Change and Continuity in Contemporary Business Essay

Change and Continuity in Contemporary Business - Essay Example Denmark has flat organisational structure and informal work culture that facilitate in creating a comfortable working environment. The people of Denmark are straightforward in nature and wish for morality and honesty. The cost of living is quite high in Denmark due to its high salary structure. Furthermore, Danish managers generally have good understanding about satisfying the employees’ requirements. These are major internal aspects which influence on the business of Denmark. The external influences on businesses in Denmark include its strong regulatory system, good economic condition and stable political state. The tax structure in Denmark is comparatively high as the government of Denmark spends considerable money on social welfare activities. Globalisation has also influenced Denmark in numerous aspects. Globalisation is an unavoidable phenomenon which has both positive as well as negative influence on Denmark. On one side, globalisation has generated new prospects for con temporary business, but it also brings in challenges for organisations with respect to requirement of skilled workforce and capability for coping up with the competitors. However, Denmark is quite capable to manage the challenges of globalisation and take advantages of it. The influence of globalisation has been found on employment market, administrative policies, educational system, trade policies and business decision making. Denmark has effectively responded to globalisation’s impact. Due to globalisation, Denmark has reformed the monetary strategies. It has also reorganised the administration by reducing number of states and developing new regulations. Denmark’s entrepreneurship policies are also affected by globalisation with constant focus on entrepreneurial teaching and education. In order to maintain its position in the international economy, Denmark has close relationship with numerous international organisations. The immigration policies of Denmark have also changed considerably with increased focus on Danish language. The government has developed many new educational strategies in order to increase the competitiveness of people. Nevertheless, Denmark requires constant reformation of policies and strategies to get complete benefits from globalisation and tackle every challenge effectively. The government needs to ensure education for every Danish citizen. There is need for upgrading the educational curriculum. Furthermore, the government of Denmark must spend more on research and development functions to preserve the competitiveness of organisations. Strong regulations and effective policies are significant for Denmark to maintain its position in the world as a wealthy nation and retain the desirability of foreign companies. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Introduction 5 Literature Review 5 Critical Analysis 11 Conclusion and Recommendations 21 References 23 Bibliography 29 Introduction The report has been developed for analysing the contemporary business in Denmark. The aim of this report is to generate understanding about various internal as well as external factors of Denmark which can influence the business. The report includes position of Denmark in the world economy and influence of globalisation on its policies and decision making. Furthermore, the report also focuses on the effectiveness of Denmark in

Forming Strategic Alliances with Foreign Companies Research Paper

Forming Strategic Alliances with Foreign Companies - Research Paper Example The domestic company involved does such things because they have the perceptions that entering the world market will increase their sale, it will supplement the capital it needs and that it will fasten the process of adaptation to the environment of the market. The above factors cause a domestic company to respond to its situation by establishing joint ventures that will enhance their business operations in the international markets. Many advantages drive domestic companies to forge strategic alliances that will help them to exploit both the domestic and international markets. Domestic companies perceive a situation in which strategic alliances enhances the entry into the international market. This perception is because the company spends less amount of money to transport products and services as well as to enhance customers to the market. In having a company that is exposed to the international market environment, a domestic company is able to establish customers using those of its partner in the strategic alliance. These customers ensure that the domestic company has footage in the international market and therefore, it increases the changes of increasing its sales (Heidtmann, 2011). Domestic companies forge strategic alliances in order to exploit international market because there is a shared risk in the investment. Sharing of risks in a business venture ensures that one company does not lose it all to the venture that it has entered and therefore, it is able to sustain its operation in the market for a long time. In many instances, the companies that forge strategic alliances invest a lot of money to establish business operation in the international market through advertisement, transports of products and human... Forming Strategic Alliances with Foreign Companies This challenge means that these local companies focus on the alternatives they have so that they can establish their businesses at the world level. In many cases, local companies forge strategic alliances with foreign companies that are already established in the international business so that they can present their products in the global market with ease (Henry, 2008). These local companies have perceptions that the venture into which they enter are beneficial and they will facilitate the individual company to make higher sales than they did with local markets. However, there are many risks that are associated with strategic alliances that companies that forge them need to understand and learn the ways to manage them so that they will not fail in business (Oxley, 2013). An analysis of strategic alliances will exposes the factors that drive domestic companies to desire to forge them as well as show the risks and disadvantages associated with these ventures that may cause the partners to fail. Richter and Pahl (2009) observe that in forging strategic alliances, there are things that drive domestic companies to want to come into partnership. There are numerous perceived incentives that drive partners in strategic alliances to come into a joint venture. However, although there are possible benefits in entering the world market as an alliance; partners need to establish their business operations with a focus on the potential risks that need to be controlled to reduce the probability of failure.

