Marketing Metrics for Essex Property Trust Essay

Via analyzing and discussing the interrelated financial ratios over these three years, the performance and developing trend of Essex Property Trust Inc. Will be measured and understood. Moreover, this study illustrates what the two rivals BRE Properties and Brandywine Realty Trust’s positioning were in property industry. 1. 3 Methodology The companies’ official website has comprehensive information like histories and backgrounds of company, internal and external environment that influencing business running, every detail of financial data and even critical issues. Therefore, it is the most critical resource. In addition, there are other useful methods such as academic reports, journal articles, books and electronic database that provide theoretical knowledge’s about each metric. 1. 4 Limitations However this report has some vital limitations because it is based on the financial statements which reflected historical facts are open to human accruals, error, interpretation and estimation like refunds accounts and depreciation accounts. In order to attract more investors, the economic performance can be inflated by intentionally manipulating figures on inancial reports (Dennis, 2010). Furthermore, besides the financial factors in financial reports, other several elements including economic, social, and environment can also influence an enterprise’s financial position. Thus, due to ignorance of other factors, the financial position disclosed by accountants may be inaccurate. Last but not the least, the financial statement only took quantitative factors into account but fails to disclose information like integrity of management, prestige and reputation of the business with public, customer’s satisfaction, employees’ loyalty and efficiency, etc. hat also impacts business decision making (Dennis, 2010). 2. Real estate investment trust (REIT) Industry and company’s historical background George M. Marcus as the real estate entrepreneur formed Essex Property Corporation in 1971 and after 23years the company became Essex Property Trust, Inc. when it gained the portfolio of 16 multifamily communities. Essex is a self-managed and self-administered integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) in West Coast of America. In 1960, REITs created by congress is a type of real estate firm that provides opportunities for all Americans to invest in income-producing real estate not just for affluent. The method of this investment is similar to the bonds and stocks investments through mutual funds by many Americans (REIT, 2012). Essex develops, manages and acquires multifamily residential properties in the specific provinces like the San Francisco, Southern California and the Seattle metropolitan area and Essex relates to land and its appreciation on it like offices, apartments and hotels. Essex’s Property Portfolio so far Multi-family: [pic] Office: [pic] Retail: other unclassified [pic] Specialty: unclassified [pic] According to the above table charts published by Essex in March of 2013, there are 166 communities comprising 29,506 apartment units and total approximately 315,900 square feet of four commercial buildings which are located in major regions of California and Washington under the property portfolio. Besides the existing markets, Essex intended to evaluate some new markets by identifying new areas and developing new unconsolidated joint venture projects. . Conceptual framework Marketing metric can be defined as a measuring framework which quantifies a dynamic, trend, or characteristic and also can be used by practitioners in marketing monitoring and business planning to explain diagnose causes, phenomena, project the results of future events and share findings in order to justify marketing programs, decide on financial allocations and evaluate their marketing performance (Farris et al. 2010). It’s more effective to use a portfolio of metrics because it can assist managers with maintenance of productive focus on markets and customers and identification of weaknesses and strengths in both execution and strategies (Bazley et al. 2004). [pic] There are seven specific metrics adapt to measure Essex company’s performance and analyze competitors’ positions. According to the above figure, they are return on equity (ROE), Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA), year-on-year growth revenue, return on investment, profitability metrics, efficiency calculations and capital structure ratios. Gross profit margin, net profit margin and cash flow to sales ratio are three critical basic figures that will be used to measure entity’s profitability (Bazley et al. 2004). Then, in order to identify company’s business efficiency, Return on asset and asset turnover ratio will be calculated as well. Finally, there are three capital structure ratios including equity ratio, debt ratio and debt equity ratio(Mcdonald and Mouncey, 2009). The most vital reason to choose those metrics is that they can maximize the accuracy of measurement about an entity’s heath and estimation on the basis of other data. Moreover, they are also interrelated to each other (Birt et al. 2010). 4. Marketing metrics Briefly, The critical purposes of using following particular metrics are judging business performance, evaluating plans, quantifying market opportunities, identifying leverage points for improvement for Essex and recognizing its peers’ threats for the past three years and predict the trend in near future(Farris et al. 010). 4. 1 Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) As an alternative for a cash-based profit measure, EBITDA can be also defined as the profit before interest, taxation and depreciation and amortization expense. Because it excludes financing and tax charge besides asset diminution, its main aim is to measure entity’s raw operating earnings compare and analyze prof itability between companies (Birt et al. 2010). Figures in US$ and ‘000 |2010 |2011 |2012 | |Essex |277,861 |338,679 |456,888 | |BRE |228,219 |255,066 |306,542 | |Brandywine |370,880 |379,556 |383,484 | Based on the above chart, it apparently illustrates that both of them tried to raise their EBITDA and therefore decline their operating cost. Among them, Essex had the most dramatic increasing trend in EBITDA by changing amount of US$179,027,000 during three years. 4. 2 Profitability metrics Under this category, there are three basic metrics: gross profit margin, net profit margin and cash flow to sales ratio to calculate entity’s profit. Gross profit margin refers to the percentage of sales revenue that results in gross profit which measures profitability in selling, producing and buying goods before other expenses are taken into account (Birt et al. 2010). Higher value means better likelihood of success to divide more satisfactory return to owners and cover more other expenses (Atrill et al. 2008). Net profit margin reveals the proportion of sales revenue results in profit before interest and tax (Birt et al. 2010). This ratio is the most appropriate measure of profit from trading operations which is before took any costs of servicing long-term finance into account (Atrill et al. 2008). Cash flow to sales ratio reflects a proportion of cash flow from operating activities compared to its net sales revenue can be used to measure an entity ability to convert its sales into cash. Higher value means more efficient productivity and creditworthiness and indicates the firm has more ability to grow (Business Dictionary, 2012).

