Harley davidson Essay Example

Harley davidson Paper The video presents a Harley riding family as they venture from California to Milwaukee. The film presents footage of these popular machines, along with a look at the various types of people who consider themselves motorcycle enthusiasts. Having Embedded Into films, movies, and American culture, the high quality motorbikes became American legends ranking Harley Davidson Motor Cycles Company brand, logo and name among the worlds leading companies. In incense Harley Davidson is the Spirit of America. But Harley Davidson Motor Cycles Company offered a unique product during this period of 100 years such that there were high barriers for entry for other competitors Into he high quality motorbikes that It offered to Its most popular market, the American people. Financial difficulties in the sasss led to the parent company, MAP putting the motorcycle division up for sale. Lack of buyers, a group of Harley managers bought out the company and rescued it with a business turnaround that included brand extensions into licensed goods, such as apparel and related accessories. Now a publicly owned company, Harley has scored double-digit growth for eighteen consecutive years. Harley transformed Itself Into a strong marketing company with a Men From Hell, who meet up with new friends along their route is mentioned in the documentary. Michael Lighter, a photographer who has taken motorcycle images. Later, a large group of Harley riders hit an art gallery to check out and chat about Lighters work. Another big segment of the documentary is devoted to women of all ages who have moved on from riding on the back of the seat on to their own Harley, and the brand has responded by making bikes optimized for women. We will write a custom essay sample on Harley davidson specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Harley davidson specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Harley davidson specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Finally, towards the end of the video, it tells more about the Hells Angels and the charity work they do. Theres also more about some of the famed yearly rides. It is very interesting about their marketing management to make Harley Davidson becomes the spirit of America. Case analysis The Harley-Davidson Corporation has been dominating the motorcycle industry for many decades. Today, it continues to have a strong presence in the American market. The mission statement of the company is To fulfill dreams through the experience of motorcycling, by providing to motorcyclists and to the general public and expanding line of motorcycles and branded products and services in selected market segments. Harley-Davidson, Inc. Is the parent company for the group of companies doing equines as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Bull Motorcycle Company and Harley- Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company manufactures five families of motorcycles: Supporters 8, Dana Glide, Softball 8, Touring and VRRP. Bull Motorcycles Company produces sport motorcycles, including four big-twin CB models, and the single-cylinder Bull Blast 8. Bull also offers a line of motorcycles parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provide wholesale and retail financing and insurance pogroms primarily to Harley- Davidson/Bull dealers and customers. This case could be analysis by using: S. W. O. T. Analysts Strengths According to the video, Harley-Davidson celebrated its 100-year anniversary. Over the past century, the company has created a strong brand image and a loyal customer base. It maintains a close relationship with its customers through a variety of program, such as Hog Owners Group (H. O. G. ), product offerings and events such as Daytona, motor shows, and rallies. In addition, Harley-Davidson has a strong financial position, excellent supply chain management, and a superior product line, which are enabled through creative engineering technology and design. Due to the decline in the market share to Japanese companies in the seventies, Harley-Davidson phased out its weak models, becoming more selective in targeting a specific customer segment and limiting sales and promotion. This strategy created a niche market for their bikes in which the company enjoys a strong position today. Weaknesses First, the company is in its maturity stage and, unless it manages to protect its position, it will be faced with the decline period again. Secondly, the companys products are expensive, which limits them to a specific niche in the market and makes it difficult to grow their customer base. They also have a wait-list for certain products, which can create a substitute effect. Lastly, they are lacking a strong presence in Europe. Opportunity There are various opportunities in the market for Harley-Davidson today, especially with the introduction of the new V-Rod motorcycle. The company has the innovator status advantage in the Performance Cruiser class market segment. They are expanding their partnerships with various European manufacturers, which should increase the presence of Harley-Davidson products in Europe. The corporation is well positioned to attract younger customers, and the company has plenty of room for Roth due to the high demands for its products. Threats Harley-Davidson is facing rigorous competition from Japanese manufacturers, specifically Honda and Yamaha. Yamaha targets the low-end market by providing a variety of products at affordable costs. Yamahas core competencies are small engines, electronic control, and fiberglass reinforced plastic. Yamaha is currently focusing