PESTLE Analysis Ford Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

PESTLE Analysis Ford - Lab Report Example The major product segment of the company includes cars, trucks and utility vehicles (Ford, 2013b). Ford cars are perceived as affordable as well as luxury cars in the market. The large product portfolio, including products such as Sedans, Hatchbacks and SUVs, cater to large group of customers. The company has differentiated itself from other automobile companies though its vision and understanding of the impact of culture on the automobile industry in future. In the present report, the current strategies and tactics implemented by the company are discussed and analyzed. A macro environmental analysis has been done to find out the present socio-cultural and environmental factors affecting United Kingdom and how the organization needs to make strategies in order to cope up with these situations. Methods and Reasons The company embraces all the traditional objectives which were given by its founder. However, looking at the current environment and continuously changing business and polit ical culture, the brand has also established many strategies to compliment with the change. Ford is the current leader in innovative cars (Ford, 2013c). Features concerned with safety, advanced technology and effort for energy and efficacy are important factors which influence the strategies of the company. Employees in the organization work together as a team and as a global and lean enterprise for leadership in automobile (Mistry, 2005). The company operates by aggressively structuring with the objective of profitable operations. The current demand for automotives is very volatile and the mix of models has to be constantly changed to meet the demands of the customers. The organization focuses on accelerating developments of those products and services which are valued by their customers. To remain profitable and well as growing, the company always makes sure that financial planning is appropriate and the balance sheet is continuously improving. The brand operates on the goals of p roviding profitable growth. The brand has its presence in over 30 countries and the company has taken all measures in providing exact requirements of the different market. Looking at the different market preferences, the company has specialized in providing personalized designs and models suiting the geographic and demographic profiles of the markets where the organization is operating. PESTLE Analysis Political Continuous growth in campaigning and elections has widened the political environment in the United Kingdom. Presence of small clusters of specialty groups makes it extremely difficult for a large organization to concentrate on one political group. Factors such as exchange rates, oil prices and free trade flows have a direct impact on the functioning of automobile sector. In the present political scenario, volatility in oil prices due to various political unrest in Arab as well as major oil producing countries, have resulted in revamping of the strategies and budgeting by maj or automobile companies. Foreign regulations and laws and foreign ownership regulations may also impact the overall revenue generation of the company in the countries where it is operating. Economic Like the rest of the automobile companies, Ford motor has also suffered huge losses due to the current recession and volatile economic and business environment. The recession that occurred in 2008 was followed by downfall of the banking industry. However, Ford has been able to stay afloat and keep a profitable business during

Is President Barack Obama a Good President Essay

Is President Barack Obama a Good President - Essay Example In a reflective analysis of the various aspects of the President-ship of the current president of the US, one may undoubtedly argue that Barack Obama is one of the most prominent and effective leaders and presidents in the history of this great nation. First of all, his life story very well reflects the true American story – incorporating the â€Å"values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the conviction that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others.† (President Barack Obama). Therefore, the President has been aware of the American story very well which has helped him tremendously to shape his opinions and policies as a president of the people. The vast amount of experience in the public service arena has contributed to the success of Obama as a great leader and president of the nation which is also reflected in the nation’s unwavering belief in his ability to unite people around a politics of purpose. Some of the fundamental points to argue why Barack Obama is good president and effective leader of the nation include his intelligent leadership; he is not war-hungry or money-hungry; the effect of his genial and luminous personality on diplomacy; his civil rights struggles; his awareness of an overall reform of the various political policies of the nation, etc. In consideration of these features of his leadership and many others, one must argue that President Obama is one of the most effective and successful presidents that the people of the United States have ever seen. It is important to remember that, when President Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States, there was a great expectation about his ability to lead the nation from the front to a great period in the history of the nation and he seemed like