Social Work Essay - 1632 Words

This essay will discuss social divisions; social exclusion and social inclusion, of which there are many definitions and interpretations. Social divisions and Social exclusion has been around for many years. Social exclusion was first noticed in France in 1970s in relation to people who fell outside the range of the social insurance system, such as disabled people, lone parents and the young unemployed (Townsend and Kennedy, 2004). Before 1997 Social exclusion was referred to as ‘poverty’, which means where people lack many of the opportunities that are available to the average person (Palmer; 2010). However for the purpose of this assignment, it will focus on homelessness as a social division, the relationship between exclusion and†¦show more content†¦One interpretation of social exclusion comes from the European Commission’s recent Joint Report ,which states ‘social exclusion is a process where individuals are made to feel pushed out and prevented from participating in society, due to poverty or lack of education. This may result in discrimination, resulting in exclusion from jobs, an income, limited education, lack of social and community opportunities and possibly feeling powerless’ (Europa, 2003). A structural view from Field (1989) and Dahrendorf (1987) who believe it is the structures in society that exclude people. Another, interpretation from the Social Exclusion Unit London (SEU) states social exclusion is a shorthand label for what can happen when individuals or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health and family breakdown (SEU 1997). Pierson (2010) suggests that poverty, low income, lack of access to the job market, low or non existent social support, the effect of the area and the exclusion from services are all ways to socially exclude people from society. Thompson (2010) believes that social location affects people’s life chances, due to where people are born and where they live, arguing that people have no choice/control over what position they are within society and depending on their location within the structureShow MoreRelatedSocial Work As A So cial Worker1414 Words   |  6 Pagesreasoning. What makes social work idiosyncratic unlike the rest is the willingness and passion to promote human well-being. I yearn and hunger to see growth of what is already innate. That is the reason psychology became my undeclared major. My ignorance of the social work role did create misconceptions and fears. I knew I had to be in some helping profession. I was not sure if I would do so through occupational therapy, psychology, teaching, or social work. I wanted to be a social worker, but I wasRead MoreSocial Workers And Social Work950 Words   |  4 Pages The social work profession is a profession that is created with educated professionals, social workers, which make important contributions to society by helping society’s most vulnerable individuals, families, and groups. Social workers assist vulnerable populations with enhancing their social functioning, meeting their needs, and solving problems. Social policies are a key component in the success of the social workers ability to help the vulnerable. â€Å"Social policies are the laws, rules, and regulationsRead MoreSocial Workers And Social Work1652 Words   |  7 Pageslarge component of the social work profession is cultural competency. According to the National Association of Social Workers, in order to be culturally competent, social workers should understand culture and its’ role in society (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2008). Social workers should be able to recognize the strength of each culture, have knowledge of their clients’’ cultures, and provide culturally sensitive services to each individual with whom they work with (NASW, 2008). IsRead MoreSocial Work Management and Its Relevance to the Social Work Profession8635 Words   |  35 PagesSOCIAL WORK MANAGEMENT AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE SOCIAL WORK PROFFESSION LAUREN DA SILVA Introduction. ...........................................................................................................4 The social work profession ........................................................................................5 {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Definition of management.......................Read MoreWhat Is Social Work?853 Words   |  4 PagesWHAT IS SOCIAL WORK? As a little kid when people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I honestly didn’t know but somehow the words â€Å"doctor† or â€Å"lawyer† would come out of my mouth. I knew early on that I wanted to help people and when we would have the career fair at school, the doctors or the lawyers were the ones who said they helped other individuals. In those early years of life I wasn’t exposed to many things but I was always eager to learn. As time passed and people asked me whatRead MoreSocial Work Is The Profession735 Words   |  3 PagesI. Social Work is the profession by which to help others in need A. Social Workers Assess and Advocate for others in need B. They work as an intermediary to connect people with helpful services II. Older population A. Any individual over the age of 65 is apart of the older population B. The Older population is growing and there for more services will need to be utilized because people are living longer C. With more services being utilized more cost will incur D. 40% of people need assistance andRead MoreSocial Work As A Profession1309 Words   |  6 PagesSocial work as a profession is a universal and opportunistic field. The field itself ranges from placements in mental health to even education. One of the most prominent and growing areas in the field is medical social work. According to the NASW, social workers in hospitals and medical centers provide frontline services to patients with conditions spanning the entire healthcare continuum. Medical social work includes settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, etcRead MoreThe Levels Of Social Work1314 Words   |  6 PagesMicro-level social work involves working with individuals, whereas, macro-level social work involves improving conditions on a larger scale, for groups of people such as a community. The levels of social work practice are not only related, but they influence each other and often display characteristics of a cause and effect relations hip. This essay will explain how the levels of social work practice influence each other, followed by examples of this influence, particularly focusing on attachmentRead MoreEssay On Social Work1512 Words   |  7 PagesThe key life experiences that have led me to choose social work as my major was because I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others. I had many years of experience working in Behavioral Health and had the privilege working with children, adolescents, as well as adults with physical and mental disabilities. I believe I have sharp knowledge of behavioral and development issues. I am a mental health specialist and would like to be a social worker. I also want to be more involved with patientRead MoreThe Qualities Of Social Work889 Words   |  4 PagesSocial work is considered a helping profession and a profession for people. If you aren’t a people person with a compassionate heart this profession maybe difficult for you. Possessing a genuine personality, empathy, displaying compassion, and being transparent are all healthy characteristics to have as a social worker. These qualities make social work practice with individuals, families, and treatment groups easier and more enjoyable. From experience the more genuine you are to a client the more

Government Funded Research Projects A Very Early Age,...

