FIN 370 Week 3 Learning Team Assignment Essay

Learning Team: Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis This paper will give a short history and descriptions of Apple’s I Pad minicomputer. It will also give factors that affect demand, supply, and equilibrium prices in the market. Issues that Apple faces that affect its competitiveness will also be addressed. Lastly, this paper will identify the long term profitability of the iPad including, price elasticity of demand, technological innovation, and cost structure. Steven Jobs and Steven Wozniak were friends in high school, which shared like interested in electronics. They designed what would become the Apple and on April 1, 1976, Apple Computer was born. This is an American based company located in California. Apple specializes in design advancing, and the sales electronics, computer software, and computers. Apple is accredited for some of the most popular products of the modern world of technology such as: iPod, iPhone, iPad, and iTunes. Apple has expanded its retail stores to fourteen countries worldwide with 408 retail store not to mention their online stores, Apple Store and iTunes. Apple’s value as of March 2013 is $415 million, and it is the largest most publicly traded companies. The iPad is a tablet designed minicomputer that was released in 2010 by Apple. This device has equipped with Wi-Fi and has a multi- touch screen. There are five different versions of this particular tablet. Each has the capability to play music, record videos, a camera function, browsing the web, e-mailing. Games, GPS navigation system, and social networking can also be downloaded to the device. A market is as a collection of consumers and retailers of a specific merchandise or service. Demand is the actual volume that consumers are prepared and able to obtain. Quantity necessitated is the demand at a specific amount and is symbolized as the demand curve. The supply of a product is the quantity that manufacturers are prepared an d capable to convey to the market the sale of  the product. The market can be analyzed by matching the supply and demand curve. Equilibrium is the connection of supply and demand curves. The equilibrium amount is the amount where the number demanded matches the number supplied. A change in price does not necessarily mean that the demand will change. It is more likely for the quantity demanded will affect the price. If the price is changed the curve will move along the demand curve. When the price is reduced the quantity demand will be increased. When the IPad was released, it was the only product in that market at that time. Therefore, at that time it absolutely controlled the tablet division. Some corporations tried to contend with Apple, but recognized their position just could not compete. The competition combated Apple by creating smaller tablet that is an unfamiliar place for Apple. This creation worked and caused Apple to lose sales. The competitors rapidly established their place in the market. Price elasticity of demand is an issue th at our organization, Apple faces that affects our competitiveness and long-term profitability with regards to the iPad. â€Å"Price elasticity of demand and supply tells us exactly how quantity responds to a change in price. As elasticity increases, quantity responds more to price changes. Demand or supply is elastic, if the percentage change in quantity is greater than the percentage change in price†(University Of Phoenix, 2010, pp. 154-157). After reviewing data, specifically targeted to the three types of iPads; their pricing, capabilities and memory storage, it was determined that if the price of the iPads increased; then the consumers may not purchase them (â€Å"What Is An Apple Ipad’s Elasticity Of Demand?†, 2012). The price elasticity of demand tells us that although apple is very technological innovative, but as it relates to price elasticity of demand; the quantity does not matter (all the changes, modifications, additions, advancements, etc.) consumers will still purchase the cheaper iPad (cost efficient) Apple should not invest in making more iPads. Consumer(s) can’t readily identify / understand the importance /significance of having more capabilities, memory, stor age, etc. The consumer(s) would ultimately shop for and purchase the iPad that’s more conducive to their needs. Although apple has is very technological innovative, but as it relates to price elasticity of demand; the quantity does not matter (all the changes, modifications, additions, advancements, etc.) consumers will still purchase the cheaper iPad (cost efficient)  Technological innovation is an opportunity for our organization, (Apple) to face that affects our competitiveness and long-term profitability with regards to the iPad. Through technological innovation our organization will be able to make improvements to something that already exists; such as the Apple iPad. Is the improvement to something that already exists. Technological innovation will always have a huge impact on Apple Corporation. As it directly relates to the iPad, with the technological innovation, we are able to re-invest and re-invent the iPad. As with any product of this magnitude, the cost will increase, more features will be added, more storage, more variability, etc. As long as we are