Informative Speech The Funny Thing About Introverts

Informative Speech: I. Introduction: Attention Getter: â€Å"The funny thing about introverts is once they feel comfortable with you, they can be the funniest, most enjoyable people to be around. It’s like a secret they feel comfortable sharing with you. Except the secret is their personality.† (Unknown). B. Background and Audience Relevance: Introversion is a personality trait, which is viewed as quiet. The words introversion and extroversion came from Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Carl Jung. C. Speaker Credibility: Remember in middle school and high school when you use to vote most likely or this person is? Remember there would be a category of who was shy or quiet? That would always be me. Or people would ask me why or say that I’m so quiet. Does it bother me? No not really, it’s true. It can be annoying though because it just feels like your lips are shut and you don’t know what to say. Although, I wasn’t always an introvert until I had to switch schools after fifth grade. How did that happen? I don’t really know but that is what I will be talking about today. D. Thesis: Introverts may seem anti-social but they are outgoing once you get to know them. E. Preview of Main Points: First, I’ll be talking about what introversion is and the causes; secondly, the myths of introversion. And lastly, signs if you’re an introvert. Transition to first main point: Let’s take a look at what introversion is and why these people are quiet. II. Main Point 1:Show MoreRelatedInformative Speech : Introverts 1152 Words   |  5 PagesComm 150- 42 â€Å"Introverts† Informative Speech: I. Introduction: A. Attention Getter: â€Å"The funny thing about introverts is once they feel comfortable with you, they can be the funniest, most enjoyable people to be around. It’s like a secret they feel comfortable sharing with you. Except the secret is their personality.† (Unknown). B. Background and Audience Relevance: Introversion is a personality trait, which is viewed as quiet. The words introversion and extroversion came from Swiss psychiatrist

How do banks evaluate financial projects and offer loans in Uzbekistan - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1946 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Narrative essay Did you like this example? Banks play critical roles in every economy, and perform an important role in terms of maturity transformation. They operate the payments system, and are the major source of credit for large swathes of the economy, and act as a safe haven for deposits funds. They collect demandable deposits and raise funds in the short-term capital markets and invest them in long-tem assets. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "How do banks evaluate financial projects and offer loans in Uzbekistan" essay for you Create order It means resources from those in surplus (depositors) are allocated to those in deficit (borrowers) through the banking system. This activity can help match deposit and loan supply and provides liquidity to an economy. Banks also provide loan commitments, letters of credits, and other guarantees that help counterparties plan for future investments (Allen et al 2010). Largest banks in many countries have a tendency to transform themselves via merger and acquisition into multi-product or service offers to customers comprising retail banking, asset management, brokerage, insurance, investment banking, and wealth management (Allen et al 2010). RESEARCH QUESTION, RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this research is to find out and understand How do banks evaluate financial projects and offer loans in Uzbekistan, what do they require from their customers for evaluation, and how do they analyze and evaluate before offering credit limit and loans to customers. The following questions will also be features that I try to identify answers through for my research task chosen: How are the projects evaluated before making a decision to undertake by Uzbekistan banks? How do banks evaluate a companys performance and capital structure using both qualitative and quantitative frameworks and tools? How do banks apply the analytic techniques across different industries? What are the advantages and disadvantages of evaluation tools in use? How do the banks in Uzbekistan face the global economic crisis? What would be a solution if they meet any challenge in evaluating projects? LITERATURE REVIEW Banking industry in Uzbekistan The total loans granted that commercial banks in Uzbekistan have offered to their customers have been significantly increased in these years, from $898 million in 2008 to $1.2 billion in 2009 for micro and small enterprises (MSEs). This number is forecasted to increase by $275 million in 2010 (Asian Development Bank, 2010). However, the demand of MSEs is still unmet although the credit has grown significantly. Therefore, banks in this country become stricter in evaluating, and offering the loans to enterprises. In