Sunday, November 3, 2019

Implement a marketing solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Implement a marketing solution - Essay Example It involves almost every aspect f what is going on in a company. Production and marketing are both fundamental economic activities. Production involves making goods, such as manufacturing a product, and / or performing services, such as providing repair services for those products. In marketing, you must plan and coordinate a great many activities in order to reach customers and compel them to purchase, use and repurchase your product. While it is true for a business to be successful the product must sell, they do not sell themselves, and marketing is just as necessary as production. Marketing insures that the right goods and services are produced. Production and marketing work together to satisfy human needs. This strategy, if successful, will benefit your company. Marketing is an all-encompassing activity. It is something that eventually touches everyone and it dramatically affects peoples' daily lives. No one in America is untouched by some form f marketing. Marketing is important to every consumer. Everyone, at one time will buy or use a product or service. Consumers are actively involved in performing marketing. Their needs drive the marketing responses f many organizations. Consumers also provide marketing information to organizations wishing to serve them better. What is a marketing mix and what are the four P's that form a marketing mix A marketing mix is the combination f marketing actions that make up a marketing program. The marketing mix principles are used by business as tools to assist them in pursuing their objectives. The marketing mix principles are controllable variables, which have to be carefully managed and must meet the needs f the defined target group. The four P's f marketing are: PRODUCT PRICE PLACE PROMOTION Product The product is the heart and soul f any marketing program. If the product is good, the marketing program has a chance for success, but if the product is bad, no marketing program can make the product a winner. Product designing, developing, maintaining, and improving are all important aspect to be considered in your marketing mix. A company must always be on the lookout for new products, redesigning existing products, or killing existing ones. The goal must be to keep the customer seeing your product, as special, and to insure that they are champions for your product. The target customer's needs must be met. Naming the product, labeling and packaging all go into your product development. Life Cycle f a Product All products pass through a life cycle -- from introduction and growth to maturity and decline. All

Thursday, October 31, 2019

International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 5

International Business - Essay Example They played a major role in the integration of developing countries in to the multilateral trade. Their trade diversified through the flexible rules created under the treaties. The WTO aims at promotion of business involving importation and exportation of goods and services amongst members. According to (Barry 2008), â€Å"80% of the WTO members are from the developing countries†. They have been joining the organization at an increasing rate since 1995 and at present, the number has risen to 140. They derive a variety of benefits from being members of the organization, which on the other hand has enhanced liberalization of the domestic market, thereby facilitating economic development. The developing nations are currently classified as complete and active members of the bilateral trading arrangement. They are usually free to make claims due to their obligation for making concessions. Their demands are usually given the first priority due to the fact that they comprise the majority of the WTO members. This essay is a critical evaluation of the extent to which the WTO has benefited the economic growth of developing countries by enabling them to engage free trade. Some aspects of free trade have been discussed. The trade that is conducted between nations with minimum restrictions has played a significant role in boosting economic growth within developing countries. It has led to the establishment of free trade areas, which helps them in minimizing the cost of trade through market expansion. Tariffs and restrictions in terms of quotas are usually minimal in the free trade area. More over, countries within the free trade area are allowed to trade with other countries outside the system due to non-existence of a common policy in regard to trading outside it. The WTO has been successful in promoting free trade, significantly

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 8

Anthropology - Essay Example They are early hominids having common origin and overlapping with early human species even though they are not the direct ancestors. Homo habilis fossils evidence found in Africa is generally sketchy, but they are the closest representation of the early form that is related to human. Homo erectus also developed in Africa and later moved to Asia the oldest fossil evidence were found in Africa, later other fossil evidence were found in Asia. Homo sapiens are spread into different forms known as archaic, early modern through to modern (Adds et al, 141). They spread from Africa and from Asia then into Europe and finally, in modern times into other spheres of the earth. Neanderthal man is known mainly from Europe with an eastern distribution to the extent of central Asia. There is a distinct evolutionary trend in the species of the genus Homo from the early Homo habilis through Homo erectus to Neanderthal man and later Homo sapiens (Adds et al, 141). Significant developments in the evolution of the genus Homo interacted with the enormous changes in climate –that is cold climates alternating with warm climate, this is because of successive Ice Ages (Adds et al 142). Moreover, fluctuating temperatures led to changing sea levels, during a glacial period, sea levels were lower and there were land connections between some of the major continents. The evolution of hominoids from their extinct ancestors to human form as is known today has these features the enlargement of the brain size, growth of bipedalism. Increase usage of manipulative skills of hands, becoming upright, growth and diversity of language together the use of complex features and characters and other intellectual activity connected to the modern day human being. Fossil evidence of the Laetoli footprints and the skeleton of Lucy an Australopithecine give evidence to the early hominids ancestors

