About Me
- NARA . YAN
- Little drops of water, little grains of sand, Make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land. Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, Help to make earth happy like the heaven above.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Boom for online fashion firm ASOS
Online fashion retailer ASOS has reported strong growth in both sales and profits, despite the recent economic slowdown.
The company said pre-tax profits during the six months to October rose 68% to £4.1m ($6.07m).
ASOS targets 16 to 34 year olds with cut-price versions of celebrity outfits
ASOS, formerly known as As Seen on Screen, sells cut-price versions of designs worn by celebrities. The firm, which saw sales jump 107% to £67.5m in the period, said it was cautiously optimistic about the future.
ASOS also said its sales were up 104% for the seven weeks to 16 November compared with a year ago.
A report explaining:
a. possible reasons for the success of ASOS
This is a quite good idea. First, this is online shopping, that means people can order their clothes whenever and wherever. More and more people now prefer to shop online because of the conveniences such as free delievery, save time, etc. Especially housewives and office ladies who do not have much time to go out for shopping, so this website will attractive to them exactly. And another main attraction is that, they sell cut-price versions of designs worn by celebrities.
b. who the main competitors are
There are many other websites for online shopping, such as E-bay, Taobao,etc. And aslo, the famous brands are big competitors such as Dior, LV, GUCCI, etc.
c. strengths/weaknesses of their products
1 Strenghths:
Online shopping, provide a lot of conveniences.
Fashinable design, advertisments from celebrities.
Cheap price.
2 Weakness:
Maybe not good quality.
Not famous name brand.
Too many competitors.
d. what steps can they take to ensure continued success?
More advertisments and more promotions and sales.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
GCSE Business Studies Revision Guide (CHAPTER 5)
- time rates
- piece rates
- contract rates
-salaries
Salaries are usually quoted as an amount per year. A salary is normally paid in monthly instal-workers.
-perks
Business can decide to pay workers in other ways. 'Perks' are additional benefits that come with a job and form part of the pay package.
-profit sharing
One way to pay workers extra is by letting them share in the profits of the business. This is aslo helps to motivate workers.
-How much is a job worth?
The general level of pay for a job is decided by a number of factors. These include the following:
- Education
- Training
- Unique skills
- Conditions.
Recruitment
Recruitment is the process by which a business finds new staff. There are reasons why a business might need to recruit new staff:
- The business might be growing.
- Staff could have left.
- The business may need new skills.
-Internal or external
The business has to decide whether to recruit from outside the business(external) or to train its own staff(internal).
- It identifies the job that needs doing.
- It writes a job description to show what tasks, skills and qualifications are recruit.
- It writes a person specification to show the type of person it needs to recuit.
- It can then advertise vacancis.
-The law
Business must conform to the law. Advertising( and the whole process of recruitin ) must be fair and open; all groups must be treated equally. People who apply for a job are called 'applications'. They can do this in a letter of application or providing a CV( curriculum vitae) that shows they can do the job.
-Selection
- It looks at applications and CVs and chooses the applicants it thinks are most likely to be good at the job. This is called the short list.
- Short-list applicants are invited to interview. People coming to an interview are called 'candidates'.
- Interviewers could be one-to-one, or in front of a panel.
- After the interviews, the preferred candidate is offered the job.
Training, development and appraisal
All new appointments to a business require some from of induction training. This is training to introduce staff to the workplace and the job. It includes basic training in processes and methods and also let the new employee know what is usual in the business.
2. Further training
- on-the-job training training, which happens at the place of work
- off-the-job training, using an external trainer, off site.
-Appraisal
Appraisal is the process used to see how well a worker is doing. It also allow the worker to exchange view with his or her employer. Appraisal can help to identify where progress has been made.
Rights and reponsibilities at work
-Health and safety
The main law regarding health and safety is the Health and Safety at Work act,1974.
-Basic employment rights
- Safe, healthy and resonably comfortable working conditions.
- Protection from danger in the workplace
- breaks and holidays
-Rights in law
- They are entitled to a written statement giving rates of pay, terms and conditions of employment, pensions, notice periods, disciplinary procedures and so on.
- They are entitled to join a trade union
- They are entitled to the minimum wage
- They have the right to an itemised pay statement
- They have the right not to be unfairly dismissed and are entitled to a written statement of the reasons for their dismissal.
- They have the right to redundancy payments.
- Employees and employers have the right to a minimum notice period on either side.
- Woekers also have the right, under EU laws, to take part in the management of the business for which they work.
