Land O. Lakes Marketing Strategy

In business, it is essential for management to understand the role and importance of marketing to his or her organization. Management utilizes marketing tools to satisfy the needs of customers, and to gain a better understanding of the product itself. The goal of this paper is to discuss and analyze the distribution practices of Land O Lakes butter. In review of the distribution practices, I will also attempt to show the importance of knowing and understanding the product you are marketing. Distribution Strategies A distribution strategy is in relation to how a company will distribute the product or services they are offering to the consumer.The distribution of a product is essential to the organization. Making sure the product is at the right place at the right time. If the demand for the product is underestimated, the consumer will not be able to purchase the product, which will affect profits. There are two channels of distribution; indirect and direct. Indirect channels of distri bution involve distributing the product to different outlets before it gets to the retailer or consumer, for example the product is sold to a manufacture, then to a wholesaler, and then on to the retailer.Direct channels of distribution involve shipping the product directly from the manufacturer to the consumer. There are several types of distribution strategies. The most common types are intensive distribution, exclusive distribution, and selective distribution. Intensive distribution is more commonly used to distribute low priced or impulse purchases, for example soft drinks. Exclusive distribution involves limited distribution to a single outlet, for example cars. Selective Distribution is when an organization uses a select and small number of outlets to distribute his or her product.Land O Lakes uses an indirect distribution channel and intensive distribution. Distribution Models A distribution model is the manner in which goods move from the manufacturer to the outlet where the consumer purchases them; in some marketplaces, it's a very complex channel, including distributors, wholesaler, jobbers and brokers (Entrepreneur 2010). A distribution model is needed once you have determined how the product will be distributed. Land O Lakes uses the direct distribution model. he producer (farmer), the wholesaler, and then to the retailer, this is similar to that of the conventional distribution model, however, Land O Lakes owns and operates the manufacturing of the product. Distribution Chain A distribution chain refers to the means used to transfer the product or merchandise from the manufacturer to the end user. Land O Lakes is a cooperative, the coop states that it has about 3200 producer-members, 1000 member-cooperatives, and about 9000 employees who process and distribute products for about 300,000 agricultural producers (Land O Lakes, 2010)JIT (Just in Time) Just in time marketing, also called JIT refers to the manufacturing operations of a company. It is in tended to eliminate the wasteful, non value adding tasks and strives for continuous improvement in productivity (Businessihub, 2010). The JIT philosophy was developed in 1970’s by Taiichi Ohno, of Japan. Ohno, developed his philosophy while working with manufacturing plants of Toyota. The primary goal of JIT is to achieve maximum output on a timely basis. Land O Lakes has a similar program it uses to promote and maintain effectiveness. Push vs. PullPush vs. Pull marketing strategies are two different methods for promoting products and services to consumers. Push and Pull marketing is used to define marketing practices for getting the consumer to purchase a particular product or service. Push marketing refers to putting the product or service out to the end user. This can be done through various advertising, such as cold calling, emailing prospective customers, to using a popular website to promote the product. In retail, an example would be in department stores; a salesperson can push or recommend a particular product.Pull marketing refers to an attempt to get the consumer to come and see what product or service your organization is offering. The consumer is enticed so to speak, by the promotions and advertising being presented. Land O Lakes used the pull method of marketing to promote the new butter spread with olive oil, with a commercial of an Olive painted with cow markings, and created the â€Å"Colive†. The promotion included a free coupon to try the spread. Wheel of Retailing Wheels of retailing is a hypothesis of M. P. McNair that explains the patterns of change in retailing.It is new types of retailers who cut prices by lowering or eliminating customer services, once established, the retailer increases prices and customer services. During this process the retailer becomes vulnerable to the next low priced retailer. Types of Wholesalers The U. S. Bureau of the Census defines wholesalers as: The activities of those persons or establishment s which sell to retailers and other merchants, and or to industrial, institutional, and commercial users, but who do not sell in large amounts to final consumers.It is important for marketing managers to understand the role of the wholesaler. There are ten types of wholesalers. The merchant wholesaler owns the products he or she is selling. The general merchandise wholesalers are service wholesalers who carry a variety of non perishable items, such as hardware, cosmetics, furniture, and apparel. The single line wholesalers are also service wholesalers who carry a smaller line of merchandise than the general wholesaler; this type of wholesaler may just carry one item in particular.The specialty wholesalers are a service wholesaler who carry a narrow range of products, but offers more service and information, such as Vitamin Cottage. The cash and carry wholesalers are the same as the service wholesalers except the customer must pay in cash. The drop shipper wholesaler own the products just like merchant sellers, however they do not handle stock or deliveries, and are mainly focused on selling, this type of wholesaler sells products in bulk and gets product orders from other wholesalers and business users.The Truck wholesaler specializes in delivering products he or she stocks in their own trucks, an example of this type of wholesaler would be Mountain Man Candy. The last three types of wholesalers are Mail order wholesalers, Producers’ Cooperatives, and Rack jobbers (2010). Land O Lakes would be considered a producer’s cooperatives. A producer’s cooperative are wholesalers who operate almost as full service wholesalers, however the profits go to the cooperatives customer members (2010). ConclusionIn conclusion, over the past several years business models and strategies have become more advanced. Distribution is important to any organization, to understand how and when the product will get to the consumer. Efficiency is the key. When deciding how to distribute the product to the end user, the marketing manager has to take all aspects of the distribution process into consideration, as well as what the consumer wants. After all, the customer is the one to please, if you want the product to sell.

