1.0 Analysis of the product and main competitors
1.1 Mak’s Noodles restaurant
Mak’s Noodle is a renowned Cantonese restaurant based in Hong Kong which specializes in wonton noodles (Mak’s Noodles, 2018). The brand is reputable for its springy, thin plump wontons and noodles filled with Chunky sprawn in flavor soup. It dates back to 1920 when it was first established in Guangzhou, China but later moved its headquarters to Hong Kong during World War II. Mak’s noodles products are distinct from the uniqueness of the Cantonese traditional eateries and have found an attractive market in Asian countries.
1.2 Product layer analysis of Mak’s Noodles
1.2.1 Core benefits
Mak’s Noodles have been branded as the “best wanton noodle in Hong Kong” as the brand ensures following the exact recipe handed down for generations which were based on traditional health nutrition (Mak’s Noodles, 2018). Wanton noodles served in the restaurant are an attractive option for healthy eating since they are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in energy and fiber. However, they have high sodium content, especially in the soup. As obesity becomes a health concern, Wanton noodles provide a medically proven diet for weight loss due to their low calories content.
1.2.2 Actual product
Wonton noodles are served in a tiny bowl since they were originally meant as a snack rather than a full dish. The noodles don’t become mushy because of the small serving size. The noodle texture and flavor are springy (Mak’s Noodles, 2018). Mak’s noodles take pleasure in the fact that each wonton contains marinated prawns. Mak’s family has a secret recipe that has been passed down through three generations. The wonton noodles are lush and delicate, and the prawns within are cooked just long enough to provide a pleasant bite. The noodles are ample and cooked to perfection (not too firm, not too soft). The soup is thick, flavourful, and greasy (in a good way) (Mak’s Noodles, 2018).
1.2.3 Augmented products
Although the serving in Mak’s Noodles is quite modest, it works well as a mid-afternoon snack. The hospitality offered in the restaurant reflects international standards. The complimentary tea that arrived with the noodles is a lovely surprise to all guests. The restaurant also provides updates and promotions to customers on digital platforms. Lastly, Mak’s Noodle is currently available in Honestbee delivery services hence allowing customers to order and receive their wontons timely (Mak’s Noodles, 2018).
1.3 Value proposition of Mak’s Wanton noodles
Mak’s Wanton Noodles are uniquely prepared using a more than 100 years formula passed over generations which maximizes health benefits, taste, and attractiveness coupled with the modest serving provided in the Cantonese restaurant.
1.4 Five-forces analysis
| Threats to new entry
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| Competitive rivalry
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| Supplier power
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| Buyers bargaining power
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| Threats of substitutes
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2.0 Business analysis of Malaysia
| Economic
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Political
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| Social-cultural
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Technological factors
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2.1 Opportunities for entering the nation
Malaysia as described above have immense financial strength. This implies that the purchasing capacity of most people is high. Mak’s Noodle’s which are highly-priced will find an attractive market in Malaysia due to the financial stability of the country. Secondly, the country enjoys great peace and harmony which provides a conducive environment for the development and growth of the brand. Government stability, as well as social harmony, is primary for the company to thrive. The technological aspects of the country will aid the brand in creating more awareness because most people are connected to the internet.
2.2 Challenges for entering the nation
Malaysia is ranked 61 out of 180 most corrupt countries (Beh, 2019). The term “sweetener” as referred in Malaysia is a bribe. Its common in all political social and economic circles and an incoming brand will be challenged by various personnel calling for bribes. Secondly, the country registers one of the least unemployment in the world. This will mean that there is no available labor for the brand to harness.
3.0 A review of possible entry strategies
3.1 Direct exporting market entry
Direct exporting, the most prevalent kind of entrance approach, is an option for the brand (Ali et al., 2015). The corporation ships or sells items in the Malaysian market as part of its exporting strategy. This might be accomplished through the company’s existing overseas market outlets. Indirect exporting, on the other hand, entails the exporting business selling its products to another customer (importer), who then sells them to other international markets (Wölfl 2014, p. 73). Exporting can also take the form of online marketing, which involves conducting business through the internet. The brand may sell its products to the Malaysian market over the internet if it continued to manufacture in its native economy.
3.2 Licensing and franchising
Mak’s Noodles creates a license agreement with a foreign company in Malaysia, allowing that company to control specific intellectual property. A domestic corporation agrees to pay a royalty or a proportion of overall sales returns in exchange for these rights. The rights may differ according to the type of agreement, the patent item or brand, design features, or trademarks. The fundamental benefit of licensing is that when Mak’s Noodles enters or foreign market, it accrues the least entry expenses. There is a dispersion of business risks, and a multinational investor might increase its portfolio by leveraging the success characteristics of a local firm (Root, 2018).
