of being a store which sells quality imported fabric claiming it to be local. Soon after, another Bareeze store was opened and then another and another. Currently, Bareeze sells from and operates 57 stores nationwide and another 10 globally. Bareeze has the distinction of being the first Pakistani chain store as well as the first Pakistani brand to go abroad (Dubai in 1995). Sefam has since broadened its vision from qua lity, desireable fabrics to quality desireable clothing for all categories of consumer.Currently sefam operates 5 brands and a total of 321 points of sale 107 location to this, sefam's brands also sell exclusively at another 10 locations worldwide. Sefams brands are: Bareeze Leisure Club Minnie Minors Chinyere Home Expressions Kayseria SERINA DYEING AND FINISHING By 1999, there was already an undeniable need for a reliable dyeing and finishing source to cater to internal processing requirements of the group. Previous experiences in the local outsourcing market had proven to be difficult with high rejection rates and unreliable delivery times.Hence Sarena was commissioned in March 2001, as a subs idiary of the Sefam Group of Industries. Since the time of inception, the factory has undergone expansion every year of its existence and now stands at 6 times its original capacity, with a heavy presence in the export market and state-of-the-art machinery. Sarena has had to work hard to make a mark in the export market. We owe our success to constant change and modernization and consistent quality. The group has invested heavily in machinery, technology and manpower to bring the process under control.Sarena boasts some of the most well-renowned brand names in textile machinery such as  Monforts, Bruckner, Babcock, Lafer, Goller, Benninger, Parex  and many more. Our dyes and chemicals are imported from only the most respected global companies such as  Dye Star, Ciba, ICI, BASF, Clariant  etc. Alongside we have spared no expense in conformance accreditations and staff training. Sarena is  ISO  and  OkoTexCertified. In addition our in-house laboratory is underway to beco ming the first private laboratory in Pakistan to achieve the  ISO 17025, which signifies conformance, reliability and standardization in all our testing procedures.We believe, that in today's world, it is important to be competitive not only on the basis of pricing, quality   and service but also in R. Accordingly we invest heavily on development in weaves, finishes and constructions, and have a fresh batch of new developments offered to our foreign clientele every month. This adds to our existing portfolio consisting of successfully tested finishes such as micro-sanding, fire-retardant,   mildew-resistance, anti-bacterial, wrinkle-resistance, pre/post cure, Teflon, soil repellency etc.We feel that it is out of all of the above, which spring from our thorough commitment to quality, that we still retain today our very first accounts. We invite you to come and share our quality experience. ALI EMBROIDERY MILLS (PVT. )LTD Hamedi Embroidery Mills (Pvt. ) Ltd. was established in 19 72 to do schiffli embroidery work for the local whole-sale market that was mainly catering for the low end of the textiles segment. From the beginning, Hamedi enjoyed a good reputation for its fair dealings and commitment.With the result that it had already doubled its capacity by 1978. However, in the next two to three years the Russian invasion of Afghanistan and the Iran revolution affected the embroidery industry of Pakistan so adversely that a majority of the businesses went bankrupt, and the government was forced to declare embroidery Sick Industry of Pakistan. It was at this juncture that Hamedi changed its focus from the low end of the market and concentrated on making the best possible quality of embroidery for the premium urban consumer of Pakistan.The machines as well as the business culture were ‘overhauled' with this new end in mind, and in 1985 Hamedi's sister concern, Sefam (Pvt. ) Limited, launched the new high quality product from the city of Lahore. The produ ct was well received and soon the embroidery production capacity needed enhancement. Hamedi grew rapidly by acquiring some existing embroidery facilities as well as adding machines to its original setup. It was also the first in Pakistan to import the state of the art computerized schiffli machines and designing systems from Saurer Stick Systems of Switzerland.It was then decided by the management that the the different embroidery companies be merged into one company by the name of Ali Embroidery Mills (Pvt. ) Limited. In the relentless pursuit of quality and innovation, a number of Ali Embroidery's staff were sent to Switzerland to receive training in new designing methods, machine operating procedures, and quality control techniques. At the same time, many qualified experts from Korea and Switzerland are routinely engaged to come and do hands-on training of Ali's technicians and designers at our premises.Consequently, Ali Embroidery Mills has the most well trained embroidery staff in Pakistan. This human resource combined with the many state of the art computerized machines, and designing and sampling systems has ensured that the quality of Ali's product is by far the best in the country. . Today Ali has 30 schiffli machines, and is the largest manufacturer of embroidered fabric in Pakistan. More important than the number of machines is the fact that Ali has more goodwill than all the local competitors combined. This has been a result of Ali's philosophy of fair dealings with everyone including suppliers, employees and clients.We believe that quality begins in-house when we decide to make a positive impact in the lives of all the different groups of people that will come in contact with our business. Along with this ideology, our focus on continuous innovation in products and procedures has made sure that we are always able to stay abreast of the competition OUR BRANDS BAREEZE With over three decades of commitment to quality, Bareeze is today, a recognized b rand for quality products in the domestic and international markets. It is owned by sefam (Pvt. ) Ltd. a sister concern of Sarena Industries and Ali Embroidery Mills (Pvt) Ltd. The Bareeze range includes crisp cottons, luxurious silks, sheer organza, chic chiffons and an ever-developing range of inovative products. Textile embroidery is an art-rooted tradition. Hand-done embroidery from the sub-continent was always considered a quintessence of quality, reflecting an exclusive fashion option. Bareeze is proud to be the modern day perfection of transforming traditional sub-continent hand embroidery into exclusive Bareeze fashion fabrics. Each Design – a MasterpieceTaking as much pride in our products as the traditional artisan, we ensure that Bareeze fabrics are superbly fashioned, exquisitely detailed and carefully finished, so that each design is a masterpiece. Excellence – a Bareeze Hallmark The use of only the best materials and unflinching resolve not to compromise on quality, coupled with the use of the best swiss textile machinery enables us to produce embroidered fabrics which compare favorably with the best in the world. We have more than 50 outlets nationwide, and already well established setups in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Delhi and London.Bareeze Brands There is something for everyone at all Bareeze Stores. Our resolve to excellence and decades of experience with success has enabled us to extend our product range and provide our clientele with a varied and