Coach †The Leading Consumer-centric Corporation Essay Example for Free

Coach – The Leading Consumer-centric Corporation Essay Abstract Fashion trends are sensitive, and customers are unpredictable. It makes fashion industry become a highly competitive market. To survive and thrive, fashion companies need distinctive strategies. It seems aspiring but not many firms can achieve. As an exception, Coach proves its success in this challenge by not walking through the same way as others rivals (e.g. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Hermes) have done. Coach has created a customer-focused model and a result-driven strategy to lead its business to overcome crisis and expand market. Even though there still have many challenges in the fashion sector, Coach’s strategy seems to be sustainable. Coach – The Leading Consumer-centric Corporation Coach was a family-run company founded by Miles Cahn in 1941 in New York (Coach, 2012). Coach was famous for traditional crafted leather goods, but keeping the classic styles drove it to dramatically lose market share. Based on the excellent management of Chairman Lew Frankfort, Coach shifted from a conventional leather division of Sarah Lee Corp. to a fashion-oriented brand name and a customer-centric corporation (Boorstin, 2002). Coach has thrived not only in North America but also in Japan, China and other countries (Coach, 2012 Tsukahara, 2011). Therefore, Coach’s strategy is sustainable. Successful Management in Turbulent Economic Conditions The secret formula for Coach’s success simply comprises two components. First, it is the perfect collaboration between Lew Frankfort (Chairman and CEO) and Reed Krakoff (President and Executive Creative Director). Since Frankfort took his office, he implemented several typical reforms: created customer database to examine consumer behavior, built multichannel distribution system (retail stores, factory outlets, boutiques, and online store), and hired Reed Krakoff to refresh Coach’s product design (Slywotzky, 2007). Krakoff made a revolution in Coach conventional product lines by using new materials, shapes, styles, and colors to attract more customers but not abandon its loyal fans (Slywotzky, 2007). Second, consumer-focused strategy makes Coach stand out. Based on customer information that is collected through various angles, Coach can sooner identify problems and quickly adjust. In a nutshell, Coach’s success derives from a blend of â€Å"understanding the consumer, being results-driven and at the same time anticipating when fashion is happening (Karimzadeh, 2004). What Makes Coach Different From its Competitors? Coach chooses to operate in its own way. First is â€Å"selling luxury for the mass† (Gogoi, 2005). Coach sets product prices 50% lower than Gucci or Louis Vuitton to attract cost-conscious customers (Takahara, 2008). Coach’s numerous product lines satisfy diverse market segments based on ages, regions, and cultures. However, product quality must be maintained to be considered as luxury goods (Slywotzky, 2007). Second is the customer-driven operating model. Coach spends around five million U.S. dollars annually on market research to collect customer information through private interviews, telephone surveys, competitive analysis, and in-store product tests (Slywotzky, 2007). By putting customers into operating process from input (what customers desire) to output (product testing), Coach can modify its products to satisfy customers’ requirement or increase production of favorite products (Slywotzky, 2007). For example, Japanese customers usually commute to work, so they prefer small bags (Tsukahara, 2011). Moreover, database shows that customer usually visits store every month so Coach launches its new products monthly to attract customers and give them more new choices (Slywotzky, 2007 Tsukahara, 2011). Third is the tight management. The executives check sales operation of each store daily and frequently review each business unit as well as the total business planning (Boorstin, 2002). Lew Frankfort even visits stores a few times a week to check their operations and directly evaluate customer responses (Slywotzky, 2007). Fourth, Coach has a flexible production process by using 100% outsourcing in 16 countries around the world (e.g. Vietnam and China), which neither Gucci nor Louis Vuitton is interested in (Karimzadeh, 2004 Tsukahara, 2011). This also helps Coach cut off fixed costs, and reduce time consuming from production to sales operation. Fifth, Coach has a huge multichannel distribution system: 500 stores in U.S and Canada, 300 direct-operated stores in Japan, China, Singapore and the like, a set of boutiques in particular department stores and an online website coach.com (Coach, 2012). This provides more opportunities for Coach to expand business globally. Coach Strategy is Sustainable In this highly competitive market, Coach has its own weapon to be considered sustainable: understanding customers and building a solid business structure. With a huge database of 9.7 million families from different viewpoints (Slywotzky, 2007), Coach knows how to make its products fit with customer demands or even how to set reasonable prices. For example, a survey before launching the New Hamptons Lap Satchel revealed that customers were willing to pay 328$ for this product, which was 30$ higher than prediction, then Coach immediately reprinted the price tags and sales augmented (Slywotzky, 