Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Executive summary This paper looks into the general concept behind the LCC analysis, its importance and purpose of such an undertaking in any organization setting.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Life Cycle Cost Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The analysis is based on the case study of a chain store company, which specializes in the sale of household goods such as furniture, electronics, kitchen appliances and furnishing items. The chain store has more than 2000 products that are distributed in different outlet stores throughout UK (Chandler 2004). The analysis entails the introduction of a new inventory system for the company with the intention of streamlining record keeping in the organisation. The rationality of the system lays on its ability to monitor all entries, hence ensuring that the company’s data is up to date at all times. This makes it easy for the company to compile reports , and further serves to boost accountability. The focus of the analysis is on the alternative support options that are likely to improve on the sustainability of the system. For this study, three options were identified which included corporate management, insurance and manufacture’s support. To come up with the most efficient method in terms of cost, the three options were analyzed. During analysis, the author identified the pros and cons of each identified option. The life cycle cost for the options spanning a period of 8 years was also taken into consideration. Based on the results of the analysis, manufacturer support was identified as the most appropriate approach because of the costs and effectiveness of the support instrument.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Introduction According to Langford (2007), the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis is a tool used to evaluate the overall cost of a system or a specific product over its entire lifespan. This method allows one to identify with the elements entailed in the lifespan of the system and thus helps in the calculation of the costing of each incorporated element. The main purpose of employing the LCC analysis is to identify the most cost effective approach that caters for all the required resources over the entire lifespan of the system. This therefore provides an essential systematic approach for identifying the required elements and quantifying them thus accessing the available alternative options before employing the most qualified option in terms of cost effectiveness (TAM, 2004). Ghoshal and Greeff (2004) assert that it is essential for all companies to employ the LCC analysis on any new systems that they need to incorporate in the organization. Such an action would allow the company to identify any substantial costs that the business is likely to incur in future. As such, Ghoshal an d Greeff (2004) recommend the LCC analysis should be implemented right from the design phase of any new project that a company intends to undertake. By using such an analysis, the company would be in a good position to comprehend the extent of costs related to research and development, production, operation and support and product disposal as illustrated in figure 1.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Life Cycle Cost Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Figure 1: Typical life cycle cost Typical life cycle cost (Mtain, 2009) With reference to LCC analysis, this research work looks into the acquisition of a computerized inventory system for a chain store. The main purpose of this inventory system revolves around managing the acquisition of merchandise and the sale of the same. This system will therefore concentrate on managing procurement records for the different outlet stores of the chain store. The study partially intends to verify claims by JTC (1999) that alternative support options can be utilized to improve on the sustainability of the system. Background information According to MÃ ¼ller (2003), an inventory is as a representation of a company’s raw materials, work in progress or finished goods that are ready to be dispatched into the market. An inventory can be simple or complex depending on the companies mandate and the amount of goods received or activities that take place in the company’s premises per day.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This therefore indicates that the bigger the company in terms of production, the more complex the inventory system. The amount of money invested in the system determines the nature of the inventory. An inventory system is important for organizations that face the quagmire of poor cash flow, poor management of information, poor communication between different departments or units within the organization, and poor management of lead times (Toomey, 2000). Highly efficient inventory systems help organizations to meet their objectives especially in regard to meeting customer satisfaction, and realising a return on invested capital. The case study in this case is a chain store, which has 260 outlet stores within the UK market. The mandate of the company is to supply household furniture and related appliances. Among the items stocked in the different stores include household electronics, kitchenware and in house furnishes. The chain store range of products is more than 2000. With this high number of products and outlet stores, inventory management is quite a daunting task. Over the years, the chain store has heavily relied on a computerized system of inventory. Notably however, different stores uphold different inventory keeping method, hence meaning that the outlets are not synchronised. As such, compiling this information into one system located at the headquarters has brought about many discrepancies and conflicts since different outlets have employed different systems. Further, it takes a lot of time before the company can come up with an annual report on sales due to the high number of sales units arising from the different stores that need to be incorporated into the headquarters database. Based on the aforementioned reasons, it is imperative that a centralized inventory system is put in place in order to stream line all the inventories entered in each outlet store. Thus, the main objective of setting up an efficient computerized inventory system lies in the ab ility of the system to be predictable. This will actualize the ideal situation of any given company by building capacity on proper planning based on the inventory records (MÃ ¼ller, 2003). Further, the system will improve the chain store ability to study the trends of how the goods are selling at specific outlets and thus making it easy to predict market trends without necessarily succumbing to fluctuations in demand for the products. This will also help the chain store to manage all its inventories from a central place and thus reducing on the cost of inventory systems as opposed to establishing different systems for the different stores (Toomey, 2000). The systems will encompass a high-tech version of the inventory. This type of inventory system allows the headquarter to monitor the inflow and outflow of goods at all the outlet stores like an online stock exchange market through a centralized system. The rationality of the system works on an instant entry basis meaning that every entry entered in the inventory system from any outlet store reflects immediately on the main system located at the headquarters. All that is required is some support computers in the outlets and scanners that are used to read the codes of the items being stocked into or out of the stores. The support computers will then be networked with a main server at the headquarters. This will ensure that all information scanned in the different stores is sent directly to the server, with the store retaining a copy of the data of the items. This way, the chain store will have inventory data for all the outlet stores at any given time. Figure 2: System operation System operation (Toomey, 2000) The implementation of an inventory system is anticipated to incur costs for concept and definition, design and development, manufacturing and installation, operations and maintenance and finally disposal costs. All this costs are calculated based on all outlets included and on the anticipated lifespan of this system, which is set at 8 years. Figure 3: Inventory system lifecycle analysis for 8 years Inventory system lifecycle analysis for 8 years (MÃ ¼ller, 2003) Sustainability of the system According to Bell and Morse (2008), sustainability of a system refers to the ability of a given system to maintain its production