Preparing a comprehensive case analysis, Part 2 Assignment

Preparing a comprehensive case analysis, Part 2 - Assignment Example He further notes that since the inflation and the Gross National product (GNP) have a substantial impact on the market growth, they are included an index. The range is divided between two divisions: high growth depicting industries and firms growing and expanding faster than inflation and the gross domestic products and are shown above the line while low growth depicts those industries and firms growing slower and at a less than inflation rate or GNP rate. Headley (1977) notes that the horizontal axis (x) shows the relative market share. The share is computed relative to the largest competitor in the market. Consequently, both the range and the division are arbitrary. He incorporated the scale of 1.0 to show the line where market leadership will occur. This implied that market leadership would occur where the market share exceeded 1.0 As put forward by David (2011) and Headley (1977), the BCG Growth/share matrix is divided into four quadrants, each representing a particular type of b usiness. The circles represent products. Therefore, the size of the circle reflects the relative significance of the product to group sales. Furthermore, its development reflects the profit contribution to each division and occasionally represents in the pie segments within the circle. The Boston Consulting Group’s Growth Share Matrix Fig 2 (DISASTER SEQUENCE AND SUCCESS IN PRODUCT PORTFOLIO STARS QUESTION MARKS CASH COWS DOGS The disaster sequence moves from the dogs to stars to dogs in that order while the success sequence moves from the dogs to stars. Key Y AXIS – MARKET GROWTH RATE X AXIS – RELATIVE MARKET SHARE Disaster sequence (anticlockwise) The clockwise is the success sequence a) THE QUESTION MARKS These product or businesses compete in high growth markets, but where the markets share of the firm is relatively low. For instance, a new product launched into a high growth market and with an existing market leader is normally considered a question mark. B usiness firms with such products normally align themselves with either of the following intensive or divestment strategic options in order to improve the competitive position, sales volume and reputation of the firm: market penetration, market development and product development (David, 2011; Headley, 1977) b) THE STARS These are successful question marks (David, 2011). However, as Headley notes an investment is still normally required to maintain growth and defend the leadership position of the firm. As noted by Headley (1977), occasionally, they are marginally profitable products. However, as they achieve a more mature status in their life cycle and growth levels, they appear more attractive. He further notes that these products provide a basis for the long-term growth and profitability for the firm. During this business period, the firms normally adopt some strategic options such as market penetration; market and product development, joint ventures and integration. These defensiv e strategies are aimed at defending the market share and the leadership position from its competitors (David, 2011). C) THE CASH COW These are characterised by a relatively high market share in low growth industries. As the market matures, the need for the investment reduces due to a reduction in operating costs. As noted by the David (2011) and Headley (1977), these products are the most profitable products in the business portfolio. In addition, usually the market situation is boosted by the economies of scale

War and Peace in the Middle East Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

War and Peace in the Middle East - Essay Example The Middle East political plethora is characterized by fighting raging from Syria and its spillover effect felt in Lebanon Bahrain and Iraq. There is no denying the sectarianism is commonplace in the Middle East politics with religious identity the most vital end in defining the political life of the people. Therefore, the war in these countries remains a familiar factor in the pursuit of national interest of the individual countries in the oil-rich region (CASHMAN, 2000:45). Various ideas, theories, and values shape policy and motivate the political behavior of citizens in certain countries. International relations theorists disagree over the inevitability of war. To classical realists and neo-liberalists, war is inevitable. They posit that each state is compelled to harm the other in pursuit of their interests and to avoid the worst possible outcome. This follows with states increasing their defense capabilities thereby increasing tension and chances of war. Realism has evolved int o the dominant paradigm in explaining state behavior and the eruption of war. Neo-realists hold that state behavior is driven by the need for survival in the international system. States try to survive by maximizing their power and shifting the balance of power in their favor. Mearsheimer’s ‘Offensive Realism Theory’ asserts the rationality of states in an anarchic world system. This leads to a security dilemma where a defensive action taken by one state on the verge of survival is a threat to another.... To classical realists and neo-liberalists, war is inevitable. They posit that each state is compelled to harm the other in pursuit of their interests and to avoid the worst possible outcome. This follows with states increasing their defense capabilities thereby increasing tension and chances of war. Realism has evolved into the dominant paradigm in explaining state behavior and the eruption of war. Neo-realists hold that state behavior is driven by the need for survival in the international system. States try to survive by maximizing their power and shifting the balance of power in their favor. Mearsheimer’s ‘Offensive Realism Theory’ asserts the rationality of states in an anarchic world system. This leads to a security dilemma where a defensive action taken by one state in the verge of survival is a threat to another. Realism fronts war as one of the best strategies for states to maximize their power and ensure their survival. In other cases, the threat of force may be used to maximize power. According to the theory also, other states may insight war between rival nations in a bid to reduce their power and eventually increase their own (DUNNE, KURKI, & SMITH, 2013:79). A good illustration is Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, at an individual level; Saddam Hussein may have calculated that his actions on Kuwait will not provoke military response from the international community due to his originally ruthless nature. However, at the state level Iraq is pursuing its own national interests and attempting to regain oil fields that were previously annexed by the British (CASHMAN, 2000:79). According to Mearsheimer’s theory also, the polarity between states or the possibility of war depends in the number of