Solomons The Return of the Screw :: Solomon Return of the Screw

Solomon's The Return of the Screw Mrs. Grose, playing cleverly on the governess' visions, convinces her she is seeing Peter Quint and Ms. Jessel in an effort to drive her mad. At least, that is according to Eric Solomon's "The Return of the Screw." Mrs. Grose tries to remove the governess to get to Flora. Mrs. Grose will do anything to gain control of Flora, as she proved when she murdered Peter Quint. He, along with Ms. Jessel, was too much of an influence on the children. Quint died somewhat mysteriously, on a path between town and Bly. He died from a blow on the head, supposedly from falling upon a rock in the road. The reader's only impression of the death is through Mrs. Grose's story, though, and so, Solomon hypothesizes, she filters the information to make it seem less extraordinary a demise. Perhaps Mrs. Grose killed him out of jealously. The reader can infer from this point of view that Mrs. Grose somehow also had a hand in Ms. Jessel's death. Mrs. Grose then proceeds, after the murders, to twist the new governess' visions of ghosts into visions of Quint and Jessel. Solomon does not address the issue of whether or not what the governess sees is actually there. His explanation is logical either way. If the governess sees real ghosts, or if she is imagining it all, does not matter. What matters is that Mrs. Grose tailors Quint and Jessel to the governess' descriptions. She listens to the descriptions and tells the governess' she is seeing Quint and Jessel. Mrs. Grose does not herself create the visions that the governess sees, instead, she bends them to her purpose. The governess' visions of ghosts are twisted by Mrs. Grose. When the governess reports seeing a ghost, Mrs. Grose seizes the opportunity, exclaiming that the ghost she sees must be Peter Quint. She also labels the other apparition as the ghost of Ms. Jessel. In this way, she can give the ghosts an evil quality, imparted to them because of the evil lives of Quint and Jessel. Making the ghosts evil forces the governess' Victorian mind to attempt to shield the children from the evil. Mrs. Grose knows the governess will read too far into the children's actions, and

The Fight for Womens Rights After the Vote was Gained Essay example --

The Fight for Women's Rights After the Vote was Gained By 1925, both feminist socialists and equal rights feminists believed they had won their battles for women's rights because they had gained the vote. Considering developments in the 20th century, how justified were those beliefs? Winning the vote for women was only the beginning, so those who thought that was the end of the fight had a big surprise coming. The vote was to be for women an instrument to achieve equality. In order for this to happen women had to stick together and only voted for candidates that would work on some of their demands. Even though, it was legal for women to vote, it was still not socially acceptable, so most women who did where considered social outcasts. Due to this accurate position, a great deal of women chose not to vote, and most of those who did vote, did so the same way their husbands or fathers did. Because of that, women as a group where nothing to fear, since they would not cause a shift in the polls, so political candidates ignored women's demands. This fact proved that the fight...

The Rivalry Between Boeing and Airbus Essay -- Economics Airlines Airc

The Rivalry Between Boeing and Airbus The rivalry between Boeing and Airbus goes back a long way, when Boeing was by far the dominant supplier of commercial airplanes. Up until 1997, Boeing was the clear market leader on the passenger airplane market. Now the situation is less certain, as Airbus has overtaken its American competitor[1] not only in the domestic market but also in the world market, with its introduction of new models of passenger aircrafts. The main issue addressed in this article is that a 1992 U.S.-EU civilian aircraft pact allows too much European government support for Airbus, helping it sell more jetliners than Boeing, which had an 80% share in the market a decade ago. Thus the U.S. government wants the E.U. to put an end to any new subsidies provided by their government, which are aimed at protecting their aerospace industry. The market structure for the aerospace sector is oligopolistic i.e. there are few enough firms to enable barriers to entry to new firms because of various reasons such as huge capital investments and high technology. Hence, Boeing and Airbus, which are the two giants in the aerospace industry, have virtually split the market. When Airbus was first set up, it faced a lot of competition from Boeing. This civilian aircraft pact allowed the European government to take protectionist measures by providing various government subsidies to its developing high –technology industry (i.e. Airbus) so that it could compete with Boeing in the international market. The diagram below illustrates the impact of the subsidies on the quantity supplied by Airbus in the domestic market. In the diagram we assume that the world supply is perfectly elastic at Pw. Under conditions o... ... disputes and worsen trade realtionships between the U.S. and the E.U. The E.U. government was justified in providing subsidies to Airbus earlier. This is because Boeing were the clear market leaders and had established a monopoly power (i.e. Boeing was the only major industry in the aerospace sector) not only in the world market, but also in the local European market. Hence, this posed as a big threat to Airbus, since they were not able to compete in the world and local market and this could have lead to the decline of the aerospace industry of Airbus. But now, since Airbus has established itself as one of the main producers in the aerospace sector, future subsidies are not desirable for free trade. References: Essential of Economics – John Sloman http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/125726.stm [1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/125726.stm

