Iron Crowned Chapter 18

It really felt like that, like I was killing a living thing. And in a way, I was. I was destroying the land's connection to Katrice. The land and its monarch are one. Kind of an esoteric concept †¦ but, well, the truth. I'd certainly felt it in the Thorn Land. It was why I couldn't ever stay away from that kingdom for very long. It called to me. It was part of me. And so, I was essentially cutting a living thing in two. White-hot power burned through me as I did, the crown's magic connecting with my own and pouring into the dirt below. I had little sense of my surroundings, save Katrice screaming. Below me, in a spiritual sort of way, I could feel the land resisting at first. It didn't want to break its ties. In the end, it had no choice. The crown's magic was too strong. Seconds, minutes, hours †¦ I don't know how long it took, probably hardly any time at all. But suddenly, it was done. The crown's power faded from me, and the land lay there open and unclaimed. Raw and wounded. As the magic's haze wore off, the rest of the world slowly shifted back into focus for me. I stared around at the gaping faces and at Katrice, huddled and sobbing. I thought she'd aged before, but it was nothing compared to now. Being ripped from the land had devastated her. Her dark hair was almost all gray now, her face gaunt and lined. And all around †¦ all around, the land was restless. I could feel its energy, calling out †¦ reaching out †¦ yearning for a new master. Hardly any of the people gathered showed any recognition of this. They were still watching the drama of me and Katrice. A few spectators had puzzled looks on their faces, as though they too could hear the land. It was because they were powerful enough to take it, I realized. The land was already seeking those who possessed the strength to join with it, and looking up, I saw from Cassius's face that he could sense that. Katrice's son hadn't had the power to claim a kingdom, but her nephew did. So, for my next impulsive act of the day, I stuck my free hand into the ground. Just like the last time, soil that started off hard and ungiving soon grew soft and warm. My hand sank into the earth, and I was welcomed, as though someone were clasping my hand in return. Warmth filled my body, a comforting warmth very different from the crown's searing heat. I closed my eyes, striving to stay with that connection, to show I was worthy. Part of me was already given over to the Thorn Land. I had to fight to claim this land as well. Then, I felt it†¦. I felt the land accept me. And as it did, the ground began to shake. At first, I thought it was just some aftereffect of the magic, but then I remembered what had happened when the Thorn Land had bound itself to me. The land took on the form that spoke to my soul, that was natural and right to me. Aeson's former kingdom had shaped itself into the Sonora Desert, the land of my birth. The Rowan Land was trying to do the same thing. No, no! Not again. A semi-tropical kingdom transforming into a desert had wreaked havoc on its residents. We'd faced starvation, drought, poverty†¦. It was only recently that the kingdom had gotten on its feet again, becoming prosperous and self-sustaining. I wouldn't go through that again. Frantically, I tried to think of some other form. But what? I hardly ever left the southwestern United States. A quick image of the Catalina mountains flashed into my mind, the slopes snowy and pine-covered like the day Kiyo and I had fought the demon. I could feel the land start to grip that picture, and I yanked it away. This kingdom had some small mountains, but that was a tiny percentage of its terrain. I couldn't turn this place into Switzerland or Nepal. Stay the same, stay the same, I begged the land. For the sake of its occupants, I needed the landscape to remain unchanged. It was difficult, though. The land wanted to bond to me, to what was ingrained within my soul. Thinking back to the journey here, I tried to picture the rows and rows of cherry trees along the road. I remembered the sun shining through other deciduous trees and flowers growing in clusters. I thought about the stretch of rowan trees. Stay the same, stay the same. Gradually, the earth around me began to slow its shaking and finally stop – except for one spot. Not far from where I rested my hand, the ground cracked open and leaves and branches burst through. I scurried back, watching in as much awe as I had the first time a magical tree burst forth, growing and unfurling its leaves to full-size in seconds. I held my breath, wondering what it would be, this tree that dictated my new kingdom's nature. It was †¦ a rowan tree. I wasn't the only one who thought this was weird. â€Å"Didn't you claim it?† asked Jasmine, puzzled. I rose to my feet beside her, brushing dust off of my jeans. â€Å"I †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Had I? That was a rowan tree, making this – by all Otherworldly reasoning – the Rowan Land. Which is what it had been already. Maybe it hadn't worked. Maybe the crown hadn't done what I expected it to. Maybe Katrice had won it back somehow. But, no. There it was. I felt it. The land. The earth. The rocks. Every leaf and flower. The scents, the colors †¦ they were all sharper and more intense. If I opened myself up, I could feel every single piece of this land. It hummed. It buzzed. The energy was dizzying, and I forced myself to shut it out for a moment. â€Å"No,† I told Jasmine, wonderingly. â€Å"It's mine.† I stared at the rowan tree, more perfect than any real one could be, its orange-colored berries bright against green leaves swaying in the breeze. I reached out and stroked one of the leaves, vaguely aware of Katrice still sobbing. A tingle of power ran through me. â€Å"It's still the Rowan Land †¦ except, it's my Rowan Land.† Things were a little awkward after that. The soldiers were no longer trying to imprison me, but they also weren't ready to jump at my every order. My companions were of little use. Imanuelle, per her nature, was content to sit back and watch the mess I'd stumbled into. Kiyo wore a disapproving look on his face, and I feared I'd have a lecture coming later. Jasmine still seemed to be in shock. The only time she came to life was when I debated what to do with Katrice and Cassius. Unsurprisingly, Jasmine's suggestion was to kill them. â€Å"Confine them to her rooms,† I ordered, hoping someone would obey me. â€Å"Guard them with †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I was kind of at a loss. Theoretically, gentry knew how this worked. Whoever controlled the land ruled, but I wasn't entirely sure the guards around here would be so keen about imprisoning the woman who had ruled them ten minutes ago. Volusian, I thought. Now that I was in control, I could summon him without fear. Then, I realized I needed him for more important things. I looked pleadingly at Kiyo, needing no words. He nodded. â€Å"I'll watch them.† He turned abruptly, urging the former royalty inside with a couple of guards who'd decided to get on board with me right away. Kiyo being on guard served two purposes. I could trust him to do a good job – and, the longer he did, the longer I was safe from his disapproval. I then spoke the words to bring Volusian to me, the sight of him further frightening those who already watched me with terror. I'd let the storm dissipate, but darkness still seemed to wrap around my minion as his red eyes assessed me, the Iron Crown, and the tree. â€Å"Unexpected,† he said. â€Å"Go to Rurik,† I told him. â€Å"Explain what happened and have him bring an occupying force here immediately.