Los Vendidos Essay

Los Vendidos means the sell-outs. All the characters in the play sold-out at some point during the play. The characters sold out both their races and their way of life. I would say that the person who sold out the most was the Mexican-American because he sold-out both his Mexican, his American heritage and way of life. He wanted to be perfect, so when he found that the Americans and the Mexicans had their flaws he sold them out. He now has to search for a new and perfect race to identify with. (He will be searching for a while. ) The Mexican- American sold out his Mexican Heritage when he said, â€Å"The problems of the Mexicans stem from one thing alone he’s stupid, he is under-educated, he needs to stay in school. He needs to be ambitious and be forward looking, most important he needs to think American† (Page 382). In his statement he is only finding the bad of his people and stating it for the entire room to hear. He shows great disrespect for the Mexican heritage by saying all that is wrong with them. He shows their flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections. I believe your heritage makes up who you are and that is you, so you should never disrespect yourself by disrespecting your heritage. I believe thee way he sold-out was by disrespecting his heritage. the Mexican- American is still trying to decide weather he is going to live Mexican or American. When the Mexican-American says, â€Å"The only thing I don’t like is how come I always got to play the goddamn Mexican-American†(Page-384). You are unsure by this statement weather he is selling-out his Mexican or his American lifestyle. You know he wants to perfect because of his attitude toward playing the part of the Mexican-American. The Mexican American doesn’t know where he wants to go in life I guess this proves no matter how old you are or how much of an education you have you sell people out and walk all over them. Even if it is a person you know or need all that does not madder if you are a sell-out. You will hurt people to get what you want for yourself. The Mexican American is soon going to find he will never find perfection and he will be lost with no friends because of all the people he sold-out. The Mexican- American and his buddies need to set goal or all they will have to talk about is being sell-out with no friends.

African Americans and the Civil War Essay

In the world we live in many people take a lot for granted. Just the small simple things people don’t really appreciate, being ungrateful for the things that have been given to them. Many people and different situations have paved the way for our generation to become much easier to live in. African Americans during the civil rights movement had to face a lot of trills in order to make the world a better place. Many people don’t appreciate that because they are unaware of just how much grief African Americans had to go though to create a path for the upcoming generation. African Americans faced many hardships during the civil rights movement, some of those hardships were segregation, voting rights, and assassination of prominent African American leaders. Segregation was such a big obstacle for African Americans because not only were they not allowed to go certain places it became bigger than that. Everything in African Americans lives were split in half. There were white only signs places all over there towns. White only signs for bathrooms, restaurants, and water fountains. Everything was separated between the two races blacks and whites. One event that really stuck out like a sore thumb was The Montgomery Bus Boycott. During, the time of segregation blacks were allowed to ride the buses, but many rules had to apply. Blacks had a black’s only section on the bus that could be moved in any location of the bus. That means that the blacks’ only sign could be moved in front of two rows on the bus if that’s what the bus driver wanted. Black riders had to pay their bus far on the front of the bus and get off to walk to the back of the bus to ride. Some bus drivers would allow the blacks to pay and when the step off the bus the bus driver would drive away and leave them. When blacks did receive a chance to ride on the bus, if a white person did not have a seat to sit in a black person had to give up their seat. The blacks of Montgomery, Alabama, decided that they would boycott the city buses until they could sit anywhere they wanted, instead of being relegated to the back when a white boarded. On December 1, 1955, Mrs. Rosa Parks, an African American seamstress, was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for not standing and letting a white bus rider take her seat. The plan to stop the whites from making the blacks move was the boycott. Blacks would no longer ride the buses anymore. That means that the bus companies were losing a lot of money. Blacks would walk to work or school and even carpool, but would not step foot on the buses. The boycott continued for over a year. Eventually, the United States Supreme Court put an end to the boycott. On November 13, 1956 the Court declared that Alabama’s state and local laws requiring segregation on buses were illegal. On December 20th federal injunctions were served on city and bus company officials forcing them to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling. African Americans had to face a lot just so that they could be treated as an equal on the bus. Segregation played a huge role in the school system. In public schools more so than any. That’s what stated the big flare Brown vs. Board of Education. The 1954 United States Supreme Court decision in Oliver L. Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka (KS) is among the most significant judicial turning points in the development of our country. Originally led by Charles H. Houston, and later Thurgood Marshall and a formidable legal team, it dismantled the legal basis for racial segregation in schools and other public facilities. Brown vs. Board of Education was not simply about children and education. The laws and policies struck down by this court decision were products of the human tendencies to prejudge, discriminate against, and stereotype other people by their ethnic, religious, physical, or cultural characteristics. Ending this behavior as a legal practice caused far reaching social and ideological implications, which continue to be felt throughout our country. The Brown decision inspired and galvanized human rights struggles across the country and around the world. The U. S. Supreme Court decision in Brown began a critical chapter in the maturation of our democracy. It reaffirmed the sovereign power of the people of the United States in the protection of their natural rights from arbitrary limits and restrictions imposed by state and local governments. These rights are recognized in the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution. Brown was giving African Americans the opportunity to be accepted as an individual and not just as a race. Now, you would think that after the Brown vs. Board of Education whites would accept African Americans and treat them better. That was not the case and segregation did not stop there. Although, many people had hoped that it would it took the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to really make a change. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against blacks and women, and ended racial segregation in the United States. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public. Once the Act was implemented, its effects were far-reaching on the country as a whole and had an immediate impact on the South. It prohibited discrimination in public facilities, in government, and in employment, invalidating the Jim Crow laws in the southern U. S. It became illegal to compel segregation of the races in schools, housing, or hiring. After passage of the law, the NAACP was the only major civil rights organization to maintain a large membership in the South, where it concentrated on organizing the ongoing struggle for black civil rights. During 1965-75, the NAACP remained committed to using litigation to challenge racial injustice. African Americans had to fight hard to get what they deserved and it took a lot of patients and time to receive change but it finally happened. That is we segregation ended and Africans were free to sit, eat, talk, shop, and work anywhere they wanted. Being able to vote is a very important ordeal. Many people in this day and time take advantage of being able to voice their opinions. Not taking advantage of who we desire to have in office is a sign of being ungrateful. African Americans were not given that right years ago. African Americans had to fight just so that they could vote. That’s when the Voting Act of 1965 came in play. Before, this Act was enforced African Americans had to take a literacy tests and pay poll taxes. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 abolished literacy tests and poll taxes designed to disenfranchise African American voters, and gave the federal government the authority to take over voter registration in counties with a pattern of persistent discrimination. Echoing the language of the 15th Amendment, the Act prohibits states from imposing any â€Å"voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or standard, practice, or procedure to deny or abridge the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color. The Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat, who had earlier signed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law. Being able to vote was an honor and so many people don’t even both to go vote during the elections today. African Americans fought for the right to vote without having to take tests or pay poll taxes and people still don’t go out to vote. That is taking voting rights for granted. Being an African American during the civil rights movement was a challenge, but being an African American woman was even difficult. That’s when the period of women’s suffrage played its role. Women’s Suffrage is the right of women to vote and to run for office. The expression is also used for the economic and political reform movement aimed at extending these rights to women and without any restrictions or qualifications such as property ownership, payment of tax, or marital status. Being a woman in this time period restricted of many rights. Women’s suffrage has been granted at various times in various countries throughout the world, and in many countries it was granted before universal suffrage. Without women’s suffrage women would still be restricted to make decisions and just be limited to being mothers and wives. The women’s suffrage broke that cycle. The best way to leave a positive mark on the world is being a leader. It takes a lot of heart, courage, and sacrifice, in becoming a great leader. Leaders are persons that people look up to. They depend on a leader to give them hope to carry on and a positive role model to look up to. There were not too many people that wanted to take the position of being a leader, but a few chose to step up to the plate. African Americans needed kind and encouraging words to help uplift them during the civil rights movement. Two great leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Melcolm X took on a job to lead the world into a better place called freedom. The two leaders gave African Americans hope to continue on when they wanted to just give up. African Americans depended on these two prominent leaders to strengthen them. African Americans during the civil rights movement needed to relay on someone and those leaders were the perfect ones. No one would have ever been ready for what was expected to come. For years African American have been told what they could and couldn’t do. They have been talked about, abused, lied on, and have had everything taken from them. But, still they have stayed strong through it all. When all they had were two great prominent leaders and they were taken from them as well they still stayed strong. Two great prominent leaders were assonated. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement. He was best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. King was often presented as a heroic leader in the history of modern American liberalism. A Baptist minister, King became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president. King’s efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech. There, he expanded American values to include the vision of a color blind society, and established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history. But, as people have said â€Å"all things must come to an end. † At 6:01 p. m. on April 4, 1968, a shot rang out. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , who had been standing on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, lay sprawled on the balcony’s floor. A gaping wound covered a large portion of his jaw and neck. A great man who had spent thirteen years of his life dedicating himself to nonviolent protest had been felled by a sniper’s bullet.