capacity at a level that is equal or greater than the average output associated with the system. With reference to this inventory system, sustainability refers to the capacity of the system to streamline the inventory of the chain store. Bell and Morse (2008) illustrate that it is important to define the space and time over which sustainability of the project can be met. In this case, space is defined as the overall perimeter that includes the area covering all the outlet stores affiliated to the chain store. Time on the other hand refers to the lifespan that the system is expected to serve the company efficiently. In this case, the time estimation is approximately eight years. Figure 4: System sustainability within 8 years with constant space System sustainability within 8 years with constant space (MÃ ¼ller, 2003) The main purpose of this research is to conduct an LCC analysis on the support services that can be utilized in ensuring the sustainability of the project. Among the identified support services include insurance, manufacturer support and the use of corporate management. These support systems are essential for the continuous monitoring on the system performance. Ideally, close monitoring will enable the company to remedy any situations that may compromise the optimal performance of the system. Corporate management Bhatia (2000) asserts that cooperate management involves the organization and functioning of a given management team to meet the goals and objectives of the organization. It involves proper planning, designing, outsourcing implementation and evaluation of projects in progress. This in house initiative can work to towards enhancing the sustainability of the system. The advantage of this approach includes its capacity to promote proper planning and designing of the system. This can be achieved by employing specialists in the designing, implementation and evaluation phases of the project. The amount of time and innovation employed in the realization of the system project will dictate the extent of opportunities and threats depicted by the whole system. Thus, the management should ideally to maximize on improving efficiency and sustainability by dealing with any anticipated difficulties before the onset of the project. The success of cooperate management in ensuring system sustainability is determined by the attitudes and dedication of the respective decision and policy makers in the organization (Bhatia, 2000). Therefore, the success or failure of the project is highly dependent on the type of leadership in the organization and the effectiveness of communication strategies within the organization. Ins urance Services According to Outreville (1998), insurance refers to the protection/cover from a threat that would otherwise jeopardize the functioning of the system. There are many risks associated with such a system. They include the risk of loss of data, system malfunction, lack of coordination from the outlet systems with the headquarter system, among others. For purposes of protecting the overall mandate of the chain store, it is important to insure the system against obvious or unforeseen risks. The main disadvantage of this approach is entailed in the fact that the organisation will have to guard itself from major losses in case the system malfunctions. While as the insurance cover guarantees compensation should such an occurrence materialise, it is worth noting that the company will have to pay monthly premiums to the insurer. As such, the setback of this support service is the expense incurred in the event of insuring the system. This is attributed to the fact that most insu rance companies charge a lot of money to insure such systems. Further, in the event that the system functions properly without any malfunction, it is not possible to get a refund of the already paid out money to the insurance company (Albertini Barrieu, 2009). Manufacturer’s Support Manufacturer’s support can be realized through after sales services that can either be provided by the manufacturing company on a free arrangement, or at a subsidized price. Such services are intended to maintain the system and support its running. The support services can be in form of spare parts, repairs, servicing, or system buffers among others (Hill Jones, 2008a). Most manufactures offer such services as an incentive to entice their clients while others view this as a business opportunity to further the mandate of the manufacturing company. The advantages of this support strategy involve the subsidized fee for spare parts and any needed repairs. This is attributed to the fact that m ost manufacturers tend to retail spare parts and their services to loyal consumers at a lower price as compared to the market price. Further, manufacturers are better placed to deal with emerging issues of their own innovations thus improving on the internal validity of their services and thus the improved sustainability of the system (Hill Jones, 2008b). The limitation of this approach is that working with one specific manufacturer can compromise the efficiency of the system. This would especially be the case when the manufacturer service provider is not fully conversant with the functioning of the system. The fact that some manufactures retail their spare parts and support systems at a very high price, presents yet another disadvantage. According to Hill and Jones (2008b), high prices discredit the rationale of out sourcing the purchase of spare parts or repair services. Accessibility to manufactures support may be limited by distance difference especially when the manufacture is not able to access all the chain store outlets. Conclusion From the LCC model developed for the analysis of the life cycle costs of the different processes and activities involved in the acquisition, implementation and management of the new system, it was clear that there were different costs to be taken into consideration for the whole system to be effective and worthwhile (JTC, 1999). Since the system would spare the company losses previously incurred due to miscalculations and lack of proper records, it would serve as a major milestone to the company’s performance. As such, the system is highly recommendable since the disadvantages associated with its implementation do not surpass the benefits the company would earn from it. Notably however, the investment alone cannot help solve the problems of the company. Hence, there is a need for the company to invest more into the maintenance, management and operation of the system in order increase the life cycle of the system. The analysis has shown that the manufacturer support, method of maintenance, and support are all appropriate since the system is relatively cheap and involves fewer risks (Chandler, 2004). Recommendation The company should implement the system and use the manufacturers of the system to provide the required maintenance and support services. This way, the system costing will be free from unplanned costs and cushioned against frequent economic changes. As TAM (2004) observes, systems that are cushioned from unnecessary running costs and needless market forces stand a higher chance of providing their implementers with optimal benefits spanning their (systems) entire life cycles. References Albertini, L., and Barrieu, P. (2009) The handbook of insurance-linked securities. Sussex, John Wiley and Sons. Bell, S., and Morse, S. (2008) Sustainability indicators: measuring the immeasurable? 2nd edition. London, Earthscan. Bhatia, R. (ed) (2000) Encyclopedia of corporate management, New Delhi, Anm ol. Chandler, F. (2004) Life- Cycle Cost Model for Evaluating the Sustainability of Bridge Decks. Web. Ghoshal, R., and Greeff, G. (2004) Practical E-manufacturing and supply chain management, Oxford, Elsevier. Hill, C., and Jones, G. (2008) Strategic management: an integrated approach, 9th edition. Ohio, Cengage. Hill, C., and Jones, G. (2008a) Strategic management theory: An integrated approach. Boston Houghton Mifflin. JTC (1999) Life cycle costing: an application guide. Web. Langford, W. (2007) Logistics: principles and applications. New York, McGraw-Hill. Mtain, A. (2009), Life Cycle Cost Analysis. Web. MÃ ¼ller, M. (2003) Essentials of inventory management. New York, Amacom. Outreville, F. (1998) Theory and practice of insurance. Massachusetts, Kluwer Academic Publishers. TAM (2004) Life Cycle Costing Guideline. Web. Toomey, J. (2000) Inventory management: principles, concepts and techniques. Massachusetts Kluwer Academic Publishers. This research paper on Life Cycle Cost Analysis was written and submitted by user Haylee Michael to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