extremely creative collection of Ready-to-Wear, Pret and Home Textile collections covering all age groups. Bareeze is a trendsetter in the mainstream fashion industry CHINYERE Chinyere is a brand synonymous with sophistication & style. The Chinyere success story began in 1999 that has now evolved into the country's most popular and accessible fashion brand.Chinyere garments are designed in-step with global fashions and in keeping with our tradition. Catering to women as well as men, today Chinyere has displays at all Bareeze outlets and is manufacturing †¢ Casual Wear †¢ Formal Wear †¢ Couture †¢ Mens Wear †¢ Sleep Wear †¢ Abayas †¢ Accessories †¢ Jewellery for the local and the international markets. MINNIE MINORS Minnie Minors is a specialty kids brand selling high-quality apparel and accessories for children under the Boys, Girls, Infants, Party Line, Toys n Tales and Accessories categories. Minnie Minor’s history begins in 1998, making it one of the oldest kids brand in its field.The appeal of the Minnie Minors is so high since its inception due to its versatile designing, high quality manufacturing, high-quality merchandise and modern retail for children ages newborn to five. Sub Brands Today Minnie Minor’s brands include Minitoes and MOM2B. Minitoes Minitoes kid's footwear is available in a range of sandals, booties, joggers, canvas casuals, long shoes. Each season Minitoes expands its extensive collec tion by adding new styles and collections. These change each season and some are only available in limited edition while others may be around for seasons to come.Check out what’s new this season. From easy on-easy off designs to the low profile, lightweight outsoles. Your kids will love the look, you’ll appreciate the supportive footbed and roomy construction and you’ll both flip for the super fun patterns. MOM2B Pregnant women want to feel pretty, attractive and comfortable in clothes that fit their style, their taste and their budget. Whether you are a pregnant woman or lady in plus size, MOM2B will allow you to discover the best clothes to wear during pregnancy whatever the size of your belly! Here’s an innovative range of apparel for expectant mothers. An irresistible ariety of styles that is trendy, traditional and sophisticated all at the same time fulfilling all of mom’s social and mood requirements. For her comfort Mom2B also offers customi zed accessories like stretch lowers and a variety of stretch-to-comfort materials giving a natural support and lift to the tummy. . Minnie Minors Outlets Minnie Minors Outlets offers what our customers know and love about us: unique quality and style—at all outlets. There are 59 Minnie Minors Outlet stores open at premier locations nationwide with the international corporate existence at London, Manchester, Dubai and Norway.HOME EXPRESSIONS Bareeze started Home Expessions in 1999. A commitment. Home Expression ranges offer you the luxury of designed bed/ bath/table accessories. Our linen Range Is produced using the best quality cottons and polyester -cottons,dyed with speacil skill,to ensure color fastness. The 100% percale fabric used is among the finest in world . Bed linen range is combine with the distinctive embroidery designsand colors. Cotton range offers applique range which is of   more luxury and parint range which is of daily use . The bed spreads are hand -made and the embellishmaent is â€Å"Zardozi†work.This involves Working on pure velvets ,silks organzas ,jamawars and net with the finest material avaiable . this range offers bed spreads. dulais. cushions ,rugs ,photo albums fancy trunks  and table accessories . Upcomming attraction for the coustomer is leather range which includes cushions ,rugs ,table accessories . Choosing the right kind of bedding means you are half way there to get good night sleep. you will find bed linen in a color and quality you love . KAYSERIA After bringing a revolution in embroidery, Sefam Pvt. Ltd. now launches another brand Kayseria – Magic in print.Welcome to the unique world of Kayseria, where every design is a masterpiece. Kayseria brings you a very special selection of pure silks and cottons in form of exclusive prints, complemented by beautiful and intricate embroideries and embellishments, to create a stunning array of fabrics, colour and designs. The designs crafted at Kayseria are t rendy yet traditional, encompassing the richness of our ethnicity and culture. If you want to pamper yourself, indulge in someone you love, or just feel special, take yourself to nearest Kayseria store. Kayseria gives you real designer clothes at affordable prices.LEISURE CLUB â€Å"Once upon a time, in a land of 180 million people, where locally made high quality, trendy clothing was not available, a compassionate and quality obsessed brand by the name of Leisure Club stepped forward to fill in the void. And so, on April 18th, 1997, hardcoded with the values of compassion, quality, integrity, and ingenuity, Leisure embarked on its mission. After 14 years of unparalleled excellence, Leisure Club has evolved into Pakistan’s no. 1 family fashion destination, featuring 3 premium sub-brands: Club X, LC Boutique, and LC Kids.Club X provides trendy urban street wear for young adults, LC boutique offers elegant eastern wear for the entire family, and LC Kids gives cool clothing opt ions for kids†. MOM2B Here’s an innovative range of apparel for expectant mothers. An irresistable variety of styles that are trendy, traditional and sophisticated all at the same time fulfilling all of mom’s social and mood requirements. For her comfort Mom2B also offers customised accessories like stretch lowers and a variety of stretch-to-comfort materials giving a natuaral support and lift to the tummy.Casual Wear Extra Support Accessories CAREER ARTICLE AND ADVICES Life at Sefam: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide employment to everyone regardless of their colour, race & gender. We believe our employees as our greatest asset and do not compromise on the potential and standard of our workforce. Our Philosophy: Continuous Learning Maintain High Standards Creativity and Innovative We are growing continuously and ensure our employees to share our growth with us and generate new quality standards for our competitors to reach. What we look for:While hiring, we look for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who are creative and are ready to take initiative. What make our company the best employer is the healthy environment which we provide by allowing the staff to experiment and touch the new horizons. Career Development: Continuous development is our philosophy and we believe that every employee needs some kind of training or guidance to perform better. For this purpose we arrange annual and bi annual training programs in order to groom our work force. We also sponsor small courses for employees learning. How to Apply:To apply follow the steps given below: Look for the opportunity of your interest in the current vacancy List by clicking Current Openings Tab. Click   Details to view the job description. Click Apply for the application Form. If you don’t see an opportunity of your interest, click on the Apply Online Tab. Fill the Online Form and after completing it click Submit Hardwork Has No Substitute But It Should B e Focused And Followed By Tolerance, Forbearance And Fortitude, Highlights Ms. Neegam Qayyum, Executive HR, Sefam (Pvt) Ltd. Q. 1. What makes your company an attractive employer for the job seekers? Ms.Neegam Qayyum:  Despite of the fact that the current market situation