Respond latter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Respond latter - Essay Example The movie includes all the main incidents of Gandhi’s life. It starts with the assassination of Gandhi and then playbacks the whole life story. Once in South Africa, he is thrown out of train despite having the ticket, just because he is an Indian. Thereby Gandhi decides to start a non violent protest for the rights of Indians. After depicting his victory in South Africa, the film illustrates Gandhi’s further life in India. He is urged to return India and requested to lead the nation for its independence. Gandhi holds the command of nation really well without compromising with his rules and regulations of non violence, the only reason for saying him as the national hero. Along with his mass supporters he faces some setbacks of imprisonment during this period. The movie very willingly represents the various associate movements such as Satyagraha, Dandi march, Swedeshi movement initiated by Gandhi to tunnel up the British rule. The movie intentionally includes the mass gathering addressed by Gandhi. Eventually gaining the support of Indians he succeeds to get freedom from colonial rule. One of the notable criticisms against the film was that Attenborough’s Gandhi was seriously biased, pro-Hindu film. According to the critics, it surreptitiously exalted Hinduism and portrayed Gandhi’s religious convictions as of an average Hindu. In the same way, it also abased Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muslim participation in the freedom movement as if they were religious fanatics who caused the separation of the nation. However, some are of the opinion that the film was discreet enough regarding the religious aspects illustrated throughout the life evens of Gandhi (Markovits, 29). The same was the idea that I personally felt as viewing the film Gandhi. Gandhi was not involved in any of the religious practices; instead, his ideology was that of an egalitarian who cherished love above all and was imbued with the scriptures of all

Marketing Plan for Masters Home Improvement Stores in Australia Assignment

Marketing Plan for Masters Home Improvement Stores in Australia - Assignment Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the microenvironmental factors comprise of all the elements that are closely linked with the company and has a positive or negative effect on the business operations of the company and hence ultimately has an impact on building relationships with customers and creating value. The various microenvironmental factors comprise of suppliers, marketing intermediaries, public, competitors, and customers. Amongst the above-stated factors two of which would create the major impact on the operations of Master’s Home Improvement are suppliers and competitors. The other factors can be easily managed by the company only when these two selected elements are effectively managed by the company. Suppliers play a very important part in retail business and in such home improvement business the availability of pre-packaged goods as it is offered by Master’s solely depends on the quality level maintained by the suppliers an d even on-time delivery from the suppliers so that the demand of the consumers are met without losing on any customer in such highly competitive market. Master’s also needs to develop very strong relationships with their suppliers and offer them good incentives so that they do not shift to their competitors as that would have a drastic impact on their business operations. In a market where competition is high bargaining power of suppliers is high due to the availability of more number of operations. The Master’s brand is owned by Woolworth limited and has faced a second mover advantage as well as a disadvantage in the retail business. The major competitors of the brand are Bunnings, Mitre 10, and Home Timber and Hardware. The competitors greatly have an impact on an organization such as if the competitors have set attractive prices with innovative product line then it can affect other players who have set higher prices as per the market demand. In the industry that Mas ter’s operates there are well-established players such as Bunnings which causes the company to constantly update its services so as to sustain in the market.

