London as a Global City

Introduction A global city is a city which has a big economic significance in the world. Thus for a city to be deemed as global or world class it has to pass certain criteria. These criteria include economic characteristics, political characteristics, cultural characteristics, transport characteristics, and many others such as population, information exchange, human capital, and business activities.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on London as a Global City specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to recent surveys Asian cities are emerging as newcomers in the prominence of cities on the globe. For instance in the latest survey according to Kearney (2010), 5 of the top ten global cities come from Asia. Currently London is ranked second after New York City. Reasons why London is a global city The city of London is considered a global city because of many reasons. The city is a metropolitan and therefore it has a mi xture of different cultures. According to Bloomberg Businessweek (2010), London ranks second after New York. This index is based on the rich human resource and the cultural wealth and other strengths. Business activities in London are also of a very high index. The human capital of the British capital is also increasing. Population of London According to Bentham (2010), London’s population is set to reach 8.3 million people. This means that the population is increasing by 10% in a period of eight years. In addition to this, more people in England are moving from the rural areas into London for many reasons. The report also states that fewer Londoners are moving abroad. Increased population has the advantage of increased human resource and also the presence of a ready market for goods and services. GDP of London The GDP of London is currently on the rise. As Packer (2004) writes, London has grown to become a major financial centre of the world. London is a metropolitan capital and which still remains a powerful center where the world gets sucked. Before being overtaken by New York in the twentieth century, London had been leading other world cities in terms of size and wealth. Cultural wealth of London Since time immemorial, London has continued to increase in its cosmopolitan state. The British capital has continued to attract human labor from across the whole world. For instance it attributes its name from Italian linguistics whereby the city of London emanated from the Roman Londonium which was a tribal capital of Britannia. Cultural wealth of London is an accompaniment of the way in which Britain gained colonial powers. Slave trade as Packer (2004) puts it, made Britain ports to fill with cultural diversity which later on spread to the interior.Advertising Looking for essay on geography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Transport facilities London has invested heavily in the transport sector. Th ere is an excellent network of roads and railway lines traversing across London. London is also well known for its highly developed marine transport. The good network of transport facilities provides the ease of movement of goods to and from the market. Movement of Human labor is also enhanced. According to Litman (2006), London has continued to decongest its roads by implementing certain measures. Henrion (2010), also states that businessmen can travel quickly into London from other European cities. Medical facilities in London London is well endowed with world class medical facilities. According to Uhlhorn (2010), London health care facilities are among the top of the world as it is with the Australian facilities. Major laboratory researches are done in London universities. Medical centers such as the UCL medical center are also characterized by world class research facilities. Information exchange of London London was among the first city in the world to use transmission of infor mation in form of radio waves. The use of this system is dated back during the Second World War when Britain used the technology of radar to track airplanes. London has also excelled in the IT sector such that its development has also been attributed to its existing IT policies. Business and economic activities There are many business activities in London. The major businesses activities include stock exchange, banking industry, insurance industry, transport industry, real estate business among others. Services in the business industry also present a major source of income for the Londoners. The City University, London (2010) informs how information exchange is used in almost all sectors and how Londoners are being educated on how to use this system. Political stability Political stability of Britain has enabled her capital to grow expansively throughout the years. British political system has enhanced the presence of peace. The presence of peace makes London an attractive place to invest, visit or live. According to Durham (2005), political situation in London has been formulated to accommodate all kinds of people including gays. Conclusion In conclusion London’s prosperity has been depending upon the above factors. Other factors which have enabled London to develop to a world class city include, tourism sector whereby people from all over the world have been able to access London’s beauty. London has some of the best hotels in the world. In addition to all the above, Britain also has an excellent learning system whereby some of the universities are well known to be world class. This is according to the Consolidated School District of New Britain (2010)Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on London as a Global City specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Bentham, (2010). Population of London set to hit 8.3m high, Evening Standard, 2010 Web. Available at: http://www.thisisl ondon.co.uk/standard/article-23838968-population-of-london-set-to-. Bloomberg (2010). Business week, top global cities 2010 Web. Available at: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/10/09/0928_best_global_cities_2010/3.htmhit-83m-high.do . City University, London (2010). Guidelines on the use of Display Screen Equipment Web. Available at: http://www.city.ac.uk/hr/policies/wellbeing/display.html. Durham, M. (2005). Abortion, Gay Rights and Politics in Britain