The Body Shop International Essay Example

The Body Shop International Essay Example The Body Shop International Paper The Body Shop International Paper The Body Shop International presents the case of a company whose business model strength initially relied on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), but that afterwards faced problems and challenges, due to mismanagement of internal resources, stakeholders conflicts, and the unawareness of external changes. The model created advantages but also limited growth, as the organization was not prepared for expansion due to the lack of corporate structure required for a global strategy. Anita Roddick believes in the power of businesses and in the use of success as a force of social change, therefore Body initial mission was to make profit with principles, that is, being especially responsible for employees, society, Third World development and the environment. This innovative, radical and daring approach became Body Shops competitive advantage (Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility); and according to this strategy defined a unique marketing approach: desirable and environmental products, moderated prices and relaxed shop environment in order to attract and educate customers (humanistic, environmental conscious). CSR pay offs to Body Shop were clearly appreciated through the 80s when it grew 50% yearly; media attention and customer awareness resulted in boost sales, shop openings, increases in stock value, etc. Exhibit 1 shows Body Shops stakeholders and the strategic outcome or value created by the companys CSR behavior by means of the centrality, specificity, voluntarism and visibility of its actions. Special emphasis and success were obtained in the Visibility dimension, as Body Shop was not always able to practice its social vision, but always was very good at promoting it. Anita is a great PR (loud and quotable) and during her management always made sure the firm gained recognition from internal and external stakeholders. Other keys for Body Shops success were Anitas leadership, charisma, influence and management style; very convenient for an Entrepreneurship venture. She created a corporate culture based on communication, informality and break the rules mentality that resulted in employees loyalty, commitment and productivity. Nevertheless, at the beginning of the 90s Body Shop seemed to have lost its magic growth formula. The main problems faced by the company were its inability to align and prioritize stakeholders interests, as well as its lack of agility and flexibility to evolve and adapt to external changes. One of the main causes was the companys low Proactivity. An initial opportunity was pursued by Body Shop due to its leader believes, vision, anecdotic and lucky events, but afterwards the company was never able to plan its behavior in anticipation of emerging trends and threats (competition, globalization, expansion) and therefore leverage its first mover advantage in the CSR field. Body Shops principal conflict of interest was with Franchises, one of its main partners and stakeholders. The company adopted this model of expansion which was initially appropriate due to its low risk (self financing), but failed in improving and controlling the network. Headquarters was not capable of implementing a control system over franchises, critical during an expansion stage, although a strict and time consuming selection was made. Some franchises were becoming unhappy, not aligned with the companys principles and unmotivated with the business and the concept. Some expressed concern about Anitas ethical and political blowups, but the bottom line was they were not profitable and felt they didnt received support and attention from headquarters. This was especially the case of independent franchises, which to date still represent 29% of the shops, who complained they were discriminated in favor of company owned ones. Body Shop is subcontracting its main asset (relationship with customers) to franchises, so they must align them. They contribute with important start up investments and royalties (5%), as well as with their knowledge and expertise about customers and markets. Vertical integration (buying back unmotivated franchises) is an alternative, but the basic problem will not be solved until they can regain control over the network and exercise legitimate authority over them, by means of implementing rules, standards, and hierarchies (Bureaucracy). Conflicts also started with other stakeholders, such as customers, investors, and even employees (complacency), mainly due to Anitas increasingly political actions. Body Shops brand and image started to deteriorate as consequence of public debates about the companys 100% natural products, best practices, thirst for