Macroeconomics and Reality

Steven Jobs Example

Steven Jobs Example Steven Jobs – Coursework Example I have chosen Steven Jobs because he inspires me a lot. He steered Apple to become one of the most widely recognised brand in as far as information and communication technology is concerned. Apple offers unique and state-of-the-art communication devices that can be hardly matched in the market. I also admire Steve Jobs because he was intelligent and he was very innovative in as far as designing and development of communication devices are concerned. For instance, gadgets such as iPod, iPad as well as iPhone among other products are unique and they can be hardly matched in the market by any other product in the same category. Jobs is renowned for his outstanding creativity and innovation. Essentially, customers like unique products and this why I admire jobs because he was excellent in this category. Jobs co-founded Apple computers with Steve Wozniack and they revolutionized computer technology through their invention such as Mac computers. These gadgets were different from other comp uters offered in the market and they marked a turning point in the history of computer industry. â€Å"Under Jobs’ guidance, the company pioneered a series of revolutionary technologies, including the iPhone and iPad,† (Steve Jobs). These devices have their own operating systems and software that can be hardly imitated by the other competitors. This has made the products unique and they have also helped the company to gain competitive advantage. About half of Apple’s revenue comes from iPod and iTune sales and the company was ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine’s list of â€Å"America’s Most Admired Companies,† as well as No.1 among Fortune 500 companies for returns to shareholders (Steve Jobs). This speaks volumes about the company’s popularity and uniqueness. Works cited â€Å"Steve Jobs.† Bio. A & E Television Networks. . 2015. Web. 28 January 2015.

Economic Growth Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economic Growth - Assignment Example There are various driving forces contributing to an economic growth, namely, improvement in technology and productivity, increases in the levels of economic activity, efficient Human resource management, greater access to capital resources, etc. Economic growth is essential because it drives the country towards improved standards of living as well as enables it to be in the lead in today’s competitive environment in the international market. (Term, â€Å"Economic Growth† from Investopedia) Aggregate Demand is defined by the demand of goods and services that will remain constant at any price level of such goods and services. The Aggregate Supply-Aggregate Demand Model is a macroeconomic model. This model is basically used to facilitate the analysis and evaluation of the factors that have an impact on the level of Real Gross Domestic Product (i.e. GDP adjusted for inflation) and the level of inflation. This model works on the quantity of output of an entire economy also known as the national production of a country. Below is a pictorial representation of this model: The Real GDP as shown in the above figure represents the quantity of output of the economy. The equilibrium of the Real GDP is reached at the point where the Aggregate Supply (AS) Curve interacts with the Aggregate Demand (AD) Curve. Furthermore, this equilibrium also determines the national inflation rate. The negative slope of the Aggregate Demand (AD) Curve is as a result of the fact that the purchasing power of a buyer will increase with the reduction in prices at any given level of nominal income. While studying the Aggregate Supply (AS) Curve it can be identified that initially it is nearly flat and is then followed by a sharp vertical turn. The flat curve is an indication of the absence of inflation in that period whereas in the latter portion of the curve the case is vice-versa. The

Economic Policy Recommendation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Economic Policy Recommendation - Term Paper Example Frictional unemployment is regarded as the easiest type of employment. It takes workers to shift from one job to another since some workers lose their jobs before they have other jobs lined up. This period of unemployment lasts for a short period and is not problematic from an economist’s point of view. Cyclical unemployment is the type that occurs during periods of recession or depression and the rates lowers during periods of high economic growth. During recessions, the demand for goods and services in a given economy falls. Companies react by laying off some workers and cutting production instead of reducing wages and prices. Unemployment therefore results since there are more workers in the economy than the available jobs. Economists put focus on the root causes of the economic downturns that result in this problem (John 2010).Structural unemployment occurs when the labour market has more workers than the available jobs. This kind of unemployment also results when workers possess skills that are not in high demand in the market place, and lack those that are in demand. Structural unemployment is significant since it is long term as the employers’ requirements and workers’ skills don’t match. Seasonal unemployment is another type that occurs in fields where worker demands vary widely over the course of the year. It is regarded as less problematic compared to structural unemployment since it is short term.Unemployment does not only affect the unemployed person but the society in general. It forces people to live in a way they do not wish, bringing unhappiness, despair and anguish. Unemployment is related to mental health problems such as depression, low self esteem and feeling unworthy. Ill health may also result from malnutrition, drug addiction, poor prenatal care which occurs in cases of unemployment. Many studies link unemployment to family disruption. Tension increases at home due to the quarrels and argument which is reflecte d in the increase in divorces. Unemployment is associated with increase in crime and violence in the society (Hall, 2005). The unemployed people are faced with financial insecurity which results in poverty and indebtedness. Other social problems that results from unemployment include homelessness, ethnic antagonism and school dropouts. Unemployment worsens an individual’s situation since the longer a person is out of job, the more difficult it is to secure one. Employment gap is a negative aspect as no one is willing to employ a person who has been out of job for long. Long period of unemployment causes a potential worker to lose skills. The living standards of unemployed persons are low. Due to job competition, even the salaries of employed persons are reduced which lowers their living standards as well. Unemployment can result into political instability