† I didn't know what that meant exactly, but I did know military control took precedence here if we were going to secure the land. Rurik would know what to do. Governing would come later. â€Å"And then †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Now I hesitated. â€Å"Have Shaya contact Dorian about what happened. Then return to me.† Volusian paused, waiting for anything else I might add. When nothing more came, he vanished, and the sun seemed to shine a little brighter. It was all a waiting game now, and I glanced around at the Rowan Land's still-stunned residents. â€Å"Well †¦ that's it. Carry on as usual. Guard the gates. No one leaves. And you †¦ go get your soup or †¦ whatever you're eating.† That was for the civilians. When no one moved, I hardened my expression and repeated my orders more loudly. Fear flashed across the Rowan citizens' faces, and they sprang into action. This inner courtyard was huge, and I spotted an unoccupied spot near some carts that must have delivered supplies earlier. I walked over to them, Jasmine following, and sat on the ground. It was a weird spot for a queen, I supposed, but I wanted to rest while waiting for Rurik. Plus, it still let me keep an eye on this delicate and dangerous situation. The bulk of the guards were out here, and I didn't think mutiny was out of the question yet. People were moving after my commands, but it was mostly to gather in anxious clusters and discuss what had happened. Jasmine sighed and leaned her head back against the wall. â€Å"I want to go home,† she said. â€Å"We will. As soon as Rurik gets here, we'll head back to the castle and let him deal with this.† â€Å"No.† Her voice was small. â€Å"My other home. The human world.† I turned to her in astonishment, dragging my gaze from some peasants who were begging the guards to let them out. â€Å"What? But you hate that world. You always said this is where you fit in.† â€Å"It is,† she agreed. â€Å"But I just want †¦ I want to get away from all this for a little while. From magic. And castles. And †¦ whatever. I want to watch TV. I maybe want to see Wil. I want to charge my iPod. And my playlist doesn't suck.† I couldn't help a laugh. â€Å"I kind of want all those things too. We'll go soon. We'll †¦ we'll cut those chains. I-I'm sorry I don't have the key with me.† She shrugged. â€Å"It's fine.† â€Å"Kiyo's going to be upset about all this,† I murmured, surprised to be confiding in her. â€Å"You did the right thing,† Jasmine said. â€Å"I mean, aside from not killing Katrice and Cassius. But you can still do that.† Any residual smile left on my lips vanished. â€Å"Cassius †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"They were lying,† she said bluntly. â€Å"He didn't do anything.† â€Å"Jasmine †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I'm serious.† She looked at me, her blue-gray gaze level and steady. â€Å"He talked a lot of talk when he came to see me †¦ touched me a little. But that was it. I think they just wanted to scare me.† She didn't elaborate on the touching. I didn't ask. I was just relieved she hadn't gone through what I had. â€Å"I'm sorry,† I told her. â€Å"I'm sorry I didn't protect you better.† Now she smiled. â€Å"You did fine. And hey, you ended the war, right? You won.† I turned away, staring off into space. â€Å"I guess I did.† We didn't talk much after that. I was tired, exhausted from all the magic. Apparently, using an ancient, powerful artifact wasn't as easy as it seemed. Neither was proving your dominance over a large piece of land. I'd felt wiped out last time but had gotten out of the Thorn Land as quickly as possible. Now, sitting here, I was stuck in the Rowan Land, still acutely aware of its every sensation. That intensity would fade, just as it had with the Thorn Land, but for now, it was like a hammer banging inside my head, demanding attention. I practically flew to the gate when Rurik arrived. Once admitted, he and the force behind him paused. Studying the situation, he had a reaction similar to Volusian's. â€Å"Really?† â€Å"Things happened kind of fast,† I admitted. â€Å"It was well done. Possessing this land was a much better idea than simply defeating Katrice in battle.† I scowled. â€Å"Well, can you possess it for now?† He grinned. â€Å"Gladly.† Turning from me, he fixed a hard gaze on those gathered. â€Å"You're all now subjects of Queen Eugenie, daughter of Tirigan Storm King,† he barked. â€Å"Kneel.† I looked on imperiously as they obeyed. I knew this was necessary to establish our control. No weakness, no hesitation. We were conquerors. I'd long since taken off the Iron Crown but wished I'd brought my normal one of authority. Oh, well. It wasn't like I could've foreseen this when packing. Everyone in the keep fell to their knees, heads bowed. We let them stay like that for several seconds while my stomach sank. Finally, they were allowed to rise, and Rurik kicked into full martial law mode, demanding an assessment of all soldiers and issuing rules for servants and refugees. He had a few tasks for me – more actions that made me seem queenly – before finally declaring I could leave. â€Å"I'll sort out the immediate problems,† he told me in a low voice. My own soldiers were now out and about, establishing order. â€Å"We'll lock this place down, start scouting the immediate area, sifting out those who can be trusted.† He paused eloquently. â€Å"I'll probably have to throw a large part of their military into the dungeon.† â€Å"Do what you have to do,† I said. I had a feeling he'd eventually want to talk executions but was holding back for now. I imagined I looked as tired as I felt. â€Å"And you simply want to imprison the former queen for now?† he asked. â€Å"For now.† Jasmine scoffed beside me, and Rurik's expression showed he shared her opinion. â€Å"Well, don't stay away long,† he said. â€Å"You need to make your presence felt. And you need to connect with the land.† â€Å"I know, I know,† I grumbled. I'd avoided the Thorn Land before, but it had kept calling me back. â€Å"I know how this works.† He arched an eyebrow, that sardonic smile of his returning. â€Å"Do you? Do you know what's happened?† I threw my hands up, gesturing around. â€Å"I got stuck with another kingdom.† â€Å"Do you know how many other monarchs control more than one kingdom?† I shook my head, presuming whoever did must live far from me. â€Å"No one,† said Rurik. â€Å"I †¦ What? No.† Dorian had mentioned conquering more than one land, making me think it must happen now and then. The Iron Crown's purpose suggested as much. â€Å"There must be someone else.† â€Å"No one,† Rurik repeated. â€Å"You're the only one. The only one in ages †¦ well, except for Storm King.† The world swayed around me again. I once more just wanted to go somewhere and lie down. My reaction brought a bigger smile to Rurik's face, but I swore there was a little sympathy in his eyes too. â€Å"Congratulations,† he said. â€Å"Congratulations, Eugenie – Queen of Rowan and Thorn.†

History of Electric Christmas Lights