and America: A Comparison, Parliamentary Affairs Vol. 58 No. 1, Hansard Society for Parliamentary Government 2005, pp 89-103 Henrion, N. (2010). Transportation Guide from Paris to London by Air, Rail and Road Web. Available at: http://www.suite101.com/content/transportation-guide-from-paris-to-london-by-air-rail-and-road-a266441. Kearney, A.T. (2010). Global cities index Web. Available at: http://www.atkearney.com/index.php/Publications/global-cities-index.html . Litman, T. (2006). London Congestion Pricing Implications for Other Ci ties. Victoria Transport Policy Institute, pp 8.Advertising Looking for essay on geography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Packer, D. (2004). London: Heart of Empire and Global City Socialist Outlook: SO/04 –  Autumn 2004 Web. Available at: http://www.isg-fi.org.uk/spip.php?article260 . The Consolidated School District of New Britain ct, (2010). Britain Board of Education website Web. Available at: http://www.csdnb.org/#home. Uhlhorn, D. (2010). The fifth estate, Medical facilities: Translational research – from the  Bench to the bedside Web. Available at: http://www.thefifthestate.com.au/ . This essay on London as a Global City was written and submitted by user Journee Bender to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. London as a Global City A global city is characterized by several factors like a centre for world finance and trade flows, immigration in large scale, growing income, and polarized occupation (Sassen, 2001) (Eade, 2000). London has attained the level of being characterized as a global city due to its effort of increasing citizen’s income and occupation. For several years, business inputs in London city have been high as well as large commercial spaces and availability of labour. Like other global cities, luxury goods are offered in most of the selling places.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on London as a Global City specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, the immigrants and other minority groups cannot afford to purchase these goods, and hence why they take an extra step of purchasing them from the co ethnic producers or even from other low cost shops of other immigrants. In London, there are niche markets composed of small pack ed goods which are meant to target the most competent consumers. However, this has led to labour intensive which mostly results from immigrants (Atkinson, and Bridge, 2004). City of London like many other global cities has an increased population of immigrants which has led to a major growth of small scale producers. This has led to a noted competition between large stores and supermarkets with small scale producers. It has been recognized as a world class and full of much dynamism due to its ability of giving many people different types of benefits and creation of opportunities. To mention but a few, London is a centre for transport which creates a connection between Europe and most parts of the world. According to Amin (2006), airport terminals in London conduct more than 110000 flights in one month. Diversity is another opportunity offered by the global city of London due to its high population capacity which was estimated to be around 7.62 million by the year 2008, Cowan, (2005) . The city population is mainly composed of black and other minority groups such as Asians. It is looking forward to have these groups as the majority in working age population by 2013. As far as communication is concerned, Londoners speak in more than 300 languages with more than 15 different religions. In terms of business and finance, London has qualified to be a global city as it received the highest number of votes as a European city conducting different types of businesses. This was based on the factors that it has an easier accessibility to various markets, availability of highly qualified personnel who can ensure the success of most businesses. Its internal and external transport and communication connections are effective. Different languages which are spoken in this global city also make it possible for the business transactions to be conducted smoothly (Block, 2007) (Fyfe Kenny, 2005).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help yo u! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More London city has also managed to be the European headquarters for the most prestigious global companies which are over 550 in number. Most of the issues affecting these companies are tabled in London city. Globally, there are a lot of foreign transactions which are conducted regularly and more than 50% of these transactions are traded in London city. This city has also offered a place to the whole world where majority of currency exchanges are performed more than how it’s done in New York or Tokyo. In addition, more than 80% of all the commerce duties done in London are international. This makes this city to be outstanding than other cities that relies on the domestic markets, making it a global city (Hall, 2001) (Sassen, 2000). Environmentally, most cities are faced by different challenges and the way in which a city faces its challenges determines its position to be recognized as a global city (Block, 2008). London ci ty has developed some technical ways through which it faces its challenges like developing environmental excellence which can effectively accommodate climate changes. These techniques include dividing energy production units and coming up with congestion charge. Most of the environmental challenges which are faced by London city are as a result of purchases and usage of energy (Clark, 2003). Another reason which qualifies London as a global city is excellence in knowledge. London is recognized by its strong foundation in improving scientific matters and in advancement of its technology. Several scientific events and designs have placed this city on a very competitive edge (Paddison, 2001). Most of the well known researchers have been promoted in London city through advanced medical and clinical research centres which are equipped by this city with modern laboratories, equipment and staffs. London city has been recognized through by its provision of higher education, which is managed by qualified staffs in its advanced institutes of academics (Winder, 2010). There are over 50 these advanced institutes in the city, which have made it to offer the most competitive staffs in the world. Students in London are in a position to choose international courses which are above 50000 and recognized globally. This has made the city to accommodate more than 88000 students from all over the world. Therefore, it is explicit that all factors put in to consideration; London qualifies to be termed as a global city (Zukin, 1992).