innovative and have a willingness to be creative we will consistently bring new items to the market that will steady intrigue the consumers and adapts to their technological needs. â€Å"Cost Structure (TC = FC + VC) is the costs of production, the identification of how costs associated with the production of a good or service are distributed throughout the process The cost structure consists of fixed costs, variable costs and total cost â€Å" (University Of Phoenix, 2010, pp. 283-285). According to â€Å"Internal Factors: Costs † (n.d.), † When analyzing cost, the marketer will consider all costs needed to get the product to market including those associated with production, marketing, distribution and co mpany administration (e.g., office expense). These costs can be divided into two main categories: fixed costs and variable costs†. Fixed costs are costs that are spent and cannot be recovered (rent, credit interest, maintenance costs, security and administrative expenses, often salary). The major factors affecting fixed costs are (1) Changes in business organization, (2) Changes in technology applied, (3) Sale of manufacturing equipment and (3) Decisions to undertake advertising activities, etc. Variable costs are costs that vary with production. Factors affecting variable costs, including productivity and others that change the supply of and demand for labor (internal factors), (1) Involve costs of items that are either components of the product (parts/packaging), (2) Directly associated with creating the product (electricity to run an assembly line), (3) Coupons and (4) Variable costs, especially for tangible products tend to decline as more units are produced. This is due to the producing company’s ability to pu rchase product components for lower prices since component suppliers often provide  discounted pricing for large quantity purchases (). Total cost the sum of all costs of inputs used by a firm in production TC = FC + VC Apple is one of the world’s most admired brands. Every year, as rumors about Apple’s products start to emerge web sites begin to speculate which suppliers are likely to win Apple’s business. Getting a contract from Apple can lift a company’s value by millions of dollars. On October 22 Apple released a variety of new hardware and software. Apple’s new iPad is clearly focusing on improving the iPad product profit margin, while also maintaining it strong market share. One of the ways Apple can maximize their profit is by reducing the price of the original iPad mini. Another recommendation that can maximize the profit for Apple is to also make radical improvements to the full-size iPad and the mini. Apple has four products in the iPad lineup. While Apple decided to keep the price of the iPad 2 at $399 Apple dropped the price of the IPad mini to $299. The newest iPad, the new full-size iPad Air is thinner and lighter than the previous full-size iPads and much more powerful. The new iPad Air will sell at $499, while the second new iPad tablet the iPad mini with Retina display will sale for $399. By Apple dropping the price on the iPad mini this move should help A pple maintain market share with it strong competition. Strong competitors like Google and Amazon have recently dropped the prices on their popular tablets. Android tablets such as Google and the Kindle Fire have been gaining on Apple over the past year with the lower prices and higher performance. The Kindle Fire HD sold for $139, this alone affected Apple’s revenue. The price decrease put Apple’s base iPad mini closer to the price of Google and Amazon’s top of the line tablets. Apple chose to drop the price of the original iPad mini tablets to maximize their profits with the competition. Overall by dropping the price, this will draw more individuals to the Apple iPad mini and increase Apple’s marginal revenues and profitability. This will keep Apple’s market share in competition with Google and Amazon without sacrificing too much profitability. Although, there are several competitors in this market; such as The Kindle Fire, The Windows Tablet, Galaxy Table, etc. none are able to uphold the standards that the iPad will carry. With all of our advancements in technology, research, investments, etc. we continue to be in high demand. If our corporation continues to be technological innovative and productive; then we will continue to grow and  c onsistently re-invent. We will be more profitable, growing and will remain cost efficient; when it comes to manufacturing and producing the iPad. Based on the current market conditions, our competitive market analysis concluded that the Apple iPad will be an extremely productive and very successful. References: Duhigg, C., & Barboza, D. (2012, January 25). In, China, Human Cost Are Built Into an IPad, p. The iEconomy. Internal Factors: Costs . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.knowthis.com/pricing-decisions/internal- factors-costs Reisinger, D. (2013, October 22). IPad 2 Survives iPad Air, Still cost $399. CNET, p. . University Of Phoenix. (2010). Economics, Eight Edition. Retrieved from University Of Phoenix, ECO365 website. What is an Apple iPad’s Elasticity of Demand?. (2012). Retrieved from http://applecoeconomics.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/what-is-an-apple-ipads-elasticity-of-demand-9/