on increasing its global competitive position. Honda is one of Harley- Davidson strongest competitors and is responsible for one-third of all motorcycle sales in the U. S. It has a strong financial base and reliable products. It continues to improve the performance of its motorcycles by focusing on fuel efficiency and lower emissions. In addition, Honda is beginning to increase its performance in the market by introducing information technology tools through its dealerships. These tools help increase dealer performance and create a more positive experience for the customer. The Marketing Mix In order to overcome the problems that Harley Davidson faced in the early sass and help the company regain its market share, a restructuring plan was implemented. Terrain developed an innovative system known as Circles of Management for ringing both workers and dealers together and involving them in taking key decisions relating to the company. A new marketing philosophy was developed based on the desires of the customers and Harley made efforts to position motorcycles as a lifestyle product. Product It was only grey color motorcycles that was offered to its customers and provided three basic styles at the time when Harley was formed. However, the company realized that in order to survive, it had to offer more choice to its customers. Harley realized that it would not be possible to compete with the Japanese manufacturers on the pricing front. This was because manufacturers like Honda not only manufactured a low-priced high-quality product, but also spent heavily on advertising their products. Place Harley started selling its motorcycles through its dealers in 1904. The companys first dealer was CHI Lang of Chicago, Illinois (Refer to Exhibit IV for the number of H-Dos full-line dealer outlets in the US). All the dealers were independent individuals with a business orientation. Promotion Over the decades, Harley had adopted several strategies to promote its motorcycle brand. The products were sold to retail customers mainly through dealer promotions, customer events, and advertising through national television, print, radio, direct mailings, and through advertising on the Internet. Recommendations Harley buyers said, When they are buying a Harley, they are buying an image and a lifestyle first and a motorcycle second. But, Harley-Davidson has to do more to ensure another 100 years of success. I would recommend that Harley do a few things differently. First, they could have researched the literature on what types of problems mechanistic manufacturing organizations face when they try to implement an ERP system in a highly inflexible environment. There was enough research and case analysis available to do this. While they were clearly aware of potential change resistance and the need to get all stakeholders involved, the amount of time their search and selection process required was ridiculous in todays business environment. We speculate that the sheer demand and high prices of their product allowed them to wallow in their inefficiencies a few more years before they had to bite the bullet. Second, obtaining the advice of experienced software and supply chain consultants earlier in the process probably could have saved some time and created a defined focus. Often, managers use the discipline and recommendations of insulates to reinforce the need for organizational change. With the purchasing process out of control, they could have brought in some purchasing expertise to clean up some of the mess before selecting a software system to help organize the process. Third, we questioned the research methods and bias of the data. However, if Harley eventually got what they wanted and it turned out to be a success for them, then perhaps their methods were valid. Harley buyers is 46, compared with an industry average of 38. This could have a damaging affect on consumers perception of a Harley being the old guys bike. Harley-Davidson produces only heavyweight motorcycles that are categorized into touring and cruiser motorcycles. To be successful here, Harley needs to provide smaller, easier to handle, comfortable, and good quality bikes to build up brand loyalty. The European market has great potential for Harley-Davidson since Europeans have higher disposable income and enjoy a higher standard of living. To succeed in this market, Harley-Davidson would have to modify their products to meet local needs, expand its distribution networks, and create strong customer service. Nowadays, as the feelings of American patriotism are so strong, Harley-Davidson deeds to continue to strengthen its positioning strategy by building on the Own an American Icon slogan. In summary, Harley-Davidson should capitalize on its current reputation and success by rapidly increasing demand, and by expanding its product line to reach new consumer markets, especially overseas. It needs to target a younger, technologically conscious and affluent market segment in order to increase its share of the market. The company is well positioned to attract younger customers and they have plenty of room for growth due to the high demands for its products. They also need to set an appropriate pricing strategy, in order to appeal to a wider market segment. Conclusion A feeling of independent, individualism, and freedom is what the Harley-Davidson sells. Theses strong emotional connections have made Harley-Davidson ownership much more of a lifestyle than merely a product consumption experience. To support that lifestyle, the company recognizes that its most important marketing tools is the network of individuals who ride Harley. Harley has