SWOT Analysis Al Capones

SWOT Analysis Al Capones Introduction Al-Capone’s restaurant came into existence in 1927 under the initiative of Gladys Meyers. The restaurant is located along the shores of Fox River and operates in a big and spacious house. In the course of its operation, Al Capone’s mission is to achieve sustainable growth by providing its customers with an untouchable dining experience (Al Capone’s, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis: Al Capone’s specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The firm’s operations are guided by one major objective, which entails offering its customers great and diverse wines, spirits, micro-brews, and foods. Al Capone’s focuses at maintaining the real taste of food and alcohol beverages that it offered during the 1920’s. In addition to positioning itself as a unique drinking point, Al Capone’s also focuses at offering its customers unique entertainment. One of t he ways through which the firm attains this goal is by entering into contracts with renowned music bands such as Dixieland stars and saxophonists such as Johnny Waters, Franz Jackson, and Glenn Koch. These elements are some of the main areas that have contributed towards the firm’s survival (Al Capone’s, 2012). SWOT analysis Strengths Strong brand Branding is one of the avenues through which organizations can derive their competitive advantage. According to Healey (2008), branding entails a continuous commitment to deliver product meaning and promise to customers. The restaurant has managed to maintain the quality of products it offered during the 1920s. As a result, it has developed a strong identity within the society in which it operates. People travel for long miles in order to enjoy the tasty spirits, great food, and lively entertainment within the restaurant (Al-Capone’s, 2012). Customers who patronize the hotel experience the roaring characteristic of th e hotel that persisted during the 1920s and 30s. This element has played a critical role in enhancing a strong attachment with the society. Consequently, the firm has been in a position to nurture a strong level of customer loyalty. According to Healey (2008), customer loyalty is a key ingredient in the survival and success of firms considering the high rate at which the business environment is transforming. Product diversification- Since its inception, Al Capone’s has been able to diversify its product offering. The firm has achieved this by adopting a multiproduct strategy. The strategy enables firms to become more diversified hence improving their performance. Effective integration of multiproduct strategy is realizable by integrating the concept of focusing. Consequently, firms’ management teams have to focus on the most profitable product to integrate in their product offering (McDaniel, Hair, Lamb, 2008).Advertising Looking for essay on business economi cs? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Al Capone’s has integrated multiproduct strategy by incorporating a variety of foods, wines, spirits, microbrews, cigars, and steaks. The quality of products offered by the firm has significantly contributed towards the development of strong brand recognition. One of the ways through which the firm has attained this element is by positioning itself optimally as a unique steakhouse. The firm offers sizeable meat steaks compared to other steakhouses in Chicago, which greatly appeals customers. Its product diversification strategy has consistently enabled Al Capone’s achieve effectiveness in satisfying customers’ needs (Al Capone’s, 2012). Effective pricing strategy Organizations can derive their competitive advantage from effective costing. One of the ways through which firms can achieve this aspect is by producing at a lower cost compared to competitors, which pr ovides firms with an opportunity to set the price of their products competitively (Andreasen Kotler, 2003). Al Capone’s is cognizant of the fact that consumers are price conscious. Consequently, the firm has incorporated a pricing strategy that takes into account the consumers’ purchasing power. One of the ways through which the firm has attained this goal is by integrating a special menu popularly known as â€Å"recession proof†. The special menus are available on Fridays and Sundays. The menus constitute unique foods. Unique location- The restaurant is uniquely located along the Fox River. Its location provides customers with an opportunity to explore the wilderness for to access the restaurant, customers travel through the wilderness, past gambling dens, and hoodlum haunts, which contribute to a high level of customer satisfaction. Strong human capital Firms can derive a high competitive advantage by offering effective and efficient customer service. One of the ways through which they can achieve this aspect is by training their employees on how to offer quality and optimal services. In the course of its operation, Al Capone’s has managed to develop strong brand recognition by ensuring that customers get excellent services. Upon patronizing the hotel, customers are welcomed by hostesses dressed like flapper. Additionally, serving is splendid laced with customer friendliness, which enables customers to derive a unique experience (Al Capone’s, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis: Al Capone’s specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Weaknesses Poor accessibility   Sales revenue of restaurants is greatly dependent on the size of traffic. Consequently, it is paramount for hotels and restaurants’ management teams to ensure that customers can easily access their premises. One of the ways through which this goal is attainable is by ensuri ng that the restaurants are strategically located (Garvey, Dismore Dismore, 2011). Accessing the restaurant is not easy especially for new comers for the restaurant is located in rugged terrain surrounded by hills and forests. The roads leading to the restaurant are poorly lit. Additionally, the address to the restaurant is hard to find. The signs directing customers to the restaurant are fixed on trees along the road. In most cases, consumers prefer travelling to guesthouses and restaurants that are conveniently located. When selecting their drinking and dining choices, time is one of the major considerations that consumers take into account (Garvey, Dismore Dismore, 2011). The restaurant does not have a parking lot. Customers are forced to park their cars along the river and trek to the restaurant. This aspect presents a major security threat to customers and their property, hence a major weakness of the Al Capone’s Lack of market leadership The firm has not optimally pos itioned itself in the restaurant industry. Despite the firm being in operation for a long duration, the firm has not managed to position itself as a market leader, which limits the firm’s ability to deal with changes occurring in the restaurant industry (Boone Kurtz, 2011). Low rate of product innovation The firm has not implemented an effective research and development strategy. This aspect has limited the firm’s ability to improve its products and service offering. The firm continues to operate in its traditional format, which might limit its ability to adjust to changes in consumer tastes and preferences. Low scale of operation- The firm operates in only one location. Despite the firm being in operation for almost a century, it has not incorporated the concept of market expansion. This aspect has greatly limited its ability to tap the prevailing market opportunities. Its operation in only one location has reduced the firm’s ability to attain the benefits ass ociated with economies of scale. Opportunities Innovation   Al Capone can increase its profitability by undertaking continuous product and service improvement. Over the years, the firm has positioned itself as a renowned entity with regard to the provision of tasty wines, great foods, and lively music. The firm’s management should focus on how to add value to its product and service offering. This move will allow the restaurant to gain more customers and thus raise its sales revenue.