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on London as a Global City specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Amin, A. 2006. The good city, Urban Studies 43.5/6, 1009-1023. Atkinson, R. and Bridge, G. 2004. Gentrification in a global context: the new urban colonialism. London: Routledge Block, D. 2008. The new economy of the inner city: restructuring, regeneration and dislocation in the twe nty-first-century metropolis. London: Routledge. Block, D. 2007. Multilingual Identities in a Global City: London Stories. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 11 (4), 531–534. Clark, D. 2003. Urban world/global city. London: Routledge. Cowan, R. 2005. The dictionary of urbanism. Streetwise Press, Chicago, IL. Eade, J. 2000. Placing London: from imperial capital to global city. Oxford: Berghahn Books.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fyfe, N. Kenny, J. 2005. The urban geography reader, Routledge, New York, NY. Hall, T. 2001. Urban geography, 2nd end. Routledge, New York, NY. Paddison, R. 2001. Handbook of urban studies. London: SAGE. Sassen, S. 2000. ‘The Global City: Strategic Site/New Frontier’, American Studies, 41, pp. 79-95. Sassen, S. 2001. The global city: New York, London, Tokyo. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Winder, G. M. 2010. Global Reach? Reuters News and Network, 1865, 1881, and 1914 London’s. Journal of World History, 21 (2). Zukin, S. 1992. The Best of Cities, The Worst of Cities. Contemporary Sociology, 21 (4), 481-484. This essay on London as a Global City was written and submitted by user Crosby Jensen to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Artwork Manicurated by Judi Werthein

The Artwork Manicurated by Judi Werthein Judi Werthein was born in 1967, in New York, Argentina. Werthein work of art includes designing of sneakers and manicure decals. In 2001, she launched a manicurated piece of work in a big Museum where she selected more than ten paintings to act as nail decals. She later employed professional manicurist to help her in offering services to the visitors.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Artwork Manicurated by Judi Werthein specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Most of these services were offered for free and they attracted a large number of audience. Werthein became famous not only because of her professional nail decoration, but because, her museum created an environment where other artists could converge to discuss more about art that went far beyond social class, race, and age differences. Since the launching of the museum nail decals has become a significant constitute of the artwork. Other artists have joined the pro fession as a way of leisure and also to earn a living (The Balkans project 5). Werthein can be considered as one of the artists who have had a major impact in the modern artwork. She is not only interested in nail decals put also takes part in media. Her work is described as one that defies classification. She works in media by challenging issues on national identity, human rights, and economic impartiality. Her work is not only involved in contemporary art, but also other populations outside the world of art. Werthein manicurated work that was launched in 2001, in Bronx Museum formed a basis of her career in nail decals (Turvey, 2). She also realized that by inviting audiences from all races, ethnic ground and ages, she would promote peace and cooperation among the people living in Bronx. In 2006, Werthein was requested to design a project that would investigate the relationship that existed between Southern California, and Tijuana. Her project (which she named Brinco) attracted th e attention of the whole nation because of the compassion it created towards the illegal immigrants. At the same time, the nation was holding a nation debate to discuss the rights and obligation of all immigrants. Two years after her project received nation-wide recognition, Werthein was able to design sneakers that were distributed to all the people living in Tijuana and others were sold in some of the boutiques located in New York and California (Anon. â€Å"New York, Volume 35† 86). From her work, we see that Werthein was not only concerned about making money; she was ready to help those in need.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, BBC broadcasted news on a woman who was actually crying because she received a pair of shoes, something she had never had before. Werthein sneakers had American eagle embroidery indicating her royalty to her nation. They a lso had a flashlight, compass, and some painkillers to help people who were crossing at night (The Balkans project 8). Werthein derives motivation from other pieces of art by other artists, such as paintings, and drawings. Werthein sneakers were produced using some products that were imported from China as a way of emphasizing her support for global trade. These sneakers were also distributed in major countries such as China and Japan, and they attracted a wide audience because of their unique design. Being a female, Werthein, was determined to prove that, artwork can be pursued by anyone if only they have the passion for it. All her art products were designed for women to show them that, they too can make it if they want to. Werthein was born at the time when the role of the woman was believed to be in the kitchen. However, she was determined to fight against this perception and also to curb discrimination which was evident in almost all sectors. Anon. â€Å"New York, Volume 35.à ¢â‚¬  New York magazine Co., 2002. The Balkans project. â€Å"Words and art from the Balkans.† Balkans project, 2010. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Artwork Manicurated by Judi Werthein specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Turvey, Lisa. â€Å"Judi Werthein: Art in General.† Findarticles, 2007. Web.