adopted those management techniques and building a solid base between the management and the Unions/ employees made it possible for Harley-Davidson to improve its management processes. The realization of the importance of customer feedback led Harley to develop new marketing techniques. We can clearly see the impact Harveys improved manufacturing process, which consisted of: SIT, E, and SOC had on their continuously improving environment. The degree of relationship, loyalty, connection with consumers, the development of brand and product type and innovate new products regularly make Harley Davidson a strong brand, and never be afraid of any competitors. By the Journey and what they have managed and run their business sakes me no wonder why Harley Davidson has become a true American icon. Questions and Answer marketing success? Answer Harley Davidson has considered itself more than motorcycles, but they are legends. It is an American icon brand. When concerning most motorcycle owners have purchased their bikes as a second vehicle, using them more during weekends and free time instead of during the workweek. This implies that the motorcycles serve for recreational riding purposes. In the United States, Harley-Davidson has had much success because of responding the market trends and tastes people enjoy. Moreover, Harley-Davidson has position itself in the motorcycle industry is differentiate itself from its competitors by offering motorcycles that have more power, custom accessories, and carry the Harley-Davidson brand name and logo. Creating a sense of not only a motorcycle for a sport traveling, but also a chance for riders to meeting, riding, and sharing trip and vacation together. More important is building a strong sense of unity and harmony among them too. There are some key factors of Harley Davidson market success include having a strong and adaptable brand image, avian a strong marketing effort (both domestically and globally), and having a strong network of dealers. Harley-Davidson has found ways to turn these factors into strengths while pursuing a strategy using focused differentiation to sell its products. Harley-Davidson has created a network among its clients known as the Harley Owners Groups (HOG) which allows for people in certain geographic regions who own Harley-Davidson motorcycles to socialize or ride with other owners. 2. How does Harley Davidson build long-term customer relationships? As the matter of fact that Harley-Davidson produced the best quality motorcycle, customer satisfaction is their motto and its customers can experience the taste of reality of motorcycle dreams by relaying their satisfaction on them. Harley-Davidson is dedicated to use the advanced technology to produce the most superior motorcycle in domestic and international markets. The Harley has a strategy to build strong relationships with customers and dealers with varieties of activities like events, rallies, road-trip, festival or parade continuously. So the people both domestic and worldwide increase their recognition and making Harley Davidson brand loyalty to become a legend and a dream of many people who would like to own. Moreover, when a person buys a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, they receive a free I-year membership to the Harley Owners Group (HOG), which was developed in 1983 as a program to keep people active with their Harley especially keeps the company close to its customer. These are two major building blocks for long-term customer relationships. One is customer satisfaction and the other is adding customer value. First of all, Harley Davidson builds long term customer relationships by all kind of to customers. Harley Davidson has also embedded the American culture of customers and which help creating loyal customers. . What is Harley Davidson value proposition? Harley-Davidson stands for independence, freedom, individuality, expressing ones self, adventure on the open road, and experiencing life to its fullest. Harley-Davidson has a value mentally greater than the value to applications. Harley-Davidson has a unique and illustrates the lifestyle of the American people. It is a dream of many people who have owned or ridden caused lot of pride. Creating a common experience between the brand and the consumer over 100 years of Harley-Davidson, so the customers caused relationship and the value of Harley-Davidson together. Individuality, expressing ones self, adventure on the open road, and experiencing life to its fullest. This is what people are buying when they buy a Harley. 4. Relate the concept of customer equity to Harley-Davidson. How does Harley Davidson strategy focus on the right relationships with the right customers? Harley-Davidson made a detailed plan to analyze customers need and their consumption potential. Developing club marketing to keep long-term customer relation is the base of right relation and right customer. Harley-Davidson understands the power of a deep connection to a client is a true brand. They benefit room a long cycle life and indispensable to bring revenue and competitive advantage. So the thing that makes them different from one another. The belief that the consumer owns the brand, not the company has any idea on this. Consumers have become the people we need to build relationships. Harley Davidson strategy focuses on the right relationships with the right customers by gathering meaningful customer insights, utilizing new marketing technology and has kept in connection with customers to asses their needs so that Harley Davidson can building a strong and attractive brand and a product that can satisfy these needs.