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One of the strategies that the firm should consider in its quest to be innovative is by adding new flavors (Bilton, 2007). Product innovation will significantly enable the firm to deal with alterations in consumer purchasing behaviors. The firm can also engage in new product development. The technological revolution especially with regard to information technology presents Al Capone’s with a timely chance to grow by exploiting the opportunities that come with the revolution. This assertion arises from the fact that Al Capone’s can use emerging technologies to create market awareness in its marketing practices. Social media is one of the technologies that the firm should focus on. In addition, it should improve its marketing practices by integrating different social networking forums such as Facebook, Twitter, Google plus, and blogs (Chaffey, et al., 2003). New distribution channels Al Capone’s can enhance its profitability by establishing new outlets in the US. Currently, the firm operates in only one outlet, which limits a large number of customers from accessing its products. In the process of establishing new outlets, it should identify the most optimal location where the outlets will be situated. It is also important for the firm to focus on maximizing its profitability by venturing in emerging markets. Change in consumer lifestyle   Currently, consumers are increasing becoming more adventurous, which presents a great opportunity for the firm to increase its profit. Its unique location and the opportunity for customers to experience the wilderness in accessing the hotel present a convenient opportunity to win a large number of customers. Additionally, the increase in degree of health-consciousness amongst consumers in their consumption pattern presents an opportunity for the firm. Al Capone’s should exploit the change in customer lifestyle by ensuring that it offers healthy food products. Currently, the society is undergoing significant social transformation. One of the transformations is associated with growth of domestic tourism. Increase in consumer disposable income   The US has experienced a stable economic growth over the past decade. Despite the adverse effects of the 2008 economic recession, the numerous economic stimulus packages implemented by the US government have significantly contributed to economic restoration. Consequently, there is a high probability of consumers experiencing an increment in their disposable income. This aspect will translate into an improvement in their purchasing power. The increment in consumers’ purchasing power might translate into a shift in their purchasing behavior; for example, they may refocus on consuming in luxurious hotels. Threats Change in consumer tastes and preferences The firm’s profitability may be affected by alterations in consumer tastes and preferences. For example, the high rate at which consumers are becoming health conscious ma y affect the firm. Findings of previous studies conducted associate eating red meat with increased risk of predisposing people to cancer and heart diseases. This realization has made most consumers to become very conscious of their eating patterns (Bakalar, 2012). This emerging evidence is a threat to the survival of the firm considering the fact that steak constitutes one of its main dishes. Economic recession The firm faces a major threat emanating from changes in the external business environment. One of these threats relates to occurrence of an economic recession. Recession may adversely affect the firm through a reduction in the firm’s sales revenue. The recent economic recession made most American consumers to focus on purchasing necessities rather than luxuries. In the event of the recession recurring, the firm’s profitability may be affected adversely. Increased competition   The US restaurant industry is undergoing significant transformation due to increase d competition. Some of the major industry players include Kentucky Fried Chicken, Darden Restaurants, Outback Steakhouse, and Taco Bell. More firms are venturing into the hotel industry in an effort to exploit the emerging opportunities. Al Capone’s does not have control over the activities within the industry. For example, the US restaurant industry is experiencing an increment in the number of steakhouses being established (First Research, 2012). As a result, there is a high probability of the firm experiencing a decline in its profitability. Legal reforms   During the 1920s and 1930s, the restaurant experienced a major threat emanating from the imposition of the prohibition era. The prohibition era was imposed through enactment of the Lever Food and Fuel Control Act. The legislation aimed at reducing the â€Å"evils† associated with alcohol. The US government imposed legislation that prohibited importation, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The legi slation had adverse effects on the survival of the firm because customers count not patronize and enjoy at the hotel freely. The threat posed by legal reforms persists even today. In 2009, the US government proposed to increase alcohol tax. The objective of the tax is to assist in funding the country’s national healthcare reforms. The enactment of the proposal would result in the tax levied on a 750 ml bottle of alcohol increase from $ 0.21 to $ 0.70. This change will translate into an increment in the price of alcoholic drinks, which will affect Al Capone’s sales revenue adversely. Conclusion and recommendations Al Capone’s has managed to develop a number of internal strengths, which have enhanced its survival. Its ability to offer quality products and adoption of product diversification has enhanced its ability to satisfy its customers. Additionally, the restaurant’s unique location and its effectiveness in maintaining the quality of products and servic e offering have contributed towards the development of a strong customer loyalty. Its effective pricing has enabled the firm to be consistent in attracting and retaining customers. Despite these aspects, the firm experiences a number of weaknesses such as low rate of product innovation, failure to develop market leadership, and poor accessibility. The firm faces a number of opportunities and threats from the external environment, and thus to survive into the future, it is important for the firm to consider the following. The firm should allocate more resources to continued research and development in the quest to remain relevant in the ever-changing market place. This move will effectively improve the firm’s ability to satisfy its customers. Its innovativeness should also incorporate devising strategies on how to improve its distribution channel. The firm should incessantly carry out market studies in order to monitor and adapt to the prevailing market trends coupled with cr eating contingency plan to face the future confidently. The market research should focus on customers and competitors. Reference List Al Capone’s. (2012). History of Al Capone’s hideaway steakhouse. Web. Andreasen, A., Kotler, P. (2003).Strategic marketing for nonprofits organisations. London, UK: Prentice Hall. Bakalar, N. (2012). Risks: More red meat, more mortality. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/health/research/red-meat-linked-to-cancer-and-heart-disease.html?_r=0 Bilton, C. (2007). Management and creativity: From creative industries to creative  management. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers. Boone, P., Kurtz. D. (2011). Boone and Kurtz contemporary marketing. Mason, MA: Cengage Learning. Chaffey, D., Mayer, R., Johnston, K., Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2003). Internet marketing,  strategy, implementation and practice. London, UK: Prentice Hall. First Research. (2012). Restaurant industry profile. Retrieved from firstresearch.com/Industry-Researc h/Restaurants.html Garvey, M., Dismore, H., Dismore, A. (2011). Running a restaurant for dummies.  Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Healey, M. (2008). What is branding? (Essential Design Handbooks). Switzerland: RotoVision. McDaniel, C., Hair, J., Lamb, C. (2008). Essentials of marketing. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.

