Harley Davidson Motor Company Strategy Analysis

Harley Davidson Motor Company Strategy Analysis INTRODUCTION This report aims to evaluate the strategic options available to the Harley Davidson organization. Harley Davidson Inc. has two operational segments, motorcycle and financing. Harley Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) offers loans, cycle insurance and protection plans to meet the needs of their owners, whilst the motorcycle segment designs, produces and markets primarily heavyweight touring, custom and performance motorcycles. It also manufactures motorcycle parts and accessories, gear and apparel. The company is the only major American producer of motorcycles and operates globally, with sales mostly in North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America. Although in the past the company has experienced growth and continued success, attributed to its brand loyalty, in 2009 Harley Davidson (H-D) had to shut down and consolidate factories due to the effects of the recession and the fall of the US housing market. Strategic options can only be developed after the companys strategic position is known. Thus the first section of the report uses tools and concepts to determine H-D strategic position. In light of the companys strategic position strategic options are then formulated; this is presented in section 2. The third section of the report then uses the success criteria model presented by Johnson, Scholes and Whittington in corporate strategy, as a basis to evaluate the strategic options presented and recommendations are made. THE STRATEGIC POSITION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON INC. This section of the report is concerned with understanding the strategic position of Harley Davidson Inc. in an attempt to formulate strategic options for the company. It first identifies the changes that are occurring in the environment and how these changes affect H-D and its business activities and second the resource strength and capabilities of H-D. 1.1 The Environment In order to understand the environment which H-D operates in the following frameworks are used with the aim of helping to identify key issues and challenges and ways of coping with complexity and change. 1.1.1 Pestle Analysis In 2009 H-D stood to gain from the Economic Stimulus Package, passed into legislation by the Barack Obama Administration. The federal stimulus package gives taxpayers breaks if they purchase a new car, light truck, RV, or motorcycle. In addition, Coachman industries also a manufacturer of leisure vehicles and a competitor of H-D was eliminated from the New York Stock Exchange.(Wachter 2009). According to the Datamonitor report: The motorcycle industry segment has had economic growth for the past three years, and has only recently been experiencing decline. In 2007 it declined 2.3%, yet is forecasted to recover 4.3% by 2012. An economic factor in favor  of H-D, despite this decline, is that the U.S. industry generated total revenues of $10.2 billion in 2007, of which 98.8% were of motorcycles (not scooters, minibikes, etc.). Furthermore, within the U.S. economy H-D holds the majority of motorcycle sales. Therefore, even while industry growth is declining, H-D sales and other motorcycle sales are still continuing to increase. The Motorcyclye Industry Council (MIC) discloses that leisure product industries are facing steep decline however the motorcycle segment though declining ,is not doing so at a steep rate. Tim Buche, President of the MIC says Overall motorcycle sales were down 7.2%, not nearly as sharp a decline as many other consumer products in todays economy (Wasef 2009). Socially H-D has a competitive edge which is owed to its customer base, strong brand loyalty and demographic trends such as the increse in female operators. This loyalty is indicated in the average age of H-D consumers. H-D average consumer buying age is 42 years old and increasing (Gauvin 2005). H-D aspires to increase its consumer demographics, however à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦although the younger generation below 35 years of age has posted the largest gains in ownership, the generation that is on the edge of the baby boomer segment will be the main catalyst of growth for the industry (Koncept 2007). One social factor that may negatively affect the sale of H-D motocycles is the stigma that has been attached to these leisure vehicles. Alot of people believe that motorcycles are dangerous and this belief is strengthened due to the high rate of motorcycle fatalities and crashes. H-D stands the chance of escaping this stigmatisation if the public views their bikes as cruisers and not speed bikes. Technologically H-D can take advantage of antilock brake systems. Antilock brakes could help riders avoid fatal crases according to a study done by the insurance industry. 1.1.2 Porters Five Forces Model Rivalry H-D operates within the Recreational Vehicles industry along with five other major competitors: Winnebago, Polaris, Thor, Arctic Cat and Marine Products, the top performers within the industry which holds 92% of the market share by volume with a market capitalization of 64.653 Billion of a total Industry of 7 Billion. Other firms in different industries that are direct product rivals include Honda Motor Company Limited, Yamaha Motor Co, Ltd., and Suzuki Motor Corporation (Appendix 1). The presence of these large multinational corporations with exceptionally high assets boosts the degree of rivalry within the industry. Because of the small number of material rivals, the markets revenue is shared between fewer firms and enhances the degree of rivalry for bottom line profit. This rivalry forces most competitors to try and diversify their business models through geographical expansion or vertical expansion, leading to interests and investments in a variety of other segments such as the automobile, watercraft, industrial and farming equipment areas. (Datamonitor 2004). Threat of Substitutes The Recreational Vehicle industry faces threats from the Automobile Industry, from public transportation options and bicycles. The threat is largely dependent on the indispensability of motorcycles and other lifestyle products to the end user.