Thursday, October 31, 2019

Companeros y comapneras Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Companeros y comapneras - Movie Review Example â€Å"Making Revolutionary Cuba† has its basis in four years of oral histories and research that had its gathering in Cuba, US, and Puerto Rico. The story addresses critical gaps in the knowledge we have about the political conditions and the experiences that led to the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The research overturns usual standard narratives that lead to the reduction of the story of Batistas downfall. There are also the creative guerrilla strategies together with the magical charisma of Fidel Castro. The Stones in the making of their documentary are not of interest in beguiling the senses of cinematic superfluities. The producers of the documentary believe so thoroughly in the accomplishments that came from the revolution to date, and with the goals of the revolution. The documentary did not waste any time in trying to balance all the pros of the revolution with even a few cons of the revolution (Stone 4). "Compaà ±eras and Compaà ±eros" the documentary consists of interv iews with young people that were witnesses of the revolution, teachers, sugarcane cutters, engineers and other people. The people were talking about how opportunities opened up and their jobs after the revolution. There is also talk about their commitments to the success of the revolution (Stone 15). The book â€Å"Making Revolutionary Cuba† shows the underground urban movement and unarmed civic activists that had their backing of Fidel Castros organization that was of an armed guerrilla. The group undermined the state’s stability through a campaign with protests that had their basis on impressive acts of civil disobedience. There was a publication of a clandestine press and bombs that were targeted which meant to shatter normalcy in affluent areas, but they made sure there was no unnecessary civilian loss of life. Few of the above acts were massive in scale, but their impact and nature proved

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Culture Wars And Cultural Democracy Essay Example for Free

Culture Wars And Cultural Democracy Essay Given that culture wars is a conflict of different cultures for example the traditional and the progressive, it is therefore safe to say that it has been present for a long time and will continue to be present for a long time to come. This is because there will always be conflicting cultures based on the various aspects of society like age, background and so on. It is important that people learn to deal with the culture wars for them to be able to live together despite their differences. Culture wars are a social problem and cultural democracy is required to deal with them. The major issues causing the culture wars currently will be discussed expansively and the various ways that they can be dealt with. Cultural democracy will also be discussed and how it will assist tin the future in the culture wars. As time progresses, the way in which the society deals with the cultural differences changes and the concern they have in the society changes with each generation. In the past, religion was a major issue alongside class and race. Although these are still issues of concern, there has been a shift towards other areas (Nolan 1996). Currently there are cultural wars based on politics, different denominations when it comes to religion, technology and its impact on the society, politics and how it deals with the social problems, the media and what should be allowed for general viewing and also the moral values of the people to name but a few. Cultural democracy allows people to practice what they believe in whichever society they are in and hence may tend to be seen as the only solution to the wars that are present in all societies of the world. Religion, technology, gender, media and the morality concept are very interesting and will be discussed in this paper and their role in the present day culture wars. Initially, the religion factor was based on whether one was a protestant or a Roman catholic but it has changed to which denomination one belongs to. However despite the denomination one may belong to, the value of religion has diminished over time especially among the developed countries whereby few people belong to any religion. This has led to bans in certain areas on the use of religion in schools and other public institutions (Zimmerman 2002). Religion is also being used to determine who is a terrorist and who is not especially in America since the bombings that occurred. Since the terrorists were Muslims, anyone belonging to the Islamic faith became a suspect since then. It also determines whether one will get into political office as was demonstrated in the campaign for American presidency with President Barrack Obama having his opponents propagate that he was a Muslim so that he may lose some followers. To avoid losing the seat he had to clearly show that he attends a Christian church and is not a Muslim. When it comes to technology, there is a conflict of how much technology is safe to use and how much is not. The major bone of contention is the issue of privacy since people no longer have privacy because all their data is stored somewhere in government files from medical records to the daily activities. While some people are against so much intrusion in their lives, others argue that it assists in keeping the society safe in view of the increased rate of crime. Although crime would reduce if it were possible to keep constant reliable surveillance, not many people would prefer the safety if it costs them their privacy especially in the homes. The media is another aspect of culture that has been a source of much conflict. When it comes to providing information, the media is the major informant of the society. However, some of the media sources will provide false information or speculated information in order for their form of media to make sales. This is therefore misleading the general population on what is happening in order to make profit. They betray the trust of the people and make the lives of others very difficult if the information provided is about an individual especially the prominent figures. The media especially the television is blamed for the many vices currently in the society. A lot of violence is depicted in the television and the children tend to think it is real and may actually go ahead and imitate what they see with the result being tragic outcomes. Constantly viewing the horrific scenes with blood, fatal wounds and constant death tend to diminish the horror of it thus desensitizing people on such issues. It becomes almost normal for someone to shoot another and wound them without being affected in any way. The media is also used in spreading culture and it usually shows western culture as superior to other cultures (Trend 1997). The younger generation is easily influenced to copy what they see as modern and this more often than not brings about a conflict between them and the older generation. One generation tries to conserve the culture as it has always been while another is trying to imitate what they tend to see as progressive. This disregard of culture brings about much conflict between the two generations. Gender is another important aspect of culture wars. The role of a woman in society in particular has led to a lot of conflict with the changing times and the women liberation. Women were initially supposed to be subject to men and their wishes and do everything to make the men happy. They would stay at home to nurture the family while the men provided everything that was needed and therefore the women were at their mercy. Nowadays, women do not stay in the house waiting for the men to provide and instead go out and get employment from which they earn and provide for the family. This change in roles brings about conflict when a man still expects the woman to play the role of a nurturer and cater to all his needs while the woman has been out working just as hard as the man. The woman in such a situation is therefore expected to play the role of a provider and that of a domesticated worker and nurturer. In other situations it is completely forbidden or the woman to try and take over the role of a man and should stay at home and show a good image of a man who is able to provide for his family. This is not acceptable to a woman who has gone through rigorous education and training to get to where she is and this causes conflict in the society. The final aspect of culture wars to be discussed here is the issue of morality and how it’s meaning changes with time. The most interesting issue her is the same sex marriages and relationships. In most traditional cultures and religions, homosexuality is forbidden and to practice it is going against all laws of nature and society. In present times however, some churches are even conducting wedding ceremonies and appointing church leaders who are homosexuals and this has caused a great division especially in the churches. The homosexuals are busy trying to get accepted in a society that is busy condemning them and their way of life. This causes conflict between the two groups of people that at times leads to physical harm individuals from either side. Cultural democracy therefore is seen as the only way to solve these problems. Taking its meaning to be the acceptance of the differences in culture, (Trend 1997), then it becomes obvious that for all people to be able to live with each other comfortably in the future, cultural democracy has to be embraced. It allows all people to practice what they believe in without fear that they will be punished or criticized for doing so. People are also more accepting to others when others are accepting to them without trying to change their way of life. Since it is impossible to get all the people to think alike especially in America where there are many different cultures represented in the society, there has to be a way that all people are able to live together and accept each other. Cultural diversity is to be celebrated and not ridiculed while attempting to change those from other different cultures. The only way this can occur is by embracing cultural democracy which allows all people to live in harmony while giving each other space to practice the culture that they have embraced. With increased technology that makes it possible for culture to travel far and wide, acceptance is the only way for the future (Nolan 1996). Although the position is that cultural democracy is the only way for the future, there are misgivings about it. As explained by Langa (2004), it started a long time ago and is oftentimes used to mask what is really going on. In the case of gender, very few women are given positions of leadership when compared to the men. People will change according to the situation as was seen during the world wars with women taking up the work of men but when the men came from the war everything was expected to go back to what it was before. Egocentrism is assumed to be ingrained in an individual and thus it is hard to assume that people will just ignore what they have been taught. However since these differences cannot be ignored, the only way that the society will be able to resolve these culture wars is by accepting each others presence without trying to change their way of life. The acceptance allows people to recognize the good in other cultures and appreciate the differences without necessarily trying to imitate or change it. Therefore, the only way for the future is to embrace cultural democracy and by so doing reduce the culture wars because there is no competition of cultures. References 1. Langa H. , 2004, Radical Art: Printmaking and the Left in 1930’s New York, University of California Press, California 2. Nolan J Jr. (ed), 1996, The American Culture Wars: Current Contests and Future Prospects, University of Virginia Press, Virginia 3. Trend D. 1997, Cultural Democracy: Politics, Media, New Technology, State University of New York Press, Albany 4. Zimmerman J. 2002, Whose America: Culture Was in Public Schools, Harvard University Press, Cambridge

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Effects of Improving Workplace Health