Applications of Total Quality Management Essay Example for Free

Applications of Total Quality Management Essay Total Quality Management (TQM) is a philosophy of management that strives to make the best use of all available resources and opportunities through continuous improvement. TQM means achieving quality in terms of all functions of the enterprise. Many researchers attempted to analyze how IT and TQM can jointly add value to organizations and the purpose of this first post on TQM is to evaluate the practicality of TQM in an IT service. In this evaluation, a balance of the service management needs with the reality of bottom-line effectiveness is provided. The post also provides a list of critical success factors to consider in a change management initiative engaged by an IT service. The essence of quality is to do it right the first time, and to satisfy customer requirements every time by involving everyone in the organization. The works of Crosby and his colleagues on the evolution of TQM cut across all pervasive philosophies of management. TQM has been a key business improvement strategy since the 1970s, as it has been deemed essential for improving efficiency and competitiveness. TQM aims to achieve an overall effectiveness which is higher than the individual outputs from the sub-systems such as design, planning, production, distribution, customer focus strategy, quality tools and employee involvement. This philosophy of management strives to make the best use of all available resources and opportunities through continuous improvement. As a management philosophy, TQM makes use of particular set of principles, practices, and techniques to expand business and profits and provides a bypass to enhanced productivity by avoiding rework, rejects, waste, customer complaints, and high cost. This can be achieved by emphasizing the organization’s commitment from data-driven, problem-solving approaches to quality accruing. The five basic pillars of TQM are : a) top management commitment for quality enhancement, b) customer centric advancements of processes and building a long-lasting trustworthy relationship between the organization and the customer, c) relentless development by setting goals and deadlines, d) benchmarking with several specific tools and quality-adding techniques, and e) strengthening the employee base by concentrating at any stage of a process on quality, where customer satisfaction is stationed. Table 1 provides a summary of the key dimensions that constitute TQM. 1. Top management leadership : Top management commitment is one of the major determinants of successful TQM implementation. Top management has to be the first in applying and stimulating the TQM approach, and they have to accept the maximum responsibility for the product and service offering. Top management also has to provide the necessary leadership to motivate all employees. 2. Customer relationships : The needs of customers and consumers and their satisfaction should always be in the mind of all employees. It is necessary to identify these needs and their level of satisfaction. 3. Supplier relationships : Quality is a more important factor than price in selecting suppliers. Long-term relationship with suppliers has to be established and the company has to collaborate with suppliers to help improve the quality of products/services. 4. Workforce management : Workforce management has to be guided by the principles of: training, empowerment of workers and teamwork. Adequate plans of personnel recruitment and training have to be implemented and workers need the necessary skills to participate in the improvement process. 5. Product design process : All departments have to participate in the design process and work together to achieve a design that satisfies the requirements of the customer, which should be according to the technical, technological and cost constraints of the company. 6. Process flow management : Housekeeping along the lines of the 5S concept. Statistical and non-statistical improvement instruments should be applied as appropriate. Processes need to be mistake proof. Self-inspection undertaken using clear work instructions. The process has to be maintained under statistical control. 7. Quality data and reporting : Quality information has to be readily available and the information should be part of the visible management system. Records about quality indicators have to be kept, including scrap, rework, and cost of quality. TQM and Change Management Initiative for IT Performance : A business firm achieves world-class status when it has successfully developed operational capabilities through TQM to support the entire company in gaining a sustained overall performance over its competitors. Although there is insufficient statistical evidence to conclude significant simple relationships between TQM and IT services quality performance, many studies investigated the notion that TQM practices provide approaches to improve the economic position in the service sectors in general. Both IT and TQM had, and will continue to have a significant impact on most organizations. I only regret the lack of empirical research on the relationship between the two and how they both relate to business performance. Applications of Total Quality Management. (2016, Nov 15).

Why I believe NBC's new show, The Blacklist, is the number one show on Essay

Why I believe NBC's new show, The Blacklist, is the number one show on television - Essay Example In December 2013, NBC renewed the show by ordering a twenty two episode second season. The Blacklist has been able to utilize its marketing strengths to position itself in the market. In the entertainment industry, particularly the film and series sector, marketing is a challenging and dynamic function of business. Fortunately, the issue of marketing and positioning was not challenging because of the brilliance of the actors, scriptwriters and producers of the show. The series is able to capture the mood of its audience, in addition to using the popular actors such as Boone and Spader.2 The star power and sly wit of the lead actor Mr. Spader has helped The Blacklist to become a top rated new television crime and drama show. The Voice, which preceded The Blacklist, was able pull 12 million viewers for the new show. The Blacklist did not have a problem looking for a new audience. The show only had to satisfy the entertainment needs of the 12 million viewers.3 A range of factors played a crucial role in the marketing and positioning success of The Blacklist. The creators of the show were strategic about the factors they could control. The producers made wide ranging decisions that helped in the marketing of the show. From the production and casting of the main actors to the scope of the show, the creators made strategic decisions that would contribute to the marketing success of the show. One of the marketing strategies used by the creators was to use Mr. Spader as the lead actor. He injected humor that was not prominent in the written dialogues. Mr. Spader also helped in the invention of exciting words such as â€Å"the blacklist†. Word play and humor helped in taking off the edge, in addition to eliminating any potential accusations of melodrama. The positioning strategy that the creators and NBC executives used was pairing the show with The Voice. The Voice attracted an average viewership of approximately 15 million viewers. With the

What does it take to build a collaborative highly effective team Essay

What does it take to build a collaborative highly effective team - Essay Example 2. The team has a lot of discussions in which everyone often participates and freely speaks their minds without any form of fear, but within the objectives of the team. All members’ ideas are heard and none of the team members fear mentioning any creative ideas they may have. It does not only take the leader to make an effective team. Likewise, the team members must also put in an effort to ensure that the team functions effectively without any problems. First, it is important as a team member to try and understand each of the other team members potential. This helps one to clearly understand what role they play in the team. Secondly, it is important to understand what role one plays in the team. Once you do, you can simply focus on your own job as part of the team. Third, after understanding your role in the team, it is easier to identify whether there is any need of improving your skills in order for one to perform better in the team. Lastly, trust among all the team members is crucial. This implies that helping each other out would be highly beneficial to the effectiveness of the team. In case one of the team members is falling behind, other members should be willing to help. The leader plays an important role on how the team operates, and it is therefore important to open up to the team members in order to make them feel like they can trust you and freely speak their mind within the group (Woodcock, 102). Secondly, it is important to realize that what works for one person may not necessarily apply to someone else. Allow the tea members to express themselves in the way they most feel comfortable. Lastly, come up with team building strategies in order to improve communication within the team and build trust among team members. The leader in the team sets the example for the other team members and it is most likely to be expected that the team members will likely mimic what the team leader does. It is important to come up with the