4.0 Recommended entry strategy
It recommended that Mak’s Noodle uses licensing and franchising entry strategy to enter Malaysia. The fundamental benefit of licensing is that it allows a foreign company to join a new or foreign market with the lowest possible entry expenses. There is a dispersion of business risks, and a multinational company might increase its portfolio by leveraging the success characteristics of a local firm (Root, 2018). The majority of company operations are standardized in this manner of entry. Franchising has been referred to as specialized licensing by several worldwide marketing experts. This form is mostly utilized by service businesses that want to make long-term, binding agreements with one another (Gillespie and Hennessey, 2011). This form of entrance has the benefit of allowing for fast or exponential growth at cheap expenses. Franchised enterprises, according to international trade experts, have some control over the activities of domestic enterprises (Root, 2018).
Because it is little or very no investment, the licensor’s risk is modest. A licensee/franchisee is a person who lives in the same nation as the government, limiting government intrusion. As a result, there are no roadblocks in the way of business. Because he is a local person, the licensee has a better awareness of the market and relationships, ensuring that marketing objectives are met. No other foreign entity, except Licensee/Franchise, is permitted to use such trademarks and licenses.
References
Ali, A., Krapfel Jr, R., & LaBahn, D. (2015). Product innovativeness and entry strategy: impact on cycle time and break‐even time. Journal of Product Innovation Management: An International Publication of the Product Development & Management Association, 12(1), 54-69.
Beh, L. (2019). Public ethics and corruption in Malaysia. In Public Administration in Southeast Asia (pp. 171-191). Routledge.
Fadhil, M. A., & Almsafir, M. K. (2015). The role of FDI inflows in economic growth in Malaysia (time series: 1975-2010). Procedia Economics and Finance, 23, 1558-1566.
Gillespie, K., & Hennessey, H. D 2011, Global marketing. Australia, Cengage Learning, South-Western.
Green, D. H., Barclay, D. W., & Ryans, A. B. (1995). Entry strategy and long-term performance: Conceptualization and empirical examination. Journal of marketing, 59(4), 1-16.
Ismail, N. A. (2022). Space Sector Development in Malaysia. In ASEAN Space Programs (pp. 43-55). Springer, Singapore.
Mak’s Noodles. (2018, June 20). Sassy Hong Kong. https://www.sassyhongkong.com/city-guide/maks-noodles/
Noor, N. M., & Leong, C. H. (2013). Multiculturalism in Malaysia and Singapore: contesting models. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 37(6), 714-726.
Root, F. R 2018, Entry strategies for international markets, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
Siddiquee, N. A., & Mohamed, M. Z. (2017). The paradox of public sector reforms in Malaysia: A good governance perspective. Public Administration Quarterly, 284-312.
Wölfl, A. 2014, ‘Productivity growth in services industries: is there a role for measurement?’ International Productivity Monitor, vol. 8, pp. 66-80.
Stress And Self-Care Free Writing Sample
My relationship with stress
Stress is the physical reaction of our bodies to the strain of a certain circumstance or incident in our lives. Inevitably, stress is a part of the human experience, and it may act as an incentive for me to finish my obligations (Markle, 2020). The type of work that nurses do causes them to experience significant levels of work-related pressure, exhaustion, and lack of job satisfaction, in addition to poor overall health and well-being. It is possible that excessive stress induced by a serious sickness, losing a job, a loss in the family, or a painful life event is a natural part of the human condition, even if it is extreme (Murdaugh, 2019). A period of sadness or anxiety is typical, and you may experience these sensations for a while. Stress levels may vary significantly across individuals and are influenced by the mix of our society’s surroundings as well as heredity. Despite the stress level, the essay will provide clear instructions and a self-care plan on how to deal with stress.
When I face stress in a new scenario, it has the ability to radically alter my state of mind and make me feel ill. Many of the typical characteristics that cause me stress are new or unexpected contacts that cause me to doubt my sentiments or the impression that I have little power over a situation. The ensuing sensation of ‘pressure’ will enable me to drive in stressful conditions such as a marathon or speak to a large group of people who may be apprehensive or distracted. When I am experiencing limited lifetime stress and am able to manage high-stress levels without suffering any long-term consequences, I am able to rapidly retreat to a resting state without suffering any negative health consequences. When I’m under stress, I frequently have headaches, nausea, and indigestion, to name a few symptoms. I experience a variety of emotions at times, including worry, coldness, grief, wrath, and so on.