(Datamonitor 2008). In most developed countries, motorcycles are leisure items and are not a necessity and are therefore largely dispensable or substitutable by more practical items such as cars or more cost effective means of transportation such as bicycles. This lack of necessity increases the threat of substitutes and is one of the major reasons why the external market goes into decline during economic recession. Buyer Power Overall, buyer power is low due to sustainable competitive advantage of product differentiation which is impossible for other brand competitors to match. Supplier Power Large multinational corporations such as Harley-Davidson can receive materials from many different international suppliers and face low switching costs due to minimal product differentiation. This presence within the international market boosts Industry leaders power. Overall, supplier power is moderate. Threat of New Entrants Overall, this threat is moderate due to high set up costs, high brand recognition, customer loyalty and high research and development costs. 1.2 Resources Strength and Capabilities Organizational Resources H-D has a formal structure that works for the company: decentralized, expert teams and leadership circles that value employee input. Programs they use to plan, report and track inventory and production include their Supply Management Strategy system (SMS), Vibration Tech PdM technology systems, as well as their web-based H-D Distribution supplier network that provides vendors with a wealth of information about supply and demand within the company. Physical Resources The Harley Triangle provides a basis for tracking and monitoring the firms physical resources. Location and Sophistication of management and the expertise of manufacturing personnel and other employees is the key in accessing raw materials, procurement and upkeep related to manufacturing equipment. H-D plants are streamlined and well-maintained, which is a core resource for H-D. Technological Resources H-D has many technological resources: including many different brand name Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights which protect its reputation and image. Human Resources/Capital Trust, Knowledge, Managerial capabilities, as well as organizational culture are H-Ds most valuable human resources. The company culture, gives H-D a major competitive advantage. Employees and suppliers know their input is valued and take pride in their work. People involved are passionate about the brand and this adds invisible value to the company. Innovation Resources Employee and supplier, as well as managements ideas are huge resources for H-D, as these people know the business and know its potential. Since there are such a variety of inputs, H-Ds capacity to innovate and create/develop new product is not subject to stagnation or groupthink. However, H-D does try to stay true to its niche market, and this creates some boundaries for innovative ideas. Reputational Resources Reputation with customers, brand name, perceptions of product, and reputation with suppliers are all very beneficial to H-Ds operations, and keep customers loyal to the product. Interactions and relationships are stressed at H-D in order to ensure quality workmanship and mutually beneficial participation in all stages of production. CAPABILITIES Purposely Integrated Technological Resources H-D ensures that all processes and activities throughout its value chain are integrated using web based SMS systems, barcodes, and reports that enable its JIT inventory flow. This allows production to flow smoothly. Manufacturing H-Ds JIT inventory pull system means that it must have streamlined manufacturing abilities. H-D does this by ensuring quality inputs into its manufacturing plants, flow production methods, and well-maintained equipment. H-D manufacturing plants are capable of producing many different models and base their inventory off of customer pull demand, reducing costs around the board as well as inventory finished products that sit unsold in warehouses (of which H-D has very few). Distribution JIT inventory management needs good transportation flow logistics. H-D has the capability to reduce lead times and ensure pull delivery through its private fleet of trucks and contracts with distribution suppliers. STRATEGIC OPTIONS The identification of possible directions builds on an understanding of H-D strategic position. The adaptation of Ansoffs product/market matrix is used for identifying directions for strategic development. Development directions are the strategic options available to H-D in terms of products and market coverage taking into account the strategic capability of the company and the expectation of shareholders. (Johnson et al 2005). Figure2, the adaptation of Ansoffs product/market matrix summarizes the strategic options available to H-D. Figure 2. Strategy Development Directions Source: Johnson et al (2005) Exploring Corporate Strategy H-D can choose one or more of the following options: It can protect and build on its current position. It can develop new markets for its products. It H-D can also develop new products in new markets and It diversifies into new markets and develops new products. These options can be pursued through different development methods which are internal development, mergers and acquisitions and strategic alliances. The options chosen has to address