Academic Level: Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business Administration (Final Year)

Individual Case Analysis Report
Marks and Spencer (Based on book "Exploring Corporate Strategy Text and Cases" 7th Edition by Gerry Johnson, Kevan Scholes, Richard Whittington Page 966-978 ISBN 0-273-71017-6)

POSSIBLE STRUCTURE FOR CASE ANALYSIS REPORT
1. Introduction ~5% word-count
~Describe Marks & Spencer's current strategic position, products, markets, key stakeholders & strategic purpose (mission & vision/Strategic intent). Discussion must be at case date.

2. Part 1 External Analysis ~20% word-count
~Textual summary of Marks & Spencer's external environment mentioning the pertinent points from the application of external analysis tools included in Appendix A. Discussion must be at case date.

3. Part 2 Internal Analysis ~18% word-count
~Textual summary of Marks & Spencer's internal environment mentioning the pertinent points from the application of internal analysis tools included in Appendix B. Discussion All this discussion must be drawn directly from the case.

4. Part 3 Current 'Problem" Diagnosis ~10% word-count
~Summarise the issues identified in Part 1 & 2 to reveal Marks & Spencer's 'problem'. Be sufficiently 'marco' in the statement so that the various 'symptoms' are subsumed within it. Also ensure you pose the problem so that Part 4 provides options which address it.

5. Part 4 Generation of Strategic Options ~15% word-count
~Outline 3-4 explicit strategic options that might potentially address the problem identified in Part 3. Include detail of both the aims and means of accomplishment. The options shoud be generated by applying relevant tools which should be included in Appendix C.

6. Part 5 Evaluation of Strategic Option ~10% word-count
~Summarise the exhibits in Appendix D where the selection criteria was applied to the options identified in Part 4. Provide suitable explanation for the evaluations offered; and, fianlly, a justified and logical selection of the preferred strategy.

7. Part 6 Description of Selected Strategy ~10% word-count
~Description of what specific strategy is being proposed and the expected tactical support and functional activity within the company and/or expected of external parties.

8. Part 7 Action Plan for Implementation ~10% word-count
~Provide a description of the proposed actions & parties involved & rough timescales.

9. Part 8 Conclusion
~ Provide a concluding comment about Marks & Spencer's strategic future.

10. Appendix A Consider including exhibits applying the following:
PESTEL(forecasts),CSFs and Industry Group Analysis, Porter's 5 Forces (industry and no-frills strategic group), Markets and segments (forecasts) and Oppotunities and Threats facing industry and no-frills.

11. Appendix B Consider including exhibits applying the following:
Resources and Capabilities (P.R.O.F.I.T.) and VRIO, Value Chain, Benchmarking, Balanced Score Card, Functional Performance (incl Financial Ratios) and Strength and Weaknesses.

12. Appendix C Consider including exhibits applying the following:
Strategy clock, Porter's Generic Strategies, Ansoff's Matrix, TOWS.

13. Appenidx D Consider including exhibits applying the following:
Johnson et al.'s criteria for evaluation, Rumelt's criteria for evaluation.

Marks Allocation
20% - Focus (Does the report analyse the case in a meaningful manner?)
30% - Synthesis (Does the report brign relevant theories/models and external evidence to bear on the analysis of the case?)
30% - Soundness (Does the report indicate a comprehensive understanding of the theory/models utilised?)
10% - Clarity of Structure (Is the report well organised and logically constructed to achieve synthesis while being mindful of the needs of the reader?)
10% - Mechanical Soundness (Is the report clearly written, spell checked and grammatically sound and referenced appropriately?)

There are faxes for this order.

Assignment 3: ?Outback Steakhouse?

You are to will read the ?Outback Steakhouse? case found in Chapter 6 and prepare a three (3) page response to the following questions:

1. Discuss how the employee selection methods at Outback Steakhouse help the organization achieve a competitive advantage.

2. Discuss the importance of fit to Outback Steakhouse.

3. Evaluate Outback?s selection process including the order of selection methods such that applicants first complete an application, then complete tests, and then participate in interviews.