The Positive and Negative of pay for Performance Essay

The Positive and Negative of pay for Performance - Essay Example Nowadays, the utilization of this scheme is widely used not just in the United States but all over the world as documented by the Harvard Business School. While others have strongly supported the view that performance based compensation will promote efficiency and satisfaction in the business organization, some empirical experiments failed to display its significance. In line with this, this report will look at the pros and cons of pay for performance. This paper will apply pay for performance both for employees work on their own and those working within a team. Pay for performance is based on the premise that money is a motivational factor. This premise assumes that in order for individuals to work harder, monetary incentives should always be present. Pay for performance is a system which directly links money to higher and more efficient performance. According to Pinto, performance based is the best from of compensation in this knowledge-based business environment. He argues that the â€Å"old archaic systems and processes of lax reviews and annual automatic pay increases across the board†¦ results in increasing jeopardy for employees whose pay has escalated over the years to a level that simply cannot compete in the modern global environment† (Pinto 6). This is supported by empirical results the most famous of which is the GE experience. It should be noted that Jack Welch significantly improved the performance as GE as the entire workforce â€Å"shaped up as nobody wanted to be at the bottom† (5). In some situations, money can function as a primary motivator in the case of workforce in the developing countries. An increase in their salary almost always motivates to work harder to finance their families’ expenditures. Performance-based compensation is also favored because of its relative simplicity. This system is regarded to give immediate and meaningful feedbacks. Also,

The General Electric Mckinsey Matrix Marketing Essay

The General Electric Mckinsey Matrix Marketing Essay In 1890, Thomas Edison established his own company and named as Edison General Electric Company by bringing his different businesses together. Two years later, Edison General Electric Company incorporated with Thomson-Houston Company and, then they named the new organization as General Electric Company. The new organization the General Electric Company is a diversified technology and financial services company. General Electric Company has different type of products and services. They main product and service is householder appliances and General Electric Company is one of the largest manufacturers of major appliances in the world. Besides that, General Electric Company also has other different type of products and services such as aviation, consumer electronics, customer training, electrical distribution, energy, finance-business, healthcare, lighting, oil gas, rail, software services, water, and other. In the early 1890s, the first General Electric appliances electric fans were produced, and a full line of heating and cooking devices were developed in the year 1907. A few years later, General Electric Company developed the first airplane engine booster for the fledgling U.S. aviation industry. Besides that, the plastic filaments for light bulbs were created in 1930, and led to the first General Electric Plastics department. Through the years, General Electrics leaders have built a portfolio for the diversity of management and leading businesses. Thats made the General Electric Company become a most success company that drives growth and reduces the production costs; increase financial strength and Controllership that allow it to capitalize on opportunities through numerous cycles. And, they have a set of common values that allows it to face any environment or situation with confidence. In 1971, the General Electric Company with the helped from McKinsey developed a General Electric/McKinsey Matrix. General Electric/McKinsey Matrix In 1971, the General Electric Company with the help of McKinsey developed the General Electric/McKinsey Matrix. And, General Electric Company used it to measure or decides whether they still need to invest, retain, or divest on their business unit. From internet, The GE matrix/McKinsey matrix is a model to perform a business portfolio analysis on the Strategic Business Units (SBU) of a parent company. Besides that, this matrix is measure the business unit through the business units attractiveness and business strength. When the business units attractiveness and strength is high, the company should keep invest for gain more profit. On the other hand, when the business units attractiveness and strength is medium, the company should retain or selectively invest. But, when the business units attractiveness and strength is low, it is the time for the company to exit that business unit or stop invests in that business unit. The aim of this portfolio analysis is: Analyze its current business portfolio and decide which Strategic Business Unit (SBU)s should receive more or less investment. Develop growth strategies for adding new products and business to the portfolio. Decide which business or products should no longer be retained. Literature review Nowadays, General Electric can be more successful. If should related to the McKinsey and Company consulting firm. Because General Electric Company get the help from McKinsey and Company consulting firm, and developed a more complicated matrix (Figure 2.1). Through the internet research, the General Electric Company used GE matrix/McKinsey matrix as their planning system for management of diversity. From my general knowledge about the GE matrix/McKinsey matrix, it is a strategic that will separate from the mother company into many small business units and determine which business unit should invest more, retain, or divest. From Strategic Management: theory and case study, by Tunchalong Rungwitoo, the General Electric / McKinsey Matrix, is a nine cell matrix from two dimensions, which is industry attractiveness and business strength. For the use of General Electric/McKinsey Matrix, they use the GE matrix/McKinsey matrix to identify whether the small business units should invest, retain, or divest. Besides that, it also can fits perfectly to the companys strengths and helps to exploit the most attractive industries or markets. Besides that, General Electric Company can see the status of their business units and suggest the strategy the business fell in which categories through the General Electric/McKinsey Matrix (Figure 2.2). The vertical axis of the General Electric/McKinsey matrix is industry attractiveness, which is determined by the factors such as market growth rate, market size, demand variability, industry profitability, industry rivalry, global opportunities, and others. And, the horizontal axis of the General Electric/McKinsey matrix is the strength of the business unit. Some factors that can be used to determine business unit strength include: market share, growth in market share, brand equity, distribution channel access, production capacity, and profit margins relative to competitors. From International Journal of Humanities and Social science, the General Electric/McKinsey Matrix requires the identification and assessment of both external and internal factors, which are industry attractiveness and business strength on a nine-cell grid. To grow, to hold, or to harvest are the categories used to classify both attractiveness and strength (Figure 2.2). When that is high attractiveness and high business strength (Leader), the company should seek dominance and maximize investment. When that is medium attractiveness and medium business strength (Proceed with care), the company should specialize and invest selectively. And, when that is low attractiveness and low business strength (Withdrawal), the company should attack rivals and time exit. Data analysis After the research, General Electric/McKinsey Matrix had seen more effective and useful for the companys strategies business units (SBU). Because it will look at the industry attractiveness and business strength for every companys business units, and make sure every business unit will get profit. For example, the industry attractiveness, which will determined the companys business units market growth rate, market size, demand variability, and others. After that, this matrix also looks at the business unit strength such as market share, growth in market share, brand equity, production capacity, and others. Then, they will use the business attractiveness and strength to determine whether they still need to invest, retain, or divest for that business unit. References for history: Profile: General Electric Co (GE.N). (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2012, from http://in.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=GE.N Thomas Edison GE. (2012). Retrieved October 29, 2012, from http://www.ge.com/company/history/edison.html Products Services. (2012). Retrieved October 29, 2012, from http://www.ge.com/products_services/index.html http://dl.wecouncil.com/Serf/SerfWeb/User1/GE%20Matrix.pdf McKinsey matrix-GE matrix. (2012). Retrieved November 9, 2012, from http://www.valuebasedmanagement.net/methods_ge_mckinsey.html Samuel Obino Mokaya, Beatrice Wakhungu, Raphael Mwiti Gikunda. (2012). The Application of McKinsey Matrix in Determination of Route Attractiveness and Resource Allocation in Kenya Airways. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, Vol.2 No.3, pp. 259-261. http://www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_2_No_3_February_2012/35.pdf GE/McKinsey Matrix. (2010). Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/matrix/ge-mckinsey/ Tunchalong Rungwitoo, Strategic Management: Theory and Case Study, May 2012, pp. 28-33. Appendices: Definition of General Electric (Print screen) The aim of portfolio analysis (Print screen) The vertical and horizontal axis of General Electric/McKinsey matrix (Print screen) Business strength High Medium Low Industry attractiveness High Medium Low Figure 2.1-General Electric/McKinsey Matrix Business strength High Medium Low Industry attractiveness High Seek dominance Maximize investment (Leader) Identify Growth area Invest in growth (Try harder) Maintain position Seek cash position (Cash generation) Medium Identify weaknesses Build on strengths (Growth) Specialize Invest selectively (Proceed with care) Pure lines Minimize investment (Phased withdrawal) Low Specialize niche Seek acquisition (Improve or quit) Specialize niche Consider exit (Phased withdrawal) Attack Rivals Time exit (Withdrawal) Figure 2.2-General Electric/McKinsey Matrix (1971)