2007). Moreover, with the close management as described above, Coach runs its operation sensibly by focusing on any detailed changes in sales and customer behaviors. Besides, Coach has a diversified product category (handbag, wallet, suitcase, accessories, perfume, and clothes) with various designs and an enormous distribution channel to help Coach approach many different market segments. In an interview with Fox Business in 2011, Frankfort was confident that Coach’s strategy was sustainable in that turbulent time, he only concerned about the macro economy: the slowly irregular economic recovery might affect consumer confidence in purchasing decision. Conclusion To gain market share, Coach chooses a unique way to operate: Coach’s customer-centric model, together with the perfect combination of logic (represented by Lew Frankfort) and magic (symbolized by Reed Krakoff), help Coach thrive in such a very competitive fashion industry. Even though there might be many forthcoming challenges, Coach’s strategy is sustainable because understanding customers helps Coach identify risks sooner and respond faster. References Boorstin, J. (2002, October 28). How Coach got hot The maker of the indestructible purse finally considers style. CNNMoney. Retrieved on Oct. 25, 2012 from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=2f9ec3fa-9541-4044-87e1-2ddd37107d03%40sessionmgr112vid=1hid=127bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bthAN=7567234. Coach (2012). Coach financial tear sheet. Retrieved on Oct. 25, 2012 from http://phx.corporate-ir.net/Tearsheet.ashx?c=122587. Gogoi, P. (2005, November 28). Selling luxury for the masses. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved on Oct. 25, 2012 from http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2005-11-28/selling-luxury-to-the-masses. Glick, A. (Interviewer) Frankfort, L. (Interviewee) (2011). Coach evolving its base with poppy. Retrieved on Oct. 25, 2012 from http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3951579/coach-evolving-its-base-with-poppy/. Karimzadeh, M. (2004, March 1). Riding Coach’s express: No signs of slowdown as luxe brand zooms. Women’s Wear Daily. Retrieved from http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/riding-coach-8217-s-express-no-signs-of-slowdown-as-luxe-brand-zooms-695558?full=true. Takahara, K. (2 008, September 12). Coach builds brand of affordable luxury goods. The Japan Time Online. Retrieved on Oct. 25, 2012 from http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20080912a3.html. Tsukahara, M. (2011, November 26). A study of brand/ Coach keeps on riding high. The Daily Yomiuri. Retrieved on Oct. 25, 2012 from http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T111121007083.htm. Slywotzky, A. J. (2007). The upside of strategic risk. In Oliver Wyman Journal. Retrieved on Oct. 25, 2012 from http://www.oliverwyman.com/pdf_files/OWJ-UpsideofStratRisk.pdf.

Underprotective and Overactive Pain Perception: Problems and Possible Solutions :: Biology Biological Pain Papers

Underprotective and Overactive Pain Perception: Problems and Possible Solutions Pain is probably one of the most universal perceptions that humans, or indeed any animal, can experience. From stress headaches to stubbing one's toe, we come into contact with pain on a daily basis. This is normal data about the experience of pain. However, there are several groups of people that do not feel pain in a common way. Either they don't feel enough pain to tell them that something is wrong, as in the cases of lepers and some diabetics, or they have too much pain, as in the cases of some diabetics, people with phantom limb pain, cancer victims, stroke victims, and other diseases of the brain or spinal cord (Casey, 1996). The effects of pain on these people is in many cases debilitating; their normal lives are likely gone or, at best, on hiatus. These reasons are incentive enough for scientists trying to discover more ways to eradicate wanton pain (or the absence of pain) because there is a threat that many of us, at some point, will be subject to these same problems. The first case of underprotective pain perception that will be discussed is that of leprosy. Leprosy is a bacterial pathogen (M. leprae) that attacks the peripherial nervous system in humans and is the leading cause of peripheral nerve disease in the world. The bacteria attack the Scwann cells that form the myelin sheath around nerve fibers. Without the protection and insulation of the myelin sheath, nerve cells fire inefficiently. The net results of this bacterial infection are skin lesions and damage to the nerves, mainly in the extremities and facial area (Henderson, 1998) . The result of the nerve damage that is pertinant to this topic is the loss of sensation. This lack of feeling complicates normal living: the person with leprosy is not able to identify cuts or burns on his or her skin. Without the protection of normal pain responses, this person could conceivably fail to notice for quite some time that he has been injured and therefore not take further conscious protective measures such as cleaning the cut with alcohol or treating the burn with salve. The effects of this lack of protective sensation are grim: lesions and eventual deformities result from the lack of care given to the body. Although luckily the bacteria can be killed with a month-long course of several drugs, unfortunately the nerve damage is permanent (Henderson, 1998).

