Marketing Management Marketing Plan of Asda

Marketing Management Marketing Plan of Asda Introduction Marking planning is one of the main functions of marketing department of an organization (Kotler, 2003). This coursework will focus on marketing strategy and plan of ASDA. The main points of discussion in this coursework are internal and external analysis, SWOT analysis, market targeting and marketing mix. Vision Statement of Asda According to Asda (2009) the main aim of the organization is to serve the customers by offering them lower prices and giving their customers respect for which they deserve. They want to achieve this goal through their staff called colleagues. They are developing their skills. So they can satisfy their customers expectation and make their visit to store more pleasant and joyful. Situation Analysis When an organization works in the competitive market, it has two main types of environment. Internal Environment External Environment To formulate, implement and execute a successful marketing strategy, ASDA management and marketing decision makers have to understand these two types of environments. (ASDA, 2009) Internal Environment The internal environment of an organization is inside of organization. Most of the processes and procedures working in the organization are part of internal environment of organization. Internal environment of an organization contains most of the controllable variables (Sadler and Craig, (2003). Following are the main elements of internal environment of ASDA. Employees The employees of an organization are most important part of organization as they participate in almost all the processes and produces of the organization. Even highly technological intensive organizations, the role of human resources is extremely important to get optimal benefit from that technology. The human resources of ASDA are 150000 of which 90000 are casual and remaining 60000 are full time. The company is managing casual and part timers to save the employees expenses. The marketing employees of organization include customer relation staff, people who work in general market and do surveys to collect market data and executives and managers work in the head office. (ASDA, 2009) Products ASDA is selling large range of products and services to their organization. Before its merger with the Wal-Mart the organization was under performing. As soon as they get the specialized help for their parent company, they started to grow. As a result, in 2003 they have taken over Sainsburys. They are selling their customers grocery, clothes, electronic products and many other type of products through their store based retailing and online retailing. In the online business, customers can get access to the store through ASDA website. The goods are delivered next day to customers at their door step. They are also providing financial services through their stores and website. (ASDA, 2009) Communication Communication within the organization and with the external world is mostly done through company own services. They are using modern technology for this purpose as well to establish social networking and get benefit for the experience and information of other. The internal structure is well defined and all the members know who is reporting to whom. For marketing communication same channels of communication are used. The market research data, different sort of analysis are available to all the people working in organization at the central local on services. (ASDA, 2009) External environment Markets ASDA is occupying 16% of United Kingdom Retail market. Out of these 16% nearly 50.30% people are visiting to their favorite stores everyday and nearly 14.60% people are visit the store two or three times daily. In the busy cities, the organization is continuously losing their customers base due to congestion in the cities. It takes time to go to ASDA and buy the goods. People prefer the corner shop for buying the product of casual use. (ASDA, 2009) Competitive Environment The UK market is very mature market and all the key players in the retail industry have their constant market share. It is very hard to increase the market share. To increase the market share organization has to spend more on the marketing expenses. The cost of marketing campaign is also reducing the profit margin of the owners/shareholders. Same is the problem for the marketing personnel of ASDA. (ASDA, 2009) Economic environment UK and whole world is passing through a world worse economic depression. This economic depression has reduced the purchasing power of the people. Same time it is hard for the organization to get access to the financial resources for their development projects. The per capital income is reducing due to reduction in per capital income. Organizations are facing more pressure from the government in terms of tax as their national deficient are increasing in larger extent. The United Kingdom recently has national deficient nearly 63% of their total GDP. This also has limited the organization marketing activities. They are cutting down the expenses and adopting more pessimistic approach. Though credit crisis has less impact on the retail industry like ASDA, Tesco as they are selling the products of basic needs but still economic impact is visible in their different marketing and business activities. (ASDA, 2009) Social and cultural environment The most of operations of ASDA are in United Kingdom. The society of UK is multicultural society. Keeping the nature of society in mind, ASDA marketing people do not ignore this fact. They have good range of products for different type of people belonging to different countries, religions and cultures. They are serving such customers in their world food department. (ASDA, 2009) Hitt, et al (2008) critically examined that the life style of the people in United Kingdom has changed in during last two decades. They prefer to buy bulk of goods from their favourite stores. This