PESTEL Analysis Of Tune Hotels UK

PESTEL Analysis Of Tune Hotels UK The hotel industry within the United Kingdom is a highly competitive market with many different hotel organisations, such as Tune Hotels, each trying to offer something unique, desirable and profitable. It is therefore important for organisations within this industry to remain constantly aware of the external factors that could potentially affect their performance and productivity. In this report I am going to identify and explain the key political, economical and socio-demographical factors that are currently having an effect upon the industry; these are three headings within a PESTLE analysis. PESTLE analysis is a tool that can aid organisations when making strategies by helping them understand the external environment in which they operate in the present and future (Renewal Associates, 2003). Once I have done this I will then draw upon my analysis and conclude with my thoughts and recommendations about the proposed UK expansion of Tune Hotels. The UK Hotel Industry As for most business organisations, it has been a tough time financially due to the recent global recession; however, according to an article on www.hotel-industry.co.uk, things are looking up for the hotel industry. Despite the recession, the UK hotel industry is continuing to expand, with over 10,400 rooms opening in 2010 and a further 43,000 for the period 2011-2015.'(Hotel Construction, 2010). The article goes on to mention how consumers are simply opting for low-cost, budget branded hotels, such as Tunes, during this time of financial uncertainty. Political Environment The political environment is an area that business organisations need to monitor constantly as politics can be very unpredictable and influential at times. (Palmer, A. Hartley, B. 2006, P7-8) This is because governments have the power to introduce legislation and regulations that may have a profound effect on organisations. Whilst the UK is a relatively free market, the government will still keep a close on what is going on in the private sector to ensure that businesses are functioning within the best interests of the country. These are just some of the political factors that may have an effect on the UKs hotel industry: * Digital Economy Act 2010 The Digital Economy Act 2010 is an act of parliament which was put in place mainly to decrease the amount of illegal file sharing and copyright infringements that currently takes place in todays digital society. However this has been met by fierce criticism from establishments, such as hotels, that offer free Wi-Fi internet connections hot spots. If hotels guests break this law whilst using the hotels connection, then it is the hotel that is, ultimately, held responsible and consequently face the possibility of having their internet connection disabled by the service provider (Benson, P. 2010). This may put hotels in a sticky situation as they will have to decide whether or not to start charging for the convenience of internet connectivity; which could put potential customers off. * New Immigration Policies New immigration policies from the coalition government have caused some concern for the UK hospitality industry. Caps on immigration outside of the European Economic Area could neglect the issue of skills shortages in the UKs hospitality sector, claim the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, who go on to say: Apart from operational roles such as chefs and bar staff, a shortage has been highlighted in management skills. Shortages in the UK market continue to exist with only 10 per cent of hotel managers and six per cent of restaurant and catering managers having qualifications at managerial level (Essentiallycatering.co.uk, 2010). Economic Environment * Crowded Market There is currently much competition for Tune in the UKs budget hotel market at the moment, especially in London. Brands such as easyHotel, Travelodge and Premier Inn all offer a similar service to that of Tune Hotels, but at lower prices; and some of them offer extras such as towels within the room price. Travelodge currently offers rooms at a promotional price of 19 and, like the Premier Inn chain, their rooms are family-friendly and they provide most extras free of charge, states Susannah Streeter (2010). * Increase in UK tourism spending The increase in UK visitors comes after the recession and the fall in sterlings value against the euro and dollar deterred Britons from making overseas trips. As a result, spending by tourists in the city hit a record 10.5billion (Sri Carmichael, 2009). This is great news for the hotel industry. * VAT Increase As the coalition government start to act upon the UKs budget deficit, the recent VAT increase from 17.5% to 20% will no doubt put more strain on the consumers disposable income and put more strain on peoples budgets. Lisa Francesca Nand (2011) states that the increase will discourage spending and deter UK-based guests and overseas visitors alike. However there are positives that can be drawn from this VAT increase for some businesses. Such increases will continue to divert customers away from highly priced hotels with underutilised facilities as Mark Lankester suggested in the Tune Hotels Press Release (2010). People will be looking for cheaper No frills accommodation such as Tune Hotels. The low cost, limited service business model has been a proven success over the past couple of years with in other industries organisations such as AirAsia, an affiliate company of Tune Hotels, boasting success. Socio-Demographic Environment * London 2012 Olympics The London 2012 Olympic Games have understandably been described as an opportunity of a lifetime for the UK hospitality industry by hotel-industry.co.uk. The games will bring in an influx of people from all over the world to London which will undoubtedly mean increased demand for hotels. However I think that this will only bring limited custom for Tune Hotels; as the games are stretched out over a two week period, I think that the people who are staying in London for a couple of days will be more than happy with the service that Tune Hotels provide as a comfortable bed and a hot shower is all that most people require during a short hotel stay. On the other hand, I think long-stay visitors will be put off by the inability to budget under the pay-as-you-use system operated by Tune Hotels. * Location Location is very important within the hotel industry, even more so with the London 2012 Olympics around the corner. Hotels in London need to be close to transport links, attractions and other amenities in order to draw in a healthy numbers of customers as nobody wants a hotel too far away from their desired location. This is a potential problem for Tune Hotels and their proposed UK expansion as there could be some difficulty in finding appropriate sites for their ambitious figure of fifteen hotels in an already saturated market. Recommendations and conclusion All in all I think Tune Hotels have a fairly good chance of making the UK expansion a success with their low costing business model, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon and the increased demand for hotel accommodation in London that the games will generate. However, I think it would be wise for Tune to offer some kind of incentive or special Olympic package to potential guests during the games to lure them away from rival hotels; an all-inclusive option for the guests staying for longer periods, maybe? However, I think fifteen hotels is a little ambitious in the competitive jungle of London and Mark Lankester should think about lowering his aspirations ever so slightly to and start talking about more realistic numbers like five or six. This would mean Tune could concentrate on having a smaller number of hotels in more desirable places as opposed to a large number of hotels in less sought after locations. The expansion would also create a number of jobs for the people of the UK