History of Electric Christmas Lights Like so many things electrical, the history of electric Christmas lights begins with Thomas Edison. During the Christmas season of 1880, Edison, who had invented the incandescent bulb the previous year, hung strings of electric lights outside his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. An article in the New York Times  on December 21, 1880, described a visit by officials from the New York City government to Edisons laboratory in Menlo Park. The walk from the train station to Edisons building was lined with electric lamps was illuminated with 290 light bulbs which cast a soft and mellow light on all sides. Did You Know? The first use of electric Christmas lighting was by Thomas Edison in 1880.The first illuminated Christmas tree was shown off by one of Edisons employees to reporters who visited his Manhattan house in 1882.Electric lights were very costly at first and required the services of a trained electrician.When the cost of electric lights became affordable, their use quickly spread as they were much safer than candles. It doesnt appear from the article that Edison intended the lights to be associated with Christmas. But he was hosting a holiday dinner for the delegation from New York, and the novel lighting seemed to fit in with the holiday mood. Up to that time, it was common to illuminate Christmas trees with small candles, which could, of course, be dangerous. In 1882, an employee of Edison put on a show with electric lights that was fully intended to establish the practical application of electricity to the celebration of Christmas. Edward H. Johnson, a close friend of Edison and the president of the company Edison formed to provide illumination in New York City, used electric lights for the first time to illuminate a Christmas tree. The First Electric Christmas Tree Lights Johnson rigged up a Christmas tree with electrical lights, and, in typical style for the Edison companies, he solicited coverage in the press. An 1882 dispatch in the Detroit Post and Tribune about a visit to Johnson’s house in New York City may have been the first news coverage of electric Christmas lights. A month later, a magazine of the time, Electrical World, also reported on Johnson’s tree. Their item called it â€Å"the handsomest Christmas tree in the United States.† Two years later, the New York Times sent a reporter to Johnson’s house on the East Side of Manhattan, and an astoundingly detailed story appeared in the edition of December 27, 1884. Headlined, A Brilliant Christmas Tree: How an Electrician Amused His Children, the article began: A pretty as well as novel Christmas tree was shown to a few friends by Mr. E.H. Johnson, President of the Edison Company for Electric Lighting, last evening in his residence, No. 136 East Thirty-sixth Street. The tree was lighted by electricity, and children never beheld a brighter tree or one more highly colored than the children of Mr. Johnson when the current was turned and the tree began to revolve. Mr. Johnson has been experimenting with house lighting by electricity for some time past, and he determined that his children should have a novel Christmas tree. It stood about six feet high, in an upper room, last evening, and dazzled persons entering the room. There were 120 lights on the tree, with globes of different colors, while the light tinsel work and usual adornment of Christmas trees appeared to their best advantage in illuminating the tree. An Edison Dynamo Rotated the Tree Johnson’s tree, as the article went on to explain, was quite elaborate, and it rotated thanks to his clever use of Edison dynamos: Mr. Johnson had placed a little Edison dynamo at the foot of the tree, which by passing a current through from the large dynamo in the cellar of the house, converted it into a motor. By means of this motor, the tree was made to revolve with a steady, regular motion. The lights were divided into six sets, one set of which was lighted at a time in front as the tree went round. By a simple devise of breaking and making connection through copper bands around the tree with corresponding buttons, the sets of lights were turned out and on at regular intervals as the tree turned around. The first combination was of pure white light, then, as the revolving tree severed the connection of the current that supplied it and made connection with a second set, red and white lights appeared. Then came yellow and white and other colors. Even combinations of the colors were made. By dividing the current from the large dynamo Mr. Johnson could stop the motion of the tree without putting out the lights. The New York Times provided two more paragraphs containing even more technical detail about the Johnson familys astounding Christmas tree. Reading the article more than 120 years later, it’s obvious that the reporter considered the electric Christmas lights to be a serious invention. The First Electric Christmas Lights Were Costly While Johnson’s tree was considered a marvel, and Edison’s company tried to market electric Christmas lights, they did not become immediately popular. The cost of the lights and the services of an electrician to install them was out of the reach of the general public. However, wealthy people would hold Christmas tree parties to show off electric lighting. Grover Cleveland reportedly ordered a White House Christmas tree that was lit with Edison bulbs in 1895. (The first White House Christmas tree belonged to Benjamin Harrison, in 1889, and was lit by candles.) The use of small candles, despite their inherent danger, remained the popular method of illuminating household Christmas trees until well into the 20th century. Electric Christmas Tree Lights Made Safe A popular legend is that a teenager named Albert Sadacca, after reading about a tragic New York City fire in 1917 caused by candles lighting a Christmas tree, urged his family, which was in the novelty business, to begin manufacturing affordable strings of lights. The Sadacca family tried marketing electric Christmas lights but sales were slow at first. As people became more attuned to household electricity, strings of electric bulbs became increasing common on Christmas trees. Albert Sadacca, incidentally, became the head of a lighting company worth millions of dollars. Other companies, including most notably General Electric, entered the Christmas light business, and by the 1930s electric Christmas lights had become a standard part of holiday decorating. Early in the 20th century the tradition began of having public tree lighting. One of the most famous, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., began in 1923. A tree, place on the ellipse, at the southern end of the White House grounds, was first illuminated on December 24, 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. A newspaper report the following day described the scene: As the sun sank below the Potomac the President touched a button which lighted up the nations Christmas tree. The giant fir from his native Vermont instantly blazed with myriad electrics which shone through tinsels and reds, while those who surrounded this community tree, children and grown-ups, cheered and sang. The crowds on foot were augmented by thousands who came in motor cars, and to the music of the singers was added the discord of horns. For hours the people thronged to the ellipse, which was dark except in the spot where the tree stood, its brilliancy heightened by a searchlight which shed its rays from the Washington Monument overlooking it. Another prominent tree lighting, at Rockefeller Center in New York City, began modestly in 1931 when construction workers decorated a tree. When the office complex officially opened two years later, the tree lighting became an official event. In the modern era the Rockefeller Center tree lighting has become a yearly event carried live on national television.