Effects of Improving Workplace Health Title: Working for a healthier workplace is a slogan used by the British Occupational Hygiene Society in the UK to promote the profession of occupational hygiene. Discuss how the provision of a healthier workplace can result in a reduction of work related illness and sickness absence. Examine the role of the occupational hygienist in improving workplace health, either as part of a health and safety team in a large organisation or as a consultant employed by a smaller company. Introduction: According to the British Occupational Hygiene Society, ‘Occupational hygiene is about recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards arising from work’ (BOHS, 2005). Many occupations require their workers to be exposed to hazardous conditions and evaluating and preventing these dangers of work is the sole aim of all occupational safety associations, committees and councils. In this essay we discuss health, hygiene and safety procedures in different industries and enterprises. For example, in the hospitality and food sectors, the National Food Safety guidelines have to be followed and basic food safety practices have to be maintained (Howard, 2004). Within all areas and sectors, the major competencies and performance criteria point to two areas of workplace rules: Maintaining hygiene procedures – following workplace hygiene procedures in accordance with enterprise standards, legal requirements Storing and handling items according to enterprise requirements and legal obligations. Identifying and preventing hygiene related risks Identifying potential hygiene risks in the job Taking steps to minimize or eliminate the risks associated with lapse of hygienic procedures within the limits of individual responsibility and in accordance with enterprise regulations and legal requirements. Reporting hygiene risks and procedural dangers as identified to the appropriate authority such as the occupational hygiene consultant. Identifying risks, maintaining hygiene procedures, preventing and controlling risks and reporting hygiene related dangers are the major hygiene related regulations that should be followed within any industry. We will discuss specific hygiene related risks and hygiene procedures within different industries and sectors. In the course of our discussion, we will examine: 1. The type and extent of workplace health problems in the UK and other countries; 2. Provide an overview of technical and organisational control measures; 3. The benefits and limitations of exposure monitoring; 4. The benefits and limitations of health surveillance programmes; and 5. The role of the occupational hygienist in developing healthy workplace strategies. Occupational Hygiene – Issues and Procedures According to the International Occupational Hygiene Association, Occupational Hygiene is defined as ‘the discipline of anticipating, recognising, evaluating and controlling health hazards in the working environment with the objective of protecting worker health and well-being and safeguarding the community at large.’ Occupational hygiene involves the proper identification of hazardous and harmful elements or agents used within a work environment which can be of physical, chemical or biological nature and can cause serious diseases, discomfort or even death due to exposure to these dangerous elements; evaluating the risks involved due to exposure to these hazardous agents; and control of hygiene related risks to prevent disease, death or ill health in the long term (Liberman and Gordon, 1989). The phrase is used synonymously with industrial hygiene and a company usually requires the consultation of a trained industrial or occupational hygienist to maintain the legal and procedural requirements of hygiene in the workplace. The Workplace Hygiene Charter managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Council provides the framework for occupational health and safety standards that have to be followed by all industrial sectors. The Charter provides the following criteria for employers and employees to meet workplace hygiene standards: Workplace Cleanliness in terms of clean environment and regular cleaning and dusting facilities Free of Accumulated Water – any water accumulated due to rain or other reasons should be removed to prevent insect breeding or other conditions detrimental to health Refuse Collection – the garbage should be collected regularly to maintain a clean environment in the workplace Drinking Facilities- drinking water should not be contaminated and should be clean and free of germs Pantry – food available within office precincts as in canteen should be prepared in a hygienic manner and high quality foodstuff should be used Pest Control – any presence of pests, insects or germs should be noted and removed with the help of professional pest control agencies, if required Ventilation – proper clean air and air circulation recommended Sanitary Conveniences – clean toilets and quick disposal of sanitary wastes are necessary Workplace Hygiene Information – this sort of information should be shared among professionals to increase awareness Maintenance and Monitoring – proper maintenance of workplace equipments and facilities and regular monitoring or checking of these facilities have also been recommended by the Charter. According to a Government White paper published by the Department of Health, ‘Twomillionpeoplesufferanillnesstheybelieve hasbeencausedby, ormadeworseby, theirwork. The paper produced as a report by the Department of Health suggests that although beinginwork, rather than being unemployed generallyleadsto betterhealth, notallworkplacescan be considered as healthy.There is considerable evidence and many research studies to show that lack of job control, monotonous and repetitive work, and imbalance in efforts and reward are all associated with health problems, chronic disease and coronary heart disease. The importance of job satisfaction has been highlighted as primary in promoting occupational health. Thus although work is generally considered good for people’s health, poor health and safety management and lack of a pleasant work environment increases risks of occupational hazards, diseases and injury. The DH government report further asserts that stress related conditions and musculoskeletal disorders are now the commonest causes of work related sick leave. Any focus on stress however can be counterproductive as it can lead to failure to tackle underlying causes of problems in the workplace. The problems and complex issues at the workplace can cause stress and affect people’s wellbeing leading to physical and mental ill health. Official Industry guides to general safety and hygiene practices show different hygiene procedures recommended for different industries. In a survey of hygiene knowledge among 1000 catering workers carried out by the Food Standards Agency in 2002, suggest that: More than a third of staff (39%) neglect to wash their hands after visits to the lavatory whilst at work. Half of all those interviewed (53%) did not appear to wash their hands before preparing food. Less than two thirds (59%) of the catering workers questioned had a certificate in basic food hygiene. Only 32% believed good food hygiene practices were important to their business compared with 64% who saw good food as the key to keeping their customers. (Source: Catering Workers Hygiene Survey, 2002) Within the workplace in case of food and hospitality industries safe and hygienic handling of food and beverage, regular hand washing, proper method of storing food to prevent contamination, using appropriate and clean clothing, avoiding contamination from food or to food stuffs, appropriate and careful handling of garbage, safe disposal of garbage, linen and maintaining standard sanitising procedures and personal hygiene are essential (Smith et al, 2005). The specific hygiene related risks in a food or hospitality industry can be bacterial contamination due to poor handling and storage, storage at wrong temperatures, uncovered or exposed foodstuffs, poor personal hygiene practice in the workers, poor cleaning and housekeeping processes and no protection against dust, insects or contaminated wastes. Poorly disposed garbage or inappropriate handling of waste or contaminated materials can lead to potential hygiene hazards. Apart from regular monitoring, control measures to improve hygienic practices in all industry sectors include: Providing training and knowledge to staff on hygiene related issues and auditing staff skills, ensuring that policies, regulations and procedures both of the enterprise and legal systems are followed strictly by staff members, maintaining audits of incidents, related to occupational hazards and hygiene and following up on progress of affected workers suffering ill health or disease due to occupational risks encountered (Taylor, 2004). However even if monitoring and regular checks to prevent occupational hazards have their own advantages, there are limitations to which this can be attained as there may be practical problems associated with maintaining safety procedures at the workplace. An example is given by the British Occupational Hygiene Society and the organisation’s website shows a problem too common in tropical agriculture and work in this area. The picture shows a man spraying pesticides on rice, but not wearing adequate protection (because of the heat and humidity), and many pesticides can be absorbed through the skin as well as by inhalation and affect safety of the workers. This is a very good example of the risks involved in certain occupations that necessitate direct encounter with harmful chemicals because of the nature of the job. Yet, as seen from this example, despite knowledge of the hazards and the safety procedures involved, the conditions may not be conducive to use all the safety measur es and thus the hazards continue to remain in many cases. One of the ways of monitoring and checking for occupational hazards and work related illness is by health surveillance measures taken by employers (Murphy et al, 2002). According to the Health and Safety executive (HSE), health surveillance is about closely monitoring for early signs of work-related ill health in employees who are exposed to certain health risks. This involves using certain procedures that include: Ã ¢ simple methods such as looking for skin damage on hands from using certain harmful chemicals; Ã ¢ technical checks on employees, such as hearing tests; Ã ¢ detailed medical examinations to diagnose deep rooted or chronic illnesses.(HSE, 2005) Health surveillance is more than general health checks and can be done by the employees themselves or by occupational hygienists. In general health surveillance is especially recommended for prolonged exposure to loud noise or hand-arm vibration as in automobile or electronics industries; exposure to solvents, fumes, dust, biological agents and substances harmful to health as in chemical or agricultural industries; exposure to asbestos, lead or work in compressed air as in mechanical or electrical jobs and exposure to ionising radiations and diving as in marine or nuclear industries. Considering all the aspects of identifying, controlling and managing and reporting risks and health hazards in occupations, the role of the occupational hygienist takes centre stage. The British Occupational Hygiene Society has promoted a slogan for a safer and healthier workplace. As we have seen from Department of Health publications and Workplace Hygiene Charter maintaining hygienic, safe and healthy conditions at the workplace is a basic requirement and the hazard preventive techniques have also been highlighted. The primary role of the occupational and industrial hygienist in promoting awareness about hygiene and safety related issues and in monitoring safety procedures and facilities as well as identifying the risks of conditions seem to focus on the growing importance of a management process in promoting safety of workers. Schulte et al. (2004) discuss the implications of knowledge management in creation, assessment, transfer and utilization of knowledge to address specific challenges. Knowledge management has been considered as a manageable asset and the authors suggest that occupational hygiene knowledge itself being specialised also represents a manageable asset in companies and occupational hygiene should be appraised in terms of knowledge management. Considering this, the role of the occupational hygienist or consultant who is primarily responsible for promoting or spreading this awareness and transfers knowledge as an asset to the employees at large, is extremely important. The hygienist manages, controls, distributes and utilizes knowledge for risk assessment, evaluation and control of the situation. However things may just be improving as there is increased awareness on safety and hygiene issues at the workplace. Williams et al (2005) describe the changes in awareness in occupational hazards and risks of exposure. They found that workers who were directly involved in manufacturing operations in a chemical manufacturing facility in the US from 1976 to 1987 had likely TWA or time weighted average exposures to benzene of about 2ppm from 1976-1981 and 1ppm from 1982-1987. Their results seem to be consistent with improved industrial hygiene programs at chemical facilities and better awareness about this issue following adoption of stricter occupational exposure limits. Conclusion: In this study we discussed the administrative, managerial and legislative procedures related to health and safety issues at the workplace. In this context we discussed regulations related to hygiene within the different sectors and the corresponding risks in different industries. The regulations for a healthier and safer workplace as put forward by the Department of Health and the slogan for a healthier and improved workplace by the British Occupational Hygiene Society are examined in the context of changing regulations, increased awareness