Law and Ethics Essay

1. What is the primary objective of IBM’s advertising? How have the objectives of its advertising changed over the years? In one perspective the initial primary objective of IBM’s advertising is to recapture brand equity to increase its diminishing market share. Plunging from one of the market leader during 70’s and 80’s to almost a market looser in the 90’s, IBM’s rebranding aims at the value proposition in the mind of the consumers. Defeated by the rivals such as Microsoft, Dell and Oracle, IBM had to push the awake call alert to reposition itself as one of the significant player in the industry. This all been done through the ingenious and new paradigm of advertising series on which could reinstate the big blue stigma. The transformation process that could penetrate the existing market with the new products known as the product penetration strategy can be best served through the non-personal media Gradually, over the years these objectives had been streaming with the need and orientation towards the present consumers demand and market behavior. What has been emphasis during the early stage of communicating with the consumers has to be molded with the present requirement to suit the consumer needs and wants. Series of persuasive and accurate appeals of the IBM’s advertising plus the campaign has alerted the consumers of its present business orientation and objectives. At this stage recapturing the brand equity has become marginal as the target is to increase the market share through brand retention, brand loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM). 2. Evaluate each of the campaigns described in the case and the accompanying ads shown in the Power Point file. Are the intended branding messages being communicated clearly and do the ads speak equally well to users, as well as non-users, of IBM products and services? IBM’s advertising was handled by a large number of different agencies prior to 1993. Until the late 80’s this wasn’t a problem because IBM was such a dominant player in the market. However this eventually became a problem as IBM was beginning to loose its identity having portrayed itself in a wide variety of ways around the country. So in 1995 they introduced a campaign. â€Å"Solutions for a small planet†: These ads were meant to create a unified brand image of IBM around the world, while connecting everyone on this â€Å"small planet†. This campaign was very successful, and was a huge step in restoring IBM’s image. The main communication goal for this campaign was delivering message that IBM can â€Å"manage information anywhere, anytime, and for anyone†. The messages are underlined by the repeated use of the word †solutions† in describing I.B.M.’s products and services. That echoes the theme †Solutions for a small planet,† which has appeared in all the I.B.M. advertising created by Ogilvy & Mather, the WPP Group agency that has been the company’s worldwide shop since 1994. The campaign was based on extensive market research around the world. This campaign targeted C-level Executives like Chief executives, Chief Managers, etc. IBM wanted to be known as the â€Å"provider of solutions†. â€Å"E-Business†: This campaign was introduced in the late 1990’s. This was to connect with people who were beginning to use the internet more and more for their business and personal use. This was a very good move as using the internet in some way is now a part of almost everyone’s daily activities. This campaign continued to connect the brand with being able to help people with their business needs. Testimonials from customers such as Mercedes Benz and Motorola were used to back up the message that IBM can help you with your business. E-business signals IBM’s recognition of its customers’ increasing desire to use the Web for commerce and collaboration. IBM also used this campaign to attract a broader customer base of small to midsize customers seeking to develop a Web presence. â€Å"On Demand† The main objective of this campaign was to increase the focus on Business Services Market. It used a series of print ads, television commercials and outdoor advertising which reaches the consumer while he or she is outside the home. It was focused on marketing to consumers when they are â€Å"on the go† in public places, in transit, waiting and/or in specific commercial locations. Outdoor advertising formats fall into four main categories: billboards, street furniture, transit, and alternative. IBM helped analyzed medical data with an advertisement â€Å"Fighting Cancer is ON†. Other examples include â€Å"Napster is ON†, â€Å"China