From a very early age, human beings love to ask questions, especially about ourselves and the people around us. But as we get older, we find that not every question has an answer, or the answer is limited to the knowledge of the past. We seek out the gritty details, but only find ourselves with more questions than we began with; research begins when we stop asking why and begin looking for how. However, in the U.S, it has become increasingly difficult to conduct certain types of research, specifically studies on other human beings, based on the seemingly concrete code of ethics that are upheld by the Institutional Reviews Board (IRB). The IRB reviews all government-funded research projects, as well as those conducted by university faculty, in order to uphold the well-being and dignity of the human subjects involved. With that being said, research for the sake of progress, education, and the benefit of the community supporting said research should be allowed to be carried out as long as no one is harmed in the process, physically or emotionally. Regulations must demand well-structured planning of the research, consent from all of those involved, and IRB representatives who will consider the projects based on the overall goal, unbiased by the researchers, their study, or their subjects. In some cases, the strict enforcement of the IRB s requirements for research, such as minimal harm and voluntary consent of the subjects, is not just required, but crucial for the welfareShow MoreRelated Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Destructive Essay2730 Words   |  11 PagesHowever, a tragic occurrence following one particular fetal tissue transplant for Parkinsons disease, when such was thought to be a cure, should give us pause. Some of the tissue placed in this mans brain may have been from an earlier gestational age than is customary in American clinical trials - that is, it may have been more embryonic than fetal in nature. Within two years after the transplant this man died mysteriously - and an autopsy revealed that masses of nonneural tissue such as skinRead MoreOld Age Homes: A Lucrative Business Opportunity10484 Words   |  42 PagesOld Age Homes Ââ€"Why it can be a Lucrative Business Opportunity Synopsis Genesis In the Vedic times, human life of a hundred years was divided into four segments or ashrams. A seven year old was supposed to live in Brahmacharya - ashram / gurukul or a present day distant equivalent of a boarding school till his twenties. The second quarter of his life was to be spent as a householder or a Grhasthya. In the third quarter, he was to retire from routine household activities and set out into the forestsRead MoreComparative Education13537 Words   |  55 Pagesand secondary education is usually imparted at public schools although a strong network of private schools also exists. All educational programs in France are regulated by the Ministry of National Education. Schooling in France is mandatory as of age 6, the first year of primary school while secondary education consists of collà ¨ge for the first four years after primary school and the lycà ©e for the next three years. The baccalaurà ©at is the end-of-lycà ©e diploma that students must attain and is comparableRead MoreLeadership in a Community9896 Words   |  40 Pagesinterrelationship of leaders influence upon the elements of organizational leadership, culture and socialization. The primary incentive is to add to the knowledge of how an effective nonprofit community action agency functions. The study is grounded in extant research in the fields of nonprofit organization leadership which is not specific to community action agencies; yet, is the only literature available for this study, organizational culture and socialization. Another pertinent interest is whether or howRead MoreAll About Peace Education13195 Words   |  53 Pages Education shall be directed toward the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. Article 26, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Peace education is an elusive concept. Although peaceRead MoreEssay on Tda 3.2 Assignment Schools as Organisations9471 Words   |  38 PagesSchools as Organisations 1. Know the structure of education from early years to post compulsory education. 1.1 Summarise entitlement provision for early year’s education. Every child who on the term commencing after their 3rd Birthday is entitled to a free part time place in early years education. This was formed as part of the Every Child Matters agenda. From 0-5 years the framework of learning, development care forms the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which follows the following principles: Read MoreUnit 14 Childcare Grade B6300 Words   |  26 Pageswith educational needs in their local area. Early identification of special needs is important. | Those who provide good services to the public must sure that they do not discriminate against those who have a disability including children who may have learning or physical difficulties or long-term illness. It excluded education. | A code of practice must be issued, giving guidance about responsibilities to children who have special educational needs. Subject to the views of parents, children with SENRead MoreStatus of Elderly People in Nepal7837 Words   |  32 Pagessubmitted. Elderly People in Nepal What happened after MIPPA, 2002? â€Å"Matri devo bhawah, pitri devo bhawah and guru devo bhawah† By Bhola Pd Dahal, NEPAN 1.0 Introduction Nepal is one of the world’s poorest countries ranking 138 out of 177 in the human development index Nepal is a naturally beautiful country of 147,181 sq km in the south Asia region having 885 km in east-west direction and with a