Food is Art Essay

According to writer, Albert Camus, â€Å"Great works are often born on a street corner or in a restaurants revolving door. † A good restaurant should contain a luminous environment, delicious food, and have a friendly staff. Benihanas excels in all of these categories, which is what makes it such a great restaurant. Now let me tell you a few reasons why this restaurant is so good. Benihanas has a beautiful environment from the exterior to the interior. When you first walk up you notice that the exterior always is well picked up and the bushes are always trimmed and the paint looks always new. There is a waiter waiting to open the doors for your entrance and direct you to the bar while you wait, that is if you need to be waited. The inside always has wiped down tables, fresh plates, and silverware that are neatly folded in a napkin. There is beautiful Japanese art like Samurai Soldiers, Straight 2 Buddha’s and cherry blossom plants that fill the walls. The restaurant makes you feel like you are relaxed, comfortable, and at peace. In addition to their great art and good environment, they have amazing food. The most interesting fact about Benihanas is that they cook on an amazing hibachi grill. They serve fried rice, filet minion, shrimp, scallops, and calamari all cooked to your taste. Dinner comes with a salad and onion soup as a side dish or sushi rolls if you choose to order them. The chefs, while cooking, perform countless tricks. One is known as the â€Å"egg roll†, which is when they spin the egg and make it roll down the spatula before they break it and add it to the rice. The other is the onion volcano were they stack the onion layers on top of one another and add oil to the inside and then the heat from the grill causes smoke to rise above the onion shaped volcano. Lastly the heart beat rice, they shape the rice into a heart and put their spatula underneath it and pump it as if the rice has a rapid heartbeat. The best part is seeing them cook right in front of you so you know the food is fresh, cooked right, and not tampered with. That being said along with their amazing food they also have an amazing staff. Benihanas staff is wonderful and they have the friendliest individuals with great personalities that make your time there really fun and interesting. When you first walk in depending on what time you go of course, they greet you with the most welcoming of smiles. They have you seated and treat you with the utpmost respect and pay attention Straight 3 to each detail to make sure you get the best satisfaction. The chefs entertain you the whole time by either making jokes or doing funny tricks to make sure everyone is having a good time, so they really interact with their guest to make you feel like you’re at home with a bunch of family and friends. The waitresses and waiters always make sure you are enjoying your meal as well. From a recent experience, I had dropped my pop on the floor, which to my dismay I was as a red as a siracha bottle. She told me it was ok which made me feel safe and less embarrassed. Benihanas is the best Japanese restaurant. Yes there are other hibachi grills but nothing compares to Benihanas. They have a wonderful, fun, and clean environment with amazing food and a wonderful staff. The chefs and waitresses always make sure your well taken care of and that you have a good time. This will always be a restaurant I want to go to, and I will always crave the hibachi grill. and iIf you don’t believe me, thean go see for yourself. Evaluation Essay Grading Rubric ENG 121 Instructor: Kathy Mullins Student: Brittney Outstanding Strong Adequate Limited / Unacceptable Writer’s Approach analysis presents fresh and defensible insights into the topic academic in tone, demonstrating a clear sense of purpose and audience writer’s voice is evident—confident, competent, and sophisticated vocabulary and phrasing are academically appropriate and persuasive writer is clearly engaged with and moved by her/his thinking process Audience The writer clearly conveys through tone, vocabulary, and approach that he/she has identified a specific audience for the essay. Introduction engaging introduces the essay’s general topic and inspires thinking about that topic logically proceeds to thesis (if appropriate) clearly written or revised to reflect thoughts that developed during the writing process Thesis easily identifiable, well-phrased argument that addresses a specific idea to be analyzed and proven in the essay reflects sound critical, analytical thinking entire essay remains focused on this clear thesis Body Paragraphs each paragraph focuses on a single point that is clearly connected to the thesis graceful and logical transitions between ideas within the paragraph and from paragraph to paragraph. Conclusion The conclusion does more than simply summarize the points of each paragraph. In short, it sizzles instead of fizzles. Outside Sources writer makes sophisticated, insightful points and uses concrete details from at least _____ reputable outside sources to support these points and the thesis powerfully chosen evidence is thoroughly examined, explained, and clearly relevant to the thesis ratio of outside sources to writer’s words/ideas does not exceed (roughly) 20/80 Direct quotes, summaries, and paraphrases always include a â€Å"signal phrase† to introduce the source, establish credibility, and provide context for the source