Macro & Micro economics. Windows by Microsoft Essay

Macro & Micro economics. Windows by Microsoft - Essay Example The essay tries to focus in the exclusive monopoly power of the popular software company Microsoft. Though very rare, business firms in the contemporary world often enjoy the power of a monopolist seller (Chass, n.d.). A monopolist market structure is primarily characterised with a single seller and many buyers in the industry. The products produced by a monopoly seller may or may not be differentiated. It should be carefully analysed that since the monopoly seller is the only major producer in the market, it faces the entire market demand. Thus, the price or average revenue (AR) curve and the marginal revenue (MR) curve faced by monopolists are always negatively sloped. Figure1: AR and MR Curve of a Monopoly Producer AR, MR Price or Average Revenue Curve (P or AR) Marginal Revenue Curve (MR) Quantity (Source: Authors Creation) The above diagram shows the AR and MR curve faced by a monopolist. A monopolist seller is a ‘price maker’ in the industry.... The policies of the government in an economy are also influenced by the power and decisions of a monopolist in the market. Microsoft Behaviour Microsoft Corporation is a famous American software company with its headquarters in Washington. At the current market conditions, business firms can never imagine to operate without the use of computers. The rise in the level of literacy in both developed and developing economies have increased the use of computers for both commercial and non commercial purposes with time. Most of the computers in the modern world comprise of an operating system of Microsoft. Such technical products supply has made Microsoft behave like a monopolist in the market. In 4th April 2000, the Federal government claimed that Microsoft Corporation has violated the antitrust laws in the market. Antitrust laws are the laws set with the mixture of federal and state government laws. The antitrust laws are strongly implemented on all the business organizations in the mode rn world because such laws prevents the economy from the unfair trade practices of monopoly business firms and promotes competition in the economy. It is believed by economists and analysts that rise in market competition in the business segments would help to augment the net social welfare in the economy (Manne, 2012). Bundling of Netscape and Media Player The Federal Justice department accused Microsoft Corporation for altering the satisfaction of the consumers by shifting competition in the software marketplaces in particular with the disbursement of the Netscape browser. Microsoft desired to bundle its business with the famous company of web browser Internet Explorer. The company

Critically discuss the reasons why location has again become a Essay - 2

Critically discuss the reasons why location has again become a critical issue in explaining the global competitiveness of firms - Essay Example However, as part of the marketing mix, promotion has historically been most effective in differentiating one company from another in competitive marketplaces. Place, as part of the marketing mix, refers to â€Å"the location at which the activity takes place, or the distribution channel by which the product is made available to consumers† (Haugtvedt, Herr and Kardes, 2008, p.28). As a means to avoid costs, some companies are reverting back to more traditional elements of marketing by focusing on aspects of place in order to differentiate the business from competitors. Further, place is improving competitiveness in global companies because it improves community and consumer relationships, as well as giving businesses a positive identity in local markets with unique cultural values and preferences. This paper discusses the importance of place in securing global business competitiveness. Customers in many different industries and different market environments want extra value when buying products. This seems to be an evolution which has occurred with the growth of competition and the need to offer incentives to customers in order to differentiate the business and make it appear to provide more value than competing firms. In order to provide this value, companies should â€Å"beautify marketing and gain the upper hand with customers† (Brandweek, 2004, p.25). Beautification of marketing refers to aesthetics and incorporating content which provides perceptions of value from target consumers. Appealing to consumer values related to aesthetics is not an easy task through regular advertising and other visual promotions, therefore markets which appreciate the aesthetics of a shopping experience can be exposed to place marketing. For example, companies which offer household goods to consumers might have a business model which supports stand-alone retail stores design ed with more expensive architectural materials, such as marble or

Consumer Behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Consumer Behaviour - Essay Example This essay stresses that the attitude of a consumer is a major factor as it has a major role in influencing the decision making process of the consumer. Talking on this note, it can be said that for the purpose of changing the attitudes of the consumers towards a specific brand of breakfast cereal, the AIDA model of marketing can be followed. The AIDA model talks about awareness, interest, desire and attraction and help to influence the mindset of the customers. For changing beliefs about the brand, the marketer needs to create awareness about the brand amongst the target consumers. The marketers need to bring in to highlight some other popular product of the same brand. For changing the beliefs about rival brands, the company needs to focus on the process of generating the interest among the consumers. For doing so, the marketer needs to communicate the unique values of the own brand. This paper makes a conclusion that the British airways advertisement was designed to focus on the patriotic as well as national feeling of the consumers and passenger of Britain. Talking in regards to campaign of Abu Dhabi tourism, the focus was on promoting dream and imaginations related to the Middle East. Talking from the marketer’s point of view, it can be said that the British Airways advertisement tried to develop a local connect. On the other hand, the sole focus of the marketers in the Abu Dhabi tourism campaign was to connect to the global audience, while asking them fulfil their dreams and imaginations of a lifetime.

