Report on Marketing Strategy of Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Limited

Report on Marketing Strategy of Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Limited Rahimafrooz Bangladesh limited was established in 1950. As a trading company. Late A. C. Abdur Rahim was the proprietor in this time. From 1954   it was established as a limited company. In the new environment he had to start afresh. He had little capital. His main assets were self-confidence and a strong faith in the Almighty, which carried him through all the difficulties with a remarkable triumph.He finally established a small proprietary trading company named Rahimafrooz & Co, in Chittagong in 1950 which was later incorporated on 15th April 1954, which is now Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh) Ltd. Rahimafrooz   Ã‚  expanded rapidly into various trading items. The major milestones in   Rahimafrooz history can be  summarized as below: Incorporated in 1954 by Mr. A. C. Abdur   Rahim Distributorship of Lucas Battery in 1959 Exclusive distributorship of Dunlop tyre in 1978 Acquisition of Bangladesh operations of Lucas UK in 1980 First producer of industrial battery in 1985Pioneering Solar Power in collaboration with BP in 1985 First ever battery export – to Singapore –  in 1992 Launched Rahimafrooz Instant Power System in 1993 Acquisition of Yuasa Batteries (Bangladesh) Ltd. – in 1994 Attained ISO 9002 certification for RBL operations in 1997 First India office opened in Ahmedabad – in 2000 Awarded â€Å"Bangladesh Enterprise of the Year† in 2001 Attained ISO 14001:1996 for RBL  operations Launched â€Å"Agora† – the first ever retail chain in 2001 Launched Rahimafrooz Energy Service in 2002 – promoting distributed power. Established   Rahimafrooz CNG ltd. n 2003 Awarded â€Å"National Export Trophy† in 2003 Metronet  Bangladesh,  a  fibre  optic  based  digital  solution  provider  for  data  communication,launched in joint venture with Flora Telecom – in  2004 Received McGraw-Hill Platt Global Energ y Award  for Renewable Energy  in 2004 Received the â€Å"   Ã‚  Ashden Award† for Sustainable Energy in 2006 EPZ factory and RAL  two new company developed –  in 2008   1. 1 ORIGIN OF THE REPORT: This project   Ã‚  Report has been prepared as the fulfillment of the partial requirement of B. B. A Program. 1. 2 OBJECTIVE OF THE REPORTOur business courses are designed to help the students learning the technique and acquiring with skills needed effectively in management including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, motivating and controlling, problems in achieving organizational goals in differing managerial environments as a part in different management system. So the prime aim of the regarding report is to diagnosis a company regarding their operations & thus make a nice combination of my four years educational learning. The main objective of the report is marketing strategy of   Ã‚  Rahimafrooz ltd. 1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT: I take information fo r my report by two purposes. 1. 4 PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Primary purpose of this report is to partially fulfill the requirement of my Bachelor Degree. 1. 5 SECONDARY PURPOSE: Secondary sources include the internal documents like annual report company bulletin other research reports and brochures. 1. 6SOURCE AND METHOD OF COLLECTING DATA:The report is organized by secondary source of data. Various report’s brochure, catalog, articles and journals, projects profile, dealer credit policy, and Rahimafrooz website is used in this regard. 1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY: Firstly, judging a company’s activity relative to competitor is not an easy task. This study has tried to figure out the key factors that has an effect towards the profitability of the company. Secondly, analyzing the secondary data and comparing it with the primary data was a major problem in making the report. Thirdly, lack of adequate knowledge has a effect in   Ã‚  writing the report properly. Chapter Two Com pany history Founder Late A. C. Abdur   Ã‚  Rahim (1915-1982). Rahimafrooz   Ã‚  Bangladesh Limited A man of strict religious values, yet a believer in progressive dynamism, and dreamer who thought nothing is impossible – Late A C Abdur Rahim overcame numerous challenges and obstacles to become one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs of this country. Born on the 20th of January 1915, he lost both his parents by the time he was seven years of age. Deprived of formal schooling and a typically comfortable childhood, he grew up as a man with strong determination, hardworking diligence, and humane compassion. By the early 1940s, Mr. Rahim started small scale commercial trading on his own. He moved to Chittagong in 1947 and stared afresh with very little capital in hand, but with a whole world of courage and faith.In 1950, he established the small trading concern dealing in various items. This proprietary business was formally incorporated on April 15, 1954 as Rahimafrooz & Co. Till date, Rahimafrooz Group commemorates this as its â€Å"Foundation Day†. The childhood hardship and the struggle in his young years only made Mr. Rahim a strong individual, a faithful human being, and a leader full of compassion and humanity. He was a caring father and an affectionate person throughout his life. Whoever, in his lifetime, came in touch with Mr. Rahim, fondly remembers him as a man of tremendous humility, dignity, and trustworthiness.His   passion for continuously improving himself and his religious and ethical righteousness, and his dedication to please his customers – are still prevalent in today’s Rahimafrooz culture – shaping the Group’s present and its future. Today’s Rahimafrooz is a dream that Mr. A C Abdur Rahim turned into reality. The business growth, the social commitment, and the great diversity in today’s Rahimafrooz are the outcome of one lifetime of hard work and compassion from Mr. Rahim. He br eathed his last on March 14, 1982 in London. But his work and his virtue have kept him alive forever.May Allah grant him with eternal peace. Over the decades, Rahimafrooz has grown in size, scale, and diversity. The Group today has Eight Operating Companies (SBUs), a few other business ventures, and a not for profit social enterprise. As of 2011, the Group currently employs more than three thousand people directly and a further twenty thousand indirectly as suppliers contractors, dealers and retailers. Rahimafrooz operates in four broad segments – Storage Power, Automotive & Electronics, Energy and Retail. We have strengthened our market leadership at home while reaching out to international markets.Ranging from automotive   after   Ã‚  market products, energy and power solutions, to a world class retail chain – the team at Rahimafrooz is committed to ensuring the best in quality standards and living the Group’s five core values – Integrity, Excellenc e, Customer Delight , Innovation and Inspiring People. Rahimafrooz has been a partner in the development journey of this nation for more than fifty-five years now. We set ourselves the highest standards in responsible corporate behavior and our passion for success is aligned with the development of the country.We are committed to playing a leading role in driving growth, prosperity, ethical values and social responsibility. We continue to serve our customers through unparalleled quality excellence and service superiority. Our business success has been complemented by our commitment to the environment, society and community. At Rahimafrooz, We are – ‘enriching lives with your trust’! 2. 1 Aspiration: To be most admire and trusted organization through excelling in everything we do, following ethical business practice and adding value to stake holder. 2. 2 Vision:Be an enterprising group of Taka 2,000 crore by the year 2010 with the diversified business portfolio fo cus on dynamic growth, excellence, innovation, customer delight in enriching our world. 2. 3 Vision 2015: A billion dollar diversified group committed to adding value to all stakeholders and community Value: Integrity in all our dealing Excellence in everything we do Total commitment to customer satisfaction Thinking ahead and taking new initiative 2. 4 Quality policy: We, as a team, totally committed to customer delight through intelligent effort and continuous improvement. 2. Community service: Rahimafrooz regularly contribute personal, monetary and medical help to  people disadvantaged by  natural calamities and  serious illness. Rahimafrooz also makes significant contribution to leading diabetic and cancer hospitals. 2. 6 Achievements of RBL: Asia’s Best Brand  Ã‚  CMO Award 2010 Asia’s Best Employer  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   SC& FE,  CSR  Ã‚  Award 2008 Brand Leadership  Ã‚  Award 2008 Ashden   Award  Award 2006 National export trophy Award 2001- Chapt er three Strategic business unit (SBU) RBL 3. SBUs (Strategic Business Units): Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh) Ltd. (Group Parent Company)Rahimafrooz (Batteries) Ltd. Rahimafrooz Distribution Ltd. Rahimafrooz Energy Services Ltd. Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Ltd. Rahimafrooz CNG Ltd. Rahimafrooz Superstores Ltd. Excel Resources Ltd. Rahimafrooz Globatt Ltd. Rahimafrooz service center 3. 1 Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh) Ltd. (Group Parent Company: Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh) Limited (RABL) is the Group Holding and Parent Company including the Group Corporate Center that guides the Strategic Business Units (SBUs). It ensures continuous management innovation, technology adoption, new initiatives, corporate governance and compliance.Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd has imported world famous Dunlop Tire and Tube which is producing in Japan and India. At present Rahimafrooz Bangladesh ltd. Is one of the top most organizations in the country many officer and personnel work hard. From the development of the orga nization Rahimafrooz Bangladesh ltd. is mainly work in four divisions 1. Corporate Division 2. Manufacturing Division 3. Marketing and sales division 4. International division The chairman is the chief executive officer of the organization and the director is the head of every division. Rahimafrooz Bangladesh ltd. has one head office in Motiheel.Two service offices in Dhaka and Chittagong and one factory in Nakhal Para and other is Savar. Regional office is operated by regional manager who has controlled all the sales force and also has responsible for his job to the managing director of head office. Every appointed dealer in the sales center of Rahimafrooz Bangladesh ltd. they always get up great training from the company to serve the customer all over the country there are near about 180 dealers of Rahimafrooz Bangladesh ltd. Often the company organize conference for the dealer and they create the opportunity to exchange their value. . 2 Rahimafrooz Battery Ltd: Rahimafrooz batter y ltd has mainly marketed Rahimafrooz battery. At present Rahimafrooz company has been producing and marketing more than one hundred categories battery. Automotive battery and motor cycle battery are produced by Rahimafrooz Company. This is very popular in the market and also high quality. The Company’s manufacturing plants produce a range of products – automotive, motorcycle, and appliance batteries, Industrial (stationary, deep cycle, traction, VRLA batteries, IPS and UPS batteries, and rectifiers.Lucas and Spark are the leading names in the local automotive battery market while Volta, Optus and Delta are gaining equity as International brands. RBL has a successful story of installing solar power in the remote rural areas of Bangladesh. It has successfully installed more than 10,000 home solar systems in the remote rural areas of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh Rahimafrooz Factory is situated in Nakhal Para. Tejgoan. It is the heist battery production capacity factory. The authority tries their level best but to keep its quality through skill and efficient engineer Plant Capacity: Rahimafrooz has state of the art manufacturing plants.We are equipped with all latest technologies with complete air treatment and lead-recycling management. RBL produces different types of batteries to meet the local and international market. Its capacity in Automotive Battery is 660,000 (N50) units per annum and Industrial Battery is 41 million AH/annum. By the end of 2010, these will increase to 8000,000 (N50) and 120 Million AH respectively. All the products are manufactured following strict quality and environmental standards, and are ensured by international certifications too. Our main product range includes: Automotive battery Motorcycle batteryAppliance battery Deep cycle – Flat plate battery Industrial tubular battery VRLA battery IPS and UPS batteries 3. 3 RAHIMAFROOZ DISTRIBUTION LTD: The company has a huge relation with the market to distribute its produ cts through the network of dealers. It has almost near about 200 dealers, 280 Retailers and 95 Lubricant Dealers across the country for distributing Dunlop   tyre, Lucas batteries, Volta batteries, RZ   tire, BP lubricants and Rahimafrooz instant power system. RDL’s portfolio includes international tyre brands Dunlop and Kenda while it also carries its own brand RZ Tyre and  battery brands Lucas and Spark.RDL is the exclusive franchisee of the world’s leading lubricant brand Castrol. Through Rahimafrooz IPS, UPS and Voltage Stabiliser, the company enjoys clear leadership of the emergency power products market. In addition, it also runs eight automobile service centres in Dhaka and Chittagong. Recently the company has entered the electronic goods market. It distributes and markets various household appliances and electronic goods through RDL’s newly inaugurated electronics retail chain, Ureka and its numerous sales outlets.RDL product portfolio includes the followings: Tyre RDL   markets different tyres for car, bus, truck and auto-rickshaw. It is the sole distributor of DUNLOP in Bangladesh. RZ Tyre is its own premium heavy duty truck/bus tyre fit for Bangladeshi road. It also markets other economy tyres. Automotive RDL markets three major brands of automotive batteries: LUCAS, VOLTA, VOLTA MF (Maintenance Free) and SPARK. All batteries are produced by RBL. Power Back-Up System RahimAfrooz   Ã‚  IPS and Rahimafrooz UPS are two popular power back-up systems marketed by RDL. LubricantRDL is the marketer and sole agent of Castrol, one of the lubricant giants Rahimafrooz solar is started with a  pilot project with the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. Rahimafrooz Solar supplies solar-electricity to the remote villages of Bangladesh. More than 30,000 thousand families are supplied with solar power with help of NGOs and International Organizations. Excel retires limited RBL is the leading tyre retread company in Bangladesh. ERL ha s been serving the industry since 1994 providing  best quality of retreads. Its plant is capable of retreading tyres of  car, bus, and truck.EXCEL RESOURCES LTD Excel Resources Ltd. (ERL) is a leading name for tyre retread. ERL also manufactures and markets emery cloths and abrasive papers. ABOUT RETREAD Retread of tyre is a process whereby new tread rubber is applied on a used tyre casing; if done properly, this process allows similar mileage like new tyres. The process extends longer casing life. Based on the casing, a tyre can be retread up to 3 or 4 times, as long as the casing supports. The retread process is eco-friendly and does not result in environmental pollution.A retread tyre can save up to 50% of new tyre’s cost. Every time you buy and use a retread tyre, you help to conserve Their valuable natural resources and since retread tyres are less expensive than comparable new tyres, one can save money while helping the environment. This is truly a win-win situation 3. 