Hypothesis and rationale Essay Example for Free

Hypothesis and rationale Essay The research proposal is based on the hypothesis that the current Tactical Personnel System training needs to be more effective and hence a departure from passive slide show system to more interactive system is a necessity. The main aim is that the personnel who have to undergo interactive training will learn and absorb more information than those with comparable amounts of passive TPS training experience. The modification in the system is now being developed with the introduction of hyperstudio. This will be analyzed through a set of tests organized by the researcher with scope of applicable to both control and experimental groups. A new set of TPS training sequences with the hyperstudio will be organized with the fact that practical experience with project based approach with the use of hyperstudio as its rational being the more valuable knowledge again rather than passively acquired knowledge. The memory retention based theme of current learning mediums of slideshow presentations and other media with possible utilization in the training fields has not been good enough to provide any real benefits if performance on the real world makes way. A more intensive, interactive and practical approach based training method has to be adopted so as to promote full use of the TPS system. An instructional system in an improvised format will result in an increase level of proficiency and full utilization of the TPS capabilities. Methodology Participants The population of the study will consist of uniformed soldiers, senior officials and the training staff. The sample population will perform manifesting operations in Fort Hood, Texas, which is the largest military installation in the world, and currently home of two divisions of approximately 16,000 soldiers each. One support command of 12,000 soldiers, and numerous reserves with joint argumentation that makes it one of the most deployable military assets in the United States inventory. Setting The research will take place in the participants’ current work location. No artificial environment or classroom setup will be provided due to the widely dispersed locations and issues of logistical support. Procedure The goal of this research is to determine the effectiveness of the new set of training exercises compared to the current TPS training program. Initially, a simple random sample of 100 uniformed soldiers who have all had full TPS field experience will be given a baseline test organized by the researcher. The results will be compiled for later comparison with the research results, and those initially tested will no longer take part in the study. Then, two groups of 100 uniformed soldiers each (obtained through simple random sampling), all with previous TPS training, will be selected. A copy of the TPS users manual, test sheets, questionnaire, and the new set of additional TPS interactive training exercises will be emailed to the individual accounts of the experimental group, and a copy of the standard set of TPS training exercises, users manual, test sheets, and questionnaire will be emailed to the individual accounts of the experimental group. They will undergo a preliminary test to determine their current knowledge, and then they will be instructed to go through the exercises and then answer the test that immediately follows. Participants will be asked to volunteer for a one-on-one interview that will identify their concerns with the training, and also recommendations on how to improve the training. Finally, they will all be directed to complete a questionnaire that will address their overall impression of the material. Research Design The sample for this study will be selected from military personnel through simple random sampling. The variables that might affect the research are training intensity, computer literacy, personal military background, and age. Since all members of the sample groups have individual access to computers and email, the material and instructions for the study will be sent by e-mail. They will be required to complete a preliminary test and then independently go through the new exercises (if in the experimental group) or through the TPS user refresher slideshow presentation (if in the control group), and then complete the second test. A viable mode of administering the interactive training and tests may be through the use of a Macromedia ® Flash interactive presentation in a web browser. The second test and the questionnaire can be included and come right after the training, thus minimizing the possibility of cheating. Questionnaires are one of the most popular ways in which data may be collected. These are used for a range of purposes and will often be the tool used to collect quantitative data. But it is worth mentioning that although this may be classified as mostly a quantitative process of collecting data it may also be a qualitative method, depending on the number, depth and style of the questions. Data will also be collected using questionnaires, surveys, and interviews given to participants that agree in advance. Prior coordination with the individual’s supervisor will be arranged, as they will be able to promote timely collection and also minimize non-responses. To protect the identity of the individual and foster sincere responses, all