Nutrition & Fitness Paper Essay

Nutrition and Fitness play different roles in American’s lives. According to Healthy People 2010 54% of Americans are not regularly active, 15% are not active at all. Americans consume too many calories, often in the form of added sugars and fats, but too few vitamins and minerals, in part because the intake of fruits, vegetables, and milk products is relatively low. (Insel & Roth. 2008 p.367) There is a number of health risks associated with obesity. According to WebMD.com â€Å"Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, it’s a health hazard. Someone who is 40% overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as is an average-weight person. This is because obesity has been linked to several serious medical conditions†. Some of the health risks that are associated with obesity include: Heart disease and stroke, High blood pressure, Diabetes, Cancer, Gallbladder disease and gallstones, Osteoarthritis, and Breathing problems, such as asthma. (WebMD.com). There are many ways that American’s can incorporate fitness and nutrition in their daily lives. This paper will discuss fitness and nutrition habits, and suggest new habits that will benefit your health and promote healthy weight. My current fitness and nutritional habits include many positive traits. For starters I always try to eat something nutritious every two to three hours each day, by doing this I continually eat healthy foods and I stay fuller longer reducing the chances of having fatty snack foods throughout the day. I try to remember to make sure that each of my meals contains lean protein, like some fish, turkey, or egg whites and the appropriate servings from the food pyramid. I love fruits so I try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with each meal or as a snack in throughout the day. On occasions I have a high carbohydrate drink that is high in protein such as soy milk combined with a serving of a nutritional carbo snacks, usually within thirty minutes before a workout. I also try to regularly drink only non-calorie containing beverages, like water or sugar free water based drinks. I try to eat healthy fats on a daily basis, like almonds, nuts, fish, and flax seed oils. I know that I should obtain all of my carbohydrates from fresh fruits and vegetables, but sometimes have limited time to prepare these items due to my hectic schedule and I find myself taking easy shortcuts. In an attempt to better my fitness habits I will attempt to incorporate some  new fitness habits into my daily lifestyle. Three new fitness habits that I could reasonably incorporate into my lifestyle would include eating healthy breakfast, exercising first thing in the morning and obtaining my vitamins and nutrients through foods versus vitamin supplements. It is commonly said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day well this has always been a statement that is hard for me to live by. I often find myself rushing out the door to get my child off to school and make it to work on time without indulging in breakfast first. By the time I get around to having my morning meal it is nearly lunch time. My metabolism is running at the lowest gear of the entire day when I first wake up in the morning. My body is running on pure fumes alone. The second I eat something, my body cranks into gear and metabolically starts working at a higher rate. If I could make time to incorporate breakfast into my day my metabolism would kick into gear much sooner and I would have more energy which would result in an overall better day and a better workout. As with eating breakfast getting in a quick workout in the morning will jump start my metabolism for the day. Just quick ten or fifteen minutes of a workout in the morning will give me more energy and prepare me for my hectic day. The later in the day I work out the less likely I will be able to get to sleep on time. Overall I think exercising in the morning makes me feel healthier and gives me a better attitude. I have discovered that I need to try to get my vitamin and nutrients intake through my food supply rather then through supplements. Supplements only provide the vitamins and minerals listed on the bottle. But food supplies a lot more – antioxidants, phytochemicals that are beneficial to the body, and probably even things that scientists haven’t discovered yet. It’s also cheaper to get nutrients this way. A bottle of multivitamins may not be expensive, but if one was to factor in all the other things, such as antioxidants and essential fatty acids, the cost would be quite high. By obtaining my vitamins and nutrients through my food intake I will be receiving additional benefits. In conclusion, I understand that there are several habits that I need to change regarding my nutrition and fitness. I now realize that if I can make the three fitness and nutritional changes and incorporate them into my lifestyle I can greatly improve my nutrition and fitness. I also understand that I am putting myself at a higher risk of developing several health related problems if I do not make and attempt to better my nutritional habits. I hope that in the coming weeks that I can make the necessary changes to not only promote healthier nutrition and fitness habits, but overall health and wellness as well. References Insel, P.M., & Roth,W.T. (2008). Core concepts in health (10th ed.) Chapter 1. Boston: McGraw-Hill. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix May 11, 2009Loss: Health Risks Associated With Obesity. Retrieved from the World Wide Web at: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/obesity-health-risksWeight-loss.emedtv.com (2006-2008) May 11, 2009