and a more responsible role of the occupational hygienist. The practical problems of following control and preventative measures of risks have been shown and the role of the occupational hygienist has been emphasised in promoting awareness and a healthier safer workplace. Bibliography: Ashford, Nicholas Askounes.1976 Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970 Crisis in the workplace :occupational disease and injury : a report to the Ford Foundation /Nicholas Askounes Ashford. Cambridge, Mass. ;London :M.I.T. Press,1976. Atthayuwat, Khemawat; Kleiner, Brian H , 2005 New developments in industry hygiene Management Research News, Volume 28, Numbers 2-3, February 2005, pp. 63-73(11) Emerald Group Publishing Limited Bryan Ballantyne, 2004 Glaucopsia: An Occupational Ophthalmic Hazard Toxicological Reviews, Volume 23,Number 2, 2004, pp. 83-90(8) Adis International Howard M.T. 2004 Food hygiene regulation and enforcement policy in the UK: the underlying philosophy and comparisons with occupational health and safety law Food Service Technology, Volume 4,Number 2, June 2004, pp. 69-73(5) Blackwell Publishing Liberman, D.F and Gordon, J.G, 1989 Biohazards management handbook /edited by Daniel F. Liberman, Judith G. Gordon. New York, N.Y. :Dekker. GREGORY MILLER; HYUNGJIN MYRA KIM; JAMES H. VINCENT , 2004 An Exploratory Study of Changing Occupational Injury Risk during the Closure of Industrial Operations Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Volume 48,Number 7, October 2004, pp. 623-633(11) Oxford University Press Murphy E.; Harrison J.; Beach J. , 2002 Implementation of statutory occupational respiratory health surveillance Occupational Medicine, Volume 52,Number 8, December 2002, pp. 497-502(6) Oxford University Press D. Proctor; J. Panko; E. Liebig; D. Paustenbach, 2004 Estimating Historical Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hexavalent Chromium in a Chromate Production Plant: 1940–1972 Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume 1,Number 11, November 2004, pp. 752-767(16) Taylor and Francis Ltd Ridley, J.; Channing, J. (eds). 1999 Occupational Health and Hygiene Safety at Work Series, Volume 3 Elsevier Publications Smith, T. A.; Kanas, R. P.; McCoubrey, I. A.; Belton, M. E. 2005 Code of practice for food handler activities Occupational Medicine, Volume 55,Number 5, August 2005, pp. 369-370(2) Oxford University Press P. A. SCHULTE; T. J. LENTZ; V. P. ANDERSON; A. D. LAMBORG, 2004 Knowledge Management in Occupational Hygiene: The United States Example Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Volume 48,Number 7, October 2004, pp. 583-594(12) Oxford University Press Taylor, Geoffrey A. 2004 Enhancing occupational safety and health /Geoffrey A. Taylor, Kellie Easter and Roy Hegney. Oxford :Butterworth-Heinemann,2004. Characterizing Historical Industrial Hygiene Data: A Case Study Involving Benzene Exposures at a Chemical Manufacturing Facility (1976–1987) Williams, Pamela; Paustenbach, Dennis Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume 2,Number 7, July 2005, pp. 341-350(10) Taylor and Francis Ltd Websites: British Occupational Hygiene Society http://www.bohs.org/ Health and Safety Executive http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ DH publication – Choosing Health White Paper, 2005 http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4094550chk=aN5Cor Catering Workers Hygiene Survey, 2002 Food Standards Agency www.food.gov.uk Workplace Hygiene Charter – Occupational Safety and Health Council http://www.oshc.org.hk/ International Occupational Hygiene Association www.ioha.com

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Role of Reputation in Shakespeares Othello :: Othello essays

The Role of Reputation in Shakespeare's Othello Reputation plays a big role in the play Othello written by Shakespeare. Iago uses his reputation as an honest man to deceive Othello and everyone else. Othello's reputation also plays a big role throughout the play. Cassio's changing reputation has a big part in the outcome of the play as well. Iago's reputation played a key role in the play. Everyone thought of Iago as an honest man. "O, that's an honest fellow", "You advise me well... goodnight honest Iago." Iago convinces everyone that he is noble and honest man and he uses this to his advantage. "When devils will the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly shows." Without this cover he would never have been able to get Othello to believe that Desdemona would cheat on him. Just for suggesting that Desdemona would cheat on him (Othello), he probably would have killed Iago were it not for his reputation. Nobody suspects that Iago is a deceitful man and would plot to destroy Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio in such a cunning way. Iago uses his reputation to manipulate Othello and set his plan in motion and complete it. Without Iago's honest reputation would never had allowed him smear Cassio and cause the death of Desdemona and ultimately Othello as well. Othello's reputation also plays a big role in this play and the outcome of it. He has the reputation of a no nonsense military general. This status in fact partly causes Desdemona's death. He becomes so distraught when he hears from Iago that Cassio and Desdemona and cheating on him he becomes angry and wants to kill her. "I will chop her into messes! Cuckold me?" He is surprised and astonished that she would go behind his back and do this. His reputation doesn't allow him to confront her with the situation and talk things over. He is also angry that his reputation would be tarnished when found out that he is a cuckold. He proves that his reputations means a lot to him when he says, "For nought I did in hate, but all in honour." Othello believed that reputation was everything, because of his status as a general and the fact that those under him and above him respected him. Othello's reputation played a big role in the outcome of the play and in part caused Desdemona's death and his o wn.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Case Study: Starbucks’ Structure

Barista: This job contributes to Starbucks success by ensuring our service and store standards are met. We do this by providing customers with prompt service, quality beverages and products. Starbucks and partners will experience a friendly, upbeat and clean atmosphere. Key Responsibilities: Develops enthusiastically satisfied customers all of the time. Welcomes and connects with every customer. Discover customer needs and appropriately suggests product with every customer to enhance service and meet sales goals. Offers customers demonstrations, and samples using brewing equipment.Howard Schultz became convinced that he could turn coffee drinking into a cultural experience. He had traveled to Italy and watched with interest as city dwellers would stop to begin the day at a coffee bar. Using the same type of model, Schultz purchased and opened his first location as Il Giornale. The company evolved into Starbucks, where multitudes of consumers began purchasing designer coffees, such as espresso, cappuccino, and coffee mocha. Store interiors encourage lounging and relaxing with a newspaper, magazine, laptop, or friends.Each cafe featured enticements such as jazz music in the background, additional merchandise to examine, and comfortable seating. (Reilly, Minnick, & Baack, 2011). Until the 2008 recession, Starbucks had continued to grow. Some of the units in larger cities experimented with selling additional products, including lunch service. Then a quickly collapsing economy, possibly coupled with other problems, including over expansion, sent the corporation on a downhill slide. Founder Howard Schultz worried that the addition of so many locations had watered down the Starbucks experience. Reilly, Minnick, & Baack, 2011).. Starbucks should be using is departmentalization by geographic region. Starbucks locations are all over the United States. According to our text, â€Å"Geographical departmentalization makes it possible to tailor managerial efforts that addres s territorial differences. †(Reilly, M. , Minnick, C. , & Baack, D. , 2011). Departmentalization can be defined as an effective organizational tool in that it involves dividing people up into different departments or divisions in which collections of tasks are placed together, such as accounting, marketing, and production.Going through Starbucks case study, the best suited departmentalization for Starbucks would be by Geographic Region. Starbucks has its financial affairs, legal affairs separated from stores. It has also added talent management, human resources and training and development as part of being specialized departments. This structure works, because it is separated from day to day business and does not interfere with store operations. This will help in the different locations to adapt the menu to accommodate. For example the Starbucks in Florida may sale more ice coffees than in Washington State where it is not as hot.When the increase of competition began the decli ne of sales for Starbucks, the leadership shouldn’t try to centralize power. With the leadership being centralized the organization may start making bad decisions because it only allows for two or three leaders to be overwhelmed and start making wrong decisions, where as if they were to have more ideas from their employees they may be able to come up with a structure that can help them through the decline of sales The configuration that best fits Starbucks would have to be the divisional organization.This is because Starbucks has different products and many business units all around the world. According to an article, Mintzberg’s Organizational Configurations, â€Å"The benefit of the divisional organization is that it allows the line managers to maintain more control and accountability. †(Mindtools, 2012). In conclusion, Starbucks organizations have been a great place for people to work, customers to hang out at, and overall a great place to have coffee.From wh at I see, the structure that Starbucks has been using, so far has been doing a good job. According to Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, â€Å"Starbucks continues to expand our global Starbucks footprint and accelerate the innovation and momentum in our CPG business† (Financial Release, 2011) ? References: CNN Money, (Feb. 7, 2011). CNN Money, 100 Best Companies to work for. Retrieved on September 10, 2012 fromhttp://money. cnn. com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2011/snapshots/98. tml MindTools, (2012). Mintzberg’s Organizational Configurations, Understandingthe structure of your organization, retrieved on September 10, 2012 fromhttp://www. mindtools. com/pages/article/newSTR_54. htm Reilly, M. , Minnick, C. , & Baack, D. (2011). The five functions of effective management. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education. Starbucks Coffee Company, (2012). Starbucks Investor Relations, 2011 Financial Release, retrieved on September 10, 2012

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Predator And Prey

seduce the unsuspecting Fortunato to his death. As the story opens, the narrator, Montresor, reveals to the reader that Fortunato has insulted him with a â€Å"thousand injuries†(p. 133), and that these injuries would be answered by revenge; however, nowhere in the story does Fortunato seem aware of the injury he has done to Montresor. Without textual evidence, we cannot be sure if Fortunato’s murder was an act of insanity or righteousness. We are left in a gray area where there is not an exact answer to our question. Fortunato is portrayed as a foolishly happy man who enjoys partying, having fun, but also â€Å"a man to be feared and respected†(p. 144). The Fortunato we see in the book does not seem as one who would be feared or respected, but the story is told from Montresor’s point of view, so we cannot know what is true and what is not. During their encounter, Fortunato blindly follows Montresor’s guidance for several reasons: he is intoxicated at the time of their meeting, he is a â€Å"quack†(p. 144), and it is possible that he does not have any justification to distrust Montresor. All three of these reasons are supported by the text in the following lines: â€Å"He accosted me with excessive warmth, for he had been drinking much. The man wore motley†(p. 144). Fortunato was greeted with warmth, supporting the idea that there may be evidence that Fortunato never wronged Montresor. It is stated in the text that Fortunato was drunk at the time of the enc ounter. And finally, Fortunato’s attire also allows the reader to visual him as a fool. His seemingly ‘innocent’ image is also supported by the fact that he never once begged for his life while being walled in. This is probably because he did not feel that his life was being threatened. From the description... Free Essays on Predator And Prey Free Essays on Predator And Prey On the surface, the characters portrayed in Poe’s Cask of Amontillado appear to be predator and prey. Montresor’s meticulous planning and clever words seduce the unsuspecting Fortunato to his death. As the story opens, the narrator, Montresor, reveals to the reader that Fortunato has insulted him with a â€Å"thousand injuries†(p. 133), and that these injuries would be answered by revenge; however, nowhere in the story does Fortunato seem aware of the injury he has done to Montresor. Without textual evidence, we cannot be sure if Fortunato’s murder was an act of insanity or righteousness. We are left in a gray area where there is not an exact answer to our question. Fortunato is portrayed as a foolishly happy man who enjoys partying, having fun, but also â€Å"a man to be feared and respected†(p. 144). The Fortunato we see in the book does not seem as one who would be feared or respected, but the story is told from Montresor’s point of view, so we cannot know what is true and what is not. During their encounter, Fortunato blindly follows Montresor’s guidance for several reasons: he is intoxicated at the time of their meeting, he is a â€Å"quack†(p. 144), and it is possible that he does not have any justification to distrust Montresor. All three of these reasons are supported by the text in the following lines: â€Å"He accosted me with excessive warmth, for he had been drinking much. The man wore motley†(p. 144). Fortunato was greeted with warmth, supporting the idea that there may be evidence that Fortunato never wronged Montresor. It is stated in the text that Fortunato was drunk at the time of the enc ounter. And finally, Fortunato’s attire also allows the reader to visual him as a fool. His seemingly ‘innocent’ image is also supported by the fact that he never once begged for his life while being walled in. This is probably because he did not feel that his life was being threatened. From the description...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Big Bazaar Report Essay Example