How to Do Well on ACT Science for Non-Science People

How to Do Well on ACT Science for Non-Science People SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips ACT Science is really a misnomer.The test should be called the â€Å"reading with very confusing big words and tricky visuals† section.The reason ACT Science does not force you to memorize AP level Bio or complete IB Physics HL problems is that not everyone takes all of that math in high school. For ACT Science to be a fair standardized test for all high school students, the test asks you about basic science concepts in tricky or confusing ways. If you're one of those people who runs away from Math and Science Questions or considers themselves a writer or artistrather than a scientist or mathematician, do not fear! You can still get a 36 on ACT Science. The keys to success on ACT Science for non-science people are: Focusing only on what you need to know and practicing those skills, specifically: Scientific Method The 13 topics the ACT Science section expects you to know Reading visuals Avoiding the science terms Focusing on the reading aspect I'll delve into these three topics below. Focusing Only on What You Need to Know and Practicing Those Skills As I mentioned above, there is very, very little actual science you need to understand for ACT Science. However, you do need to have a basic understanding of these three categories. Scientific Method This is the basis for all of the passages in the ACT Science section.I will give you a basic summary of the scientific method, and you can read more about it in my Experimental Design question article.Scientists use the scientific method for all experiments. Scientists begin by observing something they want to study such as the freezing point of water. They notice water freezes somewhere between -5 and 5 degrees Celsius and want to know at exactly what temperature it will happen.Scientists then make a prediction or a hypothesis about what will happen. These scientists predict that the water will freeze at 1 degree Celsius. Scientists then conduct an experiment to test this hypothesis. To conduct an experiment, scientists use independent variables and dependent variable.The variables that the scientists actively change are the independent variables. The variables that they then observe are the dependent variables.In this case, the scientists put 5 g of water into freezers. Each freezer is set to a different measurement: -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees Celsius. The freezer temperature is the independent variable.After 2 hours, the scientists check each freezer and note whether the water in the freezer is solid or liquid. Liquid or solid is the dependent variable. Scientists then draw a conclusion from the results.The scientists find that all water at or below 0 degrees Celsius froze while all water at or above 1 degree Celsius remained a liquid.So, their hypothesis was incorrect. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius. ACT Science Tip: You do not need to memorize the steps of the scientific method to ace the ACT Science section.You just need to understand that Scientists are looking to see how a change in one thing affects the outcome. How a change in the independent variable affects the dependent variable.You need to be able to distinguish between these variables on the test.Check out our Experimental Design article for more practice on this topic. The 13 Topics ACT Science Expect You to Know There are 13 science topics that the ACT Science section expects you to know, ranging from basic cell biology to how gravity works.There will only be 4 questions per test on these topics (out of 40 questions), and the ACT will not give you information on these topics in the passage.Check out this previous knowledge question below: In order to answer this question, you need to use the information from the passage, that â€Å"A pre-MS star becomes an MS star when the star produces the majority of its energy by fusing hydrogen nuclei (protons) at its center to make helium nuclei.†On top of this information, you need to know that protons are positively charged and like charges repel each other.So, the answer is G. I wrote an entire article covering all13 topics: check it out here.Make flashcards for each topic and drill them until you know them.If you are looking to score a 30 or below on ACT Science, do not stress too much about memorizing these topics as you could get all 4 questions wrong and still score around a 30. Instead, focuson the next skill covered, as it is the most tested: Reading Visuals This is the key to success on all ACT Science Passages.This is the most tested skill on the ACT Science section.Learn the basics of reading graphs and other visuals through our article on Factual Questions: How to Read Graphs, Tables and Data.Continue to practice this skill by taking ACT Science Practice Tests: check out our article on where to find the best practice tests. Avoiding the Science Terms As I said before, ACT Science is really a misnomer.You DO NOT need to comprehend the large science terms used in the passages.If you do need to know it to answer a question, the passage will explain what it means. See the example below: You can see in this passage they give you definitions for most of the terms: refracted, seismograph, focus, shadowzone, the types of seismic waves, the difference between p and s waves. When the ACT Science section doesn’t give you the definition of a word, don’t sweat it.Think of ACT Science questions as a matching game.You see a word you don’t understand in the question like average change in AGTB, and you match the word to its partner in the visuals: You never actually have to explain what it means. DO NOT stress over these big terms.Think of them as placeholders. Focus on the Reading Aspect As I’ve said many times, ACT Science is not really a science test; it is a reading test.So if you are a writer/artist, who loves to read, focus on that aspect.Think of it as reading section #2 where you happen to read about science experiments or studies.Read our article on The Best Strategies for Reading ACT Science Passages to make sure you are getting the most out of your reading skills. Recap Do not worry about your dislike of science; you can still get a 36 on the Science section.Study the material you need to know: Make sure you understand the scientific method. Check out our article on Experimental Design for more information. Study the only actual science material you need to know. Make flashcards using our other article The Only Actual Science You Need to Know for ACT Science Practice reading visuals as it is the most tested skill on the ACT Science section. Check out our article on Factual Questions: How to Read Graphs, Tables, and Data for more information. Do not get caught up in the big, scary science terms. Instead, think of the section as a matching game.Focus on the reading aspect if you enjoy reading! What’s Next? Keep practicing by learningabout the different types of ACT Science questions suchasfactual questions,interpreting trends questions, experimental design questions, and interpreting experiments questions. In a hurry to study for the ACT? Learnhow to cram. Not sure where you want to go to college? We can help you pick your target school and figure out what should be your target ACT score. Like this article? Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes what you study to your strengths and weaknesses. If you liked this Sciencelesson, you'll love our program.Along with more detailed lessons, you'll get thousands ofpractice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Check out our 5-day free trial: Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article! Tweet Dora Seigel About the Author As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Get FREE EXCLUSIVE insider tips on how to ACE THE SAT/ACT. 100% Privacy. 