short-tem, the main risk for banks is higher inflation because of the very restrictive policy towards imports. In medium-term, the risk will be related to financial sector adversely affected by a rise in non-performing loans while the enterprises expect for soft budget constraints and various protectionist measures that results to the competitiveness of enterprises (European Bank for reconstruction and development, 2010). Uzbekistan, showing soundness to global recessi on, is anticipated as one of the most favorable in the region with the real GDP expected to grow by 7 percent in 2009. The strong fiscal position of this country can allow it to get further fiscal expansion in 2010 (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 2010). The Anti crisis program and other social programs allow this country to overcome the impact of the world crisis, resulting stable economical growth, stable socioeconomic development and improving the living standards of Uzbeks. Uzbekistan has more than 30 commercial banks with 3 state-owned banks, 13 joint stock banks, 9 foreign capital banks and some other private banks with 46,000 branches and retail stores. Total assets of banks in Uzbekistan are 2 times higher than the total balance of the population and legal entities deposits, insuring complete protection and guarantee of timely payments. Its bank capital adequacy ratio is higher than the international standards. Total current liquidity is 10 times higher than external payments due (see figure 1 and figure 2). (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 2010) Figure 2 Figure 2 Figure 1 Fourteen of those 30 banks were rated as stable by leading international rating companies such as National Bank of Uzbekistan (NBU), Asaka bank, Agrobank, UzPSB bank, and some others (see figure 3 for more statistics about assets and capital of the banking system in Uzbekistan). If considering about the following criteria: financial soundness, a significant rural retail network, the ability and willingness to manage the exchange risk prudently, etc, there are three suitable commercial banks chosen: Hamkorbank, Ipak Yuli and Asaka. Hamkorbank, listed on the Uzbek Stock Exchange, was established in Andijan, Uzbekistans fourth largest city, in 1991. This is a leading privately owned commercial bank in Uzbekistan. Its primary business is offering the entire range of retail banking products and services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SME). It holds about 1.9% market share of banking section assets and 1.3% of capital stock (Asian Development Bank, 2010). In Hamkorbank , the head office and branch-level committees of each regional branch have the authority to approve loans within a particular lending limits annually set by the head office and executive board. This bank has rich experience in dealing with microcredit. Its loans were up to $29.3 million at the end of 2009. Moreover, Hamkorbank has been successful in attracting funding and receiving technical assistance for microfinance from external sources. Another stable bank in Uzbekistan is AIpak Yuli Bank. This is an open joint stock commercial bank establish in 1990. During 2007, the total assets have increased in 1.9 times and have reached 186.8 billion soum (equivalent to 116 million US dollars). This growth rate is kept last three years. Crediting is considered as the as a major part of mutual relations of the bank. The main task of bank in credit activity is to increase a qualitative and highly remunerative loan portfolio based on minimization and diversification of credit risks. AIpak Yuli Bank offers many types of loans such as credit lines, commercial lending in national currency and foreign currency, leasing, factoring, micro-crediting, consumer and mortgage lending. Before accepting and offering a loan, the bank usually gives a special place to issued credit security for guaranteed equipments which is estimated conservatively and sometimes need independent appraisers (AIpak Yuli Bank, 2007) Figure 3 (Source is available from: https://www.jp-ca.org/navoiforum/materials/zantais/4bafaev.pdf) Finance Finance is the science of the management of money and other assets including money, banking, investments, and credit (https://www.thefreedictionary.com/finance). Financing of banks means banks providing funds or capital, supplying fund or credit to lenders borrowers such as enterprises, corporations, government projects, etc. Projects financed by banks There are many banks in Uzbekistan providing project financing, loans, or credit lines such as Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Japan international cooperation agency, Islamic Development Bank, etc. Projects specially paid attention and received loans, credit lines, etc from the banks are investment projects with major contribution to Uzbekistan economic development and structural reforms, projects aiming at infrastructure development, projects of modernizing industrial enterprises, or procurement of new modern technologies, equipments