4. Evaluate whether or not these selection methods are valid.



The format of the report is to be as follows:

o Typed, double spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one inch margins on all sides, APA format.

o Type the question followed by your answer to the question.


UAssignment 3: ?Outback Steakhouse?



You are to will read the ?Outback Steakhouse? case found in Chapter 6 and prepare a three to four (3-4) page response to the following questions:



1. Discuss how the employee selection methods at Outback Steakhouse help the organization achieve a competitive advantage.



2. Discuss the importance of fit to Outback Steakhouse.



3. Evaluate Outback?s selection process including the order of selection methods such that applicants first complete an application, then complete tests, and then participate in interviews.



4. Evaluate whether or not these selection methods are valid.



The format of the report is to be as follows:

o Typed, double spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one inch margins on all sides, APA format.

o Type the question followed by your answer to the question.

I will scan the ?Outback Steakhouse? case, and send it by email.

1.Explain the four elements of Porter's national competitive advantage theory.
2.List the three forms of import tariffs and explain the basis for each.

Please write me a two assay.Please answer me question one first, then answer question two. Pleast seperate the essay one and two for me.

Ricardo?s Competitive Advantage Theory is as valid today as when it was first proclaimed. Use Porter?s Competitivwe Advantage Theory to defend the former hypothesis.
Focus on real world factors for the 21st century:
Commodiy exchange example
Assumes Free trade example
What if your comparative advantage product is not needed or wanted by other countires how does ricardo address that?

Answer each question separately and in one paragraph. Indicate each question. Back up each question with online reference. Thank you.

1) Why is the market-penetration strategy more effective in a growth market?

2) Defend or contradict this statement: Developing marketing strategy is more important than implementing marketing strategy because if the strategy is flawed, its implementation doesnt matter.

3) Consider the number of product choices available in the U.S. consumer market. In virtually every product category, consumers have many, many options to fulfill their needs. Are all of these options really necessary? Is having this many choices a good thing for consumers? Why or why not? Explain and justify your answer.

4) Kotter (1999) states that the art of marketing is largely the art of brand building Strong brands typically exhibit an owned word, a slogan, a color, a symbol, and a set of stories. Why is it important to build a strong brand? How can the brand manger ensure the brand experience matches the brand image?

Kotler, P. (1999). Kotler on marketing: How to create, win, and dominate markets. New York: The Free Press.

Focus on the needs of students from diverse backgrounds in the classroom and describe specific strategies for promoting academic achievement and social and emotional well-being in the school environment.

Focus the population of African American.

The articles must be from professional education or related journal cited.

Introduction:
This individual assignment will be assessed by means of a 3,500 10% word Report. The assignment has been designed to allow you to develop and use your knowledge and skills in understanding key strategic issues relating to structural transformation through e-business in a real life organisation. You will be required to apply the strategic concepts and analytical techniques studied in this module. All the learning outcomes below will be assessed:
1. Demonstrate critical understanding and application of relevant theories associated with global corporate policies and strategies.
2. Understand the holistic nature of strategy and apply analytical techniques to solve complex problems in real life organizations
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the strategic decision making process through critical analysis of how strategic decision making enables an organisation to relate to its global business environment.
4. Critically evaluate and monitor the business mission, objectives and policies of international organisations.
5. Use critical reflective skills to reflect on the impact of their understanding on the problem solving process

The assignment will be internally moderated by: John Dixon-Dawson

Please note:
1. All work must adhere to the University regulations on Cheating, Collusion and Plagiarism which are provided as an Appendix in your Programme handbook. See Module Tutor for useful guide on Harvard Referencing Style and on how to avoid Plagiarism.
2. A hard copy and an electronic copy on floppy disk or CD of the assignment must be handed to your Study Centre on or before the appointed date under cover of the Sunderland Business School Feedback Sheet.
3. Issue Date: 19 November 2009
4. Submission Date: Friday 22nd January 2010