a different kind of leader in comparison with many of his predecessors. Definitely, he has lived up to those expecta tions which earned him high reputation even in the international scenario. As the BBC Radio 4’s Today program evaluates, President Obama has not just been the first black man in the White House but also ‘a new sort of American president’: thoughtful, reflective and determined to represent all of his country. (Mardell). This remark about the leadership of the president very well reflects the various aspects of the policies of his government. All through his tenure, the President has given great thought and reflective attitude towards the various issues facing the nation, be it economic crisis, employment issues, or matters of international affairs. Most of the Americans considered, and still consider, President Obama as the most important transformational figure of the nation who can lead this great nation to meet the demands of the contemporary world. The former state secretary Colin Powell was right when he endorsed Barack Obama describing him as a ‘transf ormational figure’ who was the right president for this moment in time. In his words, President Obama is the right choice for leading this great nation as he has both style and substance. (Bennis, 2009, p. 223). One of the major factors that contribute to the success of Barack Obama as the transformational president of the nation is his leadership qualities. It is important to recognize that the world’s hunger for effective leadership at the international scenario has been satisfied by the election of this charismatic new leader as the president of the United States on November 4, 2008. Millions of Americans wept with pride in their country and relief on the night of his victory as he had triumphed over old prejudices. â€Å"One result of Barak Obama’s extraordinary election is to remind us of just how thin our leadership bench is.†

Small and Medium Enterprises Master Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Small and Medium Enterprises Master - Essay Example SME also receives integrated solutions which are tailored to their particular requirements, to the right connections, to the secure accesses, also to the professional services and to the intelligent networks. SMEs are the enterprises which are working in order to make the Swiss economy the world's best economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises are also considered as the backbone of the Swiss economy. Along with this Credit Suisse also considers it as an important in order to support the Swiss SMEs by operating a consistent as well as reliable lending policy and also by offering them various advices on various topics such as the succession planning. In the previous year 2008, the Credit Suisse also increased its particular credit volume to SMEs by 5%, figure which is much higher than the annual growth rate of the country's gross domestic product and services. The bank has also its business relationship with around 100,000 Swiss companies; it means that almost every third SME is a client of the Credit Suisse. Along with this the general banking services, which they provide SMEs with various alternative forms of financing that also allow their clients in order to obtain various products to meet their individual needs and demands. In addition to all this system, they also make available thei r international know how, that how their business actually works. All of this, combined with their other services which are offered throughout the bank, means that they are also able in order to give the competent advice to all the Swiss companies. They are also always on hand in order to support their clients planning so that they can easily invest or can also launch different kinds of the business activities in the growth markets like China. Clients can also count on their extensive, on also their global network and their many years of experience. Their aim is to be able to use their products and also their respective expertise in order to assist all the companies and also all the entrepreneurs, particularly in those time when there is an economic difficulty, and to be one of the reliable partner in the long term goal and planning. (Haathi, Hall and Donckels, 185) Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are one of the principal and also the driving forces in the economic development. They basically stimulate the private ownership and also the entrepreneurial skills, they are also flexible and can therefore adapt quickly to all the changing market supply and demand situations, they also generate employment, try to help the diversify economic activity and tend to make a significant contribution to trade and also to exports. Different transition economies have also acknowledged that SMEs are very much crucial for the industrial restructuring and have also formulated the national SME policies, all the different kinds of programmes and the enterprise development policies. In order to improve their economic situation and also to achieve their goals related to their development, different macroeconomic policies must also translate into a certain on the ground in order to help the business turn opportunities which are the outcomes from the globaliza tion of the overall world economy into an actual export

PESTLE Analysis Ford Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