Enterprise infrastructure and Cloud Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Enterprise infrastructure and Cloud - Essay Example The two types are available in three computing platforms which include SaaS, PaaS and IaaS. TRU should choose IaaS out of the three available platforms. Cloud computing is a distributed computing system that makes information technology services available on remote computers. Internet based service providers offer cloud computing. Some of the services offered include data storage, processing, applications, and software. Organizations using cloud services can improve their efficiency and can also respond quickly to customers’ demands. Private cloud computing is owned and operated by a single organization. The organization itself can either manage or hire a third party to do the management on its behalf. The organization can also set up a private cloud within its premises or in some other place. Community cloud computing system is shared by several organizations. The organizations using the shared infrastructure have common concerns such as policy, security requirements, mission, or even particular compliance. The organizations can jointly manage the infrastructure or higher a third party. The facility may also exist within or outside the premises of the organizations (Radack). Hybrid cloud consists of at least two cloud services such as public, private or community. The various cloud services grouped together remain separate entities, but applications and data are portable (Radack). Software as a Service (SaaS) involves organizations renting cloud applications from service providers. The consumers can access the cloud services through applications such as web browsers. In such a computing platform, the service provider manages the entire cloud infrastructure. The consumers, thus, cannot control the operating systems, applications, networks and storage. In such a system, the service provider can easily integrate new system functionality. The consumers also benefit by running the same software version (Sareen, 533). Platform as a

The Moons of Mars Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Moons of Mars - Term Paper Example They are not only being speculated as the next best targets for space colonization, but also as gateways for further cost-effective investigations on Mars. This is largely because lifting off and landing of spaceships on Phobos and Deimos would take up lesser fuel than similar missions on Mars or the Moon, owing to their lesser gravity (about 1/1000th that of the Earth), and low atmospheric resistance. Since manned missions to the Martian moons are much more feasible, it would be possible for humans to investigate and explore the Red Planet further, from remote observatories located on its moons. This would be more productive than using robots and probes for scientific investigation. As Siegfried Fred Singer describes it, in The Scientific American: The basic advantage of astronauts is that they can explore Mars in real time, free of communications delays and capable of following up interesting results with new experiments. Robots, even after decades of research to make them complete ly autonomous, cannot manage without people in the loop. But the question arises: Where should the astronauts be? The obvious answer--on the surface of Mars--is not necessarily the most efficient. At the first "Case for Mars" conference in 1981, one of the more provocative conclusions was that the Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, could serve as comparatively inexpensive beachheads. (1) This brings out the practicality and possibility of colonizing the Martian moons, and how it will be helpful for development of novel strategies for cheaper, fuel efficient and realistic research on Mars. The two Moons of Mars Phobos and Deimos were both discovered by Asaph Hall, using the 206-inch refractor of U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington D. C. Phobos (Greek for 'fear'), the larger of the two, is 27 kilometers long. Its distance from Mars is just 5700 kilometers and it completes an orbit in about 8 hours. The large Stickney crater on its left is perhaps its most prominent feature. Deimos (Gree k for 'Panic') is 14.5 kilometers long and completes an orbit in 30 hours. Its distance from Mars is 23,460 kilometers. Studies carried out by scientists in 1997 revealed that both the moons are about 2 billion years old and their composition is similar to meteorites, Type 1 or 2 carbonaceous chondrites, found in the Asteroid Ceres as well as in the asteroid belt. This led to conclusions that the two moons are actually captured asteroids, and didn't actually originate from the planet itself. Two probes, Phobos 1 and Phobos 2, launched by the Soviet Union to study the two moons failed, ending the mission in 1989. The Mars Global Surveyor and the European Mars Express have carried out further observations on the Martian moons. The Mars Reconnaissance Mission is also carrying out studies on the spectral properties of the moons as part of the Mars exploration mission. The moons look like tiny dots from the surface of Mars, according to information obtained from Mars Exploration Rovers- Spirit and Opportunity. Other missions solely for the study of the moons are currently under plans. Credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell/Texas Practicality of using the Martian moons as a base for Mars exploration By using Phobos and Deimos as research bases, scientists will be able to "observe the Red Planet and launch robots to its surface, while shielded by miles of rock from cosmic rays and