the key issues and challenges faced by the H-D, the company must also satisfy stakeholders expectations but most important H-D must have the resources and capabilities to develop the options chosen. In other words the option must be suitable, acceptable and feasible (Johnson et al 2005). The H-D motorcycle has been an American icon since 1903. Harley has built one the most unique reputations within the American motorcycle business. The motorcycles have transformed into a lifestyle, rather than mere transportation. Utilizing the motorcycles image, H-D became a market for recreational vehicles; constituting a sense of freedom and leisure to transportation. Often complementary to other recreational vehicles, such as motor homes, boats and snowmobiles. H-D has taken advantage of their exceptional culture and has used it to create sales. However, regardless of Harleys reputation and heritage, an economic downturn has shown that Harley Davidson Inc. needs to restructure their market. Financial crisis has slowed consumer spending, ultimately leading to low sales motorcycles and recreational vehicles. Due to the economic conditions, H-Ds 2008 profit fell 30 percent, decreasing shipments by 8 percent. (Harley Davidson Annual 2009 Report). The demand for heavyweight motorcycles has dropped dramatically, not only in the US economy but also worldwide. A slow domestic economy forces one to direct a focus on international prospects to open future long-term opportunities. The American dream, associated with Harleys, needs to be changed to fit in other dynamic cultures to increase market size. Also, increasing market size will allow more investment in research and development to apply competitive advantages within the market. H-D already has an upper hand in terms of brand uniqueness and clearly stands out from the ordinary motorcycle. An already attractive product will allow RD to function at an optimal rate. Harley Davidson Inc. currently operates internationally and the demand in foreign countries has forced management to apply their leadership and marketing skills to international markets. The economic slump has forced H-D to restructure its international management team and outlook. More experience and expertise into a countrys culture and legal requirements are essential. A global management team needs to be comfortable and confident when operating with or in foreign countries. Understanding international business practices and ethics is a crucial quality when trying to expand. Harley needs to create country based teams that are determined to make wise cultural decisions. Closely executing legal dimensions, geographic barriers, cultural obstacles, and investments will positively position Harley Davidson Inc. for future prospects. Harley Davidson Inc.s former CEO stated, International markets are a great opportunity, we need to grow them to diversify our revenue base (Harley Davidson Inc. 2009). A new CEO has been appointed and is expected to bring global and manufacturing experience. Keith E. Wandell is well attuned to international sales as well as manufacturing experience. These two qualities are exactly what Harley Davidson needs in order to reconstruct their international markets. This could be a turning point for Harleys selling approach. Building manufacturing plants in bigger foreign markets will help relieve shipping expenses, taxes, tariffs, and will be able to accurately respond to the specialized demand. Starting manufacturing plants in other countries could create numerous job opportunities. Properly trained managers would provide a domestic leadership style that is optimally adjusted to the proper culture. Not only would this create more jobs for US management, but also generate more revenue for foreign economies as locals will be needed for production. Although a long term goal, the production of manufacturing plants would be a plausible and positive future management decision as markets expand over time. Many consumer behavior research studies indicate that consumers are very likely to purchase products that are offered as limited editions. One strategy H-D can use in order to foster growth is to release a limited edition motorcycle, co-created by consumers as part of the promotional mix. H-D can use this promotional strategy to get consumers involved, appeal to their desires for rarity, and increase sales. While H-D has released several limited edition motorcycles in the past, this promotion can be adapted into a new strategy. The new limited edition motorcycle would require the involvement of consumers to help co-create the product. H-Ds research and development department would design three different motorcycles and then they would be uploaded to the H-D website. Then, consumers would be able to log on and vote for their favorite motorcycle. The winning motorcycle would then go into limited production. Those who voted would have first priority to purchase the motorcycle. Owners would then get an all-inclusive trip to the H-D Sturgis Rally. This promotion would be relatively inexpensive, yet highly effective. The designers could design the motorcycles in a way that reuses as many existing parts as possible, while still creating a unique style. This design process would lower production costs for the limited edition motorcycle. A limited edition motorcycle release of this nature would be an effective strategy because consumers are flocking to brands that are playing hard to get. Now more than ever, rarity is important for the high-end luxury sector, affluent 30-40 year olds, baby boomers, generation X and Y, and creative class consumers. This trend has shown that successful selling involves building a niche market rather than appealing to the masses. The world is becoming saturated with products that are very similar to each other, and