for employment is not very favorable, even in such conditions, Sefam (Pvt) Ltd continuous to grow and hire new staff. Sefam (Pvt) Ltd is a growing organization which has one of the largest retail chain networks nationwide. We have a diversified workforce working at all levels. We experience low turnover rate and the best thing is the location of our head office which is in the centre of Lahore and proves to be convenient for the employees. Q. 2. What is your strategy on work-life balance and how do you achieve this balance yourself? Ms.Neegam Qayyum:  Sefam provides a very comfortable environment which helps our employees to balance their personal and professional life. Facilities like leaves, short leaves and t ime policy helps us to manage our work-life balance. We have relaxed and helpful environment which keeps employees motivated and enables them to manage their regular activities. In my views, the best way of achieving balance between professional and personal life is to prioritize the tasks according to their importance in our lives. Just set up your priorities and I am sure that there are very less chances of being left behind. Q. 3.Do you believe that Pakistani universities are creating an effective talent pool and what is your company’s strategy to attract the best talent in Pakistan? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  We can not say that our universities are not producing talents but there is lot more which needs to be done. Most of the graduates, after passing out of the universities, are not aware of their own skills and abilities due to which the candidates get confused in choosing an appropriate career. The lack of exposure of practical life which creates a greater challenge to fin d a job in such a competitive environment is another area to be taken good care of.The institutions need to bring out the confidence and help the graduate’s identity their skills and talent. They should be given the appropriate exposure of the market which will set them out to find an appropriate career. Career Counseling should be provided to all students on individual basis. Q. 4. Due to rough economic situation and soaring price rise, how does your company deal with keeping itself cost effective and attractive for job seekers? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  The economic situation has been very rough from the last couple of years and has affected every enterprise.However, even in such conditions Sefam has never stopped hiring and hasn’t gone for any sort of layoffs as yet. Sefam’s continuous growth has kept the spirits high. Sefam does not compromise on quality of our staff and products. We are working on more effective recruitment ways to keep our hiring costs low and retain our valuable employees. Q. 5. What are, in your views, the basic principles of success in a professional life? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I believe in: â€Å"Work , Work and Work† as said by our Quaid. Hard work has no substitute but it should be focused and followed by tolerance, forbearance and fortitude. Be open to learn new lessons, even if they contradict the lessons you learned yesterday†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   -Ellen De Generes Q. 6. How would you rate the success and importance of  online recruitment  firms such as ROZEE. PK? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  Online recruitment firms have made recruitment a lot easier, reliable and cost effective. However, it still needs to flourish and create maximum awareness in Pakistan. As the economic conditions get stable and new opportunities hit the market, online recruitment will be the most reliable one. ROZEE. PK has definitely made a mark in Pakistani job market and it has set up the trend of online recruitment in Pakistan.Q. 7. How has ROZEE. PK helped your firm regarding recruitment i. e. Have you tried any recruitment tools provided by ROZEE. PK e. g. Job Fairs/Job Postings/CV Search? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  We have been using various tools provided by ROZEE. PK and have also participated in their different Job Fairs. It has been very useful and effective in certain areas. It not only provides us with a good pool of candidates but also markets our company’s actual name in the market (We are known by the name of Bareez’e which is one of our famous brands). ROZEE.PK has always been helpful to make a pool of candidates which makes it easy to select best out of them Q. 8. What is the scope of Human Resource Management in Pakistan? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  As far as my limited experience is concerned, I believe that human resource is the ‘humane’ part of organization. It is the only department which is sensitive to life, emotions, and feelings. HRM still has a long way to go in Pakistan. I am sure that time will come when every firm and institution will invest in such a department. The future of HR is bright along with a tough competition among candidates. Q. 9. Tell us about your educational life?Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I earned my bachelor’s degree from Kinnard College in sciences and started working with The City School. Later on I realized that I need to develop myself and the career which suited my skills and abilities was, as me and my Mentor came up with , was HRM. After completing my Masters Degree in HRM from Punjab University, I worked wih Strategic Systems International for some time and later joined Sefam (Pvt) Ltd. I focused on creating and bringing new ideas to life. I have been lucky enough that Sefam provided me the opportunity to start things from scratch enabling me to learn the practical ways of the field.I have been an average student and always worked on expressing things in my own definitions rather than learning by rote. I always used to re ad, understand, and express in my own words. Even in examinations I hardly used extra sheets. My focus has always been on practical part of the studies. Q. 10. What is your formula of success in life? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I don’t believe there can be a formula for success but what has always worked for me is prioritizing things both, personal and professional, followed by hardwork, persistence and the utmost important blessings, of Almighty Allah.Q. 11. What are the biggest turn-offs in an interview of a job applicant? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  The biggest turn-offs of a job applicant as I have experience are: †¢ The candidates who are not sure of the area they want to work in †¢ Candidates who ask the salary package first rather than position and job description. †¢ Candidates who are not confident in their mother language and to overcome their deficiency they keep on speaking incorrect English language. Q. 12. What do you look for in a candidate during a hiring interview session? Name 4 key things? Ms.Neegam Qayyum:  The key factors I look for in a candidate are: †¢ Loyalty factor †¢ Optimistic approach towards career †¢ Relevant qualification and experience for passion to contribute Q. 13. Any good advice you want to give for the job seekers who want to enter and/ or prosper in the professional field? Ms. Neegam Qayyum:  I would rather suggest that job seekers should be aware of their inborn talent and creative skills before entering the Field and find a job matching their interest and set of skills. So that when they enter the practical life they sharpen up their skills rather than getting confused about their own abilities.

