Strategies Used by Rite Aid Pharmacy Essays

Strategies Used by Rite Aid Pharmacy Essays Strategies Used by Rite Aid Pharmacy Paper Strategies Used by Rite Aid Pharmacy Paper On the second day of the conference, Samson valued her dream of a new store model that was aligned with health wellness and makes the pharmacy the star of the store. Rite Aid had a new marketing theme, With us. Its Personal, This consisted of a more welcoming corner entrance In the store as well as change to the exterior of the store to look warmer and Included a covered drive through pharmacy. The Interior of the pharmacy was to Include wider aisles and nicer waiting areas for customers. At the end of the conference, Samson reiterated Rite Aids six goals: Marketing, merchandising and ammunitions programs supporting Its Neal ; wellness positioning; Hilling, training and retaining quality store associates; Optimizing the chains infrastructure; Unveiling a new store prototype; Rationalizing the store base; and, Pursuing growth opportunities (Long 2004). Rite Aid continues to value the importance of customer service and puts programs in place to stress the importance of greeting customers and assisting them with their purchases. Rite Aid recently implemented new technology to help employees perform tasks faster and easier which will give them ore time to focus on the customer. In 2012, Rite Aid increased the amount of money they spend on training their employees on their customer service skills. (Rite Aid 2012) Another strategic action that Rite Aid has taken to execute its strategy is the consistency of their training to their employees. Rite Aid created the Rite Aid University to bring their entire employee training in one area and under one rooftop make sure that what they are teaching their employees is staying consistent over time. The Rite Aid University has over 75 different training programs from employee management and time management to being taught to use the pharmacy automated dispensing system. (DEER 1998) By keeping their employees training consistent and investing in the newest technology, Rite Aid is taking steps to maintain a cost leadership strategy. Another strategic step Rite Aid has taken is implementing the wellness + loyalty program in 2010. This is a free program for customers that provide incentives to members who enroll based on how many points they accumulate for prescription purchases. You are able to achieve a Fold, Silver and Bronze level in this program. Rite Aid stated that those involved in the wellness + have higher purchases than their non-member customers and they also achieve larger prescription retentions. Wellness + members can also able to receive more rewards and additional savings for future shopping trips. Rite Aid continues to add more enhancements to this program making it more appealing to their customers. They recently added Loader which is a coupon management program and Rite Aid is the first drug retailer to implement this program. This allows customers to save, manage and redeem Rite Aid and manufacturer coupons available throughout he internet via their wellness + card (Rite Aid 2012). Rite Aid has also formed a strategic alliance with NC under which they have opened over 2,100 NC stores- within-Rite Aid-stores NC is a leading nationwide retailer of vitamin and mineral supplements, personal care, fitness and other health-related products. (Rite Aid 2012) Customer Service is the main target for Rite Aid along with technology. Rite Aid stores have implemented a common information system. This new system allows customers to fill and refill their prescriptions in any Rite Aid store throughout the country. Also, customers are now able to order prescription refills over the Internet through www. Irritated. Com or over the phone and they have also added a mobile phone app that gives them the same options as their online website. Rite Aid continues to enhance their technology to better serve their customers. (Rite Aid 2012) All of these steps that Rite Aid has taken are critical to the companys success and helps to keep them on the path of a cost leadership company. Rite Aids strategic alliance with NC, their wellness+ loyalty program and their common information system and new technology could possibly be sources of temporary or sustainable nominative advantage. To evaluate whether they have a sustainable competitive advantage we must use the BRIO framework. First we will we evaluate Rite Aids strategic alliance with NC. We ask ourselves if the alliance is valuable. Meaning, Do resources and capabilities enable a firm to exploit an external opportunity or neutralize an external threat? I believe the answer to this question is yes. Next, we ask ourselves if this alliance is rare, is It currently controlled by only a small number of competing firms? The answer to this question would also be yes. Regarding the question of immutability, do firms without a resource face a cost disadvantage in obtaining or developing it? Yes. Lastly we ask ourselves if a firm is organized enough to exploit the full competitive potential of its resources and capabil ities. I believe that Rite Aid is able to exploit the potential of this strategic alliance. Therefore, Rite Aids strategic alliance with NC is a source of sustainable competitive advantage. (Barney Westerly, 2012). Next, we will evaluate Rite Aids wellness+ loyalty program. I believe this program to be very valuable but due to the brand loyalty. I also believe that this program is rare. Although, Walgreen has a similar program not many other drug retailers currently have a program this beneficial to their customers. Although this program is valuable and rare, I do not believe it would be costly to imitate. Therefore, Rite Aid only has a temporary competitive advantage over its competitors. Rite Aid also incorporates new technology in their stores. They currently have a common information system as well as smart phone applications and online filling and refilling of prescriptions. I believe their use of technology is ere valuable. Most people now prefer to use the internet and their phones for tasks such as these. It is a convenience to customers who do not want to have to go into the store to deal with their prescriptions. Although this is very valuable in the society we live in now, it is not very rare. Many drug retailers are pursuing and currently have the same technology that Rite Aid does. Because of this, Rite Aid only has competitive parity. Rite Aid and Environment Based on my research of Rite Aid, I do believe that the companys strategies and abilities fit within the drug retailer industry environment. Although many strategies they are pursuing are also being pursued by their top competitors, Walgreen and C.V., they are maintaining competitive parity within the industry. These strategies include their development of technology through managing prescriptions online and smart phone applications. Rite Aids main focus is their customer service and they are able to build brand loyalty through their wellness + program. Although Walgreen NAS a salary program, IT Relate AI Is addle to craw In customers to use their program instead then they will build that loyalty with their customers and have the ability to keep them returning for future purchases. In the industry analysis, my group concluded that the drug retailer industry average level of anticipated performance is high due to the Porter five forces model showing that the risk of entry by possible new customers is moderate because the four barriers to entry are somewhat established. The intensity of rivalry within the industry is moderate. Although product differentiation being low increases the threat of rivalry here are millions of people who need drugs so this reduces the threat. The bargaining power of buyers is moderate, as is the bargaining power of suppliers and the threat of substitutes is very high because of general merchandise stores, supermarkets and superstores. Although Rite Aid is not the industry leader in this industry, I believe that they are positioned to keep growing within this industry. I feel that their strategic alliance with NC, who is a well-known nation-wide retailer, will help them continue to grow as well as their continuing use of technology, their ointment to customer satisfaction and their consistency in employee training.