Quotes are followed by analysis, explanation, interpretation, examples, etc. Appropriate MLA in-text citations used Paraphrases (or summaries) were clearly written by the student and do not reflect a â€Å"copy-paste-change-a-few-words† approach Not applicable Works Cited appropriately formatted Works Cited page that follows all MLA rules and conventions Works Cited entries match appropriately formatted in-text citations Not applicable Mechanics, Syntax, and Grammar Effective mechanics, syntax, and grammar demonstrate a mastery of writing conventions, do not confuse or distract the reader, and serve the author’s purpose. Other (for specific writing assignments): The writer has identified clear and specific criteria for the evaluation. The essay is between 2 ? and 3 pages long. It is double-spaced, uses 12 point Times New Roman font, and has the appropriate headers. Writing Workshop – The writer brought the assigned number of printed copies of a complete rough draft to the writing workshop(s) and fully participated in the peer review process. WORKSHOP POINTS See D2L Gradebook TOTAL ESSAY POINTS 40/50 Mid-Point Writing Reflection (and Kathy’s response) Here is what you wrote on the D2L Discussion Board as you were in the process of writing this essay. We did not do this with the first essay. This section is for essays 2 – 5. Dear Kathy Letter (and Kathy’s response) Here is what you wrote when you were finished with your essay. Dear Kathy, I think my paper wasn’t necessarily hard but I did think I could have put more similes or more details in there to make it sound a little better. I did struggle a bit knowing exactly how to write an evaluation, but I did read the evaluations in the book but I just couldn’t understand the steps to follow. So I went ahead and printed an evaluation outline which helped a lot and writing the paper ran more smoothly. I would like a lot of feedback in the detail area and I would like it if you could help me find areas in the paper that I can brighten more. I feel that I should use Purdue owl or perhaps read a poem or something to get an idea of how to lighten up my writing. Since my last essay reflection I feel I have gotten better with my grammar and my punctuation. Brittney, your strength in this essay is definitely organization. I’m glad you looked online for an example outline. Way to be resourceful! ? One thing to watch out for is that you stick with the criteria you identify for your evaluation. You tell your reader that a good restaurant should have â€Å"delicious food,† but you never once describe the mouthwatering, savory goodness of Benihanas’ food! I also agree that you could â€Å"lighten up† your writing, but I think you’re making great progress already. I could see good examples of descriptive writing throughout your essay. I think it will just take practice to make it feel more natural. You’re definitely on the right track! I’m looking forward to reading your next essay. Kathy Reflection on Personal Writing Goals (and Kathy’s response) Here is what you wrote about your progress toward your self-identified writing goals. You have not set goals yet. This section is for essays 2 – 5. WRITING PLAN Follow the instructions in each of the sections below. When you are finished, upload the new document to the appropriate D2L Dropbox by the specified due date. Reflection on Feedback Re-read your essay. As you read your words, stop and read the feedback I wrote in the margins of your essay. Also look at the grading rubric and my comments at the end of your essay. In the space below, reflect on this feedback: What feedback made the most sense or was the most helpful? Be specific. (â€Å"When you said, _____, I realized ______. †) Did any of my feedback confuse you? If so, what was it? Again, be specific. Now that you have a fresh perspective on your essay, what do you like best about your writing? Writing Goals and Plans Identify 1 or 2 goals for your next essay. Goals do not have to be related to my feedback. They can be about any part of the writing process, but they should not be about grammar! Goal One: How will you work on this goal? What, specifically, will you do? Goal Two: How will you work on this goal? What, specifically, will you do? Editing Challenge What is your editing challenge for your next essay? (I will identify an â€Å"Editing Challenge† somewhere in your essay. ) Run-on sentences How did you learn about your topic? Highlight all that apply. How to Write Anything textbook Writer’s Help (www. writershelp. com) Video (list video creator/site below) Website (list website below) A friend/parent A teacher Writing Center consultant Writing Center handout Grammar guide/book (list title below) Other (please explain) Tell me, in your own words, about this topic. What are the rules/best practices? Write the original AND the edited version of your highlighted sentence here. (If you did not have a highlighted sentence, just write â€Å"N/A† here. ) Upload this new document to the appropriate D2L Dropbox by 8:35 am on March 3! Grading Rubric Points Criteria 8 – 10 Each section of the Essay Reflection is complete, and the quality of the work reflects obvious care, interest, and a true commitment to improving your writing practice. 6 – 7 Each section of the Essay Reflection is complete, but one or more sections may be overly brief or lacking depth. 1 – 5 Limited responses and/or incomplete sections. 0 Essay Reflection not turned in.