4   Rahimafrooz   Energy Services Ltd. BRAND Rahimafrooz   Energy Services Limited was established in the year 2000 as a standby, captive anddistributed power solution provider. It is a leading name in the diesel generator industry having a customer base of nearly 700.Its clientele comprise of industrial plants, real estates, hospitals, educational institutions, telecoms, supermarkets, corporate houses and government establishments including the Armed Forces. The company is marketing both diesel and gas generators from Pramac Power Engineering, Italy and Spain, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, Japan. Rahimafrooz Energy is also providing Rental Power with both diesel and gas generators. Rahimafrooz Energy is the Authorized Distributor of GE Consumer & Industrial Lighting, USA and Exclusive Distributor of Wiring Accessories and Low Voltage Protection Devices from Hager, France in Bangladesh.Located at the heart of Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka Rahimafrooz Energy is equipped with the necessary service facilities and ready availability of stocks for all kinds of organizations and individuals requiring energy related solutions RESL is the Exclusive Distributor of PRAMAC in Bangladesh. It markets diesel generators up to 2500 KVA for multiple users. Its customers comprised of industrial plants, real estates, hospitals, educational institutions, telecom companies, supermarkets, corporate houses and government establishments.Established with the aim of being a provider of standby, captive and distributed power solutions offering 24X7 customer services, the company is now ready to launch three new products which are gas generators, power rentals and electrical accessories. In a short span of five years, Rahimafrooz Energy Services Limited has grown to be a highly reliable energy solution company. PRAMAC generators come up to 2,500 KVA for multipurpose use. Its customers comprised of industrial plants, real estates, hospitals, educational institutions, telecom companies, supermarkets, corporate houses and government establishments. . 5 RAHIMAFROOZ   Ã‚  RENEWABLE ENERGY LTD Transforming the lives of people and lighting up different corners of the country, Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Ltd. (RRE) has been providing Rahimafrooz Solar solutions for households, agriculture, healthcare, education, rural streets and marketplaces. To date, RRE has lightened up more than 40,000 rural homes in Bangladesh and the Company is endeavoring to do much more in the future. The abundance, inexhaustibility and non polluting nature of solar energy, have made it right alternative for conventional energy sources, which are getting fast exhausted.So far only a small portion of solar energy is being harnessed for use in solar water heating, solar lighting, telecommunications, medical refrigeration and solar water pumping. Working closely with Bangladesh Government’s agencies, NGOs, donor and partner organizations, and international agencies, RRE offers a full rage of solar solutions including home lighting, street lighting, heating systems, water pumps, Photo Voltaic (PV) centralized systems, drip irrigation systems, vaccine refrigeration, support for computer and other electronic systems, and a number of other solutions.More than 60,000 homes already been illuminated with RRE’s solar efforts and the number is always growing. Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd. At first has marketed solar energy by exporting it from England. The following places and the institutions are the user of solar. 1. Hospital and Clinic 2. Irrigation project 3. School, Masjid, Road, Television 4. Telecommunication sector. 5. Railway signal 6. To find out the river way. The Organization where the solar Energy is set up 1. NGO 2. Tea Garden 3. Army cantonment Chittagong 4. Private Organization 3. 6 RAHIMAFROOZ CNG LTD. Rahimafrooz CNG Ltd. RACNG) offers comprehensive solutions for CNG refueling, conversion, conversion centers, and maintenance. The Com pany runs state-of-the-art CNG conversion centers offering 1st to 5th generation conversion, and is setting up a wide country-wide network of refueling stations. It also assists, through equipments, technological know-how, training and marketing, in setting up CNG conversion centers and refueling stations INSTALLATION OF CNG STATION: It helps to setup CNG Fuel Station on a turn-key basis. It also assists in obtaining financial support from the Financial Institution to setting up CNG station.It provides round the clock technical supports and training   CNG CONVERSION: It has its own conversion centers where you can convert your Octane or Petrol driven automobile into CNG. Rahimafrooz CNG offers an innovative and technically advanced system for conversion of all types of vehicles into CNG It is the sole technical and commercial representative of Lo. gas s. r. l. of Italy. All CNG components are given full warranty with necessary technical support. CNG SERVICES: It also provides all types of technical support related to CNG stations, systems and kits to individuals and institutions. 3. 7 Rahimafrooz Superstores LtdRahimafrooz Superstores Ltd. (RSL) made a breakthrough in the urban lifestyles by launching the first retail chain in the country – Agora. With outlets in important locations in Dhaka, and many more coming at key locations in Dhaka and other major cities, Agora is endeavoring to fulfill the everyday needs of the urbanites through fair price, right assortment, and best quality. While Agora mainly focuses on food items – ranging from a wide variety of fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, bakery, dairy, and grocery – it also carries a vast array of other household, grocery, personal care, and various other products.Having started its journey in 2001, Agora is committed to sustaining and growing as the most trusted, loved, and frequented retail chain. Agora outlets: Dhanmodi Gulshan Mogbajar Mirpur 3. 8   Rahimafrooz Globatt Ltd (RGL) Ra himafrooz Globatt Ltd (RGL) is the global wing of Rahimafrooz group. As part of excelling two decades of international market experience and aspiring to become a truly global company, this state of the art Maintenance Free (MF) and Sealed Maintenance Free (SMF) battery manufacturing plant was established in the year 2009. With 2. million unit production capacity per year, RGL is the largest battery export plant in South Asia. In recognition to its quality management system, RGL has received ISO 9001:2008 Certification from Orion Registrar, Inc. , USA. The manufacturing process of RGL ensures highest level of environment sustainability. RGL offers a broad range of maintenance free automotive batteries manufactured according to JIS and DIN standard for a variety of vehicles, ranging from small cars to large commercial vehicles. RGL also manufactures deep cycle battery for inverter application.All these batteries have been designed by one of the leading German company. These batteries are designed for millions of vehicle enthusiasts across Asia & Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Americas. As the pay off line of  its flagship brand GLOBATT â€Å"Drive Within† illustrates, the battery is winning heart and mind of the consumers around the globe through its unparallel performance. Metro net Rahimafrooz Group, in a joint enterprise, has ventured into the first ever fiber optical commercial networking backbone in Bangladesh Metronet Bangladesh Ltd. (MBL).MBL provides robust data communication services to private sector offices, financial institutions, ATMs, and many other institutions. GreyFab and Asia Tex are two other businesses that manufacture and export textile and terry towels. Rural Service Foundation (RSF) is a not-for-profit social enterprise endeavoring to alleviate poverty and supporting the rural poor. The poverty alleviation model of RSF is based on three basic principles – affordable, replicable, and sustainable. RSF has been helpi ng the rural poor, through programs involving solar home systems, irrigation, bio gas, contract farming, battery powered instant power systems etc.Besides, RSF also runs â€Å"Dhaka Project† which is a home to some 600 urban street children, providing them with shelter, education, food, clothing, and care. Supported by Rahimafrooz. 3. 9 RAHIMAFROOZ SERVICE CENTER : Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd service center is situated in 13 Mahakhali commercial areas in Dhaka. Here the product of Rahimafrooz is sold and servicing also. Here the service is done in modern computerized system. The   Ã‚  complain is also solved and handle from here. and a number of generous donors from home and abroad, RSF has a country-wide network with nearly fifty field offices. . 10 Sales process: Diesel generator: Project 1. Pre-sales meeting: (sale people) Discussion with customer regarding the actual need, the size of the generator, KVA, installation process etc. a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Inform customer re garding product feature b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Site visit: evaluate the customer recommended location where generator would be placed c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Load calculation d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Site suggestion: Inform customer regarding installation process; provide product recommendation based on site etc. e)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Estimated price rates 1. Offer submission (based on customer requirement)Technical Product list Financial offer Other parties involve with offer submission. (They evaluate the offer) a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Financial institution/ Bank b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consultant c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Construction contactor 1. Follow up (before sale) a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Over phone b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Direct visit 1. Final Negotiation meeting Price Product 1. If accepted   by the customer then work order is issued   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   schedule date for installation material estimate or list of material material arrangement relevant document Price and mode of paym ent 1. payment (as per work order) 2. re-installation inspection (sale people and installation and service supervisor * customer name and address * package number * capacity * installation place * material list * delivery date 1. delivery/dispatch (store officer 2. installation 3. follow up ( after sales) by the sales people 4. bill collection (accounts and sales people) * description of equipment * model * commissioning date * amount of bill claimed by the RESL 1. A. Corporate: Definition: corporate customers are those customers who buy a bulk amount of products from RESL. It can be Bank, factory, hospital, real estate or industry.Sales process is same 1 to 11 Installation Sources/sales leads are different. B. Individual: Definition: individual customers are those customers who buy one or two products from RESL. It can be Bank, factory, hospital, real estate or industry. Sales process is same 1 to 11 (except work order) 100% payment before delivery sources/sales leads are different 1. B. Referral : Colleague from RDL, RBL and etc Sales lead given by commission agent Sales man of RESL has contact with other company’s sales man   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Refer customer to the RESL. Receive commission   from RESL to 11 same processes. Except work order for individual but for corporate (need work order) 1. C. Third party/Contract proposal: Rail way , police buy from third party Third party buy from RESL (supplier of generator)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But all after sales services given by the RESL Sources of sales lead: From colleague like RDL,RBL sales person of other company existing customer Direct call from customer( new or existing customer) Sales lead given by commission agent From bill board Newspaper Related generator company/ similar trend business Consultant Road site Field representativeDirect sale Customer direct come to RESL Project| Corporate| Individual| Third party/contract proposal | Referral|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From Existing customerDirect sale  |   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Direct saleFrom bill boardNewspaper  |   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From bill boardNewspaperDirect saleField representativeRoad siteRelated generator company/ similar trend business|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From bill boardNewspaper|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From colleague like RDL,RBLsales person of other companySales lead given by commission agentConsultant| Figure #1 3. 11 After sales service: 1. Installation (project and individual/corporate) 2. Service (individual) . I. Emergency service 2. II. Schedule service 3. Service (project) 1. Installation( individual/corporate) a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Site visit b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pre-installation inspection (sale people and installation -service supervisor)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   customer name and address package number capacity installation place material list delivery date c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Material arranged Material bought by the customer (cable) or RESL provide it. d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Based on that date follow up and confirm that today you have installation date. e)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Which engineer will go for installation (his name, place and date)?This record is in excel sheet f)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Commissioning sheet * Site code * customer name * Package no * Supplier address * Technical terms * Other relevant information * Comments from customer * signed by RESL service engineer and customer 2. Service ( individual ) 1. I. Emergency service (warranty period 1year or running hour1500h) a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hot line b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Call from customer c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Whether this product is within warrant or not d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Commissioning sheet cheeked by service coordinator   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   customer name Package no Supplier address Technical terms Other relevant information Comments from customer igned by RESL service engineer and customer e)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If it is within warranty then free service and prompt( excluding Lub oil fi lter, air filter, fuel filter and culent filter parts) f)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   send engineer to the sight g)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Service sheet sign by engineer and customer with the bill copy, feed back sheet and other material h)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Follow up only for individual (everyday at least 10 calls from excel sheet randomly) i)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Documentation how many times complains come from client. j)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Problems sheet send to Service complain par day——–6 to 10 k)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   She only send critical problem to the COOEmergency service for an example>hospital>1) normal problem> normal engineer   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   >2) critical problem> critical enginee r 1. II. Schedule service a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hot line b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tell Detail information about product( KVA and price rate) c) Offer give by service coordinator of RESL[this is basically gave idea about relevant parts for generator]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Description of material Quantity Price Signature by service engineer d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If accepted then schedule date e)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bill collection f)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   AMC service[Dhaka and out   side Dhaka city] Critical A ——–one service—–price range different *   Non Critical —-one service—–price range different * Super Critical —one service—–price range different * Working hour * Payment date * Exclusion * Other applicable terms * Starting date g)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Inform about Servicing after 50h/200h/ or 6month which ever come first ( excluding Lub oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and culent filter parts) h)     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Engineer send to the customer with the bill copy, feed back sheet and other material i)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Payment( partially or full) j)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Follow up monthly wise )  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   All Problems sheet send to (senior officer- customer relation l)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Service complain par day——–10 to 15 m)  Ã‚  Ã‚   She only send critical problem to the COO C. Service (project): Projects are those customers who bought a bulk amount of product. For an example GP bought——560+ diesel generators. 