Culture Barriers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Culture Barriers - Research Paper Example They have a unique attachment with the animals. These peasants do not allow the unused houses to be taken down because they think that their ancestors are connected to these houses and the abolishment of these houses would mean abolishing the memories of their ancestors. Others view them as signs of fertility. All these cultural beliefs combine to contribute towards the spread of the Chagas disease. (Bastien, The Kiss of Death) A common factor observed in the Guaranis is the lack of awareness. One way to prevent this barrier towards improving their health conditions is by making them aware. This can be done by sending awareness teams from house to house to educate the people of the harmful effects of this disease and ask for their corporation in the prevention of this disease. The most important obstacle that can be faced by a public health professional is the lack of awareness amongst the Guaranis. Lack of awareness can come with several other obstacles like conflicts and resistance from the population of that region. Due to incorporation from the people the public health professional would be unable to carry on his/her projects which can be a downside to the prevention of Chagas. TCM is completely different from Western Medicine. The Traditional Chinese Medicine has five main components for treatment: herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and nutrition. However, the Western Medicine is based on components like drug intake, surgery, supplements, radiation, and other quick remedifying treatments. (2007, October 17).   The approach used to measure the efficacy of TCM tends to use multiple interactive measures, and the result of which depends on the criteria that whether the internal harmony is restored in the body or not which makes the evaluation of TCM difficult. TCM has much to offer but it cannot completely replace the modern scientific based medicine either. According to the traditional Chinese’s view the human body is the smaller version