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Poverty and Social Exclusion

Poverty and Social Exclusion Poverty Social Exclusion Is social exclusion just a new term for poverty? Discuss. This essay will begin by defining the key terminologies used within the main text, beginning with the two definitions of poverty; moving onto the definition of social exclusion, and the reasons the term was introduced, debating the different types of exclusion. The central part of this essay will conclude whether poverty still exist, or has social exclusion replaced the term, as a bid for New Labour to gain power? Furthermore it will give general facts about poverty within the U.K and the extent to which it is effecting out lifes. Levitas (1998), because it is important to get a basic idea of the type of literature that is available. Levitas (1998) combines most of the literature on social exclusion into concise three models: Redistribution Discourse (RED), Social Integration Discourse (SID) and Moral Underclass Discourse (MUD). With these models there is a brief description of the main focuses, solutions and criticisms. Finally the essay will give an analogy into the relationship be tween the social exclusion model and poverty and certain policies that have been put in place to tackle the issues, leaving way for a final conclusion that will sum up the main context of this essay. Poverty has been separated into two main definitions: Absolute, which describes a basic income that can provide a sufficient level of primary needs, such as food, water and shelter. It was coined at the end of the 19th century, he devised a basic dietary requirement in 1899, known as the ‘basket of goods’, this list of food Rowntree argued was required for a healthy lifestyle. (Rowntree, 1901). The second, relative poverty, this is a viewing poverty in comparison to the physical possession of others (Townsend, 1971). This definition helps us to measure the gap between the rich and the poor in relation to goods, services and activities considered ‘normal’ by the majority of the populations. This is primarily the dominant definition used when measuring poverty. Due to the narrowness of the two poverty definitions, it has, along side other inequalities such as race, ethnicity and gender, ‘generated the injustices’ of social exclusion: â€Å"Poverty Studies have concentrated on lack of access to material resources. The concept of social exclusion provides a framework to look at the social relations to power and control.† (Williams and Pillinger, 1996:6) The contested term social exclusion has said to adapt the inadequate definitions of poverty, realising that other factors such as ‘lack of social, cultural and physical resources’ (Howarth and Kenway, 1998: 80) also add to the components of poverty. It was mainly introduced as New Labours solution to the reluctance of using the term ‘poverty’, as they desired power they considered it necessary to move away from the negative connotation of the ‘underclass’ . This terms usage has rapidly increased with Britain, partly because of how broad the definition can be. Generally theorists take conflicting stances on the exact terminology. Some define social exclusion as a sub-group of the poor, who have not been given as many opportunities and have often been at a disadvantage, while others see it as a ‘less acute but more widely experienced condition than poverty’ (Howarth and Kenway, 1998: 80). An alternative view differentiates between pov erty and social exclusion, adding a multidimensional concept such as deprivation, highlighting the most underprivileged and disadvantages sections of society. Through statistical analysis it’s clear to see that there is links between education and poverty; the higher the education which is received is said to directly contribute to the employability of the person and give an advantage towards working in higher-paid occupations (Duffy, 1998), thus indirectly leading to better housing, status and inclusion into society. Barnes (2002) states that there are four main groups at ‘risk’ of being marginalised: youths, lone parents, sick/disabled and the retied. Sen (2000) makes a distinction between two different types of exclusion, firstly active exclusion, which consists of deliberate policy or action to the denial of social rights. Secondly, passive exclusion, that is mainly focused on social or economical circumstances such as unemployment. However after deciphering definitions of poverty and social exclusion, the next element to this essay is to answer the question; what precisely is the relationship between social exclusion and poverty? Lister (2004) stated that the relationship between ‘social isolation’ and ‘poverty’ is particularly important when considering an answer to this question, because ‘as an indicator of lack of integration into solidaristic social networks, social