Abstract This paper explores the concept of positioning within the field of marketing by examining how Dole is trying to surpass Chiquita as the major supplier of bananas in Europe and the United States.
From the Paper "Anyone who has ever been a consumer is aware of the basic concept of positioning within the field of marketing. Product positioning refers not to a physical place occupied by the product but rather a psychological .."
Abstract This paper briefly discusses Banana Yoshimoto's novel 'N. P.' The paper sketches the outline of the story and then looks at the themes of fate and predestination which seem to suffuse the narrative. More than that the paper looks at how the patriarchal figure of Sarao Takase creates identities for his children and how these identities seem to fate them for unhappiness. The paper also examines the character of Sui Minowa and discusses how she has been marked by her relationship with Sarao.
From the Paper "Until fairly recently, Japanese women were deprived a voice in their nation's literary canon. However, shifting social and cultural tides have gradually changed things for the better. As a result, lovers of literature have been blessed with the emergence of bright new female talents like Banana Yoshimoto (1990), whose text, N.P., is a clever study of fate and of the tragedy that comes with being burdened with an identify crafted by someone else. In examining Yoshimoto's 1990 opus, this paper will argue that her book - albeit in a discursive, indirect way - is a commentary on traditional, patriarchal Japanese society and how fathers assign to their children - especially to their daughters - identities they must grapple with all their lives. "
An analysis of the problems of increased banana consumption. The paper explains the storage, transportation, distribution, consumption and waste disposal in banana production. The paper includes a discussion on the environmental burden.
Abstract The paper explains that life cycle assessment is a tool to assess the extent of burden caused on the environment by a commodity (in this case, bananas). The main environmental concerns when growing bananas is the use of land and water. The greater the demand for the product, the more quality and quantity of fertilizers and pesticides are needed, the use of which causes the soil quality to deteriorate. The paper uses tables to show the uses and consequences of resources used in the production, storage and distribution of bananas. In conclusion, the writer recommends that environmentally friendly modes of transportation should be used to transport commodities like bananas and that proper planning based on demand and supply analysis would prevent the need for storage and consequent refrigeration, thereby using less electricity.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Life Cycle Analysis of Banana - Definition of Problem
Inputs and Outputs of Banana 1. Cultivation
Table - I Inputs for Banana 2. Storage After the Yield
3. Mass Transportation
Table - II Inputs for Mass Transportation of Bananas 4. Sub - Storage Before the Distribution
5. Distribution at the Retail Outlets
6. Storage at Retail Outlets & Sales
7. Consumption & Disposal of Waste
Discussion on the Environmental Burden
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Year after year harvesting of crops and plantation deteriorates the soil quality and as a result of this the nutrient content of the plants and crops falls below the required level. Thirteen elements are absolutely essential for the growth, development and maturation of plants. ( HLS Tandon, 1995) These are: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum and Zinc. Repeated harvests cause depletion of these element contents in the soil and necessitate the use of fertilizers. The plantations are to be protected against the diseases caused by warms and pests by using pesticides. Over the years the requirement of these chemicals in harvesting of almost all types of crops and plants are increasing with the increasing demand for food items. The commercial companies around the globe exploting this rise in demand of fertilizer and pesticides. They invent new products and aggressively marketing them and producing them in mass quantity in their facilities located around the globe. The manufacturing, storage, transportation and use of hazardous chemicals for manufacturing these fertilizer and pesticides imposes lot of environmental burden. The emissions hazardous chemical gases from these facilities pollute the atmosphere depriving the humane being one of their vital needs of fresh air for breathing. The people living around thee facilities and the workers apply these fertilizer and pesticides to the plants, manufacturing, transporting are all affected by these chemicals and develop serious health problems. The liquid effluents send out from these facilities cause eutrophication and acidification of lakes and other water resources. (Gilbert M. Masters, 1995). These effluents mix oxygen-demanding wastes and water born diseases creating pathogens in to water resources. Artificial production of the thirteen elements discussed earlier is one of the reasons for the increase in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water resources near to these facilities."
Abstract This paper discusses the Banana War and the role of the major players over the eight year dispute. The paper examines the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its paradoxical mandate to have 'fair' competition and provide an arena for objective negotiations. The paper shows how the Banana War highlighted the dynamics of globalization, the workings of the WTO and the politics of international economic activities.
