What drove H&M to expand to China

What drove H&M to expand to China From 1964, HM started its first expansion of the Europe in Norway, and then continued developing the European market in the following 30 year, such as UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and France. In recent years, HM was not content to stay in the European market, it entered US market in 2000, and Canadian market in 2004. Comparing with the period which it expanded European market, HM has improved its speed of expansion faster and more effective in Asia market. It opened the first East Asian store in Hong Kong in 2007 and then it landed other Asian countries quickly and successfully.According to Rolf Eriksen who is the CEO of HM, We are very proud to open our first store in East Asia, in Hong Kong. China is a strategic and exciting market with great fashion awareness and spending power. We therefore see a vast potential for expansion. We are convinced that we can offer our Hong Kong customers added value through fashion and quality at the best price. (HM, 2007a). Fashion has become essential elements in peoples daily lives. HM is the top leader in the Fashion area. This paper evaluates what drive HM to expand to China since 2007 and how the expansion leads HM to change their strategy using PESTEL analysis and SWOT analysis.   HM is a new member to the Chinese Market; this paper will evaluate whether HM enter Chinese market is a good choice and whether they have good strategy to deal with the new market. The first part is background and outline; second part is PESTEL analysis; third part is S.W.O.T analysis; then is the recommendations; final part is conclusion. Pestel Analysis Political China has gone through many chances on the central marketing philosophy, Chinese government has changed many policies to attract foreign investment. In the past, FTC (Foreign Trade Corporation), which is a government organization for the particular goods to be exported, is the only way to export commodities to China in the directly method. After Chinese government canceled the closed distribution system and joined to WTO in 2001, many commodities could be exported to the Chinese market. That is a real free market to reflect what are the real market needs rather than the government control and provide goods which they decided for people. This movement made the living standards of most population in China has a great improved and people have more freedom of choice. Today, China stays at a stable political situation. Chinese Government always attach importance of foreign investment and welcomes foreign investment in China, it also has made unremitting efforts to improve the investment e nvironment, protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors. (China.com, 2004). It is the good chance to enter the Chinese market, because HM can use the preferential policies which given by Chinese government to make their profit maximization in China. Chinese government collects low tax on foreign enterprises and offer many preferential tax policies to encourage the investment by foreign enterprises. For example: The income tax on foreign enterprises is collected at the rate of 33 percent. If the foreign enterprises located in a special economic zone, it will be collected at the rate of 15 percent (China.com, 2004). Economic China has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world since the Chinese economic reforms in 1979. From 1979 to 2007, the GDP of China keeps a stable increase at an average annual rate of 9%. Many economists predicted that if Chinese government continue and deepen the reforms of economic, especially on SOEs (state-owned enterprises) and state banking system which are poor efficiency, China will become the largest economic country in the world in the years to come (Wayne, 2007). Commerce still plays an important role in the Chinese economy. The total value of import and export has increased rapidly from $20.4 billion in 1978 to $2.173 trillion in 2007. Thereinto, exports grew to $1.217 trillion and imports rose to $0.956 trillion, engendering a $261 billion trade surplus. From 1979 to 2007 the average annual growth of export is 18.1%, while the average annual growth of export is 16.7% (Wayne, 2007). Nowadays, China has become the fourth-largest trading economy after the Un ited States, Japan and Germany. Chinas trade boom is largely as a result of large inflows of foreign investment which is accounted for over half of Chinas trade. The financial crisis which started at spring of 2007 is the biggest problem that HM was facing. If HM want to pass the financial crisis, enter the Chinese market is the best way because with continuing fast increase on Chinese economy, the potential of Chinese market is enormous. When the global economy grows slowly, particularly, some developed countries are still in a sluggish status such as the United States and Japan, in these market HM have to use promotions and discounts to attract customers. While, Chinese government keep a strong rising momentum by the further opening up which creates a steady economic environment for foreign investment, HM took this occasion into the Chinese market and changed their strategy. Through their marketing strategy still is offer fashion and quality at the best price, however, the best price has the different meaning in Chinese market and other markets. In other countries, the most of target consumers in HM is lower class and middle lower class. Be fore the first HMs store open in Shanghai, there was a queue more than 500 people and most of them are office workers which belong to middle upper class in China. In addition, HM has got a highest sales volume about $7000,000 a day in China during the financial crisis (Businessweek. 