General Motors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

General Motors - Essay Example Studies so far show an increase in job layoffs and lack of foresight on the part of GM on what customers want. More research is needed on whether GM is actually making an effort to improve in these areas and what programs they have in place. Customer and employee satisfaction: The recent effort on GM's part to save on health costs in an agreement with United Auto Workers union will not increase employee incentive since the effort adversely affects the employees by increasing co-pay for doctor's visits and pharmacy. In the growing Asian and European markets, GM has not kept up, focusing on light trucks when customers were more interested in owning cars. Further research will determine how GM plans to change its focus. Brand visibility: Asian and European auto brands have long been established as being well made and long lasting, with American brands suffering by comparison. At one time, American automakers pushed for customers to "Buy American," a patriotic ploy that increased market share for GM until Asian and European companies opened companies in America. Even so, foreign cars continue to be considered superior. A study of GM's research and development efforts will tell the story on future efforts. Global marketplace: Even though GM has addressed the Chinese market with Shanghai GM, problems have already been experienced in the company, with recall of Buick models. The saving factor here is that there was a recall of foreign brand cars as well. The future of GM depends on attention to: 1. Positive brand visibility 2. Global interaction through partnership and mergers 3. Increasing customer and employee satisfaction Work remaining As noted in the progress report above, several areas need further study. First, the history of General Motors from its beginnings to its phenomenal success in the 1990s should set the foundation for where GM is at present and what it must do in the future. In addition, comparisons with other American automakers and the efforts being made to increase the customer base must be made. Once this foundation is put in place, it is necessary to look beyond the American market and learn what GM has done to meet foreign competition and just how successful they have been so far in the 21st century (Appendix A). Toyota is obviously making a concerted effort to reach No. 1 in the automobile market, and the final report will show whether GM can maintain its lead and resolve its issues in the near future or whether it will not only lose to Toyota but be taken over by them as well. Appendix A: NPR Study in 2005 by Diane Geng By the Numbers General Motors Toyota Best selling vehicle In U.S. Chevrolet Silverado 680,768 sold in 2004 Toyota Camry 426,990 sold in 2004 U.S. sales in 2005 4,454,386 down 4.3% from 2004 2,260,296 up 10.1% from 2004 Profitability per vehicle Losses $2,331 per vehicle Makes $1,488 per vehicle Worldwide sales in 2005 9.2 million 8.2 million Global market share In 2005 14.2% down from 14.6% in 2002 12% up

Tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tourism - Essay Example The government should ensure that there is a maximum security for both domestic and international tourists. This will automatically increase the number of tourists visiting the region because they will feel safe. The government can also spread a good word about the destination by holding conferences both locally and internationally. B. The private sector should not be left behind in the promotion of tourism. This is because the benefits of booming tourist activities will not only benefit the government, but also the private sector. Therefore, through seminars and other forms of publications, the private sector can also play a vital role in the promotion of tourism. A. The whole process of promoting a region, though cumbersome, has a lot of reward. Advertising is one of the most effective ways of promoting a region as a tourist destination. Using both local and international mass media to advertise tourism packages is one of the most effect ways of promoting Kenyan tourism. A. The city of Mombasa has a wide variety activities and towns that will definitely satisfy the visiting people. This ranges from the fringed coastal beaches to the many old Swahili towns that served as residential areas for the early inhabitants of the coastal city. A. Tourism can also play a vital role to rid the city of its negatives, for example, the arrival of tourists from antidrug agencies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) can promote the fight against drug abuse in Mombasa though sports and holding of educative conferences. B. Eco tourism is also another tourist activity that will impact positively, tourists visiting the fragile and relatively undisturbed areas and providing funds for ecological conservation will lead to economic development. B. The economy of the region will also improve as the money from outside will be spent in local hotels, restaurants and other businesses thereby leading to the rise in the economy and development of the region. A. To ensure