Bluebird Office Products LTD Case Analysis Essay

Bluebird Office Products LTD Case Analysis - Essay Example Speed delivery is at the core in this case. The three branded products had a sales figure of in 6,000,000 Euro 2011. The company’s operating costs stands at 5,500,000 Euro. This figure is projected to increase in the either option advocated for. The level of quality stands at 10% of the operational costs i.e. 550,000 Euro. The Company has a lead time of 12 weeks which it meets 80% in a year. The lead time could be modified to meet delivery speed for the customer. The advocated strategies from the marketing team are outlined below: Option 1 – FINBAR Ltd The customer has a colour that is expected to remain consistent although it will be placing orders according to customer specification. An increase in sales of 1,000,000 euro is projected from the sale of 2000 chairs at 500 euro. This sale is expected at one in every three months. Therefore the projected annual sales will increase by 1,000,000 euros. The impact of adopting the quality need specifications will generate an addition operating expenses. This stands at 825,000 euro. The level of quality maintenance cost is 82,500 euros. Earnings Before Investment and Tax of the company is expected to increase by 175,000 euros. Option 2 – Classy Ltd Classy Ltd will be ordering 500 chairs at 1500 euro generating sales of 750,000 euro. The projected operating expenses will increase by 550,000 euros and the level of quality will cost an extra 55,000 euros. An extra investment in this is needed for 50,000 euros. A total cost increase of 600,000 euros is projected. An increase in earnings before investment and tax is expected to be 150,000 euros. Current performance of the company stands at annual sales of 6,000,000 in 2011 and operating expenses of 5,500,000. The level of quality is maintained at a cost of 10% of the operating costs i.e. 550,000. The present earnings before investment and tax are 500,000 euro. An increase of 35% in earnings before investment and tax is projected if option one is adopte d i.e. the Finbar Ltd customer specified products. On the other hand, an increase of 30% in earnings before investment and tax is projected in the coming year if the Classy Ltd strategy of delivery in terms of speed and quality of the products. The company is faced with the situation where it will introduced innovative ideas as well as theme changes in product manufacture process. The time-based delivery aspect for strategy 2 i.e. Classy Ltd will call upon adjusting the lead time of the company to meet the speed at which the customer gets his products. Option 2 has an increase of 55,000 euros in maintaining quality while that of option 1 stands at 82,500 euros. Bluebird is faced with new product development as their case is change in theme but the original product. On the contrary, Classy aims for innovative ideas hence results to new product introduction by the Company. Finbar Ltd might bring a challenge of increasing the product line to meet the increased 2000 chairs production. W ith the consideration that the supervisor and wages expenses are not increased, this implies that the quality may be compromised in either case if care is not observed. Classy Ltd stands to bring an increment of 30% of the company’s EBIT which is less than 5% that of Finbar Ltd. This option however calls for a fewer number of products. The level of quality maintenance is lower by 27,500 euros. To meet the customers’

Causes of the War with the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Causes of the War with the United States - Essay Example While the Mexican fought for the independence of Texas, the US sent its army into Texas in order to gain hold over the state. However, the ambition did not end here and US made plans to extend its rule into California by buying over the state from Mexico. In order to ensure the cooperation of the Mexican government, Polk sent troops into Mexico to intimidate the Mexicans. The Mexicans, though initiated the fight with these troops, had no way of defending themselves since they were still recovering as a newly independent country. The US argued that they were helping Mexicans since Mexico was basically sick country and needed the US for support. While the US was strong and powerful, the Mexicans were economically and physically weak. However, the Mexicans were able to enjoy a bargaining chip for a small period of time as the British and the French were concerned of the resulting shift in balance of power as a result of the foreseeable expansion. While this deterred the war for a certai n period of time but the US was able to take over Texas and California after they neutralized the two countries through British-French consent (Vazques, 138). Author’s Perspective The author like most other historians believe that the US was responsible for the war and Polk provoked the war through his ambitious methods (Murrin, Johnson, McPherson, Fahs, Gerstle, Rosenburg and Rosenburg, 344). The author has laid the blame of the war entirely on the shoulders of the US. He blames US for taking advantage of its superior position and the annexation of Texas to start a war that the Mexicans were unprepared for and did not want at that specific point. Vazques continually refers to writing and thoughts of other historians either to support his own views or to point out the flaws in others’ perspective. By referring to specific passages, such as the comments of Nicholas Trist, Vazques establishes the fact that even US peace commissioner was against the war between Mexico and US. Trist in that specific passage blames the US for the war and feels remorse over the US approach towards the situation. This further convinces the reader of the unjustness of the situation and through such accounts one cannot help but feel sympathy of the Mexicans. Vazques is strictly pro-Mexican and this fact is not surprising given the Mexican origin and background of the author. Since almost every Mexican is bitter towards the US involvement in their personal affairs, this is to be expected. Vazques is influenced by her own people since she has been exposed to such ideas from birth and they are as much a part of her as her Mexican birth. Vazques ignores the political and economic condition of Mexico to a great extent and the Mexican involvement in the war. Discussion Josefina Vazques, through her article ‘Causes of the War with United States’, has explored the Mexican situation and the reasons for their bitterness against the US. While most historians have blamed the US for the situation, the Mexican side of the story had been undiscovered until Vazques chose to explore and write about it. Even though I believe that every story has different perceptiveness and these differ widely between the antagonist characters in the story, I still have sympathy towards the Mexicans. Certain historians believ