A Healthy Pregnancy

A Healthy Pregnancy Jan Christian Axia College of University of Phoenix Healthy Pregnancy 1 When it comes to a healthy pregnancy, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Pregnancy is a life changing moment and will be filled with all kinds of emotions. The most important part of it all is to have a healthy pregnancy not only for the baby but also for you. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will decrease the high risk factors which come along with pregnancies. I will be discussing how maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent some of these risk factors. I will help teach about what should be avoided during pregnancy and the important things to do to be healthy. For starters, finding the right prenatal care plays a significant role during pregnancy. It is important to find a doctor who you will feel comfortable seeing. Remember this is a person you will see on a regular basis to monitor the health of you and the baby and will also be bringing the baby into the world. Women who see a healthcare provider regularly have healthier babies. During pregnancy the risk factors for women rise. The risks which can occur and put the mother and baby at danger are high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, problems with amniotic fluids, preeclampsia, and stress, just to name a few. Preeclampsia only occurs during pregnancy and affects both the mother and the baby. The Preeclampsia Foundation (2008) stated, â€Å"Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms: however some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms† (para. ). Healthy Pregnancy 2 Smoking, drinking, and drug use during pregnancy can cause birth defects, low birth weight, and even death. Such risk factors can conclude in premature delivery, birth defects, weak immune system for the baby, and health problems once the baby is born. There are many chemicals and foods which should be avoided also. The website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005) has many interesting facts and provided the ABCs of having a healthy pregnancy. Eating well and maintaining a healthy diet along with regular exercise is essential to both the mother and baby. A healthy diet and good nutrition is important for the growth and development of the baby. Not only is it essential for the baby but the mother also. If you are not eating right, the baby will take the nutrients from the mother, which can weaker her as she gets older. A healthy diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, dairy products and protein sources. Prenatal vitamins should be taken daily to ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Plenty of fluids should also be part of the diet. There are certain types of foods which should be avoided. Certain fishes should not be eaten since they contain high-levels of mercury, soft cheeses which are unpasteurized can cause Listeria infection, avoid raw fish and shellfish, cold sandwich meats and hotdogs. Listeria infections can cause life-threatening blood infections and meningitis in newborns. Healthy weight gain throughout pregnancy should be between 25-30 pounds. WebMD (2008) states, â€Å"In general, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during your first three months of pregnancy and 1 pound a week for the remainder of your pregnancy† (para. ). Healthy Pregnancy 3 Regular exercise can be done while pregnant and is recommended but should first be discussed with the healthcare provider. Physical activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming can be beneficial to both the mother and baby. Not only does light or moderate exercise strengthens abdominal and back muscles but it increases early recovery after delivery. Being overweight or underweight may cause complications, so it is important to have a healthy diet and regular exercise. The U. S Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy pregnant women get at least 2 ? hours of aerobic exercise a week (March of Dimes, 2008). There are different risks that come along with age especially during pregnancy. Pregnant women between the ages of 20-30 have a higher risk of preeclampsia. March of Dimes (2008) states,† Women over the age of 35 have increased risks of: fertility problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, placenta previa, cesarean section, and a baby with genetic disorder. It is just as important for pregnant women over the age of 35 to get prenatal care since they have increased risks. Throughout pregnancy the riskiest trimester would be the first. During the first trimester you are at higher risk of a miscarriage if you do not take care of yourself. It is important to not overwork your body and stress. This is the time to just take it easy on the body and relax. During the second trimester you will notice different changes with your body. This is the time where regular exercise can start beginning and become an everyday routine. Maintaining a regular exercise routine will not only help with stress but will be beneficial for you and the baby in the long run. Healthy Pregnancy 4 For the third trimester, every pregnant woman is anxious for the baby’s arrival. This is the time where you may start feeling discomfort since the baby has become too big. Pre-term labor can happen to anyone and about 12 percent of babies are born prematurely. Some pre-term labor can be avoided while others are spontaneous. Delivering the baby before 37 weeks is considered pre-term labor. The earlier the baby is born, the higher risks for health problems and can be fatal. The longer the baby stays, in the healthier it will be. So it is important to take care and try to avoid pre-term labor. Being pregnant right now, with my second child makes me highly aware of all the risks that come along with pregnancy. I have been given good advice from my doctors and also turn to the internet for reference. For my first pregnancy, I did have pre-term labor; therefore, this pregnancy makes me more aware. It is essential to educate those about pregnancy because it is something which should be enjoyed. Overall, before, during and after pregnancy it is important to stay healthy. Not all birth defects can be prevented but taking action can increase the chances of having a healthy delivery. Taking precautions with everyday activities will help decrease risks factors. It is important to do research and talk to the healthcare providers about any questions or concerns you may have. The internet provides extensive information about maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Healthy Pregnancy

Wealth and Poverty in US Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Wealth and Poverty in US - Essay Example Whether through being discovered for unknown talents, creating the next big invention, or because of a lottery win that will fill the coffers, every American might become one of the lucky many who become over night sensations and bath in champagne every night, except for one small problem – there is no truth in the myth. The land of opportunity has become a land of obstacles, mostly thrown in front of the middle class by those who see that their own profits will suffer if they support legislation that will empower the middle class once again and begin the process of lifting the lower classes out of their struggle and poverty. There was a point in Western life where working a descent job was possible from merely a secondary education and from that job it was possible to have cars, a house, and a one income family. Somewhere in the disparities that have come between pay and the cost of living this is not possible anymore. The world turned from one in which the struggle of the wo rker was turned around by unions to one which was turned back on itself so that the disparity between the very wealthy and the worker once again left hard working people drowning in debt and despair. It is not clear exactly when this shift began. It is clear that somewhere along the way workers were taught they would not likely be workers for very long and that in supporting the wealthier 1% they were in effect protecting themselves for the time when they would become a member of that elite group. The worker of the 21st century is just on his or her stopping point before great wealth comes or a shot at celebrity will propel them to a point where tax incentives of the rich will be theirs to enjoy. The worker is no longer respected for their ethic but driven down by insinuations that they are just not trying as hard as the rest of their peers. The story from recent history that best describes the problem of believing in the dream of becoming rich is described by the emergence of the R epublican supported character of Joe the Plumber from the 2008 Presidential Campaign. Wurzelbacher and Tabback wrote a book on Joe the Plumber about how he represented the average working class individual as he asked a question of President Obama before he won the race for President during his journey to Ohio. Joe the Plumber is described as â€Å"an American folk hero and the ultimate icon for the American class† (Wurzelbacher and Tabback 1). Joe created a scenario that padded his question with ideas about how the tax program that then Candidate Obama had in mind would affect him if he bought the company that he intended to buy. President Obama answered the question by showing him how the tax rates were intended to preserve the income of the workers, just like Joe, while providing for tax cuts for small businesses that made fewer than $250,000.00 per year. Joe felt this was not a good deal for him, despite how his realistic position was fully supported by the tax program. Ho wever, the question that he asked was predicated on the idea that he was going to purchase a company that would bring in between $250,000.00 and $280,000.00 per year. The fact was that ‘Joe’ was in no financial position to buy the company and as of the date of his question was not going to find the funds any time soon. While he was catapulted to fame and began to become a part of the political machine, in essence finding that pie in the sky dream, he was still one in a million. He was being used in order to create the idea that what is good for the wealthy is good for the working class and the poor

QI strategies in performance measurements Essay

QI strategies in performance measurements - Essay Example The other methodology necessary for integrating QI strategies and performance measures is the use of a framework. The framework should contain various guidelines on how the two above can be integrated effectively and even the dangers involved if the process and guidelines presented are not stipulated. The framework is the most effective and requires less technical expertise. This is however too simple to yield a good integration since some issues are not incorporated. The third methodology is having a combination of different methodologies. Since different methodologies have their own pros and cons when used on their own and may prove ineffective in integrating QI strategies and performance measures, a combination of several methodologies (for example the use of framework and information technology) will ensure that the pros of the methodologies are more than the cons and hence integration will be more successful. The disadvantage of this is that it will take more time for the combin ation to occur and also will require more technical expertise compared to just using a single methodology (Lighter and Fair, 2007). The use of information technology is most effective in the recreational facilities plan. This is because it requires less health care staff hovering around the patients and reminding them of their health conditions. It will also ensure that patients have freedom to enjoy the facilities without constant monitoring and also constantly being taken to their rooms for medication.

