Monday, November 4, 2019
Age discrimination in employment (especially for older people) Research Paper
Age discrimination in employment (especially for older people) - Research Paper Example Policies and procedures for the company should be written clearly in an employee manual. This should include how promotions, salary increases/decreases and reduction in work force will occur. Having clearly written policies and procedures will benefit the employee and the company in age discrimination cases. These laws fall under the federal United States Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, although state governments also have their own laws regarding age discrimination (eeoc.gov). Age discrimination can be defined as when either an employee or an applicant who is over the age of 40, experiences unfair treatment when it comes to anything related to employment including hiring and dismissal, pay, job assignments, layoffs, work hours, promotions, etc. (eeoc.gov). Although there are many reasons for age discrimination, insurance companies are primarily to blame. Harassment relating to age occurs when supervisors, other employees or even clients continually hassle or badger someone. The law does not cover light hearted teasing or occasional off handed remarks, but when the situation escalates to create a hostile work environment for the employee it could be an issue of age discrimination (eeoc.gov). Keep in mind that the law pertains to people over the age of 40. According to U.S. News Money, people in the United States are retiring later than in previous years. This can be attributed to a lack of employer sponsored retirement benefits, reduction in Social Security benefits, longer life expectancy, improved health as people age and the coordination of retirement between wives and husbands when statistically, wives are three years younger than their husbands (money.usnews.com). Increased career length leads to an increase in age discrimination instances. With the recent downfall of the United States economy beginning in 2008, it has become more important for people to continue to work past typical retirement age. Since that time, age
Friday, November 1, 2019
Managing Resistance to Change Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Managing Resistance to Change - Research Paper Example Using the systems thinking approach, an organization can be assessed for the way in which it functions as a single entity, all of its parts performing so that the performance of the whole achieves mutual goals. Identifying the way in which the system functions is vital in assessing the way in which change will be accomplished. The model of managerial approach that can best be used is through establishing a work culture that has enough flexibility to embrace change. The second step is in providing clear information and creating inclusion in the ways in which the change is created. These two aspects of management are the most important in defining the environment in which change can take place. Resistance is minimized when an organization becomes an organic entity with flexible, porous boundaries that are focused on the overall success of the goals of the company. Through information and inclusion, this environment will not only achieve the goals of transition and change, but keep on t rack for achieving overall goals for the company. Managing Resistance to Change Introduction Change is a phenomenon that requires swift adaptation, an uncomfortable situation for people to manage. Human behavior is approached with apprehension of an outcome and when change occurs, fear of the unknown can create resistance. As a manager, the professional leader must find a way to create smooth transitions when changes occur in a work environment. This can be difficult as the manager is not only trying to reassure his team members, but to alleviate his or her own concerns. Despite the perception that change will be an unwelcome addition to a routine, most changes are intended to increase productivity and provide benefit for a business. Therefore, it is vital that a manager find a way to successfully introduce and implement changes so that the benefit that is intended can be realized. In examining managing resistance to change, the systems thinking approach is the model that allows for the best possible outcome through the most organizational structures. All organizations have a basic number of ways in which they function. These elements of the organization exist in small and large entities, their purposes vital to the overall functioning of the system in order to provide an organic structure. Some organic structures are flexible, while others are rigid, and it is in the level of rigidity that management fails to create an organization that can more easily create transitions when needed. Without transitions, there is not growth, therefore in order to best manage resistance to change, an organic, flexible ideology will best serve reducing resistance to change. Literature Review The primary problem presented with an element of change within an organization is in dealing with the anxiety that team members feel when their space of comfort is disrupted. Work consists of creating known habits and behaviors that define the progression of the day. When change is implemen ted, anxiety is created as the individual must reconcile what is a known outcome with what is an unknown variable. Maltz (2008), discusses the balance that is created by the existence of transition having a natural correspondence with resistance. There is an element of ââ¬â¢dataââ¬â¢ in regard to resistance which is critical in defining productivity, development, and the creation of a successful change within the organization (p. 3). The primary focus of the work that Maltz (2008) has