gives them benefit of time saving and less hassle. This also has developed the loyalty culture. The marketers are trying to understand the changing in thinking and taste of people and developing products to satisfy their changed needs. Political and legal environment The government of United Kingdom is thinking about out of town policy for the supermarket. This is negative for the supermarket and they will lose significant part of their sales due to this reason. The people will not come to store for the casual products. The control over the inflection is also function of government. The government of United Kingdom have taken number of quantitative measures after credit crisis. These enable the government to keep rate of inflation under 3%. Fiscal policy, monitory policy, employment policy or taxes are main part of government of United Kingdom. (Hitt, et al 2008) Technological environment Technology is used in many functions of business but use of technology in the marketing is really getting more importance. Marketing data is flowing from marketing personnel working in the field in real time basis. ASDA marketing personnel are using modern tools like mobile computer terminal at different places. The data generated by these machines straightaway comes to the central location. These tools are also helping the marketing managers to analyze the marketing data and give analytical reports. (ASDA, 2009) SWOT analysis Strengths ASDA is well known brand. Their financial strength is also higher due to support of their parent country. They have improved their managerial skills and developed number of best practices which they get from Mal-Mart. The organization is adopting lower price strategy which is best tool to attract more customers in current economic environment. (Lee and Lin, 2008) Weaknesses ASDA is lacking in smaller stores while their competitor Tesco is getting huge sum of money for smaller stores. It is not possible for the company to build bigger stores at shorter distance. The market share of ASDA is constant from number of years. This shows that there is no growth opportunity for the organization in future if conditions remain same. (Lee and Lin, 2008) Opportunities The organization has greater chances to diversify their business to India, China and other emerging economies. There are number of smaller and local chains which are struggling. ASDA can take over these stores and re-structure them to increase their customer base. (Lee and Lin, 2008) Threats the obvious threat of ASDA is its close competitor Sainsburys. If economy goes in further recession then organization is not in the position to reduce further prices as they are selling already at lower prices. (Lee and Lin, 2008) Marketing Objectives The main objective of ASDA is to provide more modern services to their customer. They are aiming to increase their customer base by provision of better services, adding more products in their product range and lastly the development of new channels of distribution. (ASDA, 2009) Through, more control over the prices, they have reduced their cost while quality of services is same. The 30% of the queues have been reduced due to application of more advanced technology at the checkouts. In this way they are willing the customer satisfaction. The organization is successfully implemented the policy of lower prices successfully. They want to carry on executing same policy in future. (ASDA, 2009) Target markets According to ASDA, (2009) The organization is targeting almost all the segments of UK society. However most general customers of ASDA are women of age 20s and 30s. These women buy the goods of day to day use for themselves and their families. The second group of market segment of ASDA are males. They also buy for themselves or for their families. It is showing that marketing campaign of ASDA is not specified on a particular group. Marketing Mix Strategies Product strategies ASDA is enabling their customers to go get access to their favourite products at the cheaper prices. In addition, they are also offering the customers to give their valuable suggestion for the better product development. When new products are launched they are encouraging their customer to participate in the product launching ceremony. When customers get such a care and freedom of suggestion then probability to get loyal is much more. ASDA is giving option to their customers that the person will come with the brightest ideas will get 5% of first year saving. (ASDA, 2009) Pricing strategies The organization is mainly focusing on the lower prices of their products. They are successfully running this policy from last 12 years. However during this time they could only win 0.50% market share from Tesco. (ASDA, 2009) Promotion strategies ASDA marketing people are always curious to adopt new and innovative promotional techniques. They are offering their customers like two for two pound, one for 1.99 and similarly many other techniques. The roll back tags of ASDA are visible to every visitor. The stores are instructed to display reduced price products in front of store so these can catch the attention of customers immediately when they enter into store. (ASDA, 2009) Distribution strategies ASDA have 25 bigger depots national wide scattered around at different strategic locations. In 2008, ASDA came into contract with Gazelle Company Limited who took the responsibility of management of its warehouse and its international marketing. ASDA stores also have their own production and manufacturing stores. (ASDA, 2009) Conclusion The marketing strategy of ASDA is successful especially inspiring the customers through their lower prices strategy. However, more innovation and new ideas are needed to catch the market leader Tesco. They should develop the team of marketing people who take care of their customers at more professional basis. More they will get success to make the customer loyal more they will grab the market share.