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Wal-Mart at the New York Stock Exchange Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wal-Mart at the New York Stock Exchange - Essay Example The company is one of the biggest retailers in the world and deals in various products ranging from food items and clothing to electronics and pharmaceuticals. It operates in three business segments – Walmart US, Walmart International and Sam’s club. The company has operations in all states of the US besides 11 other countries including the developing economies like China and India (50). Ernst and Young LLP are Wal-Mart’s independent auditors. The auditors in their report have stated that the internal controls over the financial reporting are satisfactory and as per accounting principles as of January 31, 2011, and that the statements presented in the annual report provide the fair financial position of the company as a whole for both the years 2010 and 2011. Industry outlook The retail industry is one of the most competitive and unpredictable industries. With the world becoming a global village, it has become imperative that organizations in this sector reach ou t to unexplored geographical locations earlier than their competitors to take advantage of the new markets. For this, they need to be quick to adapt to the new cultures of these markets. This sector also has competition from technological innovations in communication. Since it has now become easier to get in touch with the customer through the internet, companies need to utilize these facilities to the fullest and at the earliest. Environmental concerns are also the issues which the companies in this sector cannot ignore. Future plans As per the CEO, Duke â€Å"the company has five-point priorities – growth by adding customers†¦..expanding the company sustainability effort† (D’Innocenzio and Bartels). Expansion within the US remains his top priority as well. The company plans to increase its Sam’s Club membership by improving the customer experience for its members. They also plan to increase transparency is the price. Wal-Mart is also planning to ex pand web presence to more geographical locations. Wal-Mart US is experimenting with new formats and is planning to launch Walmart Express to start with. Walmart international is targeting to increase new space by 23 to 24 million square feet in emerging markets this year. Income Statement analysis The company uses multi-step income statement. The company’s gross margin was at 25.26% in 2011 as against 25.4% in 2010. This shows that the gross profit did not show much change as a percentage of sales over the two years. In absolute numbers, the gross profits for 2011 and 2010 (in millions) were $106,562 and $103, 641respectively. Income from operations before income tax (in millions) was $23,538 in 2011 and $22,118 in 2010. The increase in both these incomes is attributable to increased sales due to its expansion into new markets and increase in the number of stores. The company increased its floor space by 3.4% during the financial year 2011 (Annual Report 17). The favorable ex change rate also helped the sales figure to increase (17). One more reason for this increase is the reduction of the effect of the financial crisis in US markets. Cash Flow statement analysis Cash Flow statement shows that the net cash (in millions) provided by the operating activities for 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $23,643, $26,249 and $23,147 respectively.

The Proponents of the Monument to Forrest Research Paper

The Proponents of the Monument to Forrest - Research Paper Example Courts of law have held that it is up to the judicial system to decide if certain acts carried out in private capacity under the First Amendment are publicly acceptable. Court rulings provide that private acts under the First Amendment are acceptable as long as they do not encroach on the rights of other citizens (Mitchell). For example, a person can decide to shed their clothes in private, but this behaviour cannot take place in public since it leads to obscene behaviour. Under the First Amendment and the right to public expression, a person could theoretically shed their clothes and go public, but under court rulings, this has been exposed as public indecency (Mitchell). In the current situation, the monument to Forrest is being erected on private land, but this private land is publicly exposed to the town centre. The monument to Forrest would be clearly visible from the town centre, and so it would become a public affair. If Nathan Bedford Forrest was recognized as a hero by membe rs of all communities living in Selma, it would be acceptable to erect such a monument to pay homage. However, Forrest is a disputed personality in terms of his historical acceptability to various communities and may provoke outrage in African Americans living in the town. Erecting such a monument in Selma may lead to racial strife between black and anti-black groups, which may trigger violent outcomes. In order to prevent violence and racial friction, it would be pertinent to ensure that the monument to Forrest is not erected near major public centres.

Netscape IPO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Netscape IPO - Essay Example That Netscape would now be in the dustbin of history, having been demolished by Microsoft during the browser war when it buckled under the killer strategy of Bill Gates’ bundled Windows operating system with the its browser, Internet Explorer and having bought by AOL in March 1999 – many questions still abound on what went wrong, and what could have been avoided. The company was led by both the talented (Marc Andreessen and the experienced manager (Jim Clark) and had the backing of the well-known venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. No less than Morgan Stanley would be the lead underwriters for its IPO. In the end, the dilemma faced by the board of directors of whether to give in its Wall Street underwriters’ proposal of raising the initial stock price form $14 to $28 and increasing the number of shares to 5 million due to favorable response to the investment roadshow or risk a public verdict of opportunism for doing so (Backstrand 7)– was rendered moot and academic. Netscape opened to an overwhelming response from investors who took the stock price to as much as $75 after a delayed opening of $71 per share. On the other hand, the question of whether the investors made a good decision in paying so much for the stock an untested company had to place it in the context of the condition of the industry, Netscape’s company strategy and how IPOs in general fare as investments. ... Condition of the industry: In the mid-nineties, the Internet industry was at the start of its boom period. There were no clear indicators where it would be headed - a condition that had been comparably described when the PC was thought of in the early 1980s when the IPO of Apple Computers mirrored the wildly exuberant public reception of Netscape's IPO (Blodget n.p.). There were various theories of what the Internet would be - some thought that it would be like glamorized surfing of TV shows and those who would be winners in the era would those sites that would offer great design and content (Blodget n.p.). Fast forward to a decade later - the winners would be a search engine called Google, a book seller now an around retailer, Amazon.com and an on-line community of buyers and sellers called ebay.com. Netscape was proclaimed a winner too soon in the game, like Apple was. Though Apple Computers remains as a company today, the big winners of the IPO era of the PC industry were those who entered it later in the phase - as could be seen in Microsoft IPO in 1986 and Dell in 1988 (Blodget n.p.). The Internet community more than ten years ago was miniscule (57 million users according to the International Data Corporation) compared to what it is today, but even by then, it was growing by leaps and bounds. The web browser market in 1994 was dominated by the Mosaic web browser program that was created by Netscape co-founder, the 23-year old Marc Andreessen (Backstrand 3). When Andreesen teamed up with middle-aged Jim Clark, the founder of Silicon Graphics, Netscape successfully set a new industry standard through its Netscape Navigator program and wrestled market leadership from Mosaic. Netscape's share of the market by 2005 was at 75% while Mosaic,

Market Analysis for Male Condom Product