Big Bazaar Report Essay Example Big Bazaar Report Essay Big Bazaar Report Essay Essay Topic: Bound Feet and Western Dress The Book Of the City Of Ladies The Joy Luck Club A PROJECT REPORT ON â€Å"CUSTOMER PERCEPTION – A STUDY AT BIG BAZAAR MYSORE ROAD BANGALORE† In partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of Master of Business Administration By SHIVANAND REG. NO: 09JRCMA040 GUIDE Dr. H. S. MAHABALESHWAR BHATTA PRINCIPAL, RRMBA RAJARAJESHWARI COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES COMPUTER APPLICATIONS No. 14, Ramohalli cross, Mysore Road, Banglore-74 (2009-2011) RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 1 CHAPTER-I INTRODUCTION RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 2 INTRODUCTION Introduction to retail market: Today’s retail market is facing their toughest competition, that Big Bazaar can outperform the competition. If they can move from a product and sales philosophy to a marketing philosophy. The Big Bazaar can go about winning customers and outperforming competitors by performing a better job of meeting and perceiving customers needs. The ultimate success of any marketing programme depends upon how the customer behaves and Weather his/her behaviour is indicated of the acceptance of the product or service offering from the firms. Today even Big Bazaar is pouring in a lot of money for undertaking researches to have a better understanding of their customer perception. Marketing process begins with customers and ends with customers. It means marketing process aims at delivering maximum perception to customer. In doing so, it takes care about purchase perception with the loyalty of the customer. Marketing is responsible for driving the rest of the Big Bazaar to be customers oriented and market drives customers care without them, the Big Bazaar ceases to exist. Plans must be laid to acquire and keep customer and because of many malls affect customer perception. Many of which lie outside the scope of marketing department such as delivery, reliability, sales process after sales service. Big Bazaar must work hard to ensure that it delivers as per customer expectations the service required by them. Customer’s expectations are increasing day by day in case of products life. Products, which are used for daily purpose, involves complex decision making. After sales, service is important in winning the confidence of the customer. Every customer wants to enjoy full benefits of a purchase over the excepted life of the product. To ensure this, Big Bazaar effort towards customer perception is very important. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 3 INDUSTRY PROFILE In India, the retail sector is the second largest employer after agriculture. The retailing sector in India is highly fragmented and consists of predominantly of small, independent, and owner-managed shops. The organised retail sector in India is only 2%. The Proportion of sales through organised retailing is estimated to increase to around 6% by 2010. There are some 12 million retail outlets in India; the retail business in India is expected to reach Rs. 19069. 3 billion by 2010. Over 50 of the Fortune 500 and 25 of the Asian top 200 companies are retailers. Retail is India’s largest industry; it contributes for over 10 per cent of the country’s GDP and around eight per cent of the employment. Retail industry in India is at the crossroads. It has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast paced` industries with several players entering the market. But because of the heavy initial investments required, break even is difficult to achieve and many of these layers have not tasted success so far. However, the future is promising; the market is growing, government policies are becoming more favorable and emerging technologies are facilitating opertaions. Retailing in India is gradually inching its way toward becoming the next boom industry. The whole concept of shopping has altered in terms of format and consumer buying b ehavior, ushering in a revolution in shopping in India. Modern retail has entered India as seen in sprawling shopping centers, multi-storied malls and huge complexes offer shopping, entertainment and food all under one roof. The Indian retailing sector is at an inflection point where the growth of organized retailing and growth in the consumption by the Indian population is going to take a higher growth trajectory. The Indian population is witnessing a significant change in its demographics. A large young working population with median age of 24 years, nuclear families in urban areas, along with increasing working women population an emerging opportunities in the services sector are going to be the key growth drivers of the organized retail sector in India. According to this year’s Global Retail Development Index, India is positioned as the leading destination for retail investment. This followed from the saturation in eastern retail markets and we find big western retilers like Wal-mart and Tesco entering into Indian market. India’s retail industry accounts for 10 percent of its GDP and 8 percent of the RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 4 Employment to reach $17 billion by 2010. There are about 300 new malls, 1. 500 supermarkets and 325 departmental stores being in the cities very soon. A shopping revolution is ushering in India where, a large population between 20-34 age groups in the urban regions is boosting demand by 11. 1 percent in recent years to an Rs 23,308 purchasing power. This has resaulted in huge international retail investment and a more liberal FDI. India represents an economic opportunity on a massive scale, both as a global base and as a domestic market. Indian Retail sector consists of small family-owned stores, located in residential areas, with a shop floor of less han 500 square feet. At present the organized sector accounts for only 2 to 4% of the total market although this is expected to rise by 20% to 25% year on year basis. Retail growth in the coming five years is expected to be stronger than GDP growth, driven by changing lifestyles and by strong income growth, which in turn will be supported by favorable demographic patterns and the extent to which organized retailers succeed in reaching lower down scale to reach potential consumers towa rds the bottom of the consumer pyramid. Growing consumer credit will also help in boosting consumer demand. The structure of retailing will also develop rapidly. Shopping malls are becoming increasingly common in large cities, and announced development plans project at least 150 new shopping malls by 2012. The number of department stores is growing much faster than overall retail, at an annual 24%. Supermarkets have been taking an increasing share of general food and grocery trade over the last two decades. However, Distribution continues to imporve, but it still remains a major inefficiency. Poor quality of infrastructure, coupled with poor quality of the distrubtion sector, results in logistics costs that are very high as a proportion of GDP, and inventories, which have to be maintained at an unusually high level. Distribution and marketing is a huge cost in Indian consumer markets. It’s a lot easier to cut manufacturing costs than it is to cut distribution and marketing costs. Also, government has relaxed regulatory controls on foreign direct investment (FDI) considerably in recent years, while retailing currently remains closed top FDI. However, the RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 5 Indian government has indicated in 2005 that liberalization of direct investment retailing is under active consideration. It has allowed 51% FDI in â€Å"Single Brand† retail. The next cycle of change in Indian consumer markets will be the arrival of foreign players in consumer retailing. Although FDI remains highly restricted in retailing, most companies believe that will not be for long. Indian companies know Indian markets better, but foreign players will come in and challenge the locals by sheer cash power, the power to drive down prices. India’s vast middle class and its untapped market are the key attractions for the foreign players by changing lifestyle and strong income growth. Retail reform The government regulations allow 100 percent FDI in cash and carry through automatic route and 51 percent in single brand. Besides, the franchise route is available for big operators. Now, the Government also proposes further liberalization in the retail sector allowing 51 percent FDI in consumer electronics and sports goods. The retail road ahead The Indian retail market is estimated at US$ 350 billion. But organized retail is estimated at only US$ 8 billion. However, the opportunity is huge- by 2010, organized retail is expected to grow to US$ 22 billion. With the growth of organized retiling estimated at 40 percent (CAGR) over the next few years, Indian retiling is clearly at a tipping point. India is currently the ninth largest retail market in the world. And it is names of small towns like Dehardun, Vijayawada, Lucknow and Nasik that will power India up the ranking soon. The main competition for the organized retail industry which at this point of time is 2%-4% comes from the unorganized sector. But this scenario is going to change in the future. The existing players in the market such as LandMark, TATA group, Pantaloon group, RPG group are trying to strengthen thier market. Where as the new entrants like the Reliance group which is trying to enter the market in the most aggressive manner and the some others include the Bharti group with the tie up with the Wal-Mart. As the markets open up for the multi brand retiling then the competition from the unorganized sector will reduce gradually and the competition among the organized sector will become intense. So in the coming years the retailing is going to drive the economy by RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 6 providing employment in a huge magnitude and thus becoming the major contributor to the GDP of the country. As the western markets are saturated the big global players in retailing are eyeing India, for the other reasons such as growing middle class population and increasing awareness and other changes in the life styles and shopping patterns. At present all the formats are not yet being practicewd in full fledge, once the formats are defined and retailer’s rollover in full fledges then the patterns will evolve and will be practiced in a proper manner. So in the next five to seven years the industry is going to be intense as big players are entering and eyeing the huge untapped market. Major Competitors: 1) RPG Group- Spencer’s 2) Reliance Retail 3) Vishal Group 4) Tata Group 5) Aditya Birla group Reliance Fresh is the retiul chain division of Relaince Industries of India which is headed by Mukesh Ambani. Reliance plans to invest Rs 25000 Crores in the next 4 years in their retail division and plans to begin retail stores in 784 cities across the country. The Reliance Fresh supermarket chain is RIL’s Rs 2500 crore venture and it plans to add more stores across different, and eventually have a pan- India footprint by year 2011. Vishal Mega Mart is a conglomerate encompassing 100 showroom in 67 cities / 20 states. RPG Group is planning to double its total retailing space from the existing level of 10 lakh sq. ft. Within the next 18 months. Retailing encompasses the business activities involved in selling goods and services to consumers for their personal, family, or household use. It includes every sale to the final consumer. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 7 Characteristics of retailing: Retailing can be distinguished in various ways from other businesses such as manufacturing. Retailing differs from manufacturing in the following ways: There is direct end-user interaction in retailing. It is the only point in the value chain to provide a platform for promotions. Sales at the retail level are generally in smaller unit sizes. Location is a critical factor in retail business. In most retail businesses services are as important as core products. There are a larger numbers of retail units compared to other members of the value chain. This occurs primarily to meet the requirements of geographical coverage and population density. For Effective Retail Marketing Strategy we need to focus on†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ? Maintaining consistent branding across different channels. ? Optimizing the media mix. ? A Partner to support Marketing Strategies promotions. ? Use of Effective Campaign Management Techniques. ? Managing the relationship with the customers. ? Increasing the brands share of usage within a household Classification of Retail Operations: Ownership:? ? Independent Retailers Chain Stores Franchises RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 8 Level of Service:Types of Stores and Their Characteristics:Hypermarket:A hypermarket is a superstore which combines a supermarket and a department store. The result is a gigantic retail facility which carries an enormous range of products under one roof, including full lin es of groceries and general merchandise. When they are planned, constructed, and executed correctly, a consumer can ideally satisfy all of his or her routine weekly shopping needs in one trip to the hypermarket. Hypermarkets, like other big-box stores, typically have business models focusing on high-volume, low-margin sales. Due to their large footprints - a typical Wal-Mart Supercenter covers 150,000 square feet, a typical Carrefour 210,000 square feet - and the need for many shoppers to carry large quantities of goods, many hypermarkets choose suburban or out-of-town locations that are easily accessible by automobile. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 9 Statement of the problem: ‘A Study on customer perception towards Big Bazaar’ It is important for any company to know how customer perceives their products, service or the organization as a whole. The understanding of customer’s perception is a very difficult and vital task for the organization. If the organization makes an attempt to find the customer perception, it is easy to offer the service according to customers. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY 1. To know the frequency of the customer visiting the stores 2. To understand the customer profile of Big Bazaar. 3. To know the factor influencing the customer purchase decision 4. To know the customer perception towards Big Bazaar 5. To know overall satisfaction of customer. SCOPE OF STUDY The scope of the study is limited only to the customers of Big Bazaar (Mysore road) This study helps to know the perception of customers towards Big Bazaar. The study helps to know the customer satisfaction level. Period of study: The study was undertaken during the period of 2011 from 28 thJanuary 2011 to 28 Feb. 2011, a total of 4 weeks. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 10 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The word ‘method’ indicates the mode or the way of accomplishing an objective. The study was description type of research as it describes the current market situation. Sampling:Sampling is bsimple process of learning about the population on the basis of a sample drawn from it. Thus, in sampling technique instead of every unit of universe only a part of universe is studied and the conclusions are drawn on the basis for the entire universe. Sample design In this study simple random sampling method is used to select the respondents. Simple random sampling refers to sampling technique in which each an every unit of the population has an equal opportunity of being related in the sample. Sample size The total sample size for the study was 100 respondents. SOURCES OF DATA There are two types of data collection methods that are being used in this research: a) Primary data b) Secondary data Collection of primary data: RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 11 Primary data is that type of data which includes the first hand information which is being collected from the respondents through observation or through direct communication with respondents in one form or another or through personal interviews. In this research personal interviews were conducted to get primary data. Collection of secondary data The secondary data includes data from various external and internal sources of the organisation. PLAN OF ACTION ? Planning the study ? Devising the question and making the questionnaire ? Selecting the type of sample ? Using the questionnaire to obtain the information ? Organizing the data ? Making the finished tables and charts ? Analyzing the findings Tools for data collection The tool used for collecting the data is a structured questionnaire. Tools used for Analysis: Percentage analysis Bar charts/pie chart Limitation of the study: RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 12 The limitations of this research are: 1. The opinion of the respondent visiting the store may not represent the whole population. 2. Due to the limitation of time, it was unable to cover larger base of respondent where in sample was limited. 3. The customer opinion might have been bias ed and may not represent the whole population opinion. 4. Most of the customer was busy in shopping they were reluctant to fill the uestionnaire. 5. Analysis and interpretation of date obtained from the questionnaire was done on the assumption that the data given by the customer was correct and honest. Company profile Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited, is India’s leading retailer that operates multiple retail formats in both the value and lifestyle segment of the Indian consumer market. Headquartered in Mumbai (Bombay), the company operates over 10 million square feet of retail space, has over 1000 stores across 61 cities in India and employs over 30,000 people. The company’s leading formats include Pantaloons, a chain of fashion outlets, Big Bazaar, a uniquely Indian hypermarket chain, Food Bazaar, a supermarket chain, blends the look, touch and feel of Indian bazaars with aspects of modern retail like choice, convenience and quality and Central, a chain of seamless destination malls. Some of its other formats include, Depot, Shoe Factory, Brand Factory, Blue Sky, Fashion Station, all, Top 10, bazaar and Star and Sitara. The company also operates an online portal, futurebazaar. com. A subsidiary company, Home Solutions Retail (India) Limited, operates RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 13 Home Town, a large-format home solutions store, Collection I, selling home furniture products and E-Zone focused on catering to the consumer electronics segment. Pantaloon Retail was recently awarded the International Retailer of the Year 2007 by the US-based National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Emerging Market Retailer of the Year 2007 at the World Retail Congress held in Barcelona. Pantaloon Retail is the flagship company of Future Group, a business group catering to the entire Indian consumption space. Pantaloon is not just an organization it is an institution, a centre of learning development. We believe that knowledge is the only weapon at our disposal and our quest for it is focused, systematic and unwavering. At Pantaloon, we take pride in challenging conventions and thinking out of the box, in travelling on the road less travelled. Our corporate doctrine ‘Rewrite Rules, Retain Values’ is derived from this spirit. Over the years, the company has accelerated growth through its ability to lead change. A number of its pioneering concepts have now emerged as industry standards. For instance, the company integrated backwards into garment manufacturing even as it expanded its retail presence at the front end, well before any other Indian retail company attempted this. It was the first to introduce the concept of the retail departmental store for the entire family through Pantaloons in 1997. The company was the first to launch a hypermarket in India with Big Bazaar, a large discount store that it commissioned in Kolkata in October 2001. And the company introduced the country to the Food Bazaar, a unique bazaar within a hypermarket, which was launched in July 2002 in Mumbai. Embracing our leadership value, the company launched all in July 2005 in Mumbai, making us the first retailer in India to open a fashion store for plus size men and women. Today we are the fastest growing retail company in India. The number of stores is going to increase many folds year on year along with the new formats coming up. The way we work is distinctly Pantaloon. Our courage to dream and to turn our dreams into reality – that change people’s lives, is our biggest advantage. Pantaloon is an invitation to join a place where there are no boundaries to what you can achieve. It means never having to stop asking questions; it means never having to stop raising the bar. It is an opportunity to take risks, and it is this passion that makes our dreams a reality. Come enter a world where we promise you good days and bad days, but never a dull moment! RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 14 Future Group Future Group is one of the country’s leading business groups present in retail, asset management, consumer finance, insurance, retail media, retail spaces and logistics. The group’s flagship company, Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited operates over 10 million square feet of retail space, has over 1,000 stores and employs over 30,000 people. Future Group is present in 61 cities and 65 rural locations in India. Some of its leading retail formats include, Pantaloons, Big Bazaar, Central, Food Bazaar, Home Town, eZone, Depot, Future Money and online retail format, futurebazaar. com. Future Group companies includes, Future Capital Holdings, Future General India Indus League Clothing and Galaxy Entertainment that manages Sports Bar, Brew Bar and Bowling Co. Future Capital Holdings, the group’s financial arm, focuses on asset management and consumer credit. It manages assets worth over $1 billion that are being invested in developing retail real estate and consumerrelated brands and hotels. The group’s joint venture partners include Italian insurance major, Generally, French retailer ETAM group, US-based stationary products retailer, Staples Inc and UK-based Lee Cooper and India-based Talwalkar’s, Blue Foods and Liberty Shoes. Future Group’s vision is to, â€Å"deliver Everything, Everywhere, Every time to Every Indian Consumer in the most profitable manner. The group considers ‘Indian-ness’ as a core value and its corporate credo is- Rewrite rules, Retain values. Mr. Kishore Biyani Managing Director (FUTURE GROUP) RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 15 Major Milestones/ Achievements 1987 Company incorporated as Men’s Wear Private Limited. Launch of Pantaloons t rouser, India’s first formal trouser brand. 1991 Launch of BARE, the Indian jeans brand. 1992 Initial public offer (IPO) was made in the month of May. 994 The Pantaloon Shoppe – exclusive menswear store in franchisee format launched across the nation. The company starts the distribution of branded garments through multibrand retail outlets across the nation. 1995 John Miller – Formal shirt brand launched. 1997 Pantaloons – India’s family store launched in Kolkata. 2001 Big Bazaar, ‘Is se sasta aur accha kahi nahin’ India’s first hypermarket chain launched. 2002 Food Bazaar, the supermarket chain is launched. 2004 Central – ‘Shop, Eat, Celebrate in the Heart of Our City’ India’s first seamless mall is launched in Bangalore. 005 Fashion Station the popular fashion chain is launched a LL– ‘a little larger’ exclusive stores for plus-size individuals is launched 2006 Future Capital Ho ldings, the company’s financial arm launches real estate funds Kshitij and Horizon and private equity fund in division. Plans forays into insurance and consumer credit. Multiple retail formats including Collections, Furniture Bazaar, and Shoe Factory, E-Zone, Depot and futurebazaar. com are launched across the nation. Group enters into joint venture agreements with ETAM Group. 007 Pantaloon Retail wins the International Retailer of the Year at US-based National Retail Federation convention in New York and Emerging Retailer of the Year award at the World Retail Congress held in Barcelona. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 16 2008 Future Capital Holdings becomes the second group company to make a successful Initial Public Offering in the Indian capital markets. Big Bazaar crosses the 100-store mark, marking one of the fastest ever expansion of a hypermarket format anywhere in the world. Total operational retail space crosses 10 million square feet mark. 2009 CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards 2009 Most Preferred Multi Product Chain Big Bazaar Most Preferred Multi Brand Food Beverage Chain Big Bazaar Images Fashion Forum 2009 Most Admired Fashion Group of the Year Future Group Most Admired Private Label Pantaloons, the lifestyle format Critics Choice for Pioneering Effort in Retail Concept Creation Central Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards 2009 Most Admired Food Grocery Retailer of the Year Most Admired Food Court, Most Admired Food Professional Our culture At Pantaloon, Empowerment is what you acquire and Freedom at Work is what you get. We believe our most valuable assets are our People. Young in spirit, adventurous in action, within average age of 27 years, our skilled qualified professionals work in an environment where change is the only constant. Powered by the desire to create path-breaking practices and held together by values, work in this people intensive industry is driven by softer issues. In our world, making a difference to Customers’ lives is a Passion and performance is the key that makes it possible. Out of the Box thinking has become a way of life at Pantaloon and living with the change, a habit. Leadership is a value that is followed by one and all at Pantaloon. Leadership is the quality that motivates us to never stop learning, stretching to RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 17 reach the next challenge, knowing that we will be rewarded along the way. In the quest of creating an Indian model of retailing, Pantaloon has taken initiatives to launch many retail formats that have come headed for serve as a benchmark in the industry. Believing in leadership has given us the optimism to change and be successful at it. We do not predict the future, but create it. At Pantaloon you will get an opportunity to handle multiple responsibilities, and therein, the grooming to play a larger role in the future. Work is a unique mix of preserving our core Indian values and yet providing customers with a service, on par with international standards. At Pantaloon you will work with some of the brightest people from different spheres of industry. We believe it’s a place where you can live your dreams and pursue a career that reflects your skills and passions. New discoveries in retail In the financial year 2006-07, the company’s retail businesses discovered new categories across formats, new sets of consumers and fresher and contemporary merchandise. We have been able to offer more in the established businesses and gain favourable acceptance with new concepts. In addition, concerted expansion plans saw retail space increase to over 5. 2 million square feet at the end of 2006-07. This expansion mode was characterized by a two pronged approach. By dominating the cities the company was already present in and by bringing the benefits of modern retail to towns and cities like Mangalore, Palakkad, Surat, Indore, Kanpur, Haldia, Agra, Coimbatore, Jaipur and Panipat. The company has also undertaken significant private label initiatives in food, in general merchandise and in the consumer durables and electronics Categories. Strategic alliances have also been forged with established domestic and international brands. However, the most significant development was the internal realignment the company undertook within each of its retail businesses. To embark on a more detailed approach towards value creation and increasing efficiency, the company reviewed its business operations and adopted a more focused approach by creating RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 18 an integrated support unit or Line of Business. Augmenting the retail front-end team, Line of Business (Lob) units have been created in the three most critical businesses – food, fashion and general merchandise. Formed during the second half of 2006-07 these business units focus on introducing optimum operational efficiencies. Thus, these units ensure that back end measures are appropriately taken care of and the right kind of merchandise reaches the stores in the best possible time, at the right price. These teams focus on product consolidation and suitability, margin improvement, and vendor rationalization, thereby ensuring that the sourcing benefits are made available to the front end team. The company’s efforts over the next couple of years would entail a combination of expansion and process up gradation and implementation. The emphasis will be on the next discoveries to be made in the retail space that will lead to expansion. At the same time, there will be an increased focus on micro detailing aspects including process, product and operational efficiencies thereby contributing positively to the company’s bottom-line. Discovering fresh fashion RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 19 It was the first Pantaloons store in Kolkata that set off a chain of discoveries that have led us to where we are today. Ten years later, we have launched our largest Pantaloons store in Kankurgachi in Kolkata. Spread across 85,000 square feet, the store is the first among a series of large format stores that will be launched across the nation. After consolidating its Fresh Fashion positioning, Pantaloons embarked on a major expansion during the year 200607. In 8 cities, 11 Pantaloons stores were opened with 7 of them opening in the single month of March 2007. The total count of Pantaloons stores as on 30th June 2007 stood at 31 with the total area under retail close to 1 million square feet. In order to maintain the top of the mind association with fashion in India, Pantaloons continued to be the title sponsor for the Femina Miss India 2007 pageant. In addition, Bipasha Basu and Zayed Khan were roped in as brand ambassadors in the month of August 2006. The success of this initiative was evident in the increased sales for the ‘Haldi Gulal’ range as well as the ‘Svayam Utsav’ summer collection that were endorsed by Bipasha and Zayed. The private label apparel share during the year was in excess of 70 percent. The year also witnessed categories like Winter-wear and Ethnic Ladies-wear strengthening their presence in the stores. The increasing success of the store brand is evident from the fact that the store’s loyalty programme, Green Card, added 200,000 new members. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 20 Pantaloons will see a significant expansion during the coming year with an increase of nearly 0. 50 million square feet of retail space and an addition of about 15 stores. Pantaloons will look at dominating cities where it has a first entrant advantage and will scale up sizeably with larger stores, additional categories and retail formats. The year 2007-08 will witness considerable focus in the North and East regions. Delhi and the NCR area along with Punjab, Chandigarh and Ludhiana will see the next stage of expansion. Cities like Ranchi, Guwahati and Siliguri in the East will also discover Fresh Fashion. Discovering more value In 2006-2007, more Indians discovered the value of shopping in Big Bazaar. And with the launch of each store, we discovered more value in terms of operational efficiency. Big Bazaar launched 27 new stores in 22 cities, covering over 1. 40 million square feet. As of June 2007, there were 56 Big Bazaar stores across 43 cities. While Big Bazaar continued to expand in the large cities, it also tapped consumption potential in smaller cities like Agra, Allahabad, Coimbatore, Surat, Panipat, Palakkad, Kanpur and Kolhapur. The year under review also witnessed realigning of business teams with shared Experience in category management, sourcing, front-end operations and business planning. In addition, separate teams have been formed to look into all aspects of new store launches and to manage mature stores. This provides more flexibility and focus in expansion plans. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 21 The increase in SKUs in existing categories and the introduction of new categories encouraged the opening of larger stores or Super Centres, measuring 100,000 square feet or more. There are now 5 Big Bazaar Super Centres. Considering this scale of expansion, technology plays a significant facilitating role. The introduction of SAP in 2005-06 and its roll out during the year positively impacted the business. Big Bazaar has initiated the process of Auto Replenishments Systems, thus improving operational efficiencies and productivity. The company has also rationalized nearly 250 vendors through better vendor management in terms of potential to expand, and for inclusion and up gradation to the online B2B platform. The company plans to open over 60 stores across India in FY 2008, and the opening of the 100th Big Bazaar store will mark the fastest ever expansion by a hypermarket format. Discovering the new consumer Based on the company’s in-house consumer data and research, and in cognizance with observations on customer movements and the shopping convenience factor, Food Bazaar has initiated certain refurbishments and layout design across all stores. The intention is to continuously change with the times and demands of the evolving Indian consumer. Food Bazaar also witnessed healthy expansion during the year 2006-07, making its presence felt in nearly 26 cities and adding 40 stores during the year under review. The total count of Food RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 22 Bazaars as on 30th June 2007 stood at 86 stores. The year under review witnessed the company’s private label programme gaining significant traction. The brands have been very competitive vis-a-vis the established brands in quality and price terms, and have in fact scored better than national or international players in certain categories. The shares of private labels as a percentage of total Food Bazaar revenues has increased significantly and comprise nearly 50 merchandise categories. While Fresh Pure brand entered categories like cheese slices, frozen peas, honey, packaged drinking water and packaged tea, the Tasty Treat brand received a very favourable response in new categories like namkeens and wafers. In the home care category, Caremate launched aluminium foil and baby diapers while clean mate launched detergent bars and scrubbers. A new format ‘BB Wholesale Club’ was launched and 4 such stores have been opened so far. To be managed by Food Bazaar from the ensuing financial year, this format sells only multipacks and bulk packs of a select range of fast moving categories and caters to price sensitive customers and smaller retailers. The company has also forged tie-ups with established companies like ITC, Adanis, DCM Group, USAID and other farm groups in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to source directly from them. These alliances are expected to drive efficiencies as well as bring better products to consumers. By the end of FY 07-08, the total number of Food Bazaar stores is expected to be 200. Future ideas Discovering new opportunities Future Ideas is the Innovation, Design Incubation cell within Pantaloon Retail that stems from the core proposition ‘Protecting and preserving the soul of a small business or RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 23 enterprise within a large organisation. ’ Future Ideas deals with the whole aspect of idea creation, scenario planning activities, alternate approaches to an issue, providing varied outcomes and solutions to a problem and handholding the activity till its success parameters are satisfied. A unique initiative in corporate India, Future Ideas rests on a tripod that can be classified as Innovation driven, Design Management approach and an Incubation chamber, each with its own uniqueness, yet with common objectives. The Design Management team looks at each observation made by the Innovation team, and brainstorms by using a collaborative and holistic approach. The resultant ideas are then nurtured within the Incubation cell. The Incubation team comprises of business teams, mentored by the Innovation and Design teams. They are people who are released from their original businesses or concepts and made part of the entire ideation process at Future Ideas. They remain at Future Ideas till project completion stage when the success parameters for running the business are met. Future Ideas draws inspiration for most of its activities and projects, keeping in mind the new genre of inspirational Indians. At any point of time Future Ideas would work on about 20 varied projects within the Future Group. Some of the formats that are now being incubated by this team include Top10, Depot, Star Sitara and Talwalkars’ Fit Active. The team is also working on ideas around small format no-frills stores, rural retailing, and fashion for the masses and on projects involving women and self-help groups. Discovering new segments Depot, in many cities, is the first modern retailer in