publicity, hypocritical attitude and populist campaigning. That is, the companys real CSR intentions were questioned and there was a tendency to believe Body Shop expressed social concern just for selling. Potentially, customers could be lost and sales affected, as well as shareholders interests in terms of value creation (dividends, capital gains). Anita was over focusing on social activism and was indifferent to businesses bottom line: Profitability. Some of the key issues not addressed correctly by the company were their unawareness of industry changes and competitors reaction, as well as their failure in preparing an international expansion. Premium competitors such as Aveda, Lush and Origins began offering natural products, exercising pressure over Body Shop, who was not successfully innovating anymore and whose products were starting to be perceived as low end with premium price. The companys decision to expand internationally was a sensible one due to economies of scale (it was depending to much on the UK) and scope and to position itself as a global player in the cosmetic industry with the best CSR practices. However, they neither performed detailed market researches nor prepared the organizations structure for such an expansion. The U. S. market was a different one, with a diverse consumer base less concerned with environmental issues but product and price driven, less brand loyal and in where there was a tough competition, especially through advertisement; a bigger and less controllable market with few common characteristics with the English one. The Body Shop has two alternatives for international expansion: full penetration in the U. S. market with previous market segmentation, offering tailored products and services through convenient channels (gain support and capture malls) or a strategy of light penetration in the U. S. combined with focus in other potential foreign ventures, although not with the same size as the American one (Asia Pacific, Continental Europe, etc). In each case, Body Shop must train intensively to local staff, keep their values, refine their marketing strategy locally (strong advertisement in U. S. arket for example), meet local regulatory demands and continuously monitor and control implementations. In order to successfully transit to the next stage of its organizational life cycle, the Collective Stage, Body Shop should have changed its Roddicks centered organization, in were decision making was only a matter of its leaders. An informal organization was suitable when having few shops; size increase and global expansion demands a formal organization with defined control systems, strict acc ountability, increased bureaucracy and suitable information technology for information flow. A regional structure with decentralized decision making is necessary for gaining international advantage by means of national responsiveness (Multinational Corporation) and future global integration (Global Corporation). Knowledge transfer, headquarters planning, formalization and global teams coordination are key elements. Finally, leadership changes are necessary in order to avoid the organization dependency on Anita and to bring refreshing ideas and industrys best practices. Once a company is public, it needs to operate in its shareholders benefit, so focus should be profits over passion, and agency problems should be avoided, although founders legacy and best practices should be kept. Adrian Bellamy, an ex director who entered the company through a joint venture, is the actual CEO of the Body Shop, after the Roddicks stepped down due to investor pressures. Actually Anita is a consultant, and Bellamy should use Anitas knowledge and expertise in marketing and product development issues in favor of the company; let her continue travel and innovate! Body Shop should maintain its CSR advantage but also refocus its efforts in product development and retailing (franchises), taking into account characteristics of individual markets (adaptive vs. global). Cost reductions, new product launches and packaging, extension of successful ranges, promotions, refreshing store formats, new channels of distribution (Internet), I/T systems support (actually implementing SAP), are some suggested actions in order to re position the brand as one offering credible products at affordable prices. Will Body Shop achieve Sustainable Growth? Anitas legacy (CSR, innovation), together with good business management could make the company return to the success path. Although managing stakeholders relationships is not an easy and straightforward task, the company has still an important network of key partners (franchises) and a brand with global reach, within a sector (personal care) with potential and in were there are still opportunities for expansion.