Theories And Theories Of Human Development - 1337 Words

Ashley Grant EDPY 503 10/11/17 Principles of Human Development Paper #1 The concepts and theories of human development are important for a school counselor to have knowledge on. Knowledge on these topics can aid the counselor in better understanding the circumstances of their students. There are three main developmental sections which will be discussed in this paper. Those three include physical development, cognitive development, and social development. Each section contains multiple theories and concepts that would be beneficial to school counselors but this paper will only discuss six of those. Those six include gross and fine motor skills, Jean Piaget’s stages of development, information processing theory, Erik Erickson’s stages of†¦show more content†¦Gross and fine motor skills do not fully rely on maturation of the child but also on the child’s environment, parent’s expectations and teachings of the skills. School counselors should know about this topic because gross and fine motor skills will be needed through out life and it is an important part to the developmental process. Another concept of physical development is the current issue of child obesity. Childhood obesity is caused by an imbalance of energy in and energy out or in other words calories put in to the body and calories burned out. Too much of the wrong types of food and lack of physical activity can cause this (Zuk 2008). Currently 15% or about nine million children are obese in the United States. Child obesity is almost to the point of being an epidemic and many physicians believe that this generation will be the first where children have shorter lifespans than their parent’s due to diseases caused by obesity as adults (Steinberg 2011). The issue of child obesity is good for school counselors to be aware of because of the medical risks that go on into adolescence and adulthood such as asthma, and type II diabetes. Counselors can be prepared with answers if asked by students. Cognitive development is defined as changes in intellectual ability. Examples of this would include reasoning, language, and memory (SteinbergShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Human Development Theory1642 Words   |  7 PagesHuman development theories are theories intended to account for how and why people become, as they are. These theories provide the framework to clarify and organize existing observations and to try to explain and predict human behavior. It is important to recognize the complexity of human development and the theories that explain human development. (Berger, pg. 23). The three theories that have influenced by development are Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Theory, Abraham Maslow’s Humanism and Erik Erikson’sRead MoreThe Theories Of Human Development774 Words   |  4 PagesTheories of Human development are relevant and matter in the â€Å"real world†. In my clinical practice as a psychologist-in-training, I have found human development theories to be very useful in conceptualizing and understanding my client’s distress. I used theoretical frameworks that are based on theories of human development to guide my interventions in therapy. For example, as a brief psychodynamic clinician, I look to Freud’s theory of anxiety to understand how distress was developed for my clientsRead MoreThe Theory Of Human Development1060 Words   |  5 PagesTheories of human development deliver a framework to deliberate human growth, development, and learning. Understanding the theories can deliver useful contents into individuals and society a set of principles and concepts that describe life span development. Development perspectives are the psychoanalytic theory, behavior theory, humanistic approach and cognitive theory. Each theory focuses on different aspects of human development. The psychoanalytic is â€Å"the approach stating that behavior is motivatedRead MoreThe Theory Of Human Development1196 Words   |  5 PagesAss ociation 2009 define biopsychosocial as â€Å"the systematic integration of the biological, psychological and social approaches of the study of mental health and specific mental disorders (p.48).† The human lifespan is primary base of the human grow process that start with the reproduction, the process of the human body, the brain and internal organs that are developing during the pregnancy, birth, early, middle, and late childhood, adolescence, early, middle, and late adulthood until the end of life. AdditionallyRead MoreTheories Of Human Development1401 Words   |  6 PagesHuman development is an active process resulting from interactions between an individual and their environment. The processes involved in an individual’s development and overall life outcomes are complex, everchanging, and unique. Given the complexity of human development, the central tenets of my professional conceptual foundation of development include biological factors inherent in the indivi dual, psychological influences, and social interactions. Thus, my professional perspective can best beRead MoreThe Theory Of The Human Development993 Words   |  4 PagesPart 1: Of the four major psychological theories (ecological, behavioral, humanistic, psychoanalytic), which one(s) is/are most closely aligned with your personal belief system? All four major Psychological theories are very significant, but based on my reading about all of them, I can convey that the ecological theory is the most closely aligned with my personal belief system. Part 2: Why? I chose this theory because it states that a person’s development is influenced by everything in the surroundingRead MoreThe Theory Of Human Development2064 Words   |  9 PagesThe life span theories is about four different theories; the psychoanalytic, behaviourism, cognitive and humanistic. Erikson has some similarities with Freud however it is extremely different in other ways. Rather than Erikson focusing on sexual interest as a driving force in development, he believed that social interaction and experience played a decisive role. Erikson has an eight stage theory of human development which describes the process from birth to death and the crisis of each stage bringsRead MoreThe Theory Of Human Development2240 Words   |  9 PagesIntroduction The concept of human development has been explored and researched by many psychologists and scholars for centuries through the entire human history. The research done by this group of people has found out a lot about human deve lopment. This is a topic that concerns every member of the society and that’s why researchers are interested in it. Development is a topic that can be viewed from different angles. For instance, there are economists who understand human development based on a person’sRead MoreThe Theory Of Human Development Essay1627 Words   |  7 PagesHuman ‘development’ does not exist in stasis – it is constantly in flux. The outcomes of human development are intrinsically linked to overarching power structures, and include psychological dimensions including social recognition. Thus, ‘development’ is dynamic and highly contextualised – it is governed by socio-economic class, domestic politics, geographical location, and the wider institutional context. Working within a particular framework requires acknowledging that concepts of human developmentRead MoreHuman Development Theories Essay1649 Words   |  7 PagesHuman Development Theories In addition to Freud’s psychodynamic theory there are four other human development philosophies; biological, cognitive, behavioral and systems model. Even though these theories differ they all contain the same basic assumptions. People will continue to grow. People exhibit both stability and flux as they pass through life. People are holistic, of mind body and spirit. Lastly, individual people must be understood in the context of relationships and setting (Cash White,

Immigration Of The United States - 1447 Words

The United States is the home of millions of Americans who are the descendants of immigrants. They were forced to leave their homeland because of the overbearing power of their leaders, crimes they may have committed, oppression and other disasters. Providing a safe haven from those being treated poorly by their country or just providing a new place for people just looking for a fresh start has been America’s tradition since the beginning. Immigrants have played a big role in American history since July 4, 1776 (America), the day the United States was founded. They’ve been able to come to America to find work, open businesses, raise families and so much more. Lately however there has been an influx of people immigrating to America illegally. Our borders have always been open to those in need of a new home, but when it’s done illegally it causes many problems for the Country. Many people from all over the world have come to America either legally or illegally in hopes of a bright future. In fact immigrants, both illegal and legal, make up 12.6% of the American population (Greenblatt). Most of them give up everything they have in order to come to America. One of the reasons is the growing poverty in their own country. Mexico, for example is a poverty stricken country decimated by drug cartels and violent gang activity. Mexicans make up 49% of all unauthorized immigrants living in America (Krogstad). They have come to this land to seek a better future. Not just for them, butShow MoreRelatedImmigration And The United States986 Words   |  4 PagesImmigration in the United States continues to increase rapidly year by year. According to an analysis of monthly Census Bureau data by the Center for Immigration Studies, the immigration population in the United States, both legal and illegal, hit a record of 42.1 million in the second quarter of this year, an increase of 1.7 million since the same quarter of 2014 (CIS.org). Clearly, Immigrants make up a large part of the population in the United States, and for most immigrants, migrating to theRead