Freas and Geeks Media techniques Essay Example for Free

Freas and Geeks Media techniques Essay How Media Techniques Create Stereotypes in Freaks and Geeks Take a look again at high school stereotypes through the short lived television series from the late 90’s, Freaks and Geeks. Based on the pilot episode of Freaks and Geeks, media techniques are used effectively to depict the different stereotypes in high school. The camera shots movements are used adequately to show the power of the bullies and the weakness of the victims. For example, when Sam Weir is approached by Alan (the bully), at lunch, the camera is pointed upwards towards Alan’s face to make him seem bigger and scarier while the camera would be pointed down on Sam’s face making him seem smaller and inferior to Alan (Kasdan 1999). This example shows effective use of media techniques by using camera shots because the audience can easily depict the two different stereotypes, the bully and the geek. Another way that media techniques are used effectively is through the use of setting. For instance, the â€Å"freaks† of the show are shown hanging around the patio which is a dirty and worn down area separated from the field and other students (Kasdan 1999). This is a clear way for the audience to see the difference from the regular students and the â€Å"freaks† therefore making this media technique effective. These two techniques show how Freaks and Geeks uses media techniques effectively to illustrate the stereotypes one might see in high school. Using media techniques such as camera shots and setting effectively is a task that Freaks and Geeks has accomplished to portray different high school stereotypes.

Ten Ways to Improve Your Interpersonal Skills Essay Example for Free

Ten Ways to Improve Your Interpersonal Skills Essay Don’t discount the importance of interpersonal skills in the workplace. How you are perceived by your manager and co-workers plays a large role in things as minor as your day-to-day happiness at the office and as major as the future of your career. No matter how hard you work or how many brilliant ideas you may have, if you can’t connect with the people who work around you, your professional life will suffer. The good news is that there are several concrete things that you can do to improve your social skills and become closer to your colleagues. All of these tools will ultimately help you succeed in today’s working world. Try these 10 helpful tips for improving your interpersonal skills: 1- Smile:-Â  Few people want to be around someone who is always down in the dumps. Do your best to be friendly and upbeat with your co workers. Maintain a positive, cheerful attitude about work and about life. Smile often. The positive energy you radiate will draw others to you. 2- Be appreciative:- Find one positive thing about everyone you work with and let them hear it. Be generous with praise and kind words of encouragement. Say thank you when someone helps you. Make colleagues feel welcome when they call or stop by your office. If you let others know that they are appreciated, they’ll want to give you their best. 3- Pay attention to others:- Observe what’s going on in other people’s lives. Acknowledge their happy milestones, and express concern and sympathy for difficult situations such as an illness or death. Make eye contact and address people by their first names. Ask others for their opinions. 4- Practice active listening:- To actively listen is to demonstrate that you intend to hear and understand another’s point of view. It means restating, in your own words, what the other person has said. In this way, you know that you understood their meaning and they know that your responses are more than lip service. Your coworkers will appreciate knowing that you really do listen to what they have to say. 5- People together:- Create an environment that encourages others to work together. Treat everyone equally, and dont play favorites. Avoid talking about others behind their backs. Follow up on other peoples suggestions or requests. When you make a statement or announcement, check to see that you have been understood. If folks see you as someone solid and fair, they will grow to trust you. 6- Resolve conflicts:- Take a step beyond simply bringing people together, and become someone who resolves conflicts when they arise. Learn how to be an effective mediator. If Co workers bicker over personal or professional disagreements, arrange to sit down with both parties and help sort out their differences. By taking on such a leadership role, you will garner respect and admiration from those around you. 7- Communicate clearly:- Pay close attention to both what you say and how you say it. A clear and effective communicator avoids misunderstandings with co workers, collegues, and associates. Verbal eloquence projects an image of intelligence and maturity, no matter what your age. If you tend to blurt out anything that comes to mind, people won’t put much weight on your words or opinions. 8- Humour them:- Don’t be afraid to be funny or clever. Most people are drawn to a person that can make them laugh. Use your sense of humour as an effective tool to lower barriers and gain people’s affection. 9- See it from their side:- Empathy means being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand how they feel. Try to view situations and responses from another person’s perspective. This can be accomplished through staying in touch with your own emotions; those who are cut off from their own feelings are often unable to empathize with others. 10- Dont complain:- There is nothing worse than a chronic complainer or whiner. If you simply have to vent about something, save it for your diary. If you must verbalize your grievances, vent to your personal friends and family, and keep it short. Spare those around you, or else you’ll get a bad reputation.