Life of Pi write-up Essay

Life of Pi shows that we are entering a virtual age as Pi, a selfish murderer, is portrayed as a hero throughout the movie. In the beginning of the movie, Pi is portrayed as a smart, virtuous man – there is an emphasis on his strong faith in God, his love for his family and his knowledge of animals. However, later in the movie, Pi brutally murders a hyena after his family’s ship sank and manipulates the tiger that he was left with to do whatever he pleases. Although Pi faced anxiety because he was alone on a lifeboat with a tiger and with despair from thinking that he would die, these circumstances are not to blame for Pi’s awful behavior. Pi has the freedom to make his own decisions and is able to express his emotions in whichever way he wants, making him fully responsible for the course of his actions. Once Pi is rescued, the whole world starts to see him as a hero for his survival, however they do not process all of his wrongdoings. To make matters worse, the journalists that Pi spoke with after he was rescued do not even use the first story that he shares with them – the one involving human beings – because they claimed it was too gruesome, bringing Pi to replace human beings with animals in his second story. This also represents a virtual age because it sends the idea that wrongful actions are okay when they are presented using animals rather than human beings – truly showing the selfishness and carelessness of society. In conclusion, Pi’s inhumane actions are not acknowledged by the public, and furthermore Pi is being rewarded for his wrongdoings. In Life of Pi, storyteller Pi Patel explains the firsthand account of his adventures. When his family’s zoo business fails in India, they embark on a sea voyage to begin a new life – however, one night aboard their ship in the middle of the ocean, a deadly storm hits, leaving Pi trapped in a lifeboat with several zoo animals. After several brutal incidents, including Pi murdering a hyena, Pi is then left to fend for himself in the company of a Bengal tiger. At the end of the movie, when Pi is rescued and questioned by journalists, he tells them two different stories about his journey: one involving human beings and one involving animals, leaving the journalists to publish the story involving animals. Kierkegaard’s philosophy relates to this story because even though Pi is very religious, he is aware that he is free to put his wellbeing before God. While being stuck on a lifeboat with vicious animals, Pi does whatever he can in order to survive – even if that involves taking part in murder and manipulation. Pi chooses to murder a hyena because this animal killed his mother and would eventually kill him, as well as Pi chooses to hunt fish in order for the tiger to survive and to save himself from being eaten. Pi also had to state dominance and mark his territory in the lifeboat, in order to prevent the tiger from hurting him. Pi is therefore the perfect example of putting the individual before God in Kierkegaard’s philosophy because he believes in God, yet he continues to live his own life with freedom as he makes rational decisions. Pi is also aware of the aggressiveness in his decisions, and continuously apologizes to God for all that he has done. By doing this, Pi gains strength and heals through God, as this is also a part of Kierkegaard’s philosophy.

For Elderly Shut-ins, It was Ken's Day Out Essay

For Elderly Shut-ins, It was Ken's Day Out - Essay Example I eagerly showed up the next morning to meet with the staff promptly at 11:30. Ms. Shields thanked me for coming and said it was a blessing to meet someone my age with so much enthusiasm to help. I began to beam and swell with self-admiration when she added, "But I'm sorry. Our insurance won't cover you until you're older. Our drivers have to be at least eighteen". Her words fell at my feet like cold stones from a child's Easter basket. My swelling pummeled into a quivering pool of disappointment. My thoughts raced like a balloon released before its time, wandering madly out of words and dropping hopelessly still. My face must have reflected the confused loneliness I felt inside as I could see Ms. Shields struggle for words that might comfort me. Her thoughtful eyes and graceful gestures gave me some hope. "I do have someone that might be able to use your help though", she said. "Ken is one of our more experienced drivers. Maybe you would like to ride with him today". I jumped at the chance as she motioned me to the kitchen where half a dozen ladies were arguing with an old man about the amount of pepper in the soup. Ken was a robust man for 87 years old. The years had hardened his features, yet left him a little pinkish from too little sun.