Saint Fancis Of Assisi :: essays research papers

Saint Fancis of Assisi Saint Francis was born in 1182, in Assisi Italy. His real name is Giovanni Francesco Bernardone, but his father wanted him to be called Francis. He received very little education as a child, even though his father was a rich merchant. His father, Pietro di Bernardone, was a wealthy merchant, and his mother's name was Pica. Francis always dreamed about riding through the town as a hero. His father wanted Francis to learn about being a silk merchant, but Francis wasn't interested. Later, the city he lived in, Assissi, got into a battle with a neighboring city of Perugia, and Francis fought in the battle. He bought fancy horses, swords, and clothes to impress others. He was captured and put in jail for 1 year, and during this time he came down with a severe illness. After he was released from prison he decided to change his life. Francis visited many places, but lived in Assisi Italy. He had also lived in Mt. Subasio in 1208. There, during mass, he heard a voice saying to him three times to go out into the world and to posses nothing and do good everywhere. He then went to the Holy Land, but on his way his ship was wrecked so he had to return back to Assisi. Then he went to Egypt were he wanted to convert the Sultan but had no success. He again tried to go to the Holy Land and this time succeeded. He lived there until 1220. During this time 5 other Franciscan brothers were martyred. Francis too was willing to die for his faith, but was spared. He returned to Assisi. St. Francis had many accomplishments in his life. He began his religious life after he survived his illness. He lived as a Hermit, and attracted followers. After that, he visited hospitals and gave clothes to the ill. Sometimes he gave the homeless money and food. One time when he was walking back from prison, an old beggar came up to him. The beggar asked Francis for a cloak. Francis thought for a while, he knew he had another cloak at home, but then he wondered if the old man was trying to trick him. Francis decided to give the man his cloak and they traded cloaks. Francis said to the man that mine is warmer than the one you have and I am not cold at all Another act of kindness was when Francis was going to be a knight. His father got the best craftsman in Assisi to make him an outfit, such as armor, a cape, and weapons.

Drover’s Wife Reflection Essay

The Drover’s Wife, whose writer is Henry Lawson, portrays a bushwoman who was left to live in a small house with four children and one snake-dog while her husband was away droving. One day, when a snake entered the house, her house-dog, her son, Tommy, and she tried to kill it, but it disappeared into the cracks. While sitting, sewing and watching for the snake all night, she thought of her past hard times such as droughts, floods, bulls, drunken man and swagman. Finally, when dawn approached, the snake came out; it was killed and burnt. The drover’s wife is the character whom I am interested in the most due to a few reasons. Firstly, she is a responsible wife and a protective mother; for instance, to maintain the properties her husband had earned for years, she struggled to dig an overflow gutter in a rainstorm, which was too hard for a woman. Also, she protected her children from danger by spending all night guarding them carefully. Lastly, she is brave; despite risks, she went into the flames just to save her baby. I think if other people face this situation, they might do nothing besides weeping. After reading this story, I have gained an important experience which is that woman, herself, has to be independent and responsible because living in society is complicated as she might encounter many difficulties and cannot always depend on other people or men. As can be seen, although the bonny drover’s wife was left with four children and had to deal with the hardships of life, she independently strived to protect herself and children and overcame each challenge. Although the story is short, it has captured almost all my attention and has provided many useful tips for livings; thus, I would strongly encourage my friends to read it in order to let them perceive the precious experiences and develop their personal growth.