Moleskine Marketing Analysis

Moleskine Marketing Analysis 1.0 Executive Summary Moleskine was founded in 1997 by a small Milanese publisher that wanted to revive a product that is rich in history and tradition. Based on the case study we are aware that moleskine is trying to bring back a product that soon to be vanished. It is critical and crucial to know that how consumer behavior can help to keep this traditional product alive by understanding characteristics personalities of consumers. Further segmenting them to be able to find out a solution that can assist marketers in planning their marketing mix, communication tools to connect with the modern consumer, also coming up with new strategies and tactics of marketing communication. 1.2 Definition of Personality Personality might be characterized as the internal aspects which impacts a singulars conduct and activities consistent with the social and the physical environment. Attributes contrasts one single person from an alternate singular, no two individual impart the same qualities and are precisely indistinguishable. 1.3 Neo-Freudian Theory In the case of the Neo-Freudian Theory, consumers of Moleskine possess more of the detached personality, as these are the individuals who move far from others. They covet independence, freedom, individualism or opportunity from commitments. This can be seen in Moleskine as well, as it can be seen in the case study. â€Å"Moleskine launched its modern-era range of diaries in 1997, around the time laptop computers and personal telecommunication devices were breaking into the market† (Schiffman, O’Cass, Paladino and Carlson 2014, 621). This shows that moleskine’s consumers still uses analogue or old fashioned products even in times of rising technology as they do not conform to the society and uses whatever which is suitable for them. 1.4 Traits Theory In the case of the traits theory, moleskine’s consumers are those which possesses high scores for extroversion and openness to experience from the big five model as they are creative, will document their likings, personal stories and experiences. They are people who loves to travel and are interested in other cultures and are comfortable to socialize with others. Basically, these are traits which are similar to that of moleskine as they focuses on art, culture and creativity. Furthermore, their products are divided into 3 categories which are travelling, reading and writing which are again similar of their consumers. It is the similarity of the consumer and brand personality which attracts the consumers to buy and use moleskine’s products. 1.5 Personality and Consumer Behavior As noted from above, consumers of moleskine are those who possesses detached personality and in the case of consumer behavior. It is similar to that of the inner-directed consumers, as they depend on their internal values or benchmarks in assessing new items. Inner-directed consumers will buy products that please and perform for them and they are not concerned about what others think of the product that they are using. The consumers deem that moleskine’s notebook satisfies their inner values and performs for them. Similarly, moleskine is a product of old tradition and old fashioned in the modern age of technology where laptops and computers are commonly used. However, the consumers are susceptive to interpersonal influence as well. This is due to the fact that they feel that moleskine’s art, culture and creativity fits their social group. There will definitely be commonality between moleskine’s consumers and other consumers. Contrary to having detached personality, moleskine’s consumers too have other personality traits like being modern which are common to other consumers as well. The consumers are modern even though of the analogue product that they are using, as moleskine uses new media to communicate with their consumers. Such as MSK 2 which is a digital notebook which the consumers can customize and create their own notebook. Moleskine utilizes social media, in the likes of YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, etc. 2.0 VALS program VALS is a program developed by Arnold Mitchell allowing us to better fathom about the segmentations and profile of adults American consumers. There are eight type of adult American consumers segmented by VALS based on their mindsets, using a specific set of psychological traits and key demographics that drive consumer behavior. The eight type of adult American consumers are the innovators, thinkers, believers, achievers, strivers, experiencers, makers and lastly the survivors. There are three primary motivation that drives the eight different types of consumers they are ideas, achievement and self-expression. The concept of primary motivation explains consumer attitudes and anticipates behavior. The resources of the eight type of consumers would also affect the consumer’s behavior, resources refers to a person’s age, income, education, self-confidence, health, eagerness to buy or try and its energy level this psychological, physical, emotional, demographic, socioeconomi c will constrain or enhance a persons expression of his or her primary motivation. 