-Equality
The law states that in all matters of recruitment, selection,etc, there should be no discrimination. The main laws are as follows :
- Equal Pay Act, 1970.
- Sex Dscrimination Act, 1975.
- Race Relations Act, 1976.
- Disability Discrimination Act, 1995.
- Age Discrimination Act, 2006.
- Strikes
- overtime bans
- working to rule
- go-slows
2. Employers
On the employers' side, those in dispote may, in certain cases, be dismissed or the employer may refuse to allow them to work(a'lock out').
-Laws
- advise
- conciliate-try to get two sides to agree
- arbitrate-make a ruling between the two sides
Motivation
Motivation involves persuading people to do something because they want to--generally, because they can see a benefit from the action from the action.
-Motivation theory
- Maslow---a hierarchical pyramid
- Herzberg--praise & pay
- McGregor--Theory X(treats) & Theory Y(trust and responsibility)
Kirill's Business idea
I think this business idea is not so good, there are many problems and it is very difficult to make this idea to work well. First, to let customers pay by their own will make customers feel embarrassed, and not all customers will give high tips. In pubs, the problems are more obvious, customers may not be so clear-headed becuase they are usually drunk, so is it possible for the dunkers to pay tips by their own??...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
HSBC & Small Business
How could HSBC Bank help small business?
There are many many solutiona they have offered:
- Business accounts
- Business credit cards
- Business loans
- Commercial mortgages
- Cash management
- Electronic banking
- Insurance
- Investments
- Leasing
- Lines of credit
- Merchant services
- Trade services
- Receivables Finance
For Business start-up
Basicly, they will provied customer resources, information and 18 months free business banking. And to support and help when customer need it most:
- No bank charges – up to 18 months free business banking! A business contact based locally.
- Online information and resources – for a wide range of business banking financial solutions and a wealth of useful online information about running businesses in general
As we can see, there's also information about the value of money:
- A choice of business bank accounts depending on whether you want to bank primarily online or not.
- Both accounts come with free banking for up to 18 months! Compare business bank accounts and apply online.
- Free Business Internet Banking and free Business Telephone Banking services.
- Access to over 1,500 branches with full counter service.
- Special offers. For example, all customers who register for Business Internet Banking currently get £75 worth of Google Adwords.
- Access to a wide range of additional accounts, products and services designed to meet customers' needs. Talk to our Business Specialists about what would be most useful to customers, or browse online, using the tabs at the top of the webpage.
Company report
but i must write >_<
so......
SUMMARY
Fisrt, the introduction of this company:
Advent Capital (Holdings) PLC is the holding company of a specialist property reinsurance and insurance underwriting group and is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Advent has also recently formed Advent Re to trade in the Bermuda international reinsurance market.
In the company report i can get the information of the Interim Result Statement which is including the Financial Review, Underwriting Review and Insurance Segment Review; The Consolidated Income Statement; The Consolidated Balance Sheet; The Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity; The Consolidated Cash Flow Statement; Notes to the Interim Financial Statements; Independent Review Report; Directors and Advisors.
THE PROFITS IN LAST TWO YEARS
Um,, = = There's a problem, that is this company report only shows 6 monthes >_<
And i just can find this :
- Profit before tax of 1.6 million pounds( 2007: 6.7 million pounds)
- Second quarter profit before tax of 7.1 million pounds(2007: 6.2 million pounds) reflects the reduced frequency of single risk property losses since the firdt quarter.
website: http://www.adventgroup.co.uk/
Monday, November 10, 2008
SAVEMONEY DOT COM
www.savemoney.com
This is a website which is provided for people to find the way to save money. There's a lot of information of saving money that people can find there such as " Finding great mortgage loans in challenged housing market", "Restuarant Conpons save families money", "Cheap Text books and money for college: some students alternatives", etc. I found this website from the TV adverstisements while eating dinner today^_^,and I think this is a good business idea...
This website is attractive people because people can find the way to save money there and this website could be commonplace. And the cost of creating a website is not so expensibe but due to the increasing of browses in this website, the profit may be bocome bigger fast. And because it is a popular website now, so, there are many companies are putting their advertisement on this website, especially there are many things are about business, so this website is earning money from others putting advertisement there while providing people information of saving money.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
my podcast!~ >0<
Actually,,i had to post it yesterday,,but i met some problem,,,= =
nevermind,,i'v done my podcast already ~^_^
And...
Thx Mr LEX!,,~he's sosososososo kind, he helped me to solve all the problems!~@-@
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Drink-Mixing Vending Machines
Good idea.