PESTLE Analysis Ford - Lab Report Example The major product segment of the company includes cars, trucks and utility vehicles (Ford, 2013b). Ford cars are perceived as affordable as well as luxury cars in the market. The large product portfolio, including products such as Sedans, Hatchbacks and SUVs, cater to large group of customers. The company has differentiated itself from other automobile companies though its vision and understanding of the impact of culture on the automobile industry in future. In the present report, the current strategies and tactics implemented by the company are discussed and analyzed. A macro environmental analysis has been done to find out the present socio-cultural and environmental factors affecting United Kingdom and how the organization needs to make strategies in order to cope up with these situations. Methods and Reasons The company embraces all the traditional objectives which were given by its founder. However, looking at the current environment and continuously changing business and polit ical culture, the brand has also established many strategies to compliment with the change. Ford is the current leader in innovative cars (Ford, 2013c). Features concerned with safety, advanced technology and effort for energy and efficacy are important factors which influence the strategies of the company. Employees in the organization work together as a team and as a global and lean enterprise for leadership in automobile (Mistry, 2005). The company operates by aggressively structuring with the objective of profitable operations. The current demand for automotives is very volatile and the mix of models has to be constantly changed to meet the demands of the customers. The organization focuses on accelerating developments of those products and services which are valued by their customers. To remain profitable and well as growing, the company always makes sure that financial planning is appropriate and the balance sheet is continuously improving. The brand operates on the goals of p roviding profitable growth. The brand has its presence in over 30 countries and the company has taken all measures in providing exact requirements of the different market. Looking at the different market preferences, the company has specialized in providing personalized designs and models suiting the geographic and demographic profiles of the markets where the organization is operating. PESTLE Analysis Political Continuous growth in campaigning and elections has widened the political environment in the United Kingdom. Presence of small clusters of specialty groups makes it extremely difficult for a large organization to concentrate on one political group. Factors such as exchange rates, oil prices and free trade flows have a direct impact on the functioning of automobile sector. In the present political scenario, volatility in oil prices due to various political unrest in Arab as well as major oil producing countries, have resulted in revamping of the strategies and budgeting by maj or automobile companies. Foreign regulations and laws and foreign ownership regulations may also impact the overall revenue generation of the company in the countries where it is operating. Economic Like the rest of the automobile companies, Ford motor has also suffered huge losses due to the current recession and volatile economic and business environment. The recession that occurred in 2008 was followed by downfall of the banking industry. However, Ford has been able to stay afloat and keep a profitable business during

Small and Medium Enterprises Master Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Small and Medium Enterprises Master - Essay Example SME also receives integrated solutions which are tailored to their particular requirements, to the right connections, to the secure accesses, also to the professional services and to the intelligent networks. SMEs are the enterprises which are working in order to make the Swiss economy the world's best economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises are also considered as the backbone of the Swiss economy. Along with this Credit Suisse also considers it as an important in order to support the Swiss SMEs by operating a consistent as well as reliable lending policy and also by offering them various advices on various topics such as the succession planning. In the previous year 2008, the Credit Suisse also increased its particular credit volume to SMEs by 5%, figure which is much higher than the annual growth rate of the country's gross domestic product and services. The bank has also its business relationship with around 100,000 Swiss companies; it means that almost every third SME is a client of the Credit Suisse. Along with this the general banking services, which they provide SMEs with various alternative forms of financing that also allow their clients in order to obtain various products to meet their individual needs and demands. In addition to all this system, they also make available thei r international know how, that how their business actually works. All of this, combined with their other services which are offered throughout the bank, means that they are also able in order to give the competent advice to all the Swiss companies. They are also always on hand in order to support their clients planning so that they can easily invest or can also launch different kinds of the business activities in the growth markets like China. Clients can also count on their extensive, on also their global network and their many years of experience. Their aim is to be able to use their products