Information, Knowledge and Learning Organisation Essay

Information, Knowledge and Learning Organisation - Essay Example According to Beckman, (1999) the best way to organize knowledge is through some debate. The most powerful and supportive classifications of KM is based on a blend of knowledge accessibility (knowledge stored or located where and in what form?) and knowledge transformation (the flow of knowledge from one place to another and from one form to another). Innovation or knowledge happens as a result of the flow and alteration of knowledge. Based on the â€Å"knowledge matrix† of Nonaka & Takeuchi knowledge is classified as either explicit or tacit, and either individual or collective. They state that knowledge is transformed from one form to another i.e., socialisation (from unspoken to unspoken, where an individual acquires tacit knowledge straight from others through shared experience, observation, imitation and so on); externalisation (from tacit to explicit, through expression of tacit knowledge into explicit concepts); combination (from explicit to explicit, by a systematisation of concepts drawing on different bodies of explicit knowledge); and internalisation (from explicit to tacit, through a process of "learning by doing" and through a verbalisation and documentation of experiences). Boisot's I-Space Model Boisot (1998) proposes a model of knowledge asset development which has an extra dimension to the model developed by Nonaka and Takeuchi. His model introduces abstraction, meaning that knowledge may become inferred to different situations. In Boisot's strategy, knowledge assets can be situated in a 3 dimensional space distinct by axes from "uncodified" to "codified", from "concrete" to "abstract" and from "undiffused" to "diffused". He then suggests a "Social Learning Cycle" (SLC) which makes use of the I-Space to mold the energetic flow of knowledge through a sequence of 6 stages: 1. Scanning. 2. Problem-Solving 3. Abstraction 4. Diffusion 5. Absorption 6. Impacting It is clear from both Boisot's and Nonaka & Takeuchi model that the course of growing and increasing knowledge assets inside organisations is constantly changing. APQC International Benchmarking Clearinghouse Study based on business process Karl Wiig (1997) and the APQC (American Productivity and Quality Center) acknowledged 6 budding KM strategies. The strategies mirror the diverse natures and intensities of the organisations concerned (Wiig, 1997; Manasco,

Leaders of Contemporary Public Health Promotion Services Essay

Leaders of Contemporary Public Health Promotion Services - Essay Example The issue with obesity is already in the public consciousness. Yet, despite of the multitude of proposed solution on how to curb obesity, its incidence still continue to rise at an alarming rate. Clearly, the present approach proves to be ineffective because the epidemic still pervades and this poses a challenge to public health sector leadership in years ahead on how to effectively respond to this epidemic that poses serious health risk. Narcissism can be said as a silent epidemic because its symptoms are not obvious unlike obesity where we can readily see that a person is overweight. We can feel its ill effects such as overconfidence that leads to self-destruction but having difficulty on determining if such personality trait is already a disorder. Only until recently in a study made by Twenge and Campbell that they found out that the prevalence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is already as pervasive as obesity. This is a unique epidemic among the younger and present generation because this is not pervasive among the older generation. People over the age of 65 had only three percent incidence of narcissm while it is 10 percent among people who are in their twenties (2009). What is more alarming with this epidemic is that it has not yet entered into the consciousness of the public mind and maybe even among health care practitioners. This poses as a greater problem because it is not recognized as an issue when it is already as pervasive as obesity. When NPD is not yet recognized as a problem, we would not know how to address the disorder that it will continue to affect unnoticed. This combined issues poses a challenge for the leaders and managers of the public health care sector over the next few years considering that they also have to address another type of epidemic that is as pervasive as obesity which is narcissism. Â  

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 2

Strategic Management - Essay Example The company’s fleet consisted of 245 aircraft and 40,627 employees at the end of 2009 (Datamonitor). The company earned approximately  £9 billion in revenue at the end of fiscal year 2009, 2.7% higher than the last year. 87% of this revenue came from passengers’ traffic while 7.5% and 5.4% came from cargo and other activities respectively (British Airways Annual Report, 2008/09, Data-monitor). The PEST analysis of British Airways highlights major influences on the airline industry. According to Sanderson and Luffman (2001), this environment analysis indicates â€Å"current strategies of competitors, the potential of new competition to enter the market, the behavior of suppliers and buyers, and the availability of substitute products† (2001, p.20). The competitive marketing environment continuously changes, therefore a well thought-out, composed, detailed and consistent analysis is necessary for best evaluation. The distressing incidents at the start of 21st century have turned out as the most difficult times for