2007). Social China, which is the fourth largest country, has a large population of 1.4 billion people and will be the largest economy of the world in the future. If you stand in some metropolis such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, you will find that it has not any difference from the city in the developed country. A large number of cars run on the road, people wearing Adidas shoes and Calvin Klein t-shirt are busy in the streets, eating KFC and drinking Coca Cola as a lunch. In the evening, people go to the bars where play the American music and serve German beer. These facts often made the foreign think that the foreign products and its influence will be easy to accept by Chinese. Actually, most of Chinese still keep their traditional customs and thinking methods. If the foreign enterprise wants to be accepted by Chinese market they should think twice and research the local culture. Whether the companys culture will be able to accept in the new environment which is not a biggest problem only for HM, but also for many business. For this part, HM should consider many problems, this is determining by the flexibility and the philosophy of the company. HM should consider whether the culture of this new environment can accept its new culture. And it should consider different religions and different trendy, whether the product will attract customers. If HM is not acceptable, they should change their strategy to enter Chinese market. However, Chinese market accepted HM because Chinese are globalization and western day by day. The most important fact is HM culture is consistent with Chinese consumer psychology. That is Offer quality and fashion at the best price! (Lisa, 2008). Technology Telecommunication has advanced since 1990. Today, China has a high subscriber rate of the media, such as TV and internet has been popular in every family. Environmental Environment is a main issue in China. Green trade barrier appear in China in the end of twentieth century. It causes terrible effects on the trade of import and export in China. However, Chinese government has begun to manage the environment pollution. When they learn advanced technology of Europe, the United States and other developed countries, they learn the development policy and environmental standards of foreign environmental industry, and they also learn advanced management methods and policies of foreign enterprises. On the environmental issues, Chinese government combined prevention with control, made strict environmental, increased investment of environmental technology and promoted the development of environmental technology and industry. By the end of 2005, the quality of environment has improved and total emissions of major pollutants have reduced 10% comparing with 2000. In this aspect, HM set an example for many Chinese enterprises. HM promotes environmental awareness between their suppliers and employees. They adopted new technologies to use the resources as efficient as possible that could minimize waste. HM respect the decisions which be made by nature. HM adhere to use organic cotton which grow in the traditional environment without any chemical (HM, 2007b). Legal HM is a Swedish clothing company, which is familiar with Swedish laws and Europe Lows which have many differences with Chinese laws. After HM entering Chinese market, they had to adapt to Chinese laws in order to get their license, then they sell in Chinese market. Chinese government will continue to confirm that whether HM follows the Chinese laws. If they do not follow the Chinese laws their licenses will be taken away. That means HM has to change a few differences from other country on their strategy and operation methods in China. S.W.O.T Analysis Strengths: Offer fashion and quality at the best price is the main reason why HM is so popular. It sells quality clothing with a low price. Through the prices of its items in Chinese market is not quite low for Chinese. However, it proves they still have space to lower their price to attract Chinese people. Products production cycle. HM can only take 12 weeks to obtain the items from the design state to the sell state. The average time for other retailers is about 6 months which is 2 times time of HM. (Bruno,2007) They ask many guest designers to design for their product to keep their brands fresh and enhance their brand image. Most of guest designer are famous designer, the rest are famous stars, such as Madonna, who designed a limited edition called M by Madonna. This limited series made the HM sales increased 17% in March, 2007. HM has many successful experiences of overseas expansion. They expanded the Unite State, Canada and many other Europe countries. Through China is their first step into East Asia, there may be many different culture value, they still can learn from the successful experience. Before HM went into the Chinese market, they had the production base in the Shanghai and Hong Kong and they has had many year experience of cooperation with these supplies. Weaknesses: Overstocking of goods is troublesome problem for all retailers. They has sell their products in a low price, if they could not sell their products as quickly as they can ¼Ã…’that means there is not room for the new collection (EMCC, 2004). They will foucs maybe too narrow. Chinese culture could not accept western culture on some parts. Opportunities: Chinese Market Entry could diversify potential into relevant market segment. Chinese Market could be a distribution channel for seeking new products. HM can promote brand level via entering Chinese market because their products are sold to middle upper class in China, they has increased their brand level in China; Then they can increase their brand level gradually around the world; Finally, their value that Offer fashion and quality at the best price will be achieved. Threats: From HMs old competitor such as ZARA and GAP. ZARA entered the Chinese market earlier than HM. Zara is famous with its quick production cycles. It can only take 2 weeks for the design to a sell state. Even if HM reduce 50% production time, they still cannot compete with ZARA. Since H M has entered the Chinese Market, many of its old competitors