This is a knid of updated vending machine which is called pouchLink Vending System. By using tried and tested filling technologies, the system increases storage capacity and reduces the amount of labour and space involved in the handling and provision of packaged drinks and water based products.
Such a wonder product, because it offers cost-saving, space savings and environmental benefits. This machine brings brings the benefits of high volume pouch filling to smaller operators, who are currently disadvantaged by the high capital expenditure and labour costs involved in post filling smaller volumes of spouted flexible pouches.
Not only the strengthes, there r also weakness. Location and maintenance always make some difficulties. But it is still a very good business idea!
Hair Straightner Vending Machine.
I love this idea!^0^
The hair Straightner vending machine must be useful and popular in some trendy, popular Pub, Club, Gymnasium and Shopping Centre markets, it will compliment any trendy unit by offering the style-conscious female customers. This is a good waty to make the big profit, it is a top end product for top end businesses. And this machine is easy to install, as u can see in the picture, it looks small and simple. All of the machines are installed free of charge by a qualified electrician, with no sockets showing and is protected by its own power breaker facility.
This good wonderful also because its specifacation.The product is compact and stylish so will compliment the most stylish of bathrooms rather than cause an unsightly obstruction. And the product uses less power than a standard light bulb when on. This is an impotant reason why it attracts customers.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
T-shirt Air Cannon
Portable Espresso Maker
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
photo sticker machine
If you want some special and funny photos,come and take photo stickers. This machine is very popular now, it is especially attractive to young people. But, I didn't see any in the UK. If this machine can be found in the UK, they will be many customers.
It is very simple to use. First,come to the photo sticker machine to choose the pattern which you like and type in them.Second,you could take photo stickers by press the button after you have made a nice pose.You should look at the screen when you take them.If you aren't satisfied with the photo you have took,you can press the cancel button to take a better one.
The price can't be high, because most customers are teenagers, but there would be some promotions that can attractive more and more young people. And the cost of this machine is not so expensive, it is usually about 1000 pounds each machine, one sticker could sell at 1 or 2 pound, so it is very easy to reach the break even.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Switch board snow board
Good idea i think. This is a creative way for people to have fun from " snow sports". First, it is foldway, so it is quick and easy for people to take, so it make many conveniences, this is a reason why it will be attractive to consumers. Second, it is simple for people to use, it is easy to get on and off with comfortable shoes, and it is suitable for people in all ages.
As your can see, this is the intruction of its technology:
* Woodcore boards
*Heavy Duty finished topcoat
* Boards connected with a patented double hinge construction
* Steering bar built up from aluminium
* Robust spring-bolt mechanism
* High Performance Shock Absorber
* Turntable fitted adjustable foot strap on rear board
* Two course skates are attached under the rear board
* Smart designed folding dimensions
There are stores in many countries, such as Australia, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland,etc. It is international, so it may be popular around the world.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
"Snowter" BMX Snow ski bike
Such a good idea, this idea depends on developing on the way to the ski-region, because the ski equitment is usually too heavy, too long, too unhandy, and the ski boots are also uncomfortable that will make many dangers. Snowter has a big imoroved in the way of skiing, it makes more convenient and safe. And it is simple for people to use, even the beginers will feel a lot of funs!
The best thing i think is there's not only one kind of product, there's a wide variety of different products are valaible for defferent people:
SNOWTER compact SR2c - the first snowter in series production
SNOWTER rental SR2r - for rental, more robust version of SR2c
miniSNOWTER SR3 - for kids
SNOWTER apex SR4 - for downhill racing
SNOWTER saltus SR6s - modern aluminium construction, succeeding model of SR2c
That means, there's a big group of people will buy it. And the price would be expensive.
But the problem is this product will only be popular in some cold palce where can ski, or just in winter. They maybe only make big profit in winter, so i think they may have some promotions or more advertisement, especially in winter holiday!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Water Purifying Drinking Straw
This is a very good idea!
First, i think this product has a wonderful name"life straw", because there's a good meaning:this straw can save people's lives, and it is simple,people can remember i easily.
Water may be the most important thing in our life, if people want to keep theirselves healthy, they must drink clean water.But now days the water pollution has increased a lot. So, this product has a big market especially in some countries which are seriously water polluted, and the people in the country are suffered from the water so much.