Aids 1 essays

Aids 1 essays AIDS Related Stigma Since the appearance of AIDS in the late seventies and early eighties, the disease has had attached to it a significant social stigma. This stigma has manifested itself in the form of discrimination, avoidance and fear of people living with AIDS (PLWAs). As a result, the social implications of the disease have been extended from those of other life threatening conditions to the point at which PLWAs are not only faced with a terminal illness but also social isolation and constant discrimination throughout society. Various explanations have been suggested as to the underlying causes of this stigmatization. Many studies point to the relationship the disease has with deviant behavior. Others suggest that fear of contagion is the actual culprit. Examining the existing literature and putting it into societal context leads one to believe that there is no one cause. Instead, there would appear to be a collection of associated factors that influence societys att itudes towards AIDS and PLWAs. As the number of people infected with HIV increases, social workers are and will be increasingly called upon to deal with and serve PLWAs. Although not all social workers chose to work with PLWAs, the escalating incidence of HIV infection is creating a situation in which sera positive people are and will be showing up more often in almost all areas of social work practice. This paper aims to examine AIDS related stigma and the stigmatization process, hopefully providing insights into countering the effects of stigma and perhaps the possibility of destigmatization. This is of particular pertinence to the field of social work due to our growing involvement with the HIV positive population. Association to Deviant/Marginal Behavior one of the most clearly and often identified causes of AIDS related stigma is its association to deviant behavior. The disease has had and still does have a strong associ...

Starbucks Cafe Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Starbucks Cafe - Assignment Example Today Starbucks Cafà © has divided its product into multiple segments. The first segment is its core customer base that visits the establishments on a weekly basis. These customers are the bread and butter of the business since the generated the firm most of its revenues. The second segment the company is targeting is Starbucks enthusiasts that want to incorporate a daily routine of Starbucks coffee drinking without the hassle of going to the store. The segmentation strategy has been accomplished by selling Starbucks coffee products at supermarkets. The third market segmentation is the penetration of Starbucks into the low end coffee market. The strategy was implemented without hurting the brand value of the company by rebranding Seattle Best Coffee. Seattle Best Coffee was a perfect product to compete with the new players in the gourmet coffee industry such as Dunking Donuts and McCafe. The new product could be sold at locations that Starbucks in the past did not visualize as suita ble for its products such as fast foods and cinemas.Sometimes in business choosing an accelerated growth strategy can have consequences in the long run. The company simply grew too fast. The company became so large that they saturated the United States market with too many coffee shops. The growth was amazing and its founder and the shareholders that invested in the firm from the start should be proud of their accomplishment. Now the problem lies in the expectations of the current and future shareholders. It is unrealistic to predict that Starbucks will ever return to the profit growth it once enjoyed. The organic growth model saw its demise in 2008. The firm will continue to generate good solid profits. It is highly possible for the firm to experience negative growth. Some stores have been closed already and I expect more stores to close down in the United States in the near future. The only way for the firm to achieve sales growth in the future is by expanding its international op erations. The company has to identify the best locations that offer a good balance between population size, customer income, low competition, and the high demand for coffee.