Profile of Anton Chekhovs Life and Career

Profile of Anton Chekhovs Life and Career The Origins of a Storyteller Born in 1860, Anton Chekhov grew up in the Russian town of Taganrog. He spent much of his childhood quietly sitting in his fathers fledgling grocery store. He watched the customers and listened to their gossip, their hopes, and their complaints. Early on, he learned to observe the everyday lives of humans. His ability to listen would become one of his most valuable skills as a storyteller. Anton Chekhovs Youth His father, Paul Chekhov, grew up in an impoverished family. Antons grandfather was actually a serf in Czarist Russia, but through hard work and thriftiness, he purchased his familys freedom. Young Antons father became a self-employed grocer, but the business never prospered and eventually fell apart. Monetary woes dominated Chekhovs childhood. Due to his experiences with poverty, financial conflicts are prominent in his plays and fiction. Full-Time Medical Student / Part-Time Writer Despite economic hardship, Chekhov was a talented student. In 1879, he left Taganrog to attend medical school in Moscow. Due to his familys poverty, he felt the pressure of being the head of the household. Chekhov needed a way to make money without abandoning school. Writing stories provided a solution. He began writing humorous stories for local newspapers and journals. Although paid very little at first, Chekhov was a prolific humorist. By the time he was in his fourth year of medical school, he had caught the attention of several editors. By 1883, his stories were earning him not only money but notoriety. Chekhovs Literary Purpose As a writer, Chekhov did not subscribe to a particular religion or political affiliation. He wanted to satirize not preach. At the time, artists and scholars debated the purpose of literature. Some felt that literature should offer life instructions. Others felt that art should simply exist to please. For the most part, Chekhov agreed with the latter view. The artist must be, not the judge of his characters and of what they say, but merely a dispassionate observer. Anton Chekhov Chekhov the Playwright Because of his fondness for dialogue, Chekhov felt drawn to the theater. His early plays such as Ivanov and The Wood Demon artistically dissatisfied him. In 1895 he began working on a rather original theatrical project: The Seagull. It was a play that defied many of the traditional elements of common stage productions. It lacked plot and it focused on many interesting yet emotionally static characters. The Seagull - The Breakthrough Play In 1896 The Seagull received a disastrous response on opening night. The audience actually booed during the first act. Fortunately, innovative directors Konstantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danechenko believed in Chekhovs work. Their new approach to drama invigorated audiences. The Moscow Art Theatre restaged The Seagull and created a triumphant crowd-pleaser. The Later Plays Soon after, the Moscow Art Theatre, led by Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danechenko, produced the rest of Chekhovs masterpieces: Uncle Vanya (1899)The Three Sisters (1900)The Cherry Orchard (1904) Chekhovs Love Life The Russian storyteller played with themes of romance and marriage, but throughout most of his life he did not take love seriously. He had occasional affairs, but he did not fall in love until he met Olga Knipper, an up-and-coming Russian actress. They were very discreetly married in 1901. Chekhov the Playwright Olga not only starred in Chekhovs plays, she also deeply understood them. More than anyone in Chekhovs circle, she interpreted the subtle meanings within the plays. For example, Stanislavski thought The Cherry Orchard was a tragedy of Russian life. Olga instead knew that Chekhov intended it to be a gay comedy, one that almost touched upon farce. Olga and Chekhov were kindred spirits, though they did not spend much time together. Their letters indicate that they were very affectionate to one another. Sadly, their marriage would not last very long, due to Chekhovs failing health. Chekhovs Final Days At the age of 24, Chekhov began showing signs of tuberculosis. He tried to ignore this condition; however, by his early 30s, his health had deteriorated beyond denial. When The Cherry Orchard opened in 1904, tuberculosis has ravaged his lungs. His body was visibly weakened. Most of his friends and family knew the end was near. Opening night of The Cherry Orchard became a tribute filled with speeches and heartfelt thanks. It was their was of saying goodbye to Russias greatest playwright. On July 14th, 1904, Chekhov stayed up late working on yet another short story. After going to bed, he suddenly awoke and summoned a doctor. The physician could do nothing for him but offer a glass of champagne. Reportedly, his final words were, Its a long time since I drank champagne. Then, after drinking the beverage, he died Chekhovs Legacy During and after his lifetime, Anton Chekhov was adored throughout Russia. Aside from his beloved stories and plays, he is also remembered as a humanitarian and a philanthropist. While living in the country, he often attended to the medical needs of the local peasants. Also, he was renowned for sponsoring local writers and medical students. His literary work has been embraced throughout the world. While many playwrights create intense, life-or-death scenarios, Chekhovs plays offer everyday conversations. Readers cherish his extraordinary insight into the lives of the ordinary. References Malcolm, Janet, Reading Chekhov, a Critical Journey, Granta Publications, 2004 edition.Miles, Patrick (ed), Chekhov on the British Stage, Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Case study on MABUCHI MOTORS CO. LTD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Case study on MABUCHI MOTORS CO. LTD - Essay Example (Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.). The strategic management of Mabuchi Motor Co. Ltd., has come in for acclaim for its use of innovation in products, processes, and management techniques that has made the company a formidable business enterprise. This was rewarded by, Mabuchi Motor Company becoming one of the first four Japanese companies to receive the Porter Prize in 2002. (New Porter Prize Awarded in Japan). Mabuchi Motor Co. Ltd. has concentrated on market and production location diversification, while hanging on to its limited product range strategy. (Goerzen, A., 1998). This strategy of Mabuchi, enables it to concentrate all its efforts into its single product, and consolidate these efforts to give it opportunities into diverse markets. This also signifies the strong confidence of Mabuchi in its product enhancement to meet new challenges in the market for small electric motors. The disadvantage of a single product portfolio is that it makes the creation of adequate demand for the product a very significant factor. Mabuchi has turned this disadvantage into an opportunity, as it strives to meet customer requirements within its narrow product base. The Germany Company, Braun is the largest manufacturers of electric razors, and approached Mabuchi with an attractive proposal to enlarge its product base by developing an electric motor without a steel core. Mabuchi refused this offer, but t ook this up as challenge, and convinced Braun on the true capabilities of its steel-core electric motors, and developed a motor for Braun at roughly one-tenth the price of the motor that was in use at that time by Braun. This endeavor of Mabuchi has made it the sole supplier of small electric motors to Braun. The ability of Mabuchi to develop electric motors for diverse application provides it with a window of opportunity for finding new markets. (Hiroaki, N.). The prices of the products of Mabuchi are extremely competitive. This is because of