and other strategic goods. Most of enterprises have concentrated on investing new technologies as they think that technology is one of the most important key factors for success. Most industries, such as steel and/or automobile industries, require rebuilding in order to get rid of old technology and reduce labor intensities and increase capital intensities (English J. M., 1984) Project financial evaluation Any project to be undertaken by financial institutions requires a very careful consideration/evaluation. Project financial evaluation is an in-depth investigation of cash flow and risk with the object of determining a projects eventual return on investment (Annettle, 2010). It means all of the fiscal factors such as cash flow, insurances, capital outlay, payback period, and the ROI (return on investment) involved in the project are checked and evaluated carefully. (English J. M., 1984) RESEARCH METHODOLOGY There are various definitions for the term research. Lee and Lings (2008) describes it like Research is about generating knowledge about what you believe the world is. Saunders et al (2003) defines research as something that people increase their knowledge through by finding out things in a systematic way and they highlights two phrases together: systematic research and to find out things. These may contain describing, explaining, understanding, criticizing, and analyzing (Ghauri and Gronhaug, 2002).They show a multiplicity of possible purposes in research. Lee and Lings (2008) believes that research is a human process thats done by people. People may have alternative opinions on understanding things from each other; they conflict, dispute and sometimes make mistakes. Research paradigm To define clear research philosophy reduces mistakes and simplifies the research task. According to Saunders et al (2003), there are three views of business research that leads the way in which knowledge is enlarged and concluded as being acceptable. They are positivism, interpretivism, and realism. Positivist researcher performs the role of the objective analyst, collects data and explains analysis in an apparently value-free manner. They put more emphasis on well-prepared methodology to make easy duplication (Gill and Johnson, 1997) and on scientific study that leads to create a statistical analysis. Interpretive researcher argues that the business situations are getting more and more complex in ever-changing world of business organizations. Such a complexity requires definite laws as the physical sciences refer to. They consider circumstances are reduced wholly to a law-like generalization series. On the other hand, realism pushes the idea that a reality exists in independenc e of human thoughts and beliefs. In the study of business and social sciences this can be seen as indicating that there are large-scale social forces and processes that affect people without their necessarily being aware of the existence of such influences on their interpretations and behaviours'( Saunders et al, 2003). It would be a wrong assumption if I say that one of those philosophies has an absolute advantage or is better than another. However, positivism will be my research methodology. Research strategies Lee and Lings (2008) illustrates two approaches to the research. Deduction is an approach in which researcher concludes from rational and logical principles. In an example given by them, ancient Greeks say writing a book always makes the author(s) rich, but this is valid and the premises are true, only if it were so. Being essentially opposite of deduction, induction applies to a process showing movement from specific surveillance to a more common theory. In the theory of Saunders et al (2003), deduction tests theory where induction builds theory. There are two main types of research: quantitative research and qualitative research. For my dissertation, I will use qualitative research. This type is generally exploratory in nature, consisting investigative research approaches that result in descriptive textual information. The reason why I choose this approach for my research is because of its features. Qualitative research approach can helps to examine processes, patterns, opinio n, values, and case studies including critical incidents. However, the important concern when I conduct qualitative research is that I need to consider the most appropriate methods for gathering and interpreting the information. I will try to look through the eyes of someone else and make a systematic attempt to understand them. Data collection methods The key resource for my research project is the library including both physical libraries and online libraries. In these places, there are not only books, journals, archived materials, but also information centers that co-ordinate an electronic gateway to a massive amount of online information. Using new primary sources: my research will focus on collecting data from primary sources such as recently produced reports from banks and enterprises who requested for financing, or face-to-face research through in-depth interviewing and focus group interviewing. Secondary sources: observation ANTICIPATED RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS The important task when doing a research is critically analyzing and evaluating information, ideas, and data collected. The key aim of qualitative research is to represent the material in a balanced and rational way. I will not only select examples, answers or quotes to analyze but also consider and note the opposing evidence, then arrive at a conclusion based on a careful analysis of the arguments and literature sources related to my topic. TIMEFRAME

