Analysis of Christian Ritual Free Essay Example, 1750 words

Baptism Baptism is a Christian ritual whereby a person demonstrates their faith and acceptance of the doctrines of the Christian religion. The immersing, pouring or sprinkling of water on the person is central to the baptismal ceremony. This act symbolizes purification of the soul as the baptized person acknowledges the teachings and resurrection of Christ. It is, in effect, an initiation into the Christian religion. This discussion examines the history of Baptism as referenced in the Bible, the various ways the ritual is practiced by differing sects of the Christian Church and provides an explanation of its significance in contemporary times. In addition, the paper analyses the differing nuances of its meaning within the Christian religion. The Old Testament does not specifically reference Baptism. The ritual is explicitly of New Testament origin. However, there are mentions of water being used in purification of soul ceremonies which became inserted in the Christian Baptism ceremony. â€Å"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean† (Ezekiel 36:25). Baptism in the New Testament was introduced by John the Baptist who was an undetermined relative of Jesus. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Christian Ritual or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now John practiced Baptism for people who wished to repent their sins and receive forgiveness by fully immersing them in the Jordan River. This practice of absolving sin by water would become the founding concept for the baptismal ritual and a significant, though not only, component of modern baptism. John baptized his relative Jesus in the Jordan River as he had many others even though, according to the Bible, Jesus was without sin. This act would become a principal aspect of Jesus’ ministry therefore a principal part of the Christian religion. This occurrence also marks the emergence of another aspect of the Christian religion, the Holy Trinity. The son, Christ, heard the Father’s (God’s) voice while the Holy Spirit â€Å"descend[ed] on him like a dove† (Mark 1:10). There does not exist specific instructions on how Christians should practice baptism in The New Testament, but within its pages are insights regarding how Jesus and his disciples perceived the act. Christians may only utilise conjecture regarding the suitable method of procedure and connotation of the baptism ritual by examining the numerous Biblical verses which refer to this sacrament. The interpretation of the verses related to baptism, as do all other verses of the Bible, vary widely, person to person, and sect to sect and are subject to modification throughout the years and continue to be disputed.

The Path of Buddha - 832 Words

Now that we have a basic understanding of the Buddhas life and goals, we can examine the Buddhas first sermon, which is the foundation of the beliefs held by those that follow the principles of Buddhism. We can first look at the Four Noble Truths: 1. All existence involves suffering. 2 This suffering was caused by desire, 3. There can be a cessation to this suffering, 4. By following the Eightfold Noble Path. Next, Buddha instructed his followers to follow the Middle Path and condemned extreme behavior, giving them a set of rules called the Eightfold Noble Path as a guide. The Eightfold Noble Path’s only prerequisite being that we must have the right association with people in our social environment. This is extremely important to understand because much of our behavior is influenced by our social interactions and social environment. The eightfold noble path includes: 1. Right Knowledge says that we must first understand the four noble truths and understand that desire and ignorance cause suffering (Smith 1994). Buddha cautioned that anger, greed, and ego could corrupt our thoughts and sway us from reaching our goal of moksha. Therefore, we must educate ourselves so that we can eliminate the desires that sway our good intentions. Only by ridding ourselves of wrong intention and by gaining virtue can we find the path of enlightenment. 2. Right Intention says that we must understand what we really want to achieve in life. We must find what goal we are really trying toShow MoreRelatedThe Eight Fold Path- Buddha1488 Words   |  6 PagesThe Eight Fold Path- Buddha’s Way to Religion Throughout the world there are many religions that rely on a higher power. The main three religions are Christianity, Judaism and Islam. These religions are the largest and most known out of an estimate of twenty-one other religions in the world. With all of the talk about how god is the most important and everything you do is judged by â€Å"God†, such as your destination after death. Whether you go to Heaven or Hell is up to a higher power that knows allRead MoreThe Eightfold Path, World Religions, Buddha, with Works Cited1085 Words   |  5 Pagesyour own paper. Good Luck. The Eightfold Path by JOE Professor Hartman World Religions PHI243 10 December 2009 Scarbrough 1 JOE Professor Hartman World Religions PHI243 10 December 2009 The Eightfold Path The â€Å"Eightfold Path† of the Buddhist religion is believed to be the way to end all suffering. More than steps the â€Å"Eightfold Path†are elements. They are not to be followed in to it. Not only does following the Path lead one to â€Å"Nirvana†, but during life itRead MoreThe Life Of The Buddha936 Words   |  4 PagesSiddartha became Buddha when he was awoken by recognizing that all of the creation from distraught ants to dying human beans is unified by suffering ( class notes ) . 