the quest for rarity has been driven by the feeling that certain products will help us to stand apart from the masses. A limited edition H-D motorcycle is the perfect way for consumers to do just that. H-D is not new to the limited edition market scheme- the strategy just needs to be adjusted to todays consumer. One of H-Ds previously successful limited edition motorcycles is the 50th Anniversary Nightster. This model was popular because it made people want what they couldnt have. This model was embellished with a gold anniversary emblem and the year 1957 embroidered on the seat. The motorcycle also was aligned with the traditional masculinity of H-D, including the traditional colors, chrome pipes, and rugged-look. Only 2000 of these were manufactured and they retailed at only $10,000- now thats buzz-worthy. Even H-D representatives say they dont know of a single dealership with one in stock. (Harley Davidson Inc 2009). Even in the declining economy, H-D can still grow their company by altering their promotional mix. H-D can create hype and buzz by releasing a limited edition motorcycle, co-created by consumers. Consumer behavior research shows that consumers respond positively to product campaigns focused on rarity and scarcity. The buzz created due to this product release will help to increase brand awareness, and more importantly, brand resonance. These two factors ultimately result in more sales for the company. RECOMMENDATIONS There are many strategic options available to H-D however the choice made should be one that the company can pursue with existing resources and one that is line with the companys vision and mission. H-D should protect and build on their current position through consolidation and market penetration. Consolidation is where organizations protect and strengthen their position in their current markets with current products. Market penetration, is where an organization gains market share. (Johnson et al 2005). Appendix 1 pages 5 and 6 shows that H-D used this strategy they consolidated some of their operations so as to adjust cost structures and invested in their brand as a means of market penetration. Appendix 1 page 7 also states that H-D plans to add 100 to 150 dealer points through 2014. This is a good strategic option for the future but H-D should pursue this only after they have regained market share, reason being so that the company would have enough resources, especially financial resources to successfully pursue this option. Product development and market development as discussed above are also good options but should not be pursued by H-D at this point in time as these options require extensive resources and investment. Whilst new products may be vital to the future of the organization, the process of creating a broad product line is expensive, risky and potentially unprofitable. (Johnson et al 2005).H-D should use all their available resources to develop the company internally and focus on their brand. (as they are presently doing; Appendix 1 page 6) CONCLUSION H-D has a strong foundation and a uniquely powerful brand however this was not enough to allow the company to escape the problems associated with the recent economic downturn. H-D has to pursue strategies that will enable them to sustain growth and market share to endure economic hard times and to keep away competitors. The company has laid down their business strategy quite clearly in their 2009 annual report (See Appendix page 6) and this is an excellent start to do achieving this. If the company can turnaround itself around from the verge of bankruptcy in the 1980s then with the right tangible and intangible resources, current technology and the knowledge of past strategies used Harley Davidson can become the leader in the motorcycle industry internationally. REFERENCES Datamonitor (2007) Motorcycles in the United States: Industry Profile. [Online] Available at: http://web.ebscohost.com/bsi/pdf?vid=6hid=115sid=60f53058-dbd4-402c-8546-03baa6899d4a%40sessionmgr107. [Accessed: 5th March, 2011]. Gauvin, T (2005) Harley Davidson. [Online] Available at: http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:lVbpsaLDfmAJ:perleybrook.umfk.maine.edu/slides/spring%25202005/bus411/harley%2520Davidson.ppt+harley+davidson+external+analysishl=enct=clnkcd=2gl=us. [Accessed: 5th March, 2011]. Harley-Davidson Inc (2009) 2009 Annual Report. [Online] Available at: http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/Student_Center/student-center.html?locale=en_USbmLocale=en_US#annualreport [Accessed: 27th February, 2011]. Harley-Davidson Inc (2009) Harley-Davidson Reports 2008 Results, Plans Lower 2009 Shipments and Unveils Strategy for Current Environment. [Online] Available at: http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_USarticleLink=News/0375_press_release.hdnewsnewsYear=2009history=news [Accessed: 27th February, 2011]. Johnson, Gerry, Scholes, Kevan and Whittington, Richard (2005) Exploring Corporate Strategy. Seventh Edition. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education. Print ISBN 0 273 68734 4. Koncept, A (2008) Recreational Vehicle Market: Aging Baby Boomers to Fuel Growth. [Online] Available at: http://www.konceptanalytics.com/. [Accessed: 27th February, 2011]. Wasef, B (2009) Motorcycle Industry Council Reports Drop in Motorcycle Sales, Upswing for Scooters and Dual-Purposes. [Online] Available at: http: //motorcycles.about.com/b/2009/02/06/motorcycle-industry-council-reports-drop-in-motorcycle-sales-upswing-for-scooters-and-dual-purposes.htm. [Accessed: 25th February, 2011]. Wachter, D (2009) Motorcyclists Reap Benefits from the Stimulus Package. [Online] Available at:http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/motorcyclists_reap_benefits_from_the_stimulus_package/20722/. [Accessed: 3rd March, 2011].