is ON†, â€Å"The PGA Tour is ON†, to increase  the focus on Business Services Market. In all these campaigns â€Å"ON† is about getting your company to work better. The goal of the ‘ON Demand’ campaign was to show that yet again IBM was at the forefront of helping companies/businesses which were f ully integrated, wanted to meet the demands of the ever demanding consumer and aiming to provide better services and grab business opportunities available at a global scale. â€Å"The Other IBM† and â€Å"Help Desk†: These campaigns move into the Information Technology Consulting Industry. The Other IBM was designed in 2005 to reposition company. It used imagery with scenes of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table. The IBM Help Desk was aimed at mid-sized businesses and, rather than concentrating on technological jargon, it focused on showing how the IBM Help Desk can be of assistance in solving practical business problems. The TVCs literally take the Help Desk into the real world to show, in a humorous way, how the IBM Help Desk can assist businesses in making their operations smoother and their lives easier 3. What is the value of using testimonials or mini-case studies across a variety of business and industries in IBM’s integrated marketing communications campaigns?

7 Different types of office chairs used in the every office

7 Different types of office chairs used in  the every  office Office chairs are categorized on the basis of the height of the backrest, the presence of adjustable features, and the presence or absence of wheels. Now a days, there are a lots of the chairs are available in the market. Let’s see the various types of office chairs in the office. They are given below it. Task chairs Task chairs are easily the most common chairs in all offices. These chairs are very basic in design, and have casters or wheels at the base. Another characteristic feature of task chairs is the swivel, which allows the chair to rotate in all directions. These types of chairs are highly used by the number of peoples, task chairs are a good option, because you can easily adjust the height of the task chair to match the comfort level of people. Executive chairs Executive chairs are similar to task chairs for the fact that they can swivel, and have wheels and casters attached to the base. They have a higher backrest that’s why much more comfortable to sit on, as compared to task chairs and others, partly because of the extra padding on the seat. Another very useful feature of the executive chair is the presence of padding on the armrest. Also, these chairs allow you to adjust the angle of the backrest according to your comfort. Guest chairs Guest chairs, as the name suggests, are meant for guests and visitors who come to the office for a brief period. These chairs are either placed at the reception. Guest chairs offer no flexibility and do not come with adjustable features other word it is simple and sober, as they are not meant for sitting on for long hours. Also, these chairs are not mobile, as they do not have wheels attached to the base. This types of the chair is also known as reception chairs, they are made of wood or hard plastic, and are available in a host of colors and funky designs. Mesh chairs Mesh chairs are probably what you should go for. Mesh is a perforated fabric that looks similar to a net. These chairs have the seat and the backrest made from mesh fabric, which allows effective air circulation, thus, keeping you cool for long hours. Not only this, these chairs also have cushioned seats that are designed for comfort. Mesh chairs are most useful and popular too, because of its fabric. Ergonomic chairs An ergonomic chair is one that is designed to provide maximum support to the back. These chairs are recommended for people who suffer from back pain, or have been diagnosed with problems of the spine. However, anyone who wants to feel comfortable while sitting for long hours should go for an ergonomic chair. Conference chairs The conference chairs is also known as boardroom chairs, conference chairs come in many designs, and are meant for use in conference rooms during meetings. Even though conference chairs are not meant to be sat on for long hours, they have to be comfortable as meetings can sometimes stretch for quite a while. Stacking chairs Stacking chairs are called so because they are designed in such a way that they can be easily stacked on top of one another, which makes it easier to store these chairs in a relatively smaller space. These chairs are usually made of hard plastic, and mounted on a steel frame.