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Battered Child Syndrome Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Battered Child Syndrome - Term Paper Example Once Battered child syndrome is identified, ensuring the child's well-being is of vital importance. Despite a large number of reports that are being made, there is an abundance of research demonstrating that mandated reporters fail to report child abuse even when required and that there is considerable variability of reporting rates among professionals. The research indicates that there is a range of factors influencing reporting. Factors such as gender and education level of the reporter, fear of damaging the therapeutic relationship, the wording of reporting laws, and incomplete descriptions of what defines abuse have all contributed to discrepancies in reporting. Moreover, professionals often believe that the legal standard of reasonable suspicion is insufficient to demonstrate that abuse has occurred and therefore refrain from reporting. By 1967, almost all states had adopted some type of mandated child abuse reporting laws. These early laws were aimed primarily at physicians who came in contact with children in their medical practices. They served to help physicians identify possible abuse victims and established reporting procedures. These early laws were later expanded to include a variety of other professionals who have contact with children. The adoption of mandated reporting laws by the states was seen as one of the major contributors to the increase in identifying cases of child maltreatment. It also increased public awareness of the gravity and magnitude of child abuse (NACC, 2011).... It also increased public awareness of the gravity and magnitude of child abuse (NACC, 2011). In 1974, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) was passed by Congress, which established national definitions of child abuse and neglect. Under this act, individual states had to adopt the CAPT A definitions in order to receive federal funding for their child welfare programs. The funding provided states with new resources for investigation and prevention of child abuse. One significant part of the act was the creation of the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN). This organization compiled data on child abuse as well as providing information about child maltreatment and prevention (NACC, 2011). In 1991, the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 was passed by Congress, and served to advance efforts to investigate and prosecute cases involving child maltreatment. This act has been amended over the years (NACC, 2011). Following the initial enactment of this statute, in 1997 the Adoption and Safe Families Act (AFSA) was passed in an effort to provide more timely and focused assessment and services for children and families. AFSA set the time limit for reunification of children removed from their families to one year in an effort to protect children and promote attachment with caregivers. Reporting Behavior Research has addressed a number of criticisms professionals have made regarding challenges to reporting child maltreatment. Research reported that, the vagueness of statutes, although legally permissible, decreases professionals' ability to make consistent determinations about whether or not abuse has occurred. This inconsistency and uncertainty contributes to a subsequent lack of confidence about
Monday, October 28, 2019
Epic of Gilgamesh Essay Example for Free
Epic of Gilgamesh Essay In the epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh ventures upon a quest seeking immortality as a result to peace and significance in life. In means of this journey, Gilgamesh undergoes a combination of grand adventure, of mortality and also of tragedy. He tries to reach immortality in unusual ways, each as unsuccessful as its predecessor. Gilgamesh suffers conflict due to being two-part god and one part man, in a preliterate time, when gods were seemingly to be replaced by mortals on the throne of the city-states. Gilgamesh tries first through his actions, but then undergoes a transformation which leads him to next attempt physical immortality. Through events of this process, Gilgamesh encounters whom is to be his counterpoint, his equal. Gilgamesh then learns, on his journey to immortality, the truth of a man who endures the wrath of a god, in which he has displeased, causing a stage of extermination of mankind. Gilgamesh gains mature knowledge among his quest. Uruk, his city, is his legacy and the key to his quest. The legends of the pursuit for immortality assembled in the Epic of Gilgamesh portray the conflict felt around Sumerian times. As urbanization swept Mesopotamia, the ethnic condition pivoted from an unsettled hunting society to that of a rural gathering society. Man found his relationship with the divine indefinite and insecure. From the gods, Gilgamesh possessed a perfect body, perfect beauty, restlessness and courage. From his father, Gilgamesh possessed mortality. This results in Gilgamesh having to face the ultimate conflict; conflict of the desires of the god and destiny of the man. Even the king, to whom all things were known, would have to confront commands of tragedy. Superior to all mortal, Gilgamesh finds no desirable match in love or in war. Intending to provide a companion, the gods create from Clay, Enkidu. ââ¬Å"Enkidu, the ââ¬Ënatural manââ¬â¢ reared with wild animals, and as swift as the gazelleâ⬠(Gilgamesh, 22). Gilgamesh and Enkidu seemed to equal out each other and quickly became