How Technology Has Become Increasingly Globalized And Is...

Technology has become increasingly globalized and is now a key utility that is both easily accessible and convenient in daily life. With the added perpetual use of the Internet, many people blindly trust their familiar devices and have little to no reluctance about exposing their personal information online. What many fail to recognize is that tech companies—such as Facebook and Google—track their online activity and are incessantly storing and selling their information. A user may also willingly offer their information to these companies when they ask for it under the guise of personalizing the user’s experience. Often times the user’s information is sold to feature advertisements that are tailored to them, however, the tracking and mass†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Evidon, the company that makes, Ghostery, takes some of the data it collects from Ghostery users—there are eight million of them—and sells it to advertisers† (Silve rman, 297). These companies are claiming to do something for the better of the user but in reality, these companies have hidden motives and are tracking users under the premise of helping users increase their control over their privacy. Ultimately these types of companies are further reducing user privacy security and are the ones to blame at large for both the endangerment of users’ privacy and the diminishing control users have over their privacy. Although users should take the initiative to advance their knowledge or implement methods of security to protect their information, users do not have much control over their privacy, even when they incorporate methods to enhance the security of their privacy. One of the methods that are used to track users would be through cookies. According to Elizabeth Weise’s article in the USA Today, â€Å"75% of the world s most popular websites track users†, â€Å"Third parties can use this simple tracking mechanism to identif y who someone is by storing a cookie in a user’s browser.† The cookie would contain a unique identifier and interests of a user that companies can reference to build a browsing profile for each user. These profiles show whatShow MoreRelatedE Business, E Commerce, And E Government1925 Words   |  8 Pages What is the difference between e-business, e-commerce, and e-government? How are information systems transforming business and what is their relationship to globalization? Danil De Vansa International American University BUS530B Management Information Systems Kimberly Hoyt October 29, 2016 Abstract E-business, e-commerce and e-government are concepts that have become a reality in today s world. Many people all over the world use the internet to purchase goods or services online, conduct businessRead MoreStrategic Management Essay2525 Words   |  11 Pages1. Determine the impact of the company’s mission, vision, and primary stakeholders on its overall success. Avon Products Inc is a well-known worldwide producer and distributor of skincare, cosmetics, and household items has been in business for the past 126 years (since 1886) was founded by David McConnell. Avon Products Inc operates in over 140 countries. I believe in Avon because I sell the products on a part-time basis for the past three years. The impact of Avon’s mission, vision, andRead MoreImpact of Globalization and Bangladesh18126 Words   |  73 PagesSTATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Over the past decades, globalization has now become a new world order, which virtually influences everything that comes in our mind. 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The seminar project in â€Å"Recent trends in human resource management† is a complete experience in itself, which provide me with the understanding. This has become as inspirable of my knowledge of management being learned in MBA program. Quotes 2010 Following are some quotes[1] by leaders of INDIA INC., which shows the importance and need of HRM that they felt during the period of recessionRead MoreSummary : Final Exam India 3992 Words   |  16 Pagesreport is in order. By choosing to expand in the East, I can tell you that India’s ancient civilization has provided a large foundation of knowledge in a society that has created intellectual capital and has an advantage over some other countries by being familiar with the English language after their occupation by the British Empire for a hundred years. India is now synonymous with Information Technology (IT). Its software developers and IT products/services are second only to the United States. ThereRead MoreOperations and Logistics Management3441 Words   |  14 Pagesoperations can provide an organization with major competitive advantages. As competition becomes stronger in a more open and global marketplace, a companys survival and growth become greatly dependent on its ability to run its operations efficiently and to exploit its resources productively. This essay is going to discuss about the relationship between strategy and operation management and further explaining about how the capacity, location, TQM, flexibility and process can add value to the delivery ofRead MoreFuture Analysis of Nation State6263 Words   |  26 Pagesstability inside its borders. Today, there are more than 200 nation-states in the world. Nation-State as a Historical-Political Form The ideal articulation of ‘nation’ as a form of cultural community and the‘State’ as a territorial, political unit is now widely accepted and often taken as unproblematic. Yet scholars of nationalism point out that that was not alwaysthe case. That every nation deserves its autonomy and identity through its ownsovereign state (even though many may not demand it) is anRead MoreKaufland Romania7283 Words   |  30 PagesCOMPANY HISTORY Being part of the same group as Lidl and Handelshof, Kaufland represents a German hypermarket chain. Their first store opened in 1984 in Neckarsulm and moved along to become a leader in East Germany. Kaufland International owns over 1,000 stores in Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia. The history of Kaufland company began when Joseph Schwarz entered the â€Å"Sà ¼dfrà ¼chte Großhandlung Lidl Co† at Heilbronn as a shareholder in 1930, which was afterwardsRead MoreToward a General Modular Systems Theory and Its Application to Interfirm Product Modularity14914 Words   |  60 Pagesat . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JS TOR, please contact support@jstor.org. Academy of Management is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The Academy

Taking a Look Granulomatous Mastitis - 2894 Words

OBJECTIVE.: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that has clinical and radiologic findings similar to those of breast cancer. In the diagnosis and treatment of (GM) there are multiple controversy. The aim of this study was to review the clinical presentation ,Diagnosis ,Treatment and outcome of patients with (GM)Granulomatous mastitis . Materials and Methods: A retrospective study included 206 women from January 2006 and April 2013who met the required histological criteria of (GM). Clinical data of the presentation, diagnosis , ,histopathology, management and outcome were analyzed by review of medical records. Results: Mean age of women ws32years; (range, 22-40 years). The most common presenting symptoms were a breast mass in 183(89%) patients,axillary adenopathy was noted in28(13.5%) ,others were Pain, erythema and abscess in 24 ( 12%) of women. Right side in128( 62%) , left side 78(38%)and bilaterally in 4% )pATIENTS. PREGNANCS in two (0 97%)women. . Thirty eight (18%) of patients undergone incision and drainage with diagnosis of breast infection or abceses and taking antibiotics before diagnosis of (GM). Ultrasound examination before and after drainage in this patients showed, A large irregular hypoechoic mass in 118 (57%), A lobulated or irregular mass was seen in women68 (33%). adenopathy in 28(13.5%) woman and Skin thinking in 20(10%).Mammographic findings shows irregular mass in120 (58%) patients , asymmetric density in 62 (30%)

Leadership Skills and Strategic Change

Question: Write an essay on leadership skills and strategic change. Answer: Introduction The modern day business rivalry is marked with constant changes within resource allocation and subsequent deployment so as to achieve the needed objectives. Different virtues of effective leadership will be discussed that are inherent in implementing successful change agenda in organisations leading to growth and development. Different stakeholders are associated with an entity all of whom have an inherent interest in the functioning of the organisation. As such change management is implemented based upon assessing opportunities, designing approaches and effective leadership skills for successful implementation. Week 1 It has been rightly opined that the only thing that is constant is change. I have observed that strategic change is ushered in by the help of the strategic leader and managers. Forces for change can be classified broadly into two types: Internal and external. Within external forces factors of economy, politics, culture, demography and technology exists. Internal forces comprises of factors of performance, leadership, satisfaction, mission and conflict (Burnes, 2004). Any change agenda brings with it resistance. This resistance stems from managerial response, communication, empathy, support and others. I have also observed that there are 4 phases of the transition to the change process which are denial, resistance, commitment and exploration Example of successful change management can be seen in British Airways in 1981. More recent instance of change management can be seen from the example of California State University when the IT system changes at the main campus were to be synchron ised with the 23 campuses. Week 2 Individual change is brought in by the help of the behavioural as well as psychodynamic approach (Conway and Monks, 2011). Within the behavioural approach actions that are both positive and negative are utilised in order to evoke the necessary change within an individual. Reward is associated with any changes so as to make the change process rewarding. Punishment is also applied for undesired behaviour that also reduces resistance to changes. Within the psychodynamic approach old status quo is gradually replaced by the process of accommodation and integration. The culture shock curve is also helpful in depicting the process of acclimatisation starting with the honeymoon period and reaching a stage of adaption (Farh et al, 2007). Week 3 Aspect of leadership plays a vital role in the process of change management. It has been stated that key to resolve resistance and make individuals conform to change agenda. Both the universalistic and contingency approaches stresses on the attributes of leaders for bringing in desired outcomes among subjects. The universalistic approach focuses on the present circumstances and deals with universal applicability of the change doctrine whereas the contingency approach contemplates future uncertainties and prepares recourses for dealing with it (Gelfand et al, 2007). In this vein it can also be stated that both task oriented and relationship oriented approaches are highly solicited for bringing in the