Bass Pro Shops Business Analysis Essay -- Business Strategy Analysis

Primary Problems/Decisions to be made: Bass Pro shop started as an 8-foot-long display area in the back of a liquor store in 1971 and has expanded into a Fortune 500 company that employs over 8,800 employees and has annual sales estimating somewhere around $1.25 billion today. The question at hand is: should Bass Pro Shops continue to expand, and if so at what rate should they? The primary problems they might face when expanding are as follows. Could expansion hurt their brand image and if so how? The Competition outside of Missouri is going to be much greater. They will not have the publicity and brand recognition as they do in Missouri. Does Bass Pro have the financial resources in order to open new stores, if not then what are some options they can exercise? Will Negative publicity threaten their brand image as they continue to grow? Is the cost of overhead going to be too high initially for Bass Pro to expand at a fast rate, if so then at what rate should they expand yearly? These are all problems Bass Pro is going t o have to face in the future. Through research and extensive problem solving, they will be able to make an accurate decision on rather they should expand. II. SWOT Analysis: Strengths: 1. Brand image: a. Identification with consumer -Store brand name enables product to be accepted and adopted more easily by consumers because of brand recognition 2 Selective Distribution: a. Bass Pro is able to expand the product, name, and experience to a larger customer base without cannibalization of their company by setting a radius limit on how close their stores are built. b. They meet the needs of their target market by building their stores in closer proximity. 3. Unique Store Image: a. ... ... a high brand image; while, maintaining customer satisfaction with existing customers and breaking into new markets. Bass Pro is one of the largest U.S. retailing chains of outdoor sporting goods and has an image to uphold, not only with its name but with its products. Maintaining customer satisfaction with existing customers keeps them loyal. Breaking into new markets helps the company grow and brings in new customers, which leads to higher profit margins. Objectives: 1. Open two stores each year for the next five years. a. Expand at least two of those stores in western states 2. Increase sales by 25% to $1.5 billion in the next 4 years 3. Increase sales to current customers by 5% each year by using innovative technology in order to find more efficient ways to distribute and manufacture our products leading to more competitive pricing.