mean north-south width of 193 km. Nepal is renowned for socio-cultural diversity having more than 101Read MoreThesis About Call Center Agents14127 Words   |  57 Pagesthis work will not need so much of your math skills nor theoretically inclined whatsoever which are related to your degree. If you have been very comfortable using the language then you should be fine with it. Nurses who have been very dedicated to their fields is left with no choice but to work for companies that give them a good offer. Nurses too are very capable of working in these BPO companies as well. Nurses are trained to work under pressure. They accomplish the job completely and right onRead MoreDiscuss the Importance of Non Verbal Communication to Education24125 Words   |  97 Pages * From the field * Partners * Topics * Newsroom * Events * Documents amp; publications * Photos * Videos * Jobs * Operations * Project cycle * Results-based country strategic opportunities programme (COSOP) * Projects by country * Projects by cofinanciers * Planned project activities * IFAD s development effectiveness * Performance-based allocation system * Supervision and implementation support * Result and impact management

Spiritual And Emotional Management

Question: What factors you perceive are responsible for the stability and/or variability across the lives of the children? Answer: Introduction: This study concentrates on the changes evident in lives of the two children Kate and Elexis seen in the video. Not only changes but also stability is evident in the developmental stages of the two girls from 7 years to 21 years. As opined by Bowes, Grace Hodge (2012), the Bronfenbrenners theory provides substantial explanations for the identified changes and stability in the development of the children. Through the identification of the changes and stability and factors responsible for them in the selected children, this study intends to highlight the alignment of the Bronfenbrenners theory with the practical evidences. Change over time: From Kates statements, it is evident that her realization to the world took place with her shift to the high school 35 minutes out of Manhattan. Although it was not the best school academically but the environment comfort her. It opened her eyes to diverse world and increased her awareness. Through the video, it is evident that Kate reflects a strong stability of her physical and behavioral aspects in course of her development. Going by the Bronfenbrenners theory and the view presented by Adler-Tapia (2012), the presence of a favorable atmosphere in the primary school and high school of the person assist the individual to maintain the stability of ones own personality. The interaction with Kate identify her stating that she recognized the varied diversity existing in the world and it opened her eyes to the realization of the how the real world is. Elixis on the other hand depicts change in her confidence and attitude due to the immense pressure she faced at her high school. In terms of cognitive development Kate showed a better understanding and coping ability to the world while Elixis reflects a strong effect of pressure for competition handling. Elixis depict a highly competitive attitude due to her interaction with the classmates who are always competing among themselves with the friends. Following the views presented by Bowes, Grace Hodge (2012), it changed her social perspective to strive and compete to become better constantly. However, Kate states that she has been in interaction with friends who are so caring and it showed development of a sociable and understanding attitude in her. Factors responsible for stability and variability of these children: As per the Bronfenbrenners theory, the five environmental systems as microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem reflect the individual development of a person (HjoÃÅ'ˆrne, Van der Aalsvoort De Abreu, 2012). The school atmosphere of Kate and Elixis shows stark evidences on their individual development. The highly competitive atmosphere in the school of Elixis seems to develop her attitude to be the best among all and strive for improvement. On the other hand, the comfortable atmosphere in the high school of Kate seems to provide her mental solace and maintain a calm and composed attitude towards life. As highlighted in the theory, Kate and Elixiss mesosystem affects their development as through their interaction their mentality is developed. The macrosystem influence is evident in Kates life as being in a comfortable atmosphere in high school led to her development of similar comfortable behavior, which is evident through their interaction. It is a major factor contributing to the stability of her calm nature from childhood until date. The immense pressure put by the oldest and most competitive high school in which Elixis is admitted emerge as a major factor contributing to her changed personality and development. It represents the effect of the exosystem on the individual as stated in the Bronfenbrenners theory (Adler-Tapia, 2012). Surprising aspects about the children: Kate depicts a surprising trait in her character developed through all these years that even though she was in the same school and environment as Elixis, yet she depicted a far more calm personality than the later. Though Kates statement reveals that she has realizations of the complexities in the world, yet she reflects a positive attitude towards the society. Elixis on the other hand surprises with the development of highly competitive attitude from being so different at 7 years age. She reveals a massive change through development. Conclusion The current study clearly highlights the effects of the social, interactive and personal communication and environment on the development of a child. On one hand, a child may change drastically due to social and personal interactions. On the other hand, the interactions and other environmental aspects also assist in maintaining the stability through development. It also points out the alignment with the Bronfenbrenners theory of ecological development of a child. References Adler-Tapia, R. (2012). Child psychotherapy. New York: Springer Publishing Company. Bowes, J., Grace, R., Hodge, K. (2012). Children, families and communities. South Melbourne, Vic.: Oxford University Press. Hjorne, E., Van der Aalsvoort, G., De Abreu, G. (2012). Learning, Social Interaction and Diversity - Exploring Identities in School Practices. Dordrecht: Springer.

