Ford Motor Company SWOT Analysis

Ford Motor Company SWOT Analysis (S)trengths Ford is a well-known brand in the automobile industry and global markets, due to huge amounts of marketing and advertising. Ford is the one of the best known brands in the world. Ford has a greater amount of customer loyalty, and its individual brands have been enjoying the benefits of the good reputation. Ford has brands and models of cars that appeal to every kind of demographic group and cater for the needs and wants of consumers. Ford uses a unique concept of virtual assembly lines in their models through which they are able to reuse the same spare in their diversified model of cars. This enables Ford to lessen cost on production of new spares and competition market price. Ford provides the consumer more variety of cars and commercial vehicles, so consumer has more choices. Ford also supports racing teams which include NASCAR, Formula One and others. Through online marketing, Ford has the capability to provide the online consumer a selection of cars. Online, the consumer can customize the engine, colour, interiors and exteriors. Furthermore, Ford is maintaining the relations with high profiled companies like Suzuki and Isuzu to develop quality vehicles, in the part due to technological alliances between the companies. Ford is rich in operations and distribution efficiency. This is because manufacturing facilities operate its business in more than thirty countries and it enhances its manufacturing process in around 90 plants and facilities worldwide. The company always develops cars on standardized procedures and invest heavily in alternate fuel sources. Ford recruits qualified and skilled employees, maintaining a good relationship with them, by offering better work environments and competitive wages. Ford is more concerned about the working environment and safety aspects of the employees. (W)eaknesses The company has a lot of suffered due to product recalls, harming Fords brand image. This has  been a huge cost to the company, tarnishing the brand image and damaging Fords sales. Large unfunded pensions and various obligations are termed as the weakness of Ford automobile company. Ford takes more responsibilities in unfunded pensions, health care and life insurance obligations of the employee. Ford invests more money on maintaining a good working environment. Ford expanded its business operations in diversified geographical areas, so management is missing focus on performance and struggles with low productivity. Ford has kept increasing the productivity, while decreasing the cost and simultaneously counting the number of employees exit, decreasing employee loyalty towards the company. Ford does not have an effective cost management system and have not taken considerable efforts to overcome this, since they believed paying premiums in single supplier model. Ford does not concentrate and invest much for design phase and lack innovative design structures on their new paddle of cars. (O)pportunities The current Ford automobile company is producing the cars with low mileage and pick up. Ford has a great opportunity to produce fuel efficient cars and commercial vehicles. For example, the company produced vehicles that run on different forms of energy outside the petrol and diesel whereas cars can run on renewable energies like solar power and bio fuels. This can help the company to become pioneers in the industry. Ford has to expand more options in designing the cars and commercial vehicles are expected to switch toward the hybrid electric engines due to the limited petroleum. If the cars are designed based on electricity engines the consumers will show more interest to buy the cars, this is because when the car is run on electricity, the car repair charge will cheaper. Besides this, Ford has a chance to become more environment friendly company with cleaner engine emissions because hybrid engines are more fuel efficient and less polluting than conventional gasoline and diesel engines. Ford tried to diversify their market towards India and China in order to diversify their revenues because the two countries are well-known countries with large geographical markets and high populations. Most people in these two countries are interested in owning a four wheeler for their family. Ford launched a restructuring plan to improve the performance of its automotive business in North America. This plan aims to make the North American business more customer-focused, product-driven and efficient. The North American capacity is likely to be realigned to match demand, with 14 manufacturing facilities to be idled, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced employment. The way forward plan focuses on restoring Fords North American automotive operations to profitability. (T)hreats Increase the raw material like hard steel price and roll steel coil price will affect the margin price of the car. As a whole it will obviously affect the companys profit margin of the ford because of low margin price. Ford growth and development may effected by rapid growth in number of competitors in the automobile company. From the beginning America demanded automobile industry. Fords main competitors are General motors, Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc. Ford capital spending low on its operations and research development expenditure which could influence the company from going forward when compared to its competitors. The competitors are spending big amount on RD programmes. Although global warning turning out to be greatest threat and individual use of automobile vehicle increase the risk of further, the cars and other private vehicle are the part of basic necessity on a common mans view. Therefore this is believed that no real threat of substitutes exits today, but it is believed that choosing other forms of transport such as bicycles, public transports and sharing mobility would soon be imported in to the mind of people.