needed change. Four styles of individual behaviour have been classified. These are low readiness level, moderate readiness level, high readiness level and very high readiness level. The appropriate leadership style for each of these characteristics are telling, selling, participating and delegating (Gill, 2003). Week 4 There are different attributes of a successful leader. Some of the attributes of a successful leader is intelligence, honesty, enthusiasm, desire to lead, interpersonal skills, diplomacy, inner drive, tenacity and flexibility. It can be stated that change management is created as a result of team work and organisation. Effective are those leaders that give the employees the freedom to use his own analytical skills in problem solving. For a leader to be effective it is imperative that he focuses on strengths of the people rather than their weaknesses. Therefore effective leaders are those individuals that treats mistake as opportunities for learning (Harris and Ogbonna, 2002). Aspect of leadership and successful change management can be seen from the change management at Shell in 2004 when the new CEO Jeroen van der Veer engaged on some drastic change management for tackling the crisis. Week 5 Usually planned changes take place within organisations that are goal oriented. Two main objectives of planned change are: i) To improve the ability of an organisation to adapt to external changes in the environment. ii) To change behaviour of the employees and make them flexible in order to make them supple. Analysis of the macro level factors is also imperative while planning for change. Macro level analysis takes into account the examination of political, environmental, social, technological, environmental and legal. Thus changes that are planned are implemented in organisations taking in account the factors of PESTLE. Also the organisations also seek to enhance the flexibility of organisations and the employees with an aim to make the organisation lither. Another highly challenging change process can be seen from the formation of Direct Line Group, the former insurance division of the RBS group. Week 6 Lewins three stage model of planned change is quite useful in understanding the change management process. It starts with unfreeze stage, moves onto change stage and finally the refreeze stage (Lundy and Morin, 2013). In the unfreeze stage it is ensured that the employees are ready for change. The change stage involves the execution of the intended change and the refreeze stage ensures that the change is ingrained. The positive model associated with the change management is also effective. In the positive model focus is on creating a positive vision, greater motivation and commitment to the change process. Again organisational change strategies are based upon participative evolution, forced evaluation, charismatic transformation and dictatorial transformation (McCann et al, 2008). Week 7 Five virtues that go into effective change management are vision, skills, incentives, resources and action plan. Without vision there will be confusion in the change process. Without skills there will be anxiety. Without incentives there will be resistance in the change process. Without resources there will be only frustration and lack of action plan will lead to false starts. Personal leadership calls for authenticity, integrity and purposefulness that go a long way in ushering the needed change. Leadership calls for involvement, ownership and commitment. Again there are two forces at play within a change management process. This are driving forces that are positive and restraining forces that are obstacles to change (Conway and Monks, 2011). Case study of Ooredoo can also be evaluated to understand change management for the purpose of consolidation. In 2012 the company started a drive to integrate its 17 diverse telecom operators under one umbrella telecommunication brand Ooredo. Week 8 Resistance to change occurs from organisational causes, group causes and individual causes. Within organisational cause inertia, culture, structure, deficiency in rewards and poor timing are the main causes. Group causes for resistance to change are norms, cohesion and leadership. Individual reasons are fear of the unknown, failure, job security, personal characteristics and previous experiences. Overcoming resistance to change includes the factors of education, communication, participation, involvement, support, negotiation, cooperation and coercion (Lundy and Morin, 2013). Some of the responses to change are working with the individual, trust building, reward, compromise, concrete act and alleviating fears. Cultural values and organisational customs are also influential in bringing changes in an organisation. Organisational culture is emboldened by the behaviour of leaders within an organisation. Week 9 There are five leadership qualities that support change. These are classified as the edgy catalyser, the visionary motivator, the measured connector, the tenacious implementer and the thoughtful architect (Harris, and Ogbonna, 2002). These five leadership styles are unique and operate distinctively so as to enthuse the followers and achieve the results. As such effective leadership skills needed for guiding a change is to embrace the subjects with positive benefits of the change. Communication skills are inherently important skill and element within change management in organisations. The aspect of organisational culture is also evident by the behaviours and individuals within that organisation (Burnes, 2004). Week 10 Experts have pointed out that the process of change is arduous at the beginning, disorganized in the