isolation represents the essence of social exclusion within the ‘solidarity paradigm’ (84) The relationship between social exclusion and poverty is not always clear, however it is important to emphasis that social exclusion has not replaced poverty as a concept, but rather includes poverty as part of a wider understanding of the process, and thus that social exclusion is not just a ‘new form poverty’. Social exclusion has been known to be ambivalent, sometimes is can be ‘identified as an effect of poverty, and sometimes as a cause’ (lister,:82) Poverty within the U.K is not only nasty, but also increasing; here are some interesting facts about the poverty, and the extent to which it has affected the U.K: in 2003/4 one in five of the British population live below the low income threshold, nearly two times higher that in the late 1970s. Another fact that displays the rise of poverty in the U.K is 6million adults are unable to afford essential clothing. These figures are alarming, and displays how severe and significant the persistent problem of poverty is. However an issue that needs to be addressed is; is it really possible to be poor but not socially excluded? All authors that write about social exclusion mention poverty, no one has disputed that it is not a key indicator. Levitas (1998) analyses the literature around the subject, ad provides three key social policies relating to the causes and solutions of social exclusion. She dubs these discourses; Redistribution Discourse (RED), Social Integration Discourse (SID) and Moral ‘Underclass’ Discourse (MUD). The first RED is firmly linked with to poverty, it sees social exclusion as both a consequence and cause of poverty, its aims are to tackle poverty and redistribute the wealth, and more recently power. Its solution is mainly focused creating an inclusive society, which is what Lister states, is the antonym of social exclusion. Lister was criticised by Dean and Melrose (1999) who â€Å"states that they opposite of exclusion is not inclusion but integration† (31). SID, a social integrationist discourse, again sees social exclusion as a cause of poverty, but this time through the means of unemployment. Their solution is to support the unemployed whilst encouraging them to fins work, effectively making sure everyone is economically active. This discourse was criticised for a number of reasons, firstly it did not consider other elements that could lead to social exclusion, as it is possible to be employed but still socially excluded though; low income, working long hours and employment segregation (Dean and Melrose, 1999). Secondly it does not actively consider the role of discrimination or prejudice in creating social exclusion (Gallie and Paugam, 2002). Finally MUD (right wing version), which places an increases emphasis on moral and cultural causes of poverty, and the ‘dangerous class’, the solution to social exclusion as Levitas states is full employment, with a reduction in benefits and return to traditional family values, in particular reducing the number of lone parents, and never married mothers). Criticised for blaming socially excluded for their own social exclusion, glossing over structural causes and stress the negative effect of welfare in terms of increasing ‘dependency’ (Jackson, 1999). However although Levitas has pointed out that all literature implied that social exclusion must have an element of poverty to it, she has been criticised; for it is possible to be poor and not socially excluded; students are a prime example of this (Oppenhiem, 1998). From Levitas’ analyse of discourses, it is very clear to see that has not just replaced the term poverty, but has become a complex concept in its own right; however there is a connection between the two terms. Lister (2004) explored the relationship between poverty and social exclusion via an empirical and conceptual level. Empirical link between the social exclusion and poverty is presented in the form of causal/sequential trajectory. Walker and Parker follow a sequential trajectory of moving from income poverty to social exclusion, â€Å"involving a simultaneous process of detachment from social institutions†(1998: 40). Supporting this sequential trajectory is the Council of Europe, who believes that living in rundown areas, underemployment and not supported by the welfare makes poverty sequentially move into socially exclusion. Room adopts a more qualitative difference, where he argues that primarily: â€Å"†¦social exclusion, understood in its core sense, is associated with intense ‘multidimensional’ disadvantage carrying with it the connotation of separation and permenance, and repents rupture or catastrophic discontinuity in relationships with the rest of society, which is to some considerable degree irreversible â€Å" (1999, 171: 2000) In summary of the sequential/causal poverty, it can lead to social