Dental statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Dental statistics - Essay Example In other words, the given mean is calculated from the whole population and the other one is from a sample. Yes, increase in sample size will affect the mean value and it will produce a different result from the result which is calculated from sample size of 30 20-year-old dental students. In fact more accurate results can be obtained by increasing the sample size because more cases are under consideration by increasing sample size. Changes in sample size produce different result because frequencies corresponding to different values of variable (missing teeth) change by changing the sample size. For example if we consider a sample of 35 20-year-old dental students and their frequency distribution is given as; So, it is clear from the above example, if we change the sample size the value of mean also changes. The mean value of sample of 35 is more accurate than the mean value of sample size of 30. Similarly, the standard deviation of later is also less which means that the value of variable in the data of large size is cluster near the sample mean. A survey was conducted to determine the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth of 20 year old dental students in a particularly country. It was not possible to check out all the 20 year old dental students of a country therefore, a group of 30 students of age 20 years was taken from the population and observed. It was observed that the student took number of missing teeth from 0 to 12. The mean value calculated from the observed values is 5.967; it means that most of the students in the sample have 6 decayed, missing and filled teeth. With the help of mean and frequencies standard deviation has also been calculated which gives an idea of dispersion of number of missing teeth from 6. The standard deviation is 3.05 which reflect that there is less dispersion in the data. In other words, that number of missing teeth of students in the sample size of 30 has

Balance scorecard advantages Essay Example for Free

Balance scorecard advantages Essay 1. More comprehensive measurement The explanation of a more comprehensive measurement is a measurement of company’s performance as one whole body with each of the 4 perspectives. The company will not consider just one perspective as the standard of the company succeed, but it will consider the causal or reciprocal relationship between all of those 4 perspectives. 2. A balanced work The measurement reached by making a balance scorecard which includes all of those 4 perspectives in the company whether in a short-time period or long-time period creates an ability to see the balanced view of the company to make a strong strategy. The well-made balanced strategy itself will bring a good and balanced performance both for the company as an organization also for those 4 perspectives in the company. 3. Creates a real measurement A balance scorecard allows the company to translate the strategy into specific measurement so the company know what it has been done, what it should do, and how the company can do the things specifically in order to achieve the target in the measurement. The measurement could also be used in the learning-process of the company’s life. 4. Increase efficiency The balance scorecard method facilitates communication and understanding about the business goals in each level of perspectives so those perspectives can examine what part of their strategy must be reduced in order to increase efficiency. It also can help the company to align the key performance measured to the business strategies in each level of perspectives. It also reduced the vast amount of information that the company IT systems process into essentials. 5. Improve decisions and better solutions Through the openness of communication, people are more freely to express and share their creative and unique ideas. Beside that, the communication makes a transparency among the entire organizations. With a mix of creative ideas and better transparency will bring a company to achieve an improvement in the decisions making process. People can analyze and select the best method of how to achieve the business target through the entire organization.