Microbiology Week Essay

The bacteria can survive on skin are normally gram-positive because of their ability to survive in dry and humid conditions. The conditions on the skin are not suitable to all bacteria such as gram-negative bacteria and only those that can survive salty and dry conditions can survive. The skin has defense mechanism against pathogens such as its low moisture level, acidity, rigidity and defenses released by the skin. Certain areas of our body do contain gram-negative bacteria, staphylococcus aures and corynebacterium. Those areas are the armpit, groin and toe webbing because it is a moist area, however the bulk of human skin contains gram-positive bacteria such as staphylooccus epidermis and propionobacterium. Siegenthaler, D. and Siegenthaler, S. (2009), You’re Skin-Home to Millions of Microorganisms, Retrieved from http://www. ellsphere. com/skin-beauty-article/your-skin-home-to-millions-of-micro-organisms/582120 Someone who is immunocompromised means they have an immune system that has been impaired due to a disease or a certain treatment. The eye structure is the most direct way for exposer from the environmental bacteria to enter causing infections and certain diseases. Immunocompromised hosts are more likely to get an eye infection caused by fungi because the immune response is generally very effective at controlling fungal infections, therefore it will eliminate pathogenic fungi when they begin to grow in the body and cause diseases. However an individual who is immunocompromised the fungi on the inside or the outside colonize leaving them with lower levels of fungi that exists as a commensal in the body which can outgrow and cause a disease, unfettered by the immune response.

Enhancing Democracy in the United States of America Essay

Democracy: â€Å"1 a: government by the people ; especially : rule of the majority b: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections 2: a political unit that has a democratic government† (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) With the 2008 elections fast approaching, and a highly fueled and hotly contested primary and general election campaign waning, the public is forced to consider the problems and opportunities in the American democratic system. Is there something wrong with the democratic system in the United States of America? If so, what? If there is a problem with democracy in America, what is it and how can it be fixed? The United States of America was born of an act of legislation designed to promote democracy. The United States has developed into a world superpower by enacting and enforcing legislation designed to enhance democracy. Today, legislation is passed by elected officials who then vote in national, state, and local legislative assemblies. In other words, voting and the electoral system, is the catalyst for maintaining democracy. The United States can improve democracy by improving the voting system that facilitates the democratic process. Federally mandated voter registration Today, many men are the beneficiaries of laws enacted giving their mothers the right to vote. All ethnic minorities are the beneficiaries of laws enacted giving African-Americans the right to vote. Voter registration is still optional, and considered a privilege. But now is the time to make voter registration a responsibility of all American citizens. Voter registration should be treated like Selective Service registration, a must for those who wish to receive any other benefits of citizenship including financial aid and government employment. It is not difficult to keep track of eligible voters, especially in this information age where all children are issued a social security number at birth. This process can be as simple as using the existing social security system to send registrations to those who have reached their 18th birthday and maintaining a national database similar to the social security and selective service rolls. Enforcement can be as simple as cross referencing social security numbers for registration upon application for jobs, financial aid, and public assistance. Compliance can be mandated by withholding benefits pending registration. This is a minimal effort and may not increase voter participation. But this registration plan could eliminate most existing barriers to voter registration. Federal authority over state and local elections This idea expands on the idea of the federal registration system. The Federal Elections Commission already exists. With electronic voting and reporting, federal authorities should require that all state and local elections comply with the same guidelines as national elections. This would work by applying residency requirements to both congressional elections and local elections. In other words, a person registered, residing, receiving benefits in Idaho cannot register to vote in local elections in Columbus, Georgia. This simply uses the wealth of electronic information captured on citizens to manage voting. This system would have to also account for citizens with multiple residences by requiring that everyone declare a primary residence which would be the location for their voting. If they know that they will be in a secondary residence at election time, the registration system should allow them to easily request absentee balloting which could be completed by mail or turned in at a local agency of the federal board of election. Citizen assemblies control re-districting activities Legislative assemblies and committees currently control political re-disctricting plans. In other words, elected officials decide when and how (and if) voters want, need, and get additional elected officials. Rapid economic development causes some districts to grow and change materially and demographically such that a single elected official cannot effectively serve the interests of the entire district. In that case citizens should have the right to send a message, at the voting booth, that they need additional representation. A citizen assembly should