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However, at 29 years of age he went out for chariot rides and saw 3 universal truths; a sick person (illness), old man (suffering) and a corpseRead MoreThe Teachings Of Buddhism And The Buddha Essay1418 Words   |  6 Pagesmillions of people worldwide. It was founded Gautama Buddha, who is also known as the Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama. The Buddha has 3 names much like there are 3 types of Buddhism. The different types of Buddhism are Theravada, Mahayana, and Pure Land. Though there are multiple schools of Buddhism, they all follow the teachings of the Buddha. Two of the main teachings of the Buddha are known as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The followers of Buddhism view these teachings asRead MoreSymbolism In Buddhism : The Symbols Of Buddhism1009 Words   |  5 PagesBuddhism is a very peaceful religion with many worldwide followers. Buddhism also has a lot of sy mbolism within the folds and paths. These symbols play a big part in helping to understand the religion and what it is truly about. Siddhartha Gautama was prince, a very peaceful man who viewed life as a beautiful, loving place-- at least before he left the palace walls. When Siddhartha went to go discover new life outside of his kingdom, he saw people suffering and in pain. He saw death and illness,Read More The Use of Hesse Siddhartha to Reflect the Legendary Atmosphere of Buddha1486 Words   |  6 PagesHesse Siddhartha to Reflect the Legendary Atmosphere of Buddha Siddhartha is one of the names of the historical Gautama, and the life of Hesses character resembles that of his historical counterpart to some extent. Siddhartha is by no means a fictional life of Buddha, but it does contain numerous references to Buddha’s philosophies and his teachings. Although Hesse’s Siddhartha is not intended to portray the life of Gautama the Buddha but he used the name and many other attributed to reflectRead MoreThe Buddha, The Dharma, And The Sangha873 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Three Jewels†: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Through these elements, followers practice meditation and self-control in order to reach the state of enlightenment, or nirvana. The religion was pioneered by The Buddha, whose last reincarnation was named Siddhartha in Nepal around 600 B.C.E. He was a human who transcended to a state of enlightenment, understanding and practicing the three elements of Buddhism. Unlike the main figure in many other world re ligions, Buddha did not deem himselfRead More Buddhism Essay1569 Words   |  7 Pagesrespect the Buddhist religion. I came to learn who the Buddha as a man really was, and the steps he took in becoming a religious icon. I know understand that Buddhism is not all meditation and relaxing. There is a strict code of the four noble truths and the prescription of getting through them called the eightfold path. Much like Christianity Buddhism also has many different views on how to follow the religion, and has been broken up into different paths (yanas). The book also covers how Buddhism hasRead MoreEssay on Budism by Huston Smith1605 Words   |  7 Pagesrespect the Buddhist religion. I came to learn who the Buddha as a man really was, and the steps he took in becoming a religious icon. I know understand that Buddhism is not all meditation and relaxing. There is a strict code of the four noble truths and the prescription of getting through them called the eightfold path. Much like Chr istianity Buddhism also has many different views on how to follow the religion, and has been broken up into different paths (yanas). The book also covers how Buddhism has

Importance of Electricity Free Essays

IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRICITY The greatest scientific achievement of the nineteenth century is the discovery of electricity. The twentieth century is making use of electricity so extensively that it has almost changed the face of the earth. â€Å"Electricity—carrier of light and power, devourer of time and space, bearer of human speech over land and sea, is the greatest servant of man, though it is itself unknown. We will write a custom essay sample on Importance of Electricity or any similar topic only for you Order Now Lenin saw Russia’s hydro-electrical potentialities. The application of electricity to industry and agriculture was Lenin’s dream. In India, we have staked our whole future on a rapid growth of our hydroelectric power. The modern age is the age of machinery. The true object of substituting human labour by mechanical labour is to find greater leisure for man. Machines must be driven by natural power. And the most pervasive of all sources of natural power