inequality, but also as Sen (2000) points out, it can also go in the opposite direction, social inequality can, in fact, cause poverty and deprivation. Having explored the empirical view it is now move onto the conceptual level, here the issue centres around the ‘value added’ that social exclusion adds to poverty (Micklewood, 2002: 28). This exploration will begin with a bit of scepticism, Øyen criticises this model because she feels that the sicken truth of the reality of poverty is shielded by the ‘umbrella’ of social exclusion. Rights and regulation, Room (1995) argues that social exclusion requires a connection to wider society, from which they one can be excluded from. This was dismissed for being to simplistic (Bhalla and Lapeyre, 1999). Social divisions for Williams, F: â€Å"Allows us to look at issues to do with social and cultural injustices generated by inequalities of gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, age and disability and the ways these may intersect and be compounded by issues of distribution† (1998: 15) Fact, the more unequal a society in terms of distribution resources, the more poverty there is in that society, and thus less likely that those at the top of the hierarchy will identify with those at the bottom and be sympathetic to redistributive policies designed to improve the position of the most poor. The most important issue that should be discussed in society about social exclusion and poverty is how are we going to eliminate them? As each concept is said to complement, rather than replace each other, it is able to produce more informed policies at tackling this issue. Since Labour was elected, in 1997 there has been an increasing emphasis on employment as a strategy to decrease ‘social exclusion’. Employment was encouraged, rather than having to rely on the welfare state to distribute the wealth through policies like tax and benefits (Robinson, 1998). Policies such as ‘Welfare to work’ and the enforcement of a minimum wage made employment appear more desirable. These policies were created in response to the increasing belief that our society had become too dependant on the welfare state to help supply them with their primary needs. Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister launched a ‘Social Exclusion Unit’ (SEU) in December 1997 in an effort to tackle poverty and thus social exclusion, as it created the aim â€Å"joined-up policies for joined-up problems†(SEU,2004:7) overcoming the previous ‘obstacles’ (Hamworth and Kenway, 1998) In conclusion, social exclusion has not replaced poverty but it does include poverty, however it is important to remember not all poor people are social excluded. The horrible reality is that income inequality and poverty appears as if it is here to stay. There have been many criticisms of the social exclusion as a new concept, because many feel that it will shield away the harshness of reality, and thus will create more problems in the future. However, when considering all the facts; poverty may be a cause of social exclusion, however if poverty is linked then indirectly so deprivation. In the case where we alleviate all elements combined to create poverty, then social exclusion will still exist. Due to the multi-dimensional aspect of the definition, sub-cultures are excluded based on other socially constructed issues such as age, ethnicity, race and gender. So until all issues are alleviated, some more drastically than others. Then Britain as a society will continue to exclude cert ain groups based on many different aspects of their life. (2,067) References: Duffy, K (1998) ‘Combating Social Exclusion and Promoting Social Intergration in the European Union’. In C, Oppenheim (ed) ‘An Inclusive Society: Strategies for Tackling Poverty’. London: IPPR Howarth, C and Kenway, P (1998) ‘A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Social Exclusion Indicators’. In C, Oppenheim (ed) ‘An Inclusive Society: Strategies for Tackling Poverty’. London: IPPR Mulgan, G (1998) ‘ Social Exclusion: Joined up solutions to joined up problems’. In C, Oppenheim (ed) ‘An Inclusive Society: Strategies for Tackling Poverty’. London: IPPR Robinson, P (1998) ‘Employment and Social inclusion’. In C, Oppenheim (ed) ‘An Inclusive Society: Strategies for Tackling Poverty’. London: IPPR Rowntree, S (1901) ‘Poverty: a Study of Town Life’. London: Nelson Social Exclusion Unit (1997) Social exclusion Unit: purpose, work priorities and working methods Briefing document. London: Cabinet Office Townsend, P (1979) ‘Poverty in the U.K’. London: Penguin Williams, F and Pillinger, J (1996) ‘New Thinking on Social Policies Research into Inequality, Social Exclusion and Poverty’. In J, Miller and J Bradshaw (eds) ‘Social Welfare Systems: Towards a Research Agenda’. Bath Social Policy Papers, No.24. Bath: Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy

Friday, October 25, 2019

A Critical Look at Histories of Hutchinson and the Antinomians Essay

A Critical Look at Histories of Hutchinson and the Antinomians In the seventeenth century, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded as a haven for Puritans, who sought religious freedom and harmony. In order to achieve this haven, the settlers in Massachusetts Bay devised a system of government that would serve as both a political and moral authority. Between 1636 and 1638 the relative harmony of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was shaken by an uprising that has become known as the Antinomian Controversy. At the center of this controversy was Anne Hutchinson, a Boston woman bold enough to challenge the teachings of local ministers and to criticize New England churches. Hutchinson was extraordinary for a variety of reasons. Her theology of â€Å"free grace† and her claim to have received immediate revelations from God were considered a dangerous deviation from Puritan theology. She was also a woman challenging the established male hierarchy of Puritan society. In addition, her theological ideas had important implications fo r political theory and attracted many followers in seventeenth-century New England. However, despite all that is known about Hutchinson’s life and the details of the Antinomian Controversy, there are no written records of her beliefs. Instead, contemporary historians, political scientists and feminists must interpret her actions, trial records and the accounts of her contemporaries to determine why she chose to challenge Puritan society in the way that she did. Because little is known about why Anne Hutchinson acted as she did, she has become a veritable chalice into which historians, political scientists and feminists can pour their own ideas. As a result, interpretations of Ann... ...6. Hall, David D. The Antinomian Controversy 1636-1638: A Documentary History. Connecticut: Wesleyan University Press, 1968. Koehler, Lyle. â€Å"The Case of the American Jezebels: Anne Hutchinson and Female Agitation during the Years of Antinomian Turmoil, 1636-1640.† The William and Mary Quarterly 31, pp. 55-78. Lang, Amy Schrager. Prophetic Woman: Anne Hutchinson and the Problem of Dissent in the Literature of New England. California: University of California Press, 1987. Wertenbaker, Thomas Jefferson. The Puritan Oligarchy: The Founding of American Civilization. New York: Scribner’s Press, 1947. Westerkamp, Marilyn J. Women and Religion in Early America, 1600-1850: The Puritan and Evangelical Traditions. London: Routledge, 1999. Williams, Selma. Divine Rebel: The Life of Anne Marbury Hutchinson. New York: Holt Rinehart and Winston, 1981.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Oriental Pearl Restaurant Business Plan Essay

Executive Summary Oriental Pearl Restaurant is a proposed dumpling restaurant located at Pasadena, CA. It offers a variety of special dumplings and other complementary foods. China has been perfecting the art of dumpling making since the Sung dynasty. Chinese dumplings may be round or crescent-shaped, boiled or pan-fried. The filling may be sweet or savory; vegetarian or filled with meat and vegetables. Dumpling is relatively low in calories and high in nutrition attract weight conscious persons from all walks of life since ancient times. Business description 1. Products and Services The Oriental Pearl Restaurant, located on Pasadena, CA, is a unique eatery that provides customer with freshly made traditional Chinese dumpling and the other complementary foods in a chic setting. Unlike the typical restaurant, Oriental Pearl Restaurant allows people to choose from a carry-out or stay-in option to optimize customer convenience. Most dumpling restaurant does not have a carry-out service, that making Oriental Pearl Restaurant innovative and helpful to those who want dumpling on the go. Oriental Pearl Restaurant also employs senior Chinese food chefs to prepare the food right in front of the customer like teppanyaki restaurant and they can make up your own dumplings as you require, it’s creating an enticing experience on Chinese traditional culture and entertainment for all customers. Like most restaurant, Oriental Pearl Restaurant offers free-Wi-Fi to customers and has free-parking space for every customer. As for food choice, Oriental Pearl Restaurant includes many different types of Chinese cuisine. With the main focus on traditional Chinese dumpling, customers have a broad choice of dumplings ranging from the popular seafood dumpling to the conventional vegetable-meat dumpling to the unique cactus dumpling. You also can make your own unique dumpling, we have professional cook for you anytime. In addition to dumpling, Oriental Pearl Restaurant offers an expansive menu of Chinese cuisine, which will include traditional items and other entrees such as grilled stir-fry and other cooked entrees. For beverages, customers have a choice of green tea along with soda products or water. With an extensive menu and great customer service, Oriental Pearl will beat competing Chinese restaurants and other competitors. 2. Target Customer Base The customers at Oriental Pearl Restaurant could be anyone who enjoys dumpling. However, the businesses are geared toward, but are not limited to Chinese. Due to the close proximity of Chinese community and dumpling is very popular in China; the restaurant should more popular to Chinese. And because of the Oriental Pearl Restaurant located right near the business district of Pasadena, I think these office workers will be able to come here during their lunch time and take a carry-out plate without spending a lot of working time. Oriental Pearl Restaurant can also be a family restaurant, family can call a large order and wait for it to be prepared and send by restaurant staff. Vision and mission statement 1. Mission Statement Oriental Pearl Restaurant will be an inspiring restaurant; our mission is to provide our customers with an outstanding experience of Chinese cuisine dishes, and superior service; let our customers have a good Chinese flavour journey. Chinese food culture has a long history in the world enjoy a high reputation; Oriental Pearl Restaurant will carry forward and promote the Chinese food culture to the whole U.S. 2. Vision Statement In the years to come, Oriental Pearl Restaurant hopes to add a variety of representative Chinese traditional food like Small steamed bun, Bean curd jelly, spring rolls and sticky rice pumpkins cakes to the menu due to its popularity in Los Angeles and growing interest in the United States. With these new additions to these Chinese traditional foods, customers will have more choices in Oriental Pearl. Goals and Milestones 1. Short Term Goals and Milestones: Entice people and good reputation. In the short run, Oriental Pearl Restaurant will first plan to entice people to come and try our food. At the same time keep maintain a good appearance and sanitation in restaurant, give our customers a good environment and feelings. In the first two months, we will create an attractive advertising to entice public and convinces them to come Oriental Pearl Restaurant and try our food, also restaurant will have big discount during this period of time. Secondly we need increase sales in the first five months; in this period restaurant must learn which dumpling or menu items are popular for customers and which fail to attract customers. Then we can publish special deals of these popularly items to entice more people. In this period Oriental Pearl Restaurant should start visibility and start to draw a lot of business in Pasadena and around area. 2. Long Term Goals and Milestones: Become the best Chinese dumpling restaurant in Los Angeles In the long term, our goal is become the best Chinese dumpling restaurant in Los Angeles, use 3 to 5 years to beat out competing Chinese restaurants. Oriental Pearl Restaurant will increase new food to the menu constantly, increase advertising on popular items to draw customers and expand another Oriental Pearl restaurant in Los Angeles to further increase profits and reputation. At the same time, ask our customers to fill customer review sheets in their free time, according to the review, we will review what needs improve. Team members Managing Partner 1. Job Description 2.Degrees, Experiences, Skills Managing Partner 1. Job Description Manage working capital, including receivables, inventory, cash and marketable securities. Prepare financial analyses of operations for guiding management, including reports which outline the company’s income, expenses, and earnings. 2. Degrees, Experiences, Skills: A sophomore at California State University, Northridge majoring in finance Worked at Wynnk Company in Los Angeles. Job: finance assistant. Language Skills: Mandarin, English, a little Japanese. Managing Partner 1. Job Description 2. Degrees, Experiences, Skills