MoreImmigration Of The United States1399 Words   |  6 Pages Michelle Faed English 126 Immigration in the United States The United States of America, being a country established by immigrants, is known all over the world as the land of great opportunities. People from all walks of life travelled across the globe, taking a chance to find a better life for them and their family. Over the years, the population of immigrants has grown immensely, resulting in the currently controversial issue of illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants are the people whoRead MoreImmigration And The United States965 Words   |  4 Pages Immigration is a highly controversial and big problem in the United States today. â€Å"While some characterize our immigration crisis as solely an issue of the 11 to 12 million unauthorized immigrants living in this country, our problems extend beyond the number of undocumented people to a broader range of issues. The lack of a comprehensive federal solution has created a slew of lopsided, enforcement-only initiatives that have cost the country billions of dollars while failing to end un authorizedRead MoreImmigration On The United States1302 Words   |  6 PagesImmigration Rights in the U.S. Immigration has occurred in the U.S. for for many years. Some say it’s the foundation of our country. America is the country where people leave their own country to live. People would leave due to mistreatment, hunger issues or job opportunities. America is known for starting over or accomplishing dreams, so immigrants travel over to follow those dreams. People emigrate from one country to another for a variety of complex reasons. Some are forced to move, due to conflictRead MoreThe Immigration Of The United States1711 Words   |  7 PagesThe vast majority of people living in the United States are descendants of immigrants, and yet majority of them are against them. It is quickly forgotten that America was built on immigrants that wanted a new life. A life free from harsh government, and the freedom from forced religion. The original settlers were immigrants that stole this land; immigrants continued to come for years. It is not a newly constructed concept that immigrants have always been a problem, ask any Native American. One usedRead MoreImmigration Of The United States1064 Words   |  5 Pages Camarota (2007, p.1), director of the Immigration Studies Center, reports there are 1.6 million documented and undocumented migrants take up residence in the United States every year. Camarota goes on to say that the immigrants occupy one-eighth of the total population who settled in the U.S. The flood of aliens, to a significant degree, hinders the development of the United States. Therefore, the issues which relate to immigration must not be neglected, and the government should keep the numberRead MoreImmigration And The United States Essay1377 Words   |  6 Pages Immigration has been a large conversation topic for such a long time in our country. We have worked on policies for immigration, and have made changes to them throughout the duration of our country’s existence. This topic is always worth mentioning and important, but has become a bigger topic once again due to presidential elections and the conversations being had about immigration from said elections. It is not necessarily easily seen if the concern with immigration is who is here legally or limitingRead MoreImmigration Of The United States1565 Words   |  7 PagesA native of Mexico, Gonzalez came to the United States using a visa, to visit family members and in 1994, police convicted Gonzalez of the abduction and rape of a Waukegan, Illinois woman. During his conviction his attorney, Vanessa Potkin, addressed that at twenty years old, Gonzalez spoke very little English, had no criminal record, and yet the police wanted to pin the crime on him. Twenty years later, DNA from the crime cleared him of both charges, and Gonzalez is now threatened with deportationRead MoreImmigration : The United States1087 Words   |  5 PagesThe United States is a popular and powerful which many people admire. It is very true that the country prospect and is more enrich. O pening the border might improve the economy or can impact the job market for American citizens. It is the jobs of American citizens to be given more to this illegal immigrant. I believe the U.S. borders should remain closed. While it is clear that opening the borders can have benefits, I believe it is more important to keep jobs available for Americans. In my opinionRead MoreThe Immigration Of The United States1632 Words   |  7 PagesFrench and European to settle in the New World. Since the colonial era, America has seen a wave of immigrants migrate in search of freedom and equality. Is this the same immigration today? Nearly 11.6 million immigrants from Mexico reside in the U.S. Today Immigration has a significant impact on many aspects of life in the United States, from the workforce and the classroom to communities across the country. Not all immigrants come to America legally whether as naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents

People Have Been Fascinated With Fairy Tales Since They

People have been fascinated with fairy tales since they began being told. Stories of wonder, mystery, adventure, and horror tweak one s’ imagination and allows one to explore in someone else s world. Overtime, the original fairy tales have been altered to suit the present; however, aspects of the original still linger within the new versions so as not to take away from the story’s background. For example, Alice in Wonderland tells of a curious girl who wants explore in a world of nonsense and get a different view from a â€Å"mad† world. The benefit of viewing many different versions of Alice in Wonderland is to see how different people s perspectives and imagination are, pertaining to the original. The plot of Alice in Wonderland is a†¦show more content†¦Alice eventually finds the White Rabbit in the Queen’s garden where he is announcing the Red Queen. After the Queen invites Alice to play a game of croquet, the Queen gets mad at Alice for what she believes her to be teasing her about Cheshire, and demands her to be beheaded. â€Å"How do you like the Queen?† said the Cat in a low voice. â€Å"Not at all,† said Alice. (Lewis 92) As Alice is running, she happens upon the door where she wakes up back in her world with no nonsense and everything is normal. There was never a moral for Alice in Wonderland and was only for childrens entertainment. I found several lessons in Alice in Wonderland. Always think before you act or speak so you do not hurt someone’s feelings. Being too curious gets you into trouble. Mind your own business. Don’t lose yourself because if you follow someone your whole life, life will be too complicated with your mind and someone else s clashing together. For example, Alice relies on the advice from others and finds herself coming upon a lot challenges. In all the the versions I have read or seen on Alice in Wonderland, the characters all seem to have almost the same exact traits as the original. Alice has blond hair, goes to Wonderland in a dream or so it seems, very curious, book smart, gives herself advice but does not follow it, stubborn, independent, brave, and does not think before she acts or speaks. The White Rabbit always seemsShow MoreRelatedThe Brothers Grimm, By Jacob Grimm And Grimm1362 Words   |  6 Pagesfolk stories. After their books were printed, other problems were created because of it. They had to exchange ideas with many people to be able to write their books. Many forms of literature were explored to create the masterpiece that Jacob and Wilhelm made. Stories like Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Rapunzel had horrendous storylines that would probably not make many people show them to their children. Jacob and Wilhelm were born and raised in Germany. Their family valued education and were aRead More The Romance Novel Marriage Essay1327 Words   |  6 Pagesmarried and lives Happily Ever After. Im talking about the modern day adult fairy tale, also known as the romance novel. Ive been reading these novels since I was in the seventh grade. My first one was titled Bitter Sweet, written by Laverle Spencer, and was found in my moms closet. From there I graduated to the more sordid novels with half-naked people on the covers. My adolescent mind was absolutely fascinated and I could not wait until I found my guy and could experience those feelings first-handRead MoreThe Origin Of The Banshee1199 Words   |  5 PagesConnor Harkins Jonathan Tyler English 102-10 1 February 2017 The Banshee   Ã‚  Ã‚   The banshee is a phantom that is said to wail whenever a person is about to die. It would visit a friend or a family member of a Irish person who was dying. People are afraid of them because it shows us our mortality. We are afraid of death because we do not know what is on the other side, so naturally we would be afraid of the harbinger of death. The origin of the banshee is intertwined with death as it is in its spectreRead MoreFairytales Effect on Childs Psyche Essay2224 Words   |  9 PagesBoth traditional and contemporary fairytales experienced by children can have harmful effects on a child’s psyche. This is especially true when children are exposed to these fairytales during the early stages of psychological development. When do we most often expose children to the fairytale? More likely than not, we use the tales to ‘comfort’ our children, perhaps to calm them down, in the form of bedtime stories. But, have you ever really thought about the messages we give to a child through theRead MoreMiss Brill Illusion Vs Reality1537 Words   |  7 Pagesgaps, then the outside world is not real. Katherine Mansfield captures the theme of illusion vs. reality in her short story â€Å"Miss Brill† the main character Miss Brill is fascinated with the surprise of having an almond in her honey cake. The almond symbolizes how Miss Brill sees herself