Outline:
Introduction
Dynamics of the Banana War
World Trade Organization: Role in the Banana War and Dispute-Settlement
'Players' of the Banana War
Conclusion: The 'Banana Split'
From the Paper "The 'Banana War' provides the platform to explore the concept of international economics, within the paradigm of political economics. That is, with a history embedded in colonialism, which some say caused the economic collapse of African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries (Capella, 2005); shouldn't the EU be responsible for the economic health of these regions? If so, preferential treatment to these regions, was not illegal, but was in-fact justified. However, in a globalized world, with the laws of demand and supply dictating economic policy, should an uncompetitive player be allowed to remain in the market, due to protectionism? If no, then the US was well within its right to seek retribution for losses they incurred. These complex issues and questions will be analyzed and answered in the following sections."
This paper details the entire history of the Chiquita Banana enterprise, particularly focusing on its advertising throughout its 100 years of existence.
Abstract This paper traces the history of the Chiquita banana back to the United Fruit Company in 1899. In addition to giving a detailed history of the Chiquita banana, this essay explores the history of its advertising department, beginning with the first commercial depicting the Chiquita banana in 1945. The paper describes the early advertisements, which were aimed at creating a demand for brand-name bananas. The paper also discusses the different women who played the the Chiquita banana woman in the various commercials and includes multiple illustrations of Chiquita banana advertisements over the years.
From the Paper "Advertising in the 1950's also included ads for more Chiquita banana recipes. The recipes and concoctions included banana split ideas, the banana and jelly sandwich, banana and orange slices, mashed banana in milk, banana and pineapple juice, and banana pancakes. Nearly all the ads promote the banana as a healthy, nutritious, and low calorie food. Other advertisements from the period promote Chiquita bananas for weight loss, infants, growing children, people with gastric problems, and for vitality. Moreover, another print advert was in the form of a comic strip and promoted bananas as a source for energy. The strip was entitled 'Chiquita to the Rescue (See Figure 3).' It featured two kids coming out of baseball practice whom are exhausted. They are talking about how they do not know how they are going to make the team when Chiquita shows up and gives them both a banana. After they eat the bananas the kids become so energized they have a race all the way home. United Fruit also promoted Chiquita bananas in schools all across the country. Millions of packets of banana literature were sent out to schools to promote the fruit."
Tags: fruit enterprise company advertising, united fruit, commercial jingle
Abstract This paper examines Terry Woo's "The Banana Boys", a fiction book about Chinese born Canadian youths. The derogatory term, 'banana boy', refers to the fact that they are 'yellow' (that is, Chinese) on the outside, but 'white' (that is, Canadian) inside. The paper discusses how each of the boys has a distinct way of dealing with his identity of a 'banana boy', implying that there is no single Asian-Canadian experience. Finally, the paper adds that the book is relevant not only to the Chinese community in Canada but to the larger Canadian community as well, made up, to a large extent, of immigrants and their children.
From the Paper "This book is of great relevance both to the Chinese-Canadian and to all other Canadians too. It is a unique work of literature that tells a story of the Chinese Canadians in present time, and their attempts to carve a unique identity for themselves, each of the boys in his own way. They may have tried hard to fit in with the "Chinese" identity or the "Canadian" identity, but there will never be a distinct group for them to fit in completely and fully belong. The "Chinese" and the "Canadians" do not quite claim them as their own, so they search for their own unique identity in pop culture. Many Asian Canadians who have been born in this country or who group up here may find that the 'banana boys' resemble them in many ways, and that the experiences of the 'banana boys' with racism, culture, work, etc. are also their own experiences. Furthermore, other Canadians who are also coming from different cultures may find that the book appeals to them too. The children of immigrants are often faced with identity questions much like the characters of "Banana Boys", and the silent cultural clash is something many experience."
Tags: Chinese-Canadian literature minority immigrant immigration, second generation
Abstract An examination of the business development plan currently employed by Dole Bananas. This analysis asks how well Dole is doing against others in the banana business and from what other directions Dole may face competition in the future. The paper discusses how well it is prepared to meet those challenges.