and also their respective expertise in order to assist all the companies and also all the entrepreneurs, particularly in those time when there is an economic difficulty, and to be one of the reliable partner in the long term goal and planning. (Haathi, Hall and Donckels, 185) Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are one of the principal and also the driving forces in the economic development. They basically stimulate the private ownership and also the entrepreneurial skills, they are also flexible and can therefore adapt quickly to all the changing market supply and demand situations, they also generate employment, try to help the diversify economic activity and tend to make a significant contribution to trade and also to exports. Different transition economies have also acknowledged that SMEs are very much crucial for the industrial restructuring and have also formulated the national SME policies, all the different kinds of programmes and the enterprise development policies. In order to improve their economic situation and also to achieve their goals related to their development, different macroeconomic policies must also translate into a certain on the ground in order to help the business turn opportunities which are the outcomes from the globaliza tion of the overall world economy into an actual export

Jebediah Springfield Paper Essay Example for Free

Jebediah Springfield Paper Essay Did you know that the annual celebration of the founding of Springfield brings all the people of Springfield together and raises the overall happiness levels of Springfield by over 65%? This may show why Lisa Simpson should not tell the truth about Jebediah Springfield to the people of Springfield. The reason why Lisa Simpson should not tell the truth about Jebediah Springfield to the people of Springfield is because it would cause an uproar, and ruin the holiday and therefore the happiness of the people. Lisa Simpson should not tell the truth about of Jebediah Springfield to the people of Springfield because it would cause an uproar. For example all the people that were celebrating the holiday would be out raged if they heard that their beloved hero, Jebediah Springfield was in fact a bloodthirsty pirate and enemy of George Washington named Hans Sprungfeld. This proves that the people of Springfield would be angry because they would be thrown into a different reality in which Jebediah Springfield is a fraud. Granted there will be some people who are open to this idea and are not furious because maybe they had a hunch that there was something odd about Jebediah Springfield and his story. Quite simply that would be prospectus for someone to be open to such an idea. It would be the equivalent of saying that Benjamin Franklin was a pirate or a murderous thief. Lisa Simpson should not tell the truth about Jebediah Springfield to the people of Springfield because it would cause an uproar. Lisa Simpson should not tell the truth about Jebediah Springfield to the people of Springfield because it would ruin the holiday and therefore the happiness of the people. For example in the episode it show many of the townsfolk celebrating and showing their support for Jebediah Springfield and they all seem to be very happy. This proves my point of saying that the holiday brings happiness and celebration to the people and also brings them all together. It is true that some people such as Hollis Hurlbut know the truth and do not celebrate the holiday because they know Jebediah Springfield was a fraud. Also if one person such as Hollis Hurlbut knows the truth other must know too. However, the number of people who know the truth must be small do to the fact that there were large amounts of people celebrating in the streets of Springfield on the holiday. Lisa Simpson should not tell the truth about of Jebediah Springfield to the people of Springfield because it would ruin the holiday and therefore the happiness of the people. In summary the reason why Lisa Simpson should not tell the truth about Jebediah Springfield to the people of Springfield is because it would cause an uproar, and ruin the holiday and therefore the happiness of the people. Think would you want someone to tell you that all the events that happened on July 4, 1776 were all a hoax and that you’ve been celebrating a sham for your whole life. Even if it were true would you really want to know?

Shell’s strategic position in the light of its external and internal environment

Shell’s strategic position in the light of its external and internal environment Shell Strategic Analysis The paper analyses Shells strategic position in the light of its external and internal environment and the key forces and pressures acting on it. The paper takes an overview and then uses PESTLE, SWOT and Value chain analysis to provide a strategic insight of the firm. PESTLE; SWOT; Value Chain Analysis Shell Strategic Analysis Introduction and Company Overview Shell Group provides energy and petrochemical services across the world. With its headquarters in Hague, the Netherlands, and largest subsidiary in the United States, its mission is to position its self as a global leader in the oil and gas sector with a superior competitive advantage in terms of meeting energy demand responsibly. Shell Group belongs to Royal Dutch Shell Plc, based in Wales and England (Shell, 2010 [online]). Its upstream strategy focuses on the exploration of new natural reserves of oil and gas and investing in projects to gauge technological