There are two kinds of lifestraw,one is used for personal, another is used for family. LifeStraw® Personal is a portable water purifier for prevention of common diarrhoeal disease – can be carried around for easy access to safe and clean drinking water. LifeStraw® Family is an instant microbiological water purifier with a high flow rate, efficacy as per US EPA standards and longevity of more than 18,000 litres. These are both very useful and creative, especially the firt one-lifestraw personal, as you can see in the picture, the straw is not big and it is simple, even very little children can use it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Mail-To-Images Scanning & Recycling Service
U.S. Postal Service Inspector
Insurance carriers
Fraud experts
IT security experts
Thursday, October 9, 2008
“Affordable"Recreational Submarine
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
$1 Store
We aim to create a retail environment that offers unbelievable value and variety and satisfies customers of every lifestyle.
We will support dynamic, controlled growth with strong relationships with our business partners, efficient systems and investment in people who focus on the requirements of our customers.
I think this is a good idea, but now days there's a larger number of this king of shop, so there must be many competitors.However, the products in this shuo must be with low price but high qiuality,practical and novlety. And also, they have to constantly updated products to remain attractive. The place is also important, the shop can be near by such as the crowded streets, big supermarkets, etc, the place which has been chosen must be full of people, then there are more possibilities to sell more. Promotion is important because each product only makes very small profit,but if people buy many, there will have a big profit.
1 pound store as a new type of store, the prospect of invenstment is very wonderful.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Gourmet Ice Cream/Frozen Yoghurt Stand/Gelato Stall/Shop
Monday, October 6, 2008
Angels Fancydress
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Shark Shield
The field is projected from the unit by two electrodes, which create an elliptical field that surrounds the user. Both electrodes must be immersed in the water for the field to be created. The electrode configuration depends on the model of the Shark Shield unit.
This is a good idea, and is useful, especially when people play in the sea. This product can protect people when shark attack them, but it does not not attack sharks or damage to the other animal, this product is also environmental.This product is full of knowledge, so the price would be a little bit higher, and it is necessary for people to use. For safty, most people would buy it, especially some parents would buy it for their children. This product woud be popular.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Waterless Urinal
ZeroFlush – the waterless urinal that provides payback within a year.
Combining proven technology, trouble-free operation and ground-breaking innovation, the patented ZeroFlush system provides years of odour free superior performance.
As Europe’s most economical and environmentally-friendly waterless urinal, ZeroFlush is the first choice to improve total restroom sanitation and hygiene.
It is a good idear, and this is also a good way to reduce wastage of water, it will be useful in everyhouse. Most people will agree with this idea and they must be happy to use it, especially some housewifes. The price of this is reasonable, it is attractive more people to buy this, and it will be popular. People may find some advertisements of this production in big supermarkets, newspapers, fitment magazines,etc. Brightwater company also can cooperate with other comapnies ,such as TOTO.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
What the hell = =
I tried many times to open it but i was always failed.,
What the hell???``
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Edible Tableware
The pieces are made from hardtack, a biscuit dough made from flour, water and salt which was traditionally used as dry emergency rations at sea.
The biscuits will last for months as long as they are kept dry.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
STUDY SKILLS
Generally, coursework is an optional element of most A level courses. This section offers some broad advice on how to approach project work in Economics/Business Studies which involves the gathering of primary data from business organisations.
Coursework: some tips for improvement
Contacting a firm; you will be more successful if you have a name to deal with so, initially:
-Use your Careers Department
-Use family friends
-Use past students
-Use Governors
-Use Saturday job/work experience contacts
Types of firms
-Smaller firms are usually the most useful for coursework
-Larger, dispersed firms may not have all the information you need locally
The title
-Keep it simple
-It may be helpful to pose a question - 'Should...', 'How...'
-Do not try to cover too much
-Check suitability with teacher
The topic
-Check suitability with teacher and firm
-You must make sure at the start that the information you want is available to you
-It should not be assumed that firms will be ready to divulge profit figures or future marketing -strategies
Remember your syllabus
-You should use the appropriate theory you have covered in your course to investigate a problem or situation
-Try to cover as many relevant syllabus areas as possible
Use of data
-Put your project in context by using background data
-Be selective in your data, do not include everything you've found, make sure it is relevant and fits your coursework objectives
-Analyse your data; look for interrelationships and possible correlations in your data
Presentation
-Be clear and logical
-Use diagrams, graphs and numbers as well as text
-Some Boards use coursework as a means of assessing IT Skills in Business Studies at A level
Evaluation
-Having logically argued your case, you must come to a conclusion
-Your conclusion should be based on the evidence you have presented
Include any limitations or wider issues implied