is electricity, mechanical, hydro wind followed by electronics now-a-days. Look at life today in a modern city. Electricity regulates the clock that rouses us from bed; boils the water that makes our tea, cooks our food on heat-proof cooking ranges or cookers; works the radio and TV that tell us the news; rings the bell that announces a visitor; carries our telegraphic message to distant places; conveys us to our office in luxurious tram-cars and trains; takes us to our room somewhere in some multi-stroied building on elevators; electricity lifts; refrigerates the food to keep it completely fresh; lights our rooms when the sun goes down; warms it in winter and cools it in summer; in short, does everything for our comfort and convenience with the utmost efficiency at all hours. To generate and harness electricity on a large scale means the development of machinery capable of doing so. The various multipurpose schemes, which we are running at such a heavy cost over the years, are for the production of large-scale electricity. But most of our electricity was based on coal: the total output was lamentably low. Now that such multipurpose schemes as those of Bhakra Nangal, Damodar Valley or Hirakud have made it possible to provide to even remote villages with electric powers, and help change life beyond recognition. India’s resources for generating electricity are second to no other country in the world. Even some Atomic plants have generating electricity. How to cite Importance of Electricity, Papers Importance Of Electricity Free Essays Kerosene oil lanterns and gas lamps are now things of the past. We now light our lamps with electricity. Switch on the button and there is the day-like light even in the darkest night. We will write a custom essay sample on Importance Of Electricity or any similar topic only for you Order Now In summer seasons electric fans, air conditioning plants are used to provide us with cool atmosphere. In winter, heating plants are used to keep the room warm. Electric bells, press and stove are things of every-day use. People keep refrigerators in their homes to keep their food in a fresh condition. Indeed electricity serves as a faithful domestic servant in daily life. We all knew that trains and buses run by coal and petrol respectively. They run quite fast. But now steam engines and diesel engines are being replaced by electric engines and long distance trains as well as local trains in cities like Mumbai and Calcutta are being run by electric engines. Electrification of more and more railway tracks is being done. Thus, their speed is increased greatly. The journey by such trains becomes smoke free. Trams are used in big cities for local services. They are also run by electricity. Thus, in transport it is being used increasingly. The telephone and the telegraph are in much use these days. We can now talk easily to a friend or relative who is at a great distance from us. We can communicate our messages with the help of telegraph and fax even to the most distant corner of our country within no time. Indeed, many a business will come to a standstill in the absence of these speedy means of communication. Thanks to electricity which has given us such swift means of communication. The role of television cannot be over emphasized. We can witness all that is happening even on the other side of the globe simultaneously. Satellites have made this possible. Many diseases are to-day cured by electric treatment. Surgeons will not be able to carry on operations as their instruments and machines are operated by it. X-ray machine which enables the doctor to take the photograph of the internal parts of the body can be operated only with its help. Briefly speaking, many men will meet their death much earlier without it. This is an industrial age. The use of big and heavy machines has increased the production of goods manifold. But such machines work economically only with the help of electricity. In some progressive countries, like Japan, electric power is used even in small scale and cottage industries. In our own country we find flour mills, crushers, saw mills, etc. functioning with electricity. The use of such small machines in our village has helped in improving the condition of the villagers. Thus, electric power is helping in the growth of industries. Thousands and thousands of news papers, magazines and books are published daily. Everyone can to-day find a book to his choice and of a suitable standard. The printing of such a large number of books and periodicals has been made possible by the invention of electric printing press. Thus electric power has not only brought light to our homes but to our heads also. Every one of us is familiar with the cinema and the radio, television is another modern means of recreation. Life itself will not be worth living in the absence of such means of creation. To increase our food production irrigation facilities have to be provided. Electricity is being used in the operation of tube wells in the villages. Now in big cities, electric furnaces are being used to cremate dead bodies. Thus, in the journey of life, from cradle to grave, we have to take its helps at every step. We have given some of the most common uses of electricity. The description of its utility in our daily life is unending. But unfortunately in our country its supply has not been able to meet the demand for it. Our country is quite rich in natural resources which are needed for its generations. By exploiting these resources more of electricity will have to be generated. How to cite Importance Of Electricity, Papers