Task
Your task is to carry out a critical analysis and evaluation of the strategies adopted by global logistics and supply-chain management company, such as FedEx Corporation, using the information in the case study provided and other materials researched. You will be expected to select and apply appropriate theories, techniques and models studied during the module whilst having regard to the practical aspects of strategy development.
Your assignment should be presented in a Business Report Format and should be within the range 3,500 10% words (excluding executive summary, references and relevant appendices). The report should include a title page and executive summary and be fully and consistently referenced, using Harvard Referencing style. You must also submit a floppy disk or CD containing an electronic version of the report. This should be clearly labelled with your name, your course and the name of the case study.
It is recommended that you research information additional to the case study to support your arguments. This may be obtained from a diverse range of sources and you are encouraged to research the issues in whichever way you deem appropriate.

Assessment Criteria
In the event of failing this individual assignment, normal referral / deferral procedures will apply. This assignment carries a weighting of 100%. The assessment will focus on the level of ANALYSIS carried out. That is, the application of THEORETICAL CONCEPTS studied in the module to the practical case study presented. In other words, you should proceed beyond a DESCRIPTION of the company and its actions. You should be analysing why rather than describing what. The assignment will be assessed and moderated by two members of staff in accordance with the marks allocated to each of the questions detailed below. 10% of the marks are set aside for the presentation criteria.
Academic Rigour
your ability to isolate the key strategic issues
the coherence and depth of the analysis of those issues
the ability to analyse the strategy context within which companies operate
the ability to critically review and evaluate strategic decisions made by companies
Methodology
the use of relevant evidence, from material provided and personal research to support any statements made
the appropriateness of the methods used and theoretical models and frameworks applied
the breadth and depth of research undertaken
Evaluation of data
the ability to make sound recommendations or conclusions arising from the analysis
the soundness of arguments put forward
Presentation
the summary of arguments
report layout and format
use of illustrative material and evidence to support arguments
the appropriateness of length
the quantity and accuracy of referencing











FedEx Corporation Structural transformation through e-business
FedEx Corporation has built superior physical, virtual and people networks not just to prepare for change, but to shape change on a global scale: to change the way we all connect with each other in the new Network Economy (FedEx Corporation Annual Report, 1999). According to Jonah and Wilder (1997) cited in De Wit and Meyer (2004, p.647), FedEx is not only recognizing its internal operations around a more flexible network computing architecture, but its also pulling-in and in many cases locking-in customers with an unprecedented level of technological integration.

Question One: - The express transportation and logistics industry
Using examples from FedEx Corporation and your own research on the Global Transportation and Logistics Industry, critically evaluate the:
(a) Strategic Vision and visionary Leadership behind FedEx Corporation,
(b) Transportation and logistics infrastructure within FedEx Corporation, and the
(c) Virtual information infrastructure at FedEx Corporation.
Your answer should be based on a critical Value-Chain and Supply-Chain analyses of the Global Transportation and Logistics Industry.
[35 % marks]

Question Two: - Branding and business structure up until 19 January 2000
Using information from the case study and your own research, critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of Merger and Acquisition (M&A) strategies in the Global Transportation and Logistics Industry.
Discuss how FedEx Corporation managed the acquisition of Caliber Systems in 1998, and determine whether or not the acquisition of Caliber Systems was a success or failure?
[35% marks]

Question Three: - Events leading up to the January 2000 reorganisation
Using appropriate examples from FedEx Corporation, critically evaluate FedExs financial and non-financial performance in the context of developments in the Internet market and e-tailing up to the January 2000 reorganisation.
[20 % marks]

Note: 10% marks is allocated for presentation






Suggested Reading:
Textbooks:
De Wit, B. and Meyer, R. (2004) - Strategy Process, Content, and Context International Perspective, 3rd Edition, Thomson Learning
Johnson, G., Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2005) Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases, 7th Edition, Financial Times Prentice Hall.
Lynch, R. (2006) Corporate Strategy, Fourth Edition, Financial Times Prentice Hall.
Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B. and Lampel, J. (1998) Strategy Safari, Financial Times Prentice Hall

Websites & PDF documents:
http://fedex.com/ FedEx Corporation
www.economist.com The Economist
www.ft.com The Financial Times

There are faxes for this order.

the papaer shopuld cover the following :(i will send u attachment that will help you wrting the papaer)

-Strategies: 5 pages
-Decision Criteria : 2pages
These criteria serve as evidence to support the organizations strategies. Such evidence might be the organizations resources, capabilities, core competencies, or any competitive advantages that are used to implement the strategies.