Reading Strategies Essay

Identify two reading goals, one short-term and one long-term. †¢Long-term reading goal: Read on a college level. †¢Short-term reading goal: Complete two reading workshops. Write a 100- to 150-word response to each of the following questions: †¢How do you currently approach the weekly readings in the course? I currently approach the reading in the course very cautiously. When reading any of the material in or out of class, I take my time. It is important to do so because by going to quick, there is a chance of missing some of the material. By reading slowly I can assure myself that I have better chance of taking in more information. Also by removing myself from any distractions, I can concentrate harder on the things that I am reading. Preparing for my reading sessions in advance helps to optimize my chance of greater concentration on my reading materials. †¢How might you incorporate three of the suggestions covered this week into your study time? By using the four steps in active reading, I can optimize how well I concentrate during my study time. By previewing my material, I can get a visual guide to anything I may not understand before reading the material. Marking my work as I go along will help with keeping me focused and concentrating. By using correct time management and can make sure nothing interferes with my study time as well. Also by choosing the correct study location will help to block out any distractions that may affect my study time. Using all of these helpful ways well help me in enhancing all of my study time. †¢How might this plan help you accomplish your reading goals? By using what I have learned so far, I have a much greater chance on accomplishing both of my reading goals. Using the four steps of active reading, and concentrating on all of my materials; it will help with my long term goal of reading on a college level. My short term goal was to complete two reading workshops. By choosing a quite study location, I will be able to concentrate harder on my work. Turning of cell phones and not using social media web sites will help as well. If I can optimize my study time and location, I will have a much greater chance of completing my short term goal of completing two workshops.

Overview of Management

Overview of Management Free Online Research Papers The primary functions of management consist of four functions, which pertain to the planning and strategizing, organizing, controlling, and leading. â€Å"The four management functions should be closely linked. For instance, the control system should warn the organization that its plans and strategies are not working and need to be reconsidered† (Gomez- Mejia-Balkin, 2002, p. 5). Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) was established in 1998. Kudler Fine Foods is in three different areas in California. The first store opened in La Jolla, the second store is located in Del Mar and the third is in Encinitas both of the areas are in California. Kathy Kudler is the president and founder of the company in which she has manually managed the company. The store managers will have responsible duties such as supervising employees, managing the store within the budget and operating guidelines, plans and prepare a work schedule for employees, formulates pricing policies on the merchandise, prepares sale promotions and directs workers with the merchandise displays and advertisements. Store managers will take care of the inventories, reconciling cash with sales receipts, prepare record of transactions, answer customer complaints, and lock and secure the store. The director of finance and accounting will develop and implement goals that relate to the financial management, budget, accounting, and payroll. He or she will also supervise in preparations of the financial statements, maintain accurate records, prepare statements and reports of the estimated future costs, manage the financial institutions relationships with lenders and review the financial statements with the management. The director of store operations will manage the operations of the three stores, which consist of supervising the managers of purchasing and inventory. Director of operations will be responsible for the safety of the store, facilitate maintenance, security and the compliance with the state and federal regulations. The director of administration and human resources will develop policies, direct, and coordinate human resource activities. The director of administration and human resources will supervise in developing training, recruit employees, analyzes the wage and salary reports. Technology and the Internet The Technology and the Internet has become advanced over the years and has now become a place for companies to endorse and sell their merchandises, goods and services to a larger amount of customers than by the traditional advertisement in which this will involve networking. â€Å"Networking is the ability to build and sustain a personal network that can enable you to reach your professional goals† (Gomez-Mejia-Balkin, 2002, p. 7). Kudler Fine Foods is no different than any other company. Kudler has developed a website or network to inform new and present customers about Kudler’s’ goods and services. Because there are other companies which are on the Internet that sell goods similar to Kudler, the company’s website must use detailed graphics to set the company enthusiastically different from the companys competition. Cite Examples of the Five Forces The company carefully plans the operations and order product when the company believes the sales will become the highest. When the sales fall the company will do promotional activity. According to Kudler the company currently does not have any competition; another gourmet shop could open in our geographic area. If we offer fresh and healthy products at a reasonable price, hopefully we can keep competitors from entering the marketplace. Because customers expect a high-quality product, Kathy makes sure that the product is pulled from the shelf and replaced as soon as possible if the turnover rate is less than expected (Kudler, 2003). Conclusion In conclusion to the article there has been an understanding that the primary functions of the company is responsible to several departments or individuals in whom the individuals rely on one another for the company to be successful, expand, and to grow. The company is willing to keep their customers satisfied. For the company to grow and succeed the company uses the Internet to help in providing for their customers and to advertise. References Gomez- Mejia-Balkin, (2002). Management (2nd ed.). Retrieved from Kudler, (2003). Strategic Plan. Kudler Fine Foods. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/Kudler/Admin/StrategicPlan2003. Research Papers on Overview of ManagementThe Project Managment Office SystemAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceTwilight of the UAWBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalLifes What IfsDefinition of Export Quotas