Asda Marketing Strategy Essay Example For Students

Asda Marketing Strategy Essay Executive Summary- 3 1. 0 Introduction- 3 2. 0 External Analysis: PESTEL Framework- 6 3. 0 Industry Analysis: Porter’s Five Forces- 9 4. 0 Internal Analysis- 11 4. 1 SWOT analysis- 11 4. 2 Value chain analysis- 12 4. 3 Resource Competencies- 14 5. 0 Vision, Mission, Objectives Measures- 15 5. 1 Vision- 15 5. 2 Mission- 15 5. 3 Objectives- 15 6. 0 Strategic Options- 16 6. 1 Generic strategy- 17 6. 2 Competitive strategy- 17 7. 0 Developing Strategies- 18 7. 1 Corporate strategy- 18 7. 2 Business strategy- 19 7. 3 Functional strategy- 19 8. 0 Implementation Plan- 20 References- 21 Executive Summary ASDA is one of the biggest retail supermarkets in the UK. It has 17% (in 2009) of market share in the UK retail market. The UK retail sector is highly competitive and ASDA has to act according to changing business environment and adopt new business strategies to improve its market position by increasing its market share. This document is an analysis of ASDA’s current position in the market and strategy which can be applied to improve its position in the UK retail market. The relevant theories such as PESTLE Analysis, SWOT Analysis, BCG Matrix, Porters five and Ansoff‘s matrix have been use to explain the business environment of ASDA. The new vision and mission statement has been developed and business strategy which can be used to improve ASDA’s market position in three years time is clearly defined. 1. 0 Introduction Company profile ASDA Stores Limited was founded as Associated Dairies Farm Stores Limited in 1949 in Leeds. The adoption of the ASDA name occurred in 1965 with the merger of the Asquith chain of three supermarkets and Associated Dairies; ASDA is an abbreviation of â€Å"Asquith and Dairies†, often capitalized. ASDA became a subsidiary of the American retail giant Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, in 1999, and is the second largest chain in he UK after Tesco, having overtaken Sainsburys in 2003. ASDAs marketing promotions have usually been based solely on price, with ASDA promoting itself under the slogan â€Å"Britains Lowest Priced Supermarket, 12 Years Running†. As a competitor in the market, ASDA has been clearly appealing to more price conscious and frugal cons umers through their established low price strategy and value proposition. This has been invested through their savings from â€Å"Operating for Less†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ program (Your ASDA, 2009). Still lately they have reported to have lowest growth rate among four biggest supermarkets in UK with a market slip of 17% to 16. %. (International Supermarket News, 2010) Industry analysis The report below provides an insight into the supermarket company, ASDA, with emphasis on its external environment and companys analysis of resources, competence and culture. Two future strategic options are suggested in regards to the resources based strategies. According to TNS Market Research (2009), grocery market share figures published for the 12 weeks ending 22nd March 2009 reveal that the success of the discounters is continuing. The Discounters now account for a 5. % share of Grocery Spending, higher than ever before reported, and they are also the fastest-growing sector of the market. The total gro cery market continues to grow strongly (+7% year-on-year), fuelled partly by food price inflation and also by better performance for Supermarkets than other Retail Outlets. Among the Top 4, both ASDA and Morrisons enjoyed 9% growth, ahead of the market and yielding higher shares than last year. Tesco’s growths of 7% and Sainsbury’s of 6% were still creditable but slightly behind the overall market resulting in small share erosion. Such performance is indicative of the overall buoyancy but intense competition within the Grocery Sector in the current economic climate. | | |12 Weeks to 22 March | | | |12 Weeks to 23 March 2008 |2009 |change | | |? 000s |% ** |? 000s |% ** |% | |Total Till Roll 27,906,191 | |28,605,449 | |2. 5 | |Total Grocers |20,060,291 |100. 0% |21,227,518 |100. 0% |5. 8 | |Total Multiples |18,605,858 |92. 7% |19,758,429 |93. 1% |6. 2 | |Tesco |6,185,522 |30. 8% |6,453,370 |30. 4% |4. 3 | |ASDA |3,421,940 |17. % |3,411,938 |17. 5% |8. 5 | |Sainsburys |3,239,500 |16. 1% |3,422,662 |16. 1% |5. 7 | |Morrisons |2,327,583 |11. 6% |2,495,623 |11. 8% |7. 2 | |Somerfield |715,232 |3. 6% |699,959 |3. 3% |-2. 1 | |Waitrose |795,406 |4. % |805,006 |3. 8% |1. 2 | |Iceland |343,713 |1. 7% |375,708 |1. 8% |9. 3 | |Netto |147,294 |0. 7% |150,678 |0. 7% |2. 3 | |Lidl |442,317 |2. 2% |499,544 |2. 4% |12. 9 | |Aldi |520,963 |2. % |605,635 |2. 9% |16. 3 | |Farm Foods |99,155 |0. 5% |118,442 |0. 6% |19. 