2.1 Roy Morgan’s value segments Roy Morgan’s value segments of Australian consumer has a segmentation of ten different type of consumers group. â€Å"The ten types of consumers are the socially aware, visible achievement, young optimism, real conservatism, look at me, conventional family life, traditional family life, a fairer deal, something better and basic needs†.(Roy Morgan 2014) This two methods shows how age, gender, marital status, income, education, occupation, social class, health and personality influence the consumer behavior. 2.2 Where would Moleskine consumers fit? The moleskine notebook has a long history and tradition it is reputed to have been used by famous artist, thinkers and writers. The notebook was made famous by Bruce Chatwin and he was the one who gave the notebook its name. â€Å"The philosophy of moleskine products are creativity, imaginative and travelling†. (Moleskine 2014) The moleskine product will fit better with the Roy Morgan’s value segmentation under the categories of young optimism and real conservatism. 2.3 Young optimism Young optimism refers to a person seeking to improve their prospects in life and wanted to be respected in society. They are long term thinkers, careers planner, attending university and contemplating about the future. Their mindset tends to be associated with people who want to experience life to their fullest for example vacation, a career, friends, and family. They are innovative and interested in technology. Thus the moleskine products totally fits into the profile of the young optimism who are imaginative as they are constantly thinking of their future, creative as they are innovative and interested in technology and lastly they would love to travel around the to broaden their perspective of life. 2.4 Real conservatism Real conservatism refers to people who are cautious about new things and ideas. They hold very conservative thinking and feel that things are not as good as they used to be. They are willing to pay more for products with quality and are particularly attracted to older, well established brands. Moleskine is a well-established brand as it is the successor to the legendary notebook that has been used by renowned artists and thinkers such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and Bruce Chatwin. Thus giving it a sense of class and nostalgia as a diary that retains the old world charm which also could be a trusty and handy travel companion and it fits right into the profile of the real conservatism. 2.5 How could these systems assist marketers? The use of these systems will allow marketers to position or promote their products better. They can use these systems to know which specific segment of consumer that they are targeting, and it will definitely be easier for them to plan the marketing mix (4Ps) strategy with the help of these systems. 3.0 Integrated Marketing Communications Integrated marketing communications (IMC) is define as the coordination and integration of all marketing communication tools, avenues, and sources in a company into a seamless program designed to maximize the impact on customers and stakeholders (Clow and Baack 2012). It is a concept of marketing communications planning that recognizes the added value of a plan that evaluates the strategic roles of a variety of communication disciplines – general advertising, direct response, sales promotion, and public relations – and combines these disciplines to provide clarity, consistency, and maximum communication impact (Kitchen and Burgmann 2010). 3.1 Recommendations In order for Moleskine to reach out to consumers who are less I.T savvy and resonate better with international consumers, following are some of the recommendations suggested. Making use of advertising through television, magazines or newspapers will get the message across to audiences whom are less I.T savvy and build a repetitive and consistent approach to increase product awareness. Moleskine can make use of celebrity endorsement for its products to reach out to international consumers. This means using brand ambassadors that are recognizable by global consumers. The firm can participate in inter-national trade fairs or exhibitions to publicize and sell their products. This provides an effective way of meeting many existing and potential consumers from different countries (Doole and Lowe 2008). 3.2 Jenifer Aaker’s Brand Personality Dimensions Jenifer Aaker’s brand personality framework is use to describe a brand profile which includes tangible and intangible traits and correlates to humans’ characteristic. This includes five dimensions (Friend 2012): Sincerity – This dimension portrays as down-to-earth, honest, wholesome or cheerful in consumer minds. Excitement – Daring, spirited, imaginative, and on the cutting edge of technology and performance are the most exciting brands. Competence – This refers to brands with traits such as reliability, intelligence, and success. Sophisticated – A brand that is sophisticated is viewed as charming and fit for the upper classes. Ruggedness – Rugged brands are seen as outdoorsy and tough. The two dimensions that will be suitable for Moleskine are ‘Competence’ and ‘Excitement’. The company had made use of technology such as cloud, social media and iPhone and iPad apps to promote and push their products to the market. These provide consumers the convenience and reliability in terms of data storage on their smart devices. Moreover, by utilizing the various forms of social media will keep Moleskine updated with the latest trends, hence keeping up with the ever changing technology. 