Plastic Surgery Essay - 1741 Words

The first career that interested me was plastic surgery. Plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, cranio and maxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, and external genitalia† Plastic surgery is divided into two different categories cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on enhancing people’s appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion are the key goals. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body. Because the treated areas function properly, cosmetic surgery is elective. Cosmetic surgery is practiced by doctors from†¦show more content†¦If you attend a traditional allopathic medical school, you will earn a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree. Alternatively, if you attend an osteopathic medical school, which places more emphasis on the musculoske letal system and preventative medicine, you will earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. All physicians must earn a license in order to practice medicine in the United States. If you are an M.D., you need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). If you are a D.O., you must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX). The USMLE and COMLEX consist of three parts and test candidates on how well they apply basic science concepts to the practice of medicine. After you become a licensed physician, you have two options for plastic surgery training. You can complete three years in a general surgery residency followed by a 3-year plastic surgery residency, or you can complete a 6-year integrated residency that includes both types of training. During your general surgery training, you complete clinical rotations in different types of surgery, such as abdominal, breast, pediatric, trauma, cardiothoracic and neurological surgery. Your plastic surgery training will include further rotations in areas like cosmetic, hand, reconstructive, laser, maxillofacial, otolaryngology and oculoplasticShow MoreRelated Plastic Surgery Essay1086 Words   |  5 Pages Have you ever considered having plastic surgery? After reading this paper you might want the surgery or you might not. Plastic surgery, a form of art, can reconstruct your body and renew your confidence but can you accept the risks involved?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Plastic surgery ranges from one- thousand dollars to three- thousand dollars or more depending on the surgery (Body fat reduction: Suction-Assisted Lipectomy). There are plenty types of plastic surgery. One type is called liposuction. The best candidatesRead MorePlastic Surgery Essay1296 Words   |  6 PagesWhen you hear the phrase â€Å"Plastic Surgery† what comes to mind? Maybe dangerous, and risky, or do you think about the scalpel and all the cutting and all the blood? I myself think about how it’s only for rich celebrities who have a couple extra hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend. We have a bad habit of overlooking all the good things that plastic surgery can achieve. From life altering surgeries and saving lives, by highly qualified surgeons, to giving people more confidence and getting ridRead MoreEssay on Overview of Plastic Surgery1611 Words   |  7 Pages Plastic surgery is a corrective specialty that is used for personal or medical purposes. Many people think about plastic surgery is just used for making your nose smaller or breasts bigger, when actually it is used for much more. 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Because many are demanding services concerning the enhancement of appearances, cosmetic surgery is widely performed by plastic surgeons. Over the years, cosmetic procedures became more safe andRead MorePlastic Surgery Essay1925 Words   |  8 PagesHow Plastic Surgery Helped Reshape the World As we see throughout the years, plastic surgery also known as cosmetic surgery has become more and more popular every year. Plastic surgery has increased to nine percent from 2000 to 2001. There are many various types of procedures that could make the body the way the person prefers it to be. The most popular surgeries that are performed include facial reconstruction, liposuction, breast implant, arm, thigh, and many more. The word plastic in plasticRead MoreEssay on The Risks of Plastic Surgery1011 Words   |  5 Pagesfeel good about physical appearance, plastic surgery comes with many life-threatening risks, that often times are not even necessary. Even though plastic surgery comes in handy in certain cases, people manage to take it to a whole other level, even as far as an obsession. That is where something good turns into a psychological problem. If the outcome can do more damage than good, it probably is not a wise decision. Medical Reasons The only reason why plastic surgery is necessary for medical reasons