It’s Better To Live In A Small Town Than A Big City

Nowaday, People often have 2 selection for their living place. Some people prefer to live in small town and Others prefer to live in the big city. I think one of the most important decisions that human have to take is to choose his living place where you can feel more comfortable,more suitable and happier. Peronally, I think setting down in modern big city is more beneficial. Through my essay I will analyze one of the most important reasons which is Chance of having a better carreer.Big cities has bigger market, companies or corporations are more famous so of course you can have more chance to found a better work . I have a same age friend. He study IT in an university in Thai Nguyen city , It’s a city which smaller than Ha Noi capital. He graduated from a famous university but after 1 year in Thai Nguyen he still unemployed Because number of companies fewer means you will have less chance. There are too many student graduated from university each year but number of companies is only slightly increased.Many student together apply in to one company. Having too much CV of employees but employment in the company are limited so maybe you must to win hundred of people,who applied together with you in order to have employment in the company and my close friend can’t do that. After that I advice him to go to Ha Noi to find another chance and he agreed. He went to Ha Noi and applied to some companies. Amazing! Having 3 companies want to contract with him after only 2 months.He contracted with FPT corporation and work as a Software Specialist about computer. Now he still work there and feeling very happy when being a FPT's staff. From this example we can see that there are more activities in big cities that help people to expose their chance. It is clear from the example that we can have better opportunities in big cities. In a nutshell, I am still positive living in big city is Hanoi where will allow me have better work chance. And I believe that many peo ple will move to here for the same reason. It’s better to live in a small town than a big city Nowaday, People often have 2 selection for their living place. Some people prefer to live in small town and Others prefer to live in the big city. I think one of the most important decisions that human have to take is to choose his living place where you can feel more comfortable,more suitable and happier. Peronally, I think setting down in modern big city is more beneficial. Through my essay I will analyze one of the most important reasons which is Chance of having a better carreer.Big cities has bigger market, companies or corporations are more famous so of course you can have more chance to found a better work . I have a same age friend. He study IT in an university in Thai Nguyen city , It’s a city which smaller than Ha Noi capital. He graduated from a famous university but after 1 year in Thai Nguyen he still unemployed Because number of companies fewer means you will have less chance. There are too many student graduated from university each year but number of companies is only slightly increased.Many student together apply in to one company. Having too much CV of employees but employment in the company are limited so maybe you must to win hundred of people,who applied together with you in order to have employment in the company and my close friend can’t do that. After that I advice him to go to Ha Noi to find another chance and he agreed. He went to Ha Noi and applied to some companies. Amazing! Having 3 companies want to contract with him after only 2 months.He contracted with FPT corporation and work as a Software Specialist about computer. Now he still work there and feeling very happy when being a FPT's staff. From this example we can see that there are more activities in big cities that help people to expose their chance. It is clear from the example that we can have better opportunities in big cities. In a nutshell, I am still positive living in big city is Hanoi where will allow me have better work chance. And I believe that many peo ple will move to here for the same reason.

Helpful and intelligent Essay

From his hovel, the monster notices a nearby cottage occupied by the De Lacey family. He observes them cautiously from a safe distance as he now recognises man’s potential to be cruel. This shows us again that the monster is constantly developing, and experiencing a variety of different emotions, such as love. Love is portrayed in ‘Frankenstein’ after he watches the daily routine of the De Lacey’s (through a small gap in the wooden panes, previous to where the window was. This is a sign that they were not very wealthy). He discovers the sound of music through the old, blind man playing his recorder. This enchants him and he begins to admire this family. After this point his mixed emotions are so strong when watching Agathe and the old man, so strong that he cannot bear to watch the family anymore. (the music touched his heart and he felt a mixture of both pain and pleasure with love) He gradually learns more about them and increases his intelligence while doing so. He knows that they live in poverty and so his admiration grows for them, also for their wonderful appearance, as he is unaware of ugliness and deformity. He shows a caring side of himself when he became devoted to help the De Lacey’s by cutting wood. ‘This monster’ becomes generous, helpful and intelligent. He also decided to ‘satisfy himself with berries, nuts and roots’ instead of eating tastier food that they ate. This implies that this so called brute was also thoughtful. The monster’s narrative tells us that he is determined character who would do anything to belong, he attempted to learn the English language to hopefully reason with the De Lacey’s and make them realise that he wasn’t a wretched evil brute but a kind-hearted being. He was doing well until he saw his reflection in a pool of water. This part of the story (Chapter 12, page 109) is significant in tracing the change of his character because he was mortified with his appearance and became miserable. He now knew entirely why he was hated in the previous village; it was for his monstrous, alien appearance. He became aware of all the racial prejudice in the world and realised that this was the source of all his problems. Knowing this made the monster bitter at man, however he still thought of the De Lacey family as wonderful and still he wanted ‘to restore happiness to these deserving people’.  