the airline industry. These incidents included the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001 and in London on July 7, 2005. Moreover, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused an extraordinary political instability in different parts of the world. Due to such political instability and security situation, European Union and United States formulated new security regulations which came into effect in summer 2006. Although governments have taken essential safety and security measures and controlled the activities at the airports effectively along with pricing and planning policies but even then the new political strategy reduced the customer’s traveling confidence on airline. During last few years, substantial regulatory reforms have taken place which has given more opportunities to British Airways and such other airlines. As far as, UK political

Wa Municipal Profile

Wa Municipal Profile CHAPTER THREE COMMUNITY PROFILE OF THE WA MUNICIPALITY Location and Size The Upper West Region is located in the north-western part of Ghana and shares borders with the La Cote D’Ivoire to the north,-west, Burkina Faso to the north, Upper East to the East and the Northern Region to the south. The Wa Municipal Assembly was created out of the then Wa District in 2004 with legislative instrument (L1) 1800 in pursuant of the policy of decentralization started in 1988. The Assembly is empowered as the highest political and administrative body in the Municipality charged with the responsibility of facilitating the implementation of national policies. Under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act 426), the Assembly exercises deliberative, legislative and executive functions in the District. By this act, the Assembly is responsible for the overall development of the Municipality. The Wa Municipality is therefore tone of the eleven administrative areas (District Assemblies) that make up the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana. The Municipality shares administrative boundaries with Nadowli District to the north, the Wa East District to the east and the Wa west district to the west. The Municipality lies between latitudes 9 º50!N to 10 º20!N and between longitudes 9 º40! W and 10 º15!W. It has an area of approximately 234.74 km2, about 6.4% of the area of Upper West Region. The implication of the location of the municipality for development is, enhancing bilateral trade and commerce with Franco phone countries. The Wa town has the potential to grow and be upgraded into both an industrial and commercial hub for the north-western corridor of Ghana. The Figure 1 (map) below shows the location of the Wa Municipality with some of the peri-urban communities that fall victim of the rapidly urbanizing process in the municipality. Demography The Upper West region is the youngest region in Ghana. In 2010, the population of the region stood at 702,110 with a growth rate of 1.9% per annum. According to the 2010 population and Housing census, the Wa Municipality has a total population of 107,214. Currently, the total population of the municipality stands at 127,284 (male: 61,826/female: 65,458) with an urbanized population of 71,051 (GSS, 2012) representing 66.3% compared to the national urbanized share of 50.9% and the regional urbanized share of 16.3%. This also implies the Wa Municipality alone accounts for a 62% share of the region’s urbanized population in the year 2010. The Municipality is also reported as having an urban population growth rate of 4% as compared to the national urban growth rate of 3.4% (Wa Municipal, 2012; GSS, 2005; GSS, 2012). The population structure of the Wa municipality revealed a preponderance of the youth over the aged and females (51%) over males (49%). The youth form 49% of the total population with a potential working population of 47% and 4% aged. This means a high dependency ratio since the economically active population is 47% compared to dependent population of 53%. The population density is 542 persons per square kilometers with its associated development implication in the areas of housing, education and health facilities, environmental sanitation, water supply, pressure on land and socio-economic infrastructure due to the rapidly urbanising township. This raises the issue of population management, specifically, housing, land use planning, streetism, conflict management, to secure the future of the municipality. The gender implication of the above includes programming for women, mother and children to provide for peculiar health, educational and economic needs and strengthening institutions for effective governance and protection of the vulnerable and excluded and also ensure human rights especially for women. A second implication is that the youthfulness of the population requires the provision of social infrastructure especially schools, crà ¨ches, day nursery, primary and junior secondary schools, healthcare services especially family planning, adolescent and reproductive health services. Thirdly, there is the need for skills development programmes that will provide the youth with employable skills to address current and future unemployment problems. These implications are linked to population management issues such as enhancing effective resource mobilization, human, financial and material resources for the provision of basic socio economic infrastructure and services in the educational and health sectors. There is also the need for capacity building and institutional strengthening for the staff of the municipal assembly and other sector departments