middle and satisfying at the end. Change process has been divided into four stages: Planned, unplanned, evolutionary and revolutionary. Within organisations focus is on implementing planned changes so as to ensure competitive advantage within the business environment. Planned change also calls for specific decision making with an eye on the precise issue. Poor change management is associated with ineffective leadership and managerial inefficiency. For effective change management free flow of ideas and communication is mandatory (Conway and Monks, 2011). As such creative culture in an organisation helps in generating greater conformity and constructive deviance. Conclusion The module on leadership and strategic change was spread over 10 weeks covering diverse aspect of leadership and covered topics that will help me in the future. From the module I have learned about different aspect of leadership and the various facets that go on to make a successful leader and their subsequent application on strategic change. Successful change management in real life scenarios have also been stated by illustrating cases of British Airways, Shell, Ooredo, Direct Line and so on. I have also learned that communication plays a vital role in driving successful change process in organisations leading to growth and development for organisations. References: Burnes, B. (2004) "Emergent change and planned change competitors or allies?: The case of XYZ construction",International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 24(9): 886 902. Conway, E. and Monks. K. (2011) Change from below: the role of middle managers in mediating paradoxical change. Human Resource Management Journal, 21(2): 190-203. Farh, J. L., Hackett, R. D., Liang, J. (2007). Individual-level cultural values as moderators of perceived organizational supportemployee outcome relationships in China: Comparing the effects of power distance and traditionality. Academy of Management Journal, 50(3), 715-729. Gelfand, M. J., Erez, M., Aycan, Z. (2007). Cross-cultural organizational behavior. Annu. Rev. Psychol., 58, 479-514. Gill, R. (2003). Change management or change leadership.Journal of Change Management, 3(4), 307318 Harris, L. C. and Ogbonna, E. (2002) The Unintended Consequences of Culture Interventions: A Study of Unexpected Outcomes.British Journal of Management, 13(1): 3149. Lundy, V. and Morin, P.-P. (2013), Project Leadership Influences Resistance to Change: The Case of the Canadian Public Service.Project Management Journal, 44 (3): 4564 McCann, L., Morris, J. and Hassard, J. (2008) "Normalized Intensity: The New Labour Process of Middle Management." Journal of Management Studies 45(2): 343-371

Virgin Active Strategy Essay Example For Students

Virgin Active Strategy Essay Virgin Active is one of the largest health club businesses in the world, with over 170 clubs and more than 900,000 members spread across the UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal and South Africa. Virgin Active is currently developing sites across Australia. The Virgin Active club located at 138 Bourke St, Melbourne officially opened in May 2009. Virgin Active opened its first Australian club in French’s Forest, Sydney in December 2008. Virgin Active offers convenient class times as well as fast classes for busy CBD workers. It boasts a range of unique facilities including a 25 meter swimming pool, relaxation spa and sauna, dedicated mind/body studio, internet cafe, a rock climbing wall and even sleep pods for a quick daytime power nap. Current Business Strategies In an article from the Virgin Active Australia’s website that was also published in The Daily Telegraph the â€Å"holistic approach to health and fitness† is mentioned, this is the main strategy used by Virgin Active. From machine waiting times and intimidating environments to high fees and poor customer service, consumer dissatisfaction with the current gym offerings is clear,† said Mark Blackman, Managing Director, Virgin Active Australia. â€Å"Virgin Active will redefine the gym experience in Australia with world class facilities, a friendly, welcoming environment and that great value for money and customer service that people have come to expect from Virgin. Matthew Bucknall, global CEO, Virgin Active added, â€Å"Wit h a proven formula that has seen rapid growth and expansion overseas over the last nine years, we believe that the Australian market is ripe for the new, holistic approach to health and fitness that Virgin Active offers. † Virgin Active has made a large effort to emphasis that it is not simply a gym but a health club and that it is not a contract but rather a relationship. The strategy shown is extremely personal and this makes their members feel important and eager to work out and spend time in the clubs. We will write a custom essay on Virgin Active Strategy specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The focus has been placed on an overall healthy lifestyle and enjoyment in achieving members personal goals, instead of a bodybuilding mindset where looks are everything. Virgin Active attempts to cater for everyone from 3 month olds in the kids club to over 55s with a ‘young at hearts’ membership. Virgin Active offers unique ‘flexible’ memberships where rather than being locked in for an entire year, new members are locked in for an initial 1 month period and after this period members can cancel whenever they like. This is a risky strategy where members can leave anytime but has been proven to be successful in the health and fitness industry. This is because the public are more likely to sign up if they know they can get out if they are not satisfied with the