bring together elected and public officials, urban and economic planners, and affected citizens together to draw districting plans that represent the interests of all parties without compromising a sitting official’s position or ignoring a constituent’s special needs. A series of re-districting alternatives can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide. Voter responsibility education Schools should be required to include a course that teaches voting rights and responsibility as part of a social studies, American government, and civics curriculum. This course should be repeated at the university level to account for foreign students that will eventually become United States citizens. For older Americans who are beyond the educational system and for older immigrants, community based programs should be implemented that instill that voter registration is a responsibility of citzenship, not just an optional right or privilege. Tax deductible campaign donations Public financing for campaigns is generally not a tangible benefit for lower income voters. Many may see public financing as a way for candidates who do not have their interests in mind to advance their campaigns. Allowing federal and local tax deductions for small campaign donations can help to decrease feelings of disenfranchisement of lower income voters. They have the opportunity to directly support the candidate or issue of choice, and receive a ture public benefit (both the donation and the deduction). This could replace the current system and be managed at the federal level as well. Conclusion The United States can enhance democracy by modifying its election system. By placing activities such as deciding on political districts and adding value to campaign donations, voters are enfranchised in a greater way. Education makes citizens understand the benefits of voting. Consolidating the registration and polling makes the system as fair and not subject to less error. References democracy. (2008). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved October 13, 2008, from http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/democracy Gerkin, H. , et al. (2006). Six Ways to Reform Democracy. Boston Review, September/October 2006. Retrieved October 13, 2008, from http://bostonreview. net/BR31. 5/gerken. php

Poles Reading Fewer and Fewer Books Essay

Poles reading fewer and fewer books – speculating about the causes Fewer and fewer Poles are reading books nowadays. It is mostly visible in the libraries, book stories and even in the reading rooms. What are the causes of such phenomena? Let us look at three of them: lack of time, the rise of technology and laziness. It seems that the main cause might be that Poles have no time for reading books. These days more and more people are overworked, and when they finally have their leisure time they prefer to go to the cinema or to the party rather than read books. Going to the library and borrowing books also requires some time and may be problematic to many people. Another important cause is that technology plays an important role in many people’s lives. The new technology, which is developing day by day offers a lot of facilities, interesting methods of spending time. People are focused on gaining new abilities, moving with the times and books are often considered as something archaic and unnecessary. What may also contribute to such a phenomenon as reading fewer and fewer books by Poles is the fact that they are simply lazy. It seems that going to the library and borrowing a book demands too much effort for contemporary people. As far as teenagers are concerned, they prefer much easier things to do, for example staring at the television, playing video games or going to a pub. Taking everything into consideration, I can state that reading books by Poles as a way of spending their free time is becoming less popular. Nowadays people spend their time mainly on working and are generally not interested in books. It can be difficult to change this negative attitude towards reading but it is certainly worth trying.

Lancôme Marketing Plan Essay

I. Executive summary: Lancà ´me is preparing to launch a new anti-aging cream concluding the perfect result of 10 years exploring in lab and be recommended as â€Å"A miracle elixir exists†, the Absolue L’Extrait, in Vietnam cosmetic market. Our product offers a competitively unique combination of the latest advanced technology in dermal stem cells and great beauty effects after testing and launching in other countries. We are targeting specific segments in the consumer and taking advantages of opportunities indicated by the huge demand for beauty in such a dynamic economic. The primary marketing objective is to achieve first-year Vietnam sales of 10,000 units. The primary financial objectives are to achieve first-year sales revenues of $3.5 million and break even early in the second year. II. Current market situation: Lancà ´me is founded in 1935 by Armand Petitjean in France. From the beginning till now, Lancà ´me has brought beauty for women in 160 countries worldwide through 28.000 retailers and stores all over the world. After gaining a large amount of market shares in European market and become a market leader, Lancà ´me turns the target into Asia, and Vietnam in special. Penetrating in Vietnam in 2006 through the only retailer channel- Parkson, Lancà ´me has gained a certain amount of market share and has occupied a strong position in the eye of the upper- class. However, we also have to compete with some strong brand names in cosmetic about pricing and gaining customer’s loyalty such as Clinique which is the pioneer in dermatologist-developed cosmetic brand. Exploring that most of Vietnamese women (about 75%) care much more about skincare than makeup, the newest product which is in the expansion of the premium ABSOLUE line – Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’extrait, will be about to launch into Vietnam market and possess a strong advantage to differentiate from other competitors. 