Self-care Plan
Developing a self-care plan may assist me in improving my health and wellness, managing my stress, and maintaining my professionalism as a youth-serving professional (Shenk, 2019). My typical learning curve involves identifying routines and practices that promote my professional well-being and assist me in maintaining good self-care over the long term, among other things. Self-care is something that each individual must decide for themselves. It is inevitable that each person’s strategy will be different (Walker, 2016). It pertains to the activities I engage in at work and in society to maintain my overall health and well-being in order to satisfy my professional and personal obligations. Some of my strategies of self-care plan to manage stress include:
Workplace or professional self-care
This includes actions that assist me in maintaining the high degree of professionalism that is required of me on a continuous basis (Shenk, 2019). For example:
- A more experienced worker or supervisor will provide me with frequent guidance and consultation (Walker, 2016).
- Organizing a peer-support group would be a good idea (Murdaugh, 2019).
- In terms of setting clear boundaries between patients and fellow employees.
- Continual reading of specialized journals (Murdaugh, 2019).
- Participating in continuing professional development programs.
Physical self-care
Physical activities will allow me to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while still having the energy to meet the demands of my professional and personal obligations.
- Establishing a regular sleeping schedule.
- Attempting to maintain a healthy diet (Murdaugh, 2019).
- To avoid burnout, I will be taking regular pauses for lunch.
- After lunch, I will be going for a stroll around the neighborhood.
- My dog and I will be out for a stroll after work (Murdaugh, 2019).
- I intend to make use of my sick leave.
- Get some physical activity in pre or post-work on a regular basis (Murdaugh, 2019).
Psychological self-care
Activities that allow me to remain focused and capable of cognitively engaging with the professional problems that I face in both my professional and personal lives are important to me.
- I intend to maintain a diary in which I will reflect.
- Seek out and engage in additional efforts, or contact an even more experienced employee on a regular schedule to learn from their mistakes.
- Participate in an activity that is extraneous to my work.
- I turn off my work email and phone while I’m not at work throughout the day.
- Schedule time for rest and relaxation.
- Schedule time to socialize with supportive friends and family members.
Emotional self-care
Making it possible for me to securely feel my whole spectrum of emotions.
- Establish friendships that are mutually beneficial (Markle, 2020).
- Every day, I will be writing down three positive things that happened to me.
- After training, engage in a game and have a cup of coffee with your teammates.
- Take a trip to the cinema or do anything else that interests me.
- Continue to meet with my families groups or other social organizations.
- Have a discussion with a friend concerning how I am managing the responsibilities of work and life (Markle, 2020).
Spiritual self-care
This means acquiring a sense of proportion that extends beyond the ordinary events of one’s life.
- Participate in contemplative techniques such as meditation.
- Walking in the woods is a great way to get some exercise.
- Pay a visit to religious sites (Walker, 2016).
- Practice yoga.
- I will be talking about my feelings with a trusted friend for support (Walker, 2016).
Relationship self-care
This is about keeping healthy, helpful connections but also ensuring that I have a diverse range of interactions so that I would be not solely linked to individuals from my place of employment.
- Prioritize intimate ties in my life, such as those with my spouse, family, and children, among other things (Walker, 2016).
- Attending family and friend gatherings and celebrations will be important to me.
- Be punctual in my arrival and departure from work every day (Walker, 2016).
Conclusion
As a part of everyday life, stress may spur us on to complete undertakings that we would not have otherwise attempted or completed. Responding to distress in a reasonable fashion may provide us with the boost we need to achieve our deadlines, finish our school or job tasks, and find efficient solutions to our difficulties, among other things. Rather than spending time brooding on the stresses, we are under, we are capable to see life’s numerous problems as chances to learn and develop as a result of our experiences.
References
Markle, E. (2020, March 26). Four things to do every day for your mental health. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_things_to_do_every_day_for_your_mental_health
Murdaugh, C., Parsons, M.A., & Pender, N., (2019). Stress management and health promotion (Chap 8) Health promotion in nursing practice. (8th Ed.). Pearson.
Shenk, J. (Director). (2019). Stress Reset [Film]. The US Healthy Collaborative, Inc. https://takecare.org/films/stress-reset/
Walker, M., & Mann, R. A. (2016). Exploration of mindfulness in relation to compassion, empathy and reflection within nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 40, 188–190. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.03.005
Types Of Lipids, Their Structures, Functions In The Body, And Health Effects Writing Sample
Lipids have a broader spectrum of structures and compositions, which is why they are defined based on their physical properties. They are commonly referred to as organic molecules that do not dissolve in water but dissolve in non-polar solvents. Lipids are categorized into three types including triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols (Murphy 326). Lipids play three important roles in the body including; they function as the structural components for cell membranes, serve as energy storehouses, and work as key signaling molecules. This discussion analyzes each of the three types of lipids, their structures, their role in the body, and their overall health effects.