5 | |Other Freezer Centres |47,741 |0. 2% |49,989 |0. 2% |4. 7 | (** = Percentage Share of Total Grocers) Figure 1 Market Shares: Total Till Roll, Great Britain consumer spend includes all expenditure through main store tills and excludes petrol in store concession (adapted from TNS Global Market Research) The food and drink retail sector represents the largest industry in the UK, providing employment for over three million people in primary production, manufacturing and retailing. In 2003 retail accounted for 9% of gross domestic product (Datamonitor, 2003). In recent years UK supermarkets have come under increased analysis over their treatment of suppliers, particularly of own-label products, yet the development of strategic supply networks has been an integral part of most supermarket strategies for the past decade. ASDA is the second largest food retailers in the UK employing over 143,000 people, and provides online services through its subsidiary, ASDA. com. The UK grocery market was worth ? 146. 3bn for the calendar year 2009, an increase of 4. 8% on 2008 (IGD, 2009), where they operates under four banners of â€Å"Convenience store, Traditional retail, Hypermarket-supermarket-Superstores and Online channel amounting 92,796 stores†. Figure 2 Grocery Market Performance (adapted from IGD Research) 2. 0 External Analysis: PESTEL Framework Political factors Operating in a decentralized environment with stores around the UK, ASDAs performance is highly influenced by the political and legislative conditions. According to Huczynski and Buchanan (2007), politics are inextricably entwined, affecting human behaviour in an organization. As for employment legislations, the government encourages retailers to provide a mix of job opportunities from flexible, lower-paid and locally-based jobs to highly-skilled, higher-paid and centrally-located jobs (Balchin, 1994). To meet the demand from population categories such as students, working parents and senior citizens, ASDA employing people from these categories. Also ASDA has been able to won their loyalty although they operate in an industry with high staff turnover. It has been proved by over 40% of their total employees been with the company for five years (Your ASDA, 2010). Economical factors Economic factors can be considered with various statistics such as â€Å"Economic growth, Inflation, Interest rates and Exchange rates†. Above factors can cause to ASDA, with their relevance to costs, prices, demand and profits. As in any economy, high level of unemployment can cause adverse effect on demand on producing goods which can be largely out of control of the company yet it would reflect on the company effort on marketing mix and performance. Since ASDA highly depend on UK market would run on the risk of any slowdown in the UK food market. Also the up-coming election also might have effect on retailers with their new legislations on tax and related laws. Social / Cultural factors Demographic changes such as the aging population, an increase in female workers and a decline in home meal preparation mean that UK retailers are also focusing on added-value products and services. With their recovery strategy, ASDA has thrived to increase their organic product line and ready meal range (The Guardian, 2006). The type of goods and services demanded by consumers is a function of their social conditioning and their consequent attitudes and beliefs and they’re becoming more health conscious too. Their attitudes towards food are constantly changing. ASDA has removed all hydrogenated fat from their own label products along with artificial colours and flavours. This has leaded to focus on value-added products and service multiplied by focus on own-label share of business mix, supply chain and related operational improvements due to minimise in costs. Modern trends indicate that British customers have moved towards â€Å"One-stop† and â€Å"Bulk shopping†, ASDA have increased their variety non-food items on sale in their supermarkets. Technological factors Technology as a macro-environmental variable, influence the development of products increasing customer satisfaction via personalized convenient shopping experience. ASDA has been utilizing technology in their operation of â€Å"In-house data analyzing, Intelligent weighing machines, Electronic shelf labeling, Electronic Point of Sales, self check-out machines†. The new technologies benefit both customers and the company. Environmental factors According to Pettinger (2002), it is necessary to consider the effect of operation on the environment in relation to all business aspects. ASDA has taken step towards their environmental obligations by having recyclable packaging, comprehensive energy efficiency programs and carbon emission. ASDA opened its newest eco-store in October last year at Bootle in Merseyside. The ? 