in society as the honey cake represents the people. The way Miss Brill tries to fit in, the loneliness she endures and analyzing the ending of the story shows how her imagination has taken the best of her. Miss BrillRead MoreMyth, Religion, and Violence in Pan’s Labyrinth and Bless Me, Ultima: A Comparative Analysis1346 Words   |  6 Pagesand the realization of the real world they live in. Both protagonists absorb themselves in a mythical world full of fantasy and each receives exposure to religious theology and trauma by the violence of men. Despite the fact that Antonio and Ofelia have different familial role models and travel along different paths, their childlike innocence, disillusionment, and initiation into adulthood comes about through similar themes: myth, religion, and violence. Bless Me, Ultima is about Antonio, the protagonistRead MoreJ. M. Barrie s Peter Pan And Lewis Carroll s Alice s Adventure Essay2118 Words   |  9 PagesBarrie’s Peter Pan and Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland-Comparison Analysis In what follows is a comparison analysis from the original historical text of, J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan and Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland that have both been adapted to film providing examples of similarities as well as the differences. Firstly, J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan and Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland are both children’s literature which resonates with children as well as the adultRead MoreMystery, Amazement and Wonder in Stories2747 Words   |  11 Pagesstill discovering the world and look at it with fresh eyes. Things we consider simple and obvious, they find fascinating, and silly little stories and fairy tales are for them amazing and inspiring. In play they invent their own stories, their imaginations flowing in ways unique to them, and so, as one of the elements capturing this feeling, fairy tales were included in the concept. This sense of amazement although imbedded in children is often neglected by adults in the everyday life. And even thoughRead MoreThe Controversy Of Domestic Abuse Victims Essay1998 Words   |  8 Pagesparents have always attempted to shelter us from controversial topics while we were children. They never sat us down and elucidate everything that was iniquitous with the world we live in. Our parents did not want our innocence to be devastated. Topics such as terrorism, drugs, abortion, punishment for criminals, and toxic relationships were never addressed. Since these things were never conversed, most of us have cultivated misconceptions on certain topics. One of the topics that we have constructedRead MoreRomanticism in Music Essay1614 Words   |  7 Pagesprevious age. It was a revolt against classicism, and against the pre-prescribed rules that defined it. The main catalyst for this change was the French Revolution in 1789, where the French monarchy and aristocracy was overthrow n by a rebellion of the people and France became a republic. This, in a musical sense, had an immediate impact on French opera, with the emphasis of the stories now beginning to be drawn into the present as opposed to the ancient world, and the old hierarchy of the Gods and feudal

Customer Benefit Package & Example @Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theOperations Management for Customer Benefits Packages and Value Chains. Answer: Introduction The reported paper has been developed to understand the contrast features of operations management in two different organisations. Herein, two organisations have been identified to complete a case study analysis on primary Customer Benefits Package (CBP) and Value Chain designs based on the managements as well as customers viewpoint. One of the identified organisations is Apple Inc that deals in physical, electronic products (Campbell, 2008). On the other hand, JP Morgan Chase has been considered as the other corporation that provides a comprehensive range of investment banking solutions and asset management services to the massive client base. The support operations of JP Morgan Chase have offered philanthropic initiatives to the clients so that they can promote financially viable growth. Understandably, both the organisations have figured out distinct Customer Benefits Package according to the suitability of operations management. Being an electronic product manufacturing firm, Apple Inc has identified a substantial primary CBP to meet the demand of the target demographics all over the world market. Contradictorily, JP Morgan Chase has recognised its CBP and Value Chain design to deliver integrated financial services to the clients. Being one of the market-leading pecuniary services, JP Morgan Chase has boosted SMEs financial development providing management services and banking solutions (Ahmad, Hussain, Rajput, 2015). Comparison and Contrast of a Primary CBP of Apple Inc and JP Morgan Chase In the contrasting discussion scenario of a primary CBP of Apple Inc and JP Morgan Chase, substantial understanding of the business functions of both the organisations must be identified. The real story behind Apple Incs success has relied on companys obligation to innovating and integrating electronic product manufacturing. Being one of the most popular hardware and software manufacturing brand in the global market, the organisation has always uniquely positioned in the competitive market with products such as the iPad, Macs, iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch. Since the beginning of the era of twenty-first century, the organisation has developed a plethora of electronic products that have found no replaceable electronic gadgets. Most importantly, the market segmentation of the organisation has identified customers belong to high-class society (McIvor, Humphreys, McKittrick, Wall, 2009). The innovative and uniqueness of the Apple products have managed to impress more than 50 million glo bal customers. Product pricing has not been an issue for the company as the products are unique to the target demographics. The primary CBP of Apple Inc has been much more technology oriented. Primarily, the organisation has set trends to the customers. Meanwhile, the innovation has contributed to manufacturing such products that have produced to impress the customers. In services, the organisation has offered clinical, technical assistance providing the latest software upgrade to keep the trend moving forward (Madhani, 2014). On the other hand, primary CBP of JP Morgan Chase has vividly distinct from that of Apple Inc. Being one of the leading financial services of the global market, JP Morgan Chase Co has developed significant initiatives as a part of primary Customer Benefits Package. In contrasting to the CBP of Apple Inc, JP Morgan Chases CBP has been designed to provide customer support in investment banking and corporate asset management services (Hatzakis, Nair, Pinedo, 2010). The ability to deliver meaningful banking solution and corporate management to the SMEs, multinational organisations, government firms has been the primary strength in primary Customer Benefits Package (Hitt, 2016). The customers have appreciated the organisational executives and employee engagement to the strategic decision-making of the client's business growth. In this way, shared commitment to the clients has been offered to the SMEs and other corporate clients to become financially secure. The JP Morgan Group and its F oundation have significantly committed to the business customers so that they can utilise their resources for economic growth (Mihiotis Konidaris, 2007). Comparison and Contrast of Value Chain design and Organisational Structure In order to discuss the value chain design of both the organisations, some of the key points must be taken into consideration to show the distinct differences. The Value Chain design of Apple Inc has concentrated on outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and quality customer services (Imami, Vuksani, Gruda, 2013). Through the identification of current market trends, Apple Inc has tactically utilised its direct and indirect logistic channels to conduct the net sales. According to the inventory data, 28% sales have been concluded through direct sales whereas 72% has been done through indirect sales in 2014-15 fiscal years (Cheng, Rehman, Seneviratne, Zhang, 2015). Apart from that, public relation programmes, promotional events and significant advertising concepts have been applied to improve the productivity of value chain. Furthermore, the value chain design of Apple Inc incorporates exceptional customer services so that the target demographics can be convinced during sales (Gubma n, 2015). The technical-savvy executives have got each and every answer to demonstrate the functionality and capabilities of Apple manufactured devices (Rogers, Stone, Foss, 2008). On the other hand, JP Morgan Chase and Co has laid a solid foundation for developing sustainable value chain design to stay ahead in the competitive financial services industry. The reputation of previous 200 years has been effectively utilised to provide banking and money-management solutions (Safizadeh, Field, Ritzman, 2013). Through the identification of a definite market, the organisation has promoted external growth strategic model that involves acquisition tactics to complete the service activities such as asset management, security services and commercial banking solutions (Dess, 2012). Significant research and analysis of market have been the key term to operations management of JP Morgan. In value chain model, the organisation has included Eclipse tool to determine and deliver the most effective banking applications to the business customers. The organisation has delivered attractive low-cost solutions and satisfactory market advice to secure the financial positions of the clients (Swink, 2011). To identify the differences in organisational structure, a critical analysis of the