-Conclusions: Present the main findings from the industry analysis- 1page
-Recommendations: Show present and future actions that the organization might consider- 1 page

Please base the strategies upon those 8 SWOT findings (its important to do that)

SWAT

Strengths

1-Strong global brand image and selective customer segmentation
2-Quality products, customer service and unique atmosphere

Weakness

3-High overall unit costs relative to key competencies
4-Market share lost because of economic conditions - Closures of 600 stores and cut 6,700 jobs

Opportunities

5-Expanding into new geographic markets (international market)
6-Entering into alliances or joint ventures to expand the firms market coverage or boost its competitive capabilities

Threats

7-Increasing intensity of competition among industry rivals
8-Slowdowns in market growth


There are faxes for this order.

1)Describe the 5 attack strategies and give examples (beyond what might be noted in the materials faxed) of when these strategies have been used or currently should be used by existing companies.

2) Explain the role of marketing channels. Identify important channel-design decisions and channel management decisions. PICK A FICTITIOUS PRODUCT OR SERVICE COMPANY and describe what decisions you would make concerning channel-design and channel-management. PROVIDE SUPPORT for your decisions.

3) You have been called by the Strayer Water-Ice Company to design a communications strategy for promoting a host of new summer flavors. Identify what actions you would take to design the communications. Make sure you explain what strategies you would recommend (and what they would be based on), what communication channels you would recommend (and YOUR RATIONALE). Also, identify characteristics of the marketing communications mix you would recommend to Strayer Water-Ice Company and why?

**PLEASE ANSWER EACH QUESTION INDIVIDUALLY, BUT IN THE FORM OF AN ESSAY**

Breakdown of pages per question:

Question 1 (2 pages)
Question 2 (2 pages)
Question 3 (3 pages)

There are faxes for this order.

The research paper need to on Developing Marketing Strategies and Plan. How to develop a marketing strategy and plan. Needs to discuss every phase of a marketing plan as if a product were being developed.

Each page needs at least one source cited. Needs to be creative.

I wish the writer usernumber: infoceo to do my paper
it's a marketing strategy course, please focus on answering questions by using some of the marketing strategy theories, thanx

Q: Discuss the conditions that might enable a new competitor to enter a mature product-market.

Q: Are vertical relationships mroe likely to be successful than horizontal relationships? Discuss.

Q: What factors may affect the length of the new-product planning process?

Q: How can a company combine the strengths of global brands with the need to adapt to local market requirements in a multinational operation?

Q: Distribution analysts indicate that costs for supermarkets equal about 98 percent of sales. What influence does this high break-even level have on supermarkets' diversification into delis, cheese shops, seafood shops, and flowers?

Q: Under what conditions is a firm's promotion strategy more likely to be advertising/sales promotion-driven rather than personal selling-driven?

Pretend that this question answered four different students: "What are the key issues in developing the marketing strategy for a company?"

1) First page:
First student - 300 words and must include 1 online reference. Response should adhere to APA Guidelines, including the citation of secondary sources.

2) Second & third page:
Second, third and fourth student - 200 words each (total of 600 words). Include 2 online references in two different student answers, i.e. second and third student, or second and fourth, etc. Response should adhere to APA Guidelines, including the citation of secondary sources.

Try not to make anwsers to look alike. Thank you.

You should answer both of the following questions:

1. Does Microsoft has an effective integrated strategy for China? Please be sure to identify the primary non-market challenges, the strategies the firm used to overcome these challenges, and whether you believe these actions are sufficient.

2. In the Indian market, should Microsoft prioritize Fone+ or Windows Starter Edition? Your answer should consider not only the dynamics of competition in India, but also Microsoft?s strategy in the global value chains that it participates in.