Music and Magic in the World of Arda Free Essays

string(41) " as the example of Felagund illustrates\." MUSIC AND MAGIC IN THE WORLD OF ARDA In Tolkien’s legendarium, magic as it appears in contemporary sword-and-sorcery stories does not exist. Tolkien makes it clear in essays and debates that his magic is far more complex than the waving of a wand, and does not follow strict, clear-cut rules. Instead, power over the laws of nature and reality lies to a great extent in song and music. We will write a custom essay sample on Music and Magic in the World of Arda or any similar topic only for you Order Now The first act of creation in the â€Å"Ainulindale†, by which the foundations for Arda’s creation were laid, was the singing of the Music of the Ainur by Iluvatar and the divine beings beneath him. When the beings of Arda create song, the result is often ‘magical’, whether in an emotional sense or if it has a tangible effect upon the world around it. In both the â€Å"Ainulindale† and â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† this is quite evident. Singing in Tolkien’s legendarium is in some ways a magical act, in that any of the Children of Iluvatar engaged in it are reflecting the original creative acts of the Ainur, sub-creating and greatly affecting the world around them, and that the only limits on a being’s ability to create music are its purpose – whether to dominate or to create – and the sheer force of will it places behind its magical, musical intent. Singing has a variety of effects within Tolkien’s works, but the most dramatic ones by far are those visible in the â€Å"Ainulindale†. Here, singing is synonymous with creation itself. The notes of the many Ainur, including Melkor, as well as those of Iluvatar, all coalesce in order to form the basis for Arda and its history. The act of song-making as creation is not metaphorical: the Ainur originally conceive of the world through music, and the voices of the Ainur are even described as â€Å"like unto harps and lutes, and pipes and trumpets, and viols and organs, and like unto countless choirs with words† (Tolkien 4). Even the conflict between Iluvatar, who seeks to create a world of beauty and freedom for its future inhabitants, and Melkor, who seeks to dominate all that is, is done through their respective melodies. No music existed before that of the Ainur in their acts of creation, and although a great deal of music existed afterward, none was ever as powerful or influential in shaping the world, as the passage reads â€Å"Never since have the Ainur made any music like to this music† (Tolkien 4) This original music created the first true polarization between good and vil – through the conflict between Iluvatar and Melkor – and initiated the creation of the world. The fact that the Music of the Ainur created the world itself is no less visible than when Iluvatar declared â€Å"behold your music! † and the Ainur first saw the world (Tolkien 6). In fact, all later music stemmed from this music, in that the Music of the Ainur set the stage for the genesis of all Childre n of Iluvatar and the music they would go on to produce. The effects of song are equally as visible, if not quite so dramatic, in the tale of Beren Luthien, particularly through Luthien herself. Throughout the story, many of Luthien’s actions revolve around music and song. When Beren first sees her, he is spellbound by her appearance, and it is not until she sings out loud and â€Å"flowers [spring] from the cold earth where her feet had passed† that he is released from his shock enough to call out to her (Tolkien 194). Her music is also powerful enough to put the great wolf Carcharoth, as well as Morgoth himself in Angband, to sleep. In addition, it aids her and Huan in combating Sauron at Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Finally, her heartfelt song of sorrow at Beren’s death at the end of the tale proves moving enough to warrant restoring Beren to life, and allowing Beren and Luthien to spend their final, mortal years together in peace. Indeed, it is stated that â€Å"The song of Luthien before Mandos was the song most fair that ever in words was woven, and the song most sorrowful that the world shall hear† (Tolkien 221). She is not the only character who uses song to great effect, however. When King Felagund and Sauron battle in the dark lands of Morgoth, they duel