Choosing a Health Care Provider Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Choosing a Health Care Provider - Essay Example He needs a flexible insurance medical cover to allow him contribute premiums according to his financial capabilities. The cover should allow his dependents to access medical care from different hospitals and subsequently cover a range of diseases. Further, it should cover both inpatient and outpatient services in addition to covering minor surgeries and accidents at an affordable cost (Bowers, Swan, & Koehler, 2011). A good provider has certified qualifications in his area of specialization. He has the necessary academic qualifications and experience in health care services. An experienced provider can handle most illnesses without referrals that add cost to the subscriber. The subscriber’s care philosophy should match that of the provider. The philosophy of care relates to how serious the provider takes his role especially in making decisions on treatment. The subscriber should ask about availability of hospital privileges such as personal doctors and 24 hour services. A bad medical provider doesn’t have a sustainable financial record and may stop the medical coverage anytime (Bowers, Swan, & Koehler, 2011). A provider who limits a subscriber’s choice of doctors and hospitals is a bad provider. A provider is also bad if he doesn’t offer a comprehensive cover with numerous benefits. The cover should be affordable over the years regardless of external economic factors and

Strategies Unit-5DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategies Unit-5DB - Essay Example A virtual retailer must find companies which will supply the necessary commodities that it sells online. Though inventories are significantly lower than that of traditional retailer, internet retailers also need to have its warehouse. Virtual retailers also need to forge partnerships with logistics companies in the delivery of their products. Online operation must also backed by support staffs which are committed in delivering a excellent customer service. In terms of physical resources, online retailers less resources than a brick and mortar which operates on an international level. One virtual store is needed for an international internet retailer to serve all its global customers. A dot-com retailer also requires fewer inventories but it should be noted that companies must heavily invest in computer hardware and software to support processes. Financially, an online operation requires smaller cash outlay to finance physical resources and overhead. It should also be noted that e-commerce necessitates lower levels of working capital and telecommunication costs. In terms of human resource, an international internet retailer needs to deploy more employees who will man order taking and after-sales support. However, the total number of an international internet retailer is significantly lower than its brick and mortar counterpart. According to AC Nielsen, Google, Inc.

Admission Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Admission - Essay Example The GRE Course at Kaplan, in Los Angeles, Intensive English Program at UCLA Extension, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in King Abdulaziz University College of Economics and Administration, Jeddah, KSA have provided me with reasonable perfection in the theoretical aspect. On the practical experience side, I have handled various important assignments working with Al Hamra Hotel, Jeddah, KSA. I initially worked as an Administrative Assistant (part-time) for International Modern Industries Co. Ltd and now I am holding the position of General Manager Assistant in the same organization. For my excellence in studies, I was awarded King Abdullah Scholarship and Ministry of Higher Education Scholarship. I possess adequate computer knowledge relating to Knowledge of PC and Macintosh formats: Word, Excel and PowerPoint. As for languages, Arabic is my mother tongue and I am fluent in English. My approach to the business world is simple and straightforward. That which is not practical, cannot be a good theory either! My attitude to the MBA@WT program is based on this principle. It is my earnest endeavors to obtain OPT and gain experience in modern financial services and equip myself for joining an established US organization to get the working experience for a year. As such, Maryland University, which is a renowned educational institution, is my first choice. The next part of my career plan is to move to Dubai to join a financial institution there. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have a treaty in financial transactions, which will assist me to attain my long-term goals to take active part in the financial revolution in Saudi Arabia, initiated by King Abdullah, with the creation of Financial District (KAFD) in 2011. With this backgrounder information related to my academic credits and practical experience, I am fairly confident that I will an ideal raw material to take up responsibility in top managerial positions and earn a

International Tourism Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

International Tourism Development - Essay Example Advancing tourism activities for the Silk Road Countries United Nations World Tourism Organization took some initiatives for advancement of the tourism activities for each and every Silk Road Country. There are 24 global countries that participated in this particular tourism project in order to accomplish the task quite successfully (ADB, 2013, p.1). It is highly important for the organization to consider effective and sustainable tourism activities in the Silk Road countries in order to achieve the objective of the project. According to the process and objectives of this project, each and every associated country needs to work towards a Single Visa of Silk Road. The United Nations World Tourism Organization is trying to bring several countries of the ancient Silk Route to ensure development and growth through sustainable tourism activities. According to Maslow’s theory of development there are 5 stages of basic needs which have been described in the diagram below: It is clear from the above diagram the 5 stages of development are physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Sustainable tourism can play a major role in upgrading the status of the people along the hierarchy. Tourism will stimulate demand and people will shift upwards along the hierarchy model. The people at the grass root are at the physiological part of the hierarchy diagram. Effective implementation of the tourism policies will shift these people up along the hierarchy model and will enhance their development in terms of wealth creation and social recognition. There are different types of tourism, such as food tourism, cultural... This essay stresses that it is true that global tourism industry is one of the major growth drivers of the global economy. Several leading organizations within the industry are trying to implement sustainable business operation strategies in the business processes in order to achieve significant social and cultural growth. It has been discussed earlier that the objective of this project is to encourage and stimulate the quality tourism development through healthy competitiveness between different Silk Road cities. United Nations World Tourism Organization took some initiatives for advancement of the tourism activities for each and every Silk Road Country. This paper makes a conclusion that Silk Road Programme is one of the important and popular sustainable tourism project initiated by The United Nations World Tourism Organization. The organization always tries to develop and implement unique business operation strategies to maintain effective growth rate of the industry. It is true that the tourism industry is known as one of the most important economic growth drivers. In addition to this, several other factors motivating people to visit several popular countries around the globe. People around the globe used to visit this country in order to experience the taste of delicious food items. The organization is trying to build a sustainable network through the Silk Road Countries in order to make the places more attractive and healthy among the global people.