27m, 40,000 sq ft store has energy-generating and energy-saving features such as an external bio-mass boiler fuelled with wood chips and lower-energy freezers, all of which have doors to keep the cold in. The store also has higher levels of daylight than similar-sized branches. ASDA estimated that the store’s carbon footprint will be more than 50 per cent lower than a conventional outlet (RetailWeek, 2009). Rival grocers have also invested in eco-friendly shops, including Tesco’s latest store at Cheetham Hill in Manchester, and Sainsbury’s latest in Gloucester Quays. Legislative factors ASDA shall consider of their legal environment they operate with recent legal changes which could affect operations like consumer laws, employment laws covering laying-off, dismissal, working hours and minimum wages and health and safety legislation for safe at work place. In February 2006, ASDA was fined ? 850,000 for offering employees of a newly taken over distribution depot a pay rise to give up union rights. An employment tribunal found the American-owned supermarket chain guilty of promising 340 distribution staff a 10 per cent pay rise to give up the collective agreement negotiated by the GMB union – an act which is illegal under a 1992 labor relations law. The court ordered ASDA to pay ? 2,500 to each GMB represented employee at the Washington depot (Food Drink Europe. com, 2006). 3. 0 Industry Analysis: Porter’s Five Forces Canda At War EssayIt should narrow down the diversification index and reposition the core products. At the same time, ASDA should focus improvements or get rid of Dogs. 6. 0 Strategic Options In ASDA, they’ve been backed by the psychological image for â€Å"Everyday Low Price† and their social responsibilities in supporting sustainability via people-price-planet and corporate governance through unique culture. ASDA has values which summarize their beliefs direct on their decision and actions on market and serve its purpose to the fullest as respect for individual, strive for excellence and service for their customers. The ANSOFF Matrix defines two key factors of marketing; â€Å"What is sold who it is sold to†. It therefore relates only to products and markets and gives you four alternative courses in action: Selling existing products to existing markets Extending existing products into new markets Developing new products for existing markets Developing new products for new markets These four options are set out in a four-box matrix that shows the existing and potential products against the existing and potential markets as follows; Figure 4 – ANSOFF Matrix (adapted from QuickMBA) Market Penetration – Increasing the existing share in the existing market to facilitate further growth. Market Extension – Taking existing products into new markets, for example expanding sales from purely the domestic market into the European market. Product Development – Offering new products or modifying existing products into the existing markets. Diversification – Either with related products and markets or unrelated products that are totally unconnected with the existing products and markets. In identifying alternative direction for strategic development, shall follow the ANSOFF Matrix which explicitly considers growth options where ASDA should refer to â€Å"Diversification-try† to reach the untouched markets with new products. ASDA can pursue their strategies based on, 6. 1 Generic strategy ASDA should look into its growth in terms of increasing its market share by extending the variations they offer by practicing â€Å"Differentiation Leadership† spreading into â€Å"Diversified Geographical Areas† away from current city-limits. For this ASDA, should have frequent interaction with supplier chain of the external environment. With their unique culture of operations, they should focus on increasing internal efficiencies further it helps to hold up the external pressures with their current practice of cost focus. Apart from that ASDA should look for to develop into away from Europe where potential for cost focused highly populated cities in the other continents. This would further help in promoting sustainability across the globe and it makes opportunities for making joint-ventures with current operation mass retailers in those countries. Also ASDA could focus to make savings by improving product quality of their own brand lines further to eliminate current perception which could deviate customer attention away although they meant to be the lowest in price. 6. 2 Competitive strategy With the chosen â€Å"Low-price Strategy† to compete, ASDA should be able to challenge their competitors as it’s taken as their sustainable advantage. Yet the quality offers by them has been in debatable, they should deviate their attention on differentiation strategy where they could offer improved quality products improved service at the same price or with enhanced margins-pricing slightly higher if requires. They could pay attention in developing their â€Å"question marks in non-food ranges into stars†. 7. 0 Developing Strategies Developing a cohesive business strategy usually seen as a daunting experience due influence of the environment and capabilities of organizations’ strategic position. This usually will be based on the purpose of the strategy which is followed and degree it meets with stakeholders expectations. This consist of 3 levels; â€Å"Corporate, Business and Functional†. 7. 