Loblaws Case Study Essay Example

Loblaws Case Study Essay Inc.Loblaws companies limited Loblaw Company Limited is currently Canadian’s market leader in the grocery sector including holding the 24th spot of the world’s top grocery retailer. While Loblaw seems to be doing very well due to the fact that they have a big portion of the market share, but it may not be for long when Wal-Mart becomes one its major competitors. Wal-Mart has decided to expand its business by entering the grocery sector in the Canadian market. Loblaw’s current issue is the affect that the entrance of Wal-Mart in the grocery sector will have on their current position and if they can remain in business with their presence. Loblaw needs to decide what their next move will be in order to stay competitive with its newest competitor, who seems to dominate in most of the sectors it partakes in. Recommended Decision It is recommended that Loblaw continues what they are currently doing and in the process improving their services. They need to focus on their current strengths and work on fixing its weaknesses. Decision Options In order to remain competitive in a market segment that Wal-Mart is entering into, Loblaw should do at least one of these suggestions: * Improve its distribution system, Compete with Wal-Mart by following some of the same strategies and adding non-food items to the store, * Add new services such has online grocery shopping and self-serve check-outs, or * Continue with what they are currently doing and improving while in the process Decision Criteria The reasoning behind my decision of Loblaw doing what they are currently doing and improving at the same time, is the fact that they are doi ng very well and by changing it may affect their current financial position. It has been proven that stores that try to compete with Wal-Mart have suffered, such has K-Mart. We will write a custom essay sample on Loblaws Case Study specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Loblaws Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Loblaws Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Other companies, like Best-Buy and Staples, have been able to stay competitive and increase their net income without having to bring in new departments to their stores. It is possible for Loblaw to continue what they are currently doing but it will require them to make some improvements. Proof of Recommended Option Although the entrance of Wal-Mart in the grocery sector is new in Canada it isn’t new to our neighbours to the South, the United States. Although they have took a big majority of the market and is the number one top food retailer it has not prevented other grocery retailers to compete with them. Kroger’s, Supervalu, and Safeway are just some of the few grocery retailers present in the states. These retailers have been able to maintain and increase their sales every year since the presence of Wal-Mart. Some factors that have helped in this is that Wal-Mart stores are mostly situated in the farthest part of town because of their needs of big pieces of property, which made these stores more favourable due to the fact that they were situated in more favourable areas, and the demand for food increases on an yearly basis, which there was more room for competitors. None of these previously mentioned stores have added new departments to their stores which prove that there is no need to compete against Wal-Mart. It would be beneficial to Loblaw to continue what it is currently doing due to the fact that it has many strengths, as seen in Exhibit 1, and that is what has made them the number one grocery retailer in Canada. Control Label Products Currently Loblaw has its own private label product under the name of President Choice. As stated in the case, Loblaw has been able to persuade its consumers towards its control labelled products instead of the well known brand name products because of the lower prices. Once you start liking a certain product, especially when it’s at lower price, it’s a lot easier to pry yourself from trying other similar products, due to the fact that you already know you love the product and you don’t want wasting money on a product that you aren’t sure if you’re going to like. Although Wal-Mart has its own control label product, it may be too late for them to get the current PC product users for the simple fact that the cost of these products are low in cost, its already familiar to consumer and the use of customer loyalty programs. With producing their own products, they are able to avoid buying marked-up goods which will reduce their costs, it can control the amount of units produced, and the make their own marketing strategies that the can use to increase sales. Having control label products can reduce cost, providing consumers with lower priced items while keeping gross margin he same or higher, and producing customer loyalty which will keep consumers