and the need to embark upon vigorous population management programmes and employment creation for the youth. The existence of educational facilities universities, Polytechnics, long distance learning centers, vocational and technical institutions, availability of electricity, water, banking, telecommunication and transportation facilities employment opportunities and availability of agricultural fertile lands in the Wa town are responsible for the current rural exodus of populations into the city centre leading to the expansion of the urban centre towards the peri-urban communities in response to the influx of populations and developments. Relief, Drainage and Topography The Municipality lies in the Savannah high plains, which generally, is gently undulating with an average height between 160m and 300m above sea level. The gentle rolling nature of the landscape implies that the topography is no barrier to agriculture and other physical development. The low lying areas are found in the following localities; Charia, Zingu, Kperisi to the North and Piisi, Dapouha, Boli, Sing, Biihe and Busa to the South. These manifest in the form of valleys that collect and retain water during the rainy season and are therefore suitable for rice cultivation and livestock rearing. These low lying areas have further given rise to two main drainage systems, the Sing-Bakpong and its tributaries to the South and Billi and its tributaries to the North. The streams are seasonal and thus dry up during the long dry season thereby reducing available of water for agriculture, domestic, industrial and constructional uses. This implies the provision of dams, dugouts and rainwater h arvesting in order to provide adequate water to meet the domestic and agricultural needs of the increasing population in the area. Weather The climate of the Wa Municipality is characterized by long, windy and hot dry season followed by the short and stormy wet season. The dry season occurs between November and April. The north eastern trade winds from the Sahara desert precipitates the cold harmattan winds between November and February which brings with it coughs, cold and other respiratory diseases and also skin diseases. The hot season records high temperatures with a peak of between 400C and 450C in March and April causing dehydration and incidence of cerebral meningitis. The effect of climate change is becoming more manifest of late due to human activities in terms of bush burning, felling of trees, poor farming practices and infrastructural activities. The wet season lasts between April and October. The annual mean rainfall volume of between 840 mm and 1400 mm is sparsely and poorly distributed over the months. The rainfall pattern is erratic and punctuated by spells of long droughts and heavy downpours and floods . This affects humidity levels, soil moisture levels, crop growth and general agricultural productivity. Land use Notwithstanding the fact that the municipality is the commercial hub of the upper west region, agriculture remains main the economic activity. It remains the largest single contributor to the local economy and employs about 70% of the active population. The main staple crops grown are millet, sorghum, maize, rice, cowpea and groundnuts cultivated on subsistence basis. However, soybeans, groundnuts, Bambara beans are produced as cash crops. Economic trees within the municipality are sheanuts, dawadawa, mango, baobab and teak. The vegetation cover of the area is guinea savanna woodland, which is made up of grasses and tree species such as Butylosternum Paradoxum (Shea tree), Parkia biglolosa (Dawadawa), Adansonia Digitata (baobab), Anarcadium occidentale (cashew), Acacia, Ebony, Neem and Mango among others. There is a marked change in the plant life of this vegetation zone during different seasons of the year. The vegetation in this area is thus open and dominated by short grasses. In the wet season, the area looks green and in the dry season, the grass dries and most of the trees shed their leaves and prone to bush fires. Human activities such as firewood harvesting, charcoal burning, farming, quarrying, construction etc. are all combined to modify the natural environment. The Municipality lies in the Savanna high plains, which generally, is undulating with an average height between 160 and 300 m above sea level and has two main drainage systems, Sing-Bakpong and its tributaries to the South and Billi and its tributaries to the North. The streams dry up during the long dry season thereby reducing available water for agriculture, domestic, industrial and construction users. Apart from the Wa central-the capital of the municipality, there are eight peri-urban towns within the municipality. However, the study would focus on the four fast urbanizing communities (Busa, Kpongo, Charia/Loho and Kperisi) located almost equidistance from the municipality. Economy of the Wa Municipality The structure of the economy of the municipality has not changed since 2009. It is still dominated by agriculture (about 70%), followed by commerce (about 9%) and industry (about 3%). Other key sectors of the economy are transport, tourism, communication and energy. Peoples’ sources of income for livelihood depend on the economic activities they undertake, the level of diversity and the technology or know-how used. Comparatively, the diversity of the economy of the municipality is very limited and dominated by agriculture, which is equally not diversified. Wa municipal falls within the Savannah Zone where poverty has been above the national average. Currently, nine (9) out