all entered Chinese Market after HM. From the local brand. If we say HM to some extent copied the top brand in the world, after it entered the Chinese Market, it will become the copied object. Recommendation HM should continue innovating in making clothing which can make them be well known around the world. HM should improve their brand level. In some extent, best price always be seem low price. They should change their brand image in peoples mind to obtain the real best price. Because China has get a high subscribers rate of internet, HM should open the online shop in China. Now, HM has opened 33 shops in China, most of these stores open in the core city of China, there are many people they have ability to consume HM but they could not buy it because they live in different city, they need to ask friend or pay money to someone who live in the core city to buy the products. Why does HM not set up their own online shop which is easy for all people to consume in HM in China. Conclusion Through above discussion, we can see from PESTEL analysis the extend factors has attraction to HM to enter Chinese market and change their strategies in some extent. We get the result from S.W.O.T analysis, the strengthes of HM enter Chinese market are over the weakness. HM have chance to enhance their brand level in Chinese market, however, there are many threats or competitors HM should be care. Overall, Chinese market entry is a good chance for HM. Reference Bruno,Z. (2007). Critical Success Factors for International Fashion Retailers Entering Foreign Markets. FIBRESTEXTILES in Eastern Europe October/December 2007, Vol.15. Businessweek. (2007). Swedens HM Lands in China. [online]. Available at: http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/may2007/gb20070508_735792.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_global+business. China.com.(2004).What are the preferential policies offered to enterprises with foreign investment? [online]. Available at: http://english.china.com/zh_cn/business/faq/11024764/20041015/11917364.html EMCC. (2004) Industrial change in the textiles and leather sector: Hennes Mauritz. European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions 2004. HM. (2007a). HM OPENS FIRST STORE IN EAST ASIA. [online]. Available at: http://www.hm.com/us/press/pressreleases/__prfinance.nhtml?pressreleaseid=263905 HM. (2007b). HMs environmental objectives and sustainability policy. [online]. Available at: http://www.hm.com/us/corporateresponsibility/environment__environment.nhtml Lisa,B (2008) HMs Magnus Olsson: Swede success. [online]. Available at: http://www.retail-week.com/hms-magnus-olsson-swede-success/1911483.article Raphael,M. (2008) HM and INDITEXS global expansion strategy. THE RETAIL DIGEST. Rupert, W.(2010) New Look aims to replicate HM success abroad . [online]. Available at: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6142TX20100205 Wayne M .(2007).Chinas Economic Conditions.

Memory and Process Manager Functionality Introduction to Operating Systems †Pos/355 Essay

The Operating System Every computer, tablet, and/or smartphone has an operating system. The operating system is â€Å"software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run. It is comprised of system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot and function†. (â€Å"Techterms.com†, 2013). Windows, Linux and Mac OS X are some of the more common operating systems. Operating systems provide a graphical user interface, which provides the computer with the ability install and run programs specifically written for the operating systems, as well as the power to manage folders and files. When applications are created, they are generally written for a specific operating system, although many of the more popular programs were developed crossplatform, meaning they were developed for multiple operating systems. The user needs to be aware of what programs they want when selecting a computer to be sure the operating system will support them. Memory Management See more: how to start an essay When an operating system manages the computer’s memory, there are two broad tasks to be accomplished. The processes need to be able to execute without overlapping into the memory space of another process, nor can it be run into by another process. Also, the memory in the system must be properly allocated to that all processes are running at their most efficient and effective. (â€Å"Techterms.com†, 2013). In order not to overlap, the operating system needs to set up limits for the software and individual applications. Random access memory (RAM) and memory caches are the main storage area for a computer and this is where data is read and written. RAM is a physical storage compartment found on the hard disk. Once the computer runs out of physical memory, it will start using virtual memory. (â€Å"Wisegeek.com†, 2013). As applications are ready to be loaded into memory, the operating system determines fixed block sizes in order to ensure the applications do not encroach on each other’s space. At any given time, the majority of RAM in your computer system is not being utilized, as a processor can only access one location at a time. This is where virtual memory management comes into play. Information is moved from RAM to hard disk to expand the RAM space. The operating system manages several different memory types including disk storage, high-speed cache, main memory, and secondary memory. Disk storage is the slowest; the fastest is high speed cache. In order to speed up system performance, cache controllers forecast which portions of data the CPU will use next and move it from main memory and into the cache. RAM is the main memory. Secondary memory generally serves at your virtual RAM is generally a sort of rotating magnetic storage under the control of the operating system. The operating system performs a balancing act based on the needs of the processes with the memory availability across the different types. (â€Å"Techterms.com†, 2013). Processor Management â€Å"A processor, or ‘microprocessor,’ is a small chip that resides in computers and other electronic devices. Its basic job is to receive input and provide the appropriate output. While this may seem like a simple task, modern processors can handle trillions of calculations per second.