5 people are working as a service coordinator to maintain the service for project. Different people are handling different type project. So, their working style is also different. They have 5projects (GP, Bangla link, Eric son, AKTEL and Motorola. Processes are same but record keeping/documentation is different.Installation (projects): service coordinator Estimated( everything including product, pa rts and etc) given by the project * customer name * Package no * Supplier address * Technical terms * Other relevant information * Comments from customer * signed by RESL service engineer and customer RESL take all estimated   material( material list) for installation to the site If any extra parts or material need then RESL claim extra bill for that Commissioning paper and engineer sign that paper Problems: Service engineers are not identifying the specific problem. Every time new service engineer was coming and telling customer about new problem.Different service engineers are sending for same problem. customer become dissatisfied and for this reason sell will be decline in future Stock out problem Not delivery at proper time Not inform problem to the original sales people by Proper service Place Manpower Branding Promotion Promotion (integrated Marketing communication): RESL was doing Same Promotion for all products. For an example: diesel generator, GE lighting and power renta l. Above the line Through the line Below the line Above the line   | Bill board | Press add| Add Design for bill board | Process of press advertising:Design developed   by RESL with agency Rate (fixed)[on behalf of RESL negotiation with news paper by Agency] a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Which paper b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Page number c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What size d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Color Quotation send by add agency Work order send by RESL Payment Chapter four Branding 4. 1 Brand: A name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or a group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of competition. Brand elements, sometimes called brand identities, are those trademark able devices that serve to identify and differentiate the brand.The main brand elements are brand names, logos, symbols, characters, slogans, jingles, and packages. Brand element choice criteria: 1. MEMORABLE Easily recognized: it is easy to r ecognize because this is already a establish brand (general electric) Easily recalled: easy to recall also 2. MEANINGFUL Fun and interesting Rich visual and verbal imagery 3. PROTECTABLE Legally Competitively 4. ADAPTABLE Flexible Updatable 5. TRANSFERABLE Within and across product categories Across geographical boundaries and cultures The quality parameter: ProductQuality| Generator| Performance| v| Feature| v| Conformance quality| v| Reliability| v|Durability| v| Serviceability| v| Style and design| v| 4. 2 Steps of brand building TARGET MARKET| OTHER VARIABLES| VALUE INNOVATION| VALUE PRICING| VALUE DELIVERY | VALUE PROPOSITION | Brand Elements| STEPS IN BUILDING BRAND| Product Engineering| Creating Differentiation| Five Dimensional Branding| Win – WinSituation| Cost-EffectiveDistribution| Position the brand in the mind of the prospect| Create awareness/ identity of name/ symbol/personality | Position the brand to differentiate from others | Create brand image| Create trus t in the minds of customers, prospects and other stakeholders by maintaining consistency and DEL | BRAND EQUITY| Build awareness to the mind of the prospect. a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Branded vehicle b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   All Transportation of GE will covered by the GE stickers c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sales man will build awareness to the dealer d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tell detail about the   brand like GE e)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Provide GE T-shirt to all sales people 4. 3   Experience wheel of Rahimafrooz Chapter Five Supply chain  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   management 5. 1 Function of Physical distribution: Inventory control a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   How much to order? b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When to order? Warehouse(private) a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tejgaon b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Begun bari c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mirpur Material handling )  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Maintain the quality of storage b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moving right goods at the right ti me to make them available to the right customer. Transportation a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Own b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Private Channel structure: Indirect| Intermediary (RESL)| Manufacturer| End user| Level of intensities: Distribution from single outlet (RESL)| Exclusive| Ware house entry process: 1. Normal entry 2. Warranty entry A) Normal entry [which come from direct principle] Entry new products L/C number About product part number and serial number Input to the excel sheet Kept in store Delivery B) Warranty entry Entry Defective productsMatch with the product part number and serial number Input to the excel sheet For Defective products kept in store[ for physical evidence] Delivery Current process (re-placement flow): 5. 2 Target market : The target market is group of customer to whom the company aims its marketing effort. The   target market of the RBL is automobile users   and industries telecommunication, power station, railway   system, electric vehicle, forklift, ship   buoy lighting and solar power system and household for IPS and UPS battery. targeting   board groups of buyers within a specific product/market, such as automobiles.Consider for example, the global market for automobiles. In 2003 the sales   of   the Chevrolet Impala model where 1. 5 million units, In 2005 the sale corolla best selling model has sales of about 300,000 unit . considering automobile market   RBL segmented their markets and develop product like locus. The fragmentation of needs and want in market is creating subgroups of buyers of buyers within the total market, each displaying different customer satisfaction requirements. such  Ã‚   differention provides   and   opportunity for business to design product offerings to meet the needs of customer indifferent market segment.Targeting all people  Ã‚   and also organization in a market is not a typical strategy for RBL. instead, many target one or more segment within the total market. Deciding what people to target is a critically important strategic decision. Customer focus Rbl are focusing on customer. getting to close to customer Rahimafrooz associates   Ã‚  directly   with distribution, retailers and also buyers to know what drives customer satisfaction, identify customer   needs, and use those needs to target market where the business can achieve a sustainable and significant competitive advantage in this field.RBL understand customer preferences and   requirement and offerings superior value RBL developed a centralized customer feedback and query sell total commitment to customer satisfaction â€Å"is one is of their values. listening to what customer say in continual systematic way is a key tool to comprehend their needs and requirement and to satisfy them a achievement excellence in their product and service accordingly. All individuals of Rahimafrooz Group interact with customers and members of the  public everyday and do hear, eceive, or learn about their comment s, complaints, views, etc on the products, services, and dealings of the company A systematic and organized way of managing these feedbacks and queries will surely strengthen their total commitment to customer satisfaction. Strategic Policies Innovative: RBL always   find creative means to achieve their desired results, while  building on the experiences of others. Leaders : RBL aggressively in the forefront of economic development for their target markets; others will use their success  to measure own. Renewals and Growth:RBL focus our efforts and incorporate values into actions that contribute to a positive, effective and  sustainable economic transformation in the  Region. Enterprising  People: RBL find,  embrace  and  support  the  efforts  of  customers, suppliers and employees who are motivated to undertake new or risky paths that result in  personal and  company growth. Enterprising Businesses: RBL attract and engage companies willing to change a nd take risk to achieve sustainable growth, thereby providing increased employment and wealth to the Region. The Region:RBL will serve the broad  geographic area rather than Bangladesh. Strategies Build a support system that will enable the successful execution of resources to innovate superior products. Develop production process based on  the strategic plan  implementation requirements Develop cross-functional team to support  implementation of the  strategic plan. Develop a performance measures tool Develop  a  process  for  continual  feedback  on   progress  from  the  market  and  periodic assessment and  revision of their marketing strategy and plans. 5. 3 How RBL Become Market Leader 1. ive the values Integrity Honest, fair and impartial to all. – e. g. delivering on promises to external and internal customers. Excellence Self  discipline,  personal  responsibility,  overall  commitment  e. g. (a) Taking  personal resp onsibility for delivering the results as planned. e. g. (b)   Finding and  implementing new or  improved solution. Total Customer satisfaction This applies to both  internal and external customers, and must fully  satisfy both. This means those understanding their expectations, and  matching to our  resources/capabilities. Taking new initiativesFinding and implementing new ways of solving or improving issues 2. RESULT  ORIENTED Achieving   Ã‚  targets, taking corrective action, giving  feedback. 3. TEAM  BUILDER Empathic, Compassionate . e. g. (a) Receptive to ideas, complaints, feedback of others and adding positive suggestions (b)  Actively coaching team members for their  development. 4. RECEPTIVE  TO  CHANGE E. g. deriving maximum   Ã‚  benefit from   the new style of supportive training programs rather  than the previous directive style of training. 5. VISIONARY Recognizing the qualities & skills required to aspire to the company’s vis ion e. . Constantly  benchmarking themselves to fulfill aspirations. 6. ENTREPRENEURIAL Proactive, risk-taking, Self-starter, innovative, confident e. g. Constantly strive to improve knowledge of company. 5. 4 SWOT ANALYSIS OF RBL According to the study if the organization strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of   Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd is described bellow; Strengths: Excellent cycling ability  high reliability and exceptionally long life Large electrolyte reservoir high tolerance to water loss and minimal maintenance High charging efficiencyLow self discharge, dry pre-charged plates High rate of discharge performance High resistance to adverse mechanical and electrical condition Weaknesses: Expensive than other competitors’ brand Low self discharge Opportunities: Evolution into a â€Å"Plug-in Hybrid† with higher capacity batteries and a drive train designed to operate for extended periods in electric-only mode. spread into other market sectors Increasing awareness of environmental issues likely to keep demand high. licensing of technology to other manufacturers Threats Increasing Global CompetitionLow price batteries offered by China Increasing raw materials price Chapter Six Findings Product Basis Market Share: Rahimafrooz Battery Ltd 27 Feb 2011 †¦ Bangladesh now has a battery market of 0. 6 million units worth Tk 5. 0 billion a year and Rahimafrooz has 75 per cent market share. Rahimafrooz’s     Globatt hits Local Market â€Å"We exported 0. 6 million batteries in the last two years with   Ã‚  Globatt   Ã‚  having 60 per cent share of the total units. Mr. Moin said at present there is a demand of 400 million batteries worldwide while Rahimafrooz exports 0. 5 million units a year. Business DomainsThis section describes Rahimafrooz Group’s businesses according to the four broad segments that its companies operate in. Storage Power: Rahimafrooz Group is the largest manufacturer a nd exporter of automotive and industrial batteries in Bangladesh and has the largest battery export plant in South Asia. Automotive and Electronics: Rahimafrooz Group markets and distributes various automotive after-market products such as automotive batteries, tyres and lubricant as well as electronics ranging from home appliances, power backup systems, lighting products, and electrical accessories.The Group is also one of the leading complete CNG solution providers in the country. Energy: Rahimafrooz Group has a significant presence in the energy sector of Bangladesh and offers a wide range of renewable and conventional energy solutions. Retail: Rahimafrooz Group introduced the first retail chain of superstores in Bangladesh and has played a major role in redefining everyday shopping. After gathering information I can draw the following findings: As it is found that average 75% of market share is obtained by RBL.Most of the dealers claim that they receive their order, but it is no t in   ordering period. Cent percent dealers’ claims that they are dissatisfied with the products of RBL. The Rahimafrooz Group has more than 10 exclusive outlets. Bangladesh’s largest manufacturer†¦distributor of automotive and industrial batteries. Bangladesh-based Rahimafrooz Batteries Ltd (RBL) expects India operations to contribute 10 per cent to the company’s global revenues by 2013. Rahimafrooz IPS & UPS are best in country. RBL is the first producer of industrial battery.It is a leading name in the diesel generator industry having a customer base of nearly 900. RREL is also the pioneer in providing solar-hybrid solutions for Telecom Operators’ BTS towers and solar powered irrigation systems in Bangladesh. Skilled and well-trained team to ensure quality workmanship Excellent after sales service. Rahimafrooz CNG Ltd. (RACNG) is one of the leading complete CNG solution providers in the country Chapter Seven Recommendation Service engineers are not identifying the specific problem. Every time new service engineer was coming and telling customer about new problem.Different service engineers are sending for same problem. customer become dissatisfied and for this reason sell will be declined in future Stock out problem Not delivery at proper time Not inform problem to the original sales people by Proper service Place Manpower Branding Promotion If company solves these problems then it will grow faster. Conclusion No business stays at the top if it doesn’t maintain its performance. Thus it is very important to fulfill the demand of the consumers through competitive advantage.This study has gone through different stages to identify the relations of marketing tools that can affect significantly the market share of Rahimafrooz’s product. Going through, Rahimafrooz’s product also identifies different activities of the competitors because there are also players who have special interest are their market share in the same market. Timeliness of the data is very important. I want to mention that here I learned how to work in professional environment with challenges in the real development world, how to improve coding and design techniques and how to cope with different working Throughout the whole development process.I got the chance to implement my theoretical knowledge of marketing that I learnt over last 4 years from my respected faculty members of ASA University of Bangladesh. Not only that, through report writing I got to know how to compose professional and formal reports for any project or research works. I have taken total marketing strategy of Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Limited. Through this I have tried to give an actual scenario of Marketing Strategy.