1 Corporate strategy This provides the details of whole range of business opportunities available to grow and discussed in strategic options. After identifying strengths and opportunities, analyzing portfolio of the business, they should work towards increasing their market share by turning question marks into star. Figure 5 – BCG Matrix (adapted from QuickMBA) At the same time they should invest in increasing sales of ASDA Grocery line o stabilize in present position to increase their profit via sustainable operation through low-price strategy. This could be further backed with improving online shopping and grocery shopping delivering. Also they shall consider on their advancing ethical stand point by continuous audit on their suppliers and further investing on improving safety issues and labour sabotage. 7. 2 Business strategy In building competitive advantage, ASDA should be more competitor-oriented and improving leadership, culture, employees, performance and capabilities of having balanced organization which is difficult to replicate. This could be done by initiating radical innovation in new technology among existing products and process. This launch in new markets, enabling rapid growth by creating high return on investment. Also they could approach systematically into other vicinities like market, business, and organization. ASDA should focus on improving sustainability adapting into changing business environment through learning organizations. This provides the catalyst and intellectual resource towards sustainable competitive advantage. 7. 3 Functional strategy ASDA should diversify by creating value by improving their core process execution and enhancing their business units’ structural position. By doing so it provides viable basis to strengthen those strategic business units. This will help to create meaningful competitive advantage and difficult to imitate by the competitors. In vertical integration, will develop their customer panel by getting them involve as co-innovators by increased customer partnership in all aspects such as â€Å"Research Development, Finance, Marketing, Operations† apart from seeking opportunities in acquiring larger portion of suppliers. At the same time ASDA should be penetrates and diversify geographically by moving into rural areas in local market with smaller scale stores with upbringing their local values. Also they can merge or acquire with current small-scale operators in the rural areas and develop into new market segments. In venture strategies they should search for emerging opportunities in unknown, un-served needs of customers. 8. 0 Implementation Plan Considering the strategies discussed above, ASDA is likely to employ two strategic options that are also likely to be primary market objectives of focus on market development though partnerships and diversification through new product development. Evaluate available opportunities and carry out research to find out market attractiveness in rural areas and their expectations and possibilities of acquiring merging with local gas stations, corner shops, spin-outs plus large supermarkets operating in Asian countries European Union. ASDA should focus in Asian markets, as Asian markets are showing an increase in consumer spending and increased trend towards retailing. Joint developments Strategic Alliances by entering new markets can serve as a key growth driver of the companys revenues and expansion strategy. By entering into joint ventures or partnerships, in order to gain a larger economy of scale and larger market presence, ASDA will draw on the extensive local knowledge and operating expertise of the partner whilst adding its own supply chain, product development and stores operations skills to deliver a better shopping experience to customers. Ansoffs matrix also suggests that if new products are developed for existing markets, then a product development strategy has to be considered by the management level of a company. In expanding and diversifying ASDA’s product mix, it is also crucial to implement internal development when new products are developed. Considering the frequent changing needs of the customers, ASDA can introduce new product lines. To get this success ASDA may require more attention to R, leading to additional spending. The retailing industry is experiencing overloading and innovative services and products being the major competitive advantage. Therefore, innovation has to be a major driver for ASDA’s product development. To get successful on this implementation plan need to do a feasibility analysis by preparing a budget forecast for the â€Å"next 5 years† clearly defining funding requirements and expected profitability. Improve infrastructure of the company to carry out continuous trainings and workshops for employee development and look into their welfare facilities. Also ASDA should improve online shopping and home delivery services, where its customer’s life gets easy. References Ansoff Matrix (2007) QuickMBA, , Available: (http://www. uickmba. com/strategy/matrix/ansoff/) Last accessed: 14th April, 2010. ASDA Careers: Culture (2010) Your ASDA, , Available: (http://www. asda. jobs/why-join/culture. html) Last accessed: 07th April, 2010. 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