partners. Gilgamesh was made by the gods so therefore has high self confidence, very smart, but extremely arrogant. He felt as if he had ââ¬Å"supreme powersâ⬠and that nothing was impossible. Enkidu was raised by animals in the forest. He was brave, smart, and loyal to his new friend. Enkidu helped Gilgamesh discover his humble and kindhearted side by their newfound brotherhood. Even though the first time they met was a long brawl, the two became inseparable brothers. Not only have they fought against each other but they also fought against many other evils. This later concludes in Enkiduââ¬â¢s death and brings Gilgamesh into a sadness he thought he could only overcome if he was immortal. My handââ¬â¢s strength, the sword in my belt, The shield before meâ⬠(Gilgamesh, 62), reveals the nature of Gilgameshââ¬â¢s relationship with his soul mate, best friend, and loyal companion, Endiku. The gods in Gilgameshs epic are bestowed as being easily agitated and vindictive. Being two-thirds a god himself, Gilgamesh acts of defiance also speak to a bitter aspect of the gods among ancient Mesopotamians. The gods are depicted as being challenging to satisfy, sometimes penalizing without account or granting punishments that seem out of equivalence to violation. Both men face consequence by insulting Ishtar, but Gilgamesh is able to face his own mortality and Enkidu discover s great knowledge of the measure of life. Subsequently, the loss of Enkidu, Gilgameshââ¬â¢s young brother and dear friend landed Gilgamesh in a pit of despair. His equal companion has been overtaken by mortality. On his journey in search of immortality, caused by this fear of death, brought him to Utnapishtim. The man who was blessed with everlasting life after surviving the great flood. Aroused by the outrageousness, Enlil, the god of air, felt, ââ¬Å"In those days the world teemed, the people multiplied and the world bellowed like a wild bullâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"The uproar of mankind is intolerable and sleep is no longer possible by reason of the babelâ⬠(Gilgamesh, 70). As the advocate of destruction towards human kind, Enlil dominates with his weapon of storm. To his care, Anunnaki, gods of the underworld, cast upon rising waters by lightening. A great flood that will exterminate all mankind has been cursed upon Utnapishtim. ââ¬Å"I looked at the face of the world and there was silence, all mankind was turned to clayâ⬠(Gilgamesh, 71). Similar to Noahââ¬â¢s ark, like doves, a swallow and a raven were released. After land was promised, fed to the gods are sacrifices made by Noah and Utnapishtim. In turn, everlasting blessings were cast upon themselves and their families. Utnapishtim challenged Gilgameshââ¬â¢s commitment to immortality by ordering Gilgamesh to prevail against sleep for six days and seven nights. Gilgamesh fails this request. This journey underscores his humanity, which he did not truly learn a lesson until he first erred in the wrong direction. Therefore, the society, by writing the story of Gilgamesh, guarantees not only his immortality, but the immortality of the new order being established. The Sumerians were the beginning literate culture of Mesopotamia. They carried the gift of language and ideas. In a time when gods were replaced by mortals, Archaic Sumerian civilization was the age. From the oldest of the tablets from Gilgamesh, language relates back to the one of the Sumerians. Through Gilgameshââ¬â¢s desperate seek to find immortality, he eventually comes back to the point at which he began; however, now he realizes that the beginning point was always the object of his quest.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Essay --
ââ¬Å"You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to youâ⬠(C.S Lewis).The novel A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway engages numerous themes associated with love and death. Taking place during World War 1, Hemingway displays the horrors of war, yet he contains Henry and Catherineââ¬â¢s love story in the midst of it all. Hemingway demonstrates themes such as religion and reality of war associated with love, and uses weather and loss related to death. The novel revolves around the love story between Henry and Catherine, taking place in the World War. Therefore, Henry emerges himself into love in order to escape and overcome the grim reality of war. Similarly, Catherine mourns the death of her late husband but uses love to to fill the void. Religion is a major theme highlighted with love in the novel. Literary critic Arnold A. Markley states, ââ¬Å"A religion or any organized system of beliefs has to be tried and tested before frederic will be able to accept it, and as yet, he has found no system of beliefs or value to commit himself entirely. Early in the novel when his companions bait and tease the priest, Frederic nevertheless respects the humble man.â⬠(173). For example The priest informs Henry of the nature of love. ââ¬Å"When you love, you wish to sacrifice, you wish to serveâ⬠(63). From the very beginning of the novel, Henry has had a special bond with the priest and his messages, unlike the other soldiers. Als o during their summer in Milan, Henry and Catherine talk about their marriage. and having a formal marriage with religious rituals, but Catherine goes on saying, ââ¬Å"You are my religion (237). So Henryââ¬â¢s religion lives only in the form of his love for Catherine. After... ...her in Milan, Catherine tells Henry that sheââ¬â¢s scared of the rain. Though they both enjoy walking in it, she says â⬠I feel dead in itâ⬠. Often the rain suggests imminent destruction; there is a storm the night that Frederic must leave Italy to avoid being arrested, Catherine dreams that she is dead in the rainâ⬠(173) Finally at the end of the novel after Catherines gruesome death, it is raining outside. Hemingway uses rain to imply that it is a force of nature which cannot be controlled, just as fate is something no one can control, Hemingway highlights love and death in the lives of Catherine and Henry as they experience the war in the background. He conveys this through religion and weather etc. Hemingway emphasizes that ââ¬Å"Life never goes as planned...it's in those moments where you define yourself adapt and overcome. You'll become a better person because of it.ââ¬