Adipose Tissue and Resveratrol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Adipose Tissue and Resveratrol - Essay Example Several studies found that Resveratrol, a plant-produced polyphenolic flavonoid, delays age-related diseases later in the lives of young laboratory animals, and alleviates existing conditions of various health illnesses, such as obesity. This substance is abundant in grape skin, nuts, and pomegranates. The mechanism by which it acts was found to be similar to that of Dietary or Caloric Restriction (DR or CR), or reduction of food intake by 30-50% by every-other-day feeding. DR has been found to delay the onset of the deleterious effects of oxidative stress and subsequent diseases and functional decline. Despite its health-improving effects, it has its contraindications. It is not suitable for the weak and ill, because they need the calories for energy. Following DR also requires enormous amount of discipline, as it demands a change in eating habits and lifestyles. Thus, there is interest in developing substances that mimics the health-improving action of DR (Pearson, et al., 2008) Ac tion on Adipose Tissue Resveratrol is found to activate sirtuins, a family of NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase SIRT1 that acts on PGC1a, which, in turn, unregulating mitochondrial gene expression and subsequently increasing metabolic efficiency (Pearson et al., 2008; Koi and Montminy, 2006). Several studies have already determined its action on various tissues and on various animals. This paper focuses on the polyphenol’s action on adipose tissues.

Comparison of Ground Support Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparison of Ground Support Systems - Essay Example This essay discusses ground support that has been employed in underground mines in order to ascertain the security and protection of the personnel as well as the equipment working there as well as to fulfill the desired engineering purpose of the aperture. The rockmass around an aperture may be considerably fragmented and fractured as a result of the combination of stresses, discontinuities and also, because of the blasting activities for the production or development purposes. Also, pieces of rock, that may range from a few grams to many tones in mass, may fall or slough into the openings of the mine as a result of gravity. Moreover, rock can be violently dumped into the mine openings because of the seismic bursting. The support methods have been developed in order to avoid the falling or ejection of the rock into the mine openings. Screen mesh, resin or mechanical rock bolts, and plain or reinforced shotcrete have been found to be the indispensable features of the production cycle of mining in Canada for year and have improved in the safety of the operator and the equipment along with enhancing the recovery of the minerals. Beginning from the late 1980's, Urylon Plastics Inc. (previously Guelph, Ontario) and in the present times, Mine guard Canada , in association with the Department of Mining Engineering at Queen's University and the MIROC - Mining Industry Research Organization of Canada created an innovative and new rock support system that is known as MIROC MineguardTM. MIROC Mineguard comprises of a thin, durable and highly flexible 2-component polyurethane spray-on liner. The RockguardTM is another polyurethane/polyurea hybrid liner, which has been developed by Futura Coatings Incorporation in Missouri, USA, has become available recently. MineguardTM and Rockguardâ„ ¢ are considered as the best forms of spray-on liners and both of them will referred as polymer liner support in this study. The other spray-on products under testing and development are Master Builder’s epoxy-based product and Fosroc’s latex-based Tekflex product. All systems have been demonstrated not only in the laboratory but also in the underground so that they may work in a various ways. The technical aspects and properties of every support system have been documented well in the literature. Each support system has some technical constraints and benefits, but they will not be included in detail in this study. Although being technically sound with respect to engineering concepts, however, it is also vital to take in to account that whether it is also cost effective or not, and that how each method

