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The Mens Wearhouse Analysis
The Men’s Wearhouse Analysis
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In the year 1974, the company, ‘The Men’s Wearhouse’ became incorporated. Its market is found in Canada and the United states. It is involved in renting out tuxedos and provision of men’s suits. To date, the number of retail stores has reached 1192 whereby, in Canada, there are 117 stores and in America the stores are 1075. In the two countries, the company operates under different brand names such as K&G, Men’s Wearhouse and Tux, as well as Men’s Wearhouse. Respectively there are 102, 388 and 585 stores in total. Moore clothing is the name given to the stores in the Canadian market (The Bloomberg BusinessWeek, 2004). The stores also deal in services such as laundry operations and dry cleaning. According to information obtained from social media such as Tweeter and Facebook, men are happy with the products, which the company provides. It has opened an account on Facebook whereby, its clients post their comments on a regular basis. This is a strategy, which will increase the market share of the company (New York Times, 2011).
According to recent information obtained from the Stock Exchange in New York, the sales went as high as past sales to approximately 22%. This means that in its second quarter of operations, tuxedos, which are low cost, were rented out by men. In turn, the revenue increased to 655.5 million dollars, which was higher than that of the previous year. Also the net earnings were higher as they had reached a total amount of 57.08 million dollars (New York Times, 2011). The strategy they chose seemed to work as they were earning a lot of money. For example, they bought Dimensions &Alexandra, which are clothing giant in the United Kingdom. This means that there was a 11.8% sales increase incurred by the company.
The United States has been affected by high rates of unemployment. This has in turn affected business greatly and in turn, spending by consumers has reduced drastically. Fortunately, ‘The Men’s Wearhouse’ has been able to make the position on cash to expand. Also, a lot is being done to ensure that money is not wasted, but is instead, being invested. Also, the strategy it has put in place ensures that the business efficiencies are achieved; productivity is increased as well as lowering its expenses (Plumb, 2011). Also, ‘The Men’s Wearhouse’ has been involved in marketing programs through the internet and television, which is part of its marketing strategy. The company focuses on being a retailer that is low priced despite being in the market for almost four decades. The company’s value preposition is that its customers are to benefit from quality products as well as having affordable products. ’The Men’s Warehouse’ has made sure that its value preposition is redefined effectively. This has been taking place in all the stores it has in North America. The Value preposition is meant to ensure that margins are improved as well the value being acceptable. The company seeks to ensure that its customers benefit from the discounts, which are offered and are of high value. The latter ensures that the brand community is improved in all its stores.
The business unit at ‘The Men’s Wearhouse’ is ensuring that it makes effective use of the latest technology in its marketing activities. To make sure that customer experience is enhanced, the company has confirmed that its functionality increases. The visitors to the site are over one million and this is on a monthly basis. The result is that the company has benefited from increased revenue and rates of conversion. The use of catalog is another of it competencies and this has increased the customer base. This is because the brand has gained popularity and this becoming stronger. Its competencies are sure ways of increasing the market share of the company (Cordella, 2007). Since the company has proven successful, it should add more items for men to its line. This marketing strategy should ensure that ‘The Men’s Wearhouse” becomes competitive thus in turn obtains an edge as compared to others. The marketing mix ensures that the company advertises its products well. They include, place, product, promotion and product.
A lot of money is being spent on marketing programs, which is a valuable investment. For example, the company has a site used for the purposes of e-commerce. A creative agency was set up for the K&G brand. This is meant to ensure that it remains competitive as there are many competitors in this business. There is a need to ensure to customers are aware of the companies promotional message and its brand message (Nash, 2000). This is meant to ensure that its value proposition is maintained .Also; the company seeks to ensure that quality is maintained in all its stores. This strategy is completely sustainable as people buy products, which they know about. This is because customers always want to be associated with brands they recognize and that benefit them. Effective marketing, have proven to succeed in many situations, which involve businesses.
After a conducting The Men’s Wearhouse’ SWOT analysis there are certain matters, which need to be known. In terms of Strengths, it provides the best products such as clothing for males. The weakness is that it spends a lot of money in promotional activities. It should find ways to promote its products without suing a lot of money. It should seek to expand to other continents such as Europe and South America, in order to expand the customer base. The threat is faces is that is should seek to find ways of making its products affordable due to increase in prices of gas. The latter affects the production of clothing, as well as other products, by increasing production expenses.