Doesn't matter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Doesn't matter - Essay Example These characters show that they are born with special powers and abilities. Talking about The Secret Ibis, it comes to understanding that Doodle (the lead character who is physically unstable) was a disappointment to his family. Among all, his brother was more disappointed because he could not play with him the way he expected to run. In the second setting, Simon Birch, one can note that Simon was not able to be one of those kids who were normal. It should also be noted that he was a short heighted person who was not accepted by anyone not even the society he lived in (Hurst). It will not be incorrect to state that if Doodle or Simon were treated well by his brother and Joe then it could have been expected that there were betterment in their lives. The support from family or friends would have helped them to be accepted by the society in general. As a contradiction to this statement, it was marked in the short story that Doodle was not at all accepted by his brother as he was tortured by showing coffin that was bought Doodle (Johnson). Ultimately, Doodle’s brother left him alone when the storm occurred. Doodle lost his life in the storm as he was dependent upon his brother for reaching school. In a similar way, Simon was put to test by his friend who was rather supposed to provide a support to him. Just because of the misunderstanding, he wronged Simon (Hurst). The community has seemingly failed to understand the need of dealing with people who are abnormal but can be gifted in many ways. For instance, Doodle was a mighty heart because he was able to survive when everyone thought he will not. In the same way, Simon was considered as a person who was short and misfit in the society. However, in real terms, he was extremely talented and wise. Nevertheless, despite their gifted personalities, they were not provided with the support and acceptance that they deserved to have (Johnson). Through the above analysis, it comes to understanding that the two

Mecitefendi in China Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Mecitefendi in China - Literature review Example Mecitefendi wants to expand the business in China (Zahra, 2005). The reliability, standardised quality and price of the products can help the company to get an easy access to the markets of China. The internationalisation process can enable the company to be accepted globally. The company with the quality products, technological up-gradation, sound working conditions and effective fulfilment of the corporate social activities (CSR) can become a global leader. There are a number of opportunities for the company in terms of ethics, but language barrier can act as an obstacle in starting the business in China. The literature review in a detailed manner explains the opportunities and hazards that the company might face on extending business in China. International Entrepreneurship can enable the company to take advantage of the growing market of China. As the scope for herbal cosmetic products has declined significantly in the domestic market, it would be fruitful for the company to sell the products in China, where the demand is high (Zahra, 2005). The company can experience vast opportunities in China (Dumitrescu and Vinerean, 2010). The Turkish company might face certain setbacks in terms of entry barriers while expanding business in China (Yiu, Lau and Bruton, 2007). China follows very stringent trade rules and regulations. Hence, being a foreign based company, Mecitefendi might fail to easily enter in the Chinese herbal cosmetic products industry. The low cost of the products, reliability and the already high rate of import in China might facilitate easy entrance therein and in the industry (Zahra and Garvis, 2000). Then again, the Chinese industry of herbal drugs is rapidly progressing, unlike that of the cosmetic. Therefo re, in order to boost this industry, Mecitefendi might have a suitable opportunity (Zahra, Korri and Yu, 2005). The products offered by Mecitefendi are priced reasonably and boast of a standardised quality. These are the unique

The Time and Fate of Ragnarok Essay -- Literary Analysis

The Norse tale of Ragnarok presents an interesting example of apocalyptic literature as it presents both an end and a notable new beginning. The world which rises from the cosmic rubble is essentially equivalent to that which was destroyed, possessing the same creatures, features and Gods of times past. Thus through the themes of time and fate Snorri challenges the concepts of what was, is and will be by providing a framework which allows for the potential reiteration of history. By reviewing the Prose Edda’s telling of the the events before, during and after Ragnarok, the relationship between fate, time and history becomes clear. The Prose Edda begins by introducing several key concepts to the later work, beginning with Snorri’s connection of the Christian Genesis to Norse mythology. He cites the northern migration of man away from his origins as the cause of the slow loss of the name of the Abrahamic God. Snorri uses this loss as the primary reason for the need for alternate explanations of natural phenomena and thus the evolution of Nordic mythology (Snorri, 3). Typical exampl...