1. Market description: Method: Concentrated marketing Absolue L’Extrait is a new- launched and luxury product, therefore concentrated marketing help the company gain a strong market position. Table 1: Segment Needs and Corresponding Features/Benefits of L’Extrait Cream Target Market| Customer need| Corresponding feature/ benefit| Upper- class women| A cream can slow down and push back the aging process.A therapy can bring them back to the confident and youth like they were before.| Rose stem cells extracted from the Lancà ´me Rose are claimed to be capable of â€Å"stimulating human dermal stem cells†. The formula will also contain Proxylane, a proprietary anti-aging active ingredient of L’Orà ©al.| 2. Product Review: Absolue L’extrait is the latest anti-aging cream of Lancà ´me as well as the first product to feature a high concentration of a kind of native cells-rose stem cell. Rose stem cells is said to be extracted from the Lancà ´me Rose- a species specifically created for Lancà ´me in 1973 and resisting various environmental aggressions (cold, insects†¦). It is claimed to be capable of â€Å"stimulating human dermal stem cells†. Each 50 ml jar of formula is claimed to contain â€Å"2 million rose stem cells†. Apart from the rose stem cells, the formula will also contain Proxylane, a proprietary anti-aging active ingredient of L’Orà ©al. The jar is sold with a massage tool – the â€Å"massage petal applicator† – developed with the Lancà ´me Institute. It is claimed to alternate hot and cold effects for stimulating the skin to invigorate it, activating microcirculation and promoting a better penetration of the formula’s active i ngredients. As a global anti-aging formula, it is claimed to have a significant efficiency on the â€Å"seven major signs of aging† said by Lancà ´me to be: – Forehead wrinkles – Frown lines – Crows’ feet – Under-eye wrinkles – Nasolabial fold – Wrinkles around the mouth – Facial slackening *The testing and trial process: The formula has been tested on 42 women, half of them having sensitive skin. Results were observed after 11 weeks. This is quite unusual, since most of skincare products are tested on a 4 week basis. This is a trick to obtain better results to claim – the longer you use a product, the better are the results. Since its creation, Absolue has always extended the limits of science and creativity to incarnate a quintessential and aristocratic femininity; one that is full of grace, sophistication and elegance. More than luxury, this is an inspiring philosophy for the most demanding women in the world. 3. Competitive Review: Recently, because Vietnam’s economic has a great development and living standard is gradually increasing, the needs to be beauty and health caring are rising rapidly. Because of the working pressure and environment pollution, women nowadays have wrinkle faster and faster. With these reasons, the anti-aging cosmetic market is really potential. Key competitors include the following: * Cle De Peau: A Japanese brand which was only established for the last 30 years. + Product: having knowledge about the Neuro Skin Theory: â€Å"Skin has a brain of its own† and the discovery of the leukemia network of the skin, it can be said that Cle De Peau anti-aging products are the most effective and best-seller anti-aging product in Vietnam at the moment. + Strong: ââ€"  Potential to be the most understanding Vietnamese’s skin (a Asia brand) ââ€"  A clean operation history ââ€"  High customer loyalty ââ€"  Advanced technology + Weakness: ââ€"  The most expensive product ââ€"  Small distribution channel * Està ©e Lauder: This America brand entered Vietnam only for 7 years (since summer 2005) but it already has a stable position in the cosmetic market with a convenient distribution channel (2 stores in Hanoi and other 4 in Ho Chi Minh City). + Product: applied the exclusive DNA technology, the anti-aging serial of Està ©e Lauder have a superior position which gains over 70 global awards and over 20 global certificates. + Strong: ââ€"  Està ©e Lauder is a company with bright and long history which creates a trustful strong famous global brand. ââ€"  The advantage of continuously improving technology ââ€"  Reputation products ââ€"  Convenient store in beauty places ââ€"  Wonderful employees and services + Weakness: ââ€"  Scandal of models representing as the face of Està ©e Lauder (Carolyn Murphy, etc.) ââ€"  Be doubted of using child-labors ââ€"  The CEO is doubted of poor executive ability which leads to the impaired of this brand. * Clinique: A brand developed by dermatologists of Està ©e Lauder Company but unlike Està ©e Lauder, Clinique already appeared in Vietnam from 2001 and having a larger distribution channel (9 official stores in the 3 biggest cities of Vietnam: Hanoi, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City) + Product: Clinique products can be suitable for every skin’s kind with its natural origins cosmetics. + Strong: ââ€"  Reputation brand in over 130 countries ââ€"  Developed by dermatologists ââ€"  Being a professional in online business, which even has a tracking and advising system for customers ââ€"  All products have been Allergy Tested and 100% Fragrance Free. ââ€"  The first one who approached Vietnamese customers ââ€"  Reasonable price ââ€"  Large distribution channel + Weakness: ââ€"  Average skin care product quality * Kanebo: Officially appeared in Vietnam in 2003 through Exclusive Distributors – Trade Co., Ltd. L & K. This Japanese brand already has 9 official showrooms in Vietnam (2 in Hanoi, 1 in Haiphong and other 3 in Ho Chi Minh City). + Product: According to Kanebo theory of the structure of skin, the â€Å"Adhesive Technology† is the way to have an excellence skin. + Strong: ââ€"  Over 110 years history brand which already presented in 51 countries. ââ€"  Finding out â€Å"Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa† essences which have oxidation activity that help rebuild DNA ââ€"  Large distribution channel + Weakness: ââ€"  Accounts scandal ââ€"  Still be a quite small brand in global market * â€Å"Hang