Land Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Land Law - Essay Example This essay represents a study of the key elements of the English Land Law. It states that, although in the UK, in theory, the right of ownership is not absolute, in practice the owner of the fee simple is the owner of the land; s/he also has the right to sell the property on or to improve it and has the right to enjoy the land for ever. It may therefore be noted that in terms of elements such as the right to keep other people out, the right to grow mushrooms in the cellar, sing bawdy songs in the bath, paint the front door luminous green or sunbathe in the nude, the owner would not be restricted in any way. While it is possible that the owner may not be able to carry out all of these wishes out of a consideration for neighbors or for reasons of social propriety, from a legal perspective, there is no restriction placed on the owner to refrain from such acts. In the case of tenancies, the property owner is considered to have absolute rights and is free to lease out the property on the basis of terms that are agreed upon between the owner and the lessee. Thus, when the fee simple absolute right is vested upon an owner of a piece of land, the owner practically has the right to do anything with his or her land, subject to the normal restrictions of propriety and consideration for others. It is stated that the only time when the ownership of the crown is exercised is when a person dies. Should the deceased have no one who can inherit his or her assets, then the estate is disposed of according to the laws of intestacy. Over time, the interests of the crown, although existent, have become increasingly ignored from a practical point of view; it is only in theory that the ownership of the crown rests. But upon death and in the absence of a lawful heir, the laws of intestacy operate to restore the ownership of the estate into the hands of the crown. On this basis, it may thus be noted that to have freehold tenure effectively means the right to occupy and use the property as if it is one’s own and the owner is conferred the fee simple estate, which places no restrictions upon the owner at all, other than those required to conform to the rules of propriety, social and legal restrictions exercised in the interest of protecting the rights of all people. 2. There are thr ee items which are under dispute in the sale of the property located at 19, Ham Road. The first is the playhouse at the bottom of the garden which Carolyn is refusing to remove. The other two are items that Carolyn wishes to remove, i.e., a large metal sculpture at the centre of the rookery and a safe bolted into the wall of the garage. In respect to the removal of items from a property, the question of whether or not Carolyn can remove them from the property will depend upon whether they are to be classified as chattels or fixtures because the latter accede to the realty2 and cannot be detached from the property. Chattels on the other hand, do not attach to the property and are not conveyed with the sale. Lord Godard in the case of Billing v Pill3 defined a fixture as â€Å"a house which is built into the land, so that in law it is regarded as part of the land.†4 The purchaser of a freehold property is entitled to all fixtures on the property on the date of exchange of contr acts5, therefore the issue to be determined is whether or not the large metal sculpture and the safe are to be classified as fittings or fixtures. The distinction between fixtures and chattels was laid out in the case of Holland v Hodgson as being primarily dependent upon two factors (a) the degree of annexation of

American study (early urban) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American study (early urban) - Essay Example As a result, wealth was concentrated in the hands of the population that already had wealth and, even though there was an increase in personal income, social mobility opportunities remained highly limited (Gorn 404). While there were certainly artisans who moved into the middle class through becoming owners and managers of the factories, the industrial revolution mainly made most skilled artisans permanent wage earners with limited advancement hopes. During the 17th century, the northern cities, especially seaport towns, were dominated by the water, which was the main source of transport and offered most of the population’s sustenance. Majority of the colonial population in these seaports were rural settlers and were involved in agriculture, fishing, and lumbering, which they sent to European and Caribbean markets (Nash 1). Towards the latter years of the 17th century, the seaports were no larger than ordinary European villages with, for example, Philadelphia having only 2,200 inhabitants, mostly because the regional populations they served were sparse. The society in these seaport towns was still organized around the nuclear family, while the networks in society were also heavily pervaded by kinship. In addition, order was maintained by strictly adhering to status and rank, while there was a clear differentiation in social roles. However, towards the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, social consciousne ss began to change as feelings of unity bred by class standing, economic position, and occupation emerged (Nash 4). Adjustments in the population’s expectations and aspirations also began to change from what was common in pre-industrial European life. Artisans during this period were a diverse and large group that formed a link between the upper classes and the labourers and, within this group, differences in status and wealth also existed due to business acumen, skill acquisition, and health (Nash 8). Another cause