Business Research Ethics Essay Example for Free

Business Research Ethics Essay The accounting world is changing constantly and so are the rules that are being set up to protect companies and their assets. There are codes of conduct that accounting offices and their personnel must adhere to and when they are not followed, there can be an ethical challenges that you have to deal with. Users of accounting information perform different types of creative accounting. Some of these practices are ethical and legal and other are not. It is important for a company to set up procedures that check and double check everyone in the accounting department from the clerks to the Controller. There is never a time in any business that someone is allowed to do things without having someone else check on their work. When there is no follow up or checks set in place is when the company finds themselves in trouble. As accountants, we are required to make sure that the work that we produce is accurate, credible and true information. This information is used to help investors and banks to make a good business decision in regard to their credit and investment opportunities. Many times, an accountant will get â€Å"creative† with the numbers to assure just that outcome. The numbers are inflated to show a better financial picture and this will help the company get more money and have the bank invest more in their future. Sometimes, this can go on for a long time without anyone knowing it is all false. Other times, companies get caught. May I remind you of Enron? Over the years stockholders and investors have lost large amounts of money due to false reporting or â€Å"creative† accounting. It is for this reason that the need for restrictions on those practices and find a solution to this problem became necessary. A company that I worked for in the past had to eventually file for bankruptcy because the Executive Board was unaware of what the Controller was doing. Many of us were aware of the incorrect numbers and were not sure how to handle it because we could not really prove that the numbers that he was  reporting were actually wrong. There are procedures in effect that prevent accountants from doing this, but not all companies follow them. This is why auditors are used with many companies. Auditors are there to make sure that all numbers and documents are proven to be correct and that there is no creative accounting or inflated numbers when looking at financial statements. Auditors can also be a deterrent for theft. If there is never a check and balance with an accountant in a company, there can be a greater chance of theft. I know of a company that I worked for suffered a loss of over $50,000 because the Controller was not required to get a second signature on checks under $5,000, so he issued himself eleven checks in the amount of $4,000. He would take the check and record that the check went to a vendor or supplier. When the bank statement was sent to our office, he would do the bank reconciliation, so no one saw the actual cancelled check because he destroyed it. Had there been an auditor that would be checking his work, this never would have continued to happen, they would have found it after the first check. It is important accountants to maintain integrity and avoid questionable situations. There are many things that can be seen as inappropriate. Many times over the years, I have been offered tickets to baseball games, dinners, gift baskets, etc. to use a particular company as a major supplier or to use a certain bank. I never thought much of accepting a gift basket, but I was told by an auditor for our firm that can be misunderstood and never to do that. This is a small scale, many companies have been known to get government contracts or big jobs because of making certain promises. Research has proven to our executives and investors that the only way to make sure that there is no inappropriate behavior by having internal and external auditors to examine the books on a regular basis. Knowing that there are audits completed on a random basis and knowing that those audits are being audited by external companies prevents mishaps, theft and misappropriation of funds. Having a clear set of policies and procedures in place and also having a clear plan of action for employees that do not follow these procedures is a sure way to insure that your company is protected. GAAP (generally accepted accounting practices) defines what is and is not permissible, but it is not infallible. GAAP can be manipulated and subject to interpretation and accountants can commit fraud any time. Eventually, we have to count on good accounting  procedures, our auditors and most importantly, employee ethics and morals to keep everything and everyone in line. REFERENCES Al Momani, M. A., Obeidat, M. I. (2013). The effect of auditors ethics on their detection of creative accounting practices: A field study. International Journal of Business and Management, 8(13), 118-136. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1418426106?accountid=458 Leung, E. C. (2004). Accounting ethics. Business and Society, 43(2), 226-226+. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199387513?accountid=458

Situation Analysis For 42below Feijoa Vodka Marketing Essay

Situation Analysis For 42below Feijoa Vodka Marketing Essay 42 Below Vodka which is the worlds most awarded vodka according to its website is one of New Zealands most recognized alcohol exports to the world. 42 BELOW Limited, is a drinks manufacturing company based in downtown  Auckland,  New Zealand. Their foremost product is the  vodka  42 BELOW, the  gin  South Gin, as well as  420 spring water  (which is sparkling mineral water) and the cheaper brand  of Stil Vodka (Wikipedia, 2012).   42 Below is made from  genetic engineering-free wheat. The name also refers to the southern latitude where the product is manufactured just north of  Wellington  on New Zealands 42nd parallel and it is also a reference to the 42% alcohol content of the beverage. The specific product that will be the focus of this assignment is the 42 Below Feijoa Vodka which is made with the feijoa, a native  New Zealand  fruit, and has 42% alcohol content. It also has the hint of guavas and pineapple as well and is a relatively new product for the company. Vodkas are considered to be spirits that are principally neutral that is, without distinctive character, aroma, taste or colour (MediaWiki, 2012). Nevertheless, buyers do distinguish between them according to taste, alcohol content, and most notably, price. The target market for this product: 42 Below Feijoa (referred to in this report as Feijoa) will be the youth and this product will especially be marketed with a kiwi-culture concept to those with a patriotic streak. A price of around $37.99- $42.99 puts this vodka in the mid-price range which will also be a plus. 42 Below undertook a preliminary public tender of shares and warrants in 2003. On 27 September 2006 the firm received a takeover offer of $0.77/share from  Bacardi Ltd  , which expanded the value of the business to NZ$138 million. Bacardi looked at 42Below as a fledgling company but with much long-term growth potential in the international market. The takeover was victorious and 42 BELOW Limited is now completely owned by the Bacardi group. Market of interest, trends and size Market of interest: The New Zealand vodka market is currently saturated with a variety of products but 42 Below Vodka is a brand that has immense local brand awareness. In the language of Kiwidom, 42 Below is world famous in New Zealand. To capture market allocation, 42 Below Vodka has had to establish and cultivate a strong brand-name. This report discusses the introduction of Feijoa to Kiwis (here and abroad) and the best ways to achieve profitable sales. Feijoa is out to recapture Kiwis who are patriotic and always crave for a taste of New Zealand beginning with those who are in the country and continuing abroad. Trends and size of the market: Statistics New Zealand records that the volume of spirits (containing more than 23 percent alcohol) increased 217,000 litres (1.7percent) to 13 million litres in 2011 and according to them vodka sales were up 9% in popularity. This shows that the market size for Vodka in New Zealand is substantial and that the trend of the spirit market, especially that of vodka, is that it has continually increased in size. This also reiterates that the demand for vodka and vodka based products is going from strength to strength in New Zealand. External environment impacts Analyzing the environmental aspects is advantageous for comprehending how the present trends and developments could influence the promotional plan of our product. It is very important to keep up with the trends in the market to gain a competitive edge over our rival companies. Some of the current trends in the external environment and how these could affect out marketing plan are listed below. Social Networking One of