xach tay†: Not really a specific brand, â€Å"Hang xach tay† is a new trend in commodity trading in Vietnam nowadays. â€Å"Hang xach tay† operations base on the products which flight attendants or pilots or even shop owners’ acquaintances brought back after each time they went abroad. + Product: Diversified brand names, products, origins and quality. In Hanoi, â€Å"Hang xach tay† has a venue at the â€Å"Aviation Street† (Nguyá »â€¦n SÆ ¡n St.) + Strong: ââ€"  Having stores in every cities and provinces of Vietnam ââ€"  Having many online retailers ââ€"  Lower price than official distributors of brands because the shop owners do not have to pay the tariffs and other non-tariff fees. + Weakness: ââ€"  Unclear origin (can be fake) ââ€"  A large amount of â€Å"Hang xach tay† is almost out-of-date or old fashion products. Despite this strong competition, Lancà ´me can carve out a definite image and gain recognition among the targeted segments. Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait is considered as a magical product which is produced by the most advanced and unique technology in the world nowadays. It is a breakthrough after 10 years searching and developing from Lancà ´me, a famous reputation brand. Thus, Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait will have an absolute competitive advantage among other products. The most potential competitor of Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait in Vietnamese anti-aging market is Cle De Peau. However, Cle De Peau’s La Cream U still has some weak side such as it is the most expensive cosmetic product in Vietnam market. Moreover, unlike Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait, even you have already used La Cream U for night care, you still need other lotion for day care for the best result. In short, Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait has the newest advance technology in cosmetic industry, more suitable price and gives better result. 4. Channel and Logistics Review: Because Lancà ´me has entered Vietnam for 6 years, the distribution channel is still quite small. 5. Retailer stores: Lancà ´me has been opened 6 stores (in which four stores in HCM city and two stores in Hanoi) at Parkson (the retail arm of The Lion Group): + Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza – 35Bis-45, Là ª Thà ¡nh Tà ´ng St., Bá º ¿n Nghà ©, District 1, HCMC. + Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza – 126 Hung Vuong St., District 5, HCMC. + Parkson Paragon – 3 Nguyá »â€¦n LÆ °Ã† ¡ng Bá º ±ng St., Tà ¢n Phà º, District 7, HCMC. + Parkson Flemington – 184 Là ª Ä Ã¡ º ¡i Hà  nh St. , District 11, HCMC. + Parkson Viet Tower – 198 Tà ¢y SÆ ¡n St., Trung Liá »â€¡t, Ä Ã¡ »â€˜ng Ä a District, Hanoi. + Parkson Landmark – 72- Keangnam Tower, E6, Cá º §u Giá º ¥y new urban areas, Má »â€¦ Trà ¬, Tá » « Lià ªm, Hanoi III. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat Analysis 1. Strengths: 2.1. Exclusive biotechnology process: Lancà ´me has now succeeded in cultivating stem cells from this rose, which can be multiplied infinitely by a biotechnological procedure called Fermogenesis, which provides each stem cell with a gentle growth environment, which preserves its own metabolic rate and all its regenerative potential. 2.2. Unique and precious components: The key component is a new active ingredient – Lancà ´me Rose stem cells – obtained through an exclusive biotechnological process. These rose cells are claimed to be capable of stimulating human dermal stem cells, which are found in the deepest layers of the skin, and play an essential role in the renewal of the fundamental layers of the dermis. In addition, the anti-ageing formula is delivered within a pearly pink cream-elixir, which changes its texture on application to melt into the skin. It is scented with notes of rose, bergamot, pink peppercorns, jasmine, freesia, woods and musk. 2.3. Extra â€Å"message petal† applicator: In addition to a superior anti-aging cream, there is a message petal applicator to motivate its benefits. Specially designed for a dual ritual, it features a black warm side to pick up and apply the elixir, and a golden cord side for smoothing and massaging the product in to skin. 2.4. Good distribution channels: From the successes in the first store in Ho Chi Minh City, up to now, Lancà ´me has been opened 6 stores (four stores in HCM city and two stores in Ha Noi) and have intended to open new store in Hai Phong. The market share in 2009 increased 3 times than 2 years ago. Lancà ´me store are located on well-known shopping centers such as Parkson, which are highly attractive and convenient for knowing and buying product. This factor is one of the most important factors that have assisted them to maintain their high market share in premium cosmetic market. 2. Weakness: 3.5. Small-scale targeted segment: Target only on Adults but not for Youngsters. Like some other products, Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait has target segment only of adults who have high standard not for youngsters who are the majority of Vietnam population 3.6. Pricing: The product is charged with the higher price in comparison with others in the same product line of our competitors. It is a result of unique and valued features of the product. 3. Opportunities: 4.7. Open market: The economy of Vietnam is growing rapidly and living standard of Vietnamese is improved very much. As a result, Vietnamese women will care more about their health as well as their beauty. They will spend more for skin-care products. It is an open market for Lancà ´me to develop their luxurious products. 4.8. Increasing targeted customers: The targeted customer of Lancà ´me is the upper class. As a result of development in economy and globalization, there are more and more the rich, who are willing to pay much for luxurious line of product, in Vietnam. 