questionnaires will be marked with a Letter P and a number to identify the passively-trained sample and a letter A with a number to identify the field-trained sample. A predetermined set of questions will be answered using the Likert Scale and measured using t-test for independent sample. All completed surveys and questionnaires will be collected from location on a pre-determined date. Quantitative research over here has relied more on the large amount of results, with the recorded data being mainly numerical in type and has been suitably used as a method of determining cause and effect relationships (Curwin and Slater, 2001). But this qualitative research is narrower and more concentrated by looking to information to be gained in-depth from a smaller quantity of subjects (Curwin and Slater, 2001). Since the data over here require phenomenal research of Grounded theory as well as historical research hence this Qualitative research is best suited for getting applied (Curwin and Slater, 2001). Since the research undertaken over here has been basically done on analysing how the use of Hyperstudio can effect change in the pattern of TPS training, the study of the same is going add something to the existing knowledge. Therefore, we must consider the different aspects of research that will characterise a research project as valid; these may include issues such as reliability, validity, objectivity, causality and bias. These may be seen in the questions that are asked, the way they are asked through phrasing and order, and in questions that are not asked. Therefore the questionnaire has been designed while considering the full possibility of getting certain answers, but in what type of answers are attained and to be seen as impartial. There are different aspects that need to be considered so that it will be accepted and good solid research. The formulation of a questionnaire may be inherently biased and reflect the desired out come rather than an objective research method. Reliability may be perceived as one of the easier objectives. This is often seen as the ability of the same study to be conducted and the results to prove the same, however repeatability does it mean that a research project is valid and can be relied upon (Denzin, 1978). We have considered other aspects of the research rather that just reliability in order to make the project valid. Reliability must also come from the level of confidence that may be seen in a study from the objectivity or recognised subjectivity which may be seen to arise. The project have been undertaken from a subjective perspective and those asking the questions if a face to face method is used, do not known the study purpose. The first stage to recognise that subjectivity is present and then recognised in order to overcome. If we set out to prove a model is true it is easy for the research to be biased, just as if we are looking for specific information other aspects may be ignored or forgotten. As such although the researcher may be biased there are certain measures that can be taken to ensure the research model used can be seen to have been implemented objectively. In designing the questionnaire it is likely that there will be others involved either by way of observation or the correlation of the data. When designing the research questions, there should be no indication of the final purpose of the study, in this way we might limit the bias of the respondents and ensure there is a lower risk of the cross contamination of bias (Denzin, 1978). However, it must also be recognised that we can never completely extinguish research bias. Data Analysis When looking at the way a sample should be chosen there will be the desire to choose a sample that is representative of the personnels that is going to be targeted. If the population is not representative then the results will not be representative. The way in which we need to consider the target is to look at the way sampling will be used. In this scale we need to talk to people who are either getting training or have been trained or are providing instructions while training. The first aspect is whether probability or non-probability sampling should be used. Probability sampling is a more random sampling style, the basis of this is that the selection of each respondent is a matter of chance and that all respondents will have an equal chance of being chosen, in many cases this can be a known probably of the respondent being selected. There are a number of sampling techniques that fall into this category. These include simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified and cluster sampling. In total there are more than 30 probability sampling techniques (Malhotra, 1999). Random sampling is best defined as a sampling method was any member of the population will not have a zero chance of selection where the chances can be calculated. Looking at these different methods, simple random sampling is the most basic. This is where all members shave the same chance of being chosen and where the knowledge of another population member being chosen for sampling will not alter the odds. A method of undertaking this is choosing names out of a hat or any other random method. Stratified sampling is where the population of the sample is separated into distinct groups which do not overlap; this is where stratification