books and music and the Response has been overwhelming. The core differentiators of Depot are its young, colourful and vibrant RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 24 stores, strong regional range, affordability and a private label publishing rogram Depot Exclusives. In its first year of operation, Depot has launched 6 stand-alone stores and 50 cutins. Along with its expansion in major cities, Depot debuted in smaller towns like Rajkot, Vadodara, Haldia, Thrissur, Palakkad and Tiruvanantharam. The Depot Exclusives (released solely in Depot) catalogue expanded rapidly with over 100 titles across genres like children’s books, cookery, regional literature etc. Reputed authors/ imprints like Nita Mehta and S anjeev Kapoor in cookery, Disney in children’s books etc. have been associated with the company. Depot has also tied-up with the UK based publisher of Children’s books, Small World, to co-publish a series of toddlers’ interactive books. In FY 2007-08, the total Depot footprint should cross over 100 stores. The Health, Beauty Wellness business opened 35 new outlets in the beauty products, services and holistic health care formats Multiple formats operate in this segment, including Tulsi, the pharmacy chain and Star Sitara, the beauty products cut-ins and Star Sitara Salons. The largest format, Beauty Free offers unique combination of products, services and holistic health offerings. To capture the increasing consumption spend on wellness and preventive health care, the joint venture between Pantaloon Retail (I) Limited and Talwalkar Better Value Fitness opened its first ‘Talwalkars Fit Active’ health centre at Orchid City Centre, Mumbai in April 2007. Spread over 5,200 square feet, it is the country’s first health centre to offer health, fitness and gym services within a modern retail and consumption environment. The venture is also looking at innovative value added offerings in the fitness space as well as developing a Spa model for the Fit Active brand across the country, by increasing its presence to nearly 50 such centres in the near future. Human Resources Discovering talent diversity The company strongly believes that its sustainable competitive advantage lies in the values that it cherishes the culture that it imbibes and spirit of enterprise that resides within the organization. Talent management therefore continues to be the core focus for the company. Considering the Multiple businesses and rapid expansion expected across the business, the company saw merit in taking a fresh guard to the way in which business would run in order to meet the next leg of expansions. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 25 During the year 2006-07, the company conducted an extensive review of in-house talent management, which involved mapping every managerial position in the organization for their skill sets, competence and attitudinal aspects as well as taking an inventory check of the existing talent base and addressing their development needs. Development Centres were created with in-house assessors, which further aided in identifying potential resources and helped chalk out post assessment development plans. Continuing with its policy of strategic alliances, the company is collaborating on joint degree programs with 15 management schools, design institutes and institutes of higher learning in areas like food business, supply chain management, design experience management etc. This ‘Seekho’ programme for external and internal candidates has ensured a steady stream of mid level, well trained retail professionals every year. The company’s ‘Gurukool’ programme provides the front-end employees an opportunity to imbibe the company’s values and a sense of ownership to the company. The company has also created an Employee Growth Trust Fund that was launched during the last financial year for the senior management. Equal Opportunity The company believes that in order to build a sustainable business environment, the composition of its talent base needs to reflect the diversity that exists in our country and among its customers. Therefore the company ensures that the proportional representation of different communities in the Indian population is mirrored in its employee profile. The majority of employees in the company come from socially and economically marginalized sections of the society. Close to 46% of the employees in the organization are women and the average age within the organization is 27 years. The effectiveness of its talent management initiatives is reflected in the fact that the annual rate of attrition is 8. 2%, much below industry levels. The company plans to strengthen its employee platform to about 30,000 people by FY 08, from nearly 18,000 people as on FY 07. Human Resource Initiatives RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 26 Pantaloon Retail believes that one of its sustainable competitive advantages will continue to be the people who are part of the organization. Being in service industry, the Company places a lot of focus is placed on attracting, and training , incentivising and retaining talent. The vision is To provide an environment that creates happy people who have a meaningful life and add value to business and society. With over 18000 employees at an average age of 27 years, the Company prides itself on being a young and energetic organization, driven through the The Pantaloon People Management System. This is Built on 5 pillars of people based growth, namely Culture Building, Performance Management through Balanced Scorecard, People Processes, Management Processes and Leadership Brilliance. Training A competent Learning Development Team is responsible for training employees at all the levels across the country, focusing on primary and secondary research into various aspects of retail and assessment of training needs across Knowledge, Skills Attitude areas. The emphasis is on creating product and process knowledge through well defined programs like Praarambh and Parikrama. For the critical front line staff, the Companys unique outbound residential training program Gurukool focuses on integrating the mind, body and soul and brings about measurable attitudinal and behavioural changes. The program has covered nearly 4,500 employees. The SMILE initiative for training of new Store Managers has been created and disseminated to over 100 store managers by this team Group Vision ? Future Group shall deliver Everything, Everywhere, Every time for Every Indian Consumer in the most profitable manner. Group Mission We share the vision and belief that our customers and stakeholders shall be served only by creating and executing future scenarios in the consumption space leading to economic development. We will be the trendsetters in evolving delivery formats, creating retail realty, making consumption affordable for all customer segments – for classes and for masses. We shall infuse Indian brands with confidence and renewed ambition. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 27 We shall be efficient, cost- conscious and committed to quality in whatever we do. We shall ensure that our positive attitude, sincerity, humility and united determinatio n shall be the driving force to make us successful. Core Values Indianness: Confidence in ourselves. Leadership: To be a leader, both in thought and business. Respect Humility: To respect every individual and be humble in our conduct. Introspection: Leading to purposeful thinking. Openness: To be open and receptive to new ideas, knowledge and information. Valuing and Nurturing Relationships: To build long term relationships. Simplicity Positivity: Simplicity and positivity in our thought, business and action. Adaptability: To be flexible and adaptable, to meet challenges. Flow: To respect and understand the universal laws of nature. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 28 CHAPTER-4 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 29 Analysis and interpretation Table No. 1. 1:-Showing classification of respondents based on which source they Come to know about Big Bazaar. Particulars News papers. Magazines. Friends/word of mouth Internet Other Total No of respondent 49 10 25 3 13 100 % Of Respondent 49 10 25 3 13 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that majority of the respondents came to know about Big Bazaar with the help of News Papers. This shows that Big Bazaar is giving importance for advertisement to attract customers. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 30 Chart-1. 1:-Respondents based on which sources they come to know about Big Bazaar:- Interpretation The following is the percentage of respondents, through which they have come to know about the Big Bazaar 49% of respondents through News papers, 10% of respondents through Magazines, 25% of respondents through Word of mouth, 3% of respondents through Internet. The remaining 13% of respondents through other source like TV, Radio and by direct observation RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 31 Table No 1. 2:- Showing frequency of customer visiting stores Particulars Twice in a week Once in a week Once in a fortnight Once in a month Special occasion First time Total No of respondent 13 18 22 17 24 06 100 % Of Respondent 13 18 22 17 24 06 100 Analysis:From the above table maximum no. of respondents visited the stores in special occasion. This shows that Big Bazaar is giving discounts or offers during festivals and public holidays. Chart-1. 2:-Frequency of customer visit Big Bazaar:RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 32 Interpretation The following is the percentage of frequency of customer visiting to store. 6% of customers are first time visitors, 24% of customers visit only at special occasions, 17% of the customers visit once in a month, 22% of the customers visit once in a fortnight, 18% of the customers visit once in a week, 13% of the customers visit twice in a week. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 33 Table No1. 3:- Showing classification of customers with whom they would like to shop. Particulars Alone with friends With family With spouse Any others No of respondent 12 38 44 06 00 % Of Respondent 12 38 44 06 00 Analysis:From the above table it is found that majority of respondents like to do shopping in Big Bazaar with family rather than visiting with friends. This shows that they are maintaining good environment. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 34 Chart-1. 3: showing the customers with whom they would like shop:- Interpretation Following is the percentage of customers with whom they would like to shop. 6% of customers would like to shop with Spouse, 12% of customers would like to shop Alone, 38% of customers would like to shop with Friends, and 44% of customers would like to shop with Family. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 35 Table No 1. 4:- showing classification of respondents based on distance from Big Bazaar to their residence. Particulars Less than 1km 1-3 Km 3-5 Km More Than 5 Km Total No of respondent 10 38 43 09 100 % Of Respondent 10 38 43 09 100 Analysis:From the above table it shows that majority of respondents have their residence near to Big Bazaar. So they are visiting frequently and get all the products in one place. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 36 Chart-1. :-The respondents based on distance from Big Bazaar to their residence:- Interpretation The following is the percentage of customers, how far they are located from Big Bazaar. 9%of customers are located above 5km, 10% of customers are located within one kilometre, 38% of customers are located between one to three kilometres, 43% of customers are located between three to five kilometres. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLI CATIONS Page 37 Table No 1. 5:- Showing opinion of respondent about prices of products in big bazaar when compared to other retail stores. Particulars High Affordable Low Total No of respondent 46 39 15 100 % of respondent 46 39 15 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that maximum no. of respondents said that the price of products in Big Bazaar is high when compared to other retail stores. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 38 Chart-1. 5:-The opinion of respondent about prices of products in big bazaar when compared to other retail stores. Hence majority of customers have the favourable opinion towards Big Bazaar prices. Interpretation 6% of customers have perceived that Big Bazaar prices are high, 39% of customers have perceived that Big Bazaar prices are Affordable, 15% of customers have perceived that Big Bazaar prices are low. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 39 Table No1. 6:-Showing no of respondent’s rate the product quality of big bazaar when compared to other retail stores Particulars 5 4 3 2 1 Total No of respondent 8 25 51 10 6 100 % o f respondent 8 25 51 10 6 100 Analysis:From the above table it is said that more no. of respondents experienced that quality of products in Big Bazaar is average when compared to other retail stores. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 40 Chart-1. 