Managing a value Chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing a value Chain - Essay Example The concept of value chain was conceived by Michael Porter in his book 'Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Advantage' "The value chain analysis describes the activities the organization performs and links them to the organizations competitive position." (Porter, 2001). A value chain consists of inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales and service. The support system consists of the infrastructure of the organization, HR management, level of technology and ability in procurement. The end result of all these factors is either profit or loss for the organization. It is intended to take up the Case Study of US soft drink conglomerate Coca Cola, which are the largest soft beverage manufacturer and distributor. It had its humble beginning during the later half of the 19th Century with an initial investment of just US $ 70. This business enterprise has now risen into a giant empire with a capital base of US $ 50 billions. Coca Cola has made itself a popular name in more than 200 destinations in the world, with over 400 varieties of products, and is now a established market leader in the soft drinks scenario. Its other brands include Diet Cola, Fanta, and Sprite. The main marketing strategies being currently adopted by Coca Cola Company are through attractive functional bottling of different sizes and massive advertising coverage media. Inward and outward logistics and marketing:Coca-Cola plans to combine with SAP Technologies to create applications for enhanced and improved outboard logistics for its products. This would ensure a greater commitment and show of business competence on the part of its merchandizers, store managers and others responsible for distribution at its outlets. The Company has also spend nearly a year combining 3 North American business units- Coca Cola North America, Fountain and Minute Maid into an integrated unit in order to save costs and enhance efficiencies. It is widely believed by Coca Cola insiders that the combine of Coca Cola Enterprises with SAP is strategically designed to develop software programs which have the potential to control pricing, promotion of products and other marketing and merchandizer efforts to be integrated into SAP Applications (Foley and Kontzer, 2004). Other secondary activities: Sports sponsorships &cultural interactions: The Coca-Cola Group has felt it necessary to seek other brand building exercises to increase consumer awareness and promote healthy social and cultural interactions with the local communities as part of rendering social and cultural responsiblities . By combining brand building with sponsorship of world standard events, high degree of exposure to local markets, and by investing heavily in secondary activities, like Sports Meets, the brand image of Coca Cola is sought to be enhanced and the vibrant and ennervating aspects of this soft drink is shown to blend well with the passion and endurance needed for to participate and compete in global sports and cultural events. "By positioning Coca-Cola as an icon and leading brand that mentally and physically boost consumers", the aspects of associaton with major sporting events are reinforced. (Case Study: Coca-Cola: The Coca-Cola Brand and sponsorship). Coca Cola has been the official sponsors of the Olympic Games since the Sydney Olympics 2000.It have also contracted to

Crucial Years in Terms of Slavery Research Paper

Crucial Years in Terms of Slavery - Research Paper Example From this paper it is clear that antislavery Society that was formed in 1835 continued to support abolishment of slavery throughout the years 1840-1850, but the southerners continued the trading of slaves. From 1840 to 1850, the issue of slavery got so much fame as a number of events took place that took the attention of authorities. A number of legislations were passed in support of slaves.This discussion highlights that slave trade continued to exist and slaves were required to work for 17 to 18 hours per day with very less comfort hours. Slaves had no rights and were not allowed to vote. Slaves supported in the development of America as an industrial and capitalist state with no human living rights. Northerners felt that slavery can be regarded as a mockery on American values and beliefs. Voters in slave holding states regarded slavery as advantageous for the white population in terms of economy and liberty. However, efforts were made to prevent slavery from spreading to new state s. Nevertheless, slaves were traded and they did labor on plantations. The years from 1850 to 1860 are very crucial in terms of abolishing slavery as southerners were under great pressure to free their slaves under certain passed legislations. In 1850s, Kansas-Nebraska Act got passed in 1854 due to which, violence got erupted. This solution was unacceptable for the black slaves as whites had greater rights with continuity of slavery on many territories.... Voters in slave holding states regarded slavery as advantageous for the white population in terms of economy and liberty. However, efforts were made to prevent slavery from spreading to new states. Nevertheless, slaves were traded and they did labor on plantations. (1850-1860) The years from 1850 to 1860 are very crucial in terms of abolishing slavery as southerners were under great pressure to free their slaves under certain passed legislations. In 1850s, Kansas-Nebraska Act got passed in 1854 due to which, violence got erupted. This solution was unacceptable for the black slaves as whites had greater rights with continuity of slavery on many territories. Increased ratio of required slaves on cotton plantations increased slave trade and till 1860, there were 4 million slaves. Work on cotton plantations was severe and workers were required to put in extra effort due to which, the workers were punished harshly. Antislavery movements and incidents took place that supported the cause of abolition. The elections in 1860 resulting in the presidency of Abraham Lincoln supported the prevention of slavery in new states. Violence on Blacks got augmented that made Blacks more revolutionary and rebellious against their masters. Blacks were aware of the laws passed in their interest adding to their interest and right of independence. (1830-1840) The years 1830 to 1840 are crucial in terms of southerners as well as for northerners. In Boston, slavery banning newspaper such as Liberator got published and people starting feeling the adversity of slavery for their society. However, in the south, identifying the needs of the agricultural society, southerners starting getting involved in trading of slaves acquiring more than ever slaves for their cotton, tobacco and rice plantations.