with words and songs of power rather than physical weapons. Felagund fights with inspirational songs, harkening up images of â€Å"trust unbroken† and â€Å"resisting†, while Sauron utilizes songs of â€Å"treachery† and â€Å"betrayal† (Tolkien 201). Sauron proved more powerful however, and once he defeats Felagund, the others are entirely helpless against him. In these particular stories, the greatest singers are either connected to the Ainur, or are Ainur themselves. This point is fairly obvious in the case of the â€Å"Ainulindale†, in which all participants of the Music were Iluvatar’s â€Å"Holy Ones† , but is also quite evident in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† (Tolkien ). There, Luthien is half-Maia as the daughter of Melian, and her power is extraordinary for a Child of Iluvatar. She proves capable of contending with a fallen Valar, a powerful Maia, and a vicious beast-servant of Morgoth through her skills with song. Sauron himself is also quite skilled in the art of song as a Maia , and in a duel with a mortal he â€Å"had the mastery† (Tolkien 201). The reason for the magical superiority of the Ainur is quite simple: they were involved in the original music of the world. They were originally formed by Iluvatar for the express purpose of creating â€Å"in harmony together a Great Music† and through it the world, and so it is far more natural to them (Tolkien 3). Although Luthien herself has no experience with true creation, as Sauron and her mother do, she nonetheless has the blood of a being that was essentially created for song, as Melian also sprang from the mind of Iluvatar for the purpose of creating the world. By no means are all great singers in Tolkien’s world Maiar however, or even those related to them, as the example of Felagund illustrates. You read "Music and Magic in the World of Arda" in category "Essay examples" While Felagund may not be able to best a Maia such as Sauron, he is still able to compete with a Maia for what appears to be the majority of their conflict, and it is outright stated that â€Å"the power of the King was very great† in the conflict (Tolkien 201). He lacks the experience and inborn purpose for song that any Maia would possess as a being originally born to create Arda, but he remains a force to be reckoned with, and he is unquestionably more powerful through his skill with song than most other characters in the tale. It is clear, then, that force of will and drive can – to an extent – mitigate the difference in natural ability between a Child of Iluvatar and an Ainu. Luthien’s exemplary skill with song in the latter half of the tale may have thus been influenced by her drive to help Beren and the â€Å"weight of horror† that her love caused her to feel at the possibility of his death (Tolkien 202). The act of song-making in the â€Å"Ainulindale† is, at its core, an act of creation. What is present throughout â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† however – and, for that matter, all other stories set in Middle-Earth during the First through Fourth Ages – is sub-creation. Just as Iluvatar created the Ainur originally for the purpose of creation, the Children of Arda and those that Iluvatar would – humans, elves, hobbits, and dwarves – were made to sub-create. In other words, they were meant to create even further, through art, literature, and above all, song. By attempting to emulate the song of creation, the Children would make the world even more vibrant, rich, and pleasant than the Valar had originally managed. Tolkien states in his letter to Milton Waldman prefacing â€Å"The Silmarillion† that for the Elves, magic is â€Å"Art, delivered from many of its human limitations†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"Art not power, sub-creation not domination and tyrannous re-forming of creation† (Tolkien xvi-xvii). The effect of song in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† was somewhat different. If songs made by the Valar were what originally brought about and shaped the world, then songs made by the Children could do the same, beyond merely in terms of producing music for pleasure’s sake. As exemplified by Felagund, a sufficiently strong, refined will could sub-create in a way that mirrored creation itself, and shape the world despite lacking the natural affinity for song that an Ainu possesses. What this evidence points to is a notion that at first may seem ridiculous: that the magical song-making of the Ainur and the Children are fundamentally exactly the same. The ability of several of the Children in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† to contend with Ainur in contests of power through song already lends credence to this idea, suggesting that the music created by the Ainur is the same, only greater. It would appear that the difference between the use of songs by the Ainur and the Children merely results from the inherently greater willpower of the Ainur. As beings that are not only older but are also â€Å"the offspring of [Iluvatar’s] thought†, their