† (â€Å"Techterms.com†, 2013).Managing the processor is all about two related issues – ensuring that each process and application receives enough of the processor’s time to function properly and using as many processor cycles as possible for real work. The processor’s basic unit is either a process or a thread; this is dependent on the operating system utilizing it. † A process, then, is software that performs some action and can be controlled — by a user, by other applications or by the operating system.† (â€Å"Howstuffworks.com†, 2013).The operating systems controls the processes and schedules them for execution by the CPU. The process can be an application that you are very well aware of, such a game, or they can be a process that works in the background that you aren’t even aware of such as disk management. The operating system manages the processes to run most efficiently. It may allow an application to start, then suspend it to deal with user input and interrupts. The CPU can only execute one task at a time, so the operation system needs to make the user believe there are several tasks being accomplished at the same time. You can have a multi-processor machine, but the processor is still only able of handling one task at a time. The operating system maintains this appearance by switching between processes thousands of times in a second. The operating system will make use of the registers, stacks and queues in order to buffer the next process by allotting CPU execution cycles to a program, then copying the registers, stacks and queues used by the processors, and pause it’s execution. It loads the second process’s data and copies the registers, stacks and queues and allows it a certain number of cycles. Once complete, it loads the first program. The operating system is responsible for the management of the computer system – files, devices, memory, and processors. In doing this it manages it’s various memory types and processes for efficiency. References Techterms.com. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.techterms.com/definition/operating_system Techterms.com. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.techterms.com/definition/processor Howstuffworks.com. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.howstuffworks.com/operating-system5.htm wiseGeek.com. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-memory-management-unit.htm

Customer Retention Strategies Essay

Assume you are doing a classroom presentation on customer retention strategies. Reread your responses to the What Do You Think? questions that you completed throughout this chapter. 1.What are some service attitudes and practices that promote retaining customers? Customer retention refer to a strategy with the purpose of doing whatever it takes to keep a company’s current customers on a long term basis (Gibson, 2012). Retaining customers is enabled by excellent customer service that produces many positive benefits for the organization. Retaining customers through effective customer service enables easier growth, indirectly and directly. When the customers are happy and satisfied then the staff is happy as well (2009). You can improve the customer stimulation by offering discounts, promotions and having active sales efforts will keep a relationship with your customer and attract them to buy more of the products or service you sell. Upon the organization, you can keenly monitor the customers for signs of attrition such as a decrease/increase in calls. If you develop a precise campaign strategy then you will prevent high risk customers and you will be able to retain in more swiftly manner. When you can improve the precision and clarity of your billing process, you can go a long way toward minimizing customer worry. Increasing the power of the service organization and the sales team to address customer complaints promptly and offer retention-oriented promotions are other ways to appease dissatisfied customers. When doing this, you are addressing the key sources of customer dissatisfaction (2011). 2.What service issues must be carefully addressed by the CSRs to retain customers over a long period of ti me? An angry, dissatisfied customer. When dealing with these customers, listen to what they have to say while they explain their problem. Offer an apology and  empathize with them even if you don’t agree with their complaint, you letting them know that you can and might come up a solution to help them. After things have been solved, do a follow up with them. 3. Which skills should CSRs demonstrate that keep customers returning for more products? You always want to keep your customers happy and satisfied so they can continue doing business with the company. Communicate and listen to your customers. When you listen to your customers, you can find out what they needs and wants are. Ask questions concerning them like: How you doing? Is your day going okay? Did you enjoy the product or service that you purchased? Let them know that you appreciate their business. Keep a positive attitude with the customers. Smile when you are talking to the customer; if you are on the phone still smile even though the customer can’t see it, they will feel it. Speak clearly try not to talk so fast to where the customer can understand you. Last but not least remain objective. Your goal is to make sure they are happy. I think if the CSRs use these skills, they wouldn’t have any problems losing customers. References: Customer Service. (2009). Retrieved June 1, 2014, from www.businessballs.com: http://www.businessballs.com Gibson, P. (2012). Customer Retention. In P. Gibson, World of Customer Service (p. 118). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Thorton, V. (2011, December 14). Three Keys to Attracting and Retaining Customers or Clients. Retrieved June 1, 2014, from www.evanmichael.com: http://www.evanmichael.com