4.9. The development of distribution channel: * Parkson, the main distribution channel of Lancà ´me in Vietnam, is developing and becoming more and more popular here. It once succeeded in helping Lancà ´me increase their market share in some Asian countries, especially in China, where has some similarities in economy and society with Vietnam. * The development of the Internet makes it easier for customers to access to Lancà ´me’s website and find information about products. They also can buy products they want through the Internet conveniently and fast. 4. Threats: 5.10. Increasing competitors: More corporations with famous brands are entering Vietnam market with high-quality cosmetics that offer some but not all of benefits provided by Lancà ´me. Some of them have lower price in comparison with Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait. Beside these official competitive companies, the product also has to cope with another kind of competitor called â€Å"hang xach tay†, which provides cosmetic products from abroad with cheaper price and is very popular in Vietnam nowadays. 5.11. Effects of global economic crisis on Vietnam economy: The crisis on global economy has certain impacts on Vietnam. One of them is effects on people’s spending habit. Due to pressure on difficulties in economy, customers will buy fewer goods and they only buy necessary goods. As a result, luxury goods like Absolue L’extrait will not attract many people, even the rich. That will be a resistance to Lancà ´me’s revenue. IV. Market-Product Focus: This section describes the three- year marketing and product objectives for Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait Cream. It includes a description of our target markets and our product differentiation strategies. 1. Marketing and Product Objectives * Non-financial Objectives * Launch product by July 2012 – with distribution primarily in Parkson department. * Gain a 10% market share among existing anti- aging products. * Sell a minimum of 10,000 units in the first year, with at least 25% increase in sales in the next 2 consecutive years. * Financial Objectives * Generate at least $3.5 million in revenue during the first year. *Increase profit growth by at least 10% per year for the next 3 years. 2. Target Market For our product, we focus on targeting the end users, as these consumers make the decision to purchase. Our target market is professional women over the age of 30. These women are concerned with the signs of aging and trust Lancà ´me, as they believe Lancà ´me is devoted to quality skincare products. These professionals earn upper income and live in urban areas. They are buyers of fashionable clothing, premium products and shop in upscale department stores. 3. Product differentiation Product differentiation is the significant other half of product positioning: the two must work together to achieve success. Many manufacturers offer creams that are designed to reduce the sign of aging around the face. Thus, it is detrimental to the success of a product that it carries addition benefits and features that make it more attractive to the consumers than the industry alternatives. Absolue L’Extrait differentiates its self from its competitors through the advantages listed below: * Unique formula with our most powerful regenerating ingredient, Lancà ´me Rose Native Cells. * Well-research through 10 years. * Strong brand equity. * Easy to obtain through upscale department stores where our target customers usually go shopping. * Backing from strong parent company, L’Oreal Companies, Inc. V. Marketing Strategy: 1. Product Strategy: Our product strategy for Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait Cream is â€Å"Product differentiation†. Products designed by our competitors to reduce the signs of aging have over and over proved to be ineffective. With Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait Cream, we will change this notion. Women can experience Lancà ´me’s revolutionary skincare innovation and our most powerful regenerating ingredient, Lancà ´me Rose Native Cells. As described in the earlier Product Preview section, our star ingredient, Rose Stem Cells, is claimed to be capable of â€Å"stimulating human dermal stem cells†. The natural regenerating potential of plant stem cells and the self-renewal of the skin’s own dermal skin cells provide a double boost deep in the skin’s makeup, resulting in a smoother, more radiant and more youthful appearance. 2. Pricing Strategy: â€Å"Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait Cream is considered the most advanced product; it brings efficiency proportional to its value†, according to Youcef Nabi, president of Lancà ´me company. The suggested retail price for this product will be $385, the price that is slightly higher than our major competitors. The perceived benefits of our product are high with respect to the price, therefore Lancà ´me is taking on a value- pricing strategy. Figure 1 Price/Value Map for the Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait Cream As shown in Figure 1, our product is in the Fair Value Zone at the Premium point. We can use this value-pricing strategy based on certain conditions. First, the superior quality of our product and our brand, Lancà ´me, will support the higher price that our loyal customers will trust and buy this product. Second, our target customer, upper-class women, will care about the value rather than the cost of the product they purchase. Finally, competitors cannot be able to enter the market because of our unique formula in the cream, therefore they cannot undercut our price. By using this strategy, we believe we will be able to gain a considerable amount of market share. 3. Distribution Strategy: L’oreal Vietnam company is the main distributor of Lancà ´me in Vietnam. Our channel strategy is to use exclusive distribution, which enhances Lancà ´me’s image and allows higher markup. We focus on marketing the cream through our chain of Lancà ´me stores in Parkson department stores. Parkson has eight modern and successful department stores, 4 in Ho Chi Minh City, 2 in Hanoi, which are big cities of Vietnam with large proportion of high income people. Moreover, it is obvious that most of Vietnamese citizens perceive Parkson as a special location for shopping luxury, expensive and high quality goods, creating advantage for Lancà ´me to build strong brand in Vietnam and reach our target customers – upper class women.On the other hand, it is unfortunate that our company has not yet established Vietnamese official Lancà ´me website so we can’t serve customers direct purchase. 