ASP.NET and the three tier architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ASP.NET and the three tier architecture - Essay Example The user interface or the front end of the website with all the static and dynamic pages that are visible to the end user is the presentation layer. The presentation layer can be developed as soon as the design of the website has been finalized. The HTML (HyperText Markup Language) pages and the CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are coded to develop the template for the front end (Ramirez, 2000). It is essential that this layer is user – friendly and has a simple and effective set of navigation rules. The presentation layer just displays the data to the end user and it never communicates directly with the database. The business layer has the business logic for the website operations. It can also be said that the data for the dynamic sections of the template are rendered by the business layer and also the user inputs are validated and processed by the business layer. The business layer acts as a mediator between the data layer and the presentation layer (Mitchell, 2006). The business logic for the operation of the web application resides in the business layer. By having the entire business logic in a separate layer, it is every effective to modify the logic in this layer and the content gets modified in the presentation layer automatically at all necessary locations. The data layer interacts with the database using stored procedures and queries to retrieve or store data in the database. The data is returned to the business layer which then processes the data and passes it on to the presentation layer accordingly. By separating the data layer, it is very simple to create functions (in this case, stored procedure) once and use them at all required places in the business layer. This reduces the code repetition to a great extent and also makes the code maintenance process very efficient. It is clear that the various parts of the functions of a client – server architecture have

Overture to “William Tell” by Gioachino Rossini Essay Example for Free

Overture to â€Å"William Tell† by Gioachino Rossini Essay 1. Date: 2-3-13 2. Place: Pope Joy Hall 3. Name of ensemble(s) performing: Albuquerque Youth Symphony included string ensembles of the Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass, and. The Woodwinds Ensemble included the Flute-Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon; Brass Ensemble included the French horn, Trumpet, Trombone, and the Tuba. As well as the Percussion ensemble. As well as a Keyboard ensemble the Harp 3. Describe the concert venue and where you sat (i.e.: balcony): I took my twelve-year-old stepdaughter with me and we stood out side for about five minutes waiting in line to purchase tickets. Upon entering Pope Joy Hall, we were greeted by an information booth that was filled with flyers and pamphlets and programs to all different venues of art, from orchestras to plays. Lindsey asked me wide eyed; do all these things mean that this is what is showing or playing here? I looked at her and smiled and replied, yes this is Pope Joy Hall, UNM Center for the Arts and they have a variety of things going on all the time. We grabbed some information on what we would like to come and see and headed to the first theater on the left. We walked up to the entrance doors to the theater and were greeted by two very friendly greeters, who handed us our programs. Then, we entered the double doors and were greeted by an eager usher who politely guided us through hand and arm gestures to go down the left isle. Therefore, Lindsey and I sat together in the lower level on the left side middle end row seats. Once seated, I realized that this theater is set up like a small sized concert hall that would typically be set up for an indoor classical music venue. It was very nice and cozy every one was dressed casual to semi-formal and Lindsey was in awe, she had never experienced anything like this before. 4. Were there any spoken remarks about the concert? Yes? No?: Yes If yes, describe generally, what was said: They started with announcements by that first welcomed everyone to the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, and to state that they are audio and video recording the event and we can if we haven’t already signed up for a copy, we can still do so out side the double doors during intermission or after the concert. Then they went over the program pointing out the fundraiser and the new solar panels that are going to be installed in the near future. Thirdly, they made an announcement about a very special Concertos’ Cellist Kayla Mathes, and announced that she was chosen to be a part of the National Youth Orchestra, in New York this summer and touring to Moscow and London with the group. Lastly, they went over the sponsors and then introduced the symphony. 5. Which genres of music were performed? i.e.: symphony, concerto etc.: The Albuquerque Youth Symphony performed an Overture to â€Å"William Tell† by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868), Triumphal March from â€Å"Aida† by Guiseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Prelude and Liebestod from â€Å"Tristan and Isolde† by Richard Wagner (1813-1883) as well as the Concerto for Violoncello and orchestra in E minor by Edward Elgar (1857-1934). 6. Were any of the works programmatic (music with literary or pictorial? Associations)? Yes No: Yes. If yes, which compositions were programmatic? : Overture to â€Å"William Tell† by Gioachino Rossini a beautifully written piece of music especially of considerable size and complexity. As well as, the Concerto for Violoncello and orchestra in E minor by Edward Elgar, which was filled with raw emotion. 