Stereotypes of American Citizens

Stereotypes of American Citizens The American citizens have diverse stereotypes that emanate from their inherent attributes such as gender, race, ethnicity, culture, occupation, and/or ancestral origin. McAndrew and Akande lament that in the United States, African Americans are the most stereotyped due to racial discrimination and the dark history of slavery (650). Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Stereotypes of American Citizens specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The whites see African Americans as poor, lazy, superstitious, primitive, and criminal race. Western stereotypes depict Native Americans as fierce warriors, violent, criminals, drunkards, primitive and hunters, while European Americans stereotypes are intellectual, rich, racists, powerful, hardworking and innovative in their occupations. Primitivism, criminals, illegal immigrants, smugglers, terrorists and actors are the major stereotypes associated with the Latino Americans. The westerners also portray Asian Americas as culture oriented, intruders, intelligent, innovative, sexually active, and hardworking. The westerners also view Middle East Americans as Muslims, moneyed, terrorists, bombers, thieves, and murders. Gender stereotypes in the United States reflects men as tall, huge, quiet and powerful while women are tall, slim, talkative and less powerful. Given the diversity of stereotypes that the Americans hold about each racial group, how do they affect effective communication? Stereotypes of various racial groups in the United States occur in the literature, media and comedies. The media constantly portray certain attributes and characters associated with given racial groups, thus changing the perceptions of Americans resulting into stereotypes. In schools, literature and socialization generates more stereotypes of various races. From the stereotyped attributes, I realized that the most prominent stereotypes about certain race are the negative ones implying th at stereotyping is degradation of real attributes concerning specific groups. I discovered that stereotypes do not reflect the true and accurate attributes of a particular race or ethnic group because they are forms of criticism, which always tend to portray real attributes of the people in the most negative way possible. Advertising Looking for essay on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the society, people form stereotypes to criticize, abuse, or even defame others in social and political arenas. Stereotypes are common during times of social unrest, political campaigns, games and other social gathering. Since stereotypes involve defamation, abuse and criticism, they are unfair because they negatively portray true attributes of the people. Stereotypes such as primitiveness and naivety interfere with successful communication because the person communicating sees the other as someone who does not understand t he topic or the context of discussion and this degrading perspective contravenes existence of any meaningful engagement. Eventually, the communicating partners would not communicate effectively due to the stereotypes. Moreover, since stereotypes due to racial differences tend to classify people into stereotyped groups, the most negatively stereotyped group would feel degraded and develop fears, which would significantly interfere with effective intergroup communication. Stereotypes such as criminality, violence, and terrorism associated with particular races scare other racial group and prevent friendly interaction, which interferes with effective interracial communication. Understanding one’s stereotypes and those associated with other racial or ethnic groups would enhance effective communication. For effective communication to occur, one should be able to indentify offending stereotyped language and character in order to avoid annoying others who perceive such stereotypes as offensive. Nurturing of positive stereotypes about certain racial or ethnic group enhances socialization and thus effective communication. For example, identifying with cultural lifestyles of particular racial or ethnic groups promotes intercultural interaction, which ultimately improves effective communication. Stereotyping affects relationship among friends; for instance, one day my friends teased me that I looked like a Negro and went further to discusses how Negroes are presumably primitive, naà ¯ve and poor. This experience heralded the death of our relationship even though the perpetrators of the same were my very close friends. We almost fought and for the first time I hated my friends for upholding misconstrued opinions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Stereotypes of American Citizens specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More McAndrew, Frank, and Akande, Antoun. African of Americans of African and European De scent. Journal of Social Psychology 135.5 (1995): 649–655.