4. Marketing Communication Strategy: Our company will follow the concept of integrated marketing communications-blending the promotion tools into a coordinated promotion mix. 5.1. Advertising: Instead of using means like television or radio, we choose Magazine and LCD advertising as the main media vehicles. Regarding using magazine, the objective of our company is to take advantage of well-known, expensive magazines about beauty, whose readers are women aged average 27 years old. According to the recent research we have collected, the company decide to market through 3 famous magazines- Elle, Her World and Heritage Fashion: + Elle: a worldwide magazine of French origin with 140,000 readers over 20,000 publications in Vietnam. The age of reader is above 27, which is suitable for the company’s strategy. In this magazine, we will place our full-page advertisement about L’extrait cream in the fourth cover in order to take readers’ attention efficiently. + Her world: monthly special issues by Sun Media company who bought the rights transferred from Singapore Her World magazine .It is becoming more and more famous thanks to Vietnam’s Next Top Model contest. Our company will contract with Sun Media representative to launch our lasted product –Absolue L’extrait cream in the same position as we have in Elle magazine. + Heritage fashion: In-flight magazine for Vietnam Airlines .The purpose of ours in marketing in this kind of magazine is to reach female customers in domestic flight of Vietnam Airlines. To avoid missing key customers who don’t have time to read magazines as Elle and Her World, Heritage Fashion is an ideal choice to introduce to them our new product when they spend time to relax during their flights. *Months of publication: February, April, June, August, October, December. In addition, we plan to use LCD advertising in our marketing strategy. The video of product will appear on LCD screens of Parkson department stores, which are placed in elevators or the halls. The customers will passively access to our product without purpose. This method is more effective than Television advertising. 5.2. Direct Marketing: +Website: along with working with Elle in marketing in magazine, we also like to put banners about the product at the corner of the main website of Elle: http://www.elle.vn/ and Parkson: http://parkson.com.vn, which will lead the customers directly to our company Facebook page providing detailed product‘s information. Absolue L’extrait‘s features and price will be updated in Parkson website as well. Furthermore, the company will put the news of Absolue L’extrait in the front page in our Website so that our loyal, potential and first- time customers can easily approach to the product. +Online Social networks: Facebook is the best choice for online marketing in Vietnam because most of Vietnamese internet users have one or more Facebook account while Twitter seems to be ignored here for some reasons. Therefore, our company will place the introduction of Absolue L’extrait as special event on Facebook page and update as well as answer the questions about this product. 5.3. Sales Promotion: +Displays and demonstration: We will send each of our retail stores large color advertisement to display in the stores as well as small brochures explaining our product and its feature in Vietnamese. The display needs to emphasize that Absolue L’extrait cream is the most innovative and luxury product of Lancà ´me. +Sample: Another method is that samples will be available to consumers, this is a great way to â€Å"try before you buy†. Sampling develops a loyal consumer because the customer will only return to purchase the product if she genuinely liked it. Our company will give limited number of samples to customers who purchased over 3 million Vietnam dong. The sample will begin to be handed to consumer 1 month before the introduction of the product. 5.4. Personal selling: The company will provide salespeople about detailed information of the product such as superior features and advantages to give the useful advice to customers. Besides, since Lancà ´me entered Vietnam market in 2006, the brand has had substantial amount of loyal customers who have strong belief in our product. Lancà ´me salespeople are also well trained to build and maintain close relationship with those ones. These sale consultants will contact with the potential customers about the presence of the latest product- Absolue L’extrait anti- aging cream . Their interpersonal communication skills help them to deliver a clear, concise and consistent message to your prospects about the product and give the reasons why they should purchase it, basing on the salespeople’s understanding about them. Counter salespeople need to gather customer information and follow up with the each customer 3 days after the samples are given to insure effectiveness otherwise its money down the drain. 