BRAND STRATEGY
A soft drink manufacturer is considering creating a brand for a new energy drink. Write a report on the benefits of developing a brand strategy. Focusing on communication theory itt should be a critical analysis of branding concepts and processes and communication strategies to successfully brand the new drink. Alos include a SWOT analysis.
Drink name....stimUL8

The topic of dissertation is about Formulating manufacturing strategy to ensure that dependable product delivery from the costume jewelry company.


** Im studying in the ENGINEERING BUSINESS MANAGEMENT course, so please write in the field of my study area

** I already write 2500 words in this chapter please add 3600 words in my literature review. You can change the information from my review if you think it is not necessary or not useful in the literature review. ( The literature review will be in resources file)

* the literature review should include in identifying specific factors causing project delayed and purposing recommendations for ensuring dependable product delivery.


**in the recommendation part, there are some recommend solution that i already write as solution of the delayed delivery problem such as ERP, six sigma, lean. Please write more other solutions such as MRP and other techniques. However, factors causing project delayed also need more detail on it

***** PLAGIARISM is very concern !
There are faxes for this order.

I am required to write a mini report in APA format on the following:

Topic: Explain the determinants of technology strategy - focusing on following sub-topics:
- explain the internal and external environments
- Describe the integrative mechanisms
- Discuss the generative mechanisms

Structure of the report
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion/Findings

The main prescribed is : Melissa A. Schilling (2010) Strategic Management of Technological Innovation, New York, USA;

Short-Term Investment Strategies
One way for government organization to compensate for periods of limited revenue generation is to put money into short-term investments. Such investments have the benefit of earning interest and the liquidation of such investments may be built into the cash budget. However, as short-term investment strategies can be risky, there is some debate over their general effectiveness. Additionally, federal laws and individual agency policies have set limits on the usage of these strategies. Nevertheless, short-term investment practices are common in public organizations. In this assignment, you will assess the effectiveness of the short-term investment practices of a specific public organization, and provide strategy recommendations regarding such investments.
To prepare for this assignment:
Focus on short-term investment strategies and their positive and negative impacts, and risks.
Focus on how short-term investment strategies can provide additional revenue for public organizations.
Review the Washington State's Office of Financial Management, Risk Management Division, Risk Management Basics Manual. Focus on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and the five ways to treat or mitigate risk.
Consider how short-term investments could both positively and negatively impact the financial condition of government organizations.
Select a public organization with which you are familiar and one which has short-term investment policies and uses short-term investment strategies.
Reflect on the short-term investment practices and strategies you read about and relate them to the organization you selected. Speak to the person(s) you know in the organization, if it is not your own, about various short-term investment policies and strategies in the organization, and the positive and negative impacts of each.
With these thoughts in mind:
Write an assessment of the effectiveness of the short-term investment practices and strategies in the organization you selected. In your assessment, briefly describe at least two specific investments being made by the organization. Then describe the positive and negative impact of each. Finally, explain what you might recommend as a short-term investment policy or strategy for the organization.

Be sure to support your response with specific references to the resources.
Web Site:
Washington State's Office of Financial Management, Risk Management Division: Risk Management Basics Manual http://www.ofm.wa.gov/rmd/publications/rmbmanual.pdf
Optional Resources:
United States Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service, Cash Management Made Easy Guidebook http://fms.treas.gov/crm/cashmanagementmadeeasy.html

Prepare a course paper, approximately 12??"15 pages in length (excluding appendices), on a topic related to the theme of Strategic Staffing.

A list of example topics for course papers is provided below to provide some ideas. However, these are examples only. Please feel free to consider other staffing-related topics that are of interest to you.
Alignment of staffing strategy with organizational strategy.
Internet staffing methods compared to traditional staffing methods: time, cost, quality, and retention.
Effects of utilizing realistic job reviews on employee selection, performance, and retention.
Current developments in job analysis.
Breaking the glass ceiling: Sociological, legal, and organizational issues.
Current issues: Managing the flexible workforce.
Current developments in selection testing and validation.
Defining the new careers of the 21st century and implications for staffing strategies.
Requirements and implementation strategies for a staffing management information system.
Developing innovative mobility paths for career development: Parallel tracks and lattice tracks.