Away :: essays research papers

Away by Jane Urquhart is a complex novel that mixes romance, politics and family all in to one flowing story. It follows the lives of many different characters, but it is told through the memories of a woman named Esther. Esther attempts to sort through her great-grandmother's past, and her entire family's history. Away is a compelling novel that capture's the reader's attention in the first few pages. The beginning of the novel introduces the reader to Esther O'Malley Robertson as the last of a family of extreme women. She is sitting in her home, remembering a story that her grandmother told her a long time ago. Esther is the first character that the reader is introduced to, but we do not really understand who she is until the end of the story. Esther's main struggle is dealing with her home on Loughbreeze Beach being torn down, and trying to figure out the mysteries of her family's past. Mary is the next character that is introduced to the reader, and she is a very large part of the story. One day while Mary is at the beach a body washes up on the shore with many cabbages, kettles, and barrels of whiskey. She drags the body to the shore where she lies in the man's arms until he dies. This man was believed to have been from an "other world" and this had a big effect on Mary. She falls in love with this sailor, even though he is dead, and it casts a sort of spell on her. Mary is known to the rest of the village as "away" which means she is enchanted by this other world, the world of the sea. She felt as though her spirit were not in her humanly body anymore, and did not even consider herself Mary anymore. The spirits of the lake had given her a new name, Moira, and that is what she preferred to call herself. The villagers had no hope for, except for Father Quinn. As the priest on the island, Father Quinn feels he must bring Mary back to reality, but he finds it nearly impossible. He turns to his friend, Brian, who ends up convincing Mary to marry him. They have one child, Liam, and as famine and depression hit the island they live on, they are given the opportunity of a lifetime.