Market Analysis for Male Condom Product Introduction This report aims to explore the possible business opportunity of condom manufacturing of a Novelty Condom (Lolly), with particular emphasis on the public and private sector markets for the male condom. In considering the market for male condoms in South Africa, it is prudent to separate the discussion into public sector and private sector markets, and within these markets to consider procurement, distribution and sale of the products. Executive Summary Market / Industry/ Description (Makro) South African condom manufacturers are not competitive in the global market. This has led to their reliance on the governments condom procurement contract, which they are awarded on a preferential basis. It is as yet unclear whether government will continue to show preference to local manufacturers. If it does, this may further negatively impact the manufacturers competitiveness, and limit their market to the local public sector. If government decides to award future contracts to the most competitive bidders, some local manufacturers may go out of business. Socio Cultural There is no other product on the market apart from condoms that gives dual protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as well as protection against unplanned pregnancy. In South Africa, the burden of STIs and HIV is enormous. The Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA), (source: www.actuarialsociety.org.za) has developed a demographic and AIDS model (latest ASSA 2003) that makes use of data from several sources to project the potential course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the demographic impact that it is having. According to the latest version of the model, some 5.4 million South Africans were infected with HIV in mid-2006. The has escalated to 5, 934, 183 in 2007 (source: Quantec Database and ECSSEC Analysis, 2009). The model further indicates that prevalence is higher for women in the 15-34 age groups, while it is higher for men in the older ages. Furthermore, the ASSA model predicts that the number of people infected will continue to rise, to exceed 6 million by 2015. Accumulated AIDS deaths will be close to 5.4 million by the same year. In terms of incidence, i.e. the number of new infections occurring, the 15-24 year age group, and particularly women, contributes the highest numbers of new infections. Biology, gender roles, sexual norms and inequalities in access to resources and decision-making power put women and girls at greater risk of infection. Many women have insufficient information about sexual and reproductive health and do not understand the risks associated with their own or their partners sexual behaviour. Many of those who do recognise their vulnerability are powerless to protect themselves. Other STIs also take their toll. In South Africa, the prevalence of STIs is estimated to range from 5% to over 30% in various population sub-groups and localities depending on the type of STI (source: ASSA and Quantec Database). It is important to note that, in addition to the disease and disability STIs themselves cause, they also increase the risk of acquiring HIV during intercourse as a result of inflammation and ulceration. Male condoms are widely available in South Africa, both through public sector condom distribution programmes as well as for sale through retail outlets. The range of products available in the private sector is broad, catering for various user sizes, as well as other novel user preferences such as taste, colour and texture (Our target market: Novel Condom User). The availability of female condoms is much more limited. And finally, although this is a practice and not a product, male circumcision has recently received a lot of attention as research has shown that the practice can reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Although this method cannot be used on its own to prevent HIV transmission, there are concerns in some quarters that miscommunication about the link between male circumcision and HIV transmission could potentially result in the practice being used as a substitute for condom use. Adapted from: Outlook, May 2006 Economic Employment potential Condom manufacturing is both capital and labour intensive. In particular, the sampling and testing of batches of condoms, which is a critical component of the manufacturing process, is facilitated by hand. In Thailand, which is one of the worlds leading exporters of condoms, it has been found that young women are best suited to this work as it is repetitive, precise and requires a high degree of speed and dexterity. The incumbent local manufacturers employ an average of 100 people. A new condom manufacturing facility could thus potentially provide employment for up to 100 semi-skilled young women.The following inputs are required to set up a male condom manufacturing facility. Legal In South Africa there are no compulsory regulations governing the manufacturing and testing of condoms. The Department of Health, as the primary purchaser of locally manufactured condoms, acts as an indirect regulator of the industry by requiring that all public sector male condoms be designed and manufactured according to technical specifications set by the World Health Organisation. These specifications include design, performance and packaging requirements, as well as general requirements that specify the safety of constituent materials and other characteristics, such as shelf life. In addition public sector condoms, irrespective of whether they are made locally or imported from overseas, need to be tested to the same quality standards and approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Outside of the public sector, manufacturers may apply to the SABS for a â€Å"standardization mark† to illustrate that their product complies with the SABS requirements. Compliance with the standard is however voluntary and not compulsory. Technological Political Competitor Review The South African condom manufacturing industry is an oligopoly made up of four companies, whose main customer is the Department of Health. The manufacturing facilities operate at or below their total production capacity, and further capacity will be created by the end of 2007. This points to a saturated industry that would not welcome a new entrant. Table 5 below is a summary of the operations of the four manufacturers. Table 3: Local manufacturers of male condoms Company Rrt Medcon Zalatex Karex Wupro Date established 2001 1990 2001 1999 Location Kwazulu-Natal Gauteng Mpumalanga Kwazulu-Natal Products manufactured Male condom Male condom Examination gloves Surgical gloves Male condom Male condom Linen savers Diapers Choice condom (pieces per year) 63,750 000 38,250 000 72,250 000 38,250 000 Own brand condom (pieces per year) Viva (â€Å"small Positions African Skin (â€Å"very small quantities†) Carex (1,200 000) Socially marketed condoms (pieces per year) Lovers Plus Trust (10,000 000) Export (pieces per year) Carex (1,000 000) Ad hoc Total manufacturing capacity (pieces per year) 180,000 000 72,000 000 150,000 000 40,000 000 Employees 106 110 160 60 Competing products: There are currently no other products that have been developed for men to protect against STIs, HIV and pregnancy. The male condom remains the primary prevention tool for men. Newer forms of male condoms include synthetic non-latex condoms made from materials such as polyurethane and styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), which have a longer shelf life, can be used with oil-based lubricants, and can be used by men who have latex sensitivity/allergy. These products are however not readily available in South Africa. Foreign manufacturers In addition to competition from other local manufacturers, foreign manufacturers of male condoms are also important role-players in the South African market. A review of data from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) of all the foreign manufactured condoms available in South Africa shows that India, China and Malaysia are the key competing countries. Table 7 below illustrates the share of the total Rand value of imported condoms for the key competing countries. Table 5: Percentage share of imports by country 2006 Country Rand value of imports % of total imports China 21,045 189 35.94 Malaysia 13,948 863 23.82 India 5,192 677 8.87 Source: SA Customs Excise The key competitive advantages of the foreign manufacturers include: * Proximity to raw material (natural rubber latex) * Competitive labour costs * Output