Education And Teamwork

Is a college degree really necessary, and if so, is it worth the immense amount of debt that so many of us are in? Education importance is a subject that is up for debate, but it can be hard to deny the importance of knowledge in everyday life. One reason why education is important is that, education is about far more than the marks you receive. It's about understanding right from wrong and having the knowledge you need to stay know in today's society.It helps to develop your perspective on the world around you and pushes you to think both creatively and conceptually about many different subjects. Without education, sensory information would simply be lost. Education allows us to process the information we receive on a daily basis and make conclusions and inferences based on what we already know. Another reason why education is important is that, education helps people grow as individuals.It opens your mind to many things that you haven't been exposed to before, and classrooms allow for healthy discussion on difficult subjects. Education helps build social skills, problem solving skills, decision making skills and creative thinking skills. It introduces you to different cultures, religions and thought processes that o may never be exposed to otherwise. Education also provides a stepping stone to the real world, offering many different courses on proper financial techniques, life planning and personal development.TEAM stands for T – Together E – Everyone A – Achieves M – More† Teamwork is very important in everyday life, it teaches us what it is like to work with others, respect, and motivation. In team work you have a greater number of people working together in close proximity on the same goal. The motivation factor is going to be high especially when the team members understand each other, have a sense of healthy competition, are willing to help the others along and are big-hearted enough to take pride in each other's success es.After all, what's the fun in celebrating bayou are going to do it alone? People working in teams tend to learn more by their interactions with each other. Brainstorming sessions can help you view the same problem from different perspectives and arrive at the best possible solution. If you were working alone, it is quite possible that you would have not thought bout the different possible ways through which you could solve the problem.When you have a number of people specialized in different areas working together, it is easy to divide the tasks according the strengths and interests of each person and at the same time, keep everyone happy. If you are able to work in an area which is in task with your likes and interests, you will be able to put in your hundred percent into the job. These two things is very important in our lives and makes us who we are. No matter you like it or not you will always have education and teamwork in your life.