From the Paper "Chiquita is indeed Dole's major competitor at least in terms of banana sales (it is not a significant competitor in terms of pineapples, for example) and the two companies have clearly tried in recent years to differentiate themselves from each other so as to grab a larger share of the market. This is difficult for the two companies to do because - without meaning to disparage the curving yellow fruit that nutritionists and kids both find to be close to the perfect food - what both companies are selling is basically the same. What Dole and Chiquita have had to do, as a result (as would any two other companies in their situation) is to try to find a way to convince the public that their products really aren't the same after all."
Abstract Analysis of the international trade dispute of the 1990s. How trade wars progress. The difficulty of achieving international agreements and enforcement. Long-term ramifications of trade policy. Examines the underlying ussues of the Banana Wars. How an agreement was reached, and impediments to implementing it. Effects of agreement on the banana industry.
From the Paper "Introduction
Although the globalization of trade has opened up new markets for many companies, and provided the opportunity for diversification that has provided companies with some insulation during economic downturns, international trade does not always progress smoothly. Single countries can impose trade barriers to protect their own industries or in retaliation for barriers in other markets, and entire countries can join together to create cartels (such as the OPEC) or trading blocs (NAFTA and the EU, for example) that provide specific benefits to members. The World Trade Organization (WTO) evolved from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and has recently been tested as an arbiter of international dispute. The so-called banana wars of the 1990s provide an example of how trade wars progress, how ..."
Abstract This paper reviews "The Banana Men" (Lester Langley and Thomas Schoonover) which delivers an account of American involvement and goals of imperialism in Central America during the late 19th and early twentieth century. The book describes the operations of U.S. politicians seeking relief from the pre-depression era in the economy of Central America. The paper shows that highlighted in the tale of "The Banana Men" are the nations of Honduras and Nicaragua, including the struggles each nation experienced during the time. The paper looks at how the book explains how Langley and Schoonover elaborate on America's goals of imperialism in Central America during the early 1900s and focus on the plights of individuals affected by such actions. Much rebellion and violent political disruptions and battles occurred as a result of U.S. involvement and the actions of political dictators and mercenaries.
From the Paper "Lester Langley tells the story of the "Banana Men" through the eyes and ideas of many different people. The novel explores the mindset of fruit producing corporations in Central America, American entrepreneurs coming to Central America for prosperity and adventure and the autonomous Central American dictators that controlled the politics of the country. The work discusses the history and background of the countries Honduras and Nicaragua from the early 1880's to approximately 1930. The book does not elaborate on foreign affairs or American involvement of the politics of other Central American countries, perhaps limiting it's effectiveness in perspective. It does however reveal American interest in turning attention away from the receding economy within the borders of the U.S."
Abstract This paper examines Enloe's writing in which she presents a feminist view of international politics. She argues that its landscape, typically thought of as a masculine sphere of life, in reality is less exclusively male. To support that view, she defines the international as personal and goes beyond the traditional formulation of masculinized international politics. It shows how Enloe argues that men in foreign relations depend on the artificial construction of femininity and masculinity as well as on the artificial division between domestic and public realms.
From the Paper "Consequently, to "make sense of international politics," one needs to look beyond the male dominated sphere of officials who make foreign policy. Assuming that "the personal is international" only enlarges "the audience," according to Enloe, but it does not change "what is going on the stage." She argues for a new, radical view "of what it takes for governments to ally with each other, compete with each other and wage war against each other." To fully understand this feminist view of international politics, one needs to read backward "the personal is international" as "the international is personal" (196). That in turn reveals that governments depend upon certain kinds of allegedly private relationships in order to conduct their foreign affairs. Governments need more than secrecy and intelligence agencies; they need wives who are willing to provide their diplomatic husbands with unpaid services so those men can develop trusting relationships with other diplomatic husbands. They need not only military hardware, but a steady supply of women's sexual services to convince their soldiers that they are manly. To operate in the international arena, governments seek other governments' recognition of their sovereignty; but they also depend on ideas about masculinized dignity and feminized sacrifice to sustain that sense of autonomous nationhood (196-197)."