The corporate culture at The Men’s Warehouse’ is centered on the employees. The company ensures that all its employees are treated well. This means that apart from clothes being its core competency, employees are also taken care off. The company believes that employees are responsible for the success of the business. It creates an environment, which is ensures that employees flourish, prosper and grow. The values, which are followed in the company, are responsible for fostering creativity. In order for people to work for the benefit of a company they must be motivated to do so. The employees must become people who are self-actualized. This means that on a regular basis, the management should come up with effective strategies, which enhance the corporate culture (New York Times, 2011). A corporate culture ensures that ‘The Men’s Wearhouse’ is a brand that people want to associate with, because of its success. Also, since the employees are treated well, it reflects positively on the customers. ‘The Men’s Wearhouse’ is sure to expand in the coming years. This is because it is using effective marketing strategies, which further ensures that it becomes successful, despite there being competition.
References
Cordella, Antonio. (2007). E-government: towards the e –bureaucratic form. Journal of Information Technology, 22, 265-274.
Nash, Edward. (2000). Direct Marketing: Strategy, Planning, Execution .New York: McGraw-Hill.
New York Times. (2011). Men’s Wearhouse Inc. Retrieved from http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/news/business/companies/mens-wearhouse-inc/index.html
Plumb, Tierney. (2011). The Men’s Wearhouse reports Q2 (Jul) earnings. The Motley Fool. Retrieved from http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2011/09/08/sales-soar-at-mens-wearhouse.aspx.
The Bloomberg BusinessWeek. (2004). Spiffing up Men’s Wearhouse. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_44/b3906112.htm
The Memory Process
The Memory Process
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This paper seeks to give an analysis on the memory process. Through conducting a test on memory the process is known. The concepts of long term, short term, and working memory, are beneficial in this process. A test on memory needs to be conducted, in order to know about the process of memory. The results are significant to the process in many ways. In the process of memory, retrieval and encoding are essential. There are certain variables, which are related to information encoding and they have an impact on memory (Tulving & Craik, 2000).
Analysis of the memory process
The ability to ensure that for long periods of time, information is retained is known as memory. In psychology, the study of memory was pioneered by Ebbinghaus. He spent many hours trying to ensure that he learnt many words, which were of no value. Later, he ensured retention of the information occurred. The intervals, which were used for studying retention levels, were in terms of minutes, seconds and hours. This was done by many psychologists including Ebbinghaus.
To obtain the meaning of short term memory, information was retained in a temporary manner. This is different from the retention of information for long term purposes. Sensory information, which is current, is stored in the memory that is short term. Also, through its sensory buffers, information, which is new, is rehearsed (Tulving & Craik, 2000). Memory, which is short term has minus 2 and plus 7 Millers that are limited. Time is vital in ensuring that memory, which is short term, is related to the encoding in the memory that is long term.
In order to do tasks, which are complex, such as learning, comprehension and reasoning that involves information holding working memory is used. It involves monitoring goals, which are active, through the tasks, which are based upon the working memory. Other times, behaviors are manipulated, in order to provide information. This occurs through distractions as well as processes in the mind. This memory is related to the one, which is short term. This is because it involves disposal, processing, retrieval and processing of information. Large volumes of information are stored in the memory, which is long term. Both long and short term memory, have characteristics, which are similar, based upon the information, they store and lose. In the process of learning, a process that is physiological is involved. This means that in order for information to be stored in the long term memory, it is obtained from memory, which is short term (Tulving & Craik, 2000).
The test on memory, which is being experimented, is on the short term memory. Through observation, it is established that people remember what they learnt some time back. There are certain factors, which ensure people remember what they have learnt. This test is for children in grade 6. The student is to obtain a tray and at least 20 items should be put on it. After this is done, they tray should be covered using a cloth. The audience is to be informed that there is specific number of items on the covered tray. The tray is to be uncovered and the audience views them in one minute (Neuroscience for Kids, 2011). After they have viewed the items on the tray for one minute, it will be covered. The audience is to record the items they remember after being viewed. The purpose of this experiment is to find out if it was possible for all the items to be remembered. Which items were not remembered, needs to be known. After this has been established, the audience should be taught on the vital techniques of memory. The experiment should be conducted for the second time to establish the benefit of the techniques of memory.
The second trial of the experiment is meant to ensure that the capability of the short term memory is known. Using the same tray, ensure that it is covered and after one minute, remove some items, without the audience’s knowledge. Then ask them what they think is missing from the tray. This should be done many times until the audience is aware of all the items, which are missing. This technique seeks to ensure that memory is improved and that information is easily retrieved and encoded. All these are essential aspects of the process of memory (Neuroscience for Kids, 2011).
The results of this experiment are that the audiences were able to remember most of the items viewed on the tray. There is a process of control, which was used, through reliable access in order to ensure that the information is encoded. This also facilitates the retrieval of information which in turn ensures that the items observed on the tray, are easily remembered. The cues of retrieval are the ones responsible for ensuring that people acquire knowledge. Structures are responsible for ensuring that people remember what they have seen through encoding, which occurs as a result of memory (Neuroscience for Kids, 2011).