from shopping elsewhere due to the love of the product offered. Wide Product Range Loblaw has a range of products including from fruit and vegetables, fresh meat, bakeries, wide variety of shelf items, organic foods, ready-made meals, multi-cultural food items, a pharmacy department, and photo labs. Altho ugh Wal-Mart has a food department, a pharmacy, and photo labs, only its Supercentre have meat, vegetables and fruits, and bakeries on site. By not offering full services of what is present in a regular grocery store, Wal-Mart may lose possible consumers, which will be a benefit for Loblaw. Leading presence Loblaw is currently the leader in the market share and it can continue to be as long has it stays competitive to Wal-Mart. In the US, Kroger remained the number one grocery retailer in the States until 2002. Wal-Mart’s grocery department was first introduced in the States in 1988 which means that there is some time for Loblaw to continue its competitive edge against Wal-Mart before they dominate in the Canadian market. Customer Loyalty Program This factor will probably be the most important factor that will help Loblaw maintains its current market share. Currently Wal-Mart doesn’t have a customer loyalty program for its customers. The customer loyalty program was launched with President’s Choice Financial, where customers receive points when they shop at any Loblaw chain store. With the collected points, customers can exchange them for free groceries. This persuades customers to stay at Loblaw because they receive something in return for shopping there. Location of Stores Wal-Mart stores are mainly situated in the far-end of towns due to the fact that they need the wide space in order to be able to offer all of its services. Due to the less needed space, Loblaw stores are situated in preferable spots. When in a rush people tend to go to the nearest location to purchase what they need, and when it comes to buying food items, most cities have more than one option and they will pick the one that is nearest to them. Although Wal-Mart may have some favourable prices over some at Loblaw, the price of gas and time is not worth the small amount of savings. The disadvantage of only focusing with continuing what they are currently doing is that they may lose the opportunity to grow. By not choosing any of the other options, they can possibly be losing on increase number of sales, getting new consumers into the store, being more efficient and in the process reducing cost. If Loblaw continues to keep working on maintaining and keeping its strengths, it will be able to compete with Wal-Mart. It may lose its spot as the number one Canadian Grocery Retailer but it does not mean that it will be seeing decreases in its net income due to the fact that the annual demand keeps increasing, which means there is room for both competitors. Also by not spending their money on the other options, it will be able to save for the future which is one of the company’s strategies that seems to be working. Although they are not fixing their current weaknesses such has improving technology, which will be discussed below under improving its distribution system, they are currently working effectively without the use of technology. Having unionized workers can increase cost and create some conflicts in the organization but it is better than having higher employee turnover and they are currently dealing with the issues. Critique of Options Loblaw has other option other than sticking with what they are currently doing. In the next paragraphs you will see the advantages and disadvantage of the other options they have: Improving its distribution system Currently Loblaw is behind on their technology. Many other similar stores have implemented Radio Frequency Identification technology in their organization, which Loblaw has not. The advantages of improving their distribution system, is that they can have better control on their inventory and it may improve their communication with suppliers and warehousing employees. The implementation of technology usually helps reduce cost in future years. The disadvantage of improving their distribution system is that it is costly at the beginning and this money could be used in other aspect of the organization. Technology is not always reliable; there is always a possibility of a break-down, when this happens there could be an extra cost, some information may get lost, and they may not being able to function as effectively. Although it is something that Loblaw should check into doing in order to be more efficient, it shouldn’t be one of its priorities considering that they have been able to have only 34 warehouses for delivering to 8766 stores, which gives a ratio of 257:1 while Wal-Mart at the most is 100:1 and they currently using the Radio Frequency Identification system. So although technology helps the efficiency of certain organization, it seems that this company is doing pretty well without it and the implementing new technology may cause more harm than good. Competing with Wal-Mart The advantages of competing with Wal-Mart are that Loblaw would be offering more products to its consumers, there would be another source of income coming into the company that they never had before such has clothing, electronics, etc and it can attract new customers. The disadvantage of competing with Wal-Mart is that they have been known has having the lowest price in any department stores. Kmart tried to compete with them and ended up having to declare bankruptcy. Bringing in new product that Wal-Mart already has will cause some major challenges for Loblaw, considering Wal-Mart have really low prices on some of their items due to the fact