Other experiences the monster undergoes during Chapter 12 are his first realisations of the four seasons. This happens when he found that different flowers grew at different times of the year. This is another example of his developing intelligence. The next vital point in the development and change of the monster is the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman not knowing the English language. This immensely profited him because during Safie’s stay with the De Lacey’s she began to take lessons to speak English. The monster therefore also learned the language at a rapid pace. Also in Chapter 13 we see a very sensitive side of the Monster when he is describing the nature surrounding him. (‘innumerable flowers, sweet to the scent and the eyes, stars of pale radiance among the moonlight woods’) While Safie remains in the De Lacey household the monster begins to learn more about human nature, especially involving the love between a man (Felix) and a woman (Safie). He could not believe the ecstatic joy that Felix was in when meeting Safie, when before he seemed to be so miserable. He realises that they were both ‘affected by different feelings’, Felix by the way ‘his cheeks flushed with pleasure’ and Safie by how she ‘wiped tears from her lovely eyes.’ The monster observes more involving human nature when he heard ‘of the difference of sexes and the birth and growth of children’, he also heard of the different relationships between humans such as mother, father, brother and sister. This is the first stage of his life when he asks himself, ‘where are my friends and relations?’ To his recollection he has had no one to care for him and remembers nothing before his first account in his narrative story. He genuinely questions what and who he is and so again we feel sympathy. The monster emotionally develops from what he learns of human nature, this occurs when Safie sings to Agatha and the old man. This deeply moves him as her voice ‘at once brought tears of delight and joy from his eyes.’ He described the music as ‘a rich cadence, swelling or dying away like a nightingale of the woods’.’ His reaction to her singing again brings out his sensitivity.  The monster while constantly developing his knowledge of English, (now with the help of Safie’s lessons) still longs companionship with the De Lacey’s. He feels that he needs to be part of this ‘wonderful family.’ Although he understands that he has been previously rejected and seen as an ‘ugly wretch’, he believes that the power of language can overcome the deformity of his face. However much he hopes that he will be accepted, he still remains conscious of his previous encounters with man. The monster remains fearful of how the De Lacey’s’ will react to him.  The next part of the monster’s narrative (Chapter 14) relates little to himself but his knowledge increases of the De Lacey’s history, before they moved to Germany. The monster discovered such information from several letters written from Safie to Felix. Here we find that he has learnt more skills, the skills to read and write. The monster later decides to copy these letters himself to bring truth to his tale, for Victor Frankenstein. From these letters we learn an awful lot about the De Lacey’s, such as that previously they led wealthy lifestyles in Paris. He learnt that their wealth was lost when a Turkish merchant was condemned to death for becoming obnoxious towards the French government. This affected the De Lacey’s because Felix vowed to help the Turk escape and did so. (In return he was offered a reward but he declined; however he agreed to marry the merchants daughter, Safie) When learning from the De Lacey’s he also confirmed the relationship between the family. The old man is known as De Lacey and is father to Felix and Agatha. It was of course illegal to do this and so this resulted in the De Lacey’s being exiled. Knowing all this improved the monsters understanding of why the De Lacey’s seemed so unhappy and he now fully realised the poverty they were in.

Impact Of Currency Future Trading On Base Metals - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1734 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? Abstract: Currency Future is a future contract in which specified currency can be bought or sell at pre determined price and date. In developed nations like US and UK the currency price increment impact on physical trading volume, it decrease it on currency price increment and increase it on currency price decrement. Like this, same thing happened in developing nations. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Impact Of Currency Future Trading On Base Metals" essay for you Create order In India the base metals prices so much impacted due to currency future price volatility. In India, the currency future trading was started on 29th Aug. 2008 in National Stock Exchange (NSE), in Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on 7th Oct. 2008 and in Bombay Stock Exchange on 1st Oct. 2008. The objective of this paper is to measure the correlation of base metals with currency future trading i.e. US $. This research paper is an attempt to consider the investor behaviour regarding currency future trading in India. Some factors which have been considered for research are currency future, base metals and price movement in upward or in downward side. The results are analyzed with the help of statistical tools and techniques. Key Words: Base Metal, Currency Future, Volatility Introduction Currency Futures means a standardised foreign exchange derivatives contract traded on a recognised stock exchange to buy or sell one currency against another on a specified future date, at a price specified on the date of contract, but does not include a forward contract. Currency derivatives can be described as contracts between sellers and buyers whose values are derived from the underlying which in this case is the exchange rate. Currency Derivatives are mostly designed for hedging purposes, although they are also used as instruments for speculation. Currency Derivatives i.e. Currency Future are standardised in terms of contract sizes, trading parameters settlement procedures and traded on regulated exchange. The contract size is fixed and is referred to as lot size. Future contract are traded through exchanges, the settlement of the contract is guaranteed by the exchange or clearing corporation and hence there is no counter party risk. In INDIA the currency future trading was started on 29th Aug. 2008 in National Stock Exchange (NSE), in Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on 7th Oct. 2008 and in Bombay Stock Exchange on 1st Oct. 2008. Currency Future trading play a vital role in developed nations and developing nations. It makes the so much volatility in metal prices in terms of online trading as well as in physical trading. After the starting of currency future trading in India the volatility increase in the MCX non precious metal. The total number of contract traded before starting of currency future trading in non precious metal are 84186 (lots) and after the starting of currency future trading 69358 (lots). It shows that there is lot of volatility in the metal market sometime it increases the volume or sometime it decrease the volume. Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) is a state of the art electronic commodity future exchange. The head quartered of MCX in Mumbai. The demutualised exchange set up by Financial Technologies (India) Ltd (FTIL) has permanent recognition from the Government of India to facilitate online trading and clearing and settlement operations for commodity futures across the country. The operations started in Nov 2003. MCX offers more than 40 commodities across various segments such as bullion, ferrous and non ferrous metals and a number of agro-commodities on its platform. The exchange is the worlds largest exchange in Silver, the second largest in Gold and Copper. MCX has been certified to three ISO standards including ISO 9001- 2000 Quality Management System standard, ISO 14001: 2004 Environmental Management System standard and ISO 27001:2005 Information Security Management System standard. Literature Review Since the beginning of trading in financial futures and options in the 1970s, the effect of financial derivatives trading on the underlying spot markets has been of great interest to both academics and practitioners. One of the issues commonly investigated by finance researchers is whether futures trading increases the price volatility of underlying markets and thus leads to destabilisation of these markets. Previous studies provide mixed evidence on this issue. To investigating the market behaviours (such as currency price volatility, metal market depth and trading volume) is an important aspect of research on the market microstructure literature. Tauchen and Pitts (1983)1 argue that these three variables are closely related. However, most studies deal with mutual contemporaneous relationship between two of those three dimensions and reach no consistent results. Very few empirical papers investigate the dynamic nature of the interactions, such as the feedback effects between those three variables. The relationship between currency future and trading volume has been examined frequently and usually is in a positive correlation between volatility and trading volume. Copeland (1976)2, develop sequential arrival of information models where new information flows into market to generate both trading volume and price movement. Karpoff (1987)3, reviews empirical and theoretical research on the relation between price changes and trading volume in financial markets. Eighteen of nineteen empirical papers support the positive correlation between volatility and trading volume. Bessembinder and Segun (1993)4 accommodate persistence in the positive relationship on eight futures market by ARCH-GARCH empirical method. In those studies above, it is consistently positive contemporaneous relation between return volatility and trading volume but lacks consistent in the relation between return volatility and market depth or between market depth and trading volume. Furthermore, there are few studies for the analysis of return volatility and trading volume incorporating with the market depth, which is proven to be fundamentally related to trading activity and market behaviour of return volatility (Bessembinder and Seguin, 1992)5. As suggested by Malliaris (1997)6, the origin of futures markets is related to the necessity to manage the risk associated with volatile spot price changes of certain assets. It can also be claimed that futures contracts became more popular since the economic deregulation in 1970s, which resulted in increased volatility in foreign currencies, debt instruments and stock indexes. Market observers and regulators have generally acknowledged the crucial role that futures markets have in risk transfer and price discovery, but