Skeleton argument Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Skeleton argument - Case Study Example 6. ‘The Law Commission and The Scottish Law Commission’ established that in consumer contracts there are terms included that are not personally negotiated2. The role of UCTA is to determine if the terms used are fair or unfair. In this particular case Ms Edwards was not involved in any kind of negotiations on term (a) and (b) of the tenancy agreement. 7. The ‘Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977’ mentions that it is necessary for the terms in a contract to meet the specification of reasonableness3. This would permit a term to be fair and dependent. The terms in the tenancy contract did not meet these requirements. 2. The ‘Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977’ 2 (2) states that in the event of harm or loss, the individual shall not limit or eliminate the liability unless the term fulfils the necessity of reasonableness4. In this case the term (c) is considered unreasonable. 3. In the case of London Borough of Newha v Khatun, Zeb and Iqbal; CA [24-Feb-2004] held that the terms of a tenancy agreement are controlled by the Unfair Contract Regulations to determine the unfair phrases and prevent them from being enforced5. Scottish Ministers ‘The Law Commission and The Scottish Law Commission’ Justice.gov.uk (February 2005) Ë‚http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/docs/lc292_Unfair_Terms_In_Contracts.pdfËÆ' Accessed January 1,

The Impact of the slave trade on western ideas of race has been Essay

The Impact of the slave trade on western ideas of race has been misunderstood - Essay Example A new trend developed once Europeans were travelling around the world, engaging in what they termed voyages of discovery. In many cases Christianity accompanied trade and conquest. Christianity adapted to local circumstances, in what is known as syncretism, and was backed by military force and commercial development. European sailors who have long been praised as discovering Africa, extending the scope of the known world, were in fact at the same time engaging in the African slave trade. Africa did not need to be discovered. It housed many mature civilizations, with complex economies and political systems. In 960, slavery was banned in Venice. On occasion enslavement of Englishmen was prohibited, while the French or Welsh could still be enslaved. In Italy, Spain and France, there came a time when slavery was no longer naturally viable. The change came later in England, after the Norman Conquest, but before 1200. The story was different in Southern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean, with wars between Christians and Muslims routinely accompanied by enslavement. In 1300 there were 30,000 Christian slaves in Granada. Islamic laws included benign treatment of slaves. ... There was a busy trade on the southern coast of the Mediterranean. Details are hazy, but Arab slave traders served a global market, with particular tastes such as black eunuchs. The black slaves were the more preferred ones. The blacks were well built and strong and used to do difficult tasks with ease and most importantly they don't ask questions. Christians have traditionally believed that their service to God provided the basis for their freedom and citizenship. This has led to a stress on obeying rules, and taking vows of obedience. This approach to service was undertaken by free will, and sometimes discussed in terms of enslavement. It contrasts with the horrors of chattel slavery, which were kept from the attention of the European population. Slavery and states' rights were divisive issues leading to the American Civil War. Principled positions came later. Pragmatism was dominant. Abraham Lincoln was committed to doing whatever was necessary to save the Union, and concluded that slavery had to be abolished. Following the Civil War, the period of Reconstruction showed that the attitudes, which had underpinned slavery, had not been destroyed through war. Racial prejudice continued. Britain abolished slavery in 1833, taking effect in 1838, but did not achieve the universal adult franchise until the twentieth century. Access to power was controlled. Social class, less visible than skin colour, remains a determining factor. One legacy of the former British Empire has been the flow of immigrants, descended from former slaves, or from the countries from which the slaves were taken. History is ever present. After the Second World War, European colonial powers like Britain had a labour shortage. They turned to