of every ten is said to be poor. Average households incomes are very low and bread winners few. An analysis of household’s expenditure shows that about 80% of their income is spent on food and 20% on rent, education, health, utility charges and funerals. The high level of poverty is attributed to unde rdeveloped social overhead capital. Social overhead capital, which supplies services (power, transport, storage, communication, education) that are indispensable to modern industry are under developed. The under development of this capital base is a constraint or bottleneck to economic growth and development in the Municipality. Agriculture The agriculture sector provides more than 60% of the municipal population sources of jobs, livelihood and business. It is a sector crucial to the local economy, because it is currently the major provider of jobs. Despite its strategic role in fighting poverty, it is under modernized. Traditional technologies still dominates agriculture production, processing, storage and marketing. Programs are therefore required to enhance development of sustainable agriculture production systems e.g. irrigation systems, enhanced farmer education and training, enhanced technology transfer in agriculture production, storage and enhance corporate development for marketing. Agro-Industry is an immense potential waiting development. The investment potentials are many and varied. Cereals flour: processing from Staple food crops like maize, millet and sorghum. About 5,581, 7,113and 5,180 MT of maize, millet and sorghum respectively are produced annually. About 70-80% of the production is processed at grinding mills where the possibility of food contamination is very high. Pito Brewing: A local beverage (Pito) produced from sorghum (Guinea Corn) which enjoys a lot patronage in the municipality and the region faces the challenges of maintaining the quality/standards beyond a day, meeting preferred taste and alcohol level of consumers, packaging and traditional brewing process. Yet it is one of the major sources of livelihoods and income for women. Modernizing pito brewing has a potential of not only augmenting sorghum production but improving women income level. Processing/Packaging: of dairy and meat products (cheese, yoghurt, sausages) for households, catering and hospitality industries: Cattle herds are about 6,696 while small ruminants’ population is about 8,457. Livestock production is still basically open range, while a growing hospitality and catering industry lack the necessary meat product. Edible oil extraction: Shea butter, Groundnut and Cotton seed oil are extracted using traditional methods. About 6,696, 5,154, and 5,303 MT of sheanuts, groundnuts and cotton seed respectively are produced annually in the Municipality. Fruit juice/jam extraction: Yet another emerging business area with great growth potential is fruit juice extraction. Fruits of significant economic importance in the municipality include mango, cashew, shea, â€Å"zumbringa†. Tourism Tourism is one of the fast growing sectors in the Municipality of Wa and awaits a lot of investment. Apart from unique attractions (ranging from natural resources, culture and entertainment), a relative good basic infrastructure, transport and hospitality base promise the municipality a unique tourist destination. These potentials notwithstanding, lodging, food and beverages facilities, and support services are inadequate and substandard. Some of the notable tourists’ attractions include; the Wa-Naa Palace (a symbol of authority of one of the three epical authorities of traditional Wa), a flat roofed magnificent traditional building with rumble stripped walls; the Dzendzen Pool, George E. Ferguson Tomb (the first agent of the Governor of the Gold Coast Colony to reach Wa, May 4th 1894), Western Sudanese style built mosques e.g. the Centenarian Mosque at Nakori, Chegli crocodile pond, indigenous traditions, buildings and culture, dance and music. Transport The transport system in the Municipality is made up of road and very limited air transport. The road network is about 385km comprising 256km latitude roads and 129km, surfaced roads (trunk tarred roads). The Municipality has four (4) trunk road links to Kumasi and Tamale, Dorimon/Burkina Faso, Lawra-Hamile and Tumu/Leo. This is a strong advantage for enhanced trade and tourism. However, the conditions of these are bad and inhibit transport services between Wa and these locations. The absence of a by-pass road for traffic on direct route to neighbouring Burkina Faso, undeveloped arterial roads, poor drainage network, inadequate/substandard travelers and cargo lorry parks, limited pedestrian cross walks, absence of bus stop pavements do retard the progress of the transport sector. Wa Municipality has over 300 commercial/ private vehicles population and experience over 200 Vehicles passage day the services providers are dominantly private operators: GPRTU, Metro Mass transport, STC, OA, DKM, Diamond Winners, EMEKPA and Private alliance transport. Another most predominate means of transport is the use of motorcycle. This lessens traffic situations but however causes accidents in the town. It is incumbent that for the Municipality to tap the full benefits of all sectors, transportation requires a serious development intervention. Housing /Real Estate development As a regional capital the municipality performs political, administrative and commercial services which demand appropriate housing for households, offices/institutions and business. However, compound housing which usual accommodate six to12 households