7. Choose two complete works from the program and fill in the blanks: Composition #1: Name of Composer: Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) Composition Title: Overture to â€Å"William Tell† Movements/ Tempo markings, if through-written, just leave blank: I. III. II. IV. Historical Era of Work: Rossinis’ Overture to â€Å"William Tell† is a mixture of baroque from (1600-1750) classical from (1750-1820) and romantic from (1820-1900). Choose from: Medieval pre-1450, Renaissance – 1450-1600, Baroque 1600-1750, Classical 1750 – 1820, Romantic 1820 – 1900, 20th Century 1901 – 2000, 21st Century 2001 Present Name any solo voice or featured instruments: None Composition #2: Name of Composer: Edward Elgar (1857-1934). Composition Title: Concerto for Violoncello and orchestra in E minor. Movements/ Tempo markings, if through-written, just leave blank: I. III. II. IV. Allegro Historical Era of Work (see description above): Romantic from 1820-1900 and 20th Century from 1901-2000. Name any featured (solo) instruments or vocalists: Kala Mathes solo Cellist. In the space below legibly write a brief narrative summarizing the two pieces listed above. If you prefer, you may attach a typed summary to this page. Choose among these items to discuss: Describe mode, meter, tempo, dynamics, texture. Was the music more consonant or dissonant? Did it have frequent accents, syncopation or modulation? Did the melodies move more in conjunct or disjunct motion? Was there a voice or instrument timbre that affected you emotionally? Rossini’s overture starts with a dawdling introduction and spry melodies invariably leads to an immense crescendo passage, in which Rossini replicates a motif several times, adding instruments and volume with each repetition. Then out of the stillness, a single cello rises sorrowfully from a low E along an arpeggiated cord through an E-minor chord to a high B, 2 ½ octaves higher, while the other cellos lend their harmony in E-minor. Slowly the first cello leads us toward a brighter atmosphere of E-major. Then adds a few pizzicato beats to lend influence and a fragile yet graceful rhythmic emphasis. While adding an overlap of a new, whirling motif by the violas and second violins, as they ask the question and it is answered with three detached chords from the piccolo, flute and oboes. As the tempo hastens the storm begins. I can hear and see the fickleness of falling rain in my mind and through syncopating the raindrops, it drops off the driving beat of the pizzicato double basses. I can feel the harmony as it darkens, mystifying, drawing me back to the ever so moody E-minor. With a monumental arrival of gestures from the violins and woodwinds, the storm unleashes its wrath over rolling the timpani’s, pounding bass drum and a fortissimo piece from the brass chords. Then the descending motif asks in a desolate torrent, that is answered by an equally and majestically ascending motif of the double basses, bassoons and trombones. The climax of cymbals cascading among the whirlwind motif of the flute, piccolo and violins leads into a beautiful breath taking G-major. This then overlaps with the trumpets blaring in E-major with the joining of horns and drums that hold on to a resonant B-major chord that resounded into a galloping anapestic rhythm. This unleashes the contrasting middle section in C-sharp minor that is dominated by a presto line for the strings and woodwinds. Then we find ourselves back to a galloping anapestic measure in E-major that again builds the excitement into the release of the finale. When the hair on my arms were raised, eyes were tear filled, knowing the story behind the music, the life of two brothers who never knew each other, met only once. As one bows down to the other in realization that the other is worthy of praise, honor and recognition, then honors him with an inspiring piece that succeeds to top the ending in triumph. Edward Elgars’ Concerto for Violoncello and orchestra in E minor was alive as it unfolded as an enthusiastically structured, requiem-like a constant outpouring of deep undiluted emotions. The opening of this piece begins with a characteristic of decently and nobly designing the score, is a flourish for the soloist Kala Mathes, and recurs throughout the concerto. The unmistakable main melody-at once was reflective, inspirational, beautiful, and transcendent emerged almost immediately with the violas, before Kala began to play the Cello. Throughout the piece of the movement the theme winds its way through various keys, A, C, G and E minor, while the secondary thematic notes emerge from the clarinets. Then Kalas’ opening flourished as it transformed into a pizzicato passage that appeared in staccato semiquavers. Then in the key of b flat, the Adagio seemed to make time stand still as the beautiful melodious musical lines sang its music of undeniable heartbreak. The symphony at this point was reduced to strings, clarinets, bassoons, and horns as Kala weaved in and out of the symphony fabric in an ever so eloquent song without words, this is where I had goose bumps all over, tears rolling down my face, the power and emotions were overwhelming, for even Lindsey was even crying. The finale nestled back into E minor and had a rondo-like feel to its main theme that echoed the opening. However, nothing could hide the fact that the core of the concerto as a whole is a disposition of acceptance, forbearance and finality. The Albuquerque Youth Symphony played with such passion; it was as if each person and their instrument were one moving in perfect harmony, rhyme, rhythm, body, mind, and spirit. One fluid entity or deity that entranced anyone within ear shot. It was beauty and serenity that was tremendously unbelievable.