Meningitis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Meningitis - Essay Example s severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability. Meningitis hearing loss typically appears after a bout with meningitis. Before the 1990s, Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib) was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, but with new vaccines as part of routine immunizations, the occurrence of this invasive disease has reduced. Today, Streptococcus pneumoniae and N. meningitidis are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis. It can be caused by various infectious agents, including viruses, fungi, and protozoa, but bacteria produce the most life-threatening infection. Factors such as age, history of head trauma cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and immune status may help determine the causative agent. The bacteria that is responsible for meningitis are the meningococcus (N. meningitidis), most important because of its potential to cause epidemics; influenza bacillus (H. influenzae); and various strains of pneumococci, streptococci, or staphylococci. H. influenzae occurs in infants and young children but only rarely in the elderly, and its course and symptoms resemble those of N. meningitidis. In adults, the bacterium pneumococcus (S. pneumoniae) is a common cause of meningitis. Meningitis hearing loss can range in varying degrees, mild, moderate, severe, profound or total. Though meningitis is a cause of hearing loss, there are others which are congenital or acquired. Hearing loss can be classified by the auditory system that is defective. The causes can be divided into two basic types: conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is caused by anything that interferes with the transmission of sound from the outer to the inner ear. Possible causes include: middle ear infections (otitis media); collection of fluid in the middle ear ("glue ear" in children); blockage of the outer ear (wax); damage to the eardrum by infection or an

Inflight Catering and Waste Management in the Emirates Airlines Dissertation

Inflight Catering and Waste Management in the Emirates Airlines - Dissertation Example Tourism and travel cannot develop without aviation. Demand for air transport is continuing as humanity and technology develops rapidly. The aviation industry is a highly competitive industry. Regulations and many constraints are imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and it is within this context that Emirates Airlines operates. The various airlines operating at the Dubai International Airport have to follow regulations on complex factors dealing with parking lots, landing and take-off schedules, and environmental matters. Catering services have to follow sensitive rules and regulations because these activities can cause environmental problems. (Abdi & Sharma, p. 296) Â  This paper is about Emirates Airlines and the environmental impact the firm creates as an outcome of its various activities. The paper specifically touches on the waste generated as a result of in-flight catering. Inflight catering generates a great amount of waste of various types and it demands an effective waste management. Environmental impact suggests several sub-topics, such as greenhouse gas effects, waste generation and other environmental concerns within the aviation industry that need discussion and in-depth analysis. Solid and food wastes from airlines are disposed of, processed or segregated at airports. Therefore, waste management at airports is a significant part of this paper. Â  Emirates Flight Catering, a company formed under the Emirates Group, generates tons of waste from in-flight catering. It serves the Emirates aircraft and the other airlines operating at the Dubai International Airport. The firm has a waste management system carried out by an Environmental Team whose job is to maintain a close coordination and collaboration of the different units of waste management of the Emirates.

In the past half century, the developing countries have experienced Essay

In the past half century, the developing countries have experienced major compositional shifts from exports of primary products - Essay Example Over the past half century the shift in the export strategies of the developing countries have been noticeable. The shift in the composition of exports is mainly attributed to the developments and modification of the world’s production procedures. The dependence on land and food of the developing countries were gradually replaced by the advent of new technologies that redefined the production of industries in the economy (Dijck and  Linnemann, 1987, p.39). Gradually, the trend of exports of the developing economies shifted from the primary products and agriculture based items to industrial goods produced with the use of advanced technologies. Historical developments: Compositional shift of exports in the developing countries A look at the historical developments of the developing countries reveals that the developing countries in the early part of the twentieth century consisting of China, India, etc. were dependent on land and agriculture. The land was the major source of i ncome and value of land was very high to the state. The transitional of the stages of the development of the economies and the compositional shift in the exports of the countries over the last fifty years have been described below. Initial phase of exports by developing countries The economies of the developing countries in the initial phase of the historical development were highly dependent on agriculture. It would be correct to mention that developing countries before half a century were agriculture based economies. The land was the major source of livelihood and the income of the state and the people were highly dependent on agricultural produce of the land. The developing nations at that point of time used to produce high quantities of rice, wheat, pulses and other agricultural crops. The enhanced activities on farming and the activities of farmers all over the nation formed a considerable part of the gross domestic product. In international trade, the countries had primary pro ducts and raw materials, agricultural products available in large quantities for export. The foreign exchange earnings occurred majorly through the exports of primary goods, raw materials and agricultural goods produced by the countries. The singly dominant item in the developing economies at early stages of history was food products. This trend of exports underwent a radical change in the compositional shift as the developing countries started to open up their economies in the age of liberalization. Changing trend of compositional exports of the developing countries The composition of exports of the developing countries underwent radical shift in the last half a century as the developing countries like India and China opened up their economies in the era of globalization. The advent of new technological developments brought about changes in the production process and the composition of the products produced by the economies. The developing countries in the last fifty years underwen t economic reforms and adopted policies on liberalization. This was done by attracting foreign investments in the developing countries. Investments on development of infrastructure for supporting the growth of industries were the focus areas in the later stages of historical develo