Skakespeare and his style of writing Essay -- William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s plays are a product of the Elizabethan theatrical context in which they were first performed. A lot of pressure was put on Shakespeare as he wrote his plays because he was not allowed to upset the royal family. His style would have been different than others in those times and a lot more thought has gone into his writing than people listening would think. Usually, the audience take for granted the cleverness and thought of Shakespeare’s writing, however, now we have studied and gone into great detail about Shakespeare’s writing, we can appreciate it more than they did: The Globe Theatre was where Shakespeare had most of his plays performed. It had many decorations to make it look appealing and to try and to make it seem expensive and luxurious. The Globe Theatre was built in just 6 months between 1597 and 1598 just outside central London. The Thames River separated it from St Paul’s cathedral. The Globe was made in a round circular shape. This meant that at least one actor would have their back to the audience, however, this would not have mattered because the audience came mainly to hear the play – not to see it. When you were buying a seat for the theatre, the most expensive seats would not be the ones with the best view, they would be the closest ones in order to hear better. Also, these seats would be facing towards the audience, which means that everyone would see them, meaning fame. The Globe would usually be packed with decorations and ornaments. These would have nothing to do with the play, it was used to make the theatre look more attractive/expensive. Lots of people would come to see the plays. They would do this because Shakespeare’s plays were not published at that time so the public would want to see it... ...re can’t stop, Lodovico says â€Å"What, not to pray?† (Really important to pray because religion is coming back). Then Cassio says â€Å"Most heathenish† (outside of religion now, oh no!) Examples of bringing back power in Act Five Scene Two are: Montano says, â€Å"Come guard the door without, let him not pass† showing that now he is in charge. Then Lodovico says â€Å"And Cassio rules in Cyprus.† telling everyone in other words that he has authority and he is in charge. Royalty always has to come back and take over otherwise the royals in real life could get offended. We can now see the relation between the ending of Hamlet, and the ending of Othello. They both end with royalty coming back into power and everything returns back to the way it should be. This is how Shakespeare’s plays are a product of the Elizabethan theatrical context in which they were first performed.

The Ethical Dilemma Faced by Lemessurier

Saving Citicorp Tower The city group center was a unique example that shows what engineers can accomplish. The location where the group of engineers was trying to locate the building already had a church at that location. Instead of demolishing the church, they built around it. In the beginning they decided that the building will be built on columns that will raise the building above the level of the church. Normally a raise building would have large columns on the four corners. Unfortunately, one of the corners would be directly through the church.Engineers define ways to move the column to the middle of the side of the building while still maintaining the structural integrity of the building. LeMessurier later found out that if the wind blows quarterly the building is not going to be protected, by the time the large wind blows. The additional loads will be brought down an imaginatively designed trussed frame, which incorporated wind braces on the outside of the tower. By the time w hen LeMessurier discovered the problem had to act quickly. He decided to step up and face the mistake, even though the price to deal with the problem could be outrageous.The ethical dilemma faced by LeMessurier was between the responsibility of the building and the safety of the public. The conflict between his duties to various financial entities verses ensuring the safety of that building would come into play. LesMessurier avoided the nightmare of death by simply changing a structures design, even though the changes could affect his professional reputation. He still decided to step up and make a change to save thousands of people, like engineering codes dictate. Read also â€Å"Glengarry Glen Ross†Ã‚   by David MametLeMessurier is courage serves as a great example of engineering excellence in that he dealt with his error and he was not afraid of risking getting fired by the industry. For me, I don’t think I would have the ability and faith to step up to make a change, since this mistake would make me responsible for so much and could lead to future difficulty , so I believe that would not be the thing I would do. But looking at it on LeMessurier’s side, he was an experienced expert in this field and I believe the way how he steps up to make people actually listen to him and follow his direction is admirable.