******The paper should include*****

- 1 page (first page) which states and describes the specific topic

- Describe the strategic staffing topic that you have selected and identify why it is significant. Present any background or facts that will enable the reader to clearly understand the issues.

- Identify and clearly state the issues or problems. Remember, that what appears to be the strategic staffing problem may actually be just a symptom of a bigger problem??"dig deep to be sure you've identified the real problem(s). If there appears to be more than one problem/issue, decide if they are separate or related issues. Keep the problem statement short and concise. Specify whose point of view you are taking to identify the problem.

- Connect the problem to a specific topical area of work in Strategic Staffing. Name the topical area (e.g., high rate of voluntary turnover of valuable employees). Then write your synthesis of at least four scholarly or professional studies or articles that seem relevant to your inquiry.

- Provide an identification and description of the causes of the problem/issue. Be sure the causes you identify relate directly to the problem/issue. A critical element of the strength of this section is to apply concepts and models from our text, from class discussions, and from your literature review. Discuss the concepts, ideas, or insights that are most valuable in helping you make sense of the causes of the staffing problem. Support your analysis with reference to appropriate research.

-Suggest consequences to the organization in the next year, two years, or more if nothing is done differently and no actions are taken to address the causes of this problem.

- Recommend a more desirable state of affairs (behaviors); compare this state to what happens if no changes are made; and propose at least two action steps that will leverage the organization toward the more desirable state. Describe exactly what should be done and how it should be done, including by whom, with whom, and in what sequence.

-Think about this assignment and write a well-thought-out reflective statement about how this assignment influenced your personal, academic, and professional leadership and managerial development.

You must use no less than eight resources. Cite all sources.
All references must be cited in two places: within the body of your paper and on a separate reference list.

CASE ASSIGNMENT

Write a four-page paper (excluding title page, references and any appendices) in which you respond to the following question:

Select TWO products from the list of product categories below and using the teaching materials and any additional research explain what you think would be an appropriate distribution strategy for them. In doing so compare and contrast the two distribution strategies explaining why they would be similar or different.
AUTOMOBILES.
JEWELRY.
CANNED SOUPS.

Illustrate your answer by referring to specific brands within each of the two product categories you have chosen.

Ensure that you repeat the case question shown in bold above in full and verbatim on the title page of your submission along with the other infomration described in module 1.

ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS

Although this case question relates to channels of distribution you are expected to use both your knowledge acquired from MOD03 as well as your acquired knowledge from prior MKT301 modules.

Use information from the background readings and any good quality sources you can find. Please cite all sources and provide a reference list at the end of the paper.

The following will be assessed:
Your demonstrated understanding of the marketing concepts central to the case question including what is a distribution strategy.
Your demonstrated understanding of factors related to the development of a distribution strategy through the analysis you conduct and their use in the context of the case.

In particular you should demonstrate your knowledge from the course by defining or explaining the relevant concepts used which could include:
alternative forms of channels integration (ranging from outright ownership of distribution through franchising to use of other firms channels),
channel intensity (intensive, selective or exclusive), and
the various factors (Market, Producer, Product, Competitive) managers would consider,
along with an evaluation of the pros and cons of the various alternatives.

Note that you should not only state how you believe the two products should be distributed. As you are asked to "compare and contrast" the distribution strategies for them you should also explain in what ways the distribution of each might be similar or different and why they might be similar or different. In doing so remeber that your primary goal is to demonstrate your understanding of the teaching materials and learning from the course.

The criteria used for assessment will be those explained on the MOD01 Home page, namely:
Focus.
Breadth.
Depth.
Critical thinking.
Effective and appropriate communication skills.

Readings

The Background Info page provides further information useful in writing your paper.

Marketing Power Dictionary (2011). American Marketing Association.. Available May 31, 2013 at

http://www.marketingpower.com/_la

Marketing Made Simple. (n.d.). Available May 31, 2013 at

http://www.marketing-made-simple.com/

Christ, P. (2011). Principles of Marketing. KnowThis.com.