the key trends in society today is the use of social networking. It is vital for our company to create and manage a Twitter Account as well as a Facebook page, which will permit current and potential consumers of our products to keep in touch with the company, ask questions and keep up-to-date on all our company and product promotions. A campaign that uses promotions, contests and other creative ideas on Facebook will allow Feijoa to have a higher level of input from and better communication with the consumer. These channels can also be used to maintain a high standard of our product with the consumers. Online Websites Online Websites are also great place for buyers to gather information regarding products on sale. It is therefore essential that our company has a technologically advanced and informational website about our products and the company. Consumers should be able to query about our product, locate information and buy said items using our website. We will look at upgrading our current website to this level: http://www.42below.com/ Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the responsibility of an organization for the impacts of its decisions and activities on society, the environment and its own prosperity. (MPI, 2012) it is seen as trendy for alcohol-based companies to integrate CSR into its advertising. At present, companies try to communicate messages like: Drink responsibly and You dont want to spoil a great party. A company sees it as its responsibility to inform consumers about responsible alcohol consumption. (ECMAM, 2009). Feijoa has plans to incorporate CSR into our promotions activity because it is important for any alcohol selling company to notify customers that it is fundamental to drink responsibly. Green Image The idea of going green is very popular in todays society. The buzz today is to try and protect our planet and her resources. Integrating the idea of being green in our marketing can be very advantageous in getting customers to buy our product. For our company to exploit this trend, we will advertise about the green aspects of our manufacturing and bottling process. Our company can also donate funds to green causes for every bottle of Feijoa bought. Competition Analysis An analysis of the current competition for 42 Below Feijoa Vodka, centered on the 3 most popular vodkas sold in New Zealand today, is presented. Using SWOT analyses, the identifiable weaknesses and strengths of Feijoa in the light of this competition has been examined. Key threats and key opportunities have also been identified. Current Situation 42 Below Vodka is a well known brand in New Zealand. It is, as they say, world famous in New Zealand. Made in the Wellington using the pure softness of New Zealand sparkling water, 42 Below Vodka has fashioned itself as a popular brand of vodka in New Zealand and abroad. 42 Below Vodkas current goal is to expand its vodka range and offering customers first-rate feijoa based vodka at an affordable price. Feijoa plans to target the higher class youth market consisting of high-end nightclubs, hotels, and restaurants plus the demographic that frequents these enterprises: youthful professionals, younger professional people, and others with an prosperous standard of living. Problem Identification The fundamental problem that Feijoa faces is entering into an already overcrowded New Zealand market with absolutely no taste awareness for a feijoa based alcoholic beverage. A strategic plan for acquiring considerable market share is crucial. Opportunity Because 42 Below Feijoa is entering an entirely innovative niche in the market, it has the prospect of building everything from square one including: image, a name for the product, and strategies to market the product. The first thing we need to do is create a brand image for Feijoa whereby it will begin to establish a connection with its target audience. The branding aim is to position Feijoa foremost in the minds of its target consumers whenever they think of buying highest quality pure vodka for their businesses, special events, parties and getaways. Feijoa will also need to develop an exceptional and continuing image of this vodka for targeted consumers. For example, another vodka distributed in New Zealand, Absolut Vodka, has a website that can attract and grip the attention of even a teetotaler, because the imagery and list of possibilities on their website are so compelling. Feijoa needs to develop an image that will boost our products status value and impression and enthralls its target market. Feijoa will have to implement clever marketing strategies in order to activate and propagate such a mesmerizing image for its product, Situation Analysis 42 Below Feijoa Vodka is entering into a completely new market segment under flavored vodkas where the targeted consumers already have preferences when it comes to buying vodka. Thus, it is necessary to carry out a SWOT analysis of both 42 Below Feijoa and the competition so that the company can obtain a lucid view of this new environment. An industry analysis will help Feijoa to create the precise brand awareness for its own vodka and to understand the nature of its competing products. There are currently many brands of flavoured vodka in New Zealand liquor stores. Its popularity can be attributed mainly to its neutral flavour and adaptability as a mixer. Many vodkas are reasonably priced and are intended to be mixed with other drinks like orange juice or apple cider or mixed in Bloody Marys, martinis and other cocktails. Other brands of vodka are dearer and drunk ice-cold, either straight-up (neat) or on-the-rocks (on ice). Flavoured vodkas are well liked. 42 Below Feijoa Vodka has impending competition from a wide range of pre-existing flavoured vodka products in its selected environment. Feijoa will understand how to best penetrate its new market after carrying out a full examination of its competitors. Competitor Analysis Vodka is usually distilled from rye and wheat grains or from beets or potatoes. After distillation, charcoal is usually used to filter the vodka. The more one distils and filters vodka, the clearer and purer its taste becomes. Therefore, the expensive vodkas are usually those that have been distilled and filtered numerous times. Vodka needs to be diluted before it is packaged as it has a very high percentage of ethanol, usually 95-96% (Wikipedia, 2012). Vodkas are considered to be spirits that are principally neutral that is, without distinctive character, aroma, taste or colour (MediaWiki, 2012). Nevertheless, buyers do distinguish between them according to taste, alcohol content, and most notably, price. There are three broad categories of flavoured vodka in relation to cost and it is useful to 42 Below Vodka to see where its product is positioned. Feijoa has completed an environmental scan of three price ranges of flavoured vodka in Auckland lower range, mid range and premium priced. To best understand the competitive environment, three of the most popular flavoured vodkas from different price categories have been identified for SWOT analysis. Lower cost range: Vodka Cruiser Mid cost range: Absolut Premium cost range: Grey Goose The subsequent discussion and charts discuss the results of this analysis for Cruiser, Absolut and Grey Goose. Internal environment impacts Financial Analysis In 2003 42 Below vodka was being distilled in a garage in Wellington. Now the spirits firm is New Zealands most exponentially growing listed company and has just been taken over by U.S. alcoholic beverage giants, Bacardi who paid NZ$138m (US$91m) for it. Just as impressive as the growth in revenue, which increased by 2,116% over the last two years, is where 42 Below vodka is being sold. The companys markets are the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand in that order. (iStart, 2007). Internal Organisation and Structure Bacardi Limited is the company that has bought out 42 Below in 2006 and has made 42 Below its irreverent completely out there vodka for those who want to do things differently. The board of Bacardi Limited consists of 14 members of the Bacardi kin and four autonomous directors. Bacardi Limited runs its empire with the presence of an International Leadership Team that looks after the main decisions of all its brands, 42 Below being one of these. The Leadership team is made up of the chief executives based all over the world: The Chairman of the Board of Bacardi Limited since 2005 is Facundo L. Bacardi who is also the great-great grandson of Company founder Don Facundo Bacardà ­ Massà ³ and a fifth generation family member. President and Chief Executive Officer of the company is Ed Shirley who was elected a Director by the Board in March 2012. Ron Anderson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and is responsible for commercial capabilities of the internationally known portfolio of premium spirits with focus on enhancing sales force capabilities, commercial effectiveness and implementing robust go-to-market programs (Bacardi, 2012). Scott M Northcutt is Senior Vice President of Human Resources of Bacardi Limited and is responsible for all everything to do with employee career improvement, employee pay schemes, progression planning, as well as management and organisation advancement. Silvia Lagnado, Jacques Croisetià ¨re, Stefan Bomhard, Caroline Basyn, Robert Furniss-Roe, Jon Grey, Paolo Perego, Eduardo Sà ¡nchez, Siddik Tetà ­k and Atul Vora make up the rest of the members of Bacardis Leadership Team. 42 Below has acquired its own Managing Director, Paul Dibbayawan, who was headhunted by Bacardi to manage 42 Below and joined this iconic NZ brand last year. Manufacturing Processes 42 Below Feijoa Vodka is made from genetic engineering-free wheat from the Canterbury Plains and pure New Zealand still and sparkling mineral water. And, because 42Below is truly obsessed with creating great vodka, it uses a high saturation distillation process with the vodka distilled 4 times and filtered through 35 separate filters (Bacardi, 2012). The result is distilled twice, prior to being rinsed in spring water, achieving a saturation point that brings a high level of purity and freshness to the vodka. 