they have often expressed concern over the potential role that futures activity may have in destabilizing the markets. Antoniou and Holmes (1995)7 examined the impact of trading in the FTSE-100 index futures on the spot price volatility and concluded that futures trading improves the quality and speed of information flowing to spot markets. Their evidence suggests that there has been an increase in spot price daily volatility, but that this due to increased information in the market and not to speculators having adverse destabilizing effect. Some studies provide empirical results that support the opinion that trading in futures can destabilize the spot market. For example, Figlewiski (1980)8 investigates the futures contracts for Treasury Bills (GNMA pass through certificates) and provides evidence that futures market activity increases the volatility of cash prices. More recent study by Bae, Kwon and Park (2004)9 focuses on the effect of the introduction of index futures trading in the Korean markets on spot price volatility. The authors concluded that introducing the futures and options trading on the Korean stock exchange resulted in both larger spot price volatility and greater market efficiency (allowing for quicker adjustment of market prices to information). The combined average daily turnover of the currency futures contracts in all the three exchanges (NSE, BSE, MCX) increased from USD 1.1 billion in March 2009 to 2.5 billion in September 2009 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" which means a growth of more than 125% in just six months period. Objectives of Research Paper To know the impact of Currency Future US$ on base metal with reference to India. Hypothesis of Research Paper Null Hypothesis: There is positive impact of currency future US$ on base metals, if US$ increases than the price of base metals increases and vice versa. Data Analysis The impact of currency future i.e. US$ on base metals is totally depend on the day to day trading prices of currency as well as metals. To find out the impact of currency on base metals we need the daily transaction prices, for this we collect it from secondary resources. To find out the correlation of currency future and base metals I summarise the data in average form. I collected per day USD INR pricing data for twenty seven months and calculated its average per month. For the base metals, I selected five metals (viz. Aluminium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc) collected their pricing data for each day for twenty seven months and calculated its average per month. Table 1: Data for average closing rate of base metals and US$ in Indian Rupee. MONTH WITH YEAR WISE US $ ALUMINIUM AVG(INR) COPPER AVG(INR) LEAD AVG(INR) NICKEL AVG(INR) ZINC AVG(INR) Oct.(08) 49.19 102.96 230.27 71.31 567.65 62.00 Nov.(08) 49.16 91.91 187.13 64.21 540.38 57.65 Dec.(08) 48.80 73.38 152.75 47.27 481.86 54.44 Jan.(09) 48.93 70.11 161.84 55.75 564.14 59.14 Feb. (09) 49.33 66.32 165.30 54.42 516.73 55.57 Mar. (09) 51.35 68.98 195.43 64.18 500.56 63.17 Apr. (09) 50.11 72.56 225.97 70.25 567.19 69.98 May. (09) 48.58 71.39 225.93 70.46 616.29 72.54 Jun. (09) 47.86 76.07 241.59 80.00 717.74 74.88 Jul.(09) 48.50 81.30 254.93 81.40 715.30 76.90 Aug.(09) 48.38 93.25 299.62 92.52 936.68 88.20 Sep.(09) 48.52 89.15 302.76 106.96 844.04 91.19 Oct.(09) 46.73 88.20 298.31 104.95 868.83 97.30 Nov.(09) 46.58 91.38 312.38 107.43 792.86 102.66 Dec.(09) 46.66 102.41 330.51 109.12 808.17 111.75 Jan.(10) 46.00 103.11 339.52 108.98 852.54 111.78 Feb.(10) 46.37 95.74 319.70 99.36 886.78 100.50 Mar.(10) 45.55 101.00 341.79 99.33 1024.22 104.03 Apr.(10) 44.52 103.75 346.13 101.09 1155.72 105.93 May.(10) 45.78 94.55 317.15 87.12 1014.32 91.27 Jun.(10) 46.65 90.25 302.74 79.90 906.59 81.89 Jul.(10) 46.92 93.77 318.31 86.95 921.26 87.13 Aug.(10) 46.70 98.22 341.41 97.36 1003.43 96.14 Sep.(10) 46.14 100.34 357.69 101.24 1054.40 99.58 Oct.(10) 44.55 104.70 371.56 106.45 1060.99 105.98 Nov.(10) 45.10 105.36 382.68 107.11 1033.46 103.43 Dec.(10) 45.24 106.96 417.10 109.34 1092.18 103.46 Table 2: Analysis of Data (Table No. 1) by Karl Pearsons Correlation Coefficient Method. ALUMINIUM -0.787 COPPER -0.267 LEAD -0.770 NICKEL -0.897 ZINC -0.850 Here we can see in the table no. 2 there is correlation coefficient between currency future and base metals. Aluminium, Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc are inversely correlated to currency future. There is impact on the Aluminium -0.787, the copper -0.267, lead -0.770, nickel -0.897 and zinc -0.850. When the currency future prices raise the base metals prices decrease and sometimes the base metals prices increase. It shows that the currency future and base metals are inversely correlated. Conclusion The data analysis of the currency future and the base metals shows that there is a correlation between them. When there is volatility in the currency future and base metals it impacts the relation between them. Sometimes it makes the positive relation between currency future and base metals and sometimes it makes the negative relation between them. Due to this the economic condition of India is so much impacted. When the prices volatility increases in base metals it creates the problem in physical metals trading that impact directly or indirectly to the economic condition of our nation. The data analysis represents the inverse linear relationship between currency future and base metals. Scope of research There is so much scope of this research because it is a new concept in India. Before two years ago the currency future trading was started in India. The currency future trading is a concept which is not very common. People are not so much aware about it. This paper is related with base metals only but further the whole metal market is influenced by it.