Pick a Quote from the Book To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Example for Free

Pick a Quote from the Book To Kill a Mockingbird Essay During the depression in Alabama, many people, no matter what race, were encountering hard times. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Haper Lee, Scout learns life lessons through experiences throughout her childhood. In her community and her household, Scout watches and interacts with all kinds of people. In the book, Scout learns something new about the people of Maycomb in each chapter and realizes that people are more than what they perceive to be by interacting with three main characters in the novel, Atticus, Mr. Cunningham, and Boo Radley. In the beginning of the book, Scout’s interpretation of these characters changed throughout the story. At the beginning of the book, Scout’s dad, Atticus, was not like the fun hunting loving father that the other kids had. Atticus was a fifty year old lawyer that didn’t have time or energy to even play football with Scout brother, Jem. Scout felt like she had nothing to brag or be proud of her father about that is shown in this quote, because his daily life was either in the office or into a book. â€Å"If your father was thirty you’d find life quite different† â€Å"It sure would. Atticus can’t do anything†¦. † (Lee 120) Later on in the story, Scout and Jem see a stray crazy dog. Atticus is asked to shoot it. Scout not knowing that her dad was the best shooter in Maycomb had doubts of letting her dad shoot the dog. Atticus shot the dog on the first bullet. â€Å"When we went home I told Jem we’d really have something to talk about at school on Monday. † (Lee 130) Scout’s first impression of her dad in the beginning of the story changed when she found that she could be proud of her father for being the best shooter in Maycomb. Another main character in the novel was Mr. Cunningham who was a farmer and one of Atticus clients. Atticus was also representing Tom Robinson, who was a black man being prosecuted for rape by Bob Ewell. Bob Ewell had gathered a bunch of men to go down to the jail house to kill Tom Robinson. Scout, who was hiding and watching everything from afar, could not recognize any of the men. Later on when she ran through the men to Atticus she then recognized one man, and that was Mr. Cunningham. At the beginning of the novel, Atticus told Scout that Mr. Cunningham was a good honest hard working man that did not take anything from anyone unlike Mr. Ewell. After she realized what was taking place at the jail house and what the men were there to do, she had doubts about Mr. Cunningham being the good man that her father had told her about at the beginning of the novel. Lastly, Boo Radley probably impacted Scout the most in what she learned. At the beginning of the novel, Scout, Jem, and Dill all were curious of the monster that lived at the Radley’s house. He was always kept away and never came out. All kinds of stories about Boo Radley had been told as Scout grew up, made by different people in her community. Scout was so scared of Boo that she would run past his house every time she would pass it. The town would not even eat the fruit off the trees by their house because they believed Boo had poisoned them. It was obvious that Boo Radley had a bad rep in the town. Later on in the story, Scout and Jim find out someone is leaving them things in a tree hole. They start to believe it is Boo, who was leaving it for them, but they are still not convinced that Boo is safe. Later on while Miss Maudie’s house was burning and Scout was watching it from afar, someone had put a blanket on her. They come to the conclusion it was Boo Radley and are confused why he would do so. When Boo Radley had saved them from Mr. Ewell in the last few chapters of the book, it had become clear that Boo was not bad at all but afraid of the outside world beyond his house. Scout’s original perception of Boo Radley was all wrong because of the people she interacted with day to day. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Haper Lee, Scout learns life lessons through experiences throughout her childhood. Three main characters in this book impacted her life the most. Atticus, Mr. Cunningham, and Boo Radley showed Scout to not judge a book by its cover. Not everyone is who they first perceive to be. Like Atticus said â€Å"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view — until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. † (Lee 30) Atticus was right, Scout did not really know any of these people until she put herself in their place and saw who they really were.

A Raisin in the Sun Essay: Importance of Deferred Dreams

Importance of Deferred Dreams in A Raisin in the Sun      Ã‚   A dream is a hope, a wish, and an aspiration. Young people have dreams about what they want to be when they grow up. Parents have dreams for their children's future. Not all of these dreams come true at the desired moment - these dreams are postponed or "deferred". A deferred dream is put on the "back burner of life"(Jemie 219), and it matures to its full potential, and is waiting when you are "ready to pursue it"(Jemie 219). It is assumed that the deferred event, though later than hoped for, will eventually come true.    Deferred dreams are a significant component of "A Raisin in the Sun"; the word "dream" is used a total of fourteen times throughout the play. Mama, from "A Raisin in the Sun", experienced a "dream deferred" (Hughes). Mamas dreams were for the happiness of her children, and a new house. She and her husband Big Walter put everything they had into getting that house "with a little garden in the back" (Hansberry). When she gets the insurance payment after her husbands death and puts money down on a house in Clybourne Park, she is ecstatic. The dream was deferred many times. She and Big Walter simply didn't have the money to purchase a house and move out of the apartment. "I s... ...ill likely come true.    Works Cited: Hansberry, Lorraine.   A Raisin in the Sun.   New York:   Signet, 1988. Hughes, Langston. "Dream Deferred." Perrine's Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. Ed. Thomas R. Arp. Ft. Worth: HBJ, 1998. 637. Jemie, Onwuchekwa. "Langston Hughes." CLC. Vol. 35. Ed. Daniel G. Marowski. Detroit: Gale, 1985. 219-220. King, Martin Luther, Jr. "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr., ed. James M. Washington. San Francisco: Harper, 1986. Wintz, Gary D. "Langston Hughes." CLC. Vol. 10. Ed. Dedria Bryfonski. Detroit: Gale, 1979. 279-280.