service on offer. This puts pressure on Virgin Active to perform and provide great service for their members in order to retain numbers. Strategies have been implemented to encourage members to consistently workout and enjoy themselves. French’s Forest has 160 classes a week which caters for most. Floor staff are always on hand to help members with any difficulties and to give advice. Assessments/programs are developed for every member and evaluated every 6 weeks. Competition Fitness First and all other local sports and health clubs are competition and a threat to Virgin Active. Although at this stage they should just be looking to establish themselves as they only have 2 clubs in the country now which is not nearly on the same scale as Fitness First. Virgin Actives competition does not share the same holistic view of health and fitness. Fitness First for example have no obligation to their members once the sign up process is finalized because members are locked in for a year. This puts less pressure on other clubs to perform in the short term but in the long term members will leave in order to receive a more personal service such as what is on offer at virgin active. Virgin Active employs all personal trainers on a permanent basis whereas Fitness First personal trainers all work for themselves and pay a percentage to Fitness First. This is an advantage to Virgin Active because they have used strategies such as the offering of a free personal training session if a member has not been in the club for two months, and free updates of programs every 6 weeks. Pricing policy Exact prices are: .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f , .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .postImageUrl , .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f , .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f:hover , .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f:visited , .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f:active { border:0!important; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f:active , .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u288004a8091da359271b721c6b4f9f6f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Conflict management in aviationJoining Fee: Standard $125 Club-V (kids club) $25 Weekly Rates: Flexible (18-55) $23. 95 Student starters (16+) $19. 95 Young at hearts (over 55’s) $15. 95 Club-V $8. 00 The pricing policy/model is one that members should receive value for money and should reflect the level of service provided. These prices are slightly more expensive than other health and fitness clubs/gyms so Virgin Active is taking the responsibility to satisfy their members through providing a different kind of service. Virgin Active is required to continue selling to members through every experience they have within the club as they have the option to leave as the y like. Inputs Initial sites in development include both city and suburban locations. Virgin Active is seeking the very best places to build, focusing on convenience to customers including sites with large spaces and parking facilities in the suburban locations. The design of the clubs will be truly unique with spacious layouts and plenty of natural light to allow members to be fully engaged and motivated by the atmosphere around them. Specific features will include 25m lap pools, distinctive dedicated studios for mind and body classes, and innovative relaxation spa zones. Other inputs are all the staff employed to work in the club, cafe, people skills and a culture of health and fitness knowledge. The Virgin brand itself and the success of Richard Branson is a major input for this business because it is recognized internationally and renowned for a different kind of service that is more personal where value for money is received. Outputs Outputs that Virgin Active creates are a friendly and positive environment through hiring specific staff that enhances the customer service provided. As is the healthier lifestyle that members receive through being involved in the club. Whether members come in everyday or just every now and then it will still have a positive impact on the overall health and well being of members. World class facilities is another output created with the inclusion of swimming pools, air con, industry leading equipment and the latest range of group classes. Great value for money is the output used to lure potential members to the club with similar prices to competitors like Fitness First but offering a much better overall service. Growth Overtime In an article from the Virgin Active Australia’s website that was also ublished in The Daily Telegraph the following was mentioned concerning the international growth of Virgin Active. Already a major player in health and fitness in the UK, Italy, Spain and South Africa, Virgin Active has made a significant impact on the industry since its inception in 1999. It is now one of the largest health club businesses in the world, with over 170 clubs and more than 900,000 members. In 2007, the company enjoyed its eighth continuous year of growth, with reported revenues of $658m (? 313m) and EBITDA (earnings before income tax and depreciation) of $152m (? 