Strategic Management Portfolio Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Management Portfolio - Case Study Example The company's unswerving concentration and consistent strategies on its retail activities are also noteworthy and undoubtedly one of the main reasons for the company's stellar performance records over the years. (Micha Gisser and Raymond D. Sauer) Nonetheless, Thorntons needs to keep tabs on its competitors at the top level. There is no mention of the margin of lead between Thorntons and its competitors whose performances are better than that of Thorntons. The company needs to put together its act on horizontal integration too. In the current market scenario of mergers and acquisitions, if aggressive policy of horizontal integration is not in place, the company is in danger of having the rug pulled from under its feet. And the threat is not always from the top players. The global economy is full of eyes waiting in the wings like a hawk to scoop down on its prey from unexpected regions. (Globalization Challenge) The company also needs to exploit its in-house manufacturing resources. There is no mention if this supply base is allowed to cater to competitors' requirements. Thorntons is sourcing some of its products from outside suppliers. Hence, it makes business sense to allow part of its manufacturing activities to be used to meet competitors' needs. (Michael Porter's Five Forces) Thorntons' strength lies in its popular brand name which it has assiduously built over the years. Its hold over its product ingredients, market maneuverability based upon differentiation, marketing and manufacturing expertise, influence over retailers and customers, ability to secure outlets at key locations, and traditional family ownership, albeit professional management policies play key roles in Thorntons' market presence as a worthy entity. The company has also done well in building up strong presence in Midlands and North England. Nevertheless, Thorntons must aggressively pursue its agenda in London and South England where its presence is vulnerable. There are strong contenders in the form of existing players such as Cadbury and Nestle, and potential competitors. The company has wisely invested in a strong in-house supply base in Midlands and North England. It can begin its marketing operations in London and South England on a stronger note to shore up its sales figures. It can supplement its inventories from its own manufacturing plants in Midlands and North England, keeping its options to begin manufacturing operations in London and South England as soon as opportunities unfold. (Carol Propper et al) Thornton must also begin its sales activities from its own retail outlets. Besides serving as deterrent to ever present threat from strong retailers and manufacturers as potential competi

Comparison of Literature Respecting Fascism during the Nazi Party Era Essay

Comparison of Literature Respecting Fascism during the Nazi Party Era - Essay Example Fascism is: ''A form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victim hood and by compensatory cults of unity, energy and purity, in which a mass-based party of committed nationalist militants, working in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites, abandons democratic liberties and pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion.''1 Fascism is generally associated with mysterium inguitatis, or sin. There are similarities with fascism and terrorism, which unfortunately citizens of the United States are concerned about more than ever since the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, which was an example of inspiring intimidation through force. While there are unfortunately many fascist leaders in the world today, many may recall most of all a fascist leader named Adolph Hitler, who was a leader of Germany before and during World War II. Over the past few years, two books have been published addressing fascism that focused in large part on Hitler and World War II. One book, "Austerlitz", which is a fictional book whose main character's last name is the title of the book, was written by W. G. Sebald, who is a knowledge expert of the Holocaust in particular2. Basically, the book focuses on one man's journey through this part of European history and its fascist leaders. The other book, "The Anatomy of Fascism", by Robert O. Paxton, is a non-fiction book that dissects the components of fascism quite thoroughly, such as the history and cause of fascism, past fascist leaders and how they operated, and predicts the future of fascism in the world3. So, what exactly is fascism and how was it overtly demonstrated by Adolph Hitler Fascism is also correlated with evil. One accepted definition of fascism is a political paradigm that involves the implementation of a militaristic and autocratic government. Fascists are also creators of right wing authoritarian regimes. Why is it correlated with evil Because historically the citizens of fascist leaders, such as Hitler, experience the same consequences and human emotions of evil, such as calamity, suffering, sorrow, and distress. This evil delivered by fascist leaders typically and initially develops the perception of total innocence and assurance of prosperity of these citizens when they follow their objectives. Yet on every occasion of fascist leaderships, mercilessness occurs if not coerced by the fascist leaders eventually, such as Hitler, whose Holocaust deaths are believed to be by many as a true definition of evil. These leaders typically use the same tactics as those who desire to brainwash others, such as: 1. Keeping their citizens unaware and ignorant of certain events and knowledge. 2. Fascist leaders attempt to control their citizen's time and environment as much as they can. 3. These leaders create dependency and fear among their citizens. 4. The leaders suppress if not outlaw the ways things were done in the past. 5. Fascist leaders instill new beliefs that they claim are necessary for the