Anatomy, Physiology and of the Integumentary and Lymphatic Systems In Essay

Anatomy, Physiology and of the Integumentary and Lymphatic Systems In Conjunction with the Immune System - Essay Example The inner core is keratin, while the outer layer is a single layer of overlaid flat cells (Gale, 2005, Hair section). All integumentary external cells, of nails, hair, and skin, are dead cells. This is because new cells are generated beneath the surface; this process pushes the dead cells towards the outside. This process is easiest to discuss through an anatomical dissection of the skin into it's three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layers. The epidermis is composed of multiple layers of epithelial cells, which are extremely flat and range from two extremes. The outermost layer is entirely dead and made entirely of keratin, which is tightly joined so as to be waterproof. The innermost layer, consists of basal and melanocyte cells: the former produces keratin; the latter, melanin. Beneath these layers lies the live cells of the dermis, which produces all of the accessory features, contain the nerve fibers and blood vessels, and is constructed of fibrous proteins of collagen combined with connective tissue. The dermis is much thicker than the epidermis and is anchored to the muscles by the subcutaneous layer (Gale, 2005, Epidermis and Dermis sections). Farabee ( 2001a) notes that "Skin functions include protection, regulation of body temperature, sensory reception, water balance, synthesis of vitamins and hormones, and absorption of materials." The external layer both prevents excessive water loss while allowing the body to cool itself via sweat glands and the process of evaporation. The glands contract when the body has cooled. Other glands secrete acidic solutions to the skin surface to prevent fungus growth. Sebaceous (oil) glands secrete a mixture of fatty proteins both through hair follicles and directly to the skin surface. These oils prevent the dead hair and skin cells from drying out, while simultaneously killing bacteria on the skin surface (Gale, 2005, Sebaceous glands section). The epidermal melanocytes help prevent harm from UV radiation by producing melanin - it is this pigment which gives the skin both it's coloring and it's ability to darken (Gale, 2005, Epidermis section). The dermis sends nutrients to the epidermis through extended capillaries into the basal cells called dermal papillae. The dermal papillae result in looped ridges on the outer surface, i.e. fingerprints and similar markings. The sweat glands of the dermis are divided into two categories: the eccrine and the apocrine (Gale, 2005, Dermis section). The first are the sweat gland found all over the body, the second refers particular sweat glands found in the armpit, groin, and nipple area. The apocrine are normally larger glands which empty out into hair follicles; their production attracts a bacteria which produces what is generally termed 'body odor'. The dermis layer also contains the hair follicles (attached to pili muscles), and sensory receptors, which communicate information of temperature or pressure to the brain, thus allowing the brain to process external information (Gale, 2005, Hair and Sensory Reception sections). The lymphatic system mimics the circulatory system: it is a system of tubes that spread throughout the body anywhere the blood is carried. Plasma from the blood washes

Stelios Haji And Him Air Carrier Easyjet.com and Easycar.com Essay

Stelios Haji And Him Air Carrier Easyjet.com and Easycar.com - Essay Example Another year after easyCar was the fastest growing car Rental Company in Europe. Pleased with the exceptional performance of the company, Stelios resorted to an expansion mode. Two new sites each week in 2003-04 were targeted as the goal and to allow fresh inflow of capital, an IPO (Initial Public Offering) policy worth 250 million pounds was planned. At the beginning of the year 2003, easyCar already opened its outlets in 17 cities across five European countries (Lawrence and Solis, 2004). Stelios is one of the most flamboyant entrepreneurs of Europe picked up the pulse of the European consumers rightly. With the presence of car rental companies like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz, launching a rental car company and making the profit was not an easy task. Stelios realized the necessity of pulling something exceptional out of the scratches. From the very beginning, the emphasis of easyCar.com was to cut operating cost and provide its customers a unique price band in terms of its low level and unmatchable by any other organization operating in the market. Stelios also concentrated on product differentiation, as he understood that a perfect blend of the lower price with higher luxury (Dudik, 2000) could only make easyCar survive in the market. Moreover, the cost cut needs to be done in every aspect. As mentioned earlier that cost cut and thereby providing the customers a cheaper price is the main business strategy of easyCar.com. This cost cut has been achieved through a combination of four strategies, namely, locational strategy, operational strategy, and informational strategy. At the beginning of the year 2003 among the 55 sites spread in 17 cities across 5 European countries, only 9 were near the airport. The rest were either a railway station or a bus stop. Leasing land to open a site is far costlier near an airport than near a railway station or a bus stop.

Sport, Fitness and Management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sport, Fitness and Management - Coursework Example I have also been involved in the planning and preparing of coaching sessions and coaching children at FA Learning in Liverpool County. I have attained a number of sports certifications such as the Level1Certificate Club Coach and Football Club Administration from FA Learning. Question 2: Categorization The first activity, planning and preparing coaching sessions is a sporting activity. This is because it requires sports skills to accomplish. These include knowledge of sports fitness, sports management activities and professional skills relating to sporting in general. Planning coaching sessions requires practical skills. There is also need for knowledge relating to issues such as the intensity of training, the right diet, the time that training will take, breaks in between training and the need to achieve the overall training objectives. Essentially, the planner has to take into consideration knowledge and understanding of the sport, have cognitive skills and generally approach coach ing sessions from a professional perspective (Garland, Malcolm, & Rowe 2000). The second activity, actual coaching of children, is a physical activity. This is because coaching in today’s society demands the physical input and practical participation of the coach. Giving a player the instructions to conduct an activity for instance is not as effective as actually showing them what requires to be done. As such, the coach participates as much as the players in the activities scheduled for a coaching session. This fact can be explained through the transformation of the sports arena from the early 1900 when a swimming instructor, for instance, would guide a swimming session from the sidelines of a pool and would assist a troubled swimmer, without necessary getting into the water, with a long pole. In contrast, today’s swimming instructor is always in a swim suit ready to dive into the water should the need arise. In addition to this, swimming instructors get into the water themselves during training sessions, practically illustrating the body movements necessary (Study Guide 2008). People hold different views towards such activities however. One may view the planning and preparing of coaching sessions as a recreational activity for instance. Coaching of children may be viewed as a sporting or recreational activity. The difference in perception and variance in views relating to these activities can only be explained by the fact that people go through different experiences and posses different interests in life. As such, it is unlikely to achieve a convergence of opinion on sporting issues. Some people for instance believe that the use of technology in refereeing football matches will increase accuracy, reduce disputes and generally enhance the football game. On the other hand, others think that it will deny the game the rawness that makes it so exiting (BBC News 2005). Question 3: Perpectives Scientific perspective Scientific developments have indeed improved planning and preparations of coaching sessions. Technology is significantly employed in football coaching in today’s environment. As such, a coaching planer has to take into consideration the impact that technology will have on coaching sessions and its use in delivering the actual coaching. In football coaching sessions, technology is used in producing simulations of player positions and play strategies and producing statistics on a given play (BBC News 2005).

Human Resources in Organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Human Resources in Organisation - Essay Example Had the management drafted a detailed employment contract where a proper notice period was outlined, the process of dismissing Karen would have been very easy. However, upon reasonable notice, the human resource manager can always terminate the employment of an employee should the employee become a bother within the company (Henry, 1999). In any company, a reasonable notice period for an employment to be terminated will depend on how senior the employee is, the length of service, their age, remuneration, etc (John, 2008). Catastrophe Concepts can use the statutory minimum notice period where for the case of Karen who have worked with the company for eight years, two weeks for the first three years and a week every year for the remaining five years are the minimum time that the company can give to Karen as the notice period. This sums to a total of eight weeks notice period that the company must give to Karen in order to successfully terminate the employment. If the employment is term inated without this period on notice, Karen has a right to sue the company for wrongful dismissal. The company may be required to pay compensation for wrongfully dismissing her.Instant DismissalIf Catastrophe Concepts want Karen to stop working immediately, instant dismissal is the most effective. The reason for this could be that the management is worried that Karen may not work effectively in the company if she is allowed to remain in the company knowing that she is just about to leave not willingly but being dismissed by the company. The management could also be worried that Karen may be disruptive in the work place and may even disrupt the operations of the machines so that poor quality products may be produced. However, for instant dismissal, the company will have to pay a particular amount of money for compensation for their failure to give notice. This payment is also known as a sum in lieu of notice. Since there was no detailed employment contract for the case of Karen, the payment made will be tax-free and will be up to a limit of '30,000 and national insurance deductions will not be included (John, 2008). When the calculations for the amount will be made, Karen's benefits such as the car will have to be included in addition to her salary

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut - Essay Example Dwayne is a wealthy man, a well-known and respected man in his community, who happens to suffer from a chemical imbalance that causes him to become progressively insane. Trout however, is a very poor man who works in the aluminum industry and writes novels and essays in his spare time. Trout was never recognized as an author before coming to Midland City; his stories were only published in pornographic magazines. The narrator slowly involves himself in the story and reveals himself as the creator of Trout and all that Trout knows. In the story, the narrator brings Trout and Dwayne together through an arts festival in Midland City. While the two men have never met, their first and only meeting changes their lives forever after. Dwayne progressing insanity come to a head when he meets Trout and demands the secret of life; Trout in a moment of panic gives Dwayne his book called Now It Can Be Told and says that his book holds the secrets. The book is a science fiction books that tells a story of the Creator of the Universe who decides to experiment by putting one human on earth and everyone else is a robot put there to stir the human up in any way possible. Taking it as the true secret of life, Dwayne goes on a violent rampage, beating eleven people, including Trout for being, what he thinks, are robots. The narrator tells the readers that Trout turns his life around after the experience with Dwayne and becomes an expert in mental health and a champion for ridding the world of negative ideas. Trout becomes a respected and loved author and member of society. Dwayne ends up on Skid Row after his rampage; the tables were turned for these two characters. The narrator believes he is born again through Trouts experiences. Vonnegut uses the fictional element of satire to depict the self-destruction of humans throughout Breakfast of Champions. The characters are miserable in their lives, regardless