Spinner Shark Facts (Carcharhinus brevipinna)

The spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna) is a type of requiem shark. It is a live-bearing, migratory shark found in warm ocean waters. Spinner sharks get their name from their interesting feeding strategy, which involves spinning through a school of fish, snapping them up, and often leaping into the air. Fast Facts: Spinner Shark Scientific Name: Carcharhinus brevipinnaDistinguishing Features: Slender shark with long snout, black-tipped fins, and habit of spinning through water when feeding.Average Size: 2 m (6.6 ft) length; 56 kg (123 lb) weightDiet: CarnivorousLife Span: 15 to 20 yearsHabitat: Coastal waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian OceansConservation Status: Near ThreatenedKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ChondrichthyesOrder: CarcharhiniformesFamily: CarcharhinidaeFun Fact: Spinner sharks dont eat humans, but will bite if they are excited by other food. Description The spinner shark has a long and pointed snout, slender body, and relatively small first dorsal fin. Adults have black-tipped fins that look as though they were dipped in ink. The upper body is gray or bronze, while the lower body is white. On average, adults are 2 m (6.6 ft) long and weigh 56 kg (123 lb). The largest recorded specimen was 3 m (9.8 ft) long and weighed 90 kg (200 lb). Spinner shark. Spinner sharks and blacktip sharks are commonly confused with each other. The spinner has a slightly more triangular dorsal fin that is further back on the body. An adult spinner shark also has a distinctive black tip on its anal fin. However, juveniles lack this marking and the two species share similar behaviors, so its difficult to tell them apart. Distribution Due to difficulty distinguishing between blacktip and spinner sharks, the spinners distribution is uncertain. It can be found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, with the exception of the eastern Pacific. The species prefers warm coastal water that is less than 30 m (98 ft) deep, but some subpopulations migrate into deeper water. Spinner shark distribution. Chris_huh Diet and Predators Bony fishes are the staple of the spinner sharks diet. The sharks also eat octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and stingrays. The sharks teeth are made for grabbing prey rather than cutting it. A group of spinner sharks chases a school of fish then charges it from below. A spinning shark snaps up fish whole, often carrying enough momentum to leap into the air. Blacktip sharks also employ this hunting technique, although it is less common. Humans are the spinner sharks primary predator, but spinner sharks are also eaten by larger sharks. Reproduction and Life Cycle Spinner sharks and other requiem sharks are viviparous. Mating occurs from spring to summer. The female has two uteri, which are divided into compartments for each embryo. Initially, each embryo lives off its yolk sac. The yolk sac forms a placental connection with the female, which then provides nutrients until the pups are born. Gestation lasts from 11 to 15 months. Mature females give birth to 3 to 20 pups every other year. Spinner sharks start reproducing between the ages of 12 and 14 and can live until they are 15 to 20 years old. Spinner Sharks and Humans Spinner sharks dont eat large mammals, so bites from this species are uncommon and not fatal. The fish will bite if provoked or excited during a feeding frenzy. As of 2008, a total of 16 unprovoked bites and one provoked attack were attributed to spinner sharks. The shark is valued in sport fishing for the challenge it presents as it leaps from the water. Commercial fishermen sell the fresh or salted meat for food, the fins for shark fin soup, the skin for leather, and the liver for its vitamin-rich oil. Conservation Status The IUCN classifies the spinner shark as near threatened worldwide and vulnerable along the southeastern United States. The number of sharks and the population trend is unknown, mainly because spinner sharks are so often confused with other requiem sharks. Because spinner sharks live along highly populated coasts, they are subject to pollution, habitat encroachment, and habit degradation. However, overfishing poses the most significant threat. The US National Marine Fisheries Service 1999 Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks sets bag limits for recreational fishing and quotas for commercial fishing. While sharks of the species grow quickly, the age at which they breed approximates their maximum lifespan. Sources Burgess, G.H. 2009. Carcharhinus brevipinna. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2009: e.T39368A10182758. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2009-2.RLTS.T39368A10182758.enCapape, C.; Hemida, F.; Seck, A.A.; Diatta, Y.; Guelorget, O. Zaouali, J. (2003). Distribution and reproductive biology of the spinner shark, Carcharhinus brevipinna (Muller and Henle, 1841) (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhinidae). Israel Journal of Zoology. 49 (4): 269–286. doi:10.1560/DHHM-A68M-VKQH-CY9FCompagno, L.J.V. (1984). Sharks of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Shark Species Known to Date. Rome: Food and Agricultural Organization. pp. 466–468. ISBN 92-5-101384-5.Dosay-Akbulut, M. (2008). The phylogenetic relationship within the genus Carcharhinus. Comptes Rendus Biologies. 331 (7): 500–509. doi:10.1016/j.crvi.2008.04.001Fowler, S.L.; Cavanagh, R.D.; Camhi, M.; Burgess, G.H.; Cailliet, G.M.; Fordham, S.V.; Simpfendorfer, C.A. Musick, J.A. (2005). Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras: The Sta tus of the Chondrichthyan Fishes. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. pp. 106–109, 287–288. ISBN 2-8317-0700-5.