Read the following chapters:
Distribution Decisions
Retailing
Wholesaling

Available May 31, 2013 at http://www.knowthis.com/principles-of-marketing-tutorials/

Tanner J. and Raymond, M.A. (2012). Principles of marketing, 2nd ed., Flat World Knowledge

Read Chapters 8 & 9

8. Using Marketing Channels to Create Value for Customers

9. Using Supply Chains to Create Value for Customers

Available May 31, 2013 at

http://catalog.flatworldknowledge.com/catalog/editions/2136

Rev. May 31, 2013

The required paper is for a UK Masters in Business (MBA) dissertation - and I require the literature review to be carried out. This review should include all bibliographies and references using the Harvard method. The literature review needs to be approx 4000 words on the following topic "the effects and impacts of e-commerce on business strategies and internal processes with particular emphasis on the travel industry" (mainly Tour Operators). I would anticipate that much of this research can be generic e-commerce but my fieldwork will be in the travel industry so specific research in that area should form some of the paper. References should also be shown in the body of the review so that specific quotes can be linked to literature.

I only want the literature review for a research paper on "Effective Employee Retention Strategies". I need 10 pages of the literature review. The literature review must be a report on the previously conducted studies from periodical literature with the emphasis on professional journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Management, Personnel Journal, Harvard Business Review, Organiational Behavior and Human Performance, etc. (NOT textbooks, newspapers, consulting websites, information/opinion websites, etc.)

IMPORTANT: WRITER'S Assignment: Marketing strategies
This is a fictitious company that produces and market adult pleasure toys and lingerie
1) write an executive summary
2) provide the company's chosen market segment and target customer
3) discuss the company's strengths and weakness relative to competitors:
i) primary competitors
ii) company strengths relative to (competitor 1), (competitor 2)
company weaknesses relative to (competitor 1), (competitor 2)
4)determine the differentiation strategy in relation to the competitors above
5) explain whether the company's intention is to be a leader or follower within the industry
6) macro-environmental issues or trends facing the company:
i) legal issues/trends
ii) technological issues/trends
iii)social issues/trends
iv) economic issues/trends

The discussion of product management and branding may best be illustrated by comparing an iconic brand, Apple, and another successful but not-so-famous brand, MatsSoft.

Required Reading

Anonymous (2012). CASE STUDY: MatsSoft overcame rebrand challenges to strengthen sales to new clients. b2bmarketing.net (July 17). Available 11/27/12 through Case Study: MatsSoft overcame rebrand challenges to strengthen sales to new clients

Anonymous (n.d). Apple's Branding Strategy. marketingminds.com.au. Available 11/27/12 through http://www.marketingminds.com.au/branding/apple_branding_strategy.html

Check out Apple and MatsSoft?s websites for information about each company and their products and services.

http://www.matssoft.com/?r

http://www.apple.com

Review this article on brand personality:

Fournier, S. (1998). Consumers and their brands: Developing relationship theory in consumer research. Journal of Consumer Research. 24:4(March):343-72. Available 5/5/12 through ProQuest database.
1.How do consumers relate to this brand?
2.Do they feel loyal?
3.What emotions are involved?

Your Assignment

Look at the two branding cases above: MatsSoft and Apple, supplemented with any other articles relevant to these two brands, and address the following issues:
1.Briefly describe the branding and positioning strategies of Apple and MatsSoft.
2.How would you describe the brand personalities of Apple and MatsSoft? Explain why you believe the personality represents each brand.
3.What are the similarities between the two branding efforts? What are the differences?
4.If you are a brand manager, what can you learn from these two cases?

Expectations Regarding Your References and Defense of Your Positions

Write clearly, simply and logically. Your paper should be 750-1500 words long, excluding title pages and references; however, quality of writing is more important than length. Use double-spaced, black Verdana or Times Roman font in 12 pt. type size.

A well-written report should have a brief introduction, headings or subheadings, and a brief concluding comment. Note that you should use some keywords as headings or subheadings such as "Branding and Positioning Strategy" instead of a sentence or a question.