The history of united states Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The history of united states - Essay Example These differences emerge in terms of technological, cultural, and artistic change. History of the United States: Technological, Cultural, and Artistic Change The nature of progress throughout time is one of the fundamental differentiating factors between historical eras. While scholars contend that cultural and technological progress has been relatively uniform throughout human history, the explosion of industrial and digital technology throughout the 20th century constituted some of the most noticeable change in terms of lifestyle and culture. Indeed, an examination of the 20th century is impossible without an analysis of the significant progress that was achieved during the century. Through contrasting life during World War I and World II with life today, this essay constitutes a broad ranging investigation of technological, cultural, and artistic change within the United States. ... Life in the United States in 1911 lacked both modern radios and televisions (LeFeber). While radios existed during this period, it wasn’t until 1916 that the first radio emerged where individuals could change the station, greatly expanding the nature of entertainment and radio communication (LeFeber). There were no televisions or computers during this period of American history. One considers that without such technology the means of gaining news of significant cultural events could only be gained from newspapers. Similarly, it was very difficult to remain in contact with family or friends living long distances away, as modern telephone technology and email did not yet exist. In terms of movies, while by World War II there emerged sound films, individuals living at 1911 only could watch silent films. Another important technological consideration occurred in terms of transportation. While the first airplane had been invented at the early part of the 20th century, it wasnâ€℠¢t until 1919 that the first commercial flights emerged, and not until many years later that they would become an affordable option for most Americans (LeFeber). Of course, neither people living during World War I or World War II experienced aeronautical space shuttle technology. When considering technology in terms of lifestyle in 2011 United States it’s clear significant progress has been made since World War II. One considers one of the major changes being the ways that technological progress has changed the way people in American society interact. Today the emergence of social media technology has profoundly changed the way that people interact. Internet sites such as Facebook have made staying in contact with old friends and family as easy as walking to a computer. Similarly economic

Organizational Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 5

Organizational Behavior - Essay Example f organizational behavior leads to good relationships among the employees, poor organizational behavior management can lead to poor performance among the individual employees and groups (McGinnis, 2006). Group dynamics affect the operations of organizations. In most cases, group dynamics negatively affect the employee performance. Various theories explain factors responsible for the various behavioral types employees exhibit towards each other. The variance theory explains the various causes of behavior in an organizational context. The organizational structure, people, technology and the working environment are the most important factors influencing organizational behavior (McGinnis, 2006). If there is the absence of joy and happiness in the workplace, diagnosing the causes of these incidences is the only way of solving these problems. Meetings are an important component for effective management. Despite the escalated issues affecting the organization bovver time, and issues in the meetings, the organization has not done away with the meetings. The role played by meetings in the management process and policy formulation strategies has considerable effects in any organization. They help in the policy implementation process by designing the way and direction the organizations should take. In an effort to achieve normal operations in the organization and meetings serve their intended purpose, discipline is essential. Calling of names, flaming emails between co-workers, official charges brought to HR, uncivil behavior in meetings leading, sometimes, to screaming, name-calling, and physical threats is an indication of unmotivated, stressed and an organizational work that lacks morals. Changing the organizational structure is one of the ways of achieving the change (Hofstede, et al., 1997). According to systems theory, organizations are organs comprised of different parts performing a similar task. However, the criteria of organizing these parts determine the

Correlation between ESL students Research Paper

Correlation between ESL students - Research Paper Example Two studies were done in regards to preparing instructors to teach critical languages particularly Chinese and Arabic before joining US schools. The examination was geared towards illuminating the effects of on-going professional opportunities and pedagogical training. The need to train the teachers was informed by lack of background on different religious practices, cultures and ethnicities by pre-service teachers. Lack of exposure to diverse cultures by most of the foreign teachers impacted on their teaching since they relied mostly on myths and stereotypical misconceptions. The ultimate result was poor performance for ESL students not exposed to American culture in IETLS. Millennial learners are racially diverse. They have exhibit varying ethnic, religious, educational, cultural behaviors and characteristics leading to differences in the ability and capacity to adapt new languages, particularly English. According to Ota, millennial learners vary across regions as per socio-economi c conditions. It is more dependent on familiarity and use of digital technologies, media and communications. There is a gap between efforts students have in the classroom and what they finally score in IELTS leading to a need to carry out a qualitative analysis on more than 100 participants particularly millennial learners to establish whether narratives on ESL and IELTS especially in regards to bridging the gap between the two.  The major issue faced by Saudi students being taught IELTS in U.S.  Ã‚  

College degree Essay Example for Free

College degree Essay The quest for college degree has brought us to here HCC, because there was no real fulfillment in our various jobs. The benefits from having a college education are manifold and range from jobs satisfaction, higher earning potential, and healthier life style choices. With the advances in technology, many of todays jobs now require more than a high school education or trade skills. Success in the workforce is increasingly defined by the ability to think critically, manipulate a computer, and to work collaboratively in a teaming environment. Todays college education develops these abilities, providing individuals with invaluable business and personal skills and knowledge, as well as opening the door to better career opportunities and increased earning power. Having a college degree is linked to higher pay. People with a higher level of education are more satisfied in their jobs than people who only have a high school diploma. For example, in 2012 the median of earnings for young adults with a bachelors degree was $46,900, while the median was $22,900 for those without a high school credential and $30,000 for those with a high school credential. In other words, young adults with a bachelors degree earned more than twice as much as those without a high school credential (105 percent more) and 57 percent more than young adult high school completers. (National Center for Education Statistics website). One of the biggest arguments against a college education is not being able to go work when you turn eighteen. Many people believe that this will cause them to fall behind and not be able save up enough money. A college education will let you skip the line and start working with better jobs, in better places, with better conditions, and on top of that, the unemployment rates for high school graduates have increased to 8. 1% in the last year (Value of a Degree). The bottom line is that better jobs come from a better education. College education will help in making good choice and have a healthier life style. Apparently those with a college education are more likely to live healthier lifestyles, with fewer incidences of smoking and obesity. The gap between smoking rates of those with high school diplomas and those with four-year degrees has risen from 2 percentage points in 1962 to 17 points in 2012. College-educated adults of all ages, and their children, are also less likely to be obese. In addition, mothers with higher levels of education spend more time with their children, regardless of whether they are employed or not (Top Universities). Also in the other hand, according to Malcom X Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. The Luck of education is a serious problem today. Some effects include illiteracy and increased drop rate, this is also leads to have a trouble finding work. It is difficult to see the exact value of your education in the beginning. However, finishing high school is an asset that everyone with the opportunity should take full advantage of. Just finishing high school opens up some doors, but not many. On the contrary, not going to school can result in higher unemployment and therefore a means for extra burden on the society. You can see from the chart that there is a dramatic difference between what a person will be paid with a diploma and as a college graduate. According to the chart a college graduate can bring home nearly fifty-percent more than a person with a high school diploma. Higher education opens up opportunities for people. It gives student the experience and the confidence that they will be able to use in many life situations. Attending college gives students opportunities to express themselves and to learn about other people and their ideas. Although college isnt for everyone, everyone should at least give it a try. By going to college you learn to become independent, you go into the race for bigger, safer, better jobs, and you make more money on the other side. If you are given the opportunity to go to college, you should take advantage of it. You might even find out that you like it. The college experience is both academic and practical. College gives us a great opportunity to grow intellectually and gives us a chance to mature.