same has been done. Apple Incs organisation framework has been effectively monitored through the dedication of the employees and research and development teams performance. Primarily, the contribution of Steve Jobs could not be ignored in this regard. Jobs had created a unique organisational culture within the business environment to become the leader of electronic hardware industry providing technologically sound products (Elliot, 2012). Contradictorily, JP Morgans management team, financial analysts team and marketing executive team have held the key to the business success (Davis Browning, 2011). Advantages and Disadvantages of Value Chain Design of Both the Organisations Both the value chain design model has been significantly crucial for the business perspective of the two identified firms. First of all, Apple Incs value chain designs advantages and disadvantages can be presented to show the worth of the same. Meanwhile, Apple Incs value chain model has increased the sales of the organisation to prove its success. The outbound logistics of the value chain design has confirmed that the sales figure will be higher in every fiscal year (Cheng, Rehman, Seneviratne, Zhang, 2015). Significantly, the marketing communication strategy has promoted the sales networks to ensure a high volume of sales through different distribution channels. As far as disadvantages are concerned, Apple Incs value chain model is so much costly in compared to other electronic product manufacturing firms (Tang Saili, 2012). On this note, JP Morgan Chase Cos value chain design has helped the organisation to stay ahead of the principle business competitors such as Bank of America, HSBC, CITI Bank and BNP Paribas. The value chain model of the financial services has provided significant management strength to dominate the investment banking, private banking, retail banking and commercial banking sectors in the different market. Furthermore, the value chain design of the business of JP Morgan has ensured lower costs and efficient services to hold the leading position in financial services sector (David, 2013). Identified Operational Strategy, Strategic Vision and Competitive Priorities Latest operational strategy and competitive priorities have always helped a business corporation to make significant growth in any given market. Under the existing market scenario, Apple Incs RD team must take the responsibility to keep the innovation trend moving for successful business operations (Phillips, 2010). The strategic vision of Apple should be concentrated on latest electronic gadgets that no one has been manufactured till date. Along with that, retain the Apple savvy customers around the globe will be the competitive priority of the electronic product manufacturing firm (Nonala Kenney, 2011). On the other side of the flip, JP Morgan Chase Co must identify latest financial scopes and models to upgrade OneBench and Eclipse financial tools to offer latest banking solutions and management commitments to their loyal customers. Lowering the services cost and effective financial position of the firm will be the primary objectives for JP Morgan Chase. Understandably, to gain s ignificant competitive advantage in financial services industry, the organisational management must concentrate on free resources for latest projects and efficient services terms to be followed. Conclusion Both Apple Inc and JP Morgan Chase Co have developed strategic operations management according to the requirement of its massive customer base. Through the identification of current market trend in the global electronic industry, Apple Inc has figured out the perfect value chain design and organisational structure to rule the market. By manufacturing latest innovative hardware and software using modern technology, Apple Inc has featured the most astonishing products to the particular target demographics in the global arena. Being an efficient electronic goods manufacturing corporation, Apples innovation concepts have been identified as the best strategic approach to set up competitive advantage. Product uniqueness and rarity have certainly helped the organisation to meet the expectations of the target demographics. On the other hand, quality management support and superlative employee engagement of JP Morgan Chase Co have contributed to the operations management success. The organisation has perfectly identified the competitive priorities in the business arena to support the strategic vision of the corporation to become the market-leading financial and banking services supporting the business growth of the massive client base globally. In this way, both the organisation has determined sustainable advantages through their value chain designs. References Ahmad, J., Hussain, M., Rajput, A. (2015). Customer Loyalty Framework of Telecommunication Service Market.IJMVSC,6(1), 69-78. https://dx.doi.org/10.5121/ijmvsc.2015.6106 Campbell, A. (2008). Cooperation in international value chains: comparing an exporters supplier versus customer relationships.Jnl Of Bus Indus Marketing,13(1), 22-39. https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/08858629810206197 Cheng, K., Rehman, S., Seneviratne, D., Zhang, S. (2015). Reaping the Benefits from Global Value Chains.IMF Working Papers,15(204), 1. https://dx.doi.org/10.5089/9781513516738.001 David, F. (2013).Strategic management concepts and cases. Boston: Pearson. Davis Browning, L. (2011). Organisational Narratives and Organisational Structure.Journal Of Orgchange Mgmt,4(3), 59-67. https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/eum0000000001199 Dess, G. (2012).Strategic management. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Elliot, J. (2012).Leading Apple with Steve Jobs. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Gubman, E. (2015). Aligning People Strategies with Customer Value.Compensation Benefits Review,27(1), 15-22. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/088636879502700103 Hatzakis, E., Nair, S., Pinedo, M. (2010). Operations in Financial Services-An Overview.Production And Operations Management,19(6), 633-664. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1937-5956.2010.01163.x Hitt, M. (2016).Strategic management. New york: Cengage learning. Imami, D., Vuksani, G., Gruda, N. (2013). Analysis of the Apple Value Chain in Albania.Gesunde Pflanzen,65(2), 65-71. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10343-013-0299-0 Madhani, P. (2014). Compensation, Ethical Sales Behavior and Customer Lifetime Value.Compensation Benefits Review,46(4), 204-218. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0886368714560286 McIvor, R., Humphreys, P., McKittrick, A., Wall, T. (2009). Performance management and the outsourcing process.Int Jrnl Of Op Prod Mnagemnt,29(10), 1025-1048. https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01443570910993474 Mihiotis, A. Konidaris, N. (2007). Internal auditing: an essential tool for adding value and improving the operations of financial institutions and organisations.International Journal Of Financial Services Management,2(1/2), 75. https://dx.doi.org/10.1504/ijfsm.2007.011673 Nonala, I. Kenney, M. (2011). Towards a new theory of innovation management: A case study comparing Canon, Inc. and Apple Computer, Inc.Journal Of Engineering And Technology Management,8(1), 67-83. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0923-4748(91)90005-c Phillips, L. (2010). Organisational structure and decision technology.Acta Psychologica,45(1-3), 247-264. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0001-6918(80)90036-0 Rogers, B., Stone, M., Foss, B. (2008). Integrating the value of salespeople and systems: Adapting the benefits dependency network.Journal Of Database Marketing Customer Strategy Management,15(4), 221-232. https://dx.doi.org/10.1057/dbm.2008.19 Safizadeh, M., Field, J., Ritzman, L. (2013). An empirical analysis of financial services processes with a front-office or back-office orientation.Journal Of Operations Management,21(5), 557-576. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2003.03.001 Swink, M. (2011).Managing operations across the supply chain. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Tang Saili,. (2012). The effects of loyalty programs on customer loyalty: The mediating role of customer value and the moderating role of relationship benefits.African Journal Of Business Management,6(11). https://dx.doi.org/10.5897/ajbm11.2813

Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Essay Example

Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Essay To: Dan DiMicco From: McKensie Booth Subject: Strategic Management Date: 11/9/2010 Nucor Corporation Memo Response: Per your request I have analyzed Nucor Corporation and the steel industry. After performing both strategic and financial analysis I offer my recommendations. Executive Summary: Nucor Corporation was the most profitable steel producer in North America in both 2005 and 2006. It is regarded as a low-cost steel producer in the United States, and one of the most efficient and technologically innovative steel producers in the world. Nucor is known for its aggressive pursuit of innovation and technical excellence, rigorous quality systems, strong emphasis on employee relations and workforce productivity, cost conscious corporate culture, and ability to achieve low costs per ton produced (C-194). Offering a streamlined organizational structure, Nucor uses its ability to achieve incentive-based compensation systems that rewards goal-orientated individuals for their performance. Over the years Nucor has expanded progressively into the manufacturer of a wider and wider range of steel products, which has gotten it to be able to offer steel users one of the broadest product lineups in the industry. In this industry steel products are considered commodities, and most steel plants turn out products with comparable quality to other companies. This makes one producer’s reinforcing bar essentially the same as another producer’s reinforcing bar, which in turn makes a particular grade of sheet steel made at one plant almost identical to the same grade of sheet steel made from another plant (C-195). We will write a custom essay sample on Nucor Corporation Case Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Nucor Corporation Case Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Nucor Corporation Case Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Because of this, steel producers are forced to be price-competitive with the market price of each individual steel product being driven by demand-supply conditions for that product. After considering all of these aspects of Nucor, and the steel industry I will be discussing the strength of the competitive forces, the key success factors for this industry, and the pros and cons of Nucor’s competitive strategy. A SWOT analysis will further help me analyze the situation so then I can look at how attractive Nucor’s value chain is compared to the value chains of the other integrated steel mills. I’ll conclude with strategic issues I believe that Nucor’s management needs to address, and recommend the actions I think will be necessary to enhance Nucor’s position and future performance to compete effectively against low-cost foreign steel imports into the U. S. Competitive Analysis: 5 Forces Model Intensity of Rivalry among Competitors: Fierce Global competition in the steel industry faces Nucor and the wide range of competitors that make up the industry. Just in the domestic market alone there are more than twenty competitors that range on a larger to smaller scale. This intense competition amongst the competitors causes a recurring effect within the industry. Each competitor is trying to out bid the others for a contract, which allows for price wars among the market. This goes to prove that the industry is not based on differentiated products, but rather price competition. In the end, the company with the lowest fixed costs will survive and be the most profitable. Nucor’s use of both base pay and incentive pay makes it more guaranteed that output is relative to pay, which therefore decreases the fixed costs. The use of different business models is also a good indicator of the competition. Nucor uses a decentralized structure with control at the local factory level. This allows for focused decision making, and a more efficient use of profits. Threat of new entrants: Weak The entry into any industry depends directly on the associated costs. Because of globalization growing at a rapid pace, the merging of many competitors to form larger companies have made the barriers to entry increase. Economies of scale and capital requirements seem to be the greatest barriers in the steel industry. Larger quantity orders of raw materials are usually discounted. Higher production volumes directly discount the associated costs. Product differentiation is also a major barrier to entry. Steel is not sold on its overall difference, but more commonly on price. Many manufacturers utilize the same technologies and processes. Price wars are seen to minimize fixed costs, which mean there are few switching costs from one manufacturer to another. There is very little brand loyalty in this industry, especially when it does not appeal to consumer loyalty or brand image. Entrants must find ways to compete based on lower costs. Access to raw materials can also be a barrier. A lot of the time materials must be bought in large quantities. There is no cost advantage associated with small material purchases, and that can directly increase the overall manufacturing costs. This can make competition challenging in a market where margins are already very small. Government policy is not a huge threat of entry on the domestic level, but at the international level the barriers become much larger. Well established relationships by larger steel manufacturers with government allows for easy establishment of contracts in a foreign territory. Since most steel manufacturers must be globally competitive to maintain profits government policy is a threatening entry barrier. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Strong The supply of raw materials can have a positive or negative effect on a cost strategy. Most of the steel used in domestic manufacturing in the United States is imported. On a larger scale there are relatively few suppliers who can meet the constant demands from a steel company. Because of this it is really common for joint ventures to be established between suppliers and manufacturers. This can help decrease the costs of supplies. The biggest threat is when large suppliers try and enter the market through the elimination of a third party manufacturer. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Strong Buyers seem to be the greatest threat. Price competition arises from buyers have low switching costs and low product differentiation. Due to these factors, buyers have the power to negotiate the deal down as far as they want. Many buyers purchase in large quantities which creates economies of scale. Ultimately, the goal for a buyer is to get the best product at the most efficient cost. The goal of a seller is to gain the most financial return for the least cost. Since the market is filled with many suppliers, and if you take into account the different goals of a buyer and a seller you would conclude that the steel industry is a buyers market. Threat of product substitutes: Weak There are few substitutes for the use of steel. The largest alternative to steel would be the use of another material. Alternatives increase market presence at times of economic downturn and times of increase in steel material cost. The goal is to maintain low costs and market share during times of economic fluctuation. Plastics or Wood could be two substitutes, but neither have the same durability that steel has. Assessment: Although it may not seem like the steel industry is an attractive market due to its maturity, and even though that may be true on a small scale, I think advances in globalization for the steel industry has made it become very attractive for those that are willing to compete on a much larger scale. Key Success Factors: †¢ Ability to achieve scale economies (important to achieving low production costs) †¢ High labor productivity/low-cost product design and engineering †¢ Breadth of product line and product selection †¢ National and global distribution capabilities †¢ Overall low costs (not just in manufacturing) Assessment: It’s vital for companies in the steel industry to achieve economies of scale so that they can have low production costs. The steel itself needs to be low cost, and the labor must be productive to produce at an efficient level. The breadth of your product line can put you above the other companies and help you stand out. The ability to compete at a global level is also very important when measuring success in this industry when it may be hard to differentiate your product from others. Nucor’s Competitive Strategy: Pros and Cons Starting in 2000, Nucor started on a four-part growth strategy that involved: new acquisitions, new plant construction, continued plant upgrades and cost reduction efforts, and joint ventures. Strategic Acquisitions: Pros: strengthen customer base, geographic coverage, and lineup of product offerings. Cons: economic downturns did not make the market conditions favorable. New Plant Construction: Pros: continue to be a technology leader allowing it to be first-to-market with new steelmaking technologies, and the process of Castrip which is one of Nucor’s recent success stories. Cons: Castrip was hard to make ready for commercialization taking many years for testing and processing refinement. Low-Cost Production: Pros: capital investments to improve plant efficiencies and keep production costs low. Cons: I don’t see any cons with this strategy. Global Growth via Joint Ventures: Pros: bigger growth globally that allowed it to counteract the global warming happening. Cons: does not currently have any plans to build and operate its own steel mills outside of the United States, other than its plant in Trinidad. Competitive Analysis: SWOT Strengths: †¢ Strong market position †¢ Increased production capacity †¢ Strong technological focus †¢ Positive Company Morale †¢ Low Cost Production Weaknesses: †¢ Geographical concentration †¢ Mature industry Opportunities: †¢ Joint ventures †¢ Acquisitions Threats: †¢ Repetitive nature of the industry Consolidation in the global steel industry †¢ Increasing raw material costs Assessment: I believe that Nucor Corporation has many different competencies that allow it to a hold a strong position in the steel industry. Globalization is going to be a major threat and there will soon be a strong push towards technological integration and advances. The United States steel indus try is very mature so Nucor will have to look internationally for profits and more growth. A joint venture will be a good opportunity for Nucor to consider so that it can accomplish this international growth. Overall, I also think that price is everything in the steel industry, especially in a time of mass globalization. Value Chain Analysis: Primary Activities: Supply Chain Management: Nucor has established a raw materials strategy so that it can control directly and indirectly through joint ventures with various partners. This helps maintain minimum levels of raw materials in inventory, but also ensures that those raw materials are present in the supplier’s inventory, allowing for inventory costs to be associated with the supplier’s balance sheet as opposed to Nucor’s balance sheet. Operations: Nucor has 49 facilities in 17 states, and was the largest recycler of scrap steel in North America. This involves less production steps, far less capital investment, and considerably less labor time. Nucor is decentralized with control at the factory level over operational decisions and processes. Because globalization and international