wills are considerably more refined and honed than those of the Children (Tolkien 3). Theoretically however, any elf, man, hobbit, or dwarf with sufficient mental discipline and/or training could make music as great as that of an Ainu. Thus, the closeness to the natural world and ‘magic’ of the elves is simply a consequence of their having spent more time amongst the Valar and within the world than the other Children, gaining more competence with song and closeness to the musical skill of the Ainur as a result. In addition, the ability of Melkor to overpower the songs of the other Ainur in the â€Å"Ainulindale† resulted from him having â€Å"been given the greatest gifts of power and knowledge† and resulting musical affinity, and that greater force of will alone was that set him apart (Tolkien 4). The two sections being discussed point to one other significant notion: that there is an inherent difference between the music produced by the Children and good Ainur, and the music produced by the Dark Powers of Morgoth. The â€Å"Ainulindale† indicates that the Music of the Ainur was initially harmonious, with â€Å"endless interchanging melodies woven in harmony† (Tolkien 4). It was only once Melkor, desiring to overpower and control the course of the Music, decided to interfere, that the Music became disjointed and violent. Eventually, Iluvatar himself steps in, at which point it is clear that the melodies of Iluvatar and Melkor are diametrically opposed, and that only Melkor’s music â€Å"hath not its uttermost source in [Iluvatar]† (Tolkien 6). The music of the other Ainur, which was harmonious with that of Iluvatar, was gentle, melodious, and pleasant. Melkor’s music was violent and aggressive. To an extent, the musical conflict between Felagund and Sauron in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† mirrors this, though in that case Sauron’s aggressive, spiteful song proves victorious due to his superior will. While the songs produced by the forces of good and evil are somewhat similar, their basic nature and purpose – to create, and to dominate, respectively – are polar opposites, and the dominative nature of evil is the source of the violence and cacophonous nature of the songs. Indeed, Tolkien’s statement of the Elves’s magic as â€Å"Art not Power, sub-creation not domination†¦Ã¢â‚¬  in contrast with that of Melkor and Sauron, supports the notion that the nature of their magic – and this applies to all other forces of good as well – is irreconcilable with that of Melkor and his minions (Tolkien xvi-xvii). In the â€Å"Ainulindale†, as well as â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien†, Tolkien reveals the true nature of magic and song: in his world, they are synonymous. While there may be major differences in the fundamental nature of the songs used by good and evil, only force of will and purpose make the song of an Ainu such as Morgoth any greater than that of a half-Maia such as Luthien, or a mere elf-king such as Felagund. Keeping these conclusions in mind, one may reach a single, overarching definition of magic in Tolkien’s works: an act of musical creation or sub-creation with enough force of will behind it to tangibly affect the world. There is no need to understand the mechanics of music in the legendarium, only that any being is capable of it and that it is the source of all magical acts. Truly, the significance of song in Tolkien’s work, especially for the purpose of understanding the magic of the world and the nature of the conflict that spans the entire legendarium, cannot be overstated. WORKS CITED Tolkien, J. R. R. , and Christopher Tolkien. The Silmarillion. 2nd Ed. Del Rey Books, 2001. Print. How to cite Music and Magic in the World of Arda, Essay examples

Flavored Mineral Water Strategy Japanese Market Essay Example For Students

Flavored Mineral Water Strategy ? Japanese Market Essay South Beach Company (SoBe)Flavored Mineral Water Strategy Japanese MarketINTRODUCTION:South Beach Beverage Company, SoBe, makes and markets herbal enhanced beverages. These beverages, called healthy refreshments have been designed to market to active persons concerned with their health. Other products that SoBe sells online are hats, shirts, limited collectibles, childrens clothing, sportswear, and some other miscellaneous items to include duffle bags and water bottles. SoBe products are available throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Grand Cayman Islands, Turks ; Caicos, Bolivia, Antigua, Barbados, Guam, Bahamas, Bermuda, United Kingdom, Ireland, The British Virgin Islands, El Salvador, Trinidad, Mexico and Curacao. Beverages can be found in convenience stores, grocery stores, mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs, delis, gas marts, and select restaurants/hotels. A separately operating unit of Pepsi-Cola North America, SoBe markets and sells its bevera ges through the combined efforts of Pepsi-Cola bottlers and independent distributors. Starting in 1996 by four partners who were into