is seen. There will then be samples taken from each of these groups. For example, this may be a sample that is divided into male and females, likewise we may look at those who can and do use the internet and those who do not. There may also be the use of age groups, they key is no overlaps between the groups. The next potential method may be multistage sampling. This may consist of two, three or more stages in the sampling. The process will start with the division of the population into non-overlapping groups as seen with the stratified sampling. However this is only the first stage, following this a sample of the first stage units will be chosen according to different criteria. We can also look at non probability sampling techniques as these will have a level of intervention to ensure the sample is representative. The most common is quota sampling, but this will also include judgement sampling, convenience sampling, random route sampling and snowball sampling (Talmage 1988). Quota sampling is exactly as it appears to sound, there are the definition of quotas to be used. In many cases these will consist of gender, age groups and social class quotas, which may or may not have crossovers. This is used widely in commercial settings but this is also a method that is not supported as widely in academic circles (Ojeda and Sahai, 2002). Opportunity sampling is where an opportunity is sought to interview or gain the opinions of a particular group and will then place themselves or the survey in the position of those who may be most appropriate for that study (Talmage 1988). Random route sampling where is there is a route planned and the interviewer may travel that route to gather data and hopefully meet potential subjects. This is a very random method of sampling and is also difficult to gain the correct numbers where there is quantitative data required. Snowball sampling is a method that can be used when there is a scenario of a large level of data being required in a short period of time (Talmage 1988). This may be used with a few key people being approached and interviewed which will then lead to more potential candidates being identified (Talmage 1988). Self section is also a non random type of sampling as the respondents will volunteer themselves and a last type we may consider is that of plausibility sampling which is defined by Talmage (1988) as â€Å"a sample selected because it appears plausible that the members are representative of a wider population, without any real evidence† (page 82). With each of these methods there are advantages and disadvantages, we need to consider which is going to be most appropriate considering the population required and the sample and the sampling method. Looking at all of these it appears that the most appropriate method will be that snowballing, it is not the fastest but it is likely to provide the best results in identifying potential respondents for the research. The mean is the measure of average performance of a group on a measure of some variable (Gay Airasian, 2003). Data analysis is meant to calculate the mean between variables by finding relations among the variables. Initial data analysis will begin with the comparison of the test results from the control and experimental groups. All survey, questionnaire, and interview data will be collected, converted to values and processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the control and experimental groups will then also be compared with the results from the baseline test. After this, the results will be analyzed to test the hypothesis through a classification system for each value. The demographic variables such as gender, age, and education will be grouped under one category, while questions related to the hypothesis will be grouped in another useful category. The numeric values will be evaluated using the t-test, which assesses whether the means of two groups are statistically different from each other. Results from participants will be analyzed by thorough examination of the survey, questionnaires, and interviews. The mean analysis comparison will determine changes on the responses from the initial baseline survey to the second and final survey. The questionnaire data will be used to analyze the effectiveness of the current mediums of the TPS. Results from the statistical data will indicate the consistency of the training effectiveness for participants overall. It will also identify the program’s current shortfalls on its training objectives. The hypothesis will be accepted only if the experimental group scores higher in the final tests and the difference in their scores are statistically significant (5% or higher in this case). References Ausubel, D. P. (1968). Educational psychology: A cognitive view. New York: Holt, Reinhart and Winston. Benware, C. A. Deci, E. A. (1984). Quality learning with an active versus passive motivational set. American Educational Research Journal. 21(4), 755-765. Biggs, J. (1999). Assessing for learning: some dimensions underlying new approaches to educational assessment. The Alberta Educational Research, 4(1), 1-17. Bransford, J. D. , Brown, A. L. , Cocking, R. R. (Eds. ). (2000). How people learn: Brain, min,d experience, and school: Expanded Edtion. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Curwin J, Slater R (2001), Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions, London, Thompson Business Press. Darlington, Y. , Scott, D. (2002). Qualitative research in practice: Stories from the field. Buckingham: Open University Press. Delaney, J. T. , Huselid, M. A. (1996). The impact of human resource management practices on perceptions of organizational performance. Academy of Management Journal, 39(4), 949-969. Denzin N K. (1978), The Research Act, New York: McGraw-Hill Dick, W. , Carey, L. , Carey, J. O. (2001). The systematic design of instruction. New York: Addison Wesley Longman. Dochy, F. , Seger, M. , Buehl, M. (1999). The relation between assessment and practice and outcomes of strategies: The case of recognition of prior knowledge. Review of Educational Research, 69(2), 145. Gay, G. , Mazur, J.(1993). The utility of computer tracking tools for user centered design. Educational Technology, 33(4), 45-59. Gay, L. , Airasian, P. (2003). Educational research: Competencies for analysis and application (7th ed. ). New York: Prentice Hall. Gee, J. P. (2003). What video games have to teach us about learning and literacy. New York: Palgraves Macmillan. Goldman, I. (1999). Q methodolgy as process and context in interpretivism, communication and psychoanalytic psychotherapy research. The Psychological Record, 49(4), 589. Green, P. J. (2003). Peer instruction for astronomy. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Heinich, R. , Molenda, M. ,Russell, J. , Smaldino, S. (2002). Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning. Columbus: MerrillPrentice Hall. Jih, H. J. , Reeves, T. C. (1992). Mental models: A research focus for interactive learning systems. Educational Technology Research and Development, 40(3), 39-53. Jones, I. (1997). Mixing qualitative and quantitative methods in sports fan research [Electronic version]. The Qualitative Report, 3(4). Kirshner, P. A. (2006). (Inter)dependent learning: Learning is interaction. Den Haag: CIP-Gegevens Koninklijke Bibliotheek. Malhotra N K, (1999), Marketing Research. An Applied Orientation, (International Edition), London, Prentice Hall. Merchant, B. , Willis, A. (2001). Multiple and Intersecting Identities in Qualitative Research. Hillsdale, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Ojeda, Mario Miguel; Sahai, Hardeo, (2002, Nov-Dec), Design-based Sample and Probability Law-Assumed Sample: Their Role in Scientific Investigation, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v33 n6 p819-28 Orr, T. (2002). Set the right tone. Writing 25(3), 20-22. Partnership for 21st century Skill (2006) Learning for the 21st Century. A report and Mile Guide for 21st Century Rhodes, D. M. (1993). The assessment of teaching in higher education: A critical retrospect and a proposal. Originally published in Higher Education, 4, 173-199. Retrieved Octoober 31, 2006, from http://west. bradley. edu/TroupISU/Dent/drhodes_web/secure/docs/primary/ jorhruat. pdf Rothkopf,E. Z. (1970). The concept of mathemagenic activities. Review of Educational Research, 40, 325-336. Salas, E. , Teachout, M. S. (1997). Improving training effectiveness in work organizations. Hillsdale, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum. Slater, T. , Adam, J. (2003). Learner-centered astronomy teaching: Strategies for teaching Astro 101. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Talmage PA, (1988), Dictionary of Market Research, London, MRS/ISBA U. S. Department of the Army. (2004). Personnel processing (Army Reg 600-8-101, Army Reg 350-9). U. S. Department of the Army. (2005). Department of defense dictionary of military and associated terms amendment (Joint Pub 1-02. ). Veal, A. J. (2000). Business research methods: A managerial approach. Sydney: Addison-Wesley-Longman.

Strategic Analysis Of Blacks Leisure Group Plc Marketing Essay

Strategic Analysis Of Blacks Leisure Group Plc Marketing Essay Nowadays, many of organizations are faced with challenges of strategic development. To overcome significant problems, all organization desire to grasp new opportunities. In 21st Century, changes in strategic direction very important, we cant keep using the traditional way to operate a corporate. Strategy can help a firm how such decisions are taken and the concepts that can useful in understanding these issues. Overall, a definition of a strategy is required. However, the characteristics can provide the definition (Johnson, Scholes Whittington, 2005): Strategy is the direction and scope of an organization over the long term which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences with the aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations. This report is give information about the strategic analysis of Blacks Leisure Group PLC. This report includes the following: Background and History Porters Five Forces Value Chain SWOT analysis PEST factors This process will help Blacks Leisure Group understand the company position and impact on strategy of the environment. Background and history Blacks Leisure Group plc is a British outdoor retailer. It owns 3 different brand names Blacks, Millets and Free Spirit. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It currently has around 308 stores. The company headquarter is based on Northampton and selling specific products like camping, walking, skilling, cycling, mountain equipment and others. Group history Blacks Leisure Group was formed in 1985 and faced financial difficulties in 1986 and 2009. But in year 1986, Blacks had survived because it received money injection from stakeholders to keep in afloat the following month. Until 2006, it engaged in an expansion of its business by opening many stores but it was short lived. Blacks changed the name of its Blacks Camping stores to Blacks Outdoor in 1994. The reason Blacks changed it name because it try to capture wide range of outdoor products market. At the same time, Blacks only focus its retail outlet on city center. In year 1999, Millets Leisure Plc became the outdoor Group which was bought by Blacks Leisure Plc. Unfortunately in year 2008 and 2009, Blacks loss  £6.8 million, pre-tax loss of  £14.4 million. Blacks had loss before tax to  £5.3m (2010: £43.6m) and in loss before tax and exceptional items to  £6.6m (2010:  £14.1m). In 2009, round 90 stores were close down as a part of restructuring (appendix 1). On November 2009, Blacks reached an agreement with the creditors which needed 75% backing. This saved Blacks from liquidation. In that time, it was a summer time, camping was a popular activity for many families. For those families member who could no longer afford an expensive holiday, outdoor activities are very good for Blacks. Blacks can capitalise the market to become market leader, it estimate  £1.2 billion in UK market. However, the problem with Blacks was its outdoor activities products conveyed for family and those people prefer outdoor activities. To become a very successful company, the process of strategic analysis for Blacks Leisure Group is the examination of the external factors which effect on the activities of the company. A business environment analysis of Blacks Leisure Group Plc, the UK outdoor equipments retailer. The analysis of the industry is conducted using PEST, competitive and Porters Five Forces models.   The internal analysis of Blacks is performed in terms of their assets, core competencies, primary and supporting activities, SWOT features, market, etc. Porter Five forces and value chain analysis can help in understanding the environment and competitive advantage The following shown porters five forces are as follows: Threat of rivalry Blacks need to think how to avoid this generic force because the leisure industry is very high competitive. Entry barriers are not very hard, other competitor can easily entry to this market. Investors have high risk to leave, if the capital costs are strenuous, if not enough. The overall effect is frequent advertisement like newspapers, radio, new product introductions and frequent price battles. Prices is one of the big issues, it can influence the sale such as buy 1 get 1 free, promotion, free delivery and others. In order, to become a market leader, Blacks need become aggressive. Leisure industries are very fierce rivalry. Only the most vigilant firm garner enough support. Threat of new entrants In this industry, it very easy to enter because this leisure industrys capital cost requirements not as high as other industries like manufacture. Additionally, the patent requirement in the industry are not that high. So that Blacks has to be ready for intense competition. Blacks need think for unique and good strategy selling point to sustain their competitor. (Porter, 1985) Threat of Buyers This is because leisure industry is highly differentiated, Blacks has to think and plan how to do well to offer their service in a superior manner to their customers. However, it gives the buyers advantage, consumers can easily switch from one leisure company to another. To keep their brand awareness, Blacks Leisure Group need offering good and high quality to their consumers. Good service also very important, so consumers have no chance to complaint about their products. Threats of suppliers The company operates in an industry segment that has a lot for different substitutes for the products. Consequently, suppliers have a lot of bargaining power. The company can make to cope with threats of suppliers is by teaming up with other leisure company to be more influential in their respective market. Example, the company can fixed all the prices or without any permission, Blacks cannot increase or decrease the prices. Threats of substitutes There are a lot of substitutes in the leisure industry like Cotswold, Mountain Warehouse, Trespass and others company. Therefore, Blacks should invest in research to forecast some of this future threat. Value chain analysis of Blacks Leisure Group Infrastructure Human resource management Technology development Procurement Inbound logistics Operations Outbound logistics Marketing and sale Services Margins Margins Support activities Primary activities Inbound logistics, this include: transportation, material handling, material storage, communication, and test information system. This all inbound logistics are related to the suppliers. For those related to the consumer is outbound logistics. So that Blacks Leisure Group needs to plan and consider how it can outsource its information system which can help them to improve performance. All media are referring to marketing and sales technological. Audio and communication involved in selling the product. Blacks need consider incorporating technological system in service operations. Process and materials involved in the