Marketing in a regulated market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marketing in a regulated market - Essay Example Although it is a regulated market, the government decides on the production practices it realizes the tobacco monopoly and does not try to implement measures that would eventually curb the business out of operation (Pampel, 2009:89). The script outlines the basis at which producers deceive buyers, market the product against the wish of ethics and morals, and ignore the constraints issued by the world health organizations to amass profits at the long run, and a documented inclusion of defiant states to the constraints. Further, the script entails the marketing mix variables and the ethical concerns of tobacco. Ethical issues pertaining GBT’s practices The company advertises the Gold brand uniformly through social networks and media, and this aspect catches the public equally, but fails to warn possible buyers on the consequences of smoking. Another ethical concern arises from the untamed advertising that, tobacco contains medicinal value, which is an ancient belief, and the com pany expresses it to increase demand on the output (Smith, 2003:42). The third ethical dilemma arises from the product design and packaging of the cigarettes since there are no warning signs on the Gold brand depicting the possible health hazards of smoking. Distribution of the GBT’s Gold Brand (Place) Tobacco market decline would adversely affect a nation that grows, processes, produces, and sells the cigarettes. The economy of Malu produces tobacco and depends upon it for economic growth and change in the people’s lifestyles. The government allows distribution of tobacco product brands in different channels to reach a wide range of consumer effectively. The famous homemade cigarette brand of â€Å"Gold† sells among all ages in Malu, despite the constraints to refrain from the practice, this practice is unethical to the extent that it will harm the health of the citizens. The product reaches the market via proper distribution and adequate creation of awareness throughout the potential market segments in the south Asian country (Mani and Sandhu, 2006:69). Promotion marketing mix strategy of the GBT’s Gold Brand The various promotion practices of the Gold brand cigarettes are deceptive and meant to retain buyers, entice new ones, recall old consumers, and increase the marginal consumptions. The idea of deception enables the GBT firm to survive in the market since buyers tend to retain the â€Å"value† they derive from consumption of cigarettes and avoid quitting altogether, as they feel affiliated to the product. Therefore, Fiona’s practices are unethical and morally bend to lure citizens in promoting economic growth through consumption of cigarettes and, at the expense of their general welfare and health (Weightman, 2011:87). Pricing strategy of the GBT’s Gold brand The international Tobacco products Manager at GBT, Fiona Fuller defines the best practices that the company intents to take in the process of wedgin g out possible threats that may injure the company’s operations and the desire to acquire the set goals profitably in the next decade. Fiona adapts to penetration pricing in acquiring the market that guarantees the company that the new venture is profitable (Pampel, 2009:95). She understands the presence of strong brands in the market from European nations that currently dominate 20% of market. Therefore, she strategically prices the

Impact of trade unions on firm performance Essay

Impact of trade unions on firm performance - Essay Example They use this power to reach a compromise with the employers (Bennett & Kaufman, 2007). In spite of the outcome, the members of unions must adhere to the solution at which the two parties arrive. The history of trade or labor unions dates back to 1860’s when workers created labor unions that included a vast range of workers (Currie, 2001). However, the unions did not accomplish any notable achievements and they ended up closing their doors. Over time, worker's  approach to trade unions has changed drastically, and they have accomplished commendable results for their members. They have banded a lot of employees from various industries so as to enhance their experience in the workplace (Bennett & Kaufman, 2007). The key function of these unions is to push for improved working conditions and reasonable wages for their members. The leaders hold negotiations with employers regarding issues such as wage increments, better benefits and working hours and more vacation time among oth ers. The decision that the union arrives at is binding for all its members. The leaders also hold regular meetings to handle complains, concerns and recommendations, as well as vote on key decisions before negotiating with employers. In the case where a trade union does not reach a decision with an employer, it may result in a strike (Currie, 2001). A strike is a decision that all members must respect. Trade unions include employees from a given industry such as the agriculture industry, or a specific agency such as local or state government. Furthermore, there are some minimum requirements that unions require from their members in order to get official membership. Some unions require their new members to pay a registration fee while other requires them to have certification in order to join. The unions may include both blue color employees and professional. Different unions vary in terms of the features and qualifications since they operate in different industries and have diverse memberships. In addition to their role in enhancing the conditions of employees, the unions also take part in political activism. During the formulation of legislations especially laws that touch on the lives of workers directly, they send their representatives to influence the outcome. Although the key objective of these unions is to push for improved wages and working conditions in the workplace, this objective also includes political activism. This paper discusses how trade unions impact on performance, as well as outline how employees can best handle trade unions. Impact of trade unions on performance The key goal of the unions is to ensure that their members have the best working conditions, reasonable wages, are not mistreated by employers and get vacations as necessary (Bennett & Kaufman, 2007). However, the impact of trade unions does not only influence these factors. They affect other areas such as performance of employees among others. This can be either in a positive or a negative manner. Trade unions can either result in increased performance or decreased performance depending on the outcome. Increased performance The impact of a trade union can have positive effects on a firm’s performance. Among the key roles of a human resource manager is to motivate employees to perform in a better way. HR managers can motivate employees in a number of ways. These are better wages and working