Lagos, Nigeria :: essays research papers

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. In 1989 the population was 1,274,000. It is still growing immensely as we speak. It is the former capital of Nigeria. It is located on the Gulf of Guinea. It occupies four islands(Lagos, Ikoyi, Victoria, and Ido). Lagos is Nigeria's largest city. It is the administrative and economic center of Lagos and also its main port. Main Industries include railroad repair, motor vehicle assembly, food processing, and the manufacture of metal products, textiles, beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, soap, and furniture. The city is a road and railroad center and has an international airport. In Lagos, education is usually private. There are both Boarding Schools and Home schooling and both cost a lot of money. Public Schools are not that common in Lagos like they are here. The main source of transportation in Lagos is Buses and â€Å"tracks." Tracks are a simple version of street cars. In Lagos, power failures, water-supply interruptions and traffic jams is very common due to the huge population. Pollution is a very serious problem because of the surrounding lagoons have been used as dumps for the past few years and the increase in factories and cars. There are many national institutions located in Lagos, among them are the National Museum, the National Library, the University of Nigeria, and the University of Lagos. Brief History The Portuguese, was the first to visit Lagos in 1472. It was later established as a slave-trading center. The area was under the rule of the Kingdom of Benin from the late-16th to the mid-19th century then in 1861. It was later taken over by the British.

Customs Broker

A BUSINESS PLAN AND ROLE OF A U. S. CUSTOMS BROKER TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I – BUSINESS PLAN: Executive Summary General Company Description Services Market Analysis Summary Management and Organization Financial Plan PART II – U. S. CUSTOMS BROKER ROLE: Role and Purpose of a Customs Broker Preparing for the Customs Broker License Exam Harmonized Tariff Schedule Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Importer Security Filing/10+2 Entry Process Automated Brokerage Interface Automated Commercial System Sample Import/Export Frequently Used Documents EXECUTIVE SUMMARYCustoms Broker Experts, LLC is a certified woman-owned customs broker firm located in Chicago, IL. The company has been set up as an LLC company by the owner and licensed customs broker, A. The company’s goal is to become the preferred customs broker in the Chicagoland area, increasing profitability upward of 15% annually. Customs Broker Experts will process entry clearance of merchandise bein g imported through all major U. S. ports and comply with U. S. Customs clearance procedures, laws and regulations. The company will provide the services and filing procedures to customers so hey spend less time pouring over paperwork, and more time concentrating on their business. A, an experienced Supply Chain professional, will manage and operate the company as the licensed broker and general manager. With over ten years of import experience managing substantial volume from Mexico, Germany, China, and more recently Canada, A has the knowledge, commitment, and experience to lead a successful customs brokerage organization. GENERAL COMPANY DESCRIPTION: Customs Broker Experts, LLC offers customs clearance expertise to those in the business of importing goods from all over the world.The organization offers importers its thorough understanding of the rules and regulations of the United States Customs Border Patrol to ensure goods are in compliance and abide by government regulations. T he company will process all customs-required documentation, declare the value of the merchandise, classify the merchandise, rate and pay all applicable duties on behalf of the importer prior to releasing the goods to the customer. The company has secured a two-year contract with ABC Imports, LLC and will act as the customs broker for the company for said period of time. Contract renewal will take place 18 months into the contract.ABC Imports handles merchandise shipping from Mexico, Germany, and China. Based on forecasted projections, Customs Broker Experts will generate a profit by the end of the first year with a 15% increase the second year. The projected imports are expected to vary throughout the year with May through September serving as peak season. During peak season, the company projects to import about 800 trucks and railcars a month from Mexico through the port of Laredo, Texas; Eagle Pass, Texas; and Nogales, AZ. During off season, the company projects to clear approxima tely 575 shipments. SERVICES:Customs Broker Experts will provide prompt personalized service acting as an agent between the shipper and US Customs and other government agencies. It will be our job to be sure that the importer of record is in compliance with all Federal and State laws. All customs brokerage firms are required to have a Power of Attorney on file prior to transacting any Customs business on the behalf of the importer of record. This instrument allows the broker to transact Customs business only. The document indicates the US tax reporting number, and specifies if the importer is a corporation, partnership, sole