Female Artistic Gymnasts Caloric And Nutrient Intake

Female Artistic Gymnasts Caloric And Nutrient Intake Proper caloric and macro and micro nutrients intake has a significant influence in athletic performance among female artistic gymnasts (Applegate, 2001). Appropriate nutrition is an important portion of a female artistic gymnasts training program because it provides the energy required by the body for optimizing performance during practice sessions and competitions (Achten et al., 2004). Following an adequate diet during the years gymnasts are engaged in extraneous exercise routines contributes for maintaining a healthy life after their athletic careers, delaying the effects of aging (Beals, 2002). Also, a balanced diet improves the immune system and enhances a persons ability to concentrate (Applegate, 2001). Although appropriate diet is extremely important for athletes, female artistic gymnasts are a group predominantly predisposed for engaging in unhealthy eating behaviors for weight management purposes (Benson Gillie, 2001). In addition to the typical social pressure placed on females in general to be thin seen in the Western culture, these athletes are part of an environment that focuses on their bodies appearance (Nutter, 2000). Factors such as pressure from coaches, comparison with teammates, performance demands, aesthetics concerns, and physique-revealing uniforms are positively related to an increase in weight control practices in the sport context that female artistic gymnasts are inserted in (Yoon, 2002). Also, different researchers support the idea that the sport setting may contribute to heighten anxiety related to maintain a perfect body image and promote pathogenic eating behaviors among female gymnasts (Beals, 2002; Soares Ribeiro, 2002). The most common weight control practices observed among female artistic gymnasts are fasting and extremely low calorie intake (Phillips, 2004). Other methods include self-induced vomiting and the use of diet pills, diuretics, and laxatives (Hassapidou Manstrantoni, 2001). Extremely low energy intake is associated with delayed puberty, growth problems, and amenorrhea, which has been shown to affect bone development among women (Beals, 2002). In spite of the unquestionable importance of a balanced diet in terms of energy requirements and macro and micro nutrients for female artistic gymnasts, various researchers have demonstrated that there is a substantial lack of information about sport nutrition among artistic gymnastic coaches and athletes (Ziegler, Jonnalagadda, Lawrence, 2001; Yoon, 2002). According to Beals (2002), it is not rare to find gymnasts with erroneous ideas about sport nutrition who engage in extremely low calorie diets in order to lose weight and modify their body composition and appearance (p.1934). The interest in analyzing the food intake of female artistic gymnasts is attributed to the fact that even with evidences proving the importance of proper nutrition for athletic performance, many gymnasts neglect following a balanced diet. Many times, inappropriate weight control methods are adopted because of the lack of information about sports nutrition and/or constant concern about reaching a specific body composition (Applegate, 2001). Therefore, an analysis of the eating habits of female artistic gymnasts should be conducted in order to determine if their diet contains the proper amounts of calories and macro and micro nutrients. 1.1 Statement of the Problem Appropriate nutrition is a key component on the athletic performance of female artistic gymnasts (Phillips, 2004). However, many athletes tend to adopt inadequate weight control practices that end up compromising their diet as a result of the constant concern with body composition and image (Burke, Gollan, Read, 2001). Therefore, the goal of this paper is to answer the following question: On average, do females artistic gymnasts have a proper caloric and macro and micro nutrient intake based on their nutritional needs? CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Artistic Gymnastics According to the International Federation of Gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, also known as Olympic gymnastics is a sport in which athletes perform a set of exercises in different events. The movements of the gymnasts must be elegant and demonstrate strength, agility, flexibility, coordination, balance and control of the body. The events present in womens artistic gymnastics are vault, uneven bars, balance beams, and floor. In 1881 the International Gymnastics Federation was founded and womens artistic gymnastics entered the Olympics as a team event in 1928. After that, the participation of womens teams in international gymnastics competitions gradually increased. 2.2 Body Composition Body composition measurements are used to describe fat, bone, and muscle percentages in the human body (Berger Shenkin, 2006). It is basically measured in terms of body fat percentage, which can influence athletic performance during competitions and training sessions (Applegate, 2001). Athletic performance in gymnastic is, to a large extent, dependent on the athletes ability to sustain power (both anaerobically and aerobically) and to overcome resistance. Both of these factors are interrelated with the athletes body composition (Burke et al., 2001). Gymnasts with a higher body fat percentage than the desirable may be more prone to injury when performing difficult skills than athletes with a more optimal body composition. Also, excessive body fat can reduce speed and increase the metabolic cost of an action (Nieman et al, 2001). A high lean body mass, which is the sum of the nonfat parts of the human body like muscle, organs, blood and water, may aid athletic performance by improving the strength-to-weight ratio. A higher percentage of lean mass facilitate power production (Jonnalagadda, Nelson, Lawrence, Bacick, 2002). A low body fat content also helps performance by lowering the resistance because the smaller the body profile, the less resistance the body is likely to produce. For example, a gymnast who weighs 110 pounds (50 kilograms) and is 5 feet (152 centimeters) tall with a body fat percentage of 15 percent will have a lower air resistance tumbling through the air than a gymnast with the same weight and height but with a body fat percentage of 20 percent (Burke et al., 2001). However, many gymnasts when attempting to achieve an optimal body composition use counterproductive methods (Economos, Bortz, Nelson, 2003). Diets and excessive training often result in such a severe energy deficit that, although total body mass may be reduced, the constituents of weight also change, commonly with a lower muscle and a relatively higher fat percentage (Singh, Evans, Gallagher, Deuster, 2003). The resulting higher body fat and lower muscle mass is associated with performance reduction that motivates the athlete to follow regimens that produce even greater energy deficits, which can place gymnasts at serious health risk (Nutter, 2000). 2.3 Macronutrients There are two types of essential nutrients, macronutrients and micronutrients.   Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are the three types of macronutrients (Burke et al., 2001). Macronutrients are the substrates required to maintain the different energy systems responsible for energy production in the body. Each macronutrient produces distinct amounts of energy and plays a unique role during extraneous physical activity (Baechle Earle, 2008). In general, in a balanced diet 55-75% of the total energy comes from carbohydrates, 12-15 % from proteins and 25-30 % from lipids (p.74). A diet should be adjusted to the specific needs of each gymnast. Many aspects should be considered when prescribing a diet to an athlete, such as weight, height, sex, body fat percentage, age, metabolism and the type, frequency, intensity, and duration of training (Nutter, 2000). 2.3.1 Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy for athletes because they provide adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for muscle contractions (Baechle Earle, 2008). Once ingested, carbohydrates are broken down into smaller sugars, such as glucose, that are absorbed by the body and utilized as energy (p.76). Glucose molecules that are not immediately needed, get stored in the muscles and liver in the form of glycogen. Glycogen forms an energy reserve that can be quickly mobilized to meet a sudden need for glucose (Phillips, 2004). In the liver cells, glycogen can compose up to 8% of the fresh weight (100-120  g in an adult) soon after a meal. Only the glycogen stored in the liver can be made accessible to other organs. In the muscle, glycogen is found in a much lower concentration (1% to 2% of the muscle mass), but the total amount exceeds that in the liver (Baerchle Earle, 2008). Since ATP and muscle glycogen are immediately accessible in the muscle, they are the main fuels utilized for short and intense bouts of exercise, such as the ones performed by gymnasts (p.90). A short duration and high intensity exercise period is classified as an anaerobic, which utilizes primarily anaerobic pathways for energy production (without oxygen). There are two types of anaerobic energy systems: ATP and creatine phosphate (phosphagen) system and anaerobic glycolysis (p.80). Creatine phosphate molecules, which quickly re-synthesize ATP in the muscle cells, are stored in very limited quantities (Ziegler et al., 2001). So, the phosphagen energy system can only provide fuel for the muscle for approximately thirty seconds. After that, energy will be primarily produced by the anaerobic glycolysis process (Singh et al., 2003). Anaerobic glycolysis exclusively uses glucose as a fuel in the absence of oxygen or more specifically, when ATP is needed at rates that exceed those provide d by aerobic metabolism (energy production with oxygen). The result of rapid glucose breakdown is the formation of lactate (Baerchle Earle, 2008). According to Singh et al (2003), glycogen has four main purposes in the body: functioning as a source of energy for muscles, sparing protein consumption, working as metabolic activator, and providing fuel for the brain (p.329). Muscular glycogen depletion leads to lower levels of blood glucose and liver glycogen (Singh et al., 2003). During prolonged physical activity, insulin secretion from the pancreas decreases, while glucagon and catecholamine concentrations in the blood increase. Catecholamine are hormones (adrenaline, noradrenalide and dopamine) released by the adrenal gland. Together with glucagon they stimulate the breakdown of liver glycogen, a process called glycogenolysis (Achten et al, 2004). When glycogen storages reach a very low level, energy is originated from gluconeogenesis, an energy production process in which amino acids, lactate, and glycerol are converted into ATP for muscle contraction (Baechle Earle, 2008). This process becomes an important source of energy during periods of prolonged exercise and low carbohydrate intake. In extreme condition, gluconeogenesis can cause a significant reduction in the lean body mass, which is associated with higher production of nitrogenous wastes (bi-products of protein breakdown) (Jonnalagadda et al., 2002). One way of classifying carbohydrates is based on the glycemic index (GI), which is a measure of the effect of a carbohydrate rich food on blood glucose levels relative to glucose. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion, releasing glucose rapidly into the bloodstream, have a high GI; carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI (Singh et al, 2003). A lower glycemic response is associated to a smaller insulin demand. Glucose and white bread are used as reference foods and have a glycemic index of 100. The glycemic index is determined by measuring the postprandial glycemia (glucose levels after a meal) for a time interval of two hours after the ingestion of 50g of a specific food (Berger Shenkin). A glucose response curve is plotted depicting the relationship between blood glucose elevation and time. The area of the curve above the fasting level is measured and divided by the area of the curve of the sta ndard food (either glucose or white bread) and multiplied by 100 (Jonnalagadda, 2002). Up to two hours prior exercise, a meal that is rich in carbohydrates of low (milk and vegetables) or moderate GI (fruits) is preferred instead of one with a high GI. Foods with low to moderate GI will maintain the energy level balanced and avoid energy peaks by keeping the blood glucose and insulin levels low (Burke et al., 2001). In addition, these foods tend to be lower in fat and contain more vitamins, minerals and fiber than the ones with a high GI. Also, low to moderate IG foods promote glycogen storages, which will consequently improve performance during competition or practice session (Benson Gillie, 2001). Carbohydrate intake after physical activity is extremely important because it will replenish glycogen storages used during exercise (Burke et al, 2001). Also, after physical activity cells become more sensitivity to insulin, increasing glucose uptake by the tissues. After physical activity, muscle and liver glycogen is completely replenished in 24 hours. Therefore, adequate carbohydrate intake is extremely important for athletes (Nutter, 2000). According to Economos et al. (2003), 50 to 55% of the total caloric intake should come from carbohydrates. Other authors believe that the carbohydrate percentage in the diet of artistic gymnasts should vary from 55 to 75% of the total calories (p. 388). The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends a daily intake of 150 to 175 grams of carbohydrate for each 1000 calories consumed (Yoon ,2002). Lastly, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests that more than 55% of the total calories should be in the form of carbohydrates (Be als, 2002). 