Annotated bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 12

Annotated bibliography - Essay Example The former one is completely opposed to this notion and instead claims that all that a person does is a result of choice. The question therefore is normally asked as to whom between the two is right. Whereas history does indeed play a role in one’s behavior, does it mean that the person committing a crime or violence is not responsible? This essay’s purpose is to assert that humans have freewill and that for every action taken, no one is really compelled. Decision and influence are two distinct things, which ought to be treated as such to avoid the confusion of determinism. Whereas, it could be true that one’s decision or its magnitude may be somehow influenced by the past, the actions taken by a person is not devoid of their consciousness and approval. That is to say, history may have a role in a decision but the person taking it is very much aware of it and by no means are they doing it without knowledge. According to (Cohen p.15), whenever one is taking a particular action there is full understanding and knowledge of its likely outcome and this therefore negates any claim of determinism. If every decision is taken based on the history then creativity and invention have nothing to be attributed to since they did not exist before. The proponents of determinism claim that a decision is greatly, if not fully, influenced by one’s history. For instance, if a man witnessed violence while growing up, there would no way to stop them from engaging in the same. However, Howard, George, and Diane (p.67), who reported that other factors that could alter a person when they are growing up, have disputed the above assertions. It therefore means that even if one witnessed violence, it does not automatically mean they will follow suit. The creativity demonstrated by individuals is not in any way influenced by experiences one had while growing up. Instead, the mind tends to focus on making new things. Similarly, one who involves in

Storytelling Marketing Approach Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Storytelling Marketing Approach - Essay Example To be remembered is the aim and the story telling method is gaining strong grounds in today's dynamic global horizon. The customer gets the opportunity to perceive the story to match his own mind set and thereby accepting the story and the product underlying in the story. Imagine a child, being told a creative bed time story. The child adds his imagination to the story and if it fascinates him enough he communicates his thoughts across to many of his play group friends the next day. Every person still holds the same child like ability to appreciate and spread an interesting story. Here lies the key to the story telling method. An image is created in the mind of the customer which he further copulates and spreads across to acquaintances, friends, family. Thereby the word of mouth spreads. However as every marketing strategy, the story telling method also requires to be supported by attributes of the product to retain the buzz created.1 The aim of weaving a story is what would guide the key success factors for the strategy. Most stories are built to help people learn, absorb, remember and share information and ideas 2 stories can bring forth the strengths of a company, the vision the company has or even the past experiences of others to provide an assurance. Stories can be incorporated to market products and brands, demonstrate leadership, build affinity or many varied reasons. Few factors should be kept in mind to make sure the story telling method reaps adequate advantage for the company.3 These factors would be maintaining the timeliness of the story- communicating the story in a timely manner is crucial for its success. The other factors to be kept in mind are that the story should meet the objectives of the company. The mission and vision of the company will help ascertain the primary objective of a marketing strategy. There should also be orientation towards the detail as to what information is to be passed on to the customer and in what manner. Innovation and creativity form the key to a good story. A creative way of presenting a simple thought can help grab the attention of the customers. Personal affinity towards the story should exist for all the employees as the commitment should be visible in the employees. Finally as every marketing tool, the cost factor should be considered in the story telling method as well. Although there is an advantage in this method as it leads to buzz marketing however the cost aspect and budget analysis should be done before the planning is started. The key elements of success for story telling method of marketing can be summarized in the following manner: 1. Create a simple, credible and compelling Story The business journey and the vision that has been conceptualized should be visible in the story told to the customers. The simplicity of a story is crucial though. The people of every level in the business enterprise should be capable of believing the story. Only then can organization make the customers believe in the story. The story can be a simple narratrion about a personal achievement or an act of excellence been demonstrated at some time frame by the company. The achievement can also be about a particular division or employee of the company as employees are representatives of the larger