Analysis of Charles Dickens’ †Sketches by Boz Essay

‘The Streets-Morning’ by Charles Dickens is an extract taken from ‘Sketches by Boz.’ It is a descriptive piece and follows prominent features of the literary sketch technique, as it contains no prominent plot. The speaker narrates the â€Å"appearance presented by the streets of London an hour before sunrise on a summer’s morning.† The extract is in the first person narrative. This feature adds intensity and supports the use of details. First person narrative is generally considered unreliable due to lack of witnesses and external verification; however, the detached and objective narration by the speaker prompts readers to think otherwise – â€Å"now and then a rakish looking cat runs stealthily†¦bounding first on the water-butt then on the dust hole†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The sentence structures used support the use of detail and imagery. The speaker uses complex-compound sentences that are long with two or more sub-clauses. The use of these help create the atmosphere and heavy early morning slumber – â€Å"There is an air of cold, solitary desolation about the noiseless streets which we are accustomed to see thronged at other times by a busy, eager crowd, and over the quiet, closely shut buildings†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Through this narrative, readers are made aware of the close attention to detail the speaker employs. The mood of the extract is established through the sentence structure and setting. A relaxed and comfortably detached perspective is evident. In many ways it is similar to the morning itself, gently unfolding as the darkness fades. The narrative time and context is established through the subjects described in the setting. â€Å"Coach-stands† lying deserted in the larger thoroughfares remind readers of the 19th century. This is supported by the fact that they are described as ‘coach stands’ and not bus stands. Imagery plays an essential role in a literary sketch and is seen widely in this extract. The speaker uses concrete and abstract imagery. The use of metaphors lends a sense of what the speaker is feeling or trying to describe to the reader. Such metaphors are: â€Å"The days are swarming with life and bustle† the reference to honeybees shows a restlessness which was similarly used by John Keats in ‘Ode to Autumn† – And still more, later flowers for the bees, †¨Until they think warm days will never cease.† The bee metaphor is used to show activity that contrasts with the early morning street. The second metaphor is – â€Å"stillness of death is over the streets,† perhaps the most foreboding of lines in the extract, this metaphor could serve as a possible foreshadowing for impending events. The street itself becomes an important motif. It represents a path that leads somewhere, however, readers could question whether this could be leading to activity or stagnation. This theory is supported with the images of the â€Å"drunken, the dissipated, and the wretched.† The policeman similarly, is also preoccupied with his â€Å"deserted prospect.† The description of the street is similarly presented in Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire†Ã¢â‚¬â€œ â€Å"The houses mostly white frame, weathered grey with rickety outside stairs and galleries and quaintly ornamented gables to the entrances of both. It is the first dark of an evening in early May.† The houses become symbols of who their inhabitants are in the extract. They give readers insights to where they live, how they live and who they are. The â€Å"quiet, closely-shut buildings† are perhaps the only privacy the residents have. The speaker brings in social context through this description and the tone shifts to one of fragmentation and futility with the description of – â€Å"The last houseless vagrant whom penury and police have left in the streets, has coiled up his chilly limbs in some paved corner, to dream of food and warmth.† The social context and strata becomes ironic when the last drunken man is home before sunlight, while the â€Å"orderly† part of the population are still asleep.† The opening lines of T.S. Eliot’s ‘Preludes’ also refers to an early morning scene similar to the one in the extract, using personification – â€Å"The morning comes to consciousness Of faint stale smells of beer From the sawdust-trampled street With all its muddy feet that press To early coffee-stands.† Human qualities are given to the cat who is – â€Å"rakish looking.† The character of whose develops as the speaker gives him gender and infers that â€Å"his character depended on his gallantry.† The use of personification adds further detail to the narrative with – â€Å"A partially opened bedroom-window here and there, bespeaks the heat of the weather, and the uneasy slumbers of its occupant.† The extract uses language in distinct and deliberate ways to shape meaning. The vocabulary used helps infer that the speaker is mature; this is seen with use of words such as â€Å"penury,† â€Å"profligate† and â€Å"dissipated.† A sentence of importance in shaping such meaning is – â€Å"The drunken, the dissipated and the wretched have disappeared.† The trochaic features at the end of each word, helps to reveal the distant and condescending manner in which the speaker is viewing these people. The order in which these words are presented form a climatic effect. Also seen is the use of the adverb â€Å"then† in describing the cat’s actions, which gives dramatic effect – â€Å"Bounding first on the water-butt, then on the dust-hole, and then alighting on the flag-stones.† The use of inversion by the speaker helps readers to concentrate on certain parts of the narrative. This is done in deliberation to gain readers’ attention, particularly in – â€Å"An occasional policeman may alone be seen at the street corners,† as opposed to the conventional ‘may be seen alone.’ Such emphasis is also used in – â€Å"cold, solitary desolation.† The speaker employs onomatopoeia to describe a drunken man’s inebriation with – â€Å"roaring out the burden of the drinking song of the previous night.† The speaker has a noted tone of detached indifference. This mood could be due to the futility of the modern age and monotony of these peoples lives in the eyes of a keen observer. The historical, social context comes back to the forefront and the void between the country and the urban life is seen. This effect of the 19th century and industrial revolution is addressed in – â€Å"The few whose unfortunate pursuits of pleasure, or scarcely less unfortunate pursuits of business cause them to be less acquainted with the scene.† Grammar and punctuation support meaning. The use of dashes shows a flow of thought or in the case of describing the cat, shows action and continuity. The use of the color grey in the â€Å"somber light of daybreak† supports the mood and futile atmosphere, seen also in O’ Henry’s ‘Gift of the Magi’ – â€Å"Della finished her cry and attended to her cheeks with the powder rag. She stood by the window and looked out dully at a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard.† The extract concludes with a reference to the figures in the early morning streets as â€Å"exceptions† other than which the â€Å"streets presents no signs of life, nor the houses of habitation.†