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Surfing, Duke Energy, and the Coastal Alliance :: Personal Narrative Environment Essays
Surfing, Duke Energy, and the Coastal Alliance On my way out to the beach I still had no idea what I was going to do for my fifth essay. As my surfing buddy and I exited the freeway and entered the town of Morro Bay I saw three giant gleaming smoke stacks surfacing over the top of the hill. As we got closer to the beach the three smoke stacks gave way to a massive power plant that was a mere fifty feet from the waterââ¬â¢s edge. It was surrounded by a fifteen foot cement wall and cameras everywhere. I thought what a perfect topic for my paper. As we parked and started to suit up I noticed there was an abundance of strange looking birds all around us. My friend explained to me that the whole area is an estuary preserve that protects endangered bird species. With the towering Morro Rock looming overhead we began to wade into the surf. After I made it out past the break I turned around and saw a giant sign against the harbor wall that said ââ¬Å"Welcome to Morro Bayâ⬠with the towering smoke stacks grasping hold of the tiny harbor like three long fingers. By the time we were done surfing I was determined to research this area further. Not just for this paper, but the fact that there was no way that the power plant is helping the estuary or the ocean. After having the opportunity to surf Morro Bay, I felt it my responsibility to protect these waters so that future generations might enjoy it. It turns out that there is a huge controversy going on because Duke Energy is attempting to get a permit to remodel the entire power plant. The official Duke Energy website starts off by saying that remodeling projects are going to begin shortly. I noticed that the plant was nearly fifty years old so it seemed logical that the plant needs renovation, but I was not convinced so I read on. Already treading on thin ice the writer tried to insert a little blurb about seawater intake at the end of the paragraph.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Estore at Shelll Essay
In recent years there has been shift in the fuels and lubricant marketplace that has resulted in more price-sensitive customers and a growing downward pressure on Shell Canadaââ¬â¢s margins. Due to the financial pressure to reduce costs, Shell Canada launched an online, self-serve ââ¬Å"eStoreâ⬠to their agricultural customers in hopes of streamlining their business, cutting costs and salvaging their shrinking profit margins. The purpose of this case report is to address and analyze the issues surrounding eStore, identify the best alternative to solve the key issues and determine the most appropriate method of implementation. It is anticipated that these findings will illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of potential solutions, which will in turn lead to actual implementation of the best solution. Key issues encompassing Shellââ¬â¢s shrinking profit margins, communication and delivery and technology were identified and discussed. Using a SWOT analysis and the Porterââ¬â¢s Five Forces model, internal and external factors affecting the eStore business plan were analyzed. In accordance with the analysis, three alternatives were generated including the redesign of eStore website, abandonment of the online project and the generation of alternative self-serve strategies. After considering which solution would best serve the eStore initiative at Shell Canada, it was determined that continuing with the project and redesigning eStore would be most effective and a plan of implementation was established. It is recommended that Shell Canada follow the implementation plan in order to attain maximum success for eStore. Despite some reluctance of agricultural customers to adopt an online ordering system, there are clear opportunities for Shellââ¬â¢s eStore initiative to succeed in this market. Introduction As a leading manufacturer, distributer and marketer of refined petroleum products, Shell Canada limited is one of the largest integrated petroleum companies in Canada. With consolidated earnings of $810 million and $9. 5 billion in assets in 2003, Shell Canada was ranked the 14th largest company in the country. In recent years there has been a shift in the fuels and lubricant marketplace that has resulted in more price-sensitive customers and a growing downward pressure on Shellââ¬â¢s margins. The agricultural segment s specifically underperforming and because of this, Shell hoped to effectively implement an online ordering system that would decrease the need for costly rural sales representatives. After the initial launch in September of 2002, it was noted that eStore was not as successful in attracting and retaining customers as initially planned. This report will outline key issues, conduct internal and external analysis and prepare an action plan to implement the best solution to achieve success in Shellââ¬â¢s eBusiness initiative. Key Issues Shell has three key issues that need to be