service offering of the company, it call operations technologies. Besides that, Blacks need to plan how to increase their sale, merging some of their business units to sustaining competitive advantage (Thompson Strickland III, 1992). SWOT Analysis Strengths Blacks have very good seller to guide customers to the right outdoor products and equipment, it shown that this as a unique selling point. Blacks also selling good range of products. Products will range in price to meet all customers needs and wants. A good brand name help Blacks developed a common language of style among young people around the UK. Weakness A lack of experience may affect the progression of the business and wrong decision. Blacks has face financial problems (appendix 1). It very important for Blacks to learn from mistake and overcome these problems. Opportunities Outdoor products are a powerful factor for those sports coming into fashion, providing opportunities for fast moving companies. The high streets obsession with sporty fashion is creating opportunities for specialist to distribute performance products through other channels especially internet. The most important thing is know their customers well, all manufacturers and retailers have the option of adapting to any new trend and look. Threat In the event of severe recession, there is a danger of a retail price war breaking out on leisure products, with too many stores competing for the same customers. Retailers face the possible threat of more vertical integration by manufacturer (e.g. Mountain warehouse, Cotswold) PEST factors Political Based on Consumer Protection Act 1987, provides for the safety and protection of consumers by enabling Regulations or orders to be make controlling consumer goods. Provides for approved safety standards to enable compliance with general safety requirements. Next, all company need provides for liability for damage caused by defective products. Finally, prohibits misleading prices indications. The above rules, Blacks Leisure groups must follow the legistration, or else it will be take action by governments. Economic Economic stability is very important for all business. It allows a firm maintain a regular pattern of trade. Sometimes, inflation rate will affected the demand of the market. If the inflation rates grew up a lot mean that the products price will go up. In other ways, consumers purchasing power will decrease, consumers will spend less. This is an example, when governments increase the VAT from 17.5% to 20% Social Sport plays important role in many people social life. So I believe leisure and sport is a big market and large demand. In the future, it will grow rapidly especially with the recent spate of news and media reports regarding heart disease and the dangers of without any exercise. Technological Advances in technology could be advantage to the company. Blacks can try to link or develop software which show all the details of the sales and keep up to date. Latest technology like internet can help Blacks reduce expenditures, in other way it can help firm increase profit. A good website will also help promote and advertise the business, it also a good opportunities to Blacks to open up a new market. Strategic analysis Environmental marketing dynamic and the need for strategic change in order to sustain competitive advantage Nowadays, the world has changed it gaol regard to who are the real competitors. There are a lot of dynamics that come into play when trying to select which companies are Blacks Leisures competitors. Blacks assume that its competitors are other Leisure groups in the country. This is an example Barnes and Nobel used up a lot of resource to expanse many chain but it was underestimated the effect of technology like internet. The company who is call Amazon accessing numerous books without spending much inventory. In 21st century, many consumers want to access service in convenient way. Like Blacks, it online transaction have caused many consumers to leave tangible. Blacks had try to take their business to the internet. Blacks should give online transactions precedence because this has become a vital part of the marketing environment today. (Baird, 1994) Industry Concept To understand a market dynamics, Blacks has necessary to look at competition through different angles. Competition may be defined in relation to industry concept or market concept. Blacks Leisure Group is under monopolistic competition. Blacks offer only a specific range of service to consumer in superior manner. Blacks need to consider issue is entry vs. exit barriers within the industry. The leisure industry has minimal entry barriers and it require low capital to entry to new market. For exit, it rather high because it likely that the assets will be obsolete by the time to leave the exit industries. These dynamics need to be incorporated by Blacks to stay ahead. Now the world has different industries with different level of globalisation. There are a lot number of companies to compete on a global platform, this mean that leisure industry is one of the most heavily hit. Blacks Leisure is not an exception, so Blacks need to break into other market segments owing to the fact that many leisure companies to do same. It would be necessary to check consumers that may be interested in their service (Aaker, 1984) Market Concept Marketers