Back up your positions or opinions with references to the required reading found in the Background and Ongoing Useful Resources. In using those references, demonstrate your understanding of the concepts presented. Rather than grading on how much information you find, emphasis will be on the defense of the positions you take on the issues. Also remember that:
1.The "why" is more important than the "what."
2.The defense of your positions on the issues is more important than the positions you take.

Paraphrase the facts using your own words and ideas, employing quotes sparingly. Quotes, if absolutely necessary, should not be more than a few words.

When writing an academically oriented paper, you will uncover many facts about the product. If you paraphrase the facts, cite the sources in your text and link those citations to references at the end of the paper.

Guidelines for handling quoted and paraphrased material are found at:

Anonymous (n.d.) Purdue Online Writing Lab. Copyright ?1995-2011 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Accessed 3/9/12 at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Anonymous (n.d.) Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing. Purdue Online Writing Lab. Copyright ?1995-2011 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Accessed 3/9/12 at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/

Anonymous (n.d.) Avoiding Plagiarism. Purdue Online Writing Lab. Copyright ?1995-2011 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Accessed 3/9/12 at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/1/

Your paper consists of arguments in favor of your opinions or positions on the issues addressed by the guidelines; therefore, avoid the following logical fallacies:

Anonymous (n.d.) Logic in Argumentative Writing. Purdue Online Writing Lab. Copyright ?1995-2011 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Accessed 3/9/12 at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/659/03/

Write a five page paper answering these questions after viewing the paper I am sending. This is an ongoing project please.

1.Develop the company's branding, pricing, and distribution strategy.
2.Provide the following marketing strategy information:
a.Classify the company's major competitors as inter- or intra-competitors. Categorize the competitors' major strengths and weaknesses.
b.Develop the differentiation strategy in relation to the closest competitor.
c.Establish whether the company's intention is to be a leader or follower within the industry.
d.Assess the level of impact that the salient macro-environmental issues (e.g., legal, technological, social, and economic, etc.) and trends with which the company must contend could potentially have on the company's marketing strategy.
e.Discuss the marketing research tools that you used in your marketing strategy.
3.Construct an implementation strategy for your hypothetical company in which you specify the essential activities and responsibilities. Include a timetable for completion of each component of your strategy.
4.Develop a five (5) year expansion plan that includes future profitability and market share growth. Include necessary graphs to explain your plan.
5.Specify two (2) social media and / or media tools that you would use as you develop your plan. Justify each of your chosen tools.
6.Choose two (2) performance standards, two (2) monitory methods, and two (2) financial controls that you would implement that differ from the standards that you had provided in Assignment 1. Justify your choices.
7.Assess the potential for your company's overall performance in relation to the marketing plan objectives.
8.Suggest the integrated marketing communications that are most relevant for your marketing plan. Relate each marketing communication to your company's advertising strategy.
9.Use at least five (5) academic resources that address sustainability and monitoring of effective marketing plans and determine the applicability for your hypothetical company. These resources should be industry specific and relate to your chosen product / service. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

?Develop strategies to assess performance and achieve marketing goals.
?Develop pricing strategies and distribution channels for products.
?Analyze integrated marketing communications and its relationship to advertising strategy.
?Design customer satisfaction evaluation processes and quality assurance measurements.
?Evaluate marketing research tools involved in the marketing process.
?Use technology and information resources to research issues in marketing management.

You work as a consultant on tackling fraud and you have been invited by the chief executive (or equivalent) of an organisation to write a report for the board outlining the main strengths and weaknesses of the current anti-fraud strategy (you may choose an organisation you work for or other appropriate organisation). You have also been asked to draw upon the experience from other organisations, including international experience, in identifying how the current strategy may be improved. Your report should be set out in an appropriate style for a chief executive and must be properly referenced.

Sources
?Mind the gap?, progress towards developing anti-fraud culture strategies in UK central government bodies - Mark Button, Graham Brooks 2009
Fraud - Doig, Alan, ebrary, Inc 2006 (electronic resource)
Fraud and error: the future - David Barr
Fraud review: final report - Great Britain [2006 (electronic resource)