addressed before deciding how to best proceed with the implementation of eStore. Shrinking Profit Margins in the Agricultural Segment With the shift in the agricultural segment towards price-sensitive customers, Shell Canada is currently experiencing a growing downward pressure on margins and is thus faced with the need to minimize costs. The remoteness of Shell Canadaââ¬â¢s agricultural customers provides unique challenges in managing communication, delivery and sales settlement, therefore there is a need for a more streamlined process in managing these customers. Using local sales representatives in the agricultural segment is costly, and thus Shell is faced with the need to move towards a more efficient, self-serve strategy for these customers. In order to effectively decide on an implementation strategy for eStore, Shell Canada needs to determine an optimal self-serve strategy to satisfy these customers. Communication and Delivery The second key issue is centered upon the lack of sufficient marketing of eStore. After the initial implementation of eStore, Shell Canada noted a pattern whereby customers had signed up for an account only to not use it again or use the system only perfunctorily. Feedback from the customers indicated a range of issues, including a lack of familiarity with eStore and a preference to use other options such as their local sales representatives, or the call center to place their orders. Some customers had not heard of eStore, and those who had, did not see the added value of eStore, and were concerned that an online solution was no better than either placing their orders directly through the 1-800 call center or faxing orders in directly. Many preferred to do business with their local sales representative as they valued the personal relationship of dealing with someone in their own community. Shell is faced with the need to develop a strong marketing platform that will attract customers to eStore in order to increase usage levels. Technology A user experience review of eStore by RareMethod consulting group also indicated a number of technological issues with the eStore website. While some customers saw the value, many found it cumbersome to use and experienced inconvenient interface-related issues. Some customers found the website cryptic and often encountered trouble when typing the Web address. If they failed to type the secure connection URL, it appeared as if the system was non-responsive. Also, the passwords automatically generated by eStore were often too complex for the customers to remember. They required the customer to remember a random sequence of letters and numbers in order to conform to the strict security guidelines. The log-in screen was confusing to customers as it presented what appeared to be two separate log-in panes, one for customers, and one for employees. As these two options were not clearly labeled, customers who chose incorrectly would be presented with an error notification, and would invariably stop trying to log on. The e-mails customers were receiving from eStore were also confusing. Instead of receiving e-mails from eStore, customers were receiving e-mails from eBusiness, and having no familiarity with eBusiness, would often ignore them. In order to enhance the user experience and retain customers on the system, Shell must eliminate these cumbersome interface-related issues and design a website that is more user-friendly. Given these key issues, the following ranking was created based upon their importance and urgency. Shellââ¬â¢s greatest strength is arguably the relationship they have developed with their agricultural customers. By taking advantage of the rapport the local representatives have built with their rural customers, Shell can effectively use these employees as distribution channels to promote eStore. By using Shell International, Shell Canada can also capitalize on considerable resources and expertise to develop an effective implementation strategy. The Electronic Customer Access to Shell (eCATS) initiative by Shell International to develop a generic electronic store can be used as the basis for the self-serve application needed in the Canadian marketplace. By using eCATS as their platform, Shell Canada is able to considerably reduce the development costs. Capitalizing on these strengths will allow Shell to effectively implement eStore in their target market. Weaknessesà Although assessed above as a strength, the relationship the local representatives have built with the rural customers is concurrently one of Shellââ¬â¢s weaknesses when considering the implementation of eStore. Because customers have been able to enjoy a personalized working relationship with members of their own community, they could be hesitant to adopt an impersonal online system that will remove the valued relationship they have with their local representatives. The lack of sufficient marketing for the eStore project is also one of the weaknesses Shell faces in implementing eStore. Many of Shellââ¬â¢s customers have never heard of eStore, and those have do not see the added value in using an online system. Even the local representatives are not fully on board as many feel their time is better spent dealing with client issues rather than promoting eStore. Other weaknesses pertain to technological and user-interface related issues. The customers that have tried eStore are not currently satisfied with the online system and as a result, eStore is experiencing low usage levels. Opportunities Due to the remoteness of many of Shellââ¬â¢s agricultural customers, there is an unfulfilled need to develop a system that makes communication, delivery and sales settlement easier and