A Good Essay Or Term Paper Essay

1. Answers the question No matter how interesting or well-written an essay, you will not be given any credit for your efforts unless it answers the question that was set. Your argument and evidence must be relevant to the question. This is the most important feature of what makes a good essay. It must deal with the subject or the topic(s) posed in the question rubric. Your answer should demonstrate that you have understood what the question is asking for, that you have grasped its key terms, and that you have followed all its instructions. 2. Clear structure An essay should be like a good piece of architecture – built on firm foundations to carefully made plans. The points of your argument should be arranged in some structure which is logical and persuasive. If you are dealing with a number of issues, the relation between them should be clearly explained. The connections between each stage of your argument and the original question should be evident throughout the essay. 3. Appropriate style For an academic essay the third person (‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘it’) rather than the first person (‘I’) is a more preferable style. Occasional use of ‘I’ may be acceptable if a personal opinion has been specifically requested. You should keep your audience in mind. Try to imagine that you are addressing someone who is intelligent and reasonably, but not necessarily well-informed in the subject. Remember that your writing should be grammatically accurate. Poor punctuation and weak sentence construction will create a bad impression. Mixed tenses and metaphors should be avoided. Spelling mistakes should be corrected. 4. Arguments supported by evidence Essays should not be just a series of unsupported assertions. You need to provide some evidence to support them – either in the form of factual details, your own reasoning, or the arguments of others. In this latter case, you should always reveal the fact that you are using someone else’s ideas. Provide attribution by using a system of footnotes or endnotes and accurate referencing. Never try to pass off other people’s written words as  your own. This is called plagiarism – a form of intellectual dishonesty which is severely frowned upon in academic circles. 5. Clarity of thought One of the hallmarks of a good essay is that it demonstrates clarity of thought. This may be your ability to identify different issues and discuss them in a logical manner. It may mean organizing materials into a coherent structure for the essay. It could be showing that you are able to make important distinctions and insights. This may not come easily at first, but with practice it should be possible to gain greater clarity through discipline, selection, and planning. 6. Evidence of wide reading and understanding Essays are often set to encourage and direct your reading in a subject. If you show that you have read widely and thoroughly understood the subject you are discussing, you will be demonstrating your competence. The best essays are often produced by people who have taken the trouble to acquaint themselves both with the principal ‘set books’ and with secondary works of commentary and criticism as well. They will often show evidence of intellectual curiosity which has taken them beyond the bounds of what has been prescribed as a minimum. 7. Originality An essay will be rewarded with a good mark if it competently reviews all the well-known arguments in a subject and reaches a balanced conclusion. The highest grades however are often given – deservedly – to essays which display something extra. This may be a demonstration of original ideas or an unusual, imaginative approach. Such essays usually stand out because of their freshness and the sense of intellectual excitement they convey. But remember that you are not usually required to be original. Your tutor(s) will be perfectly satisfied if you simply answer their essay questions in a sensible and competent manner.

Luxury and the Montblanc brand Essay

It is generally acknowledged that western consumption of luxury in the 1980s and 1990s was motivated primarily by status-seeking and appearance. This means that social status associated with a brand is an important factor in conspicuous consumption. The baby boom generation luxury consumer has a passion for self-indulgence while maintaining an iconoclastic world view, which is transforming the luxury market from its ‘ old ’ conspicuous consumption model to a totally new, individualistic type of luxury consumer one driven by new needs and desires for experiences ’ . The expression of ‘today’s luxury’ is about a celebration of personal creativity, expressiveness, intelligence, fluidity, and above all, meaning. LUXURY AND POSTMODERNISM Recent arguments have been sounded that aspects of contemporary luxury consumption have reflected the phenomenon of postmodernism. Postmodernity means very different things to many different people’. Postmodernism is essentially a western philosophy that ‘refers to a break in thinking away from the modern, functional and rational’. In terms of experiential marketing, two aspects of the postmodern discourse are most relevant: hyper-reality and image. Hyper-reality refers to ‘the blurring of distinction between the real and the unreal, in which the prefix ‘hyper’ signifies more real than real. When the real that is the environment, is no longer a given, but is reproduced by a simulated environment, it does not become unreal, but realer than real’. The example of Bollywood to illustrate the so-called ‘Disneyfication’ of reality within the context of contemporary Indian society: ‘Bollywood captures not only the imagination in the form of song, music and dance but fairy tale settings, romantic melodrama and heroic storylines immerse the viewer in ‘simulated reality’. Traditional marketing was developed in response to the industrial age, not the information, branding and communications revolution we are facing today. In a new age, with new consumers, we need to shift away from a features- and-benefits approach, as advocated by traditional approaches to consumer experiences. One such approach is experiential marketing, an approach that in contrast to the rational features-and-benefits view of consumers takes a more postmodern orientation, and views them as emotional beings concerned with achieving pleasurable experiences. EXPERIENTIAL LUXURY MARKETING When a person buys a service, he purchases a set of intangible activities carried out on his behalf. But when he buys an experience, he pays to spend time enjoying a series of memorable events that a company stages to engage him in a personal way. Experiential marketing is thus about taking the essence of a product and amplifying it into a set of tangible, physical and interactive experiences that reinforce the offer. Experiential marketing essentially describes marketing initiatives that give consumers in-depth, tangible experiences in order to provide them with sufficient information to make a purchase decision. It is clear that the fact that many luxury goods are almost always experiential puts luxury marketers in a unique position to apply the principles of experiential marketing to their activities. Dimensions of the luxury experience The term ‘involvement’ refers to the level of inter-activity between the supplier and the customer. Increased levels of involvement fundamentally change the way in which services are experienced, that is, suppliers no longer create an experience and pass it to the customer; instead, the supplier and customer are interactively co-creating the experience. The term ‘intensity’ refers to the perception of the strength of feeling towards the interaction. The four experiential zones are not intended to be mutually exclusive; the richness of an experience is, however, a function of the degree to which all four zones are incorporated. Those experiences we think of as Entertainment, such as fashion shows at designer boutiques and upmarket department stores, usually involve a low degree of customer involvement and intensiveness. Activities in the Educational zone involve those where participants are more actively involved, but the level of intensiveness is still low. In this zone, participants acquire new skills or increase those they already have. Many luxury goods offerings include educational dimensions. For example, cruise ships often employ well-known authorities to provide semi-formal lectures about their itineraries – a concept commonly referred to as ‘edutainment’. Escapist activities are those that involve a high degree of both involvement and intensiveness, and are clearly a central feature of much of luxury consumption. This is clearly evident within the luxury tourism and hospitality sector, characterised by the growth of specialised holiday offerings. The launch of the Royal Tented Taj Spa (Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces) at the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur (India) recreates the mobile palaces used by the Mughal emperors of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, with chandeliers, royal pennants and Indian love swings. When the element of activity is reduced to a more passive involvement in nature, the event becomes Aesthetic. A high degree of intensiveness is clearly evident within this activity, but has little effect on its environment such as admiring the architectural or interior design of designer boutiques. The six-storey glass crystal design of the Prada store in Tokyo conceptualised by the architects Herzog and de Meuron has become a showcase for unconventional contemporary architecture.