Case study Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Case study - Research Paper Example The attending physician decided to put her to sleep by administering sedative. Not wanting to give sedative for fears of developing addiction, the doctor advised Angel’s parents to consult a psychologist. During the talk with the psychologist, the couple narrated that their daughter only manifested this reaction once, a day after they came back from the hospital because Angel was confined when she sprained her left ankle due to a biking accident. The couple also reported that their daughter had previous episodes of being tachypnic upon the sight of injection and fainting shortly afterwards, even after the administration of shot. The couple thought these were because of Angel’s diabetes, and did not pay any attention to them. Because of Angel’s young age, the pain might be the major contributing and the primary factor for her trypanophobia (Deacon and Abramowitz, 2006). However, the fear of fainting might have exacerbated the condition, and may have made the fear of needles more life-threatening (Du et al., 2008). Because of this, it is the fear of pain that should be important to be addressed first. Angel might have been classically conditioned of experiencing pain with her every injection. The classical conditioning theory suggests that the fear of needles is actually a protective response against pain. In this scenario, the elicited response is fear. The unconditioned stimulus causing fear is when Angel feels pain, and the conditioned stimulus is the sight of syringes. Thus, after classical conditioning, Angel already associates pain with the syringes, and thus fears seeing syringes already (Scott, 2009). To reverse the fear brought about by classical conditioning, a classical extinction should be performed. In this method, the unconditioned stimulus, which is pain, should be unlinked to the sight of the syringes. This can be performed by vicarious learning approach, in which Angel will learn not to fear the syringe by looking at

Most Important Cybersecurity Vulnerability Facing IT Managers Today Term Paper

Most Important Cybersecurity Vulnerability Facing IT Managers Today - Term Paper Example With the related elementary technique, that employs the transmission of the email SPAM formed to seem similar to it was derived through an officially authorized organization as well as in that way trapping us to go after a weblink to a wrong website that had been shaped to as well seem similar to it belonged to a valid organization, we could be trapped into sensational individual data and information regarding yourself that is also acknowledged as the Phishing (Rodriguez, 2007). The recompense was twofold. The executor of this act could go behind doesn't matter what economic capital we had like that our credit or debit card number, bank account, etc. or they could copy or steal an adequate amount of data and information from our computer to get hold of our identity. This category of online fraud is acknowledged as the identity theft. Identity theft possibly being even further shocking to the actual person for the reason that a hacker could make use of our individuality to open up cre dit and debit cards, bank accounts as well as carry out further negative activities and crimes concealed at the back of our identity (Rodriguez, 2007). Introduction to Phishing I believe phishing is the single most important cyber security vulnerability that IT managers are facing today. Actually, phishing is the process in which an authorized person tries to get access and use sensitive data and information such as usernames, personal information, credit card information and passwords by making use of deceptive and fake means as a trustworthy entity in an online and other internet supported communication. In addition, phishing is normally carried out through E-mail or through the instant messaging, as well as its generally directs... This essay stresses that IT managers are responsible for dealing with IT operations of an organization. In fact, business organizations heavily rely on IT in order to successfully operate their business. In this scenario, it is the responsibility of IT managers to implement strict security measures to ensure the secure execution of these IT operations. Given below are some of the important actions that can be taken to stop phishing. Information and data stealing is an extensively employed technique to industry intelligence. Through theft of personal infrastructure, plan credentials, officially permitted estimations, worker associated records, information robber’s proceeds from promotion to those who can want to make self-conscious or reason economic harm or to contestants. This paper has discussed some of the important aspects of phishing. In the past few years, phishing has become very common. In fact, there are many kinds of phishing and the basic purpose is to steal someone’s personal information using illegal ways. Without a doubt, organizations today heavily rely on their business data and information and for this they heavily rely on an IT department. So if this information is accessed by any unauthorized person it can be used for illegal purposes. In some cases, a business competitor can also hack this information to destroy the business of an organization. So it is essential for IT managers to keep them up to date with the latest knowledge of cyber vulnerabilities and be ready to implement solutions to deal with these vulnerabilities.