health and fitness as a way of life, the first product introduced, SoBe Black Tea 3G with Ginseng, Ginkgo and Guarana brought an overwhelming response. As a result, the company gained ground and immediately introduced SoBe Green Tea, SoBe Oolong Tea, SoBe Orange Carrot Elixir, SoBe Cranberry Grapefruit Elixir and SoBe Energy. These products started the company and now serve as the foundation for future brand development. Most SoBe beverages are sold in a 20 oz. glass lizard bottle that is double sealed to protect the freshness of the beverages. However, in order to make their product more portable and safe for places where glass isnt the best material to use, the company produced one line of their drink, SoBe Synergy, in a can which is 11.5 oz. SoBe also makes several other beverages to include SoBe Sports System, an advanced performance beverage syst em, SoBe Adrenaline Rush, an all-natural maximum energy supplement, Love Bus Brew, an energizing chocolate-flavored drink, and SoBe Ice, an icy-cold fountain-dispensed frozen drink. SoBes name can also be found on SoBe Gum and SoBe Chocolate two of their licensed products. The newest product is the 16-oz. energy-packed SoBe No Fear Super Energy Supplement. Being in the business of producing healthy drinks, SoBe even has a sugar-free product line called SoBe Lean. This line appeals to diabetics and all health-conscious consumers who want to avoid sugar. These drinks are sweetened with a blend of sucralose and ACE-K. The company boasts many different recipes for health drinks and there are currently over 200 different cap slogans in production. The flavor of the beverage is on all of the front and back labels, excluding the 3G Teas. Although some products dont have the flavor of the beverage on it, because it is part of their older stock still on the market, new labels are being generated so that all products will eventually have their flavor name on it. Another health issue for consumers is weather or not caffeine is added. SoBe beverages show an ingredient statement on the back label for all of their beverages. In general, all of their tea drinks contain caffeine that is naturally derived from the tea leaves. The list of flavors availa ble to consumers of SoBe health drinks is so long that room often needs to be made for the production of new drink flavors. There have been several flavors discontinued to make room to include SoBe Drive, SoBe Essentials, Edge, Eros, Red Tea, Orange-Tomato, Strawberry Carrot Elixir, Karma, Wisdom, Lean Green Tea, Lean Peach Mango, Lean Orange Carrot and Lean Citrus. However, some of these discontinued flavors may come back in the future. Although SoBe just came out with a 4 pack of SoBe bottles in their more popular flavors and currently make 12 pack variety cases, usually sold at wholesale clubs, they dont make the 6 pack. Complete Beverage Line:Exotic Teas and Fruit Juice Blends (Black Tea, Dragon, Green Tea, Nirvana, Oolong, Zen Tea)Powerline (Courage, Drive, Energy, Fuerte, Power)Elixir Line: (Pomegranate Cranberry, Cranberry Grapefruit, Orange Carrot)Lizard Line: (Black and Blue Berry Blue, Liz Blizz, LizFuel, Lizard Lava, Lizard Lightning, Tsunami)SoBe Lean: Cranberry Grapefruit, Peach Tea, TropicalSoBe Adrenaline Rush: Adrenaline Rush, Sugar Free SoBe Adrenaline RushSoBe No FearSpecial Recipes: Long John Lizards Grape Grog, MacLizards Special Recipe LemondadeSynergy: Fruit, Grape, Kiwi, Lemonade, MangoVariety Pack: Includes Green Tea, Lizard Lava, Energy, Orange Carrot Elixir Fountain Drinks: Includes Energy, Lean Cranberry Grapefruit, PowerSoBe Ice: Frozen drinkAs mentioned earlier, SoBe is a player in the international market and, therefore, already understands how to operate on that level. However, SoBe doesnt currently sell their products in Japan, a market that research has shown to be a luc rative one for exporters of health beverages. In addition, research has also shown that this is especially the right time for sellers of health beverages to get into this market because Japanese consumers are more health-conscious than ever before. This is so much the case that the market for these beverages continued to grow, even during Japans recent recession. Companies like SoBe, which produce natural, organic, herbal or fruit ingredients have a great chance of being a success in Japan as a result of this continued demand. Currently, 20 companies own 80 percent of Japans beverage market with one U.S. firm alone holding 35 percent. But these large market-players still need reliable suppliers of trendy health and natural products. This is why SoBe should initiate one or more of their product lines to the Japanese market. INTERNAL FUNCTIONS:PLANNING:SoBes new product in Japan will need to be designed to meet Japans market needs and to comply with SoBes core strategic plan. Before t he final product is marketed, manufactured, and sold, SoBe needs to ensure that all departments participate in providing a product that SoBe can proudly stand by. The departments that will be involved