Death and How You Can Heal It

Death and How You Can Heal It Free Online Research Papers This note is for you, just for you, as i missed being with you every single day, seeing you grow with me. The way you used to smile at me every morning waving your wide spread arms. What havent we shared? Where have you gone? When i saw your face, i knew i was doing okay. The life that was to recede was brought back by you. Now youre gone. The day is not far. Ill be gone in no time too! Where have those days when you shrouded me when the storm blew everything up gone? Where have those days when you gave me all the warmth when i was stamped by all gone? Where have those days when you gave me a wide spread smile every morning gone? Where have those days when you gave me shelter during times of floods gone? Where have those days when we enjoyed the bliss of dancing in rain together gone? I am here, a thousand miles away from you. Broken heart. Those dark secrets that we shared, those conversations that only us and none were able to understand has gone by the wind. You cant make this any good, for youre taken; youre plundered from the very root. Those trucks, bulldozers and the people just din leave you here. Its so hard. I tried so fiercely, but nothing went well. I stood back holding my tears, seeing those imprint of your roots. Seeing you go so far and then you vanished in no time. I stood here for years unaccompanied, none to shroud, warm, or dance with me. Today i am 100 years old i believe, waiting to get my parts chopped to make oils, papers and cup boards. I am happy today for i am going to be no longer alone. Its time for me. I am happy today as i think about this. Those tears with which i stood still when they took you away, the warmth that i missed for years, the rain dance that never made me happy after you were gone, have all withered like dead petals now. And as i am chopped now, i again reiterate, i am gone too with the wind in no time! This wont change. They want us badly. I am taken in the truck. I go with them seeing the imprints of my roots. How much those deep roots have seen. Tears.Smile.Hug.What not? I look back to see if anyone is crying for me, and i just see a bright sun shine! And i was gone! Research Papers on Death and How You Can Heal ItThe Spring and AutumnHip-Hop is ArtPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationThe Hockey GameBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceTwilight of the UAWMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New Employees

Concept of human rights and its role in the legal,moral and political Outline

Concept of human rights and its role in the legal,moral and political world - Outline Example Much more job is required to inject human rights and the voice of the migrants into the mainstream of making policy in this area. â€Å"The wider vision of human rights allows for consideration of the problems of hunger, poverty, and violence facing billions of people† (Clapham 2007). In their human rights vision, persons are endowed, by cause of their humankind, with certain basic and unchallengeable rights. Idea of human rights offer the vocabulary for arguing regarding which interests must prevail and how best to accomplish the ends we have selected. Human Rights dealing with contempt subjects on occasion have to balance the competing interests and benefits of the constitutional right to a fair trial and the require to protect. The aspect of human rights to privacy and confidentiality, or the need to be left to oneself, is inherent to every human being. This is more apparent in the areas of hospitalization, medical care and defense of patient records. It is proposed to first think the aspect governing Human Rights Act regarding attaining consent of the patients in medical study settings previous to accepting them for bio-medical or medical research use. â€Å"So far we have resisted the temptation to claim that human rights are about balancing individual free doms and the collective interests of the community. Such claims say very little about these rights as they melt away into the interests of the majority to live in peace and security† (Clapham 2007). The push of worldwide human rights rule is that curtailment of rights should be vindicated by reference to pre-existing rules that permit for proportionate action essential to accomplish a legitimate aim. It is seen from the theories and cases discussed above that public view is significant aspect which wants to be accepted by citizens, celebrities or otherwise. At the same time as a certain amount of accommodation and restraint wants to be offered to citizens in terms of human rights and respect for

H&M and their Blue Ocean and Red Ocean Strategy Essay

H&M and their Blue Ocean and Red Ocean Strategy - Essay Example This paper talks about a brief history of the company H&M and the strategies that it has used and is using that have contributed majorly to their growth and expansion. The paper focuses on two very different strategies, the Blue Ocean Strategy and the Red Ocean Strategy and their characteristics. It attempts to answer whether H&M really used the Blue Ocean Strategy or were they only able to utilize strategies in the Red Ocean. Anyone who is fashion-forward and fashion-conscious would certainly recognize the brand name H&M. Popular for selling and creating trendy pieces at an affordable price, it is no wonder that a lot of people choose to buy from the retail store. Created by Erling Persson in the year 1947, the company H&M had its roots back in Sweden as a fashion retail store that sold only women’s clothing. His first store was named Hennes, the Swedish equivalent of â€Å"hers†. Twenty one years later, the name was changed to â€Å"Hennes and Mauritz† after Persson purchased a hunting store located in Stockholm named Mauritz Widforss. The hunting store sold not only supplies for hunting, but men’s wear as well. It was only then that the store catered to both men and women’s fashion. Over the years, H&M continued to expand and opened numerous stores all over Europe. Their clothing line expanded to cater to men, women, teens, and children. H&M opened their stores in several countries such as USA, Canada, Dubai, Kuwait, Hongkong, China, and Japan. The fashion label will also open stores in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and South Korea by 2010. The company line also offers online shopping limited to countries in Europe namely Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Swedish Finland. In the past, the H&M also featured one-time collections made by popular, well- known designers such as Karl Lagerfeld back in 2004 and Stella McCartney in the year 2005, and Viktor & Rolf in