with poor municipal services still dominates the housing sector in the municipality. The housing challenge is aggravated by a floating students’ population which lack accommodation on campuses. Commercial Hub of the Region The Wa Municipality is currently the regional commercial/service centre with average trading/office facilities (infrastructure). It has over 800 SME in tourism, agro business/ processing, Commerce, metal fabrication, construction, banking Finance. The presence of some market facilities (shops), do attract people from all corners of the region to trade in the municipality. A few Modern shopping facilities are also present to ease the congested shopping situation in the municipality. The relatively large number of SMEs opens up opportunities for Partnerships/Joint Ventures The industries in the Municipality are small scale and are categorized into Agro processing, wood, Textile, metal glass, leather hide, clay/sand/stone, art craft. There is a high level of agro-based industries in the Municipality. To finance these industries there are about 15 financial institutions (Banking and Non-banking) in the Municipality. This place the municipality in a better position to assist small and medium scale businesses to grow. Light Industrial Area The Local Authority, Wa Municipal Assembly, has acquired 20 acres of land for light industries. Utilities like electricity and water have been provided. This creates an impetus for a total transformation of the economy. The Municipal Assembly is seeking potential investors to do business with. Beside the Municipal Assembly is ready to front/assist any potential investor to access land for any investment in the municipality. Banking and Financial Institutions The municipality can boost of over 15 banking/non-banking institutions; ADB, SGSSB, Barclays, Stanbic, APEX Bank, GCB, NIB , 1st National bank, Lawra Area Rural Bank and Sonzelle Rural Bank. There also exist Five (5) non-banking financial institutions. There are Two Credit Unions Ghana Financial Services, Comforter, DKM, Line Paradise and Sinapi Aba. They provide the necessary financial services. Infrastructure Infrastructure comprises water systems, communication networks, electricity (power), health care facilities, roads, streets security system among others. The available infrastructure in the Municipality is averagely adequate to promote the growth of other sectors in the region. There is the availability of water systems, communication networks, electricity (power), health care facilities, roads, streets security system that will facilitate development in the municipality. Key Interest Areas to do Business in the Wa Municipality Expanding production and value addition in agriculture, industry, tourism and transport Enhancing institutional competitiveness Effective and efficient and communication system Engaging diversified forms of partnerships Developing and retaining the necessary human capital for hiring and self-employment Facilitating access to financial and non-financial support service

Ben & Jerrys Homemade Ice Cream - Marketing Stratgies :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework Essays

Ben & Jerrys was experiencing a steady growth within their sales figures from 1990 to 1993. However, In March 1994, Cost of Sales increased approximately $9.6 million or 9.5% over the same period in 1993, and the overall gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased from 28.6% in 1993 to 26.2% in 1994. This loss might have been a result of several reasons, such as high administration and selling costs, a negative impact of inventory management, and start up costs associated with certain flavours of the new Smooth, No Chunks ice cream line. Ben & Jerrys selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately 28% to $36.3 million in 1994 from $28.3 million in 1993 and increased as a percentage of net sales to 24.4% in 1994 from 20.2% in 1993. This increase might reflect the increase in marketing and selling expenses and the increase in the companys administrative infrastructure. Ben & Jerrys loss was not solely due to their employee orientated approach, but they appeared to have taken out a vast amount of capital lease in their aim to automate their production to keep up with the intense competition. As reflected in the balance sheet, Ben & Jerrys had reinvested huge amounts of property and equipment in 1994 increasing their long-term debts by almost 45% in 1993. Alternatives available to the consumer now, and in the foreseeable future Haagen Dazs is currently the main competitor in the concentrated market place for super premium ice cream. Substitutes are however available. There are other ice creams not in the super premium category. To an extent, these are real competitors. However for the market B&J caters for {the up market 25-40s with a high disposable income} their strategies should not have a great impact on B&J. The frozen yogurt lines which B&J now provides, has a number of direct competitors to deal with. Dealing with other substitutes is not that simple. Expensive (or not) chocolate, cakes, croissants and other post meal consumables are realistic options for the consumer. Ferrara Rocha will assure you that their product is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. B&J need to be wary of this. How he/she makes the choice for ice cream (as opposed to chocolate etc.) and then super premium (as opposed to premium or ordinary) and then B&J (as opposed to Haagen Dazs etc.) is essential. [See section 3.21 Research] The possibility of a rival ceasing B&Js place as no.