2.3.2 Proteins Proteins are composed of one or more amino acids. A typical protein contains 200-300 amino acids but some are much smaller (the smallest are often called peptides) (Beals, 2002). More than 300 different types of amino acids are found in nature but only 20 exist in the human body. Among these 20 amino acids, eight are essential, which means that they cannot be synthesized by the body. The others are called non-essential amino acids, since they are produced by the organism (Phillips, 2004). When the body does not have enough carbohydrate, protein is broken down to produce glucose for energy (Baerchle Earle, 2008). Adequate carbohydrate intake helps prevent protein from being used as energy. Because the primary role of protein is to function as the building blocks for muscles, bone, skin, hair, and other tissues, relying on protein for energy (by failing to take in adequate carbohydrate) can limit the athletes ability to build and maintain tissues. Additionally, utilizing protein as an energy source stresses the kidneys because they have to work harder to eliminate the byproducts of protein breakdown (Soares Ribeiro, 2002). In the body, proteins play other important roles such as functioning as hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters, participating in the process of energy production, and regulating several metabolic pathways important during physical activity. Amino acids also have a small participation in energy production during extenuating physical activities (Economos et al., 2003). Whereas carbohydrates provide more than 80% of the fuel utilized in the metabolic pathways, amino acids contribute for only 5 to 10% in physical activities of long duration (Jonnalagadda et al., 2002). The recommended protein intake for gymnasts is around 1.1 grams/kg of body weight or 12 to 15% of the total caloric intake (Burke et al., 2001). 2.3.3 Lipids The main lipids in the human body are triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and lipoproteins. Triglycerides, which are composed by one glycerol molecule and three molecules of fatty acids, are the most common lipids in the diet and are stored by the body (Nieman, 2001). During a prolonged exercise period, such as a long gymnastic practice, stored triglycerides in the adipose tissue are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol by the enzyme lipase (Economos, 2003). Adrenaline and glucagon secreted in response to low levels of blood glucose stimulate the release of triglycerides from the adipose tissue. High levels of insulin and blood glucose have the opposite effect, since it is associated with the deposit of triglycerides in the adipose tissue (Singh et al, 2003). Glycerol is phosphorylated in the liver into glucose-6-fosfate, resulting in substrate for the formation of glucose (glyconeogenesis) (Baerchle Earle, 2008). The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends that 30% of the total caloric intake should come from lipids. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests a lipid intake of 25-30% of the total caloric intake. 2.4 Micronutrients Vitamins and minerals play an important role in regulating energetic pathways, contracting and building muscles, functioning as antioxidants, and participating in the immunologic system (Economos, 2003). 2.4.1 Minerals Minerals represent 4% of total body weight. The two most important minerals in the diet of athletes are iron and calcium because the body concentrations of these are more likely to be affected by intense training periods. Also, they play significant roles in athletic performance (Singh et al., 2003). Calcium plays an important role in muscle contraction. It is stored in the sarcoplasmatic reticulum of muscles and released when muscles fibers are stimulated, forming actine-miosine bridges and causing the muscle to contract (Yoon, 2002). Besides, according to Phillips (2004), there is a correlation between a poor diet in calcium and the occurrence of stress fractures. Low calcium levels in the diet of female athletes are also related to the incidence of earlier osteoporosis than in the average women after menopause (Nutter, 2000). Athletes should have a daily intake of calcium equal to 1.2 grams (Achten et al., 2004). Besides calcium, iron is also significant in the diet of athletes. Since iron is found in the hemoglobin and myoglobin, lack of this mineral directly affects oxygen transport in the blood and to muscles (Beals, 2002). Iron deficits in the body can cause anemia, condition in which hemoglobin is reduced in the blood and red blood cells become small and pale (Berger Shenkin, 2006). Common symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia are: slow recover after physical activity, irritability, tiredness, depression, insomnia, and consequently a decrease in athletic performance (Beals, 2002). For female athletes the recommended dietary intake of iron is 18mg/day (Baerchle Earle, 2008). 2.4.2 Vitamins Vitamins A, D, E, and K are denominated lipossoluble and vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), pantotenic acid, and vitamin C are called hydrosoluble (Willmore Costill, 2001). Vitamins from the B complex function as co-factors and coenzymes in reactions related to the energetic metabolism, such as glycosis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and beta oxidation of fatty acids (Singh et al., 2003). Vitamin C is important for iron absorption and plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, carnitine, epinephrine, and serotonin (Yoon, 2002). Vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A) function as antioxidant, protecting the organism against infections and preventing any harm that free radicals (toxic substances released during physical activity) may cause to tendons and ligaments (Nutter, 2000). Therefore, a proper intake of beta-carotene and vitamin C and E are important in the diet of athletes, since they will help in the elimination of free radicals. Lack of vitamin C may cause muscular weakness, decrease lipid breakdown, and increase occurrence of injuries (Applegate, 2001). Restrictions in energy and nutrient intake in the diet of gymnasts may cause lack of vitamins in the body (Mullinix, Jonnalagadda, Rosenbloom, Thompson, Kicklighter, 2003). 2.5 Caloric Intake Energetic expenditure is determined by the thermic effects of food (5-10%), basal metabolic rate (60-65%) and intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity (25-35%). The thermic effect of food is the energy required to process and store nutrients for use. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy spent by the body at rest to maintain in the vital organs functioning. A low body fat percentage and a high muscle mass increase BMR (Baerchle Earle, 2008). Female artistic gymnasts should have a caloric intake adequated to their energy expenditure in order to maximize proper performance, body composition, and health (Phillips, 2004). A low energy intake or an inadequate diet in terms of macro and micro nutrients may result in improper intake of important nutrients for the energetic metabolism and muscle tissue regeneration (Ziegler et al., 2001). Female artistic gymnasts usually practice for long periods (5 to 6 hours a day), which results in high energy expenditure, so they should have a caloric intake of 40-45 kilocalories/kilogram of body weight (Economos et al., 2003). Excessive concern with body image and weight control may affect caloric intake among female artistic gymnasts (Ziegler et al., 2001). Inadequate energetic consumption and eating disorders are frequently seen among athletes who participate in sports in which performance is associate to low body weight, such as ice skating and gymnastics (Ziegler et al, 2001; Yoon, 2002). Soares Ribeiro (2002) reported that 75% of gymnasts who have been told to be overweight from their coaches adopted strong measures in order to loose weight. Therefore, coaches play important roles in avoiding extreme weight control measures and consequently excessive low calorie diets among gymnasts. Also, female artistic gymnasts should consult with sports dietitian in order to minimize this type of problem (Hassapidou Manstrantoni, 2001). 2.6 Eating Behavior: Benson and Gillie (2001) evaluated the eating habits of 32 female artistic gymnasts (20 to 24 years old) from six different gymnastics schools in Canada based on their food intake of three distinct days in which they had normal practice schedules. The average caloric intake (1,838 calories (kcal)/day) was relatively low compared with the energetic recommendation for female artistic gymnasts. Besides, 40% of the athletes had diets that were low in calcium, folic acid, vitamin E, and pyridoxine and 53% showed a low iron intake. On average, the diet of athletes was constitued of 15% of proteins, 36% of lipids, and 49% of carbohydrates (p.83). Mullinix et al. (2003) analyzed the dietary intake of 13 members of two different collegiate womens artistic gymnastic teams (19 to 25 years old) based on the dietary intake of six days collected during 2 weeks. The average caloric intake was equal to 1,845kcal/day and athletes presented a lower caloric intake inferior to the recommendation, like the previous study. Fifty-five percent of athletes consumed less than 50% of the recommended intake for pyridoxine, folic acid, calcium, and iron (p.590). Yoon (2002) also studied the eating habits of ten collegiate athletes using the food intake and activity level of three days. It was estimated on average the daily energy expenditure was 2,855kcal/day. However, the caloric intake was, on average, only 1,357kcal/day, representing a deficit of 1,498 calories per day. More than 50% of the gymnasts had a low intake of calcium, iron, and vitamin A (p.1553) In a study conducted by Ziegler et al. (2001), twenty American gymnasts (22 years old on average) recorded their food intake during three days in which they had training. After analysis, it was possible to conclude that, on average, there was a lack of vitamins A, D, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. One fourth of the athletes were taking vitamin supplements. The average caloric intake was equal to 1,771kcal/day (56g of proteins, 75g of lipids, and 218g of carbohydrates) (p.106). In a study conducted by Soares and Ribeiro (2002), the food intake of 20 Brazilian gymasts was evaluated (18-20 years old). In order to analyze the eating behavior of athletes, the authors recorded their food intake for three days and asked participants to do a 24 hour food recall. The average caloric intake was equal to 1,521kcal/day. The carbohydrate content in their diet ranged from 50% to 58% and the protein intake from 15% to 19%. On average, there was a deficit of calcium (45% below the recommendation), magnesium, iron, and zinc (p.350). Hassapidou Manstrantoni (2001) compared chances in the diet of 25 Greek female artistic gymnastics between competitive and non-competitive stages of training. Authors reported that there was no variation in the diet among these two different periods. In both stages, there was a negative energy balance in the diet of 68% of athletes, which was below the recommended caloric intake for gymnasts. Protein intake and micronutrient intakes were, on average, within the recommendation for athletes. Adequate micronutrient intake was attributed to the high consumption of vegetables and fruits, which is a characteristic of the Mediterranean diet (p.395). 3. CONCLUSION In order to achieve a good performance, female artistic gymnasts should adopt a balanced and adequate diet. Athletes should have a varied diet that provides them with proper caloric and macro and micronutrients intake. Factors, such as pressure from coaches to keep a perfect body composition lead many gymnasts to adopt inappropriate weight control methods. In the last decade, eating behavior of gymnasts has caught the attention of many researchers in the field of sports nutrition and exercise science. Recent studies have indicated a constant anxiety related to weight control among many gymnasts, which frequently results in inappropriate eating habits and extremely low calorie diets compared to the recommendations. The studies presented showed that, on average, gymnasts follow low calorie diets, which are below the recommended caloric intake and do not provide athletes with the proper amounts of macronutrients. Besides, also according to the studies there appears to be a low mineral and vitamin intake in the athletes diet. As a result, performance is very likely to be compromised since appropriate nutrition is essential for optimal functioning of the body and health. The only exception was the study conducted by Hassapidou Manstrantoni (2001), in which Greek gymnasts had an adequate intake of micronutrients. This can be attributed to the fact that athletes were probably eating according to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables. In conclusion, the analysis of the studies showed that, on average, the eating behavior of female artistic gymnasts does not follow the nutritional recommendations and adequate intake of calories and macro and micro nutrients. For future studies, in order to improve their eating behavior and mindset about body image, the food intake of athletes should be evaluated after exposure to psychological counseling and nutritional reeducation for a reasonable period of time.