and know-how value-added advantages. As for the downstream strategy, the company selects growth markets to invest in and uses existing assets to acquire consistently high cash returns (Shell, 2010 [online]). Performance focus, growth delivery and new project plans form its strategic framework with strong priority given to competitive performance, profitable growth and sharper delivery. The group operates in more than 90 countri es with over 100,000 employees and 44,000 service stations. Shell has the share of 2% in the global oil market and 3% in the gas sector. In 2009, its earnings were $12.7 billion which fell sharply from 2008s $27 billion figure (Shell, 2010 [online]). The paper will explore how the external and internal environments of the company are affecting its strategy and operations and overall success. Comprehensive PESTEL Analysis Political Forces As declared by EU and UN, carbon emissions are to be charged with penalties and taxes, oil and gas companies have been forced to settle government pressures through partnership agreements and alliances to support their operations by offering an incentive to the government in the form of the betterment of the economy. Oil has been found to gauge economic development of a country (BBC, 2010 [online]). Due to its intense demand, especially in the U.S, government tends to come under the pressure of the leading giants and ease strictness on them, though; they still raise questions regarding the environmental impacts but with the demand pressures from the customers, governments allow Shell and companies alike to find new reserves to meet the demands (The Guardian, 2010 [online]). However, these new means include bio-fuels which do not harm the environment. But Shell has strong reliance on oil and gas reserves and has no intention to venture into bio-fuels in future despite of all social an d political pressures. Shell has been engaged with the Climate Action Partnership with the US, as an attempt to gauge a positive image of the company in terms of a socially responsible business, while it actually uses highly carbon intensive production methods (Foe Europe, 2010 [online]).The partnership is focused towards reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, but while the government is going in that direction, Shell, using its strategic alliances with the government has lessened the regulatory control over its high carbon emitting fuel products. Shell has been forced to take on such diplomatic measures to ease political and regulatory pressures onto the company, when it faces a decline in the conventional natural oil reserves and has to find new alternative forms of oil reserves to meet the demand, which are more carbon intensive but allow it to stay profitable (Foe Europe, 2010 [online]). In underdeveloped nations such as Nigeria, which craving for basic necessities, welcomes companies like Shell to bring in foreign direct investment and more job opportunities. Thus, despite of social pressures to reduce exploitation of workforce and gas flares that is destroying lives, the government gives ease to the multinationals in order to support the growth of the economy (Foe Europe, 2010 [online]). Free trade agreements among the European and Americas allow Shell to more profitability engage in exports of oil. Russia is a hub of oil reserves and Shell took on the opportunity to exploit the reserves in Russia to meet the challenge of its growing demand, and its increasing lack of conventional oil reserves around the world. Russian government, previously had a high export duty on oil imports, has recently reduced it by 2.6%, which is benefiting Shell and other oil companies with their plants in Russia to export the oil products to their home countries and respective countries where they sell the fuels (Shell, 2010 [online]). Environmental Forces Conventional oil reserves are fast declining but Shell since 1995 has been engaged in finding new forms of oil reserves as oil sands in Canada to oil shale, but with the expense of environmental degradation (The Guardian, 2010 [online]). Research has shown that carbon emissions are much higher from the unconventional oil reserves being used in the manufacturing of fuel, and Shell having invested a large amount of capital in projects to extract oil from unconventional reserves has become the worlds most carbon intensive company (Foe Europe, 2010 [online]). Social Forces Oil and gas companies harm not only the environment but to the workforces as well as there are various security and health issues to consider. 20 people were reported to have died due to severe working conditions in 2009 (Shell, 2010 [online]). In Nigeria, Shells operations have been causing gas flares consistently which has caught social attention but the company is reluctant to take action due to its cost reduction strategy (Foe Europe, 2010 [online]). Globally, consumers are engaged in responsible consumption and the companies have been obliged to encourage responsible consumption (Dess, 2009). Shell took on the initiative in 2007 to advertise itself as a manufacturing facility that does not harm the environment but uses its waste (carbon dioxide) to cultivate flower growth (Foe Europe, 2010 [online]). This encouraged consumers to develop a positive image of Shell but later on, news reports on the matter suggested a different story. Only one of the plants in Netherlands was engaged in the flower growth while the rest were heavily involved in carbon emissions (The