4.0 Moleskine’s Segmentation and Marketing Strategies Yes, it is possible for other products to use similar segmentation and marketing strategies to Moleskine. Psychographic segmentation divides buyer into different groups based on 1) Lifestyle 2) Social Class, and 3) Personality Characteristics. Moleskine targets designers, professionals, writers, creative, imaginative people, travelers, and business people. Moleskine keeps in mind both their consumers’ lifestyle and their social classes. From working class to upper class where people need to develop new ideas, travelers who love to pen down their experiences, and business people who need to organize their schedule. Moleskine’s consumers’ personality characteristics are creative, imaginative, passionate, traditional and organized. Moleskine’s products vary from simple to stylish hard and soft cover of diaries and etc. The price setting is high. Placing is exclusive distribution. For promotion, they focus on communicating with consumers through social media a nd interactive websites. Moleskine’s positioning is to open platforms for people to be creative and communicative which contributes to the development of sharing knowledge and culture. Few products that used similar segmentations and marketing strategies as Moleskine are Polaroid cameras and Chanel’s products 4.1 Polaroid Corporation Targets creative people, artist, designers, photographers, and experiencers, people that see Polaroid as a status of lifestyle. Polaroid consumers’ social class are from upper to working class, some people like to instantly capture their current experience and develop the picture on the spot; people use it for their projects or special occasions. Polaroid consumers’ personality characteristics are creative and passionate. Polaroid is an exciting brand for youths. Polaroid communicates with consumers through social media and interactive websites. They have their own Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Twitter accounts that they constant update status, videos, and pictures. They created smartphone apps such as â€Å"Polamatic by Polaroid† where people can take pictures and edit them by applying Polaroid’s authentic frames and extra features. Polaroid Corporation has launched their new retail store called Fotobar, which is available, online as well. It serves a function where people are enabled customize their Polaroid pictures (Melanson, 2013). Polaroid has partnerships with the Andy Warhol Museum and Lady gaga. Polaroid uses global consumer segment as in every country there will be a group of people that meets Polaroid’s targeted market. 4.2 Chanel Founded in the year 1909. Chanel consist of lifestyle and luxury products. Chanel is known to be a sophisticated brand for elegant women. Chanel’s products consist of fashion clothing, fine jewelry, watches, accessories, perfumes, and cosmetics. They place their products in their own boutiques. However, their cosmetics and perfumes can be found in certain specific departmental stores. Pricing is high. Their promotion is through fashion shows, celebrities, events, television, magazines, and exhibitions. Chanel uses modern technology to communicate with their consumers. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, YouTube to update their new products, Videos events, and status. Chanel’s videos constantly films and emphasize on their â€Å"brand heritage† and how it still exist in their products with a fusion of modern. This strategy reinforces the relationship consumer need to have with the product. Chanel has re-designed their website to create a sleek site t hat shows elegance and created a few smartphone apps that features videos and looks of the latest products, fashion news, behind the scene features, and contact information for all boutiques, skin care tips using their brand’s facial products. Chanel’s Coco Shine Lipstick was first launched and sold through the social media platform, Facebook. Users were to â€Å"like† the page and get complimentary shipping when purchasing. It increases awareness on their online store as some consumers are unaware of it, also, by â€Å"liking† the Facebook page will allow consumers to be involved in their future news or product launches. (Zelesny, 2011) Chanel used a male celebrity; Brad Pitt to launched their advertisement on Chanel No.5, Chanel’s female perfume that became the talk on social media. They did it intentionally to increase the popularity of the product (Carr, 2012). Chanel products are lifestyle choices and their product range will fit across in mos t countries and in every country, there is definitely a group of upper class, high-income people that lives a similar luxurious lifestyle allowing global consumer segmentation of products.