History of Super Bowl Weather Delays and Cancellations

Could 2018s Super Bowl LI be delayed or postponed due to inclement weather? Given that the 52nd  Super Bowl game will be held at the  U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, theres a chance there could be snow in the forecast. Still, in NFL Super Bowl history, no game has ever been delayed due to weather. (Super Bowl XLVII in 2014 was the first, and so far, the only game to be delayed. The Ravens-49ers game was delayed for 34 minutes in the third quarter, thanks  to an electrical mishap.) But that doesnt mean weather hasnt tried to.   Super Bowls Turned Snow Bowls Although a weather contingency plan has never had to be implemented in Super Bowl history, there have been a handful of close calls when the Super Bowl was at risk of being delayed.   Super Bowl XLI. February is normally Floridas dry season, but in 2007, an active jet stream and a nearby stationary front converged, leading to monsoon rains in Miami. The game still went on, but not even ponchos were enough to keep fans in the stadium dry. Many left their seats and took shelter in the stadium concourse, or simply left the game early.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Super Bowl XLV.  At the start of Super Bowl week 2011, all eyes were drawn to Arlington, Texas, when the host city was hit by an ice storm. Later in the week, an additional 4 inches of snow fell. An arctic front helped the snow and ice linger all week long, and kept temperatures in the 20s and 30s. But by the weekend, the wintry weather had thawed.     Super Bowl XLVIII. Weather contingency plans were on hand for 2014s Super Bowl -- the first to be played in an outdoor venue at a cold-weather city (East Rutherford, New Jersey). Not only did a winter storm drop a mountain of snow on the MetLife Stadium just before Superb owl week, but the  Farmers Almanac predicted another round of heavy snow was on tap for Super Bowl weekend. Luckily, when it came down to game time, the weather cooperated with cloudy skies and an air temperature of 49 °F at kickoff -- nearly 10-15 degrees above normal for the city. (Oddly enough, a winter storm hit the next day, blanketing the city in 8 inches of snow and stranding many Super Bowl travelers.) The Warm-Climate Rule Surprised at the lack of weather delays despite the Super Bowl being played mid-winter? One reason for this is because football, like our US postal service, has a neither snow, nor rain, nor heat... culture. But, a second, lesser-known reason  is the leagues warm-climate rule -- a sort of built-in weather contingency plan that must be met when choosing the Super Bowls host city.   The NFLs warm-climate requirement mandates  the host stadium location have an average temperature of 50 °F (10 °C) or above for that years scheduled Super Bowl date. At least, thats the way the NFL and Host Committee used to pick potential Super Bowl cities. In 2010, this warm-climate requirement was waived, giving cold-weather cities with open-air stadiums a fair chance at also hosting a Super Bowl. What was the reason for the  change? The chance to offer a new experience for football fans attending in-person and watching at home. In the sentiments of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall, ...The game of football is made to be played in the elements.  Ã‚   Football in the Bleak Mid-Winter Why is the Super Bowl held in  winter, anyway? Its certainly NOT a matter of preference. Its simply the timing of the NFL schedule. Opening season is always the weekend after Labor Day (the first Monday in September) in early fall; add in the 17-week regular season, three rounds of playoffs, and you land exactly five months later into late winter. Additional playoffs have pushed the Super Bowl date out from early to mid-January to February, but still winter nonetheless.          Winter weather can wreak havoc on football  in a number of ways: Snow.  Snow makes for a slippery football field, but its primary threat is its color.   covering white goal lines, end lines, hash marks. If snowfall is particularly heavy, or if winds are driving winds, it can also mean reduced or no visibility for players on the field.Sleet, freezing rain.  Ice on the field poses a similar threat to players as it does to pedestrians and drivers on roadways and sidewalks: a total loss of traction.Frost.  If temperatures are cold enough, you dont even need snow or ice to freeze the grass (or turf) underfoot -- frost is enough to do the job. To combat this, many cold-climate stadiums are outfitted with a system of underground electric coils or underground pipes filled with antifreeze (yes, the same stuff thats in your car) to keep the field soft.Cold Air.  Even if you dont have to worry about a frozen field, cold weather still poses another threat to the game: under-inflated footballs. A football (which is customarily inflated indoors) can d eflate by roughly 0.2 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature it experiences after being transferred outdoors.  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹ Super Bowl Saturday? So, what would happen, if a major weather event DID threaten the safety of spectators on Super Bowl Sunday? A weather contingency plan would be enacted. Contingency plans more or less move the game from its traditional Sunday spot to the Friday or  Saturday of Super Bowl week, or the following Monday or Tuesday. Which day the game is postponed to is a decision thats made closely with meteorologists. For example, if a snowstorm was forecast for Super Bowl night, playing Saturday might be an option. Whereas, if a blizzard hit on a Friday (two days before the scheduled game) it could be the following Tuesday before the city had time to dig out roads and parking lots.   To date, the Super Bowl has never been changed from its originally scheduled date.   If ever  ill weather were to impact the Super Bowl for up to a week, a contingency plan may call for the game to be relocated to another city  altogether.    Super Bowls with the Worst Weather Just because the Super Bowl has eluded all weather-related delays, doesnt mean its game day weather has always been sunny and 60 degrees. Heres a look at some of the weathers most unsettled game days in Super Bowl history.   Super Bowl No. Date Host City Weather Record VI Jan 16, 1972 New Orleans, LA Coldest Super Bowl played at an outdoor venue (39 F). XVI Jan 24, 1982 Pontiac, MI First time Super Bowl was held in a cold-weather city. First Super Bowl played in the snow. XVIII Jan 22, 1984 Tampa, FL Windiest Super Bowl (25 mph wind gusts). XXXIV Jan 30, 2000 Atlanta, GA A rare ice storm hit during Super Bowl week. Atlantas indoor stadium saved it from possible delays. XLI Feb 4, 2007 Miami, FL The first and wettest Super Bowl to be played in the rain. Super Bowl's Worst Weather Games Interested in more facts about weather and the Super Bowl, including observed weather data for each game date? Check out NOAAs Southeast Regional Climate Center Super Bowl Climatology site.