Narrative Report on The Wizard of Oz (1939) Essay

Narrative Report on The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Essay Example It has significance as a unit, and a thread can be traced all the way along. Plot, on the other hand, is an item that occurs within that story. So for example, there are twists and turns in the story caused by these episodes, or plots, that crop up. They are each of lesser importance in themselves, but they all contribute to the work as a whole, creating interest and sometimes also contrast. The plot element of the balloon scene is an example of a little excursus from the main story and some of the places that Dorothy visits are also branches of sub plot . The scene where the wizard tells Dorothy to find the broom is an example of a new plot being inserted into the story and this, too, diverts her from her main goal of returning to Kansas for a while. It motivates her to take a certain course of action and increases an element of danger because she has to encounter the wicked witch. The film begins with Dorothy out walking with her dog when suddenly a tornado arrives and all the Kansas characters are depicted rushing to find shelter. This dramatic start creates suspense, because Dorothy runs here and there, flinging her arms out and wrestling with items in her desperation to find a safe spot. The whole scene is filmed in black and white, and it shows a rather plain and drab country atmosphere with chickens and horses. There is some cartoon-like camera work when Dorothy gets hit on the head and lies down in bed watching figure pass by through the window, as if being whirled up in the tornado. Finally the camera pulls right away and there is an image of the house spiralling up and away. Suspense is created at this point because the viewer wants to know what happens to Dorothy and Toto. In the final scene there is a repetition of the spiralling house but this time it spins downwards, in reversal of the opening sequence.

Creating a Business Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Creating a Business - Term Paper Example Where capital sourcing is not a problem, the biggest challenge is coming up with a business idea. New business ideas can be generated from one’s previous work or industry experience, hobby or interest, or from an evident opportunity that comes out of an existing need or demand of a potential market. The type of business may either be service oriented, manufacturing, or retailing. Another decision to consider is the form of organization, whether to operate as a single owner, or as a partnership or a corporation. It is important to consider one’s personal strength or weaknesses in determining which type of business to undertake for greater success (www.prenhall.com). Finally, there is the challenge of putting everything into a written business plan, which serves as the business road map. The business plan contains the description of the proposed business, industry analysis (including SWOT analysis), mission and vision statement, product development (goods or services), proposed location of the business, management plan, marketing plan (target market, niche or mainstream, pricing and distribution), financial plan, and the scope of operation (local, national, or global) (www.prenhall.com). A â€Å"niche† product is a specialized good or service that is produced or offered to satisfy the special demand or need of a smaller segment targeted market of an existing or mainstream market. It is narrow in focus and is â€Å"designed to appeal to a subset of the mainstream† (www.homebiz-direct.com) Within a stable economic condition, good management and marketing strategies, a niche company may have an advantage in a market because there are few market players less competitors. A niche company’s specialization in a niche product or service is in the best position to address increasing customer satisfaction level in that niche. Another advantage is that a niche company can dictate the price of the niche commodity. However, price would only be an

Reflecting on Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflecting on Identity - Essay Example Throughout my life, I have conducted considerable self-investigation into my gender and have come to embrace many elements of feminist philosophy. Ultimately, then I recognize that being a feminist is an essential element of my identity. Today, feminism has become a highly complex term; women’s rights and equality movements, however, have been in existence since at least the late 19th century. Still, feminism did not emerge until the mid-20th century as a formal movement and philosophy (Stansell, p. 20). I recognize that many different versions of feminism have emerged since that period and there are conflicting perspectives within the feminist movement. These perspectives, however, greatly inform the way that society perceives feminists. In this way, feminists are oftentimes perceived as potentially overbearing or men haters, while other people simply view them as politically active. My personal vision of feminism is the belief that women should have equal rights throughout s ociety. In this way, feminist ideas have greatly come to form my identity. I believe that there is a degree of inequality in many instances that occurred throughout the world. This is not to say that just because one is a woman their life is necessarily more difficult than other people but, rather, women may not have equal access and equitable treatment to all the opportunities in life they fairly should. In this way, I believe that because of male physical strength society evolved in a way where women assumed less dominant roles. With the advancement of technology women’s roles remained subservient, while the need for physical advantage in society decreased. What exists then is a gap between the rights women should be afforded. Within this gap, I believe, is a fundamental recognition of my identity. I have experienced some conflicts because of my identity as a feminist. I believe that both men and women should be judged on their competency as a person and that they should be given equal voices in decision making. In many instances, however, I have recognized that males are given a greater voice than females because they exhibit more aggressive or intimidating behavior. In these situations, reflecting on feminist doctrine has allowed me to recognize that it is not right for males to take advantage of these situations. Subsequently, I have felt more empowered to speak-up and ensure that I am given treatment based on my competency and work ethic rather than on my gender. Through speaking up, I have come to personally resolve the conflict I am facing regarding such empowerment issues. I further recognize that in these situations my identity as a feminist is highlighted. I further recognize that feminism reflects my identity, as well as the way society reflects upon me. In this way, my attention is drawn to the feminist notion of objectification. For feminists, objectification occurs in the media wherein women are depicted as objects rather than situated as people deserving of equal treatment. At the heart of the conflict, I believe, is not so much that I have been objectified by the media, but that I recognize that the media’s depiction of females is not always fair and equitable. I recognize that I must self-reflexively consider my position in the world despite what the media depicts. For instance, the media may be more active in depicting males in leadership positions or positions of competency. In this way, a stereotype is established that