typically greater that 450 million pieces per year, so can benefit from economies of scale. Product Price Expected margins: A manufacturer in the industry can expect to realise profit margins between 5% and 20% (General Manager, Karex). Below is an illustration of the estimated revenues for Karex. Table 4: Case study Karex Condom type Number of pieces sold Selling price (R/piece) Revenue Choice 72,250 000 R0.20 R14,659 525 Lovers Plus + Trust 10,000 000 R0.50 R5,000 000 Carex (export) 1,000 000 R0.90 R900 000 Carex (retail) 1,200 000 R1,00 R1,200 000 Total revenue R21,759 525 Given that all male latex condoms are essentially similar in terms of their manufacturing process, it stands to reason that volumes are a major determinant of the margins that a manufacturer can realise. Therefore in the current market, a manufacturer would need to have Government as a client in order for their operation to be viable. Table 2: Average price charged per 3-pack of condoms Condom Brand Average price per 3-pack Lovers Plus R7.20 Trust R5.33 Durex R24.99 Lifestyle R9.95 Distribution Promotion Company Image /Brand Suppliers Management Skills and Resources Larry Davin CEO – PHD in Nothing Khuthele Bovu Director – PHD in business science marketing and Finance ECT ECT Core Competencies SWOT Analysis The above analysis should enable us to determine what variables will have an effect on the success or failure of the business. Potential Internal strengths and weaknesses have been looked at as well as external opportunities and threats. Ansoff Market Matrix Key Issues and New Opportunities. 5 Points to be determined from the Ansoff Matrix MARKETING OBJECTIVES (Must be SMART) PMS objectives Marketing objectives Objectives from new opportunities and key issues. 3.3.1 Male condom manufacturing A new entrant into the male condom manufacturing industry in South Africa would face a saturated industry in which a handful of companies operate. Furthermore a new entrant would need to compete with foreign manufacturers who are able to achieve cost-competitiveness through scale, cheaper labour and ready access to raw material. As government is the most significant customer in the market, failure to secure a contract with the DoH would jeopardise the viability of any operation. In addition, the requirement for a manufacturer to demonstrate existing capacity would mean setting up a facility at risk, with no certainty of securing the major customer. In the retail environment, the manufacturer would need to compete with well established brands such as Durex and Lifestyle. South Africa is a net importer of male and female condoms. Import s from the three primary source countries of latex condoms are shown in the table below. South Africa also imports from other countries such as the UK, Thailand, Germany and Korea. Table 9: Imports to South Africa of rubber sheath contraceptives (Rand value) Import source 2004 2005 2006 Total imports 79,023,113 59,044,723 58,556,392 China 43,002,818 29,602,084 21,045,189 Malaysia 16,101,512 12,468,383 13,948,863 India 2,606,106 6,604,586 5,192,677 Source: SA Customs Excise The Rand value of exports of condoms from South Africa is very small in comparison. Local manufacturers export primarily to other African countries. Table 10: South African exports of rubber sheath contraceptives (Rand value) Export market 2004 2005 2006 Total exports 1,826,715 2,789,604 3,111,135 Mozambique 1,456,616 1,379,926 1,646,028 Malawi 0 666 940,000 Angola 12,085 995,291 360,514 Congo 0 104,244 145,826 Source: SA Customs Excise It is important to note that these s do not only reflect the value of South African manufactured condom exports, but also those foreign manufactured condoms that are packaged in South Africa and then exported. Possible reasons for the poor export performance of South African manufacturers are discussed earlier in this report. It remains to be seen whether local manufacturers will become more competitive in the future, or whether the proposed preferential procurement of local condoms by the DoH and the degree of protection that provides to local manufacturers will further jeopardise the success of local condom products in the global market. Table 9: Inputs required – male condom factory Input required Components Infrastructure Land Construction and civil works Machinery Automatic dipping line High voltage dry electronic testing machine Condom foil sealing machine Automatic burst tester Electrolyte water test machine Tensile tester Length measuring gauge Miscellaneous condom testing laboratory equipment Other equipment and accessories Motor vehicles Generator Office equipment and accessories Materials Rubber latex Lubricant Packaging material Human resources Factory labour Management team: must have financial, production and marketing know-how. Target Market Identification Segmentation South African Market for Condoms In South Africa public sector condoms constitute the bulk of the condoms available. In 2006 approximately 428 million male condoms were distributed through public sector channels, against 36 million units sold in retail outlets. Source: Society for Family Health, 2007 With a crippled economy forcing millions of cash-strapped Americans to entertain themselves at home, its not surprising that one particular product is seeing a sales increase — condoms. (Source: www.usatoday.com). While car purchases plummeted and designer clothes mostly stayed on the racks, sales of condoms in the U.S. rose 5% in the fourth quarter of 2008, and 6% in January vs. the same time periods the previous year. (Source: The Nielsen Co). South Africans could not be outdone by their American counterparts. According to the research conducted by the IOL (www.iol.co.za), it has also been a boom time for South Africas leading condom manufacturers, with sales up 55 percent on last year. â€Å"There has been a 50-percent increase in sales, which is probably a combination of marketing activities together with the Aids message finally filtering through to consumers, said Dave Glass, general manager of Adcock, which distributes the Lifestyles and up-market Contempo brand condoms. Competitor Durex SA reported a 35-percent growth in its condom sales in the same period, according to its spokesperson J Giles. While a three-pack of Contempo condoms will cost anywhere from about R20 to R27, Glass said increased sales in the lower-priced Lifestyles brand (about R10 for 3) may have been a sign that people were willing to pay for protection in the wake of last years recall of government condoms. Government, through the Department of Health, is the key role-player in the public sector. Private sector condoms are those that are available at commercial prices from retail outlets as well as those sold at subsidized prices through social marketing programmes. The dominance of the public sector market is likely to continue into the future, given the priority and resources that government has made available towards the fight against HIV/AIDS, and also considering that the targeted end-user (mainly Black youth) generally cannot afford to pay retail prices for condoms. If a new manufacturer is to enter the South African condom market, five segments of the market will need to be assessed to determine which hold the greatest potential for future sales. Positioning and strategy Key ingredients for success The most critical ingredient for the success of a new condom manufacturer is securing the Department of Health contract. Without this, none of the other potential market segments would be sufficient to render the operation viable. innovation is important (novelty), so that a good quality product is developed which can be sold at a reasonable price. In addition, generating demand for the product is important, so substantial effort will need to be devoted to creating and promoting the appropriate marketing message for the product. Other factors that will contribute to a successful operation are: A project management team to ensure sound operations, marketing and financial control. Close co-operation with national and international organisations working in the area of reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention. Furthermore, a manufacturer who is bidding for a portion of the government contract needs to show existing production capacity. This