consider competition in different light. It can be define competitors as entity to meet the same consumer need. Even the service may not relate, but they may qualify as competitors. When analysing competition, we can find out which companies are using same strategic path as Blacks Leisure Group. Blacks need always look at other companies whether the competitor under consideration has wide or narrow line. Blacks can analyse the manufacturing costs of its competitor, if the competitor have the same costs, Blacks ought to watch out of it. It can be followed by an analysis of service offering. It is a force worth reckoning, if Blacks competitor offers a high quality or service products. The following step, Blacks can consideration different type of price offer. After doing an analysis of the strategies used by other company, Blacks need to look out for the objectives of their competitors. I will suggest Blacks look at their competitors strength, so it will know how large their share in the market. By examining all the latter issues, Blacks can figure out some loopholes among their competitors and establish itself in the market (Benter and Booms, 1981) Recommendation It is very important developing and sustaining competitive advantage for Blacks Leisure Group. Blacks Leisure ought to be sustaining competitive advantage because the world becomes increasingly interconnected. Globalisation has present new challenge to all leisure industries around the world and also UK. Blacks Leisure Group should make sure that sustain competitive advantage, if they fail to do so the online companies might drive them out of the market. The high technology and internet have further aggravated the situation. It is necessary for Blacks to ensure that they can expand their business or distribution their chain in a cost efficient manner such likes online companies example Amazon. If Blacks is not enough to drive a new change to improve the financial debts, the company has to improve product offering, service and quality to battle with other larger competitor. Leisure companies have a lot of brand names or products, this may give advantage over Blacks to their company strength. However, Blacks should develop and sustain an advantage or competitive advantage over its players in the leisure equipment industry. Blacks Leisure groups stakeholders should not underestimate the effects competition. If they fail to do, it will make loss profits or profits decline. Consequently, Blacks Leisure group need vigilant about to built up a good market positions and managing their brand selectively. Conclusion The Blacks Leisure Group operates in highly competitive market with their competitors. Consequently, Blacks Leisures environmental dynamics cannot be ignored. What can Blacks do is try to sustain competitive advantage include offering superior service, outsourcing their inbound and outbound logistics, integrating business unit, teaming up with leisure groups to strengthen their buyer power from suppliers. Finally, integrating technological advancements and encompassing the global market more aggressively. All this strategic steps will help Blacks Leisure Group enhancing their position in the market (Amit, 2007) Reference and bibliography Aaker, David A. (1984): Strategic Marketing Management. New York: John Wiley. Baird, L. (1994): Meeting global challenges: The executive perspective; University of Boston Barney, J.   B. (1991): Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage, Journal of Management, 1 (January) Barney, J. B. (1997): Gaining and Sustaining Competitive Advantage. Reading, MA: Addison- Wesley. Benter, J. and Booms, B. (1981): business development strategies and organizational structures for service firms, in Donnelly, J. and George, W. Marketing, American Marketing Association, Chicago. Blackwell, David, Weather Puts the Freeze on Blacks Leisure,  Financial Times,  January 11, 2001.   Blacks Leisure Group PLC. (2011).  Blacks Leisure Group PLC.  Available: http://www.firefighters3peaks.co.uk/Fire%20Service%203%20Peaks%20discount%20form.pdf.   Dyer, R.   F. and Ernest H. F (1991): An Analytical Approach to Marketing Decisions. Fashion Puts Bounce in Blacks Leisure,  Financial Times,  May 21, 1997.   Focus: Blacks Leisure,  Guardian,  October 20, 1999.   Gloomy Day for Clothing Group,  Birmingham Post,  January 11, 2001, p. 24.   Grant, R.M. (2005): Contemporary Strategy Analysis; Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford (U.K.) Johnson, G. Scholes, K. Whittington, R. (2005).  Exploring Corporate Strategy. Edinburgh Gate: Preson Education Limited. Lumsden, Quentin, Sports Chain Looks Unbeatable,  Independent on Sunday,  August 18, 1996, p. 6.   None. (2011).  Blacks Leisure Group PLC.  Available: http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Blacks-Leisure-Group-plc-Company-History.html. Last accessed 8 Nov 2011. Potter, Ben, Blacks Sticks to Expansion Track,  Daily Telegraph,  October 20, 1998, p. 33. Porter, M.E. (1985): Competitive Advantage: The Free Press, New York, 1985. Professor Raphael Amit (2007): Strategic Management , a journal for Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada Thompson, A. Strickland III, A. (1992): Strategy formulation and complementation: Tasks of the General Manager; Blackwell Publishers

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