5. Marketing Organization: Marketing organization will reveal the overall outlook about how the marketing campaign operates and how it gains success. Ms. Sonia Chiu, the chief marketing officer at Asian Region, is in charge of planning and designing a general marketing strategies and handing it over to the subordinators within the supervision. * Marketing development and project manager, one of the sub-division of marketing organization, will work in collaboration with the advertising agency with whom they develop the advertising material for the launch (3 main magazines: Her world, Heritage fashion, Elle). This division also work with the packaging design agency, press relations and internal communications staff. * Regional manager are responsible for the sales targets set by the Group, pursue the sales promotion and need to have the capacity to analysis your results so as to allow you to imagine and to conceive corrective operational strategies when required. * Store marketing manager investigate any and every alternative distribution network opportunity (street merchants, Internet, etc.) and work on negotiations, for example about the promotional campaigns delivered through distributing brand stores. * Distributing manager is one subordinator who carries out the logistics and distribution of new- launched product through the only retailer channel – Parkson. This division will take action under the leading of store manager. VI. Action Programs: The company decide to launch Absolue L’extrait in July 4th, 2012. Following are summaries of the action programs we will implement in six next months since this June 4th, 2012 to achieve our stated objectives. June. Pre-launch action month: From June 4th, 2012. The campaign will officially begin in all 6 Lancà ´me stores in Parkson’s malls. The Vietnam L’oreal company will send representatives to each one to help decorating with the image of Absolue L’extrait appearing in the stores. The leaflets are going to be placed in cash desk. These actions are to be implemented early in order to attract the customers ‘curiosity. We also want to initiate the method â€Å"try before you buy† to our customers, therefore, the samples will be sent to V.I.P and customers with above 3 million product bill until the end of June. Counter salespeople need to gather customer information and follow up with the each customer 3 days after the sample was given to insure effectiveness. Moreover, our training staff will work with sales personnel at 6 shops to explain superior features as well as advantages of the cream. On Facebook, we will set July 4th as important event and provide the product’s information. We plan to write an article introducing new anti-aging cream of Lancà ´me -Absolue L’extrait and publish it on double page spread of Elle, Her World and Heritage Fashion with detailed information.Every LCD screens in each Parkson department stores will run video of Absolue L’extrait. July. Launch month: The program of handing samples need to be ended.The product will be put at an eye catching position in the stores and the Absolue L’extrait banner must be placed in front of each shop in order to attract customers passing by. The salespeople will begin to contact to their loyal customers through phone, e-mail or a close conversation. They will try to remind consumers entering store about the appearance of the product. Advertisement will be put in the fourth cover in Elle and Her World magazine. On the main page of Elle’s website, the product’s banner will appear once people access and lead them to our Facebook page. August. The company will register to do marketing in Heritage Fashion magazine with the same position as in those 2 magazines to target business women who usually get flights and V.I.P of Vietnam Airline that usually receive this magazine. September. In this month, because the Heritage Fashion will not be published, we will continue with August strategy. The comments of customers after using Absolue L’extrait will be posted on the Facebook. October. Salespeople continue to ensure the efficiency of the product by contacting with their customers. Advertisement on magazines still goes on following to the schedule and with publication of Heritage Fashion in this month. November. Advertisement campaign will continue as September. The results of customer satisfaction surveys and feedbacks will be analyzed carefully. We will begin to collect the reply from the customers and readers of 3 magazines about the campaign to get improvement for the next marketing activities. VII. Budget ( in one year from 7/2012 to 7/2013 ) By setting objective aimed at unit sale per year is 10,000, total first year sales revenue for Lancà ´me in Vietnam is projected at $3.5 million, with a selling price of $350 per unit (without VAT), and variable cost of $300 per unit (the cost included importing tax ). The first year profit are anticipated approximately $237,400. Break-even calculation indicates that Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait Cream will become profitable after the sale volume exceeds 5,252 units in this year. The break even analysis of Lancà ´me’s Absolue L’Extrait Cream assumes that revenue in this year is $3.5 million, variable cost per unit is $300, and the estimated fixed costs is $262,600. Based on these assumptions, the break-even sale volume is: $262,600à ·$350-$300=5,252 units Breakeven sales: 5,252 Ãâ€"$350 =$1,838,200 Note : †¢ Total Fix cost = $262,600 +Cost for rent and freight cost: $35,000 +Advertising: $90,200 +Direct Marketing: $42,000 +Sale promotion: $61,800 +Personal selling: $33,600 †¢ Variable cost: $300 per unit (included import tax) †¢ Selling Price: $350 per unit (not included VAT) VIII. Controls Through this marketing plan, our corporate goals have been projected and our methods for achieving these goals have been defined. To guarantee success, the company needs to re-evaluate the progress towards these goals in each quarter to determine if our marketing plan is working properly and profitably. If it appears that we are not meeting our goals each quarter, we will need to analyze our marketing plan and make adjustments. Source Background information and market data adapted from: http://stylist.vn/tin-tuc-lam-dep/lancome-sap-sua-ra-mat-dong-kem-duong-ky-dieu.html http://www.phunuonline.com.vn/thoitrang-lamdep/2009/Pages/Lancome-ky-niem-3-nam-hien-dien-tai-Viet-Nam.aspx http://www2.lancome.com/_en/_ww/index.aspx http://www.parkson.com.vn/vi/taxonomy/term/20 http://duhoc.dantri.com.vn/c23/s156-62983/estee-lauder-muon-chinh-phuc-viet-nam.htm http://www.esteelauder.com.vn/?q=website_admin%2Fevents&menu=316|339| http://www.ytuong.com.vn/?module=detail&pid=3&id=253 http://www.lantabrand.com/cat3news3023.html http://www.clinique.vn/?q=website_admin%2Fnode%2F14%2F&menu=133