Guardian, 2010 [online]). This hampered Shells image further as not only was its accused of destroying the environment but also of misleading the consumers. Technological Forces The oil and gas industry has been benefited greatly owing to technological advancements in drilling and extraction of oil and gas. Heavy capital investments are required to acquire the advance technological equipment to extract oil and gas from unconventional reserves. Shells biggest strength is its investment in smart technologies that allow it to make the most out of the oil and gas reserves (Shell, 2010 [online]). Economic Forces Oil prices have increased the world over, which has resulted from heavy taxations from the government due to which costs of production have risen (Shell, 2010 [online]). Using extensive, costly technology which requires heavy investments, further forces the companies to charge high prices for fuels (The Guardian, 2010 [online]). There is a growing demand for energy, which is expected to rise up by 57% in the next 20 years (Shell, 2010 [online]). This becomes a challenge when there are fewer natural reserves of oil and gas left to meet this demand. Shell has used its scenario planning efforts to invest in new projects to extract oil and gas from unconventional reserves to be able to meet the growing demand in future, but this also translates to higher prices for customers (Shell, 2010 [online]). Legal Forces Environmental safety and carbon emission regulations have increased for all oil and gas companies, including Shell (BBC, 2010 [online]). With the growing concerns all over the world over the drastic changes occurring in the environment due to global warming, the government raises strong questions against major companies responsible for global warming, the oil and gas companies. Shell and BP are quite on the main screen when such allegations are put forward. Oil and gas companies are enforced with strict employment safety and health regulations as the manufacturing plants are dangerous for human health. This has a heavy cost potential for companies (Hill, 2009). Comprehensive Porters 5 Forces Analysis Level of Competition There is a high level of competition in the industry but among few players. Shells major competitor is British Petroleum. British Petroleums strategy has also been focused on acquisitions, partnerships and alliances to build up a larger framework to meet growing demand. Currently BP has acquired contractual agreement with the government of Azerbaijan and Gulf of Mexico, while Shell gauged its success in 2009 in Iraq, Canada, and Australia and also in the Gulf of Mexico (BP, 2010 [online]). The competition among these two companies is intense due to their similar strategy to obtain cost reduction, performance focus and growth. While, BP has invested in solar energy, giving in to the political, social and environmental pressures, Shell is still glued to the oil and gas reserves to stay ahead in the game (Oil and Gas, 2010 [online]). While BP has lowered its stakes by investing in solar energy, Shell is playing a much risky game by perusing new oil reserves through heavy capital investments (BP, 2010 [online]). Threat of Substitutes With the advent of alternative energy sources, the threat of substitute products has risen, such as from bio fuels. Many companies are now investing in bio fuel technologies to respond to social, environmental and political pressures (The Guardian, 2010 [online]). Threat of New Entrants Threat of new entrants is low, as it requires a heavy capital investment to set up plants and use advance technology for extraction domestically and internationally to meet the demands. There are heavy fixed costs involved in the industry which can only be curbed once economies of scale are received (Oil and Gas, 2010 [online]). Bargaining Power of Suppliers Bargaining power of suppliers is low. There are few suppliers in the industry. The industry is focused on low cost production and, thus, alternative energy sources are searched and invested in heavily, the suppliers of which are low, but under the influence of the manufacturers (Oil and Gas, 2010 [online]). Bargaining Power of Customers Bargaining power of customers is low as there are not many fuel companies available in the industry which offers conventional, alternative and bio mass fuels. Detailed SWOT Analysis Strengths Shell has obtained competitive edge in terms of technology. In 2009, it spent over $1.2 billion in research and development activities (Shell, 2010 [online]). Shell has obtained first mover advantages by using unconventional oil reserves which has given its cost benefits (Shell, 2010 [online]). The company has taken a much focused strategy for performance, which has allowed it to reduce costs by $1 billion by 2010 (Shell, 2010 [online]). Shell signed a joint venture with Cosan (S.A) Company to produce and sell ethanol and extract power from sugar cane in Brazil. The company sensed its cost benefits and its prospect to enhance its presence in the ethanol market (Shell, 2010 [online]). Shell has invested $ 1 billion in solar and wind energy which is part of Shell Renewables SBU (Shell, 2010 [online]). Shell has 20% brand preference which is the highest among its competitors (Shell, 2010 [online]). Weaknesses Shell currently has a severe lack of association with bio fuels, which are growing in demand There is also lack of substantial countering of the social pressures and the media exposures on part of Shell (Foe Europe, 2010 [online]). Opportunities Bio-fuel and low-carbon emission fuels sector is growing and is highly encouraged by the government, society and is healthy for the environment (The Guardian, 2010 [online]). Promoting a better health and safe environment in the plants is a good opportunity for Shell using commercials or public relations campaign. Threats Government and interest groups are taken strong actions against heavy carbon emitting fuel companies, like BP and Shell Heavy investments in unconventional gas reserves are full of stakes as these reserves allow for a large amount of carbon emission. This is potentially dangerous for the companys image and acceptance (Oil and Gas, 2010 [online]). Value Chain Analysis Primary Value Chain Activities Inbound Logistics Shell is currently in contract with Cosan, a Brazilian company to supply ethanol. Azherbaijan and Russian suppliers are also used to supply oil and gas reserves (Shell, 2010 [online]). Operations The performance strategy involved restructuring and reorganizing the operations of the company to upstream and downstream where priorities were towards performance focus, competitive growth and new project investments. The overall operational performance has also met with improvement as efficiency rates have rose. The reorganization will allow faster implementation of future growth strategies as well (Shell, 2010 [online]). Outbound Logistics Shell has an extensive global outbound logistics network which allows it to distribute the refined oil in the most cost efficient manner. It uses light transportation (Shell, 2010 [online]). Marketing and Sales Shell markets itself as the largest fuel provider, where its service centers are located in 90 countries worldwide. It adds the image of an innovation and quality-focused company which does not compromise on performance. Although, Shell has previously received an excellent amount of sales revenue, recently, there has been a decline, due to rise in oil prices, rising social exposure of the workforce exploitation and environmental degradation by the company (Shell, 2010 [online]). Service Shell uses its helpline service to address customer complaints and queries. Other than that, there is no extensive or special form of service that Shell offers to customers with regard to complaints and queries. Shell service stations have the direct interaction with the customers and the company makes sure that the employees address to customers appropriately and offer services in the standard way (Shell, 2010 [online]). Support Value Chain Activities Procurements Shell is now engaged in e-procurement, using the help of SAPs support systems to enhance its supply chain activities. SAPs support offers an ERP system that allows procurement to be done online (SAP, 2010 [online]). Technology Development Over $1.2 billion have recently been spent by Shell in research and development of new technologies to gauge the most benefit out of the reserves of oil and gas and find new opportunities for investments (Shell, 2010 [online]). Technological innovation development in extracting energy is a key strength of the company and it is continually engaged in investing in new technologies that would give it an edge over its competitors. Human Resource Management Human resource activities are the most challenging for Shell as it has to face several employment issues starting from health, and work environment to safety issues. These are true for factory workers who work in high danger zones (Shell, 2010 [online]). In Nigeria, a high rate of people dying in the factory has become common. As shell is a global competitive company, it seeks highly talented and experienced people who seek innovation and growth for the company for its management. Shell offers learning and development opportunities for its diverse workforce. It offers monetary and non-monetary forms of incentives to employees (Shell, 2010 [online]). The human resource management uses online application system for interested candidates and uses simulation based testing tools for hiring appropriate employees for middle management and senior management posts. Firm Infrastructure Shells infrastructure is heavily reliant on technological support, by means of ERP, data management, research and development, marketing, procurement, human resource management, extraction and production operations (SAP, 2010 [online]). This allows a strong network of coordination and communication to be maintained globally. Conclusion Shell Group with industry leadership in terms of cost, quality and technology, is faced with immense social, political, economic and legal challenges. Its strategy to focus on performance, new ventures to exploit unconventional oil and gas reserves and achieve profitable growth in return has met success, but the pace has slowed due to economic influences. for big oil giant like Shell, keeping diplomatic alliance with the governments of many countries has become common but this not something to rely on and to put heavy capital investments at stake like Shell is doing right now, by continuously investing in new plants for oil and gas extraction from unconventional reserves such oil sands and oil shale. Such attempts are increasingly causing environmental degradation and the government may go strictly against them in future once more drastic environmental changes become dominant. Clever strategy is to continue ethanol and solar and wind energy production and invest in more bio fuel ener gies to tap new opportunities.