Must Internet purchases be subject to sales tax Essay

Must Internet purchases be subject to sales tax - Essay Example According to Engler and Cellucci, "Ernst & Young concluded that 63% of total e-commerce sales to consumers are sales not taxable in most states". As for the taxable sales, "that same study also found that 60% of the taxable business-to-consumer Internet sales are substitutes for other types of sales, such as mail-order catalog sales by out-of state vendors, that do not currently generate sales or use tax revenue". Proponents for Internet tax also argue that "it is not a new tax" but the enforcement of existing laws that give mail order stores the right to collect sales tax (Senate Nixes Sales Tax on Catalogue, Internet Sales 1). Moreover, sales of the brick and mortar store continue to grow despite the flourishing of online stores (Engler and Cellucci 1-3). A brick-and-mortar store is able to provide consumers with service that the online store is unable to offer, such as getting to try the goods or see it physically before deciding to buy it. Furthermore, Internet taxes would require the electronic tracking of purchases (Engler and Cellucci 3).

Analyse the global supply chain of the company Essay

Analyse the global supply chain of the company - Essay Example As per the five forces analysis, there is intense competitive rivalry present within the industry along with high bargaining power of suppliers. The core competency of the firm is its high quality product with exceptional customer service. According to game theory, the company can gain temporary advantage through focusing on unique selling proposition and staying aligned with customer demand of Lithuania. Dunning’s Eclectic paradigm is such theoretical framework that helps to define competitive advantage gained by a company. It states that monopolistic advantage supports a firm operating abroad to overcome prevalent disadvantages in foreign markets. There are two forms of advantages as per this paradigm such as location advantage and ownership advantage. Learning theories highlight psychic distance paradox as proposed by Lane and O’Grady. According to this theory, there exist some features in host country and operating country which facilitates business operations or re sults into complete failure (Ulwick, 2005). On the other hand, network theory indicates that commitment and trust are critical aspects for achieving success and growth. Learning and trust are further complimented by commitment, risk, control and uncertainty. Figure 2 clearly states that there are four kinds of strategy which can be chosen by a company in terms of business strategic implementation. As per figure two there are four strategies based on local responsiveness pressure and cost reduction pressure. They are global standardization strategy, transnational strategy, international strategy and localization strategy. In case of Starbucks the best strategy which can be incorporated is internationalization strategy. This would enable the firm to expand over larger geographical area and acquire high profit margins. International strategy is all about implementing best possible strategy to establish a strong market position in foreign country. The four possible international

Quiz Review Questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quiz Review Questions - Coursework Example 15, Rios indicate that the boys may embrace strategies such as going dumb, acting stupid or even being dummy smart as a strategy to discredit the system that punished and excluded them (Rios) 4. These are knowledge and ideas that people try to draw upon in their day-to-day life activities. Cultural capital ranges from ability to speak, ability to write effectively and even rule of etiquette among others. 5. These benefits of economy are gained from the preferential treatment and cooperation between a group of people and individuals. Social capital tends to share the main idea that networking has a significant value. 8. In the 21st century, people are living together despite the differences. According to Sandercock, people must understand their differences and how important it is to their politics and cooperative success in order to live together. Without such understanding, problems might arise. He also develops a multicultural perspective that embraces unity of culture of every individual that is inescapable of cultural diversity and which is part of the right to differences (Sandercock). 9. Therapy can be an effective statement in most cases. But to reap its benefits, it is important that the right strategies that incorporate emotional wellbeing to be utilized. Emotions help in diagnosing several health related problems including mental health conditions. Therefore, emotions play a huge role in dictating the types of therapy and when an individual should initiate the therapies. 10. City building- cities are always in constant change. This comes alongside with struggles. The struggles are developing to shape up and protect as well as improve places. People have roles to play in the city change since it affects everyday life. While the cities are changing, the professions in building do not act alone. The transformation recognizes that these professions are effective when they act in a transparent way of politics; in association with residents,