Sharpie Brand Report Essay -- Business Analysis

Sharpie has been putting its mark on society as well as a variety of other surfaces since its inception in 1964. Today, Sharpie is the most popular choice of permanent marker in the world, available in over 20 countries. In the recent digital age, Sharpie was predicted to struggle as physical printing methods fell out of favor in exchange for keyboards and touch screens. However, parent company Newell Rubbermaid has taken some creative and unique marketing approaches to keep the Sharpie brand as a household name. New advertising methods, as well as embracing social media outlets such as Facebook have led to Sharpie becoming more popular than ever. Sharpie’s media purchases over the last decade have been very interaction oriented. Since 2009 Sharpie has shifted a large amount of their advertising attention to social media outlets, as well as many other non-media connectors. Sharpie has been getting up close and in touch with its consumers for most of the last decade, using professional athletes from various sports to promote their brand. While working with Paragon Marketing Group Sharpie sponsored the Sharpie 500 from 2001 to 2009. The Sharpie 500 was one of the most popular races on the NASCAR circuit. Sharpie was also the main sponsor of Kurt Busch and his No. 97 Ford from 2001 to 2006. Busch had a highly successful career whilst driving for Sharpie, even winning the first ever NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship in 2004. The exposure paid off according to Paragon, as Sharpie’s sales increased a minimum of 15% per annum. Sharpie also tried their hand on the links with the Sharpie Mini Tour. Working with the Professional Golfers Association, Sharpie held a nationwide, four event putting competition giving one fan a chance to play ... ...e 25 June 2009. Web. . Neff, Jack. "Think Ink Is Dead? Sharpie's Success Is Writing on the Wall: New Video Ads, Strong Facebook Presence Prove the Pen Is Still Mighty in the Digital Age." AdvertisingAge. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. Paragon Marketing Group "Sharpie 500." Paragon Marketing Group, LLC. 27 Aug. 2005. Web. 04 May 2012. . Sharpie Press Release. "Sharpie ® Mini Tour Swings Into Chicagoland For Cialis ® Western Open." www.sharpie.com. Newell Rubbermaid, 29 June 2005. Web. 04 May 2012. . "Sharpie :: Stained Brand Invention." Tris3ct. Web. 04 May 2012. .