Commercialism in Schools Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Commercialism in Schools - Research Paper Example addition, it is only natural to want to have more and if schools could gain by developing partnerships with commerce, they wanted to try to get the extras to give more to the school and students. Thus, the trends for commercialism in schools continued to present an increase, despite much debate and criticism. State legislatures and school supervisors did eventually present some rules designed to ensure that commercial partnerships in which schools engaged remained within ethical limits to ensure that no harm to students ensued. However, commercialism in schools is open to creativity and some even go so far as to recommend commercial partnerships for schools. This essay presents a discussion about the commercialism in schools phenomenon and concludes that it is possible for schools to enter into healthy partnerships with commerce that benefit everyone. Commercialism in educational institutions is not something that is new and it had been commonly found and routinely accepted in schools in the United States of America from times prior to the early 1990s (Washington Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, 1991). The previously cited report suggests that state legislatures within the United States of America had been concerned about the phenomenon since the early 1990s and tried to examine the impact of commercialism in schools on students and their education. However, according to (Molnar, 2006), the commercialism phenomenon in schools in the United States of America, Canada and in other parts of the world had taken an aggressive turn since then, prior to declining somewhat towards the end of the year 2006. Researchers suggested that a chronic shortage of funds for schools was the reason for commercialism in schools. Larson (2002) suggests that despite the concerns expressed by the state legislatures in the United States of America, businesses had been increasingly making inroads into the classrooms of the underfunded schools in the country.

First Degree Murder Defenses Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

First Degree Murder Defenses - Assignment Example As per the US state law, murders are claimed to be 1st degree, if the following criteria are fulfilled. The basic elements of this form of murder are â€Å"willfulness, deliberation, and premeditation†. The â€Å"1st-degree murder† in some states of the US is considered as applicable for ‘felony murder rule’. This implies that if any accidental death occurs due to the reason of some violent felonies, such as burglary, abuse, kidnapping,  and robbery, it is also regarded as 1st-degree murder. With reference to the provided case, Kim is convicted of the murder, which was accidental in nature. However, the alleged surrendered herself to the police after she identified and realized the death of Michael Thomas (Thomson Routers, 2014). Contextually, defenses are sub-categorized into two forms ― first, the defendant should have submitted justification that he/she had not committed the crime of murder intentionally and second, is he/she should have condemned the crime. To justify their actions regarding the suspect of murder, victims usually use the subsection laws of self-defense and defense to other individuals (Thomson Routers, 2014). As per the US state of law, ‘1st-degree murder’ is a severe offense, which can result in unforgiving punishment. The degree of punishment may, however, vary in different states due to rudiments of crime and ways of defense. The degree of sentences to condemned murderer also depends upon the state law, decision of the court and strict legal rules who determines the concerned facts about the case. Again, the punishment of the victims of the 1st-degree murder may also vary as per the evidence and justification provided on the basis of sub law of self-defense and defense to others (2Thomson Routers, 2014). As per the case statement, Kim Johnson was charged with ‘1st degree murder’ for the killing of Michael Thomas. She claimed for self-defense and defense to others as well. She argued with justification that as per the law of self-defense, Michael Thomas would have entered the premises by seeking her permission.