6:-No of respondent’s rate the product quality of big bazaar when compared to other retail stores: Interpretation 6% of customers have perceived that product quality is Very low, 8% of customers have perceived that product quality is Very good, 10% of customers have perceived that product quality is below average, 25% of customers have perceived that product quality is above average, 51% of customers have perceived that product quality is Average. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 41 Table No1. 7:-Showing comparison of brand big bazaar with other retail stores Particulars Value for money Quality of products Wide variety of product Good shopping experience Any other Total No of respondent 26 12 37 14 1 100 % of respondent 26 12 37 14 1 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that majority of respondents said that wide variety of products are more when compared to other retail stores. This shows that Big Bazaar is giving importance to more number of brands when compared to other retail stores. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 42 Chart-1. :-Comparison of brand big bazaar with other retail stores:- Interpretation 1%0f customers have perceived that the brand Big Bazaar is affordable compared to other retailers, 12%of customers have perceived that the brand Big Bazaar has quality products compared to other retailers, 14%of customers have perceived good shopping experience in Big Bazaar compared to other retailers, 26%of customers wo uld like to compare brand Big Bazaar as value for money than other retailers, 37%of customers have perceived that the brand Big Bazaar has got wide range of product compared to other retailers. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 43 Table No 1. 8:-Showing opinion about discount offered by the Big Bazaar when compared to other retailers. Particulars Very good Good Fair Satisfied Bad Total No of respondent 5 34 55 6 00 100 % of respondent 5 34 55 6 00 100 Analysis: From the above table it shows that maximum number of respondents said the discount offered by Big Bazaar was fair when compared to other retailers. This shows that Big Bazaar is giving importance to price to attract customers. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 44 Chart-1. :-Opinion about discount offered by the Big Bazaar when compared to other retailers:- Interpretation 5%of customers have perceived that the discounts offered by the Big Bazaar are very good, 34%of customers have perceived that the discounts offered by the Big Bazaar are good, 55%of customers have perceived that the discounts offered by the Big Bazaar are Fair, 6% of customers have perceived that the discounts offered by the Big Bazaar are satisfied. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 45 Table No 1. 9:- Showing no of respondent purchasing product in Big Bazaar. Particulars Apparels Accessories Food Beverages Home durables Electronic goods Personal care Cosmetics All of the above Total No of respondent 21 31 8 24 10 6 100 % of respondent 21 31 8 24 10 6 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that majority of respondents said food and beverages were purchased more when compared to other item. This shows that Big Bazaar is giving importance to food and beverages when compared to other items. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 46 Chart-1. 9:-No of respondent purchasing product in Big Bazaar:- Interpretation 6% of the customers purchase All of the Above, 8% of the customers purchase Home durables, 10% of the customers purchase personal care and cosmetics, 21% of the customers purchase Apparels, 24% of the customers purchase all Electronic goods, 31% of the customers purchase Food and Beverage. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 47 Table No 2:-Showing no of respondent are satisfied with the billing system of big bazaar. Particulars Yes No Need to be improved Total No of respondent 56 14 30 100 % of respondent 56 14 30 100 Analysis: From the above table it shows that maximum number of respondents said that the billing system of Big Bazaar is satisfied but it needs to be improvement. Billing counter should be increased. Chart-2:- No of respondent are satisfied with the billing system of big bazaar:RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 48 Interpretation 14% of customers are not satisfied with the billing system, 30% of customers think that, the billing system needs to be improved, 56% of customers are satisfied with the present billing system Table No 2. :-Showing composition of factors in which they will shop in big bazaar RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 49 Particulars Availability of products Convenience of location Shopping experience Reasonable price Parking facility Other Total No of respondent 40 14 18 25 3 00 100 % of respondent 40 14 18 25 3 00 100 Analysis:From the above table it shows that majority of respondents said that the availabili ty of products is more when compared to other composition. This shows that they are giving more importance for products rather than location, price and parking facility. Chart-2. 1:-Composition of factors in which they will shop in big bazaar:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 50 Interpretation Following is the percentage of respondent’s reason to shop in Big Bazaar. 3% of customer purchase because of parking facility, 14% of customer purchase because of convenience of location, 18% of customer purchase because shopping experience, 25% of customer purchase because of reasonable price, 40% of customer purchase due to availability of product. Table No 2. 2:- Showing composition of factors influencing the respondent purchasing decision. Particulars Price No of respondent 23 % of respondent 23 RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 51 Quality Brand Usage Any other Total 30 22 25 00 100 30 22 25 00 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that maximum number of respondents said that the quality of products is good when it comes to the matter of purchasing decision. This shows that product quality is tested and other factors are not justified. Chart-2. 3:-Composition of factors influencing the respondent purchasing decision:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 52 Interpretation Following is the percentage of factors influencing the purchase decision. 22% of customers are influenced by Price, 23% of customers are influenced by Family, 25% of customers are influenced by Quality, 30% of customers are influenced by friends. Table No 2. 3:- Showing no of respondent satisfied with service of a big bazaar. Particulars No of respondent % of respondent RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 53 5 4 3 2 1 Total 3 29 42 16 10 100 3 29 42 16 10 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that majority of the respondents are highly satisfied with the service provided by Big Bazaar. This shows that Big Bazaar is providing good service. Chart-2. 3:-No of respondent satisfied with service of a big bazaar:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 54 Interpretation Following is the percentage of satisfaction with the service provided by the Big Bazaar. 3% of customers are highly dissatisfied, 29% of customers are dissatisfied, 42% of customers are highly satisfied, 16% of customers are neutral, 10% of customers are satisfied. Table No 2. 4:- Showing classification of respondent no the basis of age group. Particulars No of respondent % of respondent Page 55 RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Less than 20 years 20 to 30 years 30 to 40 years Above 40 years Total 3 59 28 10 100 3 59 28 10 100 Analysis: From the above table it is said that the maximum number of respondents come to visit Big Bazaar are all at the of 20-30. This shows that average aged peoples are aware of Big Bazaar products and discounts when compared to others. Chart-2. 4:-Classification of respondent on the basis of age group:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 56 Interpretation Following is the percentage of respondents’ age group visiting the Big Bazaar 3%of customers are belonged to less than 20 years, 10%of customers are belonged to above 40 years, 28%of customers are between 30 to 40 years, 59% of customers are between 20 to 30 years. Table No 2. 5:- Showing composition of respondent gender. Particulars No of respondent % of respondent Page 57 RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Male Female Total 60 40 100 60 40 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that majority of them are males visiting Big Bazaar when compared to ladies. This shows that males are interested to do shopping in this retail store may be due to price discounts. Chart-2. 5:-Composition of respondent gender:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 58 Interpretation 40% of respondents are Female, 60% of the respondents are Male Table No 2. 6:-Showing composition of marital status of the respondent. Particulars No of respondent % of respondent RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 59 Single Married Total 58 42 100 58 42 100 Analysis:From the above table it shows that maximum number of respondents visiting Big Bazaar is unmarried. This shows that unmarried persons are willing to do shopping may be due to the availability of variety of brands in all products. Chart-2. 6:- Composition of marital status of the respondent:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 60 Interpretation 42% of respondents are married, 58% of respondents are Single. Table No 2. 7:-showing composition of respondent occupation Particulars Student Professional Business man Home maker Govt employee No of respondent 33 28 21 7 7 % of respondent 33 28 21 7 7 Page 61 RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Other Total 100 4 100 Analysis:From the above table it shows that majority of respondents visiting big bazaar are students when compared to professionals, and others. This shows that students are aware about this retail store when compared to others. Chart 2. 7:-Composition of respondent occupation:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 62 Interpretation 4% of respondents a re belonged to other group, 7% of respondents are govt employees, 7% of respondents are home makers, 21% of respondents are Businessmen, 33% of respondents are students, 28% of respondents are professionals. Table No 2. 8:- Showing composition on annual income of respondent Particulars Less than 15000 1. 5 lakh-3 lakh 3lakh-5 lakh More than 5 lakh No of respondent 23 30 14 3 % of respondent 23 30 14 3 RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 63 None Total 30 100 30 100 Analysis:From the above table it is clear that majority of respondents annual income is 1. 53 lakh. This shows that middle income group people are willing to do shopping in Big Bazaar. Chart 2. 8:-Composition on annual income of respondent:- RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 64 Interpretation 3% of respondents have more than 5lakh income, 14% of respondents have income between 3-5lakh, 23% of respondents have less than 150000 income, 30% of respondents have income between 1. 5-3lakh, 30% of respondent don’t have any income. FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY Majority of the respondents felt that the billing system needs to be improved, as during weekends and in other occasions it takes a very long time for the customers to complete the billing procedures. Majority of respondents felt that the parking facility was not enough during the weekends and during other festive seasons. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 65 Some of the respondents also raised thier concern regarding the arrangement of the products within the product category, some respondents found it difficult to find the products which they require immediately, it took a lot of time for them to search for the products which they required. Some respondents did not find much space to shop during the weekends and in other festive seasons because the store will be crowded during these periods. So respondents found it uncomfortable to shop during the weekends and festive seasons. Some of the respondents also raised their concern regarding the seating arrangement; drinking water facility priority should be given towards these issues. Majority of the respondent are asking about the branded products, the store does not have so much of branded products. Conclusion The overall perception of the BIG BAZAAR store is good except in some areas like billing system during the festi val time, proper arrangements of the products, parking facility and seating arrangement. The target customer for the BIG BAZAAR is the middle class segment is growing due to high disposal income. Customers found the prices are affordable with a good variety of the products available less than one roof. RR COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Page 66 Customer’s responded positively to the promotions offered at the store, with the sales during the weekends and festive seasons picking up nicely. The quality of the products offered at the store was also very well accepted by the