more efficient for these customers. An online, self-serve strategy provides customers with an easy, convenient way to place orders and gives Shell an opportunity to more effectively manage these customers and generate sales. Also, while a competitor analysis showed that there were many competitors in the market such as Imperial Oil, Irving Oil, UFA, PetroCanada and Federated Co-op, none was pursuing initiatives similar to eStore. Because these companies are likely experiencing the same margin compression, this gives Shell the opportunity to salvage profit margins and simultaneously increase their market share by providing customers with the innovative offering of an electronic store. Streamlining business using an online system would not only attract new customers, but it would also cut costs and relieve some of the pressure on Shellââ¬â¢s margins. Threats Although Shell Canada has few external factors that would seriously threaten the implementation of eStore, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. With the shift in the agricultural segment towards price-sensitive customers, Shell Canada must find ways to satisfy these customers in order to maintain their business. Shell must ensure that an online store is the most effective way to keep these customers, not deter them. Also, although no other company has currently developed an electronic store, there is nothing stopping them from developing one in the future. If Shell is unable to effectively implement their eStore, another competitor could easily learn from Shellââ¬â¢s mistakes, and develop a more effective online system that would satisfy the particular customers Shell was trying to attract. Porterââ¬â¢s Five Forces Analysis The ââ¬ËPorterââ¬â¢s Five Forcesââ¬â¢ model was designed primarily to conduct industry analysis. It may aid a company to understand both the ââ¬Å"strength of their current competitive position and the strength of the position that they are looking to move into. The model is used to identify whether new products, services or businesses have the potential to be profitableâ⬠(Porterââ¬â¢s Five Forces, 2010). Figure 2: Illustration of Porterââ¬â¢s Five Forces Model Source: http://www. quickmba. com/strategy/porters. html Supplier Power- Lowà The supplier provides the input for the final product or service, and therefore the supplier for Shellââ¬â¢s eStore is the developer and platform owner. Although implementation of the online system requires the development of at least some the applications since they are not readily available in the marketplace, Shell has extensive resources to draw upon from within the organization therefore making the supplier power low. Members of the Calgary IT group were involved with the development of eCATS and Shell Canada has a strong information architecture already established to guide the implementation of eStore. Buyer Power- High With the shift in the agricultural segment from traditional based farming methods to business-class farming, the fuel and lubricant market currently consists of highly price-sensitive customers. As business-class farmers make up a vast majority of Shellââ¬â¢s agricultural business at 95 per cent, these customers control about 2 percent of Shellââ¬â¢s total market share, and make up a significant source of revenue. Since there are no associated switching costs, customers can easily choose to do business with any company offering the lowest price. As well, customers can decide which services best meet their needs and implementing an electronic store website is only as useful as the number of users. If few people make the transition, regardless of the services eStore can offer, the system will be virtually useless. Threat of Substitutes- High Although substitution is currently not a threat as no other companies have developed an eStore, it is likely that another company could easily develop the same initiative in the near future. While the internet is not heavily regulated in Canada, there is no way for Shell to develop a patent on their eStore system. Another company could not only follow suit, they could learn from Shellââ¬â¢s mistakes and make their own store more effective. Although Shell Canada had the cost-saving advantage of using eCATS as their platform foundation, technology is getting cheaper and companies may be easily able to buy better, more effective online applications off the shelf. Similarly, if Shell fails to satisfy customers with an online ordering system, ustomers may look to other companies that offer the representative relationship they prefer. Barriers to Entry- Low The marketplace in which eStore will conduct business is online, and therefore there are very few barriers to entry. Because there is little regulation online, other companies can easily enter this marketplace with similar initiatives. Moreover, it is often the case that the second version of an IT system is better than the first, therefore other companies can see what Shell has done with eStore, and make their version even more efficient. Competitive Rivalry- Highà Taking into consideration the aforementioned factors, competitive rivalry can be considered high. With price sensitive customers in the agricultural segment occupying 2% of the market share, and many players in the market, the company that offers the lowest price will assume this customer base. Shellââ¬â¢s online initiative could potentially set them apart from the competition by offering an innovative, more efficient way of doing business. By reducing their own costs, the savings could then be passed on, at least partially, to the customer in the form of lower prices.
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