Chivalry among men in the novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

The element of chivalry overshadows everything else in Alexandre Dumas's historical romance, The Three Musketeers. The work was set against the background of King Louis VIII's France. It was a time of intrigue, treachery and machinations in high places, an atmosphere in which you could hardly distinguish friend from foe. It was at this juncture that D'Artagnan, the principal character arrives in Paris.When he sets out to seek his fortune in the famed city, as any young man did in those times and still does to some extent, he was armed with only the three things that were given to him by his aging father:They were, a horse as aging as his progenitor, fifteen crowns and a letter of introduction to Monsieur de Treville, captain of the musketeers, the personal guards of the French king. And there follows a story so packed with events that it leaves the readers spellbound.To many, the idea of chivalry seem frivolous, naà ¯ve and very much in vain. It is like taking romanticism to an illo gical conclusion. You have only got to read Don Quixote to remind yourself of this fact. But one comes to the conclusion that there is a flip side to it after all, after reading the swashbuckling heroics of the protagonist and his bosom pals.Although some of their exploits seem somewhat comic and incredulous, the way they were committed endears them to our hearts with the sheer buoyancy, exuberance and spontaneity of those acts. It takes one right back to childhood, when one indulged in the fantasies peculiar to the period, thereby filling us with nostalgia and even dà ©jà   vu.Here, the protagonist also â€Å"Seeks great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from dust towards the heavens.Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.à ¢â‚¬  (Price, Brian R. 1997).So the aforementioned negative qualities of chivalry do not in any way detract from the story in the least as we find the protagonist move forward in his onward momentum, in the most chivalrous manner, â€Å"packed with events and exciting dramatic encounters.† (Dumas, Alexandre).For this, indeed, is a story packed with events with the spirit of chivalry leading it ever forward. And watching D’Artagnan move from adventure to mayhem, one is filled with an overwhelming sense of admiration for the perpetrator of all those hair-raising episodes.And before long one is convinced of the fact that the idea of chivalry is not so frivolous and foolish after all, as seemed at first. Although at times it sounds childishly romantic, it has its high points of idealism, even if it is romantic in nature and so not everybody’s cup of tea.For D’Artagnan does follow the kind of chivalry in its original connotations. At every step, he is ‘ guided by the ideals of chivalry, a moral code that has its origins in medieval knighthood.’ (Dumas, Alexandre).And we sit glued to our seats as if are watching an action packed movie. He exhibits almost all the qualities considered necessary by a typical chivalrous person. First and foremost he is guided by the quality of prowess.In every action ‘he seeks excellence in all endeavors he goes through, martial or otherwise. Like a true knight he does not use his strength for personal glory but uses to serve the cause of justice.' (Price, Brian R. 1997).He is also fiercely loyal to the cause and the people whom he seeks to serve. In the novel, he is loyal to his friends, his country and his amour Madame Bonacieux. And like a true knight he fights the forces of evil with all his strength. Thus he battles the villain Cardinal Richelieu and his guards. Yet he has the time to answer the calls of love from the beautiful and enigmatic Madame Bonacieux.His cronies were Athos, Por thos and Aramis. They were with him in all his adventures and escapades throughout the narrative. Strangely enough, they became friends by fighting duels with D’Artagnan on the one hand and the others one after another, on the other.These encounters came to an end when they were confronted by the arch villain Cardinal Richelieu’s guards who, at that juncture and then onwards, became their common enemy. And their common exploits under the leadership of D’Artagnan also became tinted with the codes of chivalry then prevalent throughout the length and breadth of Europe.Another chivalric code of conduct is to fight for justice ‘unencumbered by bias or personal interest.’ ((Price, Brian R. 1997). Accordingly, the four friends wielded the sword in cause of justice while at the same time practicing the fine qualities of mercy and humanity. They fought against the evil Cardinal whose machinations had filled the French court with intrigue, treachery and viole nce.The chivalric code of defense, demands that D’Artagnan and company also should defend their liege lord, in this case the king of France. But here there is a deviation and object the D’Artagnan’s fealty falls on the queen instead of the king by a quirk of circumstance. ‘The Musketeers join forces to protect the honor of the Queen, to help her conceal her affair with Buckingham, and to help her to arrange meetings with him.This may seem like a relatively trivial matter to most modern readers when compared to the urgencies of the political situation of the time, but according to the code of chivalry and honor that the Musketeers believe in, fostering true love is of the highest importance.’In this work the hero achieves his goals through pride honor and determination. A true gallant always defends his honor whatever be the cost of doing so. For this he is ready to die if necessary.