will require considerable set-up costs to be incurred, without the certainty of securing the major client. POSITIONING STRATEGY Government HIV prevention is the backbone of governments National HIV AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa 2007-2011. The primary aims of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) are to: Reduce the rate of new infections by 50% by 2011. Reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS by expanding treatment, care and support to 80% of all HIV positive people and their families by 2011. An important intervention to reduce the rate of new infections is the distribution of male and female condoms. The Department of Health (DoH) is responsible for the management of quality control and related logistics for public sector condoms. Male and female condoms are distributed free of charge to various sites. The distribution of male condoms includes hospitals and clinics as primary distribution sites, with secondary distribution extending to non-governmental organisations, workplaces, and other locations. Female condoms are distributed to selected sites and require one-on-one counselling on their use. Governments male condom distribution pattern and the projected future distribution are illustrated in the table below. The DoH procures condoms through a tender process. The current two year contract, which started in October 2005, has been extended and will expire in February 2008. The Department currently procures male condoms from all four of the local manufacturers as well as from foreign manufacturers. Table 1: Government male condom suppliers Contractor % allocated Type Unit price per 200 pieces (R) Maximum contract quantities ( ‘000 p/a) Karex 17% Local 40.58 72 250 Wupro 9% Local 43.03 38 250 rrtMedcon 15% Local 47.31 63 750 Zalatex 9% Local 41.01 38 250 Equity Distributor 17% Imported (China) 39.58 72 250 Khusela 17% Imported (Malaysia) 39.58 72 250 Supex International 16% Imported (China) 40.00 68 000 Source: Department of Health, July 2007 In the current contract, all four local manufacturers were allocated a portion of the contract, despite a wide variation between the lowest and highest prices, and despite the fact that all the locally manufactured condoms were more expensive than the imported product. Discussions with National Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) give conflicting views of how future tenders will be adjudicated. In Treasurys view, future tenders should be more stringently governed by cost-competitiveness, where the price per unit is limited to a specified range which is benchmarked against international prices. The DTI however believes that preference should be given to local manufacturers, in particular small and medium sized companies (value of assets less than R200 million). Discussions are on-going between the DoH, Treasury and the DTI. It is unlikely, though, that an agreement will be finalised before the awarding of the government condom tender in the first quarter of 2008, a nd the current preferential treatment of South African manufacturers will remain. A new manufacturer will need to show existing manufacturing capability, although there will be no minimum level of capacity that be required. The South African non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector is not a significant segment in the condom market, as many of the organisations active in the HIV/AIDS and reproductive health space form part of governments condom distribution channel and do not themselves procure condoms directly from suppliers. An important exception to this rule is the Society for Family Health (SFH), the South African affiliate of the international NGO network, Population Services International (PSI). PSI was founded in 1970 in Washington DC, with the intention to improve reproductive health using commercial marketing strategies. With programs in malaria, reproductive health, child survival and HIV, PSI promotes products, services and healthy behaviour that enable low-income and vulnerable people to lead healthier lives. PSI has a presence in over 60 countries around the world. In South Africa, PSI concentrates on issues related to HIV/AIDS. The organisation, through SFH, uses social marketing to motivate behaviour change with respect to consistent condom use, HIV testing, and other safer behaviours. SFH promotes consistent condom use through its own two male condom brands, Lovers Plus and Trust. The organisation procures 24 million male condoms per year from local and foreign suppliers. In addition, SFH obtains free female condoms from the DoH, which are then marketed under the Care brand and sold at retail outlets. SFH sells approximately 6000 female condoms per month. SFH also assists the DoH with the distribution of its free condoms. The organisation distributes approximately 8 million public sector male condoms per month in Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Retail The retail sector accounts for 7.8% of the male condom market in South Africa. Male condoms are widely available for sale in retail outlets. The most widely available condoms are the socially marketed brands, Lovers Plus and Trust. A study carried out by PSI in November 2006 looking at coverage of Lovers Plus and Trust condoms in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg found that most areas of the three cities met the minimum standards for coverage, where coverage was defined as the number of geographically defined areas where at least 30% of outlets stock Lovers Plus and Trust. These outlets included traditional outlets such as pharmacies, top-end retailers and general dealers, as well as non-traditional outlets such as garage forecourts, hair salons and shebeens. Approximately 36 million male condoms are sold in South Africa per year, with approximately 70% of those sales being of Lovers Plus and Trust condoms. (Senior Marketing Manager, SFH). The balance of the sales is made up by Durex, Lifestyle, Contempo, and various other locally manufactured and imported condoms. Corporate The corporate sector in South Africa has woken up to the reality of the HIV epidemic. Many companies have HIV awareness and management programmes for their employees. However, although corporate HIV programmes include condom distribution as a key element, the majority of companies distribute free government condoms to their employees. A snap survey of 10 corporate members of the South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (SABCOHA) found that all but one company, Chevron South Africa, distribute free Government male condoms to their employees. The companies indicated that they saw no need to buy condoms directly from suppliers when free public sector condoms were easily available. The companies do not normally distribute female condoms. Some have bought female condoms in the past for training purposes. Export South Africas export of male condoms to date has been erratic, and local manufacturers have found it difficult to find a market for their products. The global condom market is dominated by low-cost manufacturers from Thailand, Malaysia, India and China, who are located in close proximity to natural rubber latex plantations. Local manufacturers have not been able to compete. Although all four of the local manufacturers have at some point exported their product, particularly to Mozambique, Malawi, Angola and Congo Brazzaville, at present only Karex exports condoms, about 1 million pieces per year, to Congo Brazzaville. Market Mix Strategy Target Market Strategies Global market for condoms The global condom market is estimated to be worth $3 billion, (source: www.marketresearch.com). The public sector is an important market segment globally, with between 6 and 9 billion male condom units consumed by that segment annually Though the prevention of pregnancy is still an important function of condoms, the driving force for growth is the prevention of STIs, in particular HIV/AIDS. Given the rapid spread of HIV in China, India and recently South Africa (in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa), and the large sizes of their respective populations, it is expected that annual public sector demand for condoms, both male and female, will reach 19 billion units by 2015. (Source: Female Health Company, 2007).