Types and structure of Lipids
Triglycerides make up over 95% of the lipids in foods and the body. They are common in fried foods, butter, cheese, vegetable oil, whole milk, and cream, and fatty meats. Naturally occurring triglycerides are obtained in foods like olives, nuts, corn, and avocados (Feingold and Peter 281). Fats and oils are the common names for triglycerides, where fats are lipids in the form of solid whereas oils are lipids in the form of liquid. The structure of a triglyceride comprises glycerol and three fatty acids. The glycerol is the backbone comprising of three carbon, while fatty acids are the longer chains of carbon molecules linked to the glycerol backbone. Fatty acids exist in different types, but triglycerides might contain a mixture of some or all of them. They are categorized depending on the length of carbon chains and the extent of saturation. Different foods contain different amounts of fatty acids, which determines health risks.
Phospholipids make up around 2% of the dietary lipids. They play the important role of building the protective barrier for cell membranes. Essentially, phospholipids are synthesized to form organelle and cell membranes. Phospholipids also form structures within the blood and body fluids where fat is enclosed and transported across the bloodstream. Phospholipids contain a glycerol backbone like the triglycerides but only comprise two fatty acid molecules linked to the glycerol backbone (Feingold and Peter 285). The structural difference between a phospholipid and a triglyceride is the position of the third carbon. Instead of fatty acid, the phospholipid contains a phosphate group. For this reason, phospholipids are water-soluble and fat-soluble.
Sterols are the least popular types of lipids commonly referred to as steroids. Sterols have chemical structures that are completely different from those of triglycerides and phospholipids. Most sterols comprise multi-ring structures that look like chicken wire. They are considered complex in terms of structure, containing interlinking carbon rings, some side chains of carbon, attached oxygen, and hydrogen. Cholesterol is the commonly known form of sterol which is further classified as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Primarily, HDL is considered good cholesterol since it takes cholesterol to the liver where it can be eliminated from the bloodstream before it can build up to the arteries (Gurr and Harwood 202). LDL, on the other hand, is considered bad cholesterol since it takes cholesterol directly to the arteries leading to atherosclerosis that can cause stroke or heart disorders.
Functions of Lipids
Lipids primarily serve as energy reserves proving the body with energy as and when it is required. Compared to other body cells that only store a limited supply of fats, specialized fat cells are capable of expanding to store huge supplies of fats. For example, glucose is stored in the body as glycogen and serves as a ready source of energy. The human body requires energy to empower the muscles for all kinds of physical activities (Murphy 352). Even children require energy to play and engage in all sorts of physical exercise. Without energy reserves, athletes wouldn’t be able to go down the track while dances wouldn’t be able to showcase their moves or keep their legs moving throughout the performance.
In addition to being energy storehouses, lipids function as regulating and signaling agents. For example, triglycerides control and maintain constant body temperature. For this reason, those with an insufficient amount of fats in the body feel colder, are always fatigued, and suffer from pressure sores on the skin due to fatty acid deficiency (Murphy 371). Fats also play a crucial role in maintaining tissue structure, sustaining memory storage, and facilitating nerve impulse transmission. In the brain, lipids help in the formation of nerve cell membranes that insulates the neurons and provide for the signaling of electrical impulses across the brain.
General body insulation and protection is another key function of lipids. Vital body organs such as the skin, liver, kidney, brain, and heart are surrounded and insulated by visceral fats. Surprisingly, 60% of the brain comprises fats, which shows the main structural role that fats play in the body (Murphy 418). The fat layer underneath the skin protects the body against extreme temperatures and maintains the internal body temperature. In the buttocks and hands, the fat layer prevents friction when these parts get into contact with hard surfaces frequently. When engaging in strenuous physical activities, the fat layer provides the body with extra padding. Other functions of lipids include hormones production, helping in digestion, and facilitating bioavailability.
Health Effects
Although lipids are important for healthy living and in supporting various body processes, excessive fats in the blood put individuals at risk of developing heart and liver diseases. Heart diseases have been found to be among the top ten causes of death in the US and other parts of the world (Gurr and Harwood 170). A buildup of LDL, for example, causes clogging of arteries that leads to stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Excessive fat levels are associated with a high intake of foods such as cheese, fatty meat, cream, fried foods, butter, milk, and processed foods. To avoid excessive fats going directly to the bloodstream, HDL-promoting foods are recommended including olive oil, fish, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and fruits rich in fiber.
Works Cited
Feingold, Kenneth R., and Peter M. Elias. “Role of lipids in the formation and maintenance of the cutaneous permeability barrier.” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids 1841.3 (2014): 280-294.
Gurr, M. I., and J. L. Harwood. “Dietary lipids: implications for health and disease.” Lipid biochemistry. Springer, Boston, MA, 1991. 162-243.
Murphy, Denis J. “The biogenesis and functions of lipid bodies in animals, plants and microorganisms.” Progress in lipid research 40.5 (2001): 325-438.