proprietor or an individual.The following is a list of commodities the company will manage, to name a few: †¢ Artifacts †¢ Furniture †¢ Household Goods †¢ Manufactured Goods †¢ Perishables There is virtually no commodity Customs Broker Experts cannot clear. Customs Broker Experts’ fully automated processes will allow for error-fre e entry presentations as well as electronic payment of duties to U. S. Customs. The company will be certified by U. S. Customs to process entries nationwide acting as liaisons with the U. S. Government preparing and processing the required documentation and paying applicable duties.MARKET ANALYSIS SUMMARY During the first year, Customs Broker Experts will concentrate on clearing shipments originating in Mexico on behalf of ABC Imports, LLC. Customs Broker Exports will concentrate on importing from Mexico during its first year because: 1. Customs Broker Experts has extensive experience importing from this NAFTA partner. 2. This industry continues to grow as the Latino population increases in the United States. 3. Customs Brokers’ extensive experience and knowledge of the importing process adds value to its clientele.Classifying merchandise to identify a product for importing can be quite complex. This type of complexity requires collaboration and coordination between a credibl e and experienced customs broker, the importer of record, and U. S. Customs. Customs Broker Experts will be marketing the business in a number of ways. First and foremost will be the company’s website. The website will allow for potential customers to request a rate quote online. It will also serve as tool for existing customers by providing links to relevant government websites as well as status of their merchandise during the importation process.Customs Broker Experts will advertise in supply chain and transportation journals. The ads in these journals will provide visibility of Customs Broker Experts to manufacturers and buyers as well as importers and exporters. The company will extend their services to other importers in the following years by bidding in Request for Proposals (RFP’s) starting in the third quarter of the first year. MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION The founder of the company, A, has 10+ years of experience in the Supply Chain industry importing goods fr om Mexico, Germany, and China.More than eight of those years were in the area of Purchasing & Inventory Management with the last two years focused in Logistics and Distribution. Having conducted business with a wide array of brokers, both foreign and domestic, over the last ten years has given Gina Gonzalez the opportunity to understand the importation process. Gina Gonzalez will lead the company as President and licensed broker. Two part-time employees and two part-time interns will be focused on the administrative process of entering and clearing entries with U. S. Customs.The part-time employees will be junior and senior-level college students while the interns are in their freshman or sophomore year. Both the employees’ and interns’ area of study will be in International Business, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management. A third full-time employee and part owner, C, will handle the IT operations of the business maintaining the company’s website, ED I (electronic data transmission), and ABI (Automated Broker Interface) service up to date. A fourth full-time employee will manage the account payables and receivables.Gina Gonzalez will oversee and be very much involved in the day-to-day operations with primary focus in marketing the company. As the company prepares to expand their services into the second year, an additional part-time employee will be added as well as an additional licensed individual. Although the company can operate with one sole licensed broker, the additional licensed professional will add value to the company and act as assistant manager in the absence of A. The company will also offer current employees the opportunity to take the customs broker exam with all exam fees sponsored by the company upon successful completion of the exam.This fringe benefit will be extended to employees who have been with the company for a minimum of 12 months. In the event of termination of employment within 12 months after reimbu rsement, the employee will be responsible for reimbursing the company. FINANCIAL PLAN The company will charge a per entry fee. In order to streamline charges, each entry will have a flat fee regardless of the mode of transportation—rail, truck, or intermodal. The average industry charge ranges between $30 to $60 depending on length and volume stipulated within the contract.By securing a two-year contract with ABC Imports, LLC, the company is able to offer a highly competitive rate of $45 per entry. Considering the projected entries for the first year, the company expects to generate a net profit by the end of the calendar year. A portion of the profit will be allocated to bring on additional staff as new contracts are acquired. The start-up funds will be drawn from a personal investment from A, $30,000, an investor and co-owner B, $15,000, and second investor and co-owner C, $5,000. A owns 75% of the company, with B owning 20%, and C 5%. [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic]