for finding the appropriate product for the appropriate market will be the marketing/sales, research ; development, production, and operations department. These departments will conduct the analysis that will provide for a defined strategic plan. Their analysis should ensure information to include economic, cultural, legal, and competitive conditions. After SoBe finds that its advantageous to enter a certain market, it will need to modify the product for that market. In addition, charts should be created by the production department to include action-plan deadlines for roll-out of the product. Mexico EssayTop-10 Japanese Bottled Water Companies Top-10 Japanese Bottled Water Brands Company ShareShare +/- Vol. +/- Brand Share Share +/- Vol. +/- CompanySuntory19.1-1.5+5.8% S. Alps Natural Water17.3-1.2+7.1% SuntoryCoke Japan11.4+2.0+37.9% Woods Water11.4+2.0+37.9% Coke JapanHouse Foods10.5-1.5flatRokkos Tasty Water10.5-1.5flatHouse FoodsMisubishi6.9-1.0flatVolvic6.9-1.0flatMitsubishiNestle Japan 4.8-0.1+12.4% Evian3.9+0.1+17.1% Calpis/DanoneCalpis/Danone3.9+0.1+17.1% Alkali Ion Water3.4flat+14.6% KirinKirin3.5flat+14.2% Crystal Gaiser2.9+0.8+58.9% OhtsukaOhtsuka2.9+0.8+56.4% Kon Kon Spring Water2.6-0.3+3.8% n/aSapporo2.0+0.7+75.0% Sapporo Tanigawa Water2.0+0.7+75.0% SapporoBourbon1.3-0.1+3.7% Natural Water in Japan1.8-0.4-5.0% n/aLEGAL ENVIRONMENT:To ensure compliance with Japans laws, SoBe should obtain legal advice from its legal department. It may be also useful to hire a legal consulting firm in Japan. Information that might be found would include the fact that Japan re quires that businesses operating in Japan provide semi-annual financial disclosures. As a result, SoBe will need to ensure compliance with this rule. The following legally-involved events could pose problems to the distribution of SoBes product: Trade war or restrictive duties on food/beverage exports into Japan could threaten supply Legal changes in shipping regulations would cause problems by leading to significant delays in fulfilling orders Drop in the value of the dollar (or in Japanese currency) due to legal changes and economic policies will make selling the product in Japan more expensive Change in government regulations around selling food products may force a change in package or product mix ENTRY MODE:SoBe will need to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of entry mode. Although SoBe can engage in exporting, turnkey projects, licensing, franchising, or joint ventures, SoBe would be best to pursue the wholly owned subsidiaries mode of entry so that they c an obtain tight control over their operations and core competence. This plan has the disadvantage of bearing all the costs and risks that come with setting up in Japan but it is the best match with consideration to SoBes strength and current position. COST/BENEFIT RELATIONSHIP:Analysis will show that SoBes venture in Japan will be successful with regards to the competitive, market, and economic conditions. While the costs are high for implementation with the plan to follow the wholly owned subsidiaries mode of entry, the benefits of providing this type of product which demand is ever-growing in Japan are high as well. To reduce costs, SoBe should ensure that all departments are properly staffed and fully involved in making strategic decisions. CONCLUSION:The best plan for SoBe would be to pursue the international strategy with entering the Japanese beverage market with their sugar-free flavored water. By pursuing an international strategy, SoBe will be able to earn a greater return from their distinctive skills or core competencies, realize location economies by dispersing particular value creation activities to those locations where they can be performed most efficiently, and to realize greater experience curve economies, which reduces the cost of value creation. It will need to do all this by customizing its product offering, marketing strategy, and business strategy to the Japanese market conditions. The flavored water product will do well because most new-age drinks designed for U.S. consumers dont translate well to the Japanese palate that doesnt like the fact that they are too sweet. But flavored-water, which tends to be sugar-free, is perfect for this market. In addition there is room to grow for this market, which is still smaller than that of France, the United States and even other Asian nations. SoBe should enter Japan with this product because research has shown that many consumers in Japan worry about the quality of their tap water. This is a special concern in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka. Research also shows that despite of past problems with water conditions (such as the scare that occurred in Japan in 1996), consumers seem confident that bottled water ensures good flavor and high safety standards. Also, Japanese teenagers who see bottled water on television, and vacationers who enjoy it on overseas trips, contribute to the growing demand for trendy bottled waters.