Abstract The history of American trade with South America is indeed an interesting one. Not least of all American trade with its neighbors to the south has been interpreted in at least some quarters as another means by which the powerful America has dominated the weak, comparatively poor South American nations. With this in mind, this paper looks at the trade history between the United States and South America from the end of the eighteenth century onwards and scan it for instances of intemperate or unfair American practices. In particular, the paper looks at America's historic trade relations with Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama as well as - briefly - the infamous Banana Wars.
Abstract The paper examines J. D. Salinger's "A Perfect Day for Banana Fish" where Salinger emphasizes the destiny of the human race, which evolves from childish innocence to adulthood, where it is conquered by evil and ungenerous acts. The paper then examines Denis Johnson's short story "Emergency", which depicts a narrower reality but still teaches the lesson that the ordinary world can always give place to the miraculous one and the whole of reality can never be seen in one glance. The paper therefore shows how the two stories offer universal truths about life and humanity.
From the Paper "Both literature and art in general address universal issues. Thus, things are represented in such a way as to speak to a universal reader. Shakespeare's works, as Johnson had observed, are close to perfection precisely because they are revelers of universal truth about life and humanity. There are nevertheless literary works that speak to a narrower public and focus on rather uncommon aspects of life.
"A short story such as J. D. Salinger's A Perfect Day for Banana Fish is an American classic. The story indirectly contours the disastrous effects of war over a former young soldier who had actually lived the experience. The story moreover emphasizes the destiny of the human race that evolves from childish innocence to adulthood, a state conquered by evil and ungenerous acts."
Tags: war, adults, children, destiny, reality, miracles
Abstract This essay lists the questionable labor practices of a leading fruit company called Dole in the U.S. The author argues for the unfair labor practices of this world-leading fruit company and examines the reasons behind them. Includes suggestions for improvements.
From the Paper "Dole Food Company, with its headquarters in Westlake Village, California, is one of the few multinational corporations that control the worldwide trade of bananas with 25% of the market. Dole bananas are produced in Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Philippines and the Canary Islands. Bananas grown in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Honduras are for markets in North America, Europe, Russia, the Mediterranean and selected Asian markets. Bananas from the Philippines are transported to Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Europe imports bananas from Latin America, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Guadalupe, Martinique, Jamaica and the Canary Islands."
Abstract This paper studies the mail order industry and analyzes several key players in it. It discusses the key trends which have influenced the mail order industry and the future expected trends. It studies the structure of the mail order industry today. It specifically discusses Land's End and its major competitors. It concludes with recommendations for the future on how to make Land's End more successful.
From the Paper "The 1950s to the 1980s were an age of materialism. The 1980s began a new order of social thinking. People began to be more concerned about the quality of life and the quality of their home lives. The term "quality time" became a buzzword. The invention of the Internet had its beginning in 1982 [PBS.org, 1997]. Slowly over the next 10 years it grew in popularity. Today, the Internet is an integral part of our society. It is this shift in thinking that is responsible for the success that mail order and e-commerce have had in the recent decade.
"According to statistics from the Direct Marketing Association released June 4, 2001, catalog sales continue to increase at a rate more than twice that of overall retail growth. Catalog sales for 2001 were expected to reach 120 billion US dollars. That is an 8.9 percent increase over 2000 sales. By comparison, overall retail sales were only expected to grow 3.1 percent [DMA, 2001]."
Abstract "The Gap" is among the most successful retailers in the North American market, with sales of over $13.8 billion in 2001 and close to 4,500 stores worldwide. This paper provides a historical picture of "The Gap's" marketing strategy over the years, analyzes the strengths, weaknesses and outcomes of the approach, and describes recommendations for improvement.
From the Paper "The Gap has had a number of innovative successful advertising campaigns. The 1988 "Individuals of Style" image campaign was extremely successful (Sommers, et.al., 1998) in promoting its basic clothing and illustrating how individuals could personalize the merchandise. This campaign featured black-and-white photos in print and outdoor ads. This campaign was replicated in 2001, but did not receive the degree of popularity and media attention that the earlier version received. The 1997 "Khakis Swing" campaign provided another successful advertising endeavor through television ads that were complemented by print ads in a similar style. According to a USA Today poll (n.d.), approximately one-third of all respondents polled gave the campaign the highest possible rating for likability and effectiveness, ten percentage points higher than the average."