Marriage Argumentative Essay - 1631 Words

Established with Adam and Eve, still surviving, marriage is the oldest institution known. Often the climax of most romantic movies and stories, whether it may be ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or ‘Dil Wale Dulhaniya Ley Jaein Gey’, marriage has a universal appeal. It continues to be the most intimate social network, providing the strongest and most frequent opportunity for social and emotional support. Though, over the years, marriage appears to be tarnished with high divorce rates, discontentment and infidelity, it is still a principal source of happiness in the lives of respective partners. Although marriage is perceived as a deeply flawed institution serving more the needs of the society than those of the individuals, nevertheless, marriage is†¦show more content†¦Unsatisfied with their partners results in divorce rates and infidelity. These have increased over the years, blemishing the institution of marriage. People may believe that compromises and self sacrifice in a marriage make it a failed institute but the same reasons make a marriage successful. A married man has a constant in his life- his partner. The security and companionship in the relationship helps him achieve happiness. The same sharing is now a pleasure, a way to prevent loneliness (Argyle; 1999). Marriage is known to cause greater satisfaction, greater self esteem and less distress. Evidence shows that married men and women are happier. A survey of 14000 adults states in ‘A Guide to Family Issues: The Marriage Advantage’ that marriage was a pertinent factor contributing to happiness and satisfaction with forty percent of the married individuals being happy as opposed to 25 percent of either single or cohabiting individuals. The same study shows that ninety eight percent of never married respondents wished to marry and out of those 88% believed that it should be a lifelong commitment. Even though, divorce rates are rising numerous researches show that young people aspire to have a lasting marriage. Conversely, most people perceive marriage as a sanctuary, satisfying the needs of both partners involved. It is one of the most important institutions affecting people’s health and well-being. Firstly, a strong marriage has a dramatic effect on the partners’Show MoreRelatedArgumentative Essay on Gay Marriage842 Words   |  3 PagesKing Grammar and Composition lesson 75 Argumentative Essay on Gay Marriage Marriage is the ceremonial binding of two people, male and female, into one couple. Historically, marriage has been the institution when a man and a woman join together with the promise of love, devotion, to always stay together, to be there for each other, to take care of one another and to start a family together. Biblically, marriage has been all the aspects above, but including honoring, lovingRead MoreArgumentative Essay on Gay marriage672 Words   |  3 Pagescan’t do this. Women shouldn’t be able to that. But touch my semiautomatic rifle and you’re attacking my rights.†- Remi Kanazi Why should someones rights to marry be based on a person religious beliefs or their own opinion on family values. Gay Marriage: If they like they should be able to put a ring on it. Same sex couples should be allowed to publicly celebrate their relationship in the same way as heterosexual couples. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation states that many same sex couples wantRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Arranged Marriage1347 Words   |  6 PagesArranged Marriages â€Å"I didnt want to disappear into a forced marriage. I wanted my freedom†-Sabatina James. One of today’s societal norms is having the choice to marry who you desire. The long-age tradition of having arranged marriages in other countries and even in cultures in America today, arranged marriages have different meanings and circumstances. Some countries like China and India have modernized their tradition of arranging marriages, while other countries still use arranged marriages forRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Young Marriage946 Words   |  4 PagesThe topic of young marriage, is a conversation, which has long been discussed. In today’s society we talk more about business, careers, and shared ambitions of success at a young age more than we ever have before. But, what about the pink elephant in the room? You know, young marriage. After exploring deeper into the thoughts and perspectives surrounding young marriage I have come to question the validity of wanti ng to be married in this society. During my research I have attempted to dissect theRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Gay Marriage866 Words   |  4 Pagesshare their life with. Gay marriage should be legal and a non-punishable offense because it can prevent teenage suicides, more children will be adopted, and people will not feel like second-class citizens. If humanity were to accept gay marriage, it would lower and prevent some teen suicides. Most teens are deciding and revealing their true colors in middle and high school. â€Å"The number of suicide attempts among high school students decreased in states where same-sex marriage was legal. The findingsRead MoreArgumentative Essay About Same Sex Marriage822 Words   |  4 PagesThis Argumentative essay will discuss about the argument of same sex marriage. The contents are: meaning, brief background and thesis statement for the Introduction; for the Body of the discussion is the counter argument; and for the conclusion part: the summary and the restatement of the thesis statement. Same Sex Marriage also known as  gay marriage  or  equal marriage it is marriage between two persons of the same  biological sex  or  gender identity. In the 20th and 21st centuries variousRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Same Sex Marriage824 Words   |  4 PagesMarriage is universally acknowledged as a legal contract and a moral issue. Two individuals whom are in love with each other should have open doors to commit with one another. Marriage itself should not be judged on religion, their future family, nor have their rights diminished by the law. Many people oppose same sex marriage because their decision is influenced by their religion. The bible mentions marriage as a union between a male and a female. For that reason, people judge when a same sex coupleRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Argumentative Essay1221 Words   |  5 PagesSame sex â€Å"marriage† is harmful and wrong and must be opposed. This is tending to cause issues that occur in the world today. The law that was passed on same sex marriage in 2016 has affected the views of many people around the world. There are many reasons why I believe this is cruel and wrong. Some of the issues that are occurring in the world today would include violence, employment immigration, poverty, and health care. Lesbian, gay and transgender people, especially those of color, experienceRead MoreShould Gays Be Allowed to Marry1476 Words   |  6 PagesBeteta September 3, 2012 Argumentative Essay on Gay Marriage Marriage: a legally recognized relationship, established by civil or religious ceremony, between two people who intend to live together as sexual and domestic partners. Typically this is between a man and a woman, in love, as they come before their families, to pledge to spend the rest of their lives together. As times continue to evolve around the world so has the idea and laws concerning marriage. Marriage is no longer just about aRead MorePre-Marital Sex803 Words   |  4 Pagesexperienced it. II. Against premarital sex A. Bible Sex is good but pre-marital sex is not. Sex should be private and should only be done by married couple, husband and wife. In Bible, it is stated in Hebrews 13:4 – â€Å"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.† (NIV). But nowadays, sex is in just about every magazine, television show, and movie. It is a point on a lot of music. Our world has gotten lax about