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Sygate Technologies Inc.

Sygate2. Headquarters overhead cost allocation at Korea auto insurance Tasks: a) What would be the net income of the Taejon branch as of 2007 and 2008 if the headquarters' overhead costs were allocated by the current method? Calculate the amounts of revenue, and direct and indirect costs of the Taejon branch for these two years. b) The current overhead cost driver, branch revenues, is criticized because it lacks any logical relationship to the overhead costs allocated by headquarters. Choose more appropriate cost drivers for the 17 overhead costs listed in the case Exhibit 3.You may refer to descriptions of the 17 overhead costs incurred by the five teams at the headquarters. c) Using your cost drivers from (2) above, compute the net income of the Taejon branch as of 2007 and 2008. Compare your answer to the amount from (1). Do you agree that Kim's performance in 2008 would now be evaluated more properly? Why or why not? d) Which cost drivers make the biggest differences between the net incomes of? Do these cost drivers have anything to do with Kim's effort in 2008? e) The ABC method matches specific reasonable cost drivers with corresponding overhead costs.Discuss why the ABC method would reward a manager with higher motivation in a competitive market. Also, discuss the shortcomings of the ABC method at the level of the entire organization. 3. Dakota Office products Tasks: a) Why was Dakota's existing pricing system inadequate for its current operating environment? b) Develop an activity-based cost system for Dakota based on year 2000 data. Calculate the activity cost-driver rate for each activity in 2000. c) Using your answers in b), calculate the profitability of Customer A and Customer B. d) What explains any difference in profitability between the two customers? ) What are the limitations, if any, to the estimates of the profitability of the two customers? f) Is there any additional information you would like to explain the relative profitability of the tw o customers? g) Assume that Dakota applies the analysis done in question c) to its entire customer base. How could such information help the Dakota managers increase company profits? h) Suppose that a major customer switched from placing all its orders manually to placing all its orders over the internet site. How should this affect the activity cost driver rates calculated in question b)? How would the switch affect Dakota's profitability?