During the retrieval process, inferences are made by people according to things they have witnessed. This means that an implication exists concerning what people hope to achieve, from the things they view (Tulving & Craik, 2000). As a result of knowledge, which is prior, people are able to remember many things. In the experiment, the audience remembered everything after they viewed it for the second time. The items on the tray were easily remembered after being viewed for the second time. The short term memory ensures that information is retrieved after being encoded. Since the experiment was conducted in the same environment, recalling of information becomes easier. However, there are certain variables, which affect short term memory (Neuroscience for Kids, 2011).
Retrieval, storage, retention and encoding, are essential aspects of memory of the brain. In order to ensure that capabilities of learning as well as memorization are improved, one needs to know the techniques of memory (Tulving & Craik, 2000). This is the reason why on the second attempt of the experiment, it was easy for the audience to remember all the items on the tray. It has been proven through research, that memory tricks and mnemonic techniques, help improve one’s memory. The senses of the body are responsible for ensuring that retrieved information functions as is expected. When encoding occurs, it means the information has been stored and this is due to the different themes, which exist (Tulving & Craik, 2000). The encoding, which took part initially, is responsible for ensuring that retrieval is effective and accurate. A person has the ability to determine, which information they want to store, and in which memory .This process is known as association and this is how the different variable exists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the different memories are beneficial to human beings. They ensure that people remember things through a process known as learning. It is wise to ensure that the Brain is engaged in activities, which ensure that it is active.
Reference
Tulving, E. & Craik, F. (2000). Handbook of Memory. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Neuroscience for Kids (2011). Memory tests .Retrieved from http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chmemory.html
The Media’s Portrayal of Asian, African, and Caribbean Americans
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5229225299085Introduction
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The Media’s Portrayal of Asian, African, and Caribbean Americans
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Cultural stereotypes in the media are constantly evolving. This paper looks at nine films across four cultural groups, Asian Americans, African Americans, Caribbean British and Caribbean Americans. Each of these cultures’ depiction in the media has evolved in some way. African Americans, for example, went from being shown as poverty stricken and uneducated to the Huxtables from the Cosby Show, a respectable family with professions in the fields of medicine and law. Asian Americans were once depicted as untrustworthy, but today they are generally shown as the model minority. Caribbean Americans and Caribbean British are also shown as the hardworking immigrant type, while in the past they were generally depicted as criminals involved in the drug trade. Unfortunately, not all of these negative stereotypes have disappeared from our films and television shows, but the development of more positive images of these cultures shows that times have changed for the better.
5857875316865Discuss each culture, stereotypes and films.
Discuss each culture, stereotypes and films.
Today’s views of Asian American culture in the media were explored through two more recent films, The Namesake and The Last Samurai. The Namesake takes a look at Indian culture with a special attention on the assimilation of the younger generation. Although the newer model minority stereotype is still present in this film, many common stereotypes for Indians can be seen throughout this movie. For example, the newly immigrated Indian couple are shown to be primitive in a sense because they are unaccustomed to the luxuries of America. The arrange marriages emphasize the spirituality and ritualistic nature of this culture, which is another common stereotype. The stereotype of the younger Americanized generation wishing to stray away from their parents’ strange culture is seen in the way Gogol feels about his name and in his relationship with Maxine. Gogol resents his parents’ odd choice in a name to the point that he legally changes it and his relationship with Maxine develops as a need to escape and deny his culturally identity. However, at the film’s climax Gogol shaves his head in honor of his father’s passing as a way of symbolically going back to his roots and, thus, his cultural heritage. The Last Samurai looked at Japanese culture and also contained many common Asian stereotypes, such as the strong value they place on discipline and honor. This is especially shown in the beginning of the film when Katsumoto cut off the head of General Hasegawa during the first battle against the Samurai. This symbolically showed that he had dishonored his culture by denying their tradition and embracing Western ways. This shame was enough to make him ask Katsumoto to aid him in his own suicide. Suicide in response to shame is a stereotypical act that is common in the depiction of many Asian cultures. This Asian culture is also depicted as primitive by showing that they need the Americans to show them how to use modern weaponry, which is depicted as superior to their traditional modes of warfare. However, the relationship that develops between Captain Algren and Katsumoto is meant to counteract this theme of Western superiority by showing that both cultures have a lot to learn from each other. Captain Algren is the rude American who is tormented because he is unable to find honor in the battles he has fought. Katsumoto is wise and disciplined, but his idea of honor in battle is stereotypical of Japanese culture. As their relationship develops, they teach each other about what honor means to them and, eventually, find true honor in their final battle together. In fact, Captain Algren decides to stay with the Samurai even after he is given the opportunity to return, not because he is brainwashed by the Samurai, but because they had given him a moral and honorable reason to fight.