42 Below then faces distillation a third time. It is then charged with charcoal to eliminate any final contaminations before being filtered. It is then diluted with local sparkling spring water (DrinkSupermarket, 2012). 42 Below is diluted with water from the mineral springs from deep underneath the volcanic highland in the heart of New Zealands North Island. This spring has been graded AA by World Health Organisation indicating water of supreme cleanliness and purity (DrinkSupermarket, 2012). Human Resources The person in-charge of Bacardi Limiteds HR activities is Scott M Northcutt but 42 Below is a Kiwi company with its own Managing Director Paul Dibbayawan. When Bacardi Limited took over 42 Below, the entire staff was retained and the production remained in New Zealand to keep the identity of this iconic Kiwi brand. 42 Below has a very relaxed HR management style. The companys headquarters has been famous for announcing (on their walls) that they cull their staff once every six weeks so that their vodka secrets do not leak out. Management As discussed above Bacardi Limited has its own Leadership Team that functions as its International Management system as well but 42Below is also a Kiwi company with its own Managing Director Paul Dibbayawan who is now settled in Takapuna. 42Below is run like a publicly listed company. Whilst we are not a publicly listed company, the Bacardi CEO is really setting the direction for us to be governed in the same way. We are putting a lot of the systems in place as if we were. It just makes perfect sense. The regulations and transparency are there for a reason so it is only sensible to follow that best practice. Stated Dibbayawan in an interview (The Director, 2008). Research and Development 42 Below has hired the vodka professor and his job involves going around the world running sessions called vodka university (The Director, 2008). They mix and match all vodkas and mixers from all over the world with bar-people and this process is what they classify as research. Marketing Function When it comes to 42Below, they dont sell a product; they sell an idea, an experience even. 42Below doesnt have sales reps, it has ambassadors. Nobody has titles, except for kind of nickname titles. The creator and boss of 42Below had the title of Chief Vodka Bloke. The marketing and promotions output from 42Below is distributed under the title of propaganda (42Below, 2012). When one goes through each of the propaganda material, youd notice that none of the twelve current marketing posters sell 42Below as a product; they all sell the experience of purity, kiwiness, uniqueness, perfection, irreverence, everything that 42Below is famous for. An innovative orientation for the intuitive sensing of what the market needs involves an entrepreneur who can come up with a new idea first and then think about how and where he will sell the product (Stokes, 2000). This opportunity-focused posture was adopted by 42Below and allowed strategies to emerge over time (Rahoi-Gilchrest, 2007). Instead of selling vodka, they sold stories and experiences that are unique from branding to production; a positioning that gave them an exceptional competitive advantage (Morrish  HYPERLINK #idb19et al.HYPERLINK #idb19, 2010). Location 42 Below vodka is headquartered in the Britomart area where a large poster announces that We have to kill all our staff every six weeks.   The company recently had to move into bigger premises from its Penrose location, and has taken over a building in the Britomart complex in the Auckland CBD. External Relationships As a company that believes in marketing dreams, visions and experiences in contrast to products, 42Below has created and nurtured many external relationships to help it achieve its aims. 42Below has long supported Hollywood by supporting our own Wellywood greats like Peter Jackson and hopefuls like Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland. The Lord of the Rings Oscar party included goody bags to the VIPs that included 42Below products amongst other things. Albiston and Sutherlands participation and win at the Aspen Shortfest was made possible by 42BELOWs sponsorship. 42BELOW has also been one of the principal sponsors at the New York Film Societys event honouring Michael Douglas in 2010. 42BELOW has also supported NZ Music Month. 42 At The Zoo was seen as a celebration of New Zealand Music Months success for a decade. 42BELOW also hosts a  Cocktail World Cup in New Zealand every year since 2004. Vodka cocktail making or mixology, as 42Below calls it has become a world renowned skill for bar managers everywhere. 42Below flies in the proven mixology team from all over the world to New Zealand annually to participate in this competition. 42Below has also co-sponsored events like Hilarity For Charity 2012 in support of the Alzeimers Association in Los Angeles in January this year. 42Below has many other external relationships that helps it market dreams, visions and experiences. High Quality Competitive Positioning Perceptual Map High Price Low Price Low Quality Ethical standing For Paul Dibbayawan the four elements of social responsibility for drinking is a very important factor when it comes to marketing the drink. He has strict guidelines that stop the company from participating in any marketing propaganda that could involve minors, drink driving, binge drinking or being sexually liberal. We dont want to be appealing to minors we dont want minors to drink. We dont want drink driving thats a big problem in New Zealand. We dont want excessive binge drinking. And we dont want people to think that if they drink the brand, theyll immediately be sexually successful. (The Director, 2008) Another important thing about the socially responsible marketing strategies of 42Below is that they do not participate in mass marketing like billboards, newspapers or magazines as these according to Dibbayawan do not actually reach the target audience and may lead to minors buying the product instead. Other (A Culture of Excellence) 42Below has a culture of excellence when it comes to its products and this is illustrated by the list of awards that the different flavours and the original vodka have won over the years. The original vodka has won gold for 7 years straight and silver the year it was introduced to the world competitions. 42Below currently has the reputation of winning more vodka awards than any other brand in the world. This culture of excellence is a huge marketing advantage for 42Below especially when launching a new product like Feijoa Vodka since this excellence can be used to catapult Feijoa above its competitors. Situational Analysis Summary 42Below Feijoa Vodkas environmental scan has determined that Feijoa has a number of competitive advantages over brands in the NZ flavoured vodka market. As a quality brand, it surpasses vodka in the lower and mid price ranges. Its major competition in the mid price category is Absolut but Feijoa has a unique filtering process with distinctive and pure NZ ingredients and it has 2% more alcohol content than Absolut. Based on the SWOT analysis (please refer to diagram) of other well-known vodka brands in NZ plus 42Below, we are able to create a perceptual/positioning map (please refer to diagram) that indicates the market positions of assorted vodka competitors and how competitive Feijoa can be. Moreover, this analysis will give me leeway to suitably adapt the brand and its marketing campaign. According to the positioning map, Feijoa holds a spot at the top end of high quality however is positioned with an unexpectedly reasonable price that does not correspond with its excellent quality. In other words, compared to its competition, 42Below Feijoa Vodka is a high quality product at a relatively low price.