The Prison System At Parchman - 1032 Words

Worse than Slavery is a monograph that discusses Parchman Prison and gives various accounts of men and women who lived within the prison. Overall, Parchman was another way for white men to stay in charge and to keep black men oppressed. During this time, ninety percent of the prison population was African American. Although slavery had ended many years prior to the establishment of Parchman, it had many characteristics of slavery. The prison system at Parchman reflects themes of poverty, racism and reform. Living in poverty was something most African American had sadly become accustomed to, therefore, going to Parchman wasn’t much of a change. African Americans at this time were mostly sharecroppers and use to maintaining the fields.†¦show more content†¦I’m got to work wherever I’m is.† (136) The writer ever referred to Parchman as a smooth and simple extension of normal black life. (136) Although Parchman prison was a very profitable operation and made a great deal of money on cotton production, the inmates were still forced to remain in poverty. (224) In less than a decade, Parchman had become a giant money machine: profitable, self-sufficient, and secure. (155) Racism in Mississippi was still strong at this time. Parchman was thought of as a well-organized slave plantation that would not raise African Americans intelligence or their morality, but it could teach them proper discipline, strong work habits, and respect for white authority.(110) Although, there were some white males in the prison, they were still segregated by race. While most African American’s did work in the fields, whites with particularly useful skills hoped for jobs as carpenters, mechanics, truck drivers, maintenance men or â€Å"dog boys.† Otherwise, the whites performed the same tasks and the same routine as African Americans. (162) The women’s camp at Parchman was also segregated by race. The blacks lived in a long shed-like s tructure, while the whites lived in a small brick building with a high fence in-between. Very few white women ever spent time at Parchman. It was said, â€Å"It is a fortunate thing for Mississippi that white women seldom indulge in serious crime.† (174) In