579120022860Discuss each culture, stereotypes and films.
Discuss each culture, stereotypes and films.
The depiction of African Americans in the media has evolved significantly and this development is apparent even in the changes in the four films viewed for this paper, The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, The Best Man, and The Secret Life of Bees. The Jeffersons and The Cosby Show both broke ground by having their main characters be wealthy African Americans, but the Jefferson still showed the stereotypes of the uneducated African American through the maids on the show. The portrayal of George as a racist black man is something that would never have been shown on television prior to the Jeffersons, but emphasized that anyone can be guilty of judging others based solely on their outward appearances. The image George portrays of African Americans is both positive and negative. It is positive because it showed that this culture is capable of upward mobility. It is negative because he is also depicted as a stereotypical proud, arrogant, and hotheaded black male. The Cosby Show tended to steer away from these negative portrayals of African Americans, but, in doing so, many people have criticized the show for making it appear as if African Americans must assimilate completely to Caucasian American culture in order to be successful. Others criticized the show for being unrealistic, but the show gave this community hope that it is possible to move up in the world, despite the color of their skin. The Best Man also showed a more positive portrayal of African Americans than past films, but it does still have some negative stereotypes, such as the depiction of the African American male as oversexed and afraid of commitment. The film was a good example of how African American portrayal has evolved because almost every character in the film was driven and successful. This film defiantly has a positive impact on this community, because the characters can be seen as both inspirational due to their success and to the way they all embrace their cultural heritage. The Secret Life of Bees highlighted the struggles that African Americans in the past have faced, while simultaneously showing strong, successful, and cultured African American woman at the heart of the film. Lily, the main Caucasian character, represents the innocent blind love a child can have, because she does not mind the differences in race of the people who take care of her. She also represents the new liberal outlook of the youth of the sixties, which is apparent in the feelings she has for Zach, an African American boy. The Boatwright sisters are shown to be the strong, motherly types each in their own way. June is the disciplinary type, May is the emotional and sensitive type, and August is the nurturer. Rosaleen is probably the most inspirational character because she goes from being a stereotypical housekeeper to an educated, well spoken, and strong woman. The point at which this change occurs is signified by the Boatwrights renaming her July as if to say she has become as strong as they are. Each one of these films had characters that inspired people of African American decent and who broke the mold of traditional African American stereotypes of the characters before them.
5848350-877570Discuss each culture, stereotypes and films.
Discuss each culture, stereotypes and films.
The depiction of Caribbean Americans and Caribbean British was looked at through the viewing of three films, Marked for Death, In Living Color, and Small Island. Marked for Death depicted the common negative stereotype of Caribbean Americans as drug dealers and black magic practitioners, while In Living Color and Small Island showed the more positive stereotypes that surround this culture. The negative stereotypes of Caribbean Americans depicted in Marked for Death are, unfortunately, still around in the media, but they have also become associated with many other cultural groups. For example, in the television show Dexter the Cuban gangs are known to be drug dealers and practitioners of black magic. The In Living Color skit exaggerated the stereotype that Caribbean Americans are hardworking by depicting them having over ten jobs. In my opinion, the skit was not malicious. It was done just for laughs, because comedians often point out the ridiculousness of certain stereotypical beliefs by exaggerating them in humorous ways. Many Americans hold the belief that immigrants are hard workers. They often use them as a scapegoat for the reason they are unable to find work in this country. Immigrants are statistically more willing to do the work for less money than their native counterparts, which often results in resentment of these immigrants by the natives. Small Island also shows the stereotype of Caribbean British being hard workers and well educated through the character of Hortense, who is well-mannered, intelligent, and proud. The movie especially shows the stereotype that immigrants believe that life will be better outside their country, but it shows that even a native British woman like Queenie believes this to be true. This breaks this stereotype by showing it is not just the immigrants who believe this, but all human beings. Hortense and Gilbert’s relationship also plays up to the stereotype that Caribbean people value hard work because she does not let him into her bed until he has met her goal of having a house with its own doorbell. The ending of the film shows the stereotype that Caribbean people are willing to make extreme sacrifices to provide a better life for their children. Although it is Queenie who gives up her child because she knows it is best for him, Hortense understands the reasoning behind this sacrifice due to her own experience and is willing to raise the child herself.
5695950-748030Conclusion
Conclusion
Each of these movies showed how the portrayal of these cultures have developed in some way. The negative stereotypes that surrounded these cultures in the past have dwindled and have been replaced with a more positive image. However, in all of these films these negative stereotypes can be found in some form. It is important that we recognize when these depictions are ridiculous exaggerations in order to ensure that we are not making judgment of an entire group of people based on the stereotypical portrayals of that group in the media.