that they have an active power over their suppliers which they receive their products at a low price, in which in return they pass-on the savings to their customers, which Loblaw will not be able to do due to the fact that they don’t have a relationship with these suppliers. There will also be an increase cost for them, due to the fact they will have to expand current location in order to be able to carry their new items, in which also will require bigger warehousing units in order to have stoke ready for demands. They will also have to focus on their new departments which may lead to neglect in their grocery department. It is not recommended for Loblaw to compete with Wal-Mart because they may need to move in less favourable areas due to the fact that they will need an increase in space for the new merchandise, they would need to compete with the low price of departmental products that Wal-Mart currently has, and the fact that their main product may suffer due to neglect. Adding New Services Self-service check-out reduces time due to the fact that one employee can run more than one checkout which increases the number of customer being served rather than having one cashier serving one customer at a time. Having this service reduces the number of employees which will help save in the long-run. Some customers like having the privacy aspect of it because they do not like having other people knowing what they are buying. The disadvantage that Loblaw would have to face would be the union. As stated in the SWOT analysis, one of the weaknesses of Loblaw is that it is a unionized organization; the union is there to keep jobs, so it may face some challenges. The check-out runs on a weighting scale, if there is a mistake in the weighing, there can be potential sale lost to the company due to robbery. The initial cost of the new machine may prevent the company from pursuing other projects. Another service that may be beneficial to them is the implementation of online grocery shopping. The advantage of this service is that customers are able to place their orders online and get their groceries delivered to their home which gives great convenience. The disadvantage is that Loblaw will have an increase in cost such has designing a website, the cost of shipping, a lot of people might not feel comfortable with using this new technology, and program malfunction may put a temporarily shut-down on the service. Action Plan In order to continue what it is currently doing and improving at the same time, it should follow its current strategies which are mostly present in the strengths of the company. So in order to continue and improve its: Control Label Products: * Come out with new innovating control label products that are different from competitors * Analyze competitors control label products * Hiring new people in the RD sector that show some potential for innovation * Increase awareness of the product * Making coupons * Keeping low prices Offering samples in store at peak time Wide range of products * Offering specialty food items that are not available in other local stores * Keeping in stock ethnic food items * Asking customer to identify items they believe should be offered in the store * Expanding their ready-to-eat meals * Increasing kitchen size in order to have a bigger selection of readymade foods * Offering both control label brands and brand name products Customer Loyalty Progr am * Offering extra points for purchasing PC brand items * Offering the loyalty program to all consumers Currently the program is only available to PC financial customers, other customers can sign-up at the customer service desk and will receive a card in the mail that will look like a debit card and will be used to collect point and be redeemable to purchase groceries. PC point users who aren’t a PC financial customer will be required to collect more points. Location of store * A major advantage that Loblaw has is that it own 63% of its stores, it should continue investing in buying good located properties in order to maintain its current advantage. Loblaw should be in constant contact with local realtors to find potential new locations with high traffic and big space availability. * In an article, the author, B. Martens, stated that a Wal-Mart take over can be prevented, if the current companies could make themselves known by increasing the number of stores in that city, so continuous store openings will help on defeating its new major competitor. Analysis All of the elements in the action plan come together to form, the Porter’s Five Forces, as presented in Exhibit 2. By being able to have control label products, it is able to have power over its suppliers by having other products of similarity which prevents suppliers from overpricing their products. Due to the fact that Loblaw and its competitors have a strong presence in the grocery sector, it can prevent smaller companies from entering due to the fact that they have some customer loyalty, lower price items from having private label products, and an existing relationship with their suppliers. Although consumers don’t have power over the set prices put nto place by Loblaw, they can make Loblaw charge reasonable prices by threatening to shop elsewhere. By continuous improvement and finding and making innovative products, Loblaw can prevent competitors from introducing their similar products to their current consumers. Keeping prices low of their current control label product will prevent its consumers looking elsewhere for substitute items. If Loblaw continues what it’s doing and ta kes advantage of the increase demand for the grocery market it will continue to succeed even if it’s at a lower market rate.