73m) during the calendar year. It is still very early for Virgin Active Australia as its first club at French’s Forest, Sydney was opened less than a year ago on the 15th of December 2008. Although it has been set up with the international formula which has proven to be a success with huge growth since 1999 for Virgin Active internationally. Changes that have occurred in the industry structure The move from regular gyms to health clubs has been the most evident change in the health and fitness industry. Health clubs place a larger emphasis on a healthy lifestyle rather than simply lifting weights and going for a run. Health clubs can largely be seen now as leisure facilities in terms of swimming pools and sauna’s being included in many health clubs. Parents can now enjoy a coffee at the cafe while kids are in kids in club V or various other creche facilities. This alternate business model has produced a more intense competition. Select one of the following business strategy theories: o Understanding the value chain. o SWOT Analyses. o Five Forces Analysis. o The Balanced Scorecard. o Blue Thinking vs Red Thinking. o Product Life Cycles and the Ansoff Matrix. 3. .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed , .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .postImageUrl , .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed , .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed:hover , .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed:visited , .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed:active { border:0!important; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed:active , .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u446af370111ee47f16cd2b0487f885ed:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Bubble Economy of Japan EssayApply the principles outlined in the first part to analyse the chosen sports business or industry. This report will use the 5 forces analysis tool in order to determine the competitive positioning of Virgin Active in the current health and fitness market/industry. This analysis has revealed that there is quite a lot of competitive rivalry among the industry at both a large and small scale. Both the supplier and buyer power lays primarily with the members. The local environment has proven to be a fair substitute, although this may not be the case with new clubs if they are based further inland and not near the beach. Porters 5 Forces of Competitive Position 4. From your analysis of this sport business, critically evaluate its current business strategies. Furthermore, suggest future direction/s the business or industry could take justify the reasons. Virgin Active’s current business strategy is one of influencing change within the health and fitness industry by providing a holistic product/service that attracts customers ranging from 3 months old in Club V (creche) to 55+ with specific young at heart classes provided. Staff is trained to interact with all members on a personal level. Future Directions: Takeover Fitness First: When Virgin Active begun trading in South Africa they thrived by taking over the health and racket chain which had a hold on the market much like the hold Fitness First has on the Australian market. Takeover is a great option because the sites have already been selected and set out by Fitness First. Saturate where the demographic is correct such as near the beach and high population areas. This makes advertising easier in that local papers are able to reach your target market as well as wider range television advertising. Acquisition local fitness businesses that have 5 or greater sites because it will increase Virgin Actives market share quite rapidly. The experienced staff of these business should be kept and trained in the Virgin way of great customer service and more personalized experience. There are only two clubs in Australia at the moment therefore more clubs need to be built quite quickly in order to build the business capacity, sites should concentrate on the central business districts. Loyalty programs should be developed between the different Virgin businesses. For example Virgin Active members receive cheaper flights with Virgin Blue. A frequent user points system should be developed to encourage members to always attend the clubs regularly. Points may be accumulated every time the club is entered and may be used in the cafe for example. Branded merchandise should be developed such as towels, water bottles and hats to create greater brand awareness throughout the fitness market that is always growing. The sponsoring of sporting teams has proved to be a great option for businesses looking to gain exposure and reach a broad audience. As Fitness First sponsors the Cronulla Sharks and the NRL has had record crowds this year despite bad behavior by players off the field. This would be a viable market for Virgin Active to enter with the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm being the best options as this is where both of the first two clubs are located and both teams have been extremely successful in the past 3-4 years. References 1. Virgin Active Health Clubs Launch in Australia, article. (2008, August 20). Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://blog. virginactive. com. au/? p=18 2. Virgin Active Press and News. (2009, March 26). Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://virginblog. staging. publicisdigital. com. au/ 3. Relationship Options. 2009, March 26). Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://www. virginactive. com. au/start-a-relationship. aspx 4. Member Types. (2009, July 7). Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://www. virginactive. com. au/who-are-you. aspx 5. Facilities Available. (2008). Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://www. virginactive. com. au/sneak-peek-1. aspx 6. About Virgin Active. (2008). Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://www. virginactive. com. au/about-us. aspx 7. Virgin Active UK. (2009). Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://www. virginactive. co. uk/Content/Club/WhatWeDo. aspx