growth are huge factors for success, this strategy should be replaced by a corporate centered approach. Distribution: On time delivery is crucial for both Nucor and the steel industry. In 2005-06, freight costs for deliveries were less than 10% of revenues, and by Nucor developing its plant sites with the expectation of having several customer companies located nearby saved them shipping costs as well. Sales and Marketing: Nucor’s status as a low-cost provider resulted in numerous customers’ entering 6-12 month contracts to purchase steel mill products. The steel industry doesn’t need to advertise, but by Nucor maintaining a good reputation it has been able to attract customers who provide the company with loyalty. Service: Quality is built into service in the steel industry. Quality control is very important to maintain the durability and exact specifications of the manufactured product. Nucor has employees both internally and externally to manage their quality control which will keep their service high, and customer’s loyalty. Support Activities: Product RD, Technology, and Systems Development: Nucor is known for developing new product technologies. They have had many advances in the steel manufacturing process, and increasing efficiency of production. A strong technological orientation enables the company to reduce its operating costs to compete effectively in this market. Human Resources Management: Management is obligated to manage Nucor in such a way that employees will have opportunity to earn according to their productivity. Employees should be able to feel confident that if they do their jobs properly, they will still have their job tomorrow. Nucor stands for their employees to be treated fairly, and gives their employees opportunities to appeal if they do not feel as though they are not being treated the way they should. General Administration: Nucor has a simple, streamlined organizational structure to allow employees to innovate and make quick decisions. There are group managers, department managers, supervisors, and the hourly employees. Group managers and plant managers report to one of the four executive vice presidents at corporate headquarters. The staff is pretty small with only 66 people in 2006, but the philosophy is that the corporate headquarters should consist of a small group of executives who will guide the decentralized operation where liberal authority was the managers in the field responsibility. Assessment: I believe that Nucor’s value chain is very attractive in comparison to its competitors in the steel industry. Nucor’s value chain involves fewer production steps, and less capital investment, with considerably less labor than the value chains of companies with integrated steel mills with give it a competitive advantage. Internally the way Nucor operates is attractive for employees knowing that they will get treated fairly, and paid appropriately. Strategic Issues/Recommendations: Areas of Concern: †¢ Lack of Global Growth †¢ Joint Ventures/Acquisitions hindering company culture Unfavorable conditions in International Growth †¢ Lack of corporate involvement Recommendations: Steel manufacturing is an old business, but is currently facing changes associated with new technologies and the rise of globalization. I recommend that Nucor takes part in this new trend of global growth in the near future. Part of its strategic plan was to do this via join t ventures, but does not have any plans so far to build and operate its own steel mills outside of the United States. I think it would be very crucial for Nucor to do this so that it can compete at a higher level than its competitors. Nucor is doing a good job of keeping up with the latest technologies, and being first-to-market with some of its own technological advances that will help the company keep its competitive advantage and remain one of the most profitable steel producers in North America. Another recommendation I’d like to make is for Nucor to incorporate more involvement from its corporate headquarters. If Nucor does start taking actions to have a more global presence, then it will need to make sure that all of its operations stay on the same page, therefore needing a bigger corporate presence. Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Essay Example Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Paper To: Dan DiMicco From: McKensie Booth Subject: Strategic Management Date: 11/9/2010 Nucor Corporation Memo Response: Per your request I have analyzed Nucor Corporation and the steel industry. After performing both strategic and financial analysis I offer my recommendations. Executive Summary: Nucor Corporation was the most profitable steel producer in North America in both 2005 and 2006. It is regarded as a low-cost steel producer in the United States, and one of the most efficient and technologically innovative steel producers in the world. Nucor is known for its aggressive pursuit of innovation and technical excellence, rigorous quality systems, strong emphasis on employee relations and workforce productivity, cost conscious corporate culture, and ability to achieve low costs per ton produced (C-194). Offering a streamlined organizational structure, Nucor uses its ability to achieve incentive-based compensation systems that rewards goal-orientated individuals for their performance. Over the years Nucor has expanded progressively into the manufacturer of a wider and wider range of steel products, which has gotten it to be able to offer steel users one of the broadest product lineups in the industry. In this industry steel products are considered commodities, and most steel plants turn out products with comparable quality to other companies. This makes one producer’s reinforcing bar essentially the same as another producer’s reinforcing bar, which in turn makes a particular grade of sheet steel made at one plant almost identical to the same grade of sheet steel made from another plant (C-195). We will write a custom essay sample on Nucor Corporation Case Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Nucor Corporation Case Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Nucor Corporation Case Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Because of this, steel producers are forced to be price-competitive with the market price of each individual steel product being driven by demand-supply conditions for that product. After considering all of these aspects of Nucor, and the steel industry I will be discussing the strength of the competitive forces, the key success factors for this industry, and the pros and cons of Nucor’s competitive strategy. A SWOT analysis will further help me analyze the situation so then I can look at how attractive Nucor’s value chain is compared to the value chains of the other integrated steel mills. I’ll conclude with strategic issues I believe that Nucor’s management needs to address, and recommend the actions I think will be necessary to enhance Nucor’s position and future performance to compete effectively against low-cost foreign steel imports into the U. S. Competitive Analysis: 5 Forces Model Intensity of Rivalry among Competitors: Fierce Global competition in the steel industry faces Nucor and the wide range of competitors that make up the industry. Just in the domestic market alone there are more than twenty competitors that range on a larger to smaller scale. This intense competition amongst the competitors causes a recurring effect within the industry. Each competitor is trying to out bid the others for a contract, which allows for price wars among the market. This goes to prove that the industry is not based on differentiated products, but rather price competition. In the end, the company with the lowest fixed costs will survive and be the most profitable. Nucor’s use of both base pay and incentive pay makes it more guaranteed that output is relative to pay, which therefore decreases the fixed costs. The use of different business models is also a good indicator of the competition. Nucor uses a decentralized structure with control at the local factory level. This allows for focused decision making, and a more efficient use of profits. Threat of new entrants: Weak The entry into any industry depends directly on the associated costs. Because of globalization growing at a rapid pace, the merging of many competitors to form larger companies have made the barriers to entry increase. Economies of scale and capital requirements seem to be the greatest barriers in the steel industry. Larger quantity orders of raw materials are usually discounted. Higher production volumes directly discount the associated costs. Product differentiation is also a major barrier to entry. Steel is not sold on its overall difference, but more commonly on price. Many manufacturers utilize the same technologies and processes. Price wars are seen to minimize fixed costs, which mean there are few switching costs from one manufacturer to another. There is very little brand loyalty in this industry, especially when it does not appeal to consumer loyalty or brand image. Entrants must find ways to compete based on lower costs. Access to raw materials can also be a barrier. A lot of the time materials must be bought in large quantities. There is no cost advantage associated with small material purchases, and that can directly increase the overall manufacturing costs. This can make competition challenging in a market where margins are already very small. Government policy is not a huge threat of entry on the domestic level, but at the international level the barriers become much larger. Well established relationships by larger steel manufacturers with government allows for easy establishment of contracts in a foreign territory. Since most steel manufacturers must be globally competitive to maintain profits government policy is a threatening entry barrier. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Strong The supply of raw materials can have a positive or negative effect on a cost strategy. Most of the steel used in domestic manufacturing in the United States is imported. On a larger scale there are relatively few suppliers who can meet the constant demands from a steel company. Because of this it is really common for joint ventures to be established between suppliers and manufacturers. This can help decrease the costs of supplies. The biggest threat is when large suppliers try and enter the market through the elimination of a third party manufacturer. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Strong Buyers seem to be the greatest threat. Price competition arises from buyers have low switching costs and low product differentiation. Due to these factors, buyers have the power to negotiate the deal down as far as they want. Many buyers purchase in large quantities which creates economies of scale. Ultimately, the goal for a buyer is to get the best product at the most efficient cost. The goal of a seller is to gain the most financial return for the least cost. Since the market is filled with many suppliers, and if you take into account the different goals of a buyer and a seller you would conclude that the steel industry is a buyers market. Threat of product substitutes: Weak There are few substitutes for the use of steel. The largest alternative to steel would be the use of another material. Alternatives increase market presence at times of economic downturn and times of increase in steel material cost. The goal is to maintain low costs and market share during times of economic fluctuation. Plastics or Wood could be two substitutes, but neither have the same durability that steel has. Assessment: Although it may not seem like the steel industry is an attractive market due to its maturity, and even though that may be true on a small scale, I think advances in globalization for the steel industry has made it become very attractive for those that are willing to compete on a much larger scale. Key Success Factors: †¢ Ability to achieve scale economies (important to achieving low production costs) †¢ High labor productivity/low-cost product design and engineering †¢ Breadth of product line and product selection †¢ National and global distribution capabilities †¢ Overall low costs (not just in manufacturing) Assessment: It’s vital for companies in the steel industry to achieve economies of scale so that they can have low production costs. The steel itself needs to be low cost, and the labor must be productive to produce at an efficient level. The breadth of your product line can put you above the other companies and help you stand out. The ability to compete at a global level is also very important when measuring success in this industry when it may be hard to differentiate your product from others. Nucor’s Competitive Strategy: Pros and Cons Starting in 2000, Nucor started on a four-part growth strategy that involved: new acquisitions, new plant construction, continued plant upgrades and cost reduction efforts, and joint ventures. Strategic Acquisitions: Pros: strengthen customer base, geographic coverage, and lineup of product offerings. Cons: economic downturns did not make the market conditions favorable. New Plant Construction: Pros: continue to be a technology leader allowing it to be first-to-market with new steelmaking technologies, and the process of Castrip which is one of Nucor’s recent success stories. Cons: Castrip was hard to make ready for commercialization taking many years for testing and processing refinement. Low-Cost Production: Pros: capital investments to improve plant efficiencies and keep production costs low. Cons: I don’t see any cons with this strategy. Global Growth via Joint Ventures: Pros: bigger growth globally that allowed it to counteract the global warming happening. Cons: does not currently have any plans to build and operate its own steel mills outside of the United States, other than its plant in Trinidad. Competitive Analysis: SWOT Strengths: †¢ Strong market position †¢ Increased production capacity †¢ Strong technological focus †¢ Positive Company Morale †¢ Low Cost Production Weaknesses: †¢ Geographical concentration †¢ Mature industry Opportunities: †¢ Joint ventures †¢ Acquisitions Threats: †¢ Repetitive nature of the industry Consolidation in the global steel industry †¢ Increasing raw material costs Assessment: I believe that Nucor Corporation has many different competencies that allow it to a hold a strong position in the steel industry. Globalization is going to be a major threat and there will soon be a strong push towards technological integration and advances. The United States steel indus try is very mature so Nucor will have to look internationally for profits and more growth. A joint venture will be a good opportunity for Nucor to consider so that it can accomplish this international growth. Overall, I also think that price is everything in the steel industry, especially in a time of mass globalization. Value Chain Analysis: Primary Activities: Supply Chain Management: Nucor has established a raw materials strategy so that it can control directly and indirectly through joint ventures with various partners. This helps maintain minimum levels of raw materials in inventory, but also ensures that those raw materials are present in the supplier’s inventory, allowing for inventory costs to be associated with the supplier’s balance sheet as opposed to Nucor’s balance sheet. Operations: Nucor has 49 facilities in 17 states, and was the largest recycler of scrap steel in North America. This involves less production steps, far less capital investment, and considerably less labor time. Nucor is decentralized with control at the factory level over operational decisions and processes. Because globalization and international growth are huge factors for success, this strategy should be replaced by a corporate centered approach. Distribution: On time delivery is crucial for both Nucor and the steel industry. In 2005-06, freight costs for deliveries were less than 10% of revenues, and by Nucor developing its plant sites with the expectation of having several customer companies located nearby saved them shipping costs as well. Sales and Marketing: Nucor’s status as a low-cost provider resulted in numerous customers’ entering 6-12 month contracts to purchase steel mill products. The steel industry doesn’t need to advertise, but by Nucor maintaining a good reputation it has been able to attract customers who provide the company with loyalty. Service: Quality is built into service in the steel industry. Quality control is very important to maintain the durability and exact specifications of the manufactured product. Nucor has employees both internally and externally to manage their quality control which will keep their service high, and customer’s loyalty. Support Activities: Product RD, Technology, and Systems Development: Nucor is known for developing new product technologies. They have had many advances in the steel manufacturing process, and increasing efficiency of production. A strong technological orientation enables the company to reduce its operating costs to compete effectively in this market. Human Resources Management: Management is obligated to manage Nucor in such a way that employees will have opportunity to earn according to their productivity. Employees should be able to feel confident that if they do their jobs properly, they will still have their job tomorrow. Nucor stands for their employees to be treated fairly, and gives their employees opportunities to appeal if they do not feel as though they are not being treated the way they should. General Administration: Nucor has a simple, streamlined organizational structure to allow employees to innovate and make quick decisions. There are group managers, department managers, supervisors, and the hourly employees. Group managers and plant managers report to one of the four executive vice presidents at corporate headquarters. The staff is pretty small with only 66 people in 2006, but the philosophy is that the corporate headquarters should consist of a small group of executives who will guide the decentralized operation where liberal authority was the managers in the field responsibility. Assessment: I believe that Nucor’s value chain is very attractive in comparison to its competitors in the steel industry. Nucor’s value chain involves fewer production steps, and less capital investment, with considerably less labor than the value chains of companies with integrated steel mills with give it a competitive advantage. Internally the way Nucor operates is attractive for employees knowing that they will get treated fairly, and paid appropriately. Strategic Issues/Recommendations: Areas of Concern: †¢ Lack of Global Growth †¢ Joint Ventures/Acquisitions hindering company culture Unfavorable conditions in International Growth †¢ Lack of corporate involvement Recommendations: Steel manufacturing is an old business, but is currently facing changes associated with new technologies and the rise of globalization. I recommend that Nucor takes part in this new trend of global growth in the near future. Part of its strategic plan was to do this via join t ventures, but does not have any plans so far to build and operate its own steel mills outside of the United States. I think it would be very crucial for Nucor to do this so that it can compete at a higher level than its competitors. Nucor is doing a good job of keeping up with the latest technologies, and being first-to-market with some of its own technological advances that will help the company keep its competitive advantage and remain one of the most profitable